a little cooler today...

The past few days have been 'summer' in Singapore...the temperatures have been around 34° with humidity hitting 89% !

This kind of weather is absolutely draining!  Imagine breathing in and no 'fresh' air getting into your lungs.  Don't get me wrong, here in Singapore we don't have pollution so it's not like Beijing, Hong Kong or Shanghai but it's the humidity which is absolutely stifling :-(

Not very pleasant really...I can't think why we put up with it?

not my pic...I most certainly did not get up at 4am
with my camera !
Google images...saves the day !

Anyway, this morning at around 4am I was woke by the sound of a thunder storm :-)  Yes, a smile even for the 4am wake up call!  Now, I love my sleep as much as the next girly but this current weather has really needed the storm and today, as expected, the weather is pleasantly cooler.

So, yes, I did wake too early was extremely tired and to add to the mix had a tooth ache this Wednesday morning!  Can the day improve?  It most certainly did...

After taking the boys to school I returned to walk with Mr Dog ;-)  We took a lovely walk into the Gardens by the Bay ('almost' as far as the Marina Barrage).  With the weather pretty cool, the rain 'drizzeling' and the gardens looking positively tropically green, my morning became fab :-)  a Buddleja bush alive with butterflies made me smile too :-)

Back home, showered and smiling, I set to with paper 3 of my PA course, got that finished (now awaiting results) and started a little research for an exciting on line project.

It's nice to have the weather a little cooler, have a little more energy which the humidity has been draining away and finally 'breath' again :-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Sentosa stay-cation...part 1

This month I will 'kind of' celebrate my Birthday...I say 'kind of' because, to be honest, Birthdays after my 30th have become somewhat nasty experiences!  I hated being 30 and am actually very 'forgetfull' about how old I actually am ;-)

Mr Man, who is quite often away on business, is actually away for my Birthday 'day' so I managed to make him feel v.guilty and made a list of 'possible' gifts ;-)

On the list, I included a weekend away (just me and Mr Man)...which would be time off for good behaviour as a Mum and much needed alone time for me and Mr Man ;-)

http://www.thesentosa.com/



We booked into The Sentosa (a Beaufort Hotel) using Hotels.com.  Just one thing to bear in mind...if you are driving over and have a reservation on Sentosa then you can show the confirmation email and the $6 entrance fee at the Sentosa Gateway is wavered.  I didn't realise this until too late :-(

I arrived at check in time on Friday, 3pm, and Mr Man due to finish work later that afternoon.  After unpacking and smiling my way around the 'Junior Suite' :-) I opened the doors leading to our terrace/garden...  Perfectly quiet and calm, just me 'n' my book ('n' a tiny bit of iPad) and the birds singing in the trees...oh, and the occasional peacock cry.

Peacock welcome @ The Sentosa

The Hotel was very quiet on Friday evening.  We had aperitifs at the The Pavilion...

After sunset we headed over to The Cliff restaurant but found this 'way' too expensive...quite obviously the price includes the amazing view but still we weren't 'that' hungry!  So instead we ate at the hotel's main restaurant The Terrace...very nice menu, service ok but so quiet the place lacked atmosphere.

Saturday, we decided to sample the 'expensive' buffet breakfast at the hotel.  Fruit, muesli, fresh juice, patisseries, Asian and American style breakfasts.  Very nice but 'way' over priced.  The service wasn't fabulous and we were not allowed to sit on the tables over looking the pool as this 'section' was 'closed'!  We didn't do breakfast there on the Sunday preferring to make the extra distance to Starbucks and sit where we pleased ;-)

So, at The Sentosa breakfast we finished our coffee and paid S$80 for the 2 of us...I know, I almost fell off my chair!...we took the wooden stairs from the pool area down to the beach.

Ah, what a perfect view...certainly made me smile :-)  I couldn't resist whipping off my sandals and paddling in the South China Sea ;-) perfect start to the day.  We walked over the suspension bridge to the 'tiny' island and again marvelled at the spectacular views...quite a rarity but we had blue sky for most of the day.

Saturday continued perfectly, including Champagne on our private terrace, Hard Rock Café and a peek into the Casino @ Resorts World...but I shall make that 'Sentosa stay-cation part 2' ! 'cos this is getting a bit long now ;-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Beautiful Surprises 'n' tiny diamonds...

I've had my box of Beautiful Surprises sat on my dressing table for quite some time now!  Well, not exactly just sat...I have been using the products and adoring the scent too ;-)

The VanityTrove April edition was another fab 'n' beautiful box...what did I get?

Braphy Lip Plumper - this little lip gloss totally made me smile...it comes with a tiny mirror attached especially for those who can't find their lips :-D  I laugh but yes, I can never put gloss or colour on without a mirror ;-)

Braphy
is a cosmetic brand made in Taiwan

Braphy Eye Liner - I don't actually use 'much' eye make-up...but, I shall start and give this little liner a try.  It does seem easy to use and 'even I' should be able to make a pretty good job of applying it ;-)

Biotherm White D-Tox - apparently it shall give my face an instantly bright look...that promise alone is enough to make me smile ;-)  I've not actually used it yet but, will try it out and hope to report my brightness!  I'm not really into the whole whitening product thing - preferring a little colour in my cheeks actually ;-)

Style Aromatherapy Hair Moisturiser - now, this is my favourite ;-)  I have very long, very thick hair and it really isn't in the best condition due to chlorine, sun damage, heat damage (straighteners) and generally not getting it 'trimmed' often enough.  This product though is making my hair worth smiling about and I totally will be buying again and using my S$2.00 off voucher in Guardian...yay!  love it ;-)

Masego Safari Spa voucher and Cappu Spa Polish - I'm not really much of a spa kind of girl but may well have to make an exception for this!  The 'coffee scrub' smells divine ;-) and the texture is lovely.  Can I only buy this at the Spa?

Finally, but equally as 'beautiful' is the Filthy Farm Girl - Filthy Pussy Soap - I received mint-rose and really the scent is absolutely gorgeous.  I didn't put it to the test in the shower yet but if the scent alone is anything to go by it will be another fab product from VanityTrove.



I also have to share my B*Dazzle experience!  Whilst on a little coffee morning turned retail therapy day, my friend pointed out this store in both Wizma, Orchard Road and Raffles City Mall.  I became pretty excited ;-)  Previously I got the very top of my right ear pierced and over time it healed up...I've been wanting it re-doing again for years actually.  So, couldn't wait to jump in the seat and get this perfect tiny diamond 'popped' into my ear ;-)  smiling, smiling and not a single bit of pain afterwards.

Excellent service, quick and 'relatively' pain free ;-)  I was given 2 bottles of 'ear care solution' to use morning and evening to ensure the piercing is kept infection free.  Also a check up for a week later to be sure all is well.  Definitely made me smile ;-)

So, now I pack and get ready to leave for a romantic 'stay-cation' with Mr Man...my early Birthday treat.

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Hair colour or is it color?...

So, do blondes have more fun, are brunettes boring or is there something to be said for 'the power of red' ?   Questions, questions, questions...well, I think Rihanna looks beautiful whatever her hair colour ;-)

I've been colouring my hair for as long as I can remember...actually even longer than that!  I find that colouring hair (in whichever country) is such an expensive pass time...and I hate the whole hair salon experience - you know...chit chat, tea, coffee, old 'n' v.worn magazines and 3 hours spent surrounded by buzzing hair dryers and smelly chemicals. 

Recently though I've been saving myself a heck of a lot of money, saving tons of time and smiling, smiling by doing the whole DIY hair dye thing ;-) I get my colours from Mr Moustaffa...I'm a tiny bit addicted to shopping at the Moustaffa Centre ;-)  The colour costs me around S$8 and takes a maximum of 1 hour (this includes putting on, leaving to develop, washing off and a conditioning treatment ;-) bargain with regard to money 'n' time !

Do we spell 'colour' or 'color'?

I guess it depends where you are from...

Just last week, little boy was writing a story and wrote the word 'color' I corrected him and said it has a 'u'...since though I've been wondering if he learns it in school as 'color'?  I'm going to have to go with accepting that either way is correct ;-) you say 'tomAATo' I say 'tomaRRto'...

BTW...I've recently started using Instagram and, although not fully aware of what I'm doing, I do seem to be succeeding and it's making me smile :-) I'm clare_victoria ...come to follow me.  I'm currently on with #photoadaymay and having fun with uploading pics using different effects ;-)

Me a bit Pop Arty ;-)

#photoadaymay

clare_victoria

Something has got me smiling and a tiny bit excited this week...as soon as I can I shall be facebook-ing, blogging and Instagram-ing about it ;-) until then...

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

The Museum @ Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Last week included a visit to the Museum @ Raffles Hotel

Now, here is something I had thought about visiting many times before...I had intended taking my Mum just last Christmas time but, as always, time flies by too quickly.  Anyway, finally got around to visiting with a friend and BA member...the Museum had been on her 'to do' list for quite sometime too.  Certainly worth a smile to be spending a day away from our usual 'Mum chores stuff' ;-)

Ah Teng's Bakery 7.30 am - 10.45 pm

The Museum is on the third floor of the Hotel.  As it doesn't open until 10.00am we took the opportunity to sample the coffee shop and bakery on the ground floor.  Very different setting to today's 'starbucks and coffee bean' cafés...lovely coffee and their breakfast selection of muffins and pastries was good too.

Of course, we chatted and chatted...that's what coffee shops are for, right?  We did then make it up to the stairs to the Museum...

The Museum is very interesting and beautifully set out. Free entry too!

My friend knew that most of the ancient Raffles items on display had been passed back to the Hotel after an international newspaper advert.  The advert was inviting anyone who had 'aquired' items from the Hotel to kindly allow these items to be used in the Museum.  Of course, many items had been 'borrowed' or 'aquired' so there was a fair amount of original pieces (including coffee cups, egg cups, toast racks...) 

One piece which made me smile was a silver egg cup which had been 'borrowed' by a gentleman celebrating his up and coming marriage...imagine, his 'stag do' had been a stay at Raffles Hotel ;-)

The ancient photographs were equally interesting...fancy dress balls, Charlie Chaplin and many famous guests with friends sharing breakfast in this luxury hotel.

Raffles Hotel, Beach Road, Singapore...
of course, with so much land reclamation it is no longer situated anywhere near the Beach ;-)

Out door bar/café...I would prefer to drink my Singapore Sling here ;-)

I know 'everyone' does the 'Singapore Sling' in the Long Bar but if I were to take a visitor to Raffles now, I would insist on a change!  A visit to the Hotel Museum followed by the Hotel gift shop situated on the ground floor, a drink (yes, ok 'Singapore Sling') at the outside bar/café and finally a wonder through the corridors leading to the main hotel lobby.


My friend and I then made our way to Raffles City shopping mall and Wheelock Place, Orchard Road for a spot of retail therapy ;-) That's a whole other blog post, coming later including my first time on a Singapore bus... ;-)

I'll leave you now as I dream of 'one day' staying in a suite at Raffles Hotel, Singapore ;-)

Presidential Suite, Raffles Hotel, Singapore...
...wow, maybe one day?!

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)


(photography is not permitted in the Museum...the pics I use are via Google Images)

Astalift - Singapore 'n' Paris

I recently discovered Astalift with thanks to VanityTrove, and their pretty packaged and beautiful scented products have been making me smile ever since.

Early post re VanityTrove 'n' Astalift workshop...HERE

I've loved trying out all of the Astalift products and liked everything so much that I decided to discover the Astalift 'flagship' store in The Centrepoint on Orchard Road, Singapore...oh, and buy a couple of bits 'n' bobs ;-)

I was looked after in store by Xue Fen who helped me choose just the right products for me.  I was lucky enough to have a 20% discount card (given to me at the workshop) so this was a great excuse to splash out a bit on some fab products.  After purchase I was invited to try out the 2 collagen drinks...honestly, I was not really 'into' this kind of thing but appreciated the trial.  On trying, I was quite surprised and actually liked the flavour.  I've got a couple of bottles in the fridge still to drink and do think I see a difference so am thinking of making a purchase...anyone who knows me personally will know I joke about me enjoying a 'liquid diet' :-D so these suit me fine ;-)

My Beauty Adviser, Xue Fen, also did a skin analysis for me...I was not too shocked by the results 'losing elasticity' and 'a little dull' - yes, yes, I'm over 30 so these things happen ;-)  Luckily though, Astalift 'seem' to have everything I need to help with this...the smile lines may yet disappear ;-)



The Astalift store in Singapore is nothing too special from the outside so I am sharing with you these photographs of their very 'chic' looking store in Paris, France...

Pics courtesy of my French friend P, merci ;-) 

French friend didn't get the opportunity to 'trial some testers' from the Paris store so I've sent her some goodies from the Astalift and VanityTrove girls here in Singapore...I'll get her thoughts on these products and post about these later - I hope she enjoys them as much as I did ;-)

Now then, does Astalift exist in the UK...more particularly, 'up t' North'?  I'm hoping to find out via my blogging inspiration Mel ;-)

I'm off now to think about 'colour -v- color' ... and 'blondes having fun' -v- 'the power of red'

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

experience Singapore - 3 nights, 2 days...

In around 2 weeks we have Mr Man's best friend stopping over with us whilst he's here on business...I love planning 'stuff' and have been smiling since I heard he was coming :-)  As with all visitors, we want him to see and experience Singapore...I started making a list of places to go and things to do and then decided I had better ask 'best friend' if he had any ideas of 'must see' places...

Please, no!  Not the Long Bar in Raffles!

Oh yes, I've been there 'n' done that...sipped the Singapore Sling and ate the cherry with a 'cheeky smile' ;-)  But really, the novelty has worn off and really it's just THE most over priced tourist attraction Singapore has to offer!  Luckily, 'best friend' did not have this on his list :-)

China Town...now this does make me smile :-)  Singapore is so 'international' it's quite a shame that a lot of the island has lost it's roots.  Happily though, there are still some areas that make us appreciate we are actually in Asia after all ;-)

My planning is complete (although a few question marks to allow 'best friend' a little choice ;-)) Here's what is planned;

Friday evening;
Dinner at our apartment with drinks on the balcony and a good chat and catch up...smiling 'n' laughing for sure ;-)

Saturday;
China town ... temples and general walk around the area,
City Gallery ... interesting place and an air con break from the heat my City Gallery post HERE
Club Street for lunch ... most probably a nice little Italian and a glass or 2 of rosé wine,
New Asia bar for cocktails and sunset,
stroll through Chijmes,
Boat Quay for dinner ... most probably Thai with a jug of Tiger Beer,

Sunday;
Botanical gardens ... as early as possible to enjoy it before the heat gets unbearable ;-)
Drive by where we lived prior to children and take in some Black & Whites in the Tanglin area,
Mr Man's office for the fantastic view,
Marina Square food court for lunch,
Stroll around the Marina Bay Sands and area.

'Best friend' will then be heading off to his hotel close to his work but we are hoping, if he has a free evening, then we can fit in the Night Safari!  So much to see and so little time...I'll be sure to get 'feedback' on this 3 nights, 2 days Singapore experience and tell you how it was ;-)

Yesterday was May 1st...labour day holiday here and opening day of Marvel's The Avengers.  We intended seeing the movie in the afternoon but everyone had the same idea and it was way too busy.  We did catch the movie at 7pm last night and really, really enjoyed it...excellent ;-)

Whilst near the cinema for the failed attempt at viewing the movie in the afternoon,

we stopped off for lunch.

I had Ebi curry set and will definitely be having it again...too yummy ;-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Flawless Beauty - April Bellabox

April Bellabox has arrived ;-)

The beautiful pink packaging makes me smile every month ;-) 

Again, as with every month in the beautiful box I find 5, yes 5 super samples for me to try out...

Enavose H2Osis Black Tea Quench Mask - already tried 'n' loved...I have tiny obsession with face masks ;-)  this can help skin retain a higher level of hydration, leaving it soft, supple and radiant.  Exactly what I needed during my trip to Australia trip to Adelaide and lack of humidity post HERE(I shall be investing in this ready for future trips to Oz...needed in Europe too - dry, flakey skin not very attractive!)

Kinohimitsu BB drink x 2 - already tried 'n' tasted...I actually like the flavour ;-) it promises to 'visibly perk up your skin from head to toe and restore it's more vibrant glow'.  First time uses are advised to take 1 bottle a day for 6 consecutive days, to maintain 'the look' continue with 1 bottle every 3 days.

Benefit Cosmetics 'Hello Flowless' liquid foundation - already tried, loved 'n' purchased ;-)  I really don't know how the Bellabox team do it but the colour I received is a perfect match for me...as it's available in 9 shades, the girls' have done good, thx xx ;-)

Moa the green balm - not yet tried ...it's Green, it's a balm, it's 100% natural and it's a miracle!  Use to nourish and renew dry, itchy skin and, apparently, works wonders on cold sores.

Lemongrass House shower gel 'lavender' - tried 'n' tested...I actually used half of the bottle in a 'bubble bath' ;-) love the scent, very relaxing.  I had recently been told of Lemongrass House and their products, my yoga class teacher used a lovely scented spray the other week...yes, I will be making a visit to my local Lemongrass House store to use my $5 gift voucher ;-)

In a previous month I received a Savior Fair lipstick 'miss you'...I love it ;-)  the very special packaging makes me smile too ;-)  Anyway, I have just placed an order for a Savior Fair concealer from the Bellabox website...I'll tell you how it is as soon as it arrives...

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

spring is in the air ... 'n' frizzy hair...

Spring officially started on the 20th March...the clocks moved forward in the UK 'spring forward' I remember my Mum telling me years ago so I would remember!  and I have...thx Mum ;-)

The clocks changing makes the time difference one hour less between there and Singapore...which makes quite a difference for whatever inexplicable reason - one hour closer to family 'n' friends?...maybe?

So in the UK my Mum's garden is beginning to look a lot like Spring ;-)

I adore Spring flowers, tulips, daffodils 'n' hyacinths ;-) 

Here though in Singapore (this season-less tropical island) Spring is not exactly in the air...for the trained eye of a Singaporean he may say I am wrong - he'd be a brave man! ;-)  Me though, I feel the weather getting hotter and humidity playing havoc with my hair!  (right now we are at 33° with 71% humidity).  I am swimming everyday...excellent exercise yes, washing my hair everyday...not good - I have however stopped blow drying my hair!  I've had enough of 'sweating' at the dressing table, getting my hair perfectly straight only to head out the door and end up with a frizzy mess! :-( 



I'm using these products for 'frizzy and rebelious' hair...
to be honest not impressed with the result :-(

Still smiling though :-) if all I have to bother about is a little frizzy hair,

life really is not so bad in Singapore ;-)

Come my Summer hols in UK and I'll be moaning my hair is way too dried out...can't win !

I just had to leave you with this pic of a little doggy...

doing a google search in 'images" for frizzy I saw this

...makes me smile ;-)

BTW...if anyone has a secret to keeping their hair 'sleek 'n' shiny' rather than 'frizzy 'n' fluffy' please share ;-) Thx xx

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)



Clinique tried 'n' trusted faves...

Last week I made a trip to 'the city'...actually Centrepoint on Orchard Road!  I'm not a massive fan of Orchard Road but needs must from time to time ;-)

shopping paradise...Orchard Road

First stop in Centrepoint was the Clinique counter in Robinsons!  I've used Clinique products for about 17/18 years...wow!  I've not actually purchased anything for myself for ages...everything recent has been gifted.  Clinique have a special art of putting together bonus gift packs which look fab...who doesn't love a little freebie box of beautiful mini sized goodies?  How happy was I when I arrived at the Clinique counter to see they had such an offer, this involved making a certain 'spend' on their products in order to receive a fab gift box full of goodies ;-)  Definitely something to smile at there ;-)

Oh yes, I made the 'certain spend' amount and received my box of goodies (plus a lovely lipgloss too...more smiles ;-))

So, here's what I purchased...



Repairwear laser focus -

apply 3 to 4 drops twice per day and...

in just 4 weeks see striking improvements to fine lines.

I'll let you know my feelings on this in around 4 weeks ;-)

I do like the packaging, easy to use dropper and the feeling of smoothness after applying.  I'm a little afraid to smile in case I get more smiley fine lines!!

All about eyes...

promises to diminish the look of dark circles, shadows, puffs and lines

I have been using this product (on and off) for a good few years.  I now promise myself to use it every single day.  I first received this product in a free gift pack, golly, years and years ago.  I love the texture as I apply and after application this feels fab and smooth and in just days I see a huge difference to the dark marks under my sleepy eyes ;-)

I almost purchased a face mask...I love using face masks, especially to scare my boys - or more make them laugh ;-)  Luckily though, the Clinique girl advised me there was a sample of the mask I fancied in the gift box and suggest I try it first to see if I like...saleswoman done good!! ;-) 

Here's what was in my gift box of mini sized goodies...

Take the day off makeup remover, turnaround instant facial,

moisture surge face spray, moisture surge extended thirst relief,

all about eyes (rich), 7 day scrub cream, repairwear laser focus mini

AND long last glosswear 'air kiss' xx

The Clinique girl really took her time and explained how and when to use each product which I found very helpful and efficient.  I'm especially excited to use the turnaround instant facial (mask)...excited to use a face mask? yeah, I love them ;-)

So, I leave you as I head to the bathroom to apply 'n' try my "turnaround instant facial"...review of this and April Bellabox up tomorrow ;-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)