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Charm Your Girlfriends With Hello Kitty EZ-Charms

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When I first saw the Press Release about some EZ-Charms by the folks from EZ-Link [yes, the company that makes your EZ-Link card], I did not really give it much thought until I opened it up and read the whole thing.
So, as the saying goes, “sharing is caring”, I’m here to share with you about this exciting piece of news that will delight all you Hello Kitty Fans!

EZ-Link has unveil its first non-card form factor and it has also launch a first-in-Singapore rewards scheme on public transport for EZ-Link users.

Using EZ-Link has just become trendier and smarter as EZ-Link Private Limited, Singapore’s largest issuer of CEPAS-compliant cards, today launched EZ-Charms, a trinket that breaks through the conventional EZ-Link card design; as well as the EZ-Link Rewards Scheme with Perx, the first rewards programme for commuters using public transport with the EZ-Link card.

Functioning in exactly the same way as existing EZ-Link cards; EZ-Charms can be used on buses, trains, taxis, for shopping and dining, and topped up at all ez-link card channels.

The first EZ-Charm design features Hello Kitty, the iconic feline character, to give users a lovely, fun and stylish piece of ornament to hang off their mobile phones, key chains and more. This series of charms are available in four designs; Red, Blue, Pink, and Black.

Measuring 3.3cm by 2.5cm by 0.5cm, each EZ-Charm is sold in an attractive packaging, making it not just a companion to brighten up every journey but an adorable gift for loved ones. All EZ-Charms are sold without stored value and are valid for two years.

The full set of the Hello Kitty EZ-Charms will available for sale on My EZ-Link Online Shop beginning from 30th April 2015. The Red and Pink Hello Kitty EZ-Charms will be available at all 7-Eleven outlets except Changi Airport and petrol kiosks outlets beginning from end May 2015 with the Black EZ-Charms available from end June 2015.

I will definitely be getting one for Jacqueline because she is really a big fan of Hello Kitty and this will definitely come in handy for her as she always takes the bus and train to work. I confirm plus chop there will be people fighting over the Hello Kitty EZ-Charm if there’s limited quantities.

Also, for the first time, commuters will be rewarded for every trip they make on SMRT/SBS buses and MRT, with the new EZ-Link Rewards Scheme. By simply linking your EZ-Link cards via the 16-digit CAN ID to Perx, a mobile application that can be downloaded from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you will automatically earn points and enjoy exclusive deals or redeem instant rewards at selected merchants offering products and services in e-commerce, food & beverage, fashion, limousine taxi services, beauty & wellness and lifestyle across the island.

Every trip with the Adult EZ-Link card earns 25 points while every trip with EZ-Link co-brand cards including EZ-Link Imagine American Express® Prepaid Card, FEVO Prepaid MasterCard® Card, M1 Prepaid MasterCard® Card, PAssion Card, DBS Live Fresh card, POSB Everyday card, PAssion POSB Debit card and Citibank SMRT card earns 50 Points.

Each user can link up to ten ez-link cards to each Perx Account and accumulate points concurrently with the linked cards.

As an introductory offer, card holders who sign up for the EZ-Link Rewards Scheme with Perx and accumulate 2,500 points by 20 July 2015 will stand a chance to win Tigerair air tickets to Maldives, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, Langkawi or Taipei. And in an exclusive reward for Perx users, the first 1,000 members to accumulate 5,000 points can get to redeem the limited edition Blue Hello Kitty EZ-Charm.

Also at the launch, to commemorate the recognition of the EZ-Link card as one of the SG50 icons chosen to mark the nation’s 50th birthday, EZ-Link unveiled an exclusive SG50 EZ-Link card, which features a number of SG50 icons, all in one card design. This new card design is available at all TransitLink Ticket Offices at the usual EZ-Link card price of S$12 which includes SGD$7 stored value.

For more information, check out EZ-Link’s Official Website or follow EZ-Link’s Official Facebook Page

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Learn To Make Chocolates In Singapore @ Temper by Anjali Chocolat

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Although I’m into culinary and baking, I have never made chocolates in my entire life. After all, I always think to myself, “Why make chocolates when I can easily get it off-the-shelves?”

It was only when I first met Anjali that I started to appreciate handmade artisan chocolates. However, this does not mean that I don’t fancy other chocolates from Royce, Valrhona and the likes; it’s just that I find them too commercialised and commonplace. Handmade artisan chocolates on the other hand, are very unique and special because every chocolatiers that make them have their own unique individual style of making chocolates.

A few weeks ago, Jacqueline and I were invited by Anjali to attend a chocolate-making workshop at her newly-opened chocolate school, Temper, and we had a very delightful and enjoyable time learning to make artisan chocolates.

Anjali’s chocolate school, Temper, is aptly named [see below for the definition of chocolate tempering] and it is fully-equipped to comfortably house a group of 12 people for an intimate cosy chocolate-making session. With the air-conditioned environment, it makes it easy to work with chocolates because chocolates does not melt so easily in cooler temperatures.

For the benefit of those who are new to chocolates, tempering chocolate is an essential step for making smooth, glossy, evenly-coloured coating for dipped chocolates. It prevents the dull greyish colour and waxy texture that happens when the cocoa fat separates out and tempered chocolate produces a crisp, satisfying snap when you bite into it.

I was paired up with another gentleman for the chocolate-making workshop and together, we explored creatively and boldly to create our very own alcoholic artisan chocolate that was both minty and flavourful; boy, were we glad that the artisan chocolate that we created was very well received by both Anjali and the ladies who attended the workshop [even I was hooked to my own creation].

Our Creation, Minty Chocolate Truffles Coated With Chopped Hazelnuts

If you are keen to start learning how to make your own artisan chocolates, you might want to consider going to Temper for a chocolate-making workshop that is conducted by Anjali herself.

For more information about the classes that Anjali conducts or if you are interested to purchase the artisan chocolates that Anjali makes [especially when Easter is round the corner], do like AnjaliChocolat Facebook Page or visit Anjali Chocolat Official Website.

Just so you know, Anjali makes very good chocolates and she does not compromise on the ingredients that she uses. In fact, most of the ingredients Anjali use to make her chocolates are in the premium range.

As for me, I will definitely put what I learnt from Anjali to good use because I will be busy experimenting with different flavours and textures when making my own artisan chocolates during the holidays.

Keep Calm and Make Chocolates!

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[Café Review]- Coffee:Nowhere, The Place for Specialty Coffee

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Coffee Nowhere [can also pronounce as Coffee Now Here] first started its operations in Malaysia and it is so popular that they expanded overseas and started its first flagship store in idyllic Rochester Park, Singapore. To accommodate more café goers, Coffee:Nowhere at Rochester Park shifted its entire Food & Beverage [F&B] operations to West Coast Plaza.

I had the privilege of dining there a few days ago and I had the honour of meeting Mr Welson Ang, the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Coffee:Nowhere. Just so you know, Mr Welson Ang is also the owner of multiple businesses such as ExpressPrint in Singapore and he is a very successful entrepreneur.

Our Personal Opinion/Review of Coffee:Nowhere

Coffee:Nowhere occupies a rather big space at West Coast Plaza and the ambience is very cosy and comfortable. Employing the self-service style like Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a major plus point of dining at Coffee:Nowhere is that all of its F&B prices indicated on the menu are nett-pricing.

Whether you are dining individually or with a big group of friends, Coffee:Nowhere can cater to everyone because like I mentioned, the dining area is huge.

Personally, I really like the cosy corner that Coffee:Nowhere has specially created for individuals to do some quiet reading. If Coffee:Nowhere has another outlet in the North-Eastern part of Singapore [hopefully in Punggol] and it offers such a cosy corner as well, you will definitely find me there every single day!

In terms of the F&B offered at Coffee:Nowhere, the menu is pretty extensive and it has a lot of variety to suit the most pickiest diners. I personally feel that the appetisers and main courses are palatable and pretty tasty. The portions were also reasonable and I really enjoyed the desserts that Coffee:Nowhere has to offer.

Apart from the rather delightful F&B offerings, what I am most impressed with, was the retail space that sells specialty coffee beans and coffee brewing devices!

As a former Barista, I really like the idea of grinding my own coffee beans and brewing my own coffee because only then will I really appreciate every single cup of coffee that I drink.

Occasionally, Coffee:Nowhere conducts coffee appreciation workshops at their Brew Bar and Mr Ian Consulta [as seen in the following photo] is Q Grader certified and is Coffee:Nowhere’s Executive Consultant.

When I was at Coffee:Nowhere, Mr Ian Consulta showed us three different methods of brewing coffee; in particular, Syphon, Aeropress, and Pour Over. Just so you know, all three different methods of brewing coffee produces a different taste even though all of them uses the same coffee bean. 

Syphon

Pour Over

Aeropress

If you would like to brew your own coffee, Coffee:Nowhere has this Aerobie® AeroPress® Coffee & Espresso Maker and I highly recommend it because it is highly portable, durable, and brews a richer and smoother cup of coffee.

In case you are wondering, Coffee:Nowhere is selling the Aerobie® AeroPress® Coffee & Espresso Maker for only SGD$65 and that is way cheaper than getting an Espresso Coffee Machine that cost hundreds of dollars.

Should you be staying in the far west and you wish to check out Coffee:Nowhere, they are open from 10am to 10pm daily at West Coast Plaza.

Will Coffee:Nowhere be Singapore’s best café?

Let us know what you think!

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A Beautiful Love Affair With Bang & Olufsen

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All photos in this blog post were taken with the OPPO N3 Smartphone

If you are a Music Aficionado, you would agree with us that Bang & Olufsen manufactures the world’s best audio sound systems and speakers.

Founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, Bang & Olufsen has come a long way and this year, the world’s oldest audio company is commemorating its 90th birthday with the Love Affair Collection.

The Love Affair Collection sees six of the company’s current products rejuvenated with a new palette option in keeping with the surge in interest towards beautiful materials, especially rose gold, which is experiencing a renaissance in the jewellery industry. One of the most emotive aspects is its underlying meaning. While white gold represents friendship and yellow gold means fidelity, rose gold represents love and is therefore the ultimate inspiration for this collection.

During the roaring 20s, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen started their journey into technology when it was still an almost magical phenomenon, and with the accompanying flourish of Art Deco, it was clear that luxury, glamour, and exuberance were at the heart of the time.

Fast-forward 90 years and the company is pleased to launch a collection that truly captures the mood and style of the time, setting the stage for a love affair that could last the ages.

Combined with the warm colour fabrics recently developed in cooperation with Fashion Designer Stine Goya, the company hopes it will truly capture the hearts of customers who have enjoyed a love affair with the company over the years.

The radiant and romantic rose golden nuance is achieved through a unique dyeing process, which in itself inspires Bang & Olufsen’s designers to create concepts that can match any style and any age, where the only limit is their imagination. This, combined with warm and elegant walnut wood, bridges past and present to represent the passion, pride and persistence that has been driving Bang & Olufsen for the last 90 years.

The Love Affair Collection consists of six current Bang & Olufsen’s products.

The first is the majestic and recently launched BeoVision Avant 85, and then the all-in one entertainment solution BeoVision 11 and BeoRemote One. Also included in the range is the extremely popular magic-touch BeoPlay A9 music system and the elegant, lightweight BeoPlay H6 headphones.

Last but certainly not least, the collection will include the classic, slender, and straight-lined BeoLab 18 with a new walnut lamella front and a cabinet in a stunningly elegant rose golden version.

Though all of the six Bang & Olufsen’s products captured our hearts, the one that stood out for us is the elegant and lightweight BeoPlay H6 headphones that is retailing at SGD$698.

The BeoPlay H6 combines a natural and authentic sound performance with carefully selected, high-quality materials that rest softly and comfortably on the head, bringing a true sense of everyday luxury.

The softness of the lambskin on the ear pads is the first thing one will notice and the memory foam inside the ear pads adapts ensuring great comfort.

The head band is also very durable and it ages with grace because of the cow leather that gains patina and personality when worn over time.

This stylish over-ear headphones made from premium materials definitely deserves a mention for delivering top of the line sound quality.

What about you? Which of the six Bang & Olufsen’s products from the Love Affair Collection captured your heart?

For more information about Bang & Olufsen’s Love Affair Collection, you can check out Bang & Olufsen’s Official Website or like Bang & Olufsen’s Official Facebook Page!

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How I Lost 4KG in 21 Days

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“It is very easy to put on weight but very difficult to lose weight.”

This is a very common statement that I often hear from many people who desire to lose weight and that includes myself. Having tried all sorts of ways and methods to shed some weight, I have finally found the real solution to losing weight and that is, proper nutrition and proper exercise.

I am very convinced that proper nutrition and proper exercise is the only real solution to losing and maintaining weight.

Why is that so?

A few weeks ago, Jacqueline brought my attention to DanielFoodDiary and Daniel shared his personal experience with Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse; an all-natural, comprehensive detox programme that is based on the naturopathic principals of ‘Weed, Seed & Feed’.

Having known Daniel to be a very reputable and credible social media personality in the social media space, I decided to take on the challenge and try out Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse.

Before I began Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse, I had to do some physical and mental preparations. I went to the supermarket to stock up on healthy foods and ingredients like raspberries, spinach, salmon fish, and etc. and I chose a suitable date to start the detox programme.

Choosing a suitable date to start the detox programme is extremely important because you won’t want to ruin the plan and get tempted by foods which you can’t consume while your body is undergoing detoxification.

As mentioned, Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse is divided into three different phases per week for 3 weeks. In each phase, there are certain foods that an individual cannot consume and every phase is progressive in the sense that the individual will gradually be able to consume more varieties of food as the week goes by.

My Thoughts & Views After Completing Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse

Having completed Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse, I will definitely recommend the detox programme to those who are determined to lead a healthy lifestyle and shed some weight. Also, Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse is only effective if you follow strictly to the guidelines and be really disciplined in creating good habits.

In case you are wondering, proper exercise is highly encouraged during the detox programme and if you ever come across products that says that you can lose weight by eating their supplements without doing any workout, it is purely a marketing gimmick.

Before I started the detox programme, I weighed 76.7KG and now, I weigh 72.6KG. A 4KG loss in 21 days is truly a testament to the effectiveness of Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse and having completed this detox programme, I have made huge adjustments to my lifestyle!

A Photo of Me Taken By Jacqueline Before I Began Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse

A Photo of Me Taken By Jacqueline After I Completed Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse

This huge adjustment to my lifestyle has completely made me re-think and re-look at my food choices and I am happy to say, I am finally off the hook from the addiction of consuming white rice and refined sugar. In fact, I now go for full-grains and wheat-free products, and I consume more fruits, vegetables, and meat as opposed to having a carbohydrate-rich meal. Also, I jog at least two to three times a week to keep myself both physically and mentally active. Even if I have to go for food tastings and attend events, I am very selective about the food that I consume.

Just so you know, each box of Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse contains 2 formulas, the AM CLEANSE and the PM CLEANSE.

The AM CLEANSE contains 84 vegetarian capsules per bottle and the PM CLEANSE contains 21 powder sachets.

Inside each box, there will also be an accompanying guide book, the 21 Day Health Transformation Program that contains comprehensive and useful tips on meals preparation and exercises to give you the necessary support through the journey of your 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse.

Natroslim’s 21 Day Ultimate Cleanse is available at both Watson’s and Guardian and it cost SGD$129 per box. There may be occasional offers and promotions so do check out the stores for more details.

For more information about Natroslim, you might want to like Natroslim Official Facebook Page and check out Natroslim Official Website!

Lastly, a parting word of advise:

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A Winsome Life Launches E-Retail Store!

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It is with great excitement that we now announce the official launch of our new E-Retail Store!
Though we don’t have much products to offer at the moment, we are looking to expand the range of products that we carry in our store and we hope that in time to come, we will be able to collaborate with more suppliers and carry exciting products that will cater to people of all lifestyles.

Currently, we have the following products that may be of interest to some of you and if you know of anyone who is interested as well, do share the news with them!

Removable Wall Stickers

Both Jacqueline and I are big fans of removable wall stickers because they can turn a dull wall into a rather colourful one. In fact, we have decorated our rooms with removable wall stickers and they are always a delight to look at whenever we step into the room.

We currently carry 7 different designs of removable wall stickers and two of which are glow-in-the-dark [yes, they really do glow-in-the-dark at night]. The designs that you see in our store have been specially handpicked for their uniqueness and we are very confident that the removable wall stickers will add aesthetic value to your home.

Although our prices for all 7 designs may vary, we are pretty sure that our offer is definitely value-for-money.

Should you wish to transform your wall into a whiteboard or a black chalkboard, we have that available too and you can use them at home, in your offices, or even in your restaurants/cafes and etc. This is especially useful if you want to customise your wall or give your children some space to draw and doodle without making a mess on the actual wall.

JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light for Camera and Smartphones

This is one really nifty useful gadget that we really like. As we are always out and about running events and taking photos, some of the lighting conditions may prove to be challenging and our photos will either turn out too dark or blurry. With the JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light, no matter how dim the lighting may be, we are now able to take photos with excellent colours and light exposure.

One really cool thing we like about the JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light is that we could attach it to our Smartphones via the Audio Jack Port and we could also attach it to our Olympus EPL-6 Camera via the Standard Hotshoe.

Apart from that, the JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light has a rechargeable battery which you could charge using a USB Cable and a Powerbank and there is a battery indicator that shows how much battery is left before charging is required. What’s even more important to note is that the level of brightness is adjustable to your personal liking.

Well, we currently have 4 units of the JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light available and we are selling them for a pretty decent price of SGD$27.90. If you look around and compare on Qoo10, our price is 3 times cheaper than what is available in the market and we are pretty confident about the quality of the JJC LED-8 Mini Video Light as we personally own one for our photography usage.

As mentioned, we are definitely looking forward to expanding our store and adding more lifestyle items in time to come and meanwhile, should you have any feedback for us to improve upon, do feel to always drop us an email at concierge@awinsomelife.org

We look forward to your patronage! 🙂

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[Tablet Review]- ASUS MeMOPad 8, ME581CL Variant

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The ASUS MeMOPad 8 is a Quad-Core 8-inch LTE Tablet that is powered by the next generation 64-bit Intel Atom Z3560 Processor and it is very slim, ultra-portable, and convenient for one-handed use.

If you go to Google and search for the ASUS MeMOPad8, you might notice that there are two different variants of the ASUS MeMOPad8 that goes by the same name and in this blog post, we will be sharing about the ASUS MeMOPad 8 that has the model number, “ME581CL”.

Our Personal Opinion/Review of the ASUS MeMOPad 8, ME581CL Variant

Having fiddled with the ASUS MeMOPad8 for a month, we daresay that the ASUS MeMOPad 8 is a very responsive and power-packed tablet that offers a blazing fast web-browsing experience.

With 2GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage [with microSD expansion capability for up to 64GB capacity], and a 9-hour battery life, the ASUS MeMOPad 8 can be an entertainment powerhouse that allows you to bring your video and music library wherever you go.

Not only is the ASUS MeMOPad 8 an entertainment powerhouse, its sleek profile of just 7.45mm and its weight of 299 grams makes it very convenient and lightweight to bring around.

Featuring an 8-inch Full HD 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a wide 178-degree viewing angle that combines ASUS Splendid and TrueVivid colour enhancement technologies, the ASUS MeMOPad 8 is very capable of delivering stunning visuals.

It is also interesting to note that although the ASUS MeMOPad 8 does not come with a stylus, its capacitive touchscreen is capable of pen functionality by using any metal-tipped pen or lead pencil with a radius of 0.75mm or more.

One thing I really like about the ASUS MeMOPad 8 is its ability to stream photos and videos in high definition to a TV or an external display with Miracast. When paired with the Google Chromecast, the ASUS MeMOPad 8 works wonders and turns your not so smart TV into a very smart TV.

Some other specs of the ASUS MeMOPad 8 include NFC, 5-Megapixel Rear Camera, 2-Megapixel Front-Facing Camera, and Stereo Speakers with SonicMaster Technology.

Available in 3 different colours; Pearl White, Powder Pink, and Metallic Blue, the fashionable and stylish ASUS MeMOPad 8 is retailing at SGD$499. For such an affordable price, the ASUS MeMOPad 8 is definitely value-for-money.

For more information about the ASUS MeMOPad 8, do check out ASUS Singapore Official Website or like ASUS Singapore Facebook Page!

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[Home Appliance Review]- Bosch’s Athlet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

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Cordless vacuum cleaners have been around for quite a while now but many of them lack suction power and have a rather short battery life. However, cordless vacuum cleaners are highly portable and have an unlimited area of operation; just as long as there is a power socket available for charging.
Thanks to the kind sponsorship by Bosch Home Appliances, we were given a set of the new Bosch Athlet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and it was a breeze to use. With a cleaning power of a 2,400 watt cylinder vacuum cleaner and a lasting performance of up to 60 minutes, there is everything to like about the Bosch Athlet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.

The Bosch Athlet is the first cordless handstick vacuum cleaner to boast the proven SensorBagless Technology, a well-known feature on Bosch’s corded bagless vacuum cleaners. The Sensor Control performance monitoring function significantly reduces the level of maintenance required and it ensures maximum dust pick-up. When the filter cartridge requires cleaning, the automated sensors will light up.

One really awesome point to note about the Bosch Athlet is that it is extremely cost-saving. The efficient separator system is equipped with a powerful centrifugal force of air, which separates the dust, even before it hits the filter. The majority of the dust ends up in the dirt container and not in the filter, keeping the required maintenance to a minimum. There is no subsequent cost because the innovative lifetime filters from Bosch are washable and do not need to be replaced.

The dirt container is also very easy to remove and empty, even when full. This means that the Bosch Athlet delivers a thorough cleaning performance without any additional cost for bags and filter for the entire lifetime of the appliance.

Powered on Bosch Lithium-Ion Technology, the Bosch Athlet can vacuum up to 60 minutes on a full charge and it charges up to 75% in just three and a half hours. A three-stage, electronic protection system reliably prevents overcharging, overheating, and deep discharge.

Three level settings allow for different cleaning requirements; Level 1 for simple cleaning tasks at maximum run time, Level 2 for normal cleaning tasks at medium run time and Turbo Level for difficult cleaning tasks at short run time.

At approximately three kilograms, the Bosch Athlet is lightweight, and with its low centre of gravity and balanced ergonomics, it handles comfortably and can be used on all floor types. Yes all floor types! We used the Bosch Athlet to vacuum our tiles, marble floor, and even the carpet, and it works perfectly.

Our furkid is changing his puppy fur to an adult fur and as a result, he tends to drop a lot of fur on the marble floor and it can be quite difficult to spot the fur on the floor as they are of the same colour. However, we are pretty convinced that the Bosch Athlet is doing its job very well because when we are about to empty the dust container, we could see the fur being gathered into a neat and tidy ball.

Without a cord dragging behind it, the cordless Athlet can be used just about anywhere and stored away neatly in an instant. We highly recommend the Bosch Athlet for all your vacuuming needs because it does not compromise on performance with its strong suction power and lasting battery capability.

We have also used the Bosch Athlet to vacuum the dust, sand, leaves and hairs found in my car and it was slightly efficient in doing so. In fact, we have every intention to purchase the Accessory Kit which extends the versatility of this cordless wonder but we were informed that the Accessory Kit is not available for retail and it is a real pity because an extra-large upholstery nozzle would have enabled us to clean the furniture in a shorter time; while an extra-long crevice nozzle would have helped us to clean spots which are difficult to reach i.e. car interior.

With that being said, the Bosch Athlet Accessory Kit is given away complimentary when customers purchase the white model and it is only valid for purchases made before 31 December 2014. As for us, I guess we can only get the Bosch Athlet Accessory Kit from the Amazon Store.

Watch how the Bosch Athlet performs when it is put to the test at the Bosch lab.

The Bosch Athlet is currently available at all leading departmental and electrical stores island-wide for SGD$649. For more information about the Bosch Athlet, do check out Bosch Home Appliances Official Website.

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[Facial/Skincare Product Review]- Herbalife SKIN

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There are many facial/skincare products that are available in the market and many of them can be easily bought off-the-shelf. I have personally tried a range of skincare products from reputable brands such as L’Oreal, Lab Series, Benta Berry, Pond’s, Laneige, and The Body Shop but none of them could compare to Herbalife SKIN in terms of value and quality.

I know many people may be sceptical about products from multi-level marketing companies but before coming out with this review, I have personally used Herbalife SKIN products for 7 months to ensure that the products we recommend on our blog is comparable or even better than what is available on the market.

Herbalife SKIN is a solution-based skincare nutrition that balances ingredients, botanicals, and extracts with proven science for a healthier-looking skin every day. I was first introduced to Herbalife SKIN during a media launch event and what really enticed me was that its products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dermatologist tested. Furthermore, the packaging of Herbalife SKIN is compact and easy to bring around when travelling.

Herbalife SKIN products are divided into 5 main categories, namely, Cleansers, Toner & Serum, Eye Gel & Eye Cream, Scrub & Mask, and Moisturisers & Creams.

For Cleansers, Herbalife SKIN offers two kind; the Soothing Aloe Cleanser and the Polishing Citrus Cleanser. I have personally tried both cleansers and if you have oily skin like me, I would definitely recommend the Polishing Citrus Cleanser over the Soothing Aloe Cleanser.

Polishing Citrus Cleanser, Retail Price: SGD$40.82

The Polishing Citrus Cleanser is exclusively formulated with Vitamin B3, antioxidants Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Orange oil/Citrus oils, Grapefruit oil/Citrus oils, Apple-derived cleansing ingredients, Jojoba Esters, and it is vibrantly-scented with hints of juicy orange and grapefruit. Containing deep cleansing microbeads, it refreshes the skin for a healthy glow and is perfect for normal to oily skin. The Polishing Citrus Cleanser has also been clinically tested to show a reduction in the skin’s sebum after just one use.

If you are absolutely new to skincare and you are unsure about how to get started, my recommendation is to first get a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturiser. This would definitely help kick-start your daily facial regime.

Herbalife SKIN line of products are also numerically numbered so that you know which one to use in a sequential order from 1 to 5.

For Toners, Herbalife SKIN only offers one kind, the Energising Herbal Toner.

Energising Herbal Toner, Retail Price: SGD$30.98

The Energising Herbal Toner is an aloe vera-infused, alcohol-free, facial toner with Mandarin citrus scent that provides hydration to the skin and refreshes tired-looking skin. It is to be used in the morning and at night as it helps prepare the skin to better receive the serum and moisturisers for maximum results. The Energising Herbal Toner is exclusively formulated with Vitamins B3, antioxidants Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, and Potassium alum.

What I personally like about the Energising Herbal Toner is that it comes packaged in a spray bottle. Hence, to apply the toner, all I have to do is just spray it all over my face and pat dry.

For Moisturisers, there’s the Herbalife SKIN Daily Glow Moisturiser.

Daily Glow Moisturiser, Retail Price: SGD$69.18

The Daily Glow Moisturiser is an all-purpose hydrating lotion with illuminating properties to give the face a healthy glow. It has been clinically tested to show that the skin looks more glowing and feels softer and smoother in just seven days. This product is ideal for any occasion where you want your skin to look fresh and silky soft or when you just want some light-weight moisture. It is perfect for men and women and suitable for all skin types. The Daily Glow Moisturiser is exclusively formulated with Vitamin B3, antioxidants Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Sunflower seed oil, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Macadamia nut oil, Olive oil, and Sesame seed oil.

However, if you really want to fight the signs of aging, it is good to get started on a good daily skin care regimen that cleanses, treats, targets and protects your skin. Hence, I would recommend you to also get the Line Minimising Serum and the Firming Eye Gel.

Should you like to pamper your skin a little more, you can get the Instant Reveal Berry Scrub or the Purifying Mint Clay Mask to exfoliate and absorb excess oil respectively.

Herbalife SKIN line of products are suitable for both men and women and though the products are priced on the higher side, the Herbalife SKIN Basic Package which consist of 1 Soothing Aloe Cleanser, 1 Polishing Citrus Cleanser, 1 Energising Herbal Toner, 1 Daily Glow Moisturiser, and 1 Replenishing Night Cream cost only SGD$250.98. This is definitely way affordable than other skincare brands such as SK-II and the likes.

As for me, I will usually just get the Polishing Citrus Cleanser, Energising Herbal Toner, Line Minimising Serum, Firming Eye Gel, Daily Glow Moisturiser, and Replenishing Night Cream since I use them on a daily basis. I do have the Instant Reveal Berry Scrub and Purifying Mint Clay Mask but because I only use them only once or twice a week, I only purchase them on an adhoc basis.

Having used a number of skincare products from so many other brands that are available, I personally still prefer Herbalife SKIN. The quality is definitely top-notch and the natural scent of the product is very refreshing. I would definitely recommend this product if you have skin conditions as the results are pretty visible by the second week.

If you are interested to know more about Herbalife SKIN line of products, you can check out Herbalife SKIN Official Website and if you would like to get any of the skincare products, do feel free to drop by our e-retail store.

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Meeting With Latest Tiger Uncage Personality- Gnome & Bow Founder, Quanda Ong

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Last week, we were very privileged and honoured to meet with latest Tiger Uncage Personality, Quanda Ong, and he shared with us some really helpful advice about starting a business.

In case you are wondering what Tiger Uncage is all about, the campaign was started by Tiger Beer to salute young adults across Asia who dare to pursue their passions and overcome barriers that may hold them back from realising their full potential. Previous personalities who have been featured include molecular gastronomy Chef, Han Li Guang of Restaurant Labyrinth, and popular online comedians, Tree Potatoes.

Embodying the Uncage proposition, Quanda’s obsession with details and uncovering hidden design led him to kick-start his relentless journey through researching materials, designs, and manufacturers to launch his own collection. After three years of brainstorming, Quanda swapped his calculator for a ruler and shears; leaving his two and a half years in the banking industry to become a full time storyteller, or a ‘Master Talesmith’ as he calls it.

In the pursuit of making his dreams a reality, his brand, Gnome & Bow was brought to fruition through a crowd-funding appeal in 2013.

“Unsatisfied with my job in the private banking sector, I knew that I had to chart my career in something that was creatively fulfilling. With a natural instinct to protect me, both family and friends warned me against leaving the stability of a nine-to-five job, but looking back I could not be happier that I dared to take the plunge. I am so honoured and stoked to be recognised as an Uncage personality, and truly feel that my personal journey resonates strongly with Tiger’s proposition. As an independent designer, every day brings exciting opportunities, and I will use this as yet another fresh beginning”, shared Quanda Ong, Founder and Designer, Gnome & Bow.

When asked what advice he would give to budding entrepreneurs, Quanda Ong said, “It is very important to have the passion and drive for whatever you are about to embark. However, what is even more important is that you carve out your own unique selling point / niche area and differentiate yourself from others.” Quanda Ong also highly recommends the book, “What Color is Your Parachute 2015: A Practical Manual for Job-hunters and Career-changers” by Richard N. Bolles.

Having closed a chapter with its first collection based off a twist on Aesop’s Fables, Book I: The Hare & the Flying Tortoise, Gnome & Bow’s sophomore collection turns toward a darker and more poignant source – Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Drawing inspirations from a classic novella by the famed Scottish author, the collection explores and reinterprets the idea of duality, change and acceptance. The theory of a dichotomous human nature is explored and evident throughout the collection, with wallets and cardholders designed to showcase two contending faces of human nature: the rational, reserved side versus the wilder, more uninhibited inner self.

These two sides are represented by the two colours chosen for the collection – Deep-sea Blue embodies the classy and collected Dr. Jekyll, while Jungle Green characterises the spontaneous and thrill-seeking Mr. Hyde. This concept is especially synonymous with Tiger’s Uncage proposition, where the ‘cage’ represents one’s submission to societal norms at the cost of his/her passions and personal interests, and being ‘Uncaged’ celebrates our whimsical nature and unique motivations.

Crafted from full-grain US cow leather, Quanda Ong has designed an exclusive Tiger UNCAGE x Gnome & Bow cardholder in Deep-sea Blue. Evident on the outside is a loop stitching that is in signature Tiger orange, contrasting beautifully with the glossy blue exterior. Other story design elements include an emblazoned crest, symbolic of the uncanny semblance between a fountain pen and a tattoo gun.

An emblem that represents the coming together of two home-grown brands can be seen on the flipside, with a debossed quote from the novel that reads: “It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it” when the cardholder is opened. The quote taken from the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde serves as a reminder for one to feed their uninhibited side and pursue their curiosities.

The collection that is once again designed to showcase Gnome & Bow’s pursuit for classic, elegant aesthetics whilst embracing the art of storytelling is available from 28 November 2014 on gnomenbow.com and selected stockists from SGD$125 onwards. The exclusively designed Tiger UNCAGE x Gnome & Bow cardholder will be available for sale at Keepers: Singapore Designer Collective and on Gnome & Bow.

As a way to reward its loyal fan following, Tiger Beer is also providing five lucky Facebook fans an opportunity to win the limited edition cardholders, encouraging fans to share how chasing their curiosity opened the door to a memorable experience for them. The competition will run from 28 November till 5 December 2014 so do check out Tiger Beer Singapore Official Facebook Page!

On a more personal note, we really like the wallets, name card holders, and bags that are creatively designed by Quanda Ong. The details of the design are very intricately and meticulously thought about and we are quite tempted to get the Linden Billfold Wallet from Gnome & Bow’s first collection, “The Hare & The Flying Tortoise” that cost SGD$185. Furthermore, the leather goods come packaged in Gnome & Bow’s Signature Storybook Box and that really makes it a perfect gift for loved ones.

Do check out and like Gnome & Bow’s Official Facebook Page for more details!

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