Geocaching, treasure hunting 'n' discovery

I'm not really posting about Geocaching, as such, but more the idea that whilst me, Mr Man and my boys are searching and figuring out the coordinates of the caches and waving our iphone compass around and tapping on the GPS to make sure it's working, we discover and learn a little more about Singapore.

I've posted about Geocaching before GEOCACHING POST HERE.   It's one of those fun activities we do as a family, got into it first in UK during one of our summer trips, and now we search the Geocaching website for clues and locations and, more often than not, find note our name followed by 'TFTC :-)'

...what is Geocaching?

All you questions are answered HERE at

Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

Yes, there is a piece of the Berlin Wall in Bedok Reservoir Park!

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=6&Itemid=73

http://www.goodmanartscentre.sg/aboutus

An Arts Centre just 10 minutes cycle from our place that we never even heard of.  They offer art and craft holiday activities for kids and classes for adults.  

http://www.goodmanartscentre.sg/foodandbeverage/cafemelba

There's a café 'Café Melba'

http://labarca-sg.com

There's a restaurant & wine bar 'La Barca'

Not tried either the café or the resto yet, but it's on our list...keep you posted of what the food, service and atmosphere is like.

Changi City Point Mall

A Shopping Mall out in Tampines that specialises in 'outlet' stores (Esprit, Samsonite, Crocs...to name but a few).  More info HERE

Oh, the day we searched and found the Cache there was a set up of an outdoor roof top cinema...these seem to happen quite often...details on Facebook at FREE MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

 And, if your little one has been as good as gold while you've been shopping and spending, treat them to a little water activity in the outdoor play area '3House' (Tree House up on level 3)












What can we discover next?


kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

SEVIIN at TANGS, their Decléor Institut 'n' a tiny Miranda Kerr

Oh my, oh my!  A little drop of luxury for Friday, when I say a little I actually mean a load of luxury :-)

Starting with TANGS...following their complete 're-look' and additions, TANGS Orchard now offer a Beauty Hall to die for, fashion and lifestyle throughout their floors and at the very pinnacle (level 7) an urban oasis in the heart of the city that they have named SEVIIN :-

Here's what 'The Editor' of TANGS Spring 2013 directory has to say about SEVIIN...

"Pure pampering bliss is no longer a dream, as we are excited to bring SEVIIN at TANGS into your life.  Set in 7,000spft of luxury, indulge with world-class beauty pampering, grooming and absolute relaxation.  Ladies have choices from Decléor Institut, La Mer, Shiseido Facial Studio, SK-II LXP Lounge, all they need to be pampered to perfection, and for the guys we offer The Gentlemen's Lounge with everything they need to be well-groomed"

immerse yourself in the luxury of SEVIIN at TANGS here xx :-)

Do let me share a few pics with you...these will surely make you smile :-)

Experience pure pampering as SEVIIN at TANGS Orchard opens the doors to world-class beauty pampering, grooming and relaxation.

There in the setting of SEVIIN you will find rejuvenating and relaxing signature facials at the SK-II LXP Lounge, a delicate blend of essential oils and plant oils at the heart of Decléor Institut's skincare programme, the Miracle Broth(TM) and massage techniques of La Mer, a veritable cocoon of pure bliss with Shiseido Facial Studio, our lovely other halves can indulge in a little grooming at the Gentlemen's Lounge and lastly but not least-ly (!) you will find all you need for your crowning glory at UrbanHair Ginrich Aveda.  Truly, something for everyone.

Today I headed down to Orchard Road, entered the world of TANGS to experience a friendly welcome to SEVIIN for myself and indulged in a 90 minute facial at the Decléor Institut :-)

Back in March I treated myself to a facial package of 3 x Hydra Force facials...my idea being I would get one per month and look totally stunning come the summer vacation!  What with one thing and another I simply did not find time to indulge in too much 'me' time.  Happily, today I was able to take my first Decléor in house facial.  After being treated like a VIP, offered tea and slippers and spending a little time to fill out a quick form (yes, yes, I don't drink enough water and I know, I know I drink too much alcohol!!) it was my time to relax and be pampered.  I was given a skin analysis and told that, although I had signed up for the Hydra Force facials, at no change to the price I would be better suited, due to my 'dehydrated' skin type to take the 'Divine Nutrition"

Aromatic Face Rituals

Aroma Expert

This tailor made, high precision treatment treats all skin conditions, leaving the skin radiant,

vibrant and intensely comfortable.

Face cleansing, deep cleansing, exfoliation, 3 techniques face massage, treatment mask with essence and finally an application of moisture for eyes and face and not forgetting the important sun protection.
Very relaxing, my 1 hour 30 mins went by perfectly and I left the Decléor Institut and SEVIIN feeling ready to 'face' the day :-)

...a spot of shopping was, of course, in order - well, the Great Singapore Sale is on now! Great Singapore Sale 2013 !  Couldn't resist a look in Mango, picked up some well 'needed' items and grabbed a little keep fit and tone up motivation from the Mango Summer Collection pics of Miranda Kerr...

oh for a body like Miranda Kerr!

I leave you now as I am off to hit the gym, get vibrated on the PowerPlate...oh, and avoid all food...(kidding!)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Decléor 'n' de clé d'or to the temple of beauty

So finally to my posts about Decléor...I admit I've been a pretty bad blogger of late (my excuse being a certain 'Victoria T' and a 'high end' department store Beauty Journal needed a little "je ne sais quoi?" from your's truly :-)

Not to imply that Decléor and my blogging should have taken a back seat but, unfortunately, I only had so many free hours in the day and what with my maid up and leaving I was a 'tad' busy!  Normality can now resume and yes, I've found a new maid (more about that in another blog...'the maid hiring process').

de clé dor = the golden key

and Decléor share this golden key and welcome you to their Temple of Beauty

So, as I was saying, to a couple (actually 3) Decléor 'Beauty Writer' events I did go...

Each one had it's own unique touch:-

The first offered skin analysis, mini facials, product discovery, a meet and greet with the Marketing beauty from Paris and lots more beauty filled moments...

We beauty writers discovered 'Life Radiance' a dual radiance cream that immediately activates the skin's radiance and gives long lasting effects.  Let's face it, with late nights, early mornings, daily stress, counting the days to the next beach holiday or counting the days until the kids go back to school, we all get that tired, warn out, and lack of life look!!  This bottle of 'Life (giving) Radiance' really is sent from the gods.  Love it, love it, love it :-)

The second, back in February, was a perfect evening for like minded beauty writers to get together.  We all learnt a whole lot more about the Decléor aromatherapy ritual in the 'Aroma n Action - Radiance and Whitening' session. 


I'm proud to admit I was one of the ladies who dared to bare!  We took off our makeup and completed our night-time facial routine courtesy of a mass of Decléor products that were to hand.

What did we see, learn about and get hands on with:-

Brightening Cleansing Foam - a delicate texture mousse for morning and evening use that cleanses, evens out, brightens and softens.

Hydra Brightening Lotion - an almost textured lotion that hydrates and illuminates the skin leaving a clear and radiant complexion.

Recovery Brightening Night Cream - luxurious, soft and silky textured cream that truly regenerates, evens out, brightens and illuminates.

Extreme Brightening Essence - a light liquid texture that is instantly absorbed and restores luminosity to even the dullest complexion (THIS IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVE PRODUCT EVER...heart, heart, love, love ;-))

During this evening I absolutely fell in love with the routine and have since made Decléor a major part of my beauty routine (day and night) ...I look pretty darn good 'cos of it - even though I do say so myself :-)

me...actually, the day I took this pic my youngest son said I looked young
and asked me what I''d been doing !!!  (kids, got to love 'em!)

The third and most recent of my fab Decléor events was held at the Decléor Institut set within the luxury space 'SEVIIN' at TANGS Orchard.


This morning of Aroma in Action saw us stepping into Spring and discovery the Hydra Floral Multi-Protection range, we were treated to a hand massage (kind of like foot reflexology due to the points of the palm connecting to the body), we discovered the brand's first BB cream and sipped on their signature tea :-P divine.

So, what did I see of the Hydra-Floral Multi-Protection range:-

Of course, not all beautiful skin is the same so choose the perfect moisturiser for your skin type -

24 hr Moisture Activator Light Cream - a light, fresh and easily absorbed cream that perfectly hydrates, protects and maintains our natural beauty reserves, or

24 hr Moisture Activator Rich Cream - a creamy yet fresh and velvety texture that is perfect for those with a more dry skin type.

Next, there's Decléor's first BB cream -
BB Cream 24 hr Moisture Activator SPF 15 - a light, fresh and easily absorbed BB cream that hydrates, refreshes and leaves a flawless and bright complexion (one colour fits all)

 and for those (like me) who love a mask, there is the Ultra-Moisturising & Plumping Expert Mask - in just a flash of 10 minutes this creamy texture is massaged into the visage and transformed into an oil.  Leaves skin's thirst perfectly quenched and smooth as silk.  (another one of my faves :-)) 










Is it clear to see I am a Decléor fan!?

With thanks to the forever lovely Camy along with her colleagues for my discovery of the aromatherapy benefits in a beauty routine :-)

I have to dash now...off to experience my very first Decléor facial.  An Hydra Force 60 min facial at their Institut at SEVIIN at TANGS Orchard.  (more about that in my next post)...

Until then,

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

too many drafts, finally posting something 'n' a little Satay by the Bay

Oh my stars!  This poor little blog of mine has suffered lately...I owe it an apology, I have to say sorry for the shameful neglect.

Today I logged into this little blog and noticed I had posts in draft (all unfinished works!)  Why, oh why and how had this happened!?  Oh, I know!  A few exciting projects were thrown my way add to that some actual cash (yes, earning money!  This housewife and mother can finally say she's a writer :-))

Just one of the many, many articles I've written in the last year

 A messy work station is a productive work station...

yes, that's me an actual 'writer' :-)

I have to say though I missed my blog and my general ramblings of 'blog-iness' was not what would earn me money...so my style changed a little and I became someone else - more of a 'Victoria' than a 'Clare Victoria'.  Oh, yes loads of fun and any opportunities to write for cash in the future will be so gratefully accepted (hint, hint, wink, wink...not so subtly hey! :-D ) but, as said...I missed and felt guilty for my blog!

Now, starting as I truly do mean to go on...Life in Singapore, living in Singapore, existing in Singapore and, of course, what makes me smile in and around my Life in Singapore.

GARDENS BY THE BAY and a little SATAY BY THE BAY

Gardens by the Bay is definitely making me smile :-) add to that the new Satay by the Bay and we have an eating and drinking destination just a short cycle ride away.  Good food, nice atmosphere and some very nice views of the Marina Barrage, Marina Bay area and City skyline.

POOL UPGRADING ....why you drag on so long?

What no pool!

Without our swimming pool for the past 5 months not only have our weekends been 'dry' but my thighs have become a lot less toned!  This pool renovation seems to have dragged on and on and the noise levels are crazy stupid and then there's the dust!!  Not much to smile about there, but the end is in sight...I do believe!

A SPOT OF LIGHT READING

Mr Enzo Dog writes his story

I cannot finish without mentioning a book I've just finished reading...'The Art of Racing in the Rain'.  Wrote from a dog's perspective, gifted to me by my Mr Man (how he knows me so well!)  Funny, it had me laughing out load and there were moments of feeling a little sad too.

Anyone who simply adores dogs and truly believes they do in fact have an inner voice should read this book.

My absolute favourite quote by Mr Enzo Dog!

"I have a number of favourite actors...

one being Mr George Cluny,

that's because he looks a little like me around the eyes" 

So, finally posting something 

and hitting the 'Publish' button hurrrrahhh :-)

with Kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

SPCA Singapore 'n' animal love

Here is something I am totally passionate about...

http://www.spca.org.sg

Ok, it's true I can be passionate about any given subject for a short time but this one, SPCA Singapore, really has got me 'hooked' and I totally support their efforts to rid Singapore of animal abuse, animal neglect and all in all general animal ignorance.

I've actually been a volunteer with the SPCA, on and off for 3 years.  My most recent role as Shelter Receptionist has seen me there for 1 year +.  I love the help I provide, the advice I offer, the lost and found pets I, happily, reunite with their owners.  I get to meet a mix of people from many different cultures and backgrounds, this makes for an interesting time and always enjoyable time at the Shelter.

My family has a gorgeous Mr Dog, we adopted him from the SPCA equivalent in France.  I've come across some wonderful dogs and cats at the shelter here in Singapore and, to be honest, have to be very firm with myself about adopting 'everything'.  I'm often a 'softy' and avoid going into the actual shelter for fear I will fall in love with another Mr or Ms Dog!

I've not been 100% 'good' on the 'do not bring anything home' front...I have adopted 2 absolutely fabulous girls in the shape of gerbils.  I love them to bits, so entertaining and ask no questions of me other than, more peanuts, more cardboard to chew and a some fresh water to drink please.  Their entertainment value is priceless...love them to bits.

Here's a little bit of info from the SPCA Singapore website:-

The SPCA is not a government agency, it relies on donations from supporters to continue their important role as animal protector.

Over $2,000,000 annually is required to carry out their animal welfare work.

SPCA Singapore receive approximately 600 pets and stray animals every month, this figure includes around 90 lost dogs who are checked for microchips and then advertised in the local press in an effort to reunite with their owners.


SPCA Singapore face a daily battle in their fight against animal abuse, not everyone is an animal lover and it truly takes a special person who can care for and love a pet for that pet's entire life.  Adopt don't buy and only adopt if you truly believe your whole family can handle the commitment of being a pet owner.

Righty, got that off my chest....

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)