[Review] su:m37˚ Secret Essence

Now that I am in my late thirties, I started to make more effort to look after my badly neglected skin. I did not like anything to be on my face, especially sunblock. Sometimes, I could have cleansed my face, put on toner but forgot about the moisturizer. Uneven and dull skin tone, open pores, dark eye rings, fine lines on the eye bags, oily skin by mid-noon, rough skin texture, you name it, I have it.

When it comes to skincare, I prefer products that contain natural ingredients, it does not even matter if it does not have any fragrance. I want it as natural as it is. I was nominated by Karen to join Su:m37˚ campaign - Sum Society  - #Whatsyoursecret

I was glad to be chosen and be one of the ambassadors for this campaign. Introduced to me was Su:m37˚ Secret Essence, one of the luxurious high end product from Korea, well known for it's anti-ageing benefits and the secret to flawless, beautiful skin! I told myself to be more diligent as I aged, there are no ugly women in the world but lazy ones! Hence, I shall not be lazy anymore!

Su:m37˚- What do you know about this name? The word su:m (pronounced as 'soom') in su:m37˚ means 'breathe' in Korean and 37 refers to the optimal temperature for fermentation as well as the normal temperature of a human body. 

The patented ingredient, Cytosis, which is fundamental in helping to re-build the foundation of good skin and further strenthening it against external stressors and pollution. It is made from the fermentation of 86 different kinds of local plant varieties, fermented and aged individually in cedar barrels for 365 days and then re-fermented again with Ferulic acid (which provides antioxidant benefits to skin and also help defend skin against environmental assult) to activate the star ingredient, Cytosis. The fermentation process breaks down the raw materials into smaller molecules so as to allow the active ingredients to be absorbed into our tired and exhausted skin, thus energizing and giving the skin a brighter, clearer tone. 

Su:m37˚ Secret Essence comes in a heavy frosted glass bottle, the red jewel golden cap gave the bottle an elegant, classy look altogether. Unscrew the cap, you will see a controlled dropper dispenser which is good to prevent overpouring of the secret essence, thus minimizing product wastage. Initially, I did have some difficulty dripping out. The vicosity of the essence was thicker than water yet lightweight enough to get absorbed by the skin easily. 

The liquid has a mild and distinct citrus fragrance which was pretty soothing and not over-whelming. The scent was gone after the essence on the face has dried up. I would usually apply after my shower, toner first then, patted around 4 -5 drops of Su:m37˚ Secret Essence all over my face and the liquid absorbed fast into my skin. It does not leave a sticky residue and I could still add on my moisturizer and sunblock thereafter. 

I have combination skin type, oily on the t-zone as well as I would not say that I could see a drastic improvement on my skin texture immediately after the first application. But I could feel that I woke up with a less oily t-zone, cheeks are more moisturized and supple. I could put on my cc cream easier, I would guess that this only can happen when the skin texture has improved and even out. 

If you are new to Su:m37˚ products and would wish too try out, Su:m37˚ Secret Essence is an entry level product to start off with on top of the rest of your skin care regime. Feel the difference on your skin! I am for sure looking forward to a more silky and radiant skin texture! But of course at the mean time, our cells in our body needs edaquate hydration as well. I am making sure to remind myself to drink up more and get hydrated. 

I have used SK-II as well as Sulwhasoo products, Su:m37˚ price tag is made more pocket friendly yet functions as well as its peers. Per bottle is retailing at S$108 (80ml) and Su:m37˚ Secret Essence is available at all Su:m37˚ counters in Tangs at Tang Plaza, VivoCity and Isetan Tampines.

Visit the website: https://www.sum37.com.sg/ for more information!

I will share more with you on the tips on using Su:m37˚ Secret Essence in my next post! So stay tune!

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on : 
                                               Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Rare is Lovable 2019 [iROO x RDSS]

Taiwanese Fashion Label iROO International Pte Ltd marks the Launch of its 5th and latest boutique at Jewel Changi Airport! In conjunction with the launch, iROO will also be embarking on its second fundraising campaign with Rare Disorders Society Singapore (RDSS) as part of their ongoing efforts to raise funds and awareness on the journey of families with young children suffering from rare disorders. I am honoured to be part of the campaign, helping to shout out for the second year!

The theme of 2019’s campaign, “Rare is Lovable” will kick off with a viral video of the same name with the hashtag #RareisLovable2019. With the video, members of RDSS hope to destigmatize the public’s perception towards rare disorders and for it to serve as a talking point to encourage dialogue between members of the public and RDSS families.



As part of these efforts, iROO has launched a special limited-edition leopard print tote bag inspired by the rare Snow Leopard from their leopard print collection. Love the big, roomy tote! I usually do not carry any bags with prints but I think this monochrome design made it classic and easy to match with outfits! And there is also a mini tote bag available too!

Photo by: Vera

It can even fit a laptop and have excess room for other daily neccesities when I have my Me-time to go for a workout every Friday! This is only a flatlay photo, it can put it more stuff than what you see here!

How can we women have enough of bags, especially one that supports a cause! The tote bag is retailing at $38.80 and it makes a great gift for yourself, girlfriends and you can get it also for your mum, this coming Mother's Day! Grab it before it is gone!

This tote bag will be made available at all iROO boutiques island wide (Great World City, VivoCity, Takashimaya S.C Ngee Ann City, Raffles City Shopping Centre & Jewel Changi Airport). All net proceeds will go towards RDSS to raise funds for their beneficiaries.

#RareisLovable2019 #iROORDSS #RDSS  #iROOofficial

If you have missed the first campaign in 2018, read more about it at the link below:
iROO x RDSS KnowMe2018

Other iROO's related posts:
iROO's 7th Anniversary 
iROO [Review]

For more updates on iROO, do visit their social media website:
                                                                          iROO  

Facebook | Website | Instagram

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on :

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Peanut Roots Soup [花生根汤]

Peanut Roots Soup - I asked on my Instagram stories, 40% replied that they cooked before while 60% were clueless about what Peanut Roots can do.

Infact, there is no scientific facts that Peanut Roots Soup can help to make a child grow taller.  But if you do ask the older generation, this soup will be the most common answer.

Less than $1.50, Don bought this from Sheng Shiong. I was taught by Xav's classmate's daddy to trim of the upper part of the stem, leaving an inch or two to the roots. Remove the leaves as it can be bitter but I read somewhere that the leaves help to promote better sleep.

Washing off the soil can be a little tedious, I lost count the number of times I rinsed the roots and used a toothbrush to brush off the soil. Combining with the rest of the ingredients like red dates, honey dates, wolfberries, dried figs and big bone, I put them all into the pressure cooker. Be sure to blanch the ribs first and remove the scum before adding it into the pot. If you are not boiling using pressure cooker, bring to boil and simmer on low heat for two hours.

Xav said that the soup tasted like the normal soups I cooked. But I find that it has the roasted nut taste and coupled with the sweetness from the dates, this soup tasted pretty nice. I cooked some noodles and added some beef slices and made it a meal for him.

Some friends asked if this soup is heaty, honestly I have no idea. My take is, if you are concern about the soup being heaty, reduce the amount of red dates and wolfberries or just omit them. Otherwise, I still believe in taking everything in moderation.

And I would advise not to feed to young kids 2 yo and below just to be cautious for any allergy reaction to peanuts.  Happy boiling this cheap yet nutritious soup and do monitor if your kids do have a significant increase in their height and let me know!

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram !

#JPSinHK Food Diary [香港出游记 2019 ]

My annual break from mom duties was pretty much earlier for this year and to think we all made a mistake, unaware that MOE calender actually starts a week later and this trip totally clashed with Xavier's CA1. I tried my best to go through whatever I could with him before I departed and the rest which I could not finish, was up to him. Infact, this is something I wanted him to try and that is to self study without having me around. If you asked me any mom guilt during the trip, I would say no.  

This year, it was Jenn, PC and me, I think it is very important to plan for a trip with like-minded friends. Last year, we discussed and decided to make Hong Kong our destination, a hiking trip it shall be since we do not really shop much and on International Women's Day, we flew! 

This trip, we were blessed to have two of PC's friends with us, here I share a summary of the trip! 

If you are looking for desserts apart from the well known Hui Lau Shan, we went to Sheung Tong [嚐糖] around the vicinity of Mong Kok. I would not say this was fantastically nice but I thought it was not too bad! 

This menu with the health benefits stated caught my eye! 

Pretty interesting to find a variety of beans in it and sweetness level was just nice.

足料咋喳

Note the closure timing for their break.

Address: 

Sheung Tong Dessert Shop

Shop 3, Kwong Fai Building, 13 Kwong Wah Street, Mong Kok 

旺角廣華街13號廣輝大廈3號舖 Hong Kong

In the land of Dim Sum, I would not want to return to Singapore with regrets without having to eat any at all even though this was not meant to be a makan trip. We managed to check out three tradtional old-school type of dim-sum with the staff pushing the dim sum trolley from table to table. 

This restaurant is in Tsuen Wan just a few minutes walk away from our hotel- Panda Hotel.  Nestled in the neighbourhood, in Hoi Lin Restaurant [海蓮茶楼] was mostly a scene of the locals enjoying their dim sum over tea and newspaper. 

Address:

Hoi Lin Restaurant [海蓮茶楼]

G/F, Fuk Loi Estate, 

Wing Ka House, 15-16 Hoi Pa Street,

Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

I was googling and wanted to visit Duan Kee since it was not far from our hotel. I like traditional dim sum and that was why! Second day, we planned to hike at Tai Mo Shan and our Hong Kong friend brought us to Choi Lung Restaurant, a renowned restaurant in the neighbourhood!

You can choose to go to the upper floor and enjoy the dim sum with a view but the lower floor was not too bad too! We sat in the open and really enjoyed the food and cooling weather.

Expect no service here, from selecting the type of tea leaves, filling up the tea pot, to getting the dim sum you want, self service please.

And are the must order? You have to give their very fresh blanched watercress 西洋菜 a try! It came with blended fermented beancurd sauce, trust me it was really good when we dipped the vegetables to go along with the sauce. I read that their beancurd was a must try as well , made using spring water. now, why did I not read it earlier?! I did not managed to try that, this made it legit to revisit the next trip!

Do try 咸水角 and 蚬蚧鲮鱼球 that came with lala dipping sauce, pretty special I felt! 

Incase if you are asking for this dish, in Cantonese, it is "Heem Gai Leng Yu Kou".

蚬蚧鲮鱼球 

It was delish! the bite was filled with firm fish paste and not starchy.

This is rarely seen in most dim sum shops, black sesame roll. Good to try if you are a black sesame lover!

芝麻卷

Address:
2 Chuen Lung Estate, Route Twisk 
Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
荃灣荃錦公路川龍村2號

Opening hours: 6am - 3pm 

In the vicinity of Central, is where Hongkong's iconic traditional dim sum - Lin Heung Tea House 莲香楼 was. Hearsay that this restaurant would ceased operation in end February but it was still operating when we visited. To be honest, nothing much to rave about the quality of food.

You have to be fast to get yourself seated and table sharing is a norm. Most of the patrons were made up of the older generation chit-chatting over tea, reading papers or analyzing horse-betting books.

Should you visit the tea house, upon seated,get your order chit ready, catch hold of the passing trolleys, choose what you want and get your card chopped. Popular dim sum like Har Kow is usually gone fast, so be kiasu abit and walk to the trolley instead of waiting for it to come by your table.

This dim sum below is similar to our Lor Mai Kai, the only dish I felt that it was really nice, the rest were below what I expected. This restaurant sells delicious walnut biscuits too. Get a few packs back would make great souvenirs!

Address: 
Lin Heung Tea House 蓮香樓
162 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan MTR Exit E2)
Tel: +852 25444556 (Queue up very early)
Opening Hours: 6am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Last but not least, the fourth and the last dim sum restaurant we visited was Tao Heung Dim Sum. This name has plenty of branches and we managed to find one in Tsuen Wan by chance and we were told that all dim sum will be on 50% discount before 12pm. You bet that the restaurant was pretty full in the early morning with the locals. Found the dish we had at Choi Lung restaurant but we still gave our vote to the former! Nevertheless, this made PC happy! Click here to see the list of outlets in Hong Kong.

And of course, not forgetting the one everyone would be having under the must-eat when you mention about Hong Kong trip- Australian Diary Co, a traditional Cha Chaan Teng in Jordan. Pretty lucky for us, there was no queue and yes, pretty nice staff we offered a stool for my big bag. We shared a meal between us to prevent over-eating and satisfied!

Yee Shun Milk Company's steamed ginger milk pudding is a must for me whenever I made the visit. Eat it either hot or chilled, both tasted equally nice. I managed to step into one of the cafes while looking for Don's shoes along Nathan Road.

I am all satisfied !! Linking up with my Hong Kong trip 2016 for more makan hunts! Hope you have enjoyed reading thus far! Drop me a comment if you have any nice recommendations to share!

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram !

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post, I am most happy to share my travel experience to all and hope it has been helpful with certain information. 

[Book Review] The Great Singapore Poo Sale and Other Beastly Business

We were invited to attend the launch of The Great Singapore Poo Sale and Other Beastly Business (Second Edition), at Woods In The Books, a pleasant, little bookshop nestled in the neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru. This bookshop carries beautiful picture books as well as books for the young. 

This is the second edition of Epigram children's books written by our local author, Maureen Yeo and the illustrations were beautifully illustrated by Gracie Chai , with the first edition sold out within half a year! 

This beautiful book tells us about our very local animals under threat and Alpha Macaque, together with his troop decided to plan and embark on an adventure to rewrite the Constitution. The book advocates on conservation and personally, I think this is a suitable read for Primary 3 onwards (for independant readers) as well as for adults, who wish to to have a short read. This endearing story teaches both children and adults to be more compassionate towards animals and nature!

As for children younger than 9yo, parents can read to them as a bonding activity, introduce new vocabulary to help their vocabulary bank grows as Maureen had added adjectives to bring live to the animals and at the same time children learns certain animal behavioural too! 

It may seemed wordy for the young readers but wait, flip open the front and back of the book, printed on them were beautiful illustration of 35 land and sea animals and through out all the 5 chapters!

I loved the illustration of the Slow Loris most! It would be nice to have them printed on merchadise like tote bags, folders or even pencil cases!

You can get artistic with your child at home, following the beautiful drawing, pull out the drawing papers anytime and doodle!

During after the story-telling session, the children were seated around the table, armed with papers and pencils and doodled away as Gracie gave a live, step-by-step demostration on how to draw a really adorable boar!

When the nose of the wild boar got a little longer, it could actually looked like a baby elephant!

Review by Xavier:
The Great Singapore Poo Sale and Other Beastly Business is a book about some animals trying to protect their homes from being destroyed by us, human beings. The animals used their wits and creatively came up with various and funny methods. Will their efforts to save the forest be in vain? Go, buy this book and find out the ending! I really love this book as the events in this book are really surprising and hilarious, illustrations in this book clearly describes what is happening in the story and are really adorable! 

You can purchase a copy of The Greatg Singapore Poo Sale and Other Beastly Business at the following: 

Kinokuniya

Popular and other major bookstores

Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop (within URA Building)

Online: www.shop.epigrambooks.sg

If you would like a signed copy with a personalised message,  go ahead and drop Maureen a PM on Instagram!

From the left: Me, Maureen, Gracie 

About the Author 
Maureen Yeo teaches English, Literature and life skills by introducing her young children to Roald Dahl's great principle: "A little nonsense now and then is realished by the wisest men". When not working, she seeks out adventures at home and abroad, especially wildlife encounters. Some of these adventures have been documented as travel articles for Today newspaper.

About the Illustrator
Gracie Chai is a self-taught illustrator and artist who has dabbled in textile fabrication and clothes making. She has sold her handmade dresses and accessories in various parts of the world and had her works featured in international and local publications. Her attention has now returned to illustrating - her first artistic passion.

If you have enjoyed reading my posts, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram !