It's been a little more than a year since we were stuck with COVD-19, and with all the restrictions in place in a tiny island country like Singapore, it's common for many to feel trapped and stressed. I had the pleasure recently to step into a realm of peace and tranquility while enjoying the brew of black tea (hong cha) at Royal Eternity Teahouse.

It's no secret that tea offers numerous benefits. It refreshes the mind, clears heat within the human body, helps with weight loss, and are full of antioxidants... but what about teahouses?

I would like to think of a teahouse of a place where you get to slow down the space of life with the company of family or friends over a cups of fragrant tea, Chinese instrumental music and the care of the tea host.

At Royal Eternity Teahouse, they offer a selection of space for various needs and if you want to know more, scroll down for more information!

Amenities provided:

1. Air conditioning
2. Projector
3. Wifi
4. Pens & Papers
5. TV Screen & Sound System
6. Tea & Water

7. Cleaners

Things To Note:

• To book the room, a reservation of $50 is required.

• A minimum of 2 hours of booking is required.

• For wedding solemnization, bring your own tea set for Chinese Traditional Tea Ceremony.

• Their store can host up to 100 guests for a venue booking.

• Number of people per room is now reduced as per social distancing measures, if you are hosting an event or a for wedding solemnization, you may contact them to find out more.

Royal Grand Eternity Room

Booking fee: $250/hr, min. 2 hours booking

This Royal Grand Eternity Room can accommodate up to 15 people and is mostly used for business meetings, party and wedding solemnizations. It is the largest room and it has a wine cooler for those who wish to appreciate both tea and wine in this space.

Walking in, I like the European fusion interior with oriental  and modern furnishing. The room also carried the scent of dried tea leaves that was placed on the table.

Meeting Room - Center

Booking fee: $160,/hr, min. 2 hours booking 

This Meeting Room, located on the second floor, can accommodate up to 5 people with a sofa at the back and sliding wooden doors for privacy. This room can also be used for a cozy intimate wedding solemnization.

Meeting Room

Booking fee: $150,/hr, min. 2 hours booking 

This is another Meeting Room, located on the second floor, can accommodate up to 5 people and has the same sliding wooden doors for privacy. This room is mostly used for meetings or a private space to appreciate tea.

Meeting Room

Booking fee: $150,/hr, min. 2 hours booking 

This is another Meeting Room, located on the ground floor, can accommodate up to 10 people and has a sofa on the side. This room is used for wedding solemnization, meetings or a private space to appreciate tea.

Royal Eternity Glass Room

Booking fee: $99/hr, min. 2 hours booking

This is Royal Eternity Glass Room, located on the ground floor, can accommodate up to 6 people and has a glass sunroof with warm sunlight brightening up the room. This room is used for wedding solemnization, meetings or a private space to appreciate tea. It also has a Guzheng that the tea host can play as you wind down with tea.

Aside from the rooms, they also do sell the teas that they offer to guest:

Old packaging

• Green tea: made from the new shoots of the tea plant, and are dried and processed by either water removing, rolling, and drying. Traditional green tea has a pale color and a sharp, astringent flavor.

• Yellow tea: produced by allowing damp tea leaves to dry naturally.

It has a distinctive aroma, similar to red tea, but its flavor is closer to green and white teas.

• White tea: unfermented, uncured green tea that has been quickly dried. It is lighter in color than other types of tea with a subtle, delicate flavor.

New packaging

• Oolong tea: unfermented tea made from a blend of green and red teas.It boasts the best flavors and aromatic qualities of both, and claims to aid in fat decomposition and know to be a weight loss aid and a beauty enhancer.

• Black tea: made from the new shoots of tea leaves, which are wilted, rolled, fermented, and dried. The resulting infusion yields a lovely red color and a subtle aromatic fragrance.

• Dark tea: is a kind of post-fermented tea, which undergoes an actual fermentation process aided by bacteria. The whole process comprises six steps: water removing, first-time rolling, heaping, second rolling, baking, and drying.

• Pu'er tea (actually a dark tea): made from a large-leaf variety of a plant growing in a defined area, which is then processed into compressed tea or brick tea with a specified technology.

Price: $168 for a box 12 tins of tea leaves (same type), $58 for a tin of tea leaves

Here's a video of my time spent at Royal Eternity Teahouse:

Tea Drinking Tips

1. Tea oxidizes after brewing, diminishing the nutrients overtime. So it is best to drink tea hot to get the best out of it.

2. Drink tea in moderation. It is possible to upset your stomach and have insomnia if you make the tea too strong. Usually you can mix 4 grams of tea leaves with 250 milliliters to make a cup of tea. An overall amount of 12 - 15 grams of tea leaves is suitable for daily consumption.

3. Do not drink tea soon after or before meals. Otherwise it may quench appetite when your stomach is empty, or cause indigestion when your stomach is full.

4. Do not drink with medication. Tea contains large amount of Tannin, which will react with certain elements in the medicine, thus reduce medical effects. You can drink tea a couple of hours after you take medicine.

5. Green tea is the best option for office workers. Green tea contains catechins that help prevent computer radiation and supplement moisture content of the human body.

This post is sponsored by Royal Eternity Teahouse.

2 months back, I was selected to be one of Ksisters Consumer tester for their BNR17 Diet Probiotics BNRThin PRO.

The product that takes Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17®, the first lactobacillus that is recognised for its body fat reducing functionality from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug as the main ingredient. Its duo functions, reduce body fat + improve intestinal health have been highly raved by the consumers in Korea. 

BNR17 was particularly unique with its probiotic strain originally isolated from human breast milk. After almost 20 years of research and refining the strain, the research labs (Bioneer and AceBiome) managed to create Korea's first very probiotics that not only helps in gut health but also reduces body fat. Its mechanism for reducing visceral fat was confirmed through various animal tests and proven. Unlike other supplements in the market, the BNR17 Diet Probiotics Bnrthin PRO has LIVE and FRESH cultures in its capsules.

KEY POINTS:

• A Duo function of improving intestinal health and helping in fat reduction.
• Approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration to help reduce body fat, inhibit lactic acid, prevent harmful bacteria growth and smoothen bowel movements.
• Guaranteed 10 billion bacteria per capsule until the end of shelf life.
• Finished products are imported directly from UAS Labs in USA.
• New biotics formula promotes the activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestine (Probiotics + Prebiotics = Neobiotics)
• Patented probiotics in more than 10 countries including South Korea, USA, UK, Germany, Denmark, China, Japan etc.
• Two-step safe delivery service to ensure its best condition!

With the consumption of BNR17 Diet Probiotics, they help to:

1. PROHIBIT carbohydrate absorption into your body
2. Excess carbohydrate is absorbed into the body excretion system ➜ Discharged out of your body
3. With BNR17 Diet Probiotics playing the role of discharging carbohydrate absorption ➜ GAIN LESSER WEIGHT!!

HOW TO USE:

1. Take one capsule per day with cold water consistently for a month (Recommended to take for 3 months or longer for best results).
2. It is recommended NOT TO take it with hot water or acidic beverage.
3. Remember to tightly close the lid after usage!

It is recommended for individuals to set a certain time (e.g. before bed, after meals, etc.) for steady consumption of the probiotics. For instance, if you consume before bed on day 1 of intake, please do so consistently for the 1 month full cycle. 

In case of underlying disease, allergies reaction or taking other medicine, please consult a specialist before consumption or purchase. Store in refrigerator (0~10°C). If unopened, product can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

MY THOUGHTS

So from late Aug to late Sept, all of the consumer testers had to monitor our weight, body fat & measurements whilst consuming a pill of the BNR17 Diet Probiotics BNRThin Pro daily at a regular timing.

My time was at 12pm because that's during my lunch time and it was a time that would fit in my schedule.

I joined this test because I used to be underweight all my life until age and bliss (plus laziness) caught up on me. I went from 52kg to 69kg within 5 years and from a size 6 to 12, and despite my attempts to exercise, I found it had to reduce my weight lower.

Weight Loss

Over the span of 30 days, I followed a series of workout that total 30mins from Youtube, 3 times a week and continued to eat as per normal along with the consumption of the pills.

Personally, I didn't find the pills useful in aiding much in weight reduction and as you can see from my weigh in, the weight fluctuates. The final weigh-in was significantly more because I changes my workout routine to daily instead. The workouts I did for the last week varied from 5 minutes to 30 minutes on different days.

Toning Up

Day 1

Day 1 Measurements

Waist: 82 cm
Hips : 97.5 cm
Thighs: 56 cm

I attribute my weight gain to genetics as well, because my grandma, mum & female cousins all put on weight after a certain age and fats are stored mainly in our lower half.

It didn't help that I sit at the desk for most part of the day and I have a condition with my ankle that got doctor advising me not to run and walk for long distance.

Day 7 Measurements

Day 7

Waist: 81cm
Hips : 97 cm
Thighs: 55.5 cm

The first week of exercising was tough, everything was a struggle and every part hurts after workout!

Here's my workout list for the week:

Click here
Click here
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Day 14 Measurements

Day 14

Waist: 80 cm
Hips : 96.5 cm
Thighs: 54 cm

It was easier to workout now, there are days when I had to work in the office and took my pills in the morning before I left house because I didn't know how else to bring the pills out without something to keep it cool.

Here's my workout list for the week:

Day 21

Click here
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Day 21 Measurements

Waist: 80 cm
Hips : 96.5 cm
Thighs: 53.5 cm

To test out whether the pills are truly helping me to shed my fats, I didn't workout this week. And as the results show, my measurements were mostly stagnant.

Day 30 Measurements

Day 30

Waist: 79 cm
Hips : 93 cm
Thighs: 52 cm

It was the final week, I went all out to workout and it translated in my measurements.

Here's my workout list for the week:

Click here
Click here
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Conclusion

As I shared in my instastories, these pills are great for reducing bloatedness and constipation but I'm on the fence about its weight loss effectiveness. Taking in the fact that the recommended dose for weight loss is 3 months, maybe I need more than just a month for my case. A bottle retails at $115 from Ksisters.sg, so it's better to get them during their sale period.

A month after I've ended my dose, my weight is now back to 70kg and my measurements for my waist is at 80 cm & my hips at 96 cm. I've cut down my workouts to twice a week but I still keep them at 30mins per workout session.

Ultimately, I still think working out plays a bigger part in my weight loss journey, but maybe consuming these pills did help to promote the "breakdown" of body fat. If you do give this pill a shot, do reach out to me to share with me your experience!

This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

When it comes to finding the right pillow, I feel like the prince in Cinderella. I know what I like but I can't the one that fit. 

Best in Singapore recently reached out to me again with the opportunity to test out their top rated pillow from Origin mentioned in their 8 Best Comfortable Pillows to Buy in Singapore 2020 article.

Before I go into my review of the pillow, I would like to share that I tend to sleep on my side and back. This is the reason why it has been challenging to find a pillow that would work for me because back sleepers need a flat, thin pillow while side sleepers need a contoured pillow that provides firm support. So I tend to find that my neck isn't supported properly during my sleep, resulting in waking up with migraines and neck aches.

ORIGIN SUPERIOR COOLMAX® LATEX PILLOW

The Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow offers a responsive Latex foam support and is completed with a removable Tencel fabric pillow cover. Sink into the ultimate plush pillow that cradles your head! Origin offers a 30-Night Trial with money-back guarantee for users to test this pillow out before committing fully.

MADE OF NATURAL LATEX 

There's a thin fabric cover that wraps the
latex material, this cover can't be removed.

Unlike memory foam or fibre, latex foam has a denser material, moulding to the shape of your head to give you the right level of sleep support. Extremely durable with hypoallergenic properties, latex material is highly recommended for people with allergies for a good relaxing sleep as it has lesser dust, bacteria or mould issues. Being impression-resistant, it can also hold its shape for many years while still feeling soft.

TENCEL FABRIC REMOVABLE PILLOW COVER

A unique feature of Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow is that it comes with a removable pillow cover made with Tencel fabric. Tencel fabric is known for its natural comfort, environmentally responsible production process and being softer as compared to cotton. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and extremely ideal for hot weather climates. This cover can be machine washed which helps to extend the pillow’s life in the long run. 

REVIEW

Pillow Dimensions: 65cm x 40cm x 13cm

Material: Natural Latex, Coolmax® Cooling Gel & Removable Tencel Fabric Pillow Cover

Price: Was $159, now at $129

Pros: 

1. There's a good mix of softness and support, and I like that the pillow is gently rounded and flat. Because I've tried other foam-based pillows with deep contours and it feels weird & uncomfortable around my neck and shoulder area.
2. Latex material doesn't clump or develop hollow spots, and maintains its shape through night. This is an important point to note because I use pillows made with a blend of feathers & other materials and it can get a little uncomfortable when it clumps up to a corner of the pillow and sometimes, my neck and shoulder don't get the proper support it needs.
3. This pillow's hypoallergenic properties really did reduce the occurrence of me waking up with nasal stuffiness or congestion! My nose is pretty sensitive to dust and I've realised that in this 7 days of trial, I wake up with lesser congestion. It's not completely gone because my quilt contains feathers.
4. It's really cooling to lie on the pillow, perfect for Singapore's climate. With the Coolmax® Cooling Gel, this pillow stays cool longer than regular pillow, making it quite refreshing to drift to sleep on.
5. It comes with a removable Tencel Fabric pillow cover that acts as the pillow's protective cover, making the pillow last longer and give the pillow a slightly softer feel to it.
6. It's lighter than memory foam pillows and other latex pillows I've come across.

Cons: 

1. It has a latex odor. It takes awhile to get used to the latex scent.
2. It doesn't really mould to the shape of  my head, neck & shoulder, there's still a slight resistance of the latex material when I rest my head down on it and doesn't cradle as one would hope.
3. It can feel a little bouncy to sleep on, but the Tencel Fabric pillow cover does help in reducing the bounciness.

Overall Rating: 7/10

For this review, I slept in 3 different ways:

First night: I laid on my back and woke up the next morning with neck & shoulder aches. I think this pillow is a little too high for me to sleep on my back.

Second, third & forth night: I slept on my right side while hugging to another pillow between my arms and legs. I woke up with improvements to my neck & shoulder aches. So I tried sleeping on my side for 2 more nights and I think this pillow works best for side sleepers because the latex material helps to support the head and neck while relieving the pressure of the body off the shoulder.

Fifth night: I tried to sleep on my stomach but I couldn't stay in this sleeping position for long. I find that the pillow kept my head slanted upwards at an angle that made it uncomfortable. 

Sixth and seventh night: I went back to sleeping on my side without hugging a pillow between my arms and legs. I woke up with a slight ache in my shoulders. So for the seventh night, I went back with the pillow between my arms and legs and it helped to relieve the ache.

So, my conclusion is that Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow works best for side sleepers once you get over the smell of the latex material, the pillow does feel soft, cooling and nice to sleep on. However, it works better if you sleep on your side with another pillow or a bolster between your legs and arms to help keep your spine in alignment to prevent strain from sleeping on the side. 

I do have an issue with sleeping on this pillow for some nights when I turn in my sleep, and changed to sleeping on my back subconsciously and woke up to neck aches and a slight headache after. 

For improvement, I think this pillow can be a little less firm to allow some space for compression for back and tummy sleepers, and to have the removable pillow cover to be thicker with a soft foam to minimize that bouncy sensation that latex gives.

This post has been brought to you by Best in Singapore. 

For more Best in Singapore recommendations, do follow them here:

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This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

Recently, I collaborated with Best in Singapore to bring you this post on Sushi Delivery Singapore and my experience with their food! For the Top 5 Best Online Sushi delivery services in Singapore 2020, do check out Best In Singapore's post!

Focusing on a pure delivery model, Sushi Delivery is said to be the king of delivering sushi in Singapore with their quick, painless and customer-oriented delivery service. 

ORDERING PROCESS

For this review, I didn't go through with the ordering process because the food were already set for me. However, to go through this process myself, I ordered lunch on a separate day and I found to be quick, easy and simple.

Just a few clicks on their website and you will have to input in your personal details as with all online order!

DELIVERY PROCESS

For this review, I chose 12- 2pm for delivery time and I'm surprised by how punctual they are. For the lunch that I ordered, delivery fee is fixed at $5.90 and the food came around 30 minutes after I ordered!

They pride themselves on their delivery ability that, in the unlikely event, your sushi arrives 60 minutes past the selected time slot, Sushi Delivery will offer you $10 off for your next order with them. 

 Additionally, to check on your delivery status after you order, you can drop Sushi Delivery a whatsapp message to ease your delivery concerns. 

FOOD

For this review, a total of 8 dishes were sent to my home in takeaway containers and  they arrived warmed for the hot dishes and cold with ice pad for the cold dish. Continue reading for my food review!

1. California Maki (8pcs) $10.90

A generous serving of sweet kani (crab) stick, crunchy Japanese cucumber, sweet tamago and crab stick are wrapped in nori and sushi rice and coated with a generous serving of savoury sweet tobiko. Japanese mayonnaise adds a touch of extra creaminess to this sushi roll.

Thoughts on this dish: The tobiki seems fresh, the crab stick is pretty plumped, the tamago was nicely seasoned and the cucumber is fresh and crunchy. 

My dad licked the tobiko off the lid, while I enjoyed this California Maki with the popping of the tobiko as I chew. My mum also commented that this was one of her favourite out of the whole selection.

Will I re-order: Yes!

2. Kappa Maki (1 Roll) (Vegan) $3.90

Japanese cucumber wrapped in sushi rice and nori (seaweed)

Thoughts on this dish: I expected more of this because it's such a simple sushi to prepare. One of the pieces had half a cucumber (I believe it's the end of the roll), and the pieces are not evenly cut because some are a little shorter than others.

 
Will I re-order: Nope, for its price point and the fact that it was done to near perfection for a simple sushi... I won't order this at $3.90 unless some improvements are made. Considering that this is something a vegetarian would order, I think it could be improved with a more generous cut of cucumber and rice. I also wish they have more selection for vegetarian.

3. Chuka Kurage $4.67, now $4

Kurage (jellyfish) served with a white radish garnish.

Thoughts on this dish: Sliced jellyfish is one of my favourite dishes from my childhood because of its texture. 

I like that this tasted fresh and it was nicely seasoned. It wasn't too salty or spicy so it's easy to eat this on it's own. My dad commented that this is one of his favourite out of the whole selection too.

Will I re-order: Yes!

4. Kani Salad $8.30, now $6.90

A fresh mix of kani (crab) stick, cherry tomatoes, capsicums and lettuce are dressed in a goma (sesame) sauce and finished with a tobiko (roe) topping.

Thoughts on this dish: There's a generous amount of crab stick in this salad and the tobiko gives the salad a nice texture. My only area for improvement for this dish is a consideration to have the salad dressing separated from the bowl because the salt content in the dressing affects the freshness of the vegetables. 

I would also like to point out that there's celery in this salad so for people who don't like celery, take note. My family is perfectly fine with all types of vegetables so we enjoyed this.

Will I re-order: Maybe, if I can get the option to have the salad sauce separated.

5. Shrimp Crouton (5pcs) $4.90 &

6. Tako Yaki (5pcs) $4.90

Crouton coated shrimp deep fried to a golden perfection!

Thoughts on this dish: I was expecting to find shrimps in it but I believe it's minced up instead, would be nice to have a shrimp bit in it. I like that it isn't oily and it's nicely seasoned.

Will I re-order: Yes.

Griddle fried takoyaki with a generous octopus filling drizzled on top with Japanese mayonnaise!

Thoughts on this dish: Unfortunately, I had better takoyaki than this so I am disappointed with this serving. I didn't find the octopus filling generous enough in size.

Will I re-order: No.

7. Yam Net Sponge Roll (5pcs) $5.90

Yam net spring roll deep fried to perfection and drizzled on top with Japanese mayonnaise!

Thoughts on this dish: It's such a pretty dish with its bright purple shade, this was more like a dessert than a savory dish. The texture was a little bit flat after delivery, so I popped it into a mini toaster and I think it improved the crunchiness a little bit. The mayonnaise came in a separated container, which we didn't add, because we like the way it was and it tasted sweet. My mum like this.

Will I re-order: Yes, but mainly for my mum.

8. Chicken Karaage Set Bento $14, now $10.90

Tender deep fried chicken karaage served with a side salad. Japanese pickles and sushi rice topped with furikake.

Thoughts on this dish: It looks really good and on a whole, it would be a perfect set for a meal. Unfortunately, the chicken was a little too salty and overcooked. 

Will I re-order: No, but I might try out the other Bento Set.

And with that, I end my food review here for more best offerings in Singapore to discover, do follow Best in Singapore for their recommendations:

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This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

Music affects our mood; it can create excitement, stir passion and even calm our nerves. How the music is being delivered to our ears makes a difference too, and I know that it's been awhile but today, I bring a "Tech" post from the usual beauty related articles to talk about this latest device I've been using: DALI KATCH.

What is DALI KATCH?

A battery-powered Bluetooth speaker that you can take it anywhere with you without any compromises on the quality of sound, bringing DALI’s (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries) extensive audio heritage to a stunning, compact design, so you can share the sound you love anywhere you go. 

With over 3 decades of speaker design and build experience has resulted in a product that revolutionised music on the move into a cutting-edge, extruded aluminium and ABS case. By focusing on the technology behind the sound, the KATCH delivers the breathtaking audio you’ve come to expect from DALI’s full-size speakers but that lets you share the sound you love. Anywhere.

What Do I use KATCH for?

Honestly, I use it for moments when I need to relax, especially during times when I'm practising my calligraphy or when I'm blogging because I require a still mind to do such tasks. I usually listen to soothing classical music or Enya for relaxation and Crystal Singing Bowls music for meditation.

If not, I pretty much use it whenever I need some music around my house or when I'm watching a show online! All I have to do is to sync it to my phone for music or to my laptop when I'm catching up on my TV Dramas!

VERDICT

Build & Design: 

Stadium in shape made with cutting-edge, extruded aluminium and ABS case, and with a leather carry strap that can be kept hidden. It can be positioned upright or carried around by the strap to enjoy music on the go. Weighs at 1.1kg.

Dimension:

H/W/D 13.8 x 26.85 x 4.7 cm

Features:

DALI KATCH comes in three stunning colour choices of Dark Shadow, Cloud Grey and Green Moss. The one pictured in this post is Dark Shadow. The leather carry strap makes it easy and comfortable to bring it out around and the durable design makes it safe to do so. 

Built to last for 24 hours thanks to a powerful 2600 MAh Li-ion battery, with Bluetooth 4.0 Apt-X and NFC to allow you to share your music quickly and seamlessly. And you can expect first class audio pouring our from this speaker as it is powered by a 2 x 25 watt classss-D amplifier.

And if you want a stereo sound system, simply connect two DALI KATCH to form a stereo pair, playing left and right channels respectively!

Cost: €399.00

Cons:

• Weighs 1.1kg, can be quite heavy to carry if you are bringing more than just a speaker out in your bag

Pros:

• Easy to use, pretty much easy to figure out without looking at the instructional manual
• Sound quality is crisp and loud enough that I can still hear my music clearly while I was vacuuming my room, I'm so impressed!
• Has a leather strap that makes carrying it out easy
• Long battery lifespan, can last for 24 hours

This post has been brought to you by DALI KATCH, sharing the sound you love. Anywhere.

Latest movies in Singapore cinemas reveal what pets get up to when they’re home alone

If you’re after a good belly laugh movie that appeals to both parents and children, you can’t go past the latest movie, The Secret Life of Pets, which is released on the 1^st of September. Featuring the voices of some of the finest comedians working today, and put together by the team that created the hilarious Despicable Me movies, it lets us in on what goes on with our pets after we’ve headed off to work for the day. And it’s not what you’d expect. We discover they’re more like humans than you’d probably expect.

The Secret Life of Pets: director

Director Chris Renaud has done an excellent job of taking a very simple premise – what happens when a pet’s perfectly idyllic life is thrown into chaos by an outsider – and creating a multi-layered, animated romp that throws all our pre-conceived notions about our pets straight out the window. Quite literally, in some cases.

Voices and characters

Louis C.K, is the voice of Max, a terrier who is living the perfect life in New York City. All he wants to do is sit by the door all day and wait for his owner, Katie, to return and make his life complete. One day, however, she returns with Duke, an enormous, hairy stray she picked up at the pound, and Max’s idyllic life is immediately turned upside down. Not long after that they’re lost and alone in the streets of the city and having to cope with adversaries such as a gang of deliciously nasty feral cats, a psychopathic white rabbit, sea monkeys with identity crises, pigs, birds, snakes and every other type of pet you could possibly hope to imagine.

Synopsis

Max and Duke have to adapt to all the crazy situations around them in order to get back to Katie and the lives they loved, and how they go about this is both hilarious and thought provoking. After watching it, you’ll never really be able to look at your pets again without wondering what it is they’re thinking. And though the movie may be jam-packed with everything from slapstick through to slightly questionable toilet humour, it does have an underlying message about how we treat our pets. ‘They say they love us, then they throw us out’ one irate character exclaims. So if you’re after a couple of hours of sheer entertainment for the kids that won’t have you tearing your hair out at the inanity of it all, take them along for some time with The Secret Life of Pets. And afterwards, don’t be tempted to pop by the animal shelter and grab a couple of likely looking strays. The inclination to do so will pass, I assure you.

L'OCCITANE 40th Anniversay

To celebrate its 40th Birthday, L'OCCITANE pays tribute to 40 years of true stories and love - with Man and Nature at the heart of its aspiration, as well as with Authenticity, Sensoriality and Community as its core values.

It was an evening full of fun, unlike any other media event I've attended before, we were split into 2 different groups for a mini competition that brought us about different station to expose us to the core values of L'OCCITANE and the natural ingredients used in their products.

It was also during this event that I learnt how L'OCCITANE started a foundation in 2006 to give back to the society, by fighting against avoidable blindness.

In fact, I was surprised to learn that most of their products contains Braille, the system of raised dots that can be read with the finger, to assist people with blindness or low vision when they use their products!

Coming September, the iconic and timeless hand creams from L'OCCITANE get a special design this year to celebrate the 40th years of true stories and love.

And along side these limited edition had creams, L'OCCITANE has also prepared limited edition pouches, tote bags as well as this specialy made L'OCCITANE truck figurine to be give away to L'OCCITANE VIP members with a minimum spend!

 I can't wait for September!

 M.A.C. Art of Lip Event & New Store Opening

POUT! SHOUT! It’s the Art of the Lip!

M·A·C is now open at 313@Somerset and to celebrate its store launch, I spent an afternoon with the magic touch of their makeup artists learning colourful new ways to get lippy-fantastic! I really love the concept of how the event was run with hunky men in skin-tight shirt, giving out cookies in the shape of a lip! Just look at that shirt, I want a shirt like that... It makes a statement, doesn't it? #Lipstickaddict

M·A·C can now be found at 313@Somerset #01-21!

Emirates Singapore Derby Roadshow

For the first time in Singapore Derby history, two public roadshows served as curtain-

raisers to this year’s Emirates Singapore Derby, touted as one of the most anticipated events on the local racing calendar. Racing fans and members of the public enjoyed a series of fun-filled equine activities and interactive sessions with horses at lifestyle destinations over the weekends from 25 June to 10 July this year,, before culminating in the running of the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby over 2,000m on turf at the Singapore Racecourse on Sunday, 10 July 2016.

I invited my fellow horse lover, Cara aka Singapore First Mermaid, to join me for this event because I knew that she loves horses. We took a few turns at feeding and patting the lovely majestic white horse that was at Capitol Plaza for the event, as well as a few rounds at Horseshoe Pitching Competition.

Sad to say, we are in serious need of practice for that to even quality... Hahaha!

That's all for June & July!
Until the next What Happened post.

I believe you saw my little Instagram Video on this gift set before, during the Month of May. I have finally gotten around reviewing the products for a month and now, I'm ready to share!

It's no big secret that I LOVE all beauty products that are organic and natural, so when I was given the opportunity to collaborate with Skinvestigate, the one-stop online portal for natural skincare products, I said yes.

So without further ado, let's get started:

Organic Skin Care Starter Set

1. Gentle Face Wash 150ml

2. Age Resist Face Moisturiser 50ml

3. Caring Hand Cream 75ml

Available for just SG$50

VERDICT

Gentle Face Wash

This organic face cleanser gently clean skin, as softening coconut extract and anti-oxidant green tea condition. Made with 74% organic ingredients. All the ingredients include some of the greatest that nature has to offer natural beauty and all meeting organic face certification standards, perfect for people who likes a thorough cleanse while being gentle to the skin.

To Use: 

Use morning and evening in the shower, bath or sink to take away dirt, impurities, and makeup. Dispense one pump of the gel-like cleanser on your hand, add a bit of water, then work up a lather in your palm.

Next, massage this foamy lather over the face, stroking in upward circular motion. Give special attention to the forehead and sides of the nose. Remember to massage gently as pressing or rubbing too hard may irritate the skin and cause roughness or dark spots.

Texture: Gel-based that foams up

Smell: Lavender scent

Benefits:

• For all skin types including sensitive skin
• Gently removes make-up
• Deep cleansing with a foaming face wash
• Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin**, Sodium Chloride, Lauryl Glucoside, Stearyl Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder*, Sucrose Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil*, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Parfum*, Linalool, Potassium Sorbate *Certified as Organically Grown **Organically Derived

Product Rating: 9/10
If you are new to organic and natural skincare, I would highly recommend this cleanser. Why? Because, there is a high chance that you are very used to cleansers that foam a lot and most natural and organic cleansers that I've used, doesn't foam much. This cleanser foams up quite richly without the use of SLSs and it doesn't leave your skin feeling weak or over-washed.

 If you are an avid natural and organic skincare user, then you will probably prefer something that doesn't foam up much. Regardless, as a start, this cleanser does its job well and I find it perfect as a natural cleanser to start your Natural Skincare Journey with.

Age Resist Face Moisturiser

This award winning organic face cream offers a high-performance anti-ageing solution for the face and neck while being kind to skin. Restore your skin with this potent blend of antioxidant rich Argan and rejuvenating Shea Butter, while Cocoa Butter hydrates and Jojoba protects.

To Use:

Apply to cleansed face and neck.

Texture: Light cream-based

Smell: Delicate floral organic scent

Benefits:

• For dry, normal, sensitive and mature skin types
• Infuses skin with radiance 
• Non-clogging dewy finish
• Made with 90% organic ingredients

Ingredients: 

Aqua (Water), Glycerin**, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Stearic Acid, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder*, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Parfum*, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate *Certified as Organically Grown **Organically Derived

Product Rating: 8/10
I like this face moisturizer, if you are looking for a normal hydrating moisturizer, you can try this out. I find that it does help to keep the skin hydrated without feeling overly heavy on my skin. However, I wouldn't make a repurchase of this moisturizer because I need something else that will help me keep my breakouts in check... haha!

That being said, I did notice that my scars do heal pretty fast with the use of this moisturizer, especially in the morning after I slather it onto my skin and with a night of adequate sleep.

Caring Hand Cream

An easily-absorbed certified organic hand cream that leaves hands moisturised, protected and cared for. This special blend of plant oils prevents dryness as Shea and Cocoa Butter restore the skin. 

To Use:

The handy tube makes for easy application at home or when out and about, just squeeze the amount need and massage into hands.

Texture: Cream based, gets absorbed easily and relatively fast

Smell: Geranium scent

Benefits:

• For all skin types including sensitive skin
• Perfect for dry, damaged and overworked hands
• Offers long lasting skin comfort without greasiness
• Made with 87% organic ingredients

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil*, Glycerin**, Benzyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder*, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil*, Parfum*, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid *Certified as Organically Grown **Organically Derived

Product Rating: 10/10
Love this hand cream because it doesn't have the uncomfortable greasy sensation once the product has been fully absorbed. I have passed this to my boyfriend to use because his hands are badly chapped due the constant exposure to heat, cuts and harsh dish liquid soap that is required of him during this line of work (Chef) and he highly raves about it too. I've been informed by him that it doesn't sting when the cream comes into contact with this wounds and he loves the scent of it.

He also noted that the hydrating property of this hand cream is pretty immediate, and it helps to ease his discomfort especially around the joints of the finger since it's the area that is most prone to cracking.

Special Promotion For My Readers

Enjoy an additional $5 off Skin Blossom Organic Skin Care Gift Set plus Free Shipping!

Use my discount code is JODYNATURAL when making the purchase.

*Usually, free shipping only comes with minimum $50 order, so this offer is only extended to this promotion, and it will be available from now until 30 July only!