About 1 day getaway

Remember that some time back I wrote about getting  a short break...Ended up I just went to Jb just for a short makan session.

This short trip was like practically queuing for food. First, it was to eat the fish head curry that was recommended by my friend, Pillay. This fish head curry restaurant was like having constant queues that will allow people to wait at least half an hour and above. I waited for 1.5 hrs whereas my friend went to get some errands done.

Photo courtesy from Hannahchia.blogspot.com

Photo courtesy from Hannahchia.blogspot.com

 

This is the medium size fish head curry

 

Seriously, I find that the fish head curry is so-so only. Not really very fantastic as compared to my mom's cooking . However, a notable fact was the introduction of the tau kee into the fish head curry which was nice. I dun really fancy the curry which has got coconut milk. My rating for this dish is 2.5 out of 5.

 

After lunch, I went to city square mall for shopping. There are so much changes in jb.  I did my pedicure and manicure at the nail studio. However, there is really a lot of difference in the service between Singapore nail studios and Malaysia one. One major difference is in the applying of the top coat.They don't apply two layers of top coat as per Singapore nail studios. The manicure was done in a mess. However, the pedicure was done nicely.

 

 It was really a short good getaway for my mind as I was kinda stressed up due to getting of my exam results on 18th December. So do stay tuned for my Xmas giveway soon!

 

 

Work stress -how do you deal with it ?

It is seen everywhere that everyone is stressed up either at work, school or even at home. So how do you deal with it ?

Talking about the topic of stress sometimes shudders us. However, stress in fact can be view as positive or negative depending on how you view it.  Stress management can be done at organizational level or individual level.

For a start, what kind of stress management activities does your organization organize to help you de-stress? Ponder a while....

Stress management at organizational level could be role analysis, quality circles, organizational mirror technique, stress audit, employee, assistance program and job and task redesign,

What is role analysis all about ? It is clarify the type of role that the individual is working on. At the end of the day , it is not more than the common job description that we see on advertisements for job.

Organizational mirror technique works a little like 360 degree feedback. You would see that the conflict of various work groups are being discussed between the various workgroups. Each workgroup would send a representative to discuss about the problematic inter-workgroup issues in a fishbowl. End product would be both group to sit down and discuss about the reforms.

Quality circles program is a specific type of participative management. It got a group of workers gather to brainstorm and give back into managerial decision making. This is put in place to enhance product quality and reduce cycle time, but it has the added effect of allowing workers to exert some control over their jobs.  According to demands-control theory, stressors cause less strain when workers have more control over the way they do their job.

These are the main three techniques which I felt could help an organization to reduce stress in the organization. Perhaps you might want to try it out with your team.

Hope that helps!

 

First day after my final papers at Unisim 22.11.14

My first day plan after the final papers

Morning would be going to see my dentist to get my antibiotics for my wisdom tooth operation on Monday. Haha, I did not even know that I got a wisdom tooth.

Here's my collection of medicine

 

Afternoon, I headed to Little India for eye brow threading @ Indigo palace which I have been patronizing them for 6 years.
 

Night time, I was actually trying to cook the current trend of tomato rice. However, the tomato at home got mould so end up I din cooked it.

 

How to have positive relationship?

What does it mean to have a positive relationship? To many out there, it should be not having too many arguments and feeling lovey dovey between friends, partners and family members. A positive relationship is a relationship that consist more of positive emotions between partners.

Many at times, people are now either having more of exchange relationship rather than communal relationship. Definition of exchange relationship consists of that there must be a fair exchange between both parties, constantly keeping track of what the other party have done for you, and it is formal. Definition of communal relationship consists of keeping track of what the other party have done for you, share an on-going mutual concern.

Perhaps it is time to look on the kind of capitalization response that you response back to your partner.Capitalization refers to sharing of the event with others
 The four types of capitalization responses are as follow:

Referring to the above capitalization responses, which of it do you  use most? Research has shown that only active- constructive response of sharing of the positive life events would help to enhance the quality of the relationship. By also sharing the positive events with other, it forms the basis of connection between relationships and well being. Try it out and let me know if it works for you to have a happier relationship with your partner.

( photo credit from : mind of nature @ word press)

 

Butt Circuit Training

This butt circuit training aims to help people who are concerned on their butt shape so that they could have nice shape when wearing jeans , dress or skirt .

This circuit is built from four moves: squat toy soldiers, hip raises, plié pulses and stationary runs. The stationary runs are performed in between each of the three other moves, so your workout will look like this:
1. squat toy soldiers: 10 reps (right side + left side = 1 rep)
2. stationary runs: 20 reps (right leg + left leg = 1 rep)
3. hip raises: 50 reps
4. stationary runs: 20 reps
5. plié pulses: 20 reps
6. stationary runs: 20 reps

Squat toy soldiers:

 

Stationary runs:



Hip raises:



Plié pulses:

Review of KOSMEA's discovery kit and my first giveaway ~~~~~~~~~

KOSMEA skincare was started based on the belief of the founder, Ms Marie Jenkins who insisted that the skin needs natural products to be able to heal itself . As the skincare is mainly make from rose hip oil which has been certified to be organic , people with the sensitive skin can use it with ease.

A set of KOSMEA organic skin care, the discovery set was given to me recently for review. The set consists of the purifying wash, clarifying wash, daily exfoliant , hydrating rosewater mist, replenishing moisture cream and rosehip oil.

For the whole set, I have chosen to use the clarifying facial wash, hydrating rosewater mist, replenishing moisture cream based on my skin type which is combination skin where I am having outer skin which is dry and inside is oily.

Clarifying facial wash -This gentle, foaming facial wash removes make-up and skin impurities without over drying the skin, thanks to an SLS-free foaming agent derived from coconut. For me when I was trying out this ,it gives me a smooth feeling and it has a rose fragrance which reminds me of bandung.

Hydrating rosewater mist- This hydrating facial mist is made with a thousand delicately distilled rose petals. With each spray, skin is hydrated and refreshed. It also helps to set makeup. Best use as a toner.

Replenishing moisture cream - Face the day with this replenishing moisture cream now with botanically derived Hyalurolift. Nourishes and hydrates skin and restores your skin’s youthful radiance and elasticity. Organic rose hip oil provides skin with essential fatty acids whilst antioxidant green tea extract helps protect against the signs of premature skin ageing. A great moisturiser for all skin types including sensitive. Mix a couple of drops of Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil with Replenishing Moisture Cream for an extra boost of organic rose hip oil!

I have yet to try out the certified organic rosehip oil which is recommended by Kosmea Singapore. Shall review that later on. However, I am planning to do my first giveaway which is the daily exfoliant aka scrub cum mask  and also the purifying facial wash which is suitable for dry skin.

For more info on the products, you may want to go to http://www.kosmeasingapore.com

How to enter for the giveaway : 1. Like Kosmea Singapore facebook page
                                                   2. Write what kind of blog post you would like
                                                   to see more often on my blog on my facebook
                                                   page Secret Beauty.
                                                  3. Like my facebook page Secret Beauty
                                                 
This giveaway ends on 2nd October 2014 at 11.59pm. Results will be posted on my facebook page on 4th October 2014. This is solely for individuals in Singapore only.

Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun

This song is one of my new favourite ...hope you people out there will like it as well.

All about herbal tea

Herbal tea has also been something that I have been drinking for many years. For me , I have always been drink chrysantheum , barley, white fungus, chestnus and this almond drink from this brand called tian ran . Guess the above picture sums it all for me what is the benefits for drinking the various types of herbal tea.

I think this is good knowledge for all to know what to drink during this haze period.  Drink more to detox and build immune system.

Feeling burnt out?

Holiday trip

This picture reminds me of that when u are feeling burnt out u need to get a breather which is y i suggest u need a break this is because now is already september. For me , I am planning to get a short breakaway before my exams. Seriously, planning the getaway might make my mood better as the hectic schedule that i have is a bit crazy. I shall update you guys on my short getaway soon.

Having a hard time teaching your kids mathematics?



Julie-trainer of the same day and daughter of the founder of Numero



Recently, I chanced upon this fun game called Numero through a workshop conducted by September 21 Enterprise Pte. Ltd. Basically, Numero is an educational game set helping children to increase the ability to do mental calculations and helping elderly folks to slow the process of Alzheimer.

A little history about Numero
Numero is created by Rev. Frank Drysdale (1932-2011) who  was forced into early retirement in 1989 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His own remedy to this situation was to keep himself mentally fit by playing mind games, many of which involved cards. He enlisted the help of his young grandchildren to help him pass the time by playing different card games. As a result,Numero® was developed as a product of these sessions with his grandchildren.

Numero® was demonstrated in public for the first time in 1993 when presented at the Mathematics Association of Western Australia annual conference. The reception it received prompted Frank and his wife Joan to print 2000 packs of Numero® which were collated and packaged in Frank’s back shed by a band of willing helpers. Numero® had been born and Frank and Joan Drysdale were kept busy holding workshops and collating and packing Numero® until, 40000 packs later, it grew to a stage where in 1998 they were introduced to R.I.C. Publications, an international educational publisher based in their home state of Western Australia.


Working closely with Frank and Joan, R.I.C. Publications further developed the presentation of the game and started to spread the news to other parts of Australia and the world. Numero® is now sold in many countries throughout the world, to children and adults alike. It continues to grow in popularity, spreading to more and more countries, and gaining enthusiastic endorsement from educators and players alike.


From the very beginning, the ownership of copyright of Numero® was given to Alzheimer’s Australia WA by Frank and Joan Drysdale. This means that royalties provided from the sale of every pack of Numero® are now channelled to the Drysdale Family Charitable Foundation Trust, which provides money to fund various dementia-related programs throughout the world.


Here's some pictures of the workshop which I attended


Photo courtesy from September 21 Enterprise Pte Ltd



                                         

Julie, the trainer for Numero was very interested to help children and parents to increase their ability for mental calculation and have more family bonding time . She mentioned that this game can help to allow children to have the ability to learn how to take risk and think out of the box. She is so passionate in training other on how to play Numero so as to help her father leave a legacy and also to help the alzheimer patients to raise funds via the sale of the Numero so that they could have better treatment.

I had my fair share of fun on playing the game and it is so interesting. Can't stop thinking about the game.

Currently, there is a promotion on the starter kit pack where there is instruction guide book and a pack of the game by September 21 Enterprise Pte Ltd @ $46.65.

For more information about Numero, you may go to http://www.numero.org .
For purchases, you may want to visit September 21's website @ http://www.educationalresources.com.sg

Victoria secret's model ab workout

                                 Photo credit to  www.blogilates.com

I found this on the internet and I am wanting to start this work out by tomorrow as tonight I will be rushing through my assignment. I am looking forward to have an ab rather than chunky love handles. Being a cooking blogger also need to be beautiful as well :P. Hope that helps for ladies who are keen in finding out the victoria secret's model ab workout

Tips on using Epsom Salts

Recently,  I read a book which provide some tips on using epsom salts to relieve some pain from achy feet and helping to ease the symptoms of cold. Thus, I decided to get it and tried it out after having a long workout with my heels the whole day.

This is the brand I got from guardian.  

 

I got my feet to soak in the lukewarm water for the foot bath and almost immediately the pain from walking too much with the heels was gone. I saw on the box itself that it could be used to remove temporarily muscle aches as well. Perhaps I should try it out one day. I realized that after soaking the feet with epsom salts the cuticle skin can be remove easily.  Hence , I decided to use my favorite body scrub from Nuskin to scrub my feet to get a nice home pedicure later one.

 

 

The skin of my feet become so soft now. Feeling happy and contented before painting my nails.

 

 

Hope this tip on using epsom salts helps u to ease away the long day of walking.

 

 

 

 

Before and after the SG Blog Awards Event

Being able to attend the SG Blog Awards Event was something I had never dreamt off. However, this year as a finalist for the best cooking blog award I got to attend it with a guest. Preparations for the derby dress code for this event got me excited.  As I am seldom interested in fashion trends, I ended up googling and shopping online just for it. I am happy with my purchases as it can be recycled for many rounds.

On the actual day of the SG Blog Awards Event

Together with my guest , we arrived a little earlier. Thus we went shooting some photographs around the mall.

Here's some photos before the event started (Photo courtesy by my guest cum friend)

       
My favourite food blogger - Tony Johor Kaki ( glad that he won for his category )
Best Food Blog 2014

 

   the entrance view ( the lady in blue dress was the winner for the cooking

blog category- the domestic goddess )

My guest and me

Items in the goodie bag

                                    
                            


Inside the event hall

Haha this photo looks like I really permed my hair

Having fun at the photo booth

 

Guest of Honor - Miss Sim Ann (Minister of  State,

Ministry of Education & Ministry of Communications and Information)

 

She was a lady who is always on the constant move in upgrading. She was even presenting the award to her ex classmate , Ms Regina Chow for the best fashion blog.  Next, we had some dance performance by a group of dancers and fellow bloggers Smith Leong and Ninja Girls. Forget to take pictures as too engrossed with the performance.

 

 

Last but not least groupie photo with the category winners

 

We were all treated to some light refreshments after the event. Indeed, it was the experience to be able to join in the event as a participant, observer and also supporter for bloggers who I am admire. To me , it is the first lifetime achievement which I got for myself into attending big media event like this.  The takeaway from the event was being able to truly appreciate everyone's participation in the event. Without that , I guess it would not be memorable for all the category winners nor the fellow participants.I really thank my friend for waking up so early to join me at the event.

 

Last but not least, I want to thank all my friends, blogger friends for supporting me throughout my this blogging journey for making it so enjoyable and fruitful.

 

Controversial Issue about Slim Couture and Xia Xue

With the interesting and controversial issue about Slim couture and Xia Xue, it makes me ponder on what is on the minds of management of Slim Couture. I seriously do not know how badly Xia Xue has commented on her posting.As by the time I read her blog, she has taken down that blog post that might cause her a legal suit with Slim Couture. Seriously, when bloggers are being engaged to write reviews for companies we are given the ability to express freely about what we felt throughout the review for either products or services.However, it does not mean that the bloggers would only say good things on their blogs for the reviews.

Here's a picture of Xia Xue where the cupping marks did not subside after a few hrs as per advised by the staff of Slim Couture.

Companies must also manage their expectations that there might be some bad reviews as that it is not everyone will like everything. If all good things are said about the products or services , readers might think is it true. Plus if after trying out themselves and they find that it is not up to the standard as per what the blogger has mentioned earlier on they will also feedback to others. Companies should also take this opportunity when bloggers are there to do reviews, it is also time for them to take note of what is needed to be change to further improve on the packaging of the product or training for staff for better service.

For me, I stand on xia xue and nuff nang's point of view that xia xue should be given the freedom to write how she felt about the treatment. Though the treatment might work for others, it did not work for xia xue and xia xue is being honest to reveal that. I think that it would actually manage some expectation of the consumers who might be visiting Slim Couture. No doubt that advertisement is supposed to be a positive light, consumers today will go out to check reviews first before going to the place. So be gracious about whatever bloggers comment when they do the review. I would always prefer to be given the freedom to write on how I feel about the treatment, product and service. I blogged true to my feelings as I do not see the need to bluff my readers.

Tips for companies to manage on their expectation of bloggers doing blog review
1. Manage the expectations that not every blogger will write only good things
2. Set boundaries for the blogger if you are like targeting a certain image for the company
3. Provide QR scan code or printed vouchers for bloggers so that they can sort of work as mystery shopper as they write the review and the staff will not be on their guard.

 

Review of S & N Spa @ 488 Changi Road

S &N Spa which is located at 488 Changi Road is situated at the junction where frankel avenue and behind the Trumps condo. S &N Spa has been around for about 4 years. The range of services that S & N Spa provide are body massage(thai , javanese, tuina), cupping therapy, jacuzzi massage, foot massage, foot spa and foot massage,jade back massage, ear candling and whitening body scrub. They are fully operated on 24 by 7 daily. Most importantly, they are case trust.

Here's the outlook of how S & N Spa look like now

S &N Spa offers a ladies' room , a man's room and couple's room. This is to better facilitate that the customers to enjoy the service. Within the couple's room , there is a jacuzzi pool. Within the man's room , there is a shower room. As for the ladies' room, it is just solely for the ladies.

Let's take a look at the ladies room

The men's room 

 The couple's room

After looking at the surrounding environment , I headed for my one hr massage. I was told that I will be trying out the tui na massage. As a usual personnel who goes to see chinese sinseh for tui na massage, my expectations are slightly higher since I could lay on the bed for tui na massage this time round. 

My overall experience with  S &N spa was average cos the time management of the therapist is not really good as she only focuses on 1hr for back massage and I never got to do the front. However, the massage did make me feel more alert and relaxed. The therapist's strength was good enough for me that I don't have to scream and shout like I usually do in the medical hall.  One thing I like was that there are no sales consultants doing hard selling as I stayed back a little to observe.

Currently, there is a promotion on going which is that when you get the 90 mins massage package you get to get an add on of either one of the following for free which is body scrub, ear candling, aroma oil, cupping therapy and gua sha. Further to that, after going for your massage you can head over to seng kee black chicken herbal soup as they are diagonally opposite S&N spa.

***Disclaimer "Though this is a sponsored review, I reserved the right to my own honest opinions. I do not believed in not being true to myself.

A night out at Alive Museum

Seriously, there are too many museums to visit nowadays as the government has allowed free concessions for locals . I have not been to a museum for a long long time. The last time I went was probably during my secondary school days.

Currently, there is so much hype about trick eye museum and alive museum.  I was wondering which one should I go first to....It so happened that I was given an opportunity to review Alive Museum as per invitation from omy and Alive Museum thus I am out to Alive Museum on a Thursday night.

Upon arriving at Suntec, I headed to the food court so that I could be linked to tower 3 & 4 via the foundation of wealth where Alive Museum is. As I was walking thru the linkway, I chanced upon the directions to Alive Museum.

Directions to Alive Museum via foundation of wealth~Guess this is huge enough for everyone not to miss it .

Upon arriving at the Alive Museum alone, I was suggested by the staff that they could get one of the staff to accompany me to tour around and take pictures. I actually took the tour of the place with the staff where she could explain to me how to better pose for the photos for the pictures in Alive Museum. There is also a baggage depository system at the counter where the staff would tag your bag with a tag.

Here's mine.

My favourite number

I began the tour with an famous art piece where most people would know. It's Mona Lisa which is animated version.

For art lovers, you might want to take this picture.

I have managed to get a model for one the photos. This lady is very kind to help me pose for the photo as I felt she look angelic while posing for that photo.Really thank her for posing for me and also the staff for helping me to ask

Up close look of the angel 

As for me, here's the range of the photos that I like.

I feel that I look so cute in this pic

 

I am flying with cartoon character

I feel like I am the modern yang gui fei

Overall , the tour of the museum was filled with tips by the staff on how to take better photos. There are pictures of Ames room which psychology students could go there to take to further understand concepts in cognitive psychology.  One tip is to go toilet before you enter into the museum as there are no toilets inside the museum. Further to that, it is best adviceable for ladies not to wear skirt and do wear dark colour cos u might want to lie down on the floor to take photos.

After walking the tour, one must be either tired or thirsty. Fret not, there is a current promotion that Alive Museum has tied up with Burger King which is just besides Alive Museum. All you have to do is to like Alive Museum on their Facebook page and get the free meal from Burger King with the purchase of a full price purchased ticket. Promotion ends on 30 Sept'14

Alive Museum SingaporeSuntec City Mall #03-372
(Between Towers 3 and 4)

Ticket Price:
$25 (Adults)
$20 (Children 3 - 12 years old)

Operating hours:
10am - 10pm daily
(Last admission at 9pm)