My sense of style has evolved dramatically over the years, and as I gradually approach my mid 30s, it is not uncommon to see me ditching cute lacy dresses in favour of a minimalist aesthetic that is not just age appropriate in comparison but also ranks higher in terms of versatility.

 

Why go minimalist?

The minimalist style is all about monochromatic shades of black, white, grey and neutrals, coupled with tailored cuts and modern silhouettes. More importantly, mixing and matching is a breeze and there are endless recipes for creating fresh new looks without having to constantly expand your wardrobe.

The minimalist style goes hand in hand with a minimalist wardrobe. So yes, there isn’t a need for a huge wardrobe to look presentable. Besides having more wardrobe space, I find that I am less restricted by fashion trends as this style is timeless. When you focus on quality instead of quantity, you will also get more mileage out of your wardrobe. Packing for trips, which used to be a time-consuming affair, now requires less time as my wardrobe is less cluttered and more organized.

How do I maintain a minimalist wardrobe?

In keeping with the minimalist style, whenever I come across something that I fancy these days, I’ll always ask myself these three questions:

“Will I still wear this 6 months or 1 year down the road?”

“Can I match this with at least 3-4 items in my wardrobe?”

“Can I rewear this a few times in a fortnight with different tops/bottoms/accessories without giving others the impression that I have no clothes to wear?”

These questions help me to stay focused when I shop and the likelihood of making an impulse buy is greatly diminished, much to the delight of my husband who is of the opinion that I already have more clothes than I would ever need in my lifetime.

Isn’t minimalism boring?

To be honest, this was exactly what I thought of minimalism when it first made headway in the world of fashion. How is it possible for anyone to look effortlessly chic by just putting together a few simple, basic wardrobe essentials? As cliche as this may sound, the beauty of minimalism lies in its simplicity. Simple does not equate to boring, and based on my personal experience, here are a few examples of how you can go about jazzing up the minimalist style.

1) Play with proportion

Think cropped tops paired with long skirts or culottes. You can choose to reveal just a sliver of skin to elongate your silhouette, or if you are feeling self-conscious after feasting during the festive season,  matching your cropped tops with high waist bottoms would do the trick just as well.

 It
is still possible to make a statement (without compromising on the
minimalist aesthetic) by adding a simple choker, a pair of reflective
sunglasses or edgy footwear to your outfit.

Not
a fan of accessorizing? Interesting silhouettes like an asymmetrical
hemline or off-shoulder/toga neckline will up your style quotient
instantly. I have worn this grey asymmetrical dress as a top paired with ripped jeans previously too. To amp up the glam factor, throw in a choker and put on some heels.

If
you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you might have found these
pictures familiar as these were the outfits that I packed for my recent
trip to Bangkok.For the record, I took about 20 minutes to pack everything that I needed for the 6-day trip! I guess it is not hard to see why I am such a fan of the minimalist style. What about you? Do you like this style too?

Food was the highlight of my recent trip to Bangkok. We literally spent every waking moment hunting down cafes, restaurants and local eateries in the Land of Smiles. If you follow me on my instagram and snapchat accounts (@reginachow_sg), you would know that aside from my personal style posts, they were filled with pictures of food!

For once, shopping took a backseat, something that I didn’t think was possible in the past. I probably already gave you a flavour (pun intended) of what and where to eat in Bangkok on your next trip but I wanted to share more details in this post so you’ll know what to expect and more importantly, how you can get to these locations as well.

  Audrey Cafe is one of the prettiest cafes in Bangkok that also offers an extensive range of authentic Thai and Thai-fusion fare. Popular items on the menu include Tom Yum Pizza and Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake (very soft and delicious!). I would also highly recommend the fluffy omelette with Thai sweet chilli sauce as the perfect accompaniment.

There are many branches in Bangkok, but do visit its first flagship stand-alone cafe in Thong Lor to truly bask in the beauty of its French country-inspired interior.

Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake

Address: 
136/3 Soi Thonglo 11, Vaddhana, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok
(Take BTS to Thong Lo, followed by a short walk)


Opening Hours: 
11am – 10pm 

Directions to get to Audrey Cafe

 

Other than Thong Lor, the Ekkamai area is home to several quaint cafes. One Ounce for Onion is an example of a lovely hole-in-the-wall café that serves coffee and light meals in Ekkamai.

Popsicle waffles is definitely the highlight of this café. The flavours blend together seamlessly and leave you wanting more with every bite.

Popsicle Waffles at One Ounce for Onion

 To get here, you can take the BTS to Ekkamai and catch a cab. If you enjoy walking in the heat, you can do so as well, but do note that the walk takes at least 15-20 minutes on average.

If you’re an early bird, you would also be happy to know that One Ounce for Onion opens at 9am, unlike most cafes which only open from 11am onwards.

Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction as you probably would have seen its Instagram-worthy signature dessert, Strawberry In the Clouds, circulating on the internet by now. How does it taste? I am happy to report that the strawberry cheese cake in the cup beneath the massive rainbow coloured candy floss is pretty satisfying.

But what struck me most when I stepped into this restaurant is how it instantly transports you to a land of magic and mystery. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in all of Bangkok and is the perfect location to spend a leisurely afternoon or for romantic dinner dates.

To get to Karmakamet Diner, take the BTS to Phrom Phong and head towards Emporium Suites hotel. You will see this signage right after the multi-storey carpark.

Look out for this signage after the multi-storey carpark

Address:
30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24 Bangkok (take BTS to Phrom Phong station)

10am – 1130pm 

Honey Shibuya Toast

After You is another popular café in Bangkok with several branches in major malls including Siam Paragon and Central World. Their Honey Shibuya Toast is the bomb. Crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, it is an absolute delight to sink your teeth into this delicious dessert.

If Shibuya Toast is not your cup of tea, try the Kakigori Strawberry Cheesecake. Essentially flavoured ice (think bingsu) with chunks of strawberry cheesecake hidden within, this is my preferred choice of dessert for beating the heat.

If you are staying in the Siam area, as with most Singaporeans, head to the Ground Floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Centre or the Ground Floor of Siam Square One (nearest BTS: Siam). There is also another branch at the 7th floor of Central World (nearest BTS: Chit Lom).

5. Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe

Carbonara pasta stole the show at Chu

Located at the Exchange Tower that is directly linked from Asoke BTS and diagonally across from Terminal 21 shopping mall, Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe is one of the more accessible cafes in Bangkok.

It serves up a wide range of brunch options including perennial favourites such as eggs benedict and french toast, but in my humble opinion, the carbonara pasta stole all the limelight. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, the pasta was cooked to al dante perfection in a light creamy sauce that was tasty yet not overwhelming on the palate. Two thumbs up!


Address:
2nd floor, Exchange Tower (Asoke Intersection) – linked to Asoke BTS


Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 730am – 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 9pm

 

6. Roast

Strawberry Honey Iced Tea & Cafe Latte

Roast is another popular brunch spot that is equally known for their coffee (try their iced coffee!) and Strawberry Honey Iced Tea.

Iced Coffee from Roast

Its main location at The Commons is currently under renovation, but you can still visit its branch at Emquartier, a luxury mall linked to Phrom Phong BTS station, which is even more accessible to the masses. You can expect snaking queues at this joint throughout the day.

Address:
First floor, The Helix, Emquartier (take BTS to Phrom Pheng)

Opening Hours:
10am – 10pm daily

 

Brace yourself for the long queue at the famous Sabx2 Wanton Mee stall. Located across Platinum Mall at Soi Petchburi 19, this simple yet addictive bowl of wanton mee is a must-eat for most Singaporeans (including myself) in Bangkok. In fact, downing two bowls per person seems to be the norm here. In my opinion, the secret ingredient lies in the generous serving of crispy pork lard which makes this dish out of this world.

If you prefer true-blue local food frequented largely by the Thais, Rod Dee Det is a good bet. This long-standing institution is known for their beef and pork ball noodles drenched in a peppery, flavourful broth that is bound to set your heart aflutter. Servings are small, so you can either have it as a snack or order two portions to make it a meal. Since it opens bright and early at 7.30am, you can even have a light breakfast here.

The shop is located directly across from TMB Bank. One thing to note about this shop is that its signage is entirely in Thai. To make it easier for you to locate the shop, here’s what it looks like:

Rod Dee Det

 

Address:
420 Siam Square Soi 7, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
7.30am – 8pm

9. Inter

Affordably priced authentic Thai food

Inter is an affordable option for authentic Thai food. It is very popular among locals and is usually packed during meal times. Typical Thai dishes such as Morning Glory with Sambal, Basil Chicken, Garlic Pork and the likes will not disappoint, but if you were to ask me to pick my favourites, the Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai would make the list as they are breathtakingly good.

Address:
432/1-2 Siam Square 9, Bangkok (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
11am – 930pm

10. Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

Me & my daily dose of Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

If you are a huge fan of Thai Iced Milk Tea, Number One Brand’s version is a must-try. It is suitably thick and has just the right hint of sweetness to give you that extra kick. There are several kiosks and stalls around Bangkok, usually accompanied by long queues. You can find the kiosks at several BTS stations and at the food courts of major malls. For your easy reference, I have also included a link with a full listing of its stalls below.

Address:
For the full list of stores, refer to the link below:
http://chathai.herokuapp.com/stores

*****
 
For live updates on where I am and what I’m up to, remember to follow me on my instagram (@reginachow_sg) and snapchat (reginachow_sg) accounts!

I peered out of the window where a vast expanse of mountainous landscape stretched out to the horizon. The view from the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (the world’s highest railway) alternates between snow-capped mountains and meandering lakes against the backdrop of the blazing sun and azure blue skies; a feast for the eyes if you are a nature lover. My eyes were glued to the breathtaking scenery and despite being at an altitude of 15,000 feet, all my worries about possible altitude sickness were cast into oblivion. There was just something extraordinary about this harsh and hostile environment that I found remarkably attractive.

The sun rays began streaming in in the most unforgivable manner at close to 9 a.m. Even in winter, at temperatures way below freezing point, the sun in Tibet is scorching. I remember forcing my eyes open as I wanted to soak in the beauty of what laid before me. At one point, there was an announcement that we were about to pass by Namtso Lake, the second largest salt lake in China and the highest salt lake in the world. I sat up in excitement, armed with my camera, and gasped in amazement when I set my eyes on the sparkling turquoise blue waters that seemed to span across eternity.

Namtso Lake, the highest salt lake in the world

Time came to a standstill before majestic mountain ranges came back into focus, and in the blink of an eye, three long but fruitful hours had passed. All this while, my husband was sound asleep as he was experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness on the train, since it reaches a highest point of over 16,000 feet above sea level. Barring that possibility and the 15-hour total travel time from Xining to Tibet (or even longer from other cities), I could still completely understand why the Qinghai-Tibet Railway remains highly popular among travelers to Tibet. Mother Nature definitely spent a little more time on the roof of the world, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway gives you unrivaled access to its raw, untainted beauty.

Northern Tibet

The train ride itself is also pretty comfortable if you are in the first class soft sleeper berth, which is frequently sold out in the peak season. The staff and fellow passengers are genuinely friendly and surprisingly polite especially if you speak Mandarin. Truth be told, I never felt more relieved to have a relatively decent command of the language. I had a long chat with a college girl traveling alone from Changsha all the way back to her hometown, Golmud, for the Chinese New Year festivities. She gave me a tip or two on places to visit in Tibet as we munched on some snacks before calling it a night. I don’t usually warm up to strangers quickly but in this situation, talking to her felt very comforting and was a much welcomed distraction from the fears of falling prey to altitude sickness.

Me in my soft sleeper berth

I have heard horror stories about the toilets on board but personally, I found the condition of the toilets rather acceptable. Although the train offers meals and the food selection isn’t too shabby, most passengers bring their own food and so did we. We stocked up on Japanese cup noodles (we were overjoyed that they came with slices of meat!), snacks and drinks for the journey. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and would highly recommend it over taking a plane.

You can take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from many cities, including Xining (where we boarded), Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Lanzhou. It is necessary to hire a guide for your adventures in Tibet and you can easily book the tickets through your appointed guide.

*****

For more information on battling altitude sickness in Tibet, read my previous post here:

Why is Tibet worth visiting? Read my latest post about Tibet below:Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

 Happy New Year! 

Being
away from home always makes me appreciate what I have back in Singapore. It makes me treasure family ties and friendship even more. Although I
am very much an introvert and am perfectly happy being alone (yes,
believe it or not, I can entertain myself without feeling bored most of
the time), it is comforting to return to warm hugs from friends and
family, as well as engage in free-flowing, no-holds-barred conversations
with these very same people whom I have known for decades. 

They
say familiarity breeds contempt, but if you delve deeper, the beauty of
familiarity lies in how it gives rise to close, intimate relationships
that are unfaltering and able to stand the test of time. I love how I
can be completely honest with close friends and family without having to
worry if anything I said has crossed the line, simply because there
aren’t any lines to begin with.

Needless to say, it gives me boundless joy to be able to bask in the company of my family and friends as we enjoy the new year festivities. It is also a relief to finally be able to head outdoors without all that extra weight on my shoulders (literally), having been bundled up in layers for many months in Nanjing thanks to winter. This lovely cut-out number hails from Forever New’s Kendall x Kylie Kardashian collection which was
released some months ago and is now completely sold out.I have been a fan of Australian label Forever New for many years now and would highly recommend them for work wear and evening wear. Their quality material, flawless workmanship and timeless designs never fail to impress. I was tempted
by more than just one design in this collection and I wish I had
followed my heart then

What about you?  What did you wear for Chinese New Year and what are some of your favourite labels? 

 Hope
you enjoyed the long new year weekend and here’s wishing everyone good
health, happiness and success in the year of the monkey! I am in the midst of packing for my next trip out of Singapore as you are reading this. I’m taking a short trip this time to the land of smiles and as it is, thinking about it is already making me smile from ear to ear.

 I’m finally back in Singapore and all I can say is, I really miss our little red dot. I appreciate how everything works here and how everywhere is readily accessible by public transport, not to mention the amazing food, cafes and just being in the company of loved ones. Even our warm weather perks me up in a way that I have never quite experienced before. 

So yes, it definitely feels great to be back.

As always, my key objective is to catch up with family and friends this Chinese New Year. Gown-shopping with one of my besties for her upcoming wedding ranks high in my priority too. Nonetheless, no matter how busy my schedule is, I will always make it a point to visit my hairstylist, Michelle, at ToliV Salon.

Michelle is a saviour where my crowning glory is concerned. When I came back to Singapore last November, my hair was in dire straits. Split ends, coarse texture and horrible grown-out roots.You get the drift. 

After a haircut and intensive treatment, Michelle nursed my hair back to life. I could go on waxing lyrical about her skills, but in this situation, pictures speak louder than words and this series of photos is testament to the magic she wields. 

I only had a quick colour touch-up and scalp treatment this time around, but my hair still feels silky smooth and looks incredibly shiny thanks to my last hair treatment. In all honesty, Michelle is a god-send and my heart brims with gratitude.

I’m not sure if you can still secure a slot with Michelle before the Chinese New Year festivities as she is always fully booked, but you can try your luck!

*****

ToliV Hair Salon

Address:

 

5 Purvis Street, #01-01

Singapore 

Tel:

6333 9223 

Website: 

http://www.toliv.com.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tolivboutique

Having received many queries from friends and readers on my recent trip, I will be sharing 6 tips on overcoming altitude sickness and acclimatizing in Tibet based on my personal experience in today’s post.

My
trip to Tibet was a spontaneous decision made less than a month ago. We
had a few days to spare before Singapore beckoned and winter seemed
like the perfect time to avoid the tourist crowds in the land of snows. At the back of my mind however, I was worried that JW and I would fall prey to altitude sickness at the roof of the world.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is common when you travel to altitudes of more than 8000 feet (2500m) due to lower oxygen levels. There are three types of altitude sickness, the mildest being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which causes headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) causes breathlessness due to the build up of fluids in your lungs, and may be accompanied by cough, fever and frothy spitum. HAPE can be fatal in a few hours, so do take extra care to descend to a lower altitude if you or your traveling companion experiences this.

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is like a more severe case of AMS, except that symptoms such as headache, nausea and the works progressively worsen and cause unsteadiness, confusion, drowsiness and ultimately, coma. Again, it is important to descend immediately as HACE will also kill you in a few hours.

Who is more susceptible to Altitude Sickness?

Unfortunately, no one is able to tell who is more susceptible to altitude sickness, but the good news is, you can take preventive measures to alleviate symptoms as and when they arise:

1. When you go to Tibet makes a difference

Winter may not be the best time to head to Tibet, but it is remarkably beautiful even at this time of the year.

Winter is probably the worst time to head to Tibet as altitude sickness worsens during this time of the year due to the lack of vegetation and thus oxygen. I think we took a risk by going there in winter, but taking medication before the trip definitely helped (read on to find out more).

Spring and summer are apparently ideal seasons for travel in Tibet but do take note that you would also have to deal with the tourist crowds due to peak season.

2.  How you get to Tibet matters

 

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (credit: Wikipedia)

If you fly straight into Tibet, the possibility of getting serious altitude sickness is much higher as a result of the sudden change in altitude.

On the contrary, taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway would lower the risk or at least lessen the extent of altitude sickness. That said, the train does climb to very high altitudes (up to 15000 feet) between Golmud and Lhasa, which is not ideal for acclimatization. To give you a better comparison, Lhasa is only 11975 feet (3650m).

Based on reviews on TripAdvisor, it appears rather common for travellers to suffer from nausea and vomiting on the train.

For the reasons above, it is generally advisable to acclimatise in a lower highland (about 8000 feet) for 1-2 days before heading to Tibet. You can fly into Xining (7464 feet), capital of Qinghai and tour for 1-2 days before continuing your journey to Lhasa by train.

 

3. Take altitude sickness medication before your trip

Due to time constraints, JW and I couldn’t afford to spend extra time in Xining. We flew to Xining in the day and boarded the train to Lhasa in the evening on the very same day. I think luck was on our side as I only experienced very mild light-headedness while JW had fatigue.

I believe we could have had it worse if not for the medication that we had been taking prior to our trip.

Here are 3 types of altitude sickness medication that you can consider:

i) Hong Jing Tian

 

Hong Jing Tian, 红景天

This popular Tibetan herb helps your body to adapt to high altitudes. Personally, I would highly recommend this herb for its effectiveness and lack of side effects. We took this continuously 2 weeks before the trip and throughout the entire duration of our trip. During the trip, we experienced very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

We bought this in China, but if you are heading over from Singapore, you can purchase this from the Chinese emporium at People’s Park.

 ii) Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox is the most commonly prescribed western medication for altitude sickness. If you are based in Singapore, you can only purchase this from pharmacies located in hospitals (I got mine from Guardian pharmacy at Gleneagles Hospital), but before you head down, be sure to first obtain a prescription from your GP.

What I didn’t like about this medication was the side effects. I took Diamox the day before I flew to Xining and I experienced numbness and tingling sensations on my hands, feet and even face, as well as increased urination. I decided to stop Diamox immediately and reverted to Hong Jing Tian, which served me well.

iii) Dexamethasone 

I didn’t take this medication at all and I am no doctor, but based on my understanding, this should only be taken when you experience severe altitude sickness such as HACE. For such cases, Dexamethasone and Diamox might even be taken together.

 

4. Take it slow in Tibet

Walk slowly and have ample rest throughout your trip. The air is much thinner and you might have difficulties breathing, especially when sleeping.

If you can, try to regulate your breathing by slowing it down with longer inhalations and exhalations. I found this particularly helpful whenever my breathing went out of whack.

 

5. Stay at a better hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, Tibet

Since the majority of travellers experience altitude sickness, it makes sense to put up at a comfortable accommodation with an in-house clinic and oxygen bar. I’m talking about the Shangri-La Hotel, the only hotel in Lhasa currently that has an oxygen bar.

The hotel has an excellent heating system which is perfect for winter travel, amazing beds and sumptuous western buffet breakfast so you can start your day on the right foot.

6. Eat Carbohydrates, Drink Water & Avoid Alcohol

Resting and eating well are of paramount importance when it comes to battling altitude sickness. As a lot of walking is required and more energy is lost due to breathing difficulties, it is advisable to stick to a diet that is made up of 80% carbohydrates. It is also important to drink more water than usual, and to avoid alcohol which only dehydrates your body further.
I followed this routine strictly while I was in Tibet and found that it worked for me.

Butter Tea – Made of yak butter, black tea, water and salt

According to the Tibetans, butter tea (made using yak butter, black tea, water and salt) gives you energy and helps with acclimatisation too. We tried this courtesy of our guide and it really tastes just like liquid butter.

*****

I wish I could tell you that by doing all of the above, you would be completely unaffected by altitude sickness in Tibet.

The truth is, altitude sickness affects each individual differently, and even the fittest person may not be able to escape unscathed. That said, by taking good care of your health and ensuring that you take the necessary preventive measures for acclimatisation as shared above, I believe you’ll be more likely to wing it and make it through!

I hope you found this post useful. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

For first dibs on my Tibet trip and other upcoming adventures, follow me on my social media platforms below:

Facebook

Instagram 
Have a great week ahead!

*****

Read more about my adventures in Tibet below:

Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa 

 

 When it comes to food in Copenhagen, I have to admit that traditional Danish delicacies such as herring can be an acquired taste, but the street food and pastries are definitely among the best in their league.

Aside from the famous 2-Michelin star restaurant Noma (impossible to get a reservation unless you book early), here are 3 interesting places for good food and pastries that I would personally recommend.

Papiroen Street Food (Paper Island) 

Indulge
in street food, people watch and soak up the sun outdoors with a group
of friends at Papiroen (Paper Island) along Copenhagen Harbour.Why is it called Paper Island? The building once served as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press, but the raw halls have since been transformed into a place where colourful trucks and vans serve up a dazzling array of street food from all over the world. These street food vendors are temporary occupants whose lease will be up in end 2017, so do visit Paper Island while you still can!

http://copenhagenstreetfood.dk/en/ 

Cinnamon Buns at St Peders Cafe (Sankt Peders Bageri)

I have never been a fan of pastries, but St Peders Cafe changed my mind for good. Cinnamon rolls are the highlight of Copenhagen’s oldest bakery (founded in 1652) and you instantly know why when you sink your teeth into its fluffy goodness.

 Words fail to describe how incredible it is to have a piping hot crispy cinnamon bun on a cold morning.

 Their cinnamon rolls are also known as Wednesdays snails, with over 4000 of them flying off the shelves every Wednesday!Address:
Sankt Peders Stræde 29
1453 København K

Contact No.:
+45 3311 1129
 

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe is a popular spot in town (even Oprah has visited this cafe!) known for its reinterpretation of the Smorrebord, an all-time Danish staple. Smorrebord is essentially an open-faced sandwich, typically with rye bread as a base and loaded with toppings like herring and the works.

Bite-sized Smorrebord, also known as Smushi

Royal Smushi created its own version of beautifully crafted bite-sized Smorrebord, lovingly termed Smushi. You can pop a few of these delectable goodies into your mouth and try all the different flavours without feeling overstuffed. I love the guilt-free experience. Oh, and did I mention that the cafe itself is just as captivating? It is hard not to fall in love with the whimsical decor and those Arne Jacobsen Ant chairs!

Address:
Amagertorv 6,
1160 Copenhagen

Contact No.:

If you’re interested in reading more about my adventures in Copenhagen, click here for my previous post on Travel: 5 Sightseeing Spots in Copenhagen.

Have a great weekend ahead! I’ll be heading to Tibet tomorrow, and keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that I wouldn’t be hit by altitude sickness. Please keep me in your prayers ok?

 Japanese skincare and hair care products never fail to fascinate me. The Japanese always aim to impress with exquisite packaging, unforgettable scents and quality ingredients. ErucA is yet another Japanese hair care brand that caught my eye recently. It was love at first sight, and judging from its beautiful packaging, it is not hard to see why.

ErucA Hair Care

Physical appearance aside, ErucA is keenly aware that beauty is more than skin deep. Beyond its intricate packaging, it is sulfate-free and uses only natural ingredients harnessed from 12 types of seed oils to add brilliant shine, volume and glossiness to your hair in the healthiest way possible.

Its star ingredient, broccoli seed oil, is widely referred to as ‘natural silicon’ as it imparts shine to your hair without the harmful effects of chemical silicon, which unfortunately is still being used in many hair care products today. Other key ingredients include seed oils from cowberry, bilberry and milk thistle, as well as rich botanically-sourced organic oils such as argan, virgin prune and marula oil to thoroughly cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate our tired tresses.

There are three different product ranges to choose from depending on your hair and scalp condition. All you have to do is use the right amount of shampoo for your hair length (short hair –  about the size of a 10 cents coin, average hair length – about the size of a 50 cents coin, hair past shoulders – about the size of two 20 cents coins), lather, rinse and apply conditioner for beautiful, luscious hair!

Scalp & Volume

ErucA’s Scalp & Volume range is ideal for those of you with common scalp issues and fine hair. Personally, I use this range after sports (e.g. yoga classes) to lift the dirt and perspiration from my scalp and to prevent itchiness and dandruff. Broccoli seed oil, cowberry seed oil and bilberry seed oil help to revive and restore balance while hyaluronic acid repairs and hydrates the skin on your scalp.

ErucA Scalp & Volume Mask

My head is lighter and my scalp feels much cleaner whenever I use the shampoo, conditioner and mask in this range. Unlike many scalp care products which tend to dry out your hair, ErucA leaves you with silky smooth, voluminous hair after every wash.

I also adore its sweet floral fragrance, a refreshing departure from the typical minty scents that define scalp care products.

3D Volume Up

3D Volume Up Range

For an extra boost in volume, I would recommend spraying a suitable amount of ErucA’s Volume Up Foam on to your hand and running it evenly through your dry hair from the roots to the tips for an airy, voluminous finish.

ErucA’s Moist & Repair range is my favourite out of the three as my hair is very dry from the harsh winter conditions in China and requires utmost hydration to keep split ends at bay.

It lathers and cleanses well, again without stripping the natural oil from your hair. It also restores the water and oil balance in both your scalp and hair. More importantly, I know that I am in safe hands as harmful chemicals that have adverse effects on damaged hair such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, mineral oil, alcohol and artificial colouring are omitted.

I have been nourishing my tresses with the Moist & Repair shampoo and conditioner daily and I find that my hair is less frizzy, more manageable and definitely smoother, thanks to the luxurious concoction of argan oil, virgin prune oil and marula oil. I would also use the Scalp & Volume mask once or twice a week to ensure that my scalp is in tip top condition.

To illustrate my point, I deliberately tried the products on just one side of my hair. Can you spot the difference between the texture and shine on both sides? The contrast is so stark that I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Did I also mention that it smells heavenly? My hubby hardly notices any changes in my routine but this time, he picked up the musky, sensual scent instantly.

If you too would like to go natural with ErucA hair products, you can find them at Guardian and Tokyu Hands branches nationwide. You can also purchase them online at Maimee’s Corner (www.maimeescorner.com). Retail prices range from S$18.90 – S$22.90.

For a limited time only, you can also click here to redeem free ErucA samples from Samplestore.com!

To stand a chance to win ErucA products, ‘Like’ ErucA on Facebook here to participate in their upcoming CNY contest and ongoing weekly contests!

*****

ErucA 

 Website

 www.eruca.sg

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/erucasingapore/

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Open Concept Reception

Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.

Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room

Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.

Shanghai Tang bath toiletries

Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast

For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant

Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa

Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

This “love” has been surrounding my waist for many months, given my hectic schedule with no time to exercise and a lot of stress-fuelled late night binging. With more yet to come in the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, I am sure that many of you are experiencing the same despair as me. 

Hence, I was really excited when I learnt of Liposonix treatment, introduced by Dr Gabriel Wong at SL Clinic.

Dr Gabriel Wong

Here’s Dr Gabriel who put me at ease instantly and made the entire consultation and treatment process less nerve-wrecking for me!  

What is Liposonix?

Liposonix is a fat reduction treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound technology to permanently target and destroy the stubborn fat. Yes – it targets the stubborn fat areas beneath the skin! This means that the skin is not harmed at all, as only the fat tissue beneath the skin is permanently destroyed. It can be used on areas such as the abdomen, thighs and back.

Liposonix
treatment has 10 years of research and testing behind its development.
It has a well-defined safety profile during and after treatment with
very good patient satisfaction, and it has been available in Europe,
Japan and Canada for several years. It was available in the US starting
in January 2012.

Is it the same as Liposuction? (i.e. sucking fat out of the body)

No, not at all! Liposonix treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, with little to no downtime. What it does is it uses advanced ultrasound energy (the same energy source as diagnostic ultrasound) to very precisely target specific areas with high energy to destroy fat cells, where there is at least 1.0 cm of subcutaneous adipose tissue beyond the selected focal depth setting of the system. 

It can help you lose one dress or pant size without surgery, but if you are looking for crazy huge reductions associated with surgical liposuction, then please do have a consultation with the doctor to talk about your specific situation. However, the great news is that it does not have the uneven or lumpy results that you see from Liposuction, nor saggy skin.  It is also customizable to address specific problem areas. 

Why SL Clinic?

Dr Gabriel was
very professional, yet really sweet and gentlemanly.  His
easy-going demeanor makes it a breeze to share your concerns without
feeling shy or insecure and he dispenses sincere, genuine advice. I
would highly encourage everyone to give him a call for consultation.
After all, having treated many patients with Liposonix, Dr Gabriel knows
what is best for you. You can also rest assured that the cost for Liposonix at SL Clinic is the lowest per treatment area.
 

What is my main area of concern?

My main area of concern was my abdomen and you can see the problem areas here (*sob*):

Problem area – Abdomen

Dr Gabriel explained that he would put the head of the Liposonix device on the area to be treated – which would be the black dots that he meticulously measured out to ensure the entire abdomen was covered. 

Problem area – Abdomen (side view)

After meticulously applying the treatment to every one of my problem areas, I finished my first session! There was a slight tingle for certain dots, but Dr Gabriel assured that this was common for all patients as the treatment did its work, and there would be mild pain or discomfort and bruising for a few weeks. Fortunately for me, I did not experience any redness or swelling. Most importantly, this meant that the stubborn fats have been destroyed! Yay!

At the end of the session, the questions on everyone’s mind is definitely: 

How long will it take before I see results?

The good news is, most people see maximum results in 8 to 12 weeks, as this is the time it takes for the body to naturally remove the fat cells that were destroyed during treatment. 

  
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]

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About the writer Isabelle:

An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 

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