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Blackswan
Passionate about food, crazy over shopping, eccentric about travel, frenzy over Hello Kitty. Started travelling since age 6 & it's in my blood! 7 yrs as a Flight Attendant has brought me to many beautiful places to savour the best & shop for bargains.
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What I've Been Cooking

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

DIY Hair Removal For Natural Smooth Skin

Have you been bugged by ugly facial hair? For women, unsightly facial hair is definitely a no-no. While some facial hair can be sexy on men, the barbarian look isn’t exactly a lady’s magnet. Do keep in mind that some women are extremely sensitive to stubble. The bottom line is, keep it neat. Fortunately, these problems can be easily resolved by using facial hair removal products.

For the women who prefer to have their unkempt hair around the leg area or unruly armpit hair completely bare purely for aesthetic reasons, some inevitably have to shave several times a week. However, shaving comes with a few problems of its own. While wielding a razor, you probably would’ve experienced laceration or skin irritation & improper shaving techniques can also lead to ingrown hairs etc.

I stumbled upon this interesting hair removal site. For those who’re embarrassed about getting waxed at a salon, you can find do-it-yourself waxing kits here. With reasonable priced products from just US$6.99 for 24 large body wax strips, removing hair by the roots so you stay smooth & hair free for weeks, it’s really a steal. Plus, they’re now having a Holiday Sale - 15% off all products!

Of all hair removal products, I personally thought the Nads Hair Removals Essentials Kit is quite cool, especially for a beginner. It has got everything you want in a starter kit & it’s only US$17.99 after a hefty 40% Off! Besides, it makes a great gift idea!
The kit has everything you need for effective hair removal & long lasting smooth skin:
  • Remove unwanted hair - Nad's Natural Hair Removal Gel - 6.0 oz (170g)
  • Soothe the skin - Nad's Depileze Soothing Body Balm - 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
  • Release the follicles, minimise ingrown hairs, redness or irritation - Nad's Ingrow Solution - 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)
  • Exfoliate before and after hair removal - Nad's Xfol Follicle Release Scrub - 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
  • Plus 5 Nad's Cleansing Wipes, 5 Large Cotton Strips, Application spatula & Instruction Leaflet

To avoid a hairy situation, click here for your free coupons & start your soft & smooth journey now!

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Monday, November 30, 2009

What Is White Tea?

Studies showed that white tea has more anti-viral & anti-bacterial qualities than eg. green tea. As white tea is made out of young leaves & buds, it has more amino acid theanine (has relaxing & mood enhancing properties) than green & black teas, which are made from older leaves. Hence, white tea is the rarest & purest form of tea with the highest antioxidant content but less caffeine among the other types of tea. I’m no tea connoisseur but white tea has been in the topic of discussion of late. On this lazy afternoon, I brewed 2 cups of white tea from the Gryphon’s artisan selection – The Nymph of the Nile & White Gingerlily. Relaxing on the couch, sipping that perfect cup of tea with compliments from Gryphon Tea Company, was one of the best relaxations in life.

The Organic White Peony Tea, also known as Bai Mu Dan, is an elegant white tea of the highest quality.

The Nymph of the Nile, blending the organic white tea with pink rose (known to improve complexion), rose hips (touted as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis), the anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory basil & strawberry leaves. The first “contact” with the “Nile” is like walking into a rose garden, surrounded by a bountiful of beautiful roses; the first sip of the tea immediately delivers a surprising fruity flavour.

The brew has a light, delicate, slightly sweet aroma that sharpens the senses without overwhelming the tongue. This unique “Egyptian” mix evokes a sense of sensuality, sending me to the era of Cleopatra.

While the Nymph of the Nile created a delightful harmonious blend of flower & herb, the White Gingerlily brought out an aromatic & delicate balance brew of floral & earthy tone.

This organic white tea has the warmth of Thai galangal & the scent of lemongrass (known to have anti-cancer properties). On opening the sachet, the tea-bag immediately emits a rich & “perfumed” fragrance, transporting me into the world of spa therapy. The tea has a subtle but exquisite tang, with hints of eucalyptus, orange blossom, lily & lavender. Drinking it makes it a smooth & calm experience, with a delicate lingering aroma.

White teas are best when prepared like green tea. Their delicate nature will be destroyed by water that’s too hot. Before you drink that cup of tea, take time to smell the aroma & enjoy the shimmering clear infusion.

One serving of white tea can be brewed several times, with each steep revealing another element of flavour. To get the best of Gryphon teas, each box comes with the origin of the tea, character, aroma, brewing instructions & even pairing suggestions.

Well, instead of the conventional way of drinking tea, why not try using it in your food too? While green & white teas work better with fruits & flowers, black teas are best with spices. Here’s another delicious twist to the Earl Grey black tea……. Christmas is near, you can impress your guests by making this Aromatic Tea-Smoked Chicken, using the afternoon tea classic Earl Grey.
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Friday, November 27, 2009

Win A Trip To Macau!

This is Senado Square, one of Macau's most popular attraction, paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of coloured stones, created by Portuguese experts. From the main road to the church of St. Dominic, the pavement extends to the ruins of St. Paul's, making the heart of the city a pedestrian paradise.

If you've always wanted to learn more about the rich culture of Macau, here's a chance for you now.

3 winners will get to enjoy 3D/2N stay in exciting Macau which include:
* A pair of return airfare to Macau
* 2 nights hotel stay

Click here for your chance to win!

Unfortunately this time round, entry is limited only to all residents of Singapore (Citizens or Permanent Residents) except employees of the Promoter & its agencies associated with this promotion and their immediate families.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Promotion: Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa

X'mas is approaching & I'll be scouting for various promotions just for you to enjoy. Here's one to start off: The 2D/1N Package for two @ Integrated Recreation, Amara Sanctuary @ S$288++!!

This includes:
• One night stay in twin or double deluxe room
• Complimentary daily buffet breakfast for two
• Complimentary island admission via Sentosa Bus or Express

Choose one out of these three options (for two persons):
a. High tea set for two on day of arrival
b. Luge & sky ride & Songs of the Sea
c. Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon

Terms and Conditions:
• Valid from now till 23 December
• Only for Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents
• Rates are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing taxes
• No cancellation or amendment allowed
• Rooms are subject to availability

Click here to seek your sanctuary now!
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Home-made Saucy Oriental Burger

I first tried this dish at the popular Palm Beach restaurant & I’ve been trying to perfect it since. Bite into this tender pork bun reveals a sweet & soury taste, which immediately wakes up your senses. The sauce that packs a punch in this dish is the use of simple Chinese Black Vinegar. If you’ve time, why not try this home-made Oriental “Burger”? I'm sure the entire family will love it, especially the kids. This pork bun is soft, tender & juicy. You can make them for pot-luck, tea-break or anytime you don’t feel like having rice or noodles.

6 Pork fillets
6 Buns
2 tbsp Black vinegar
2 tsp Soya sauce
1 tsp Black sauce
½ tsp Sugar
1 tbsp Chinese wine
1 tsp Sesame oil
½ Chilli (chopped)
½ tsp Minced Garlic
½ tsp Corn flour
2 stalks of Spring onion (chopped)
Salt & pepper to taste

  1. Pound the pork to tenderize.
  2. Marinade the pork with all the seasonings for an hour. Remove them from marinade & lightly coat with flour. Keep the *marinade to make sauce.
  3. Heat oil & deep-fry pork to seal the juices. Remove them when ¾ cooked & place them on paper-hand towel to get rid of excessive oil. Set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, put the buns to steam till soft.
  5. Prepare wok to make sauce. Heat oil & sautéed garlic till fragrant. Pour in *marinade & adjust the flavour according to your liking. Add more vinegar if you prefer a stronger, “sour” taste. Put in pork & toss well.
  6. Place a slice of fillet into each bun & enjoy your Saucy Oriental Burgers!
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