Astalift 'n' tones of orange...

Anti-ageing...now what woman does not want to try everything possible to see even the smallest of results?

Who knew that collagen is present in film paper? (hence the link between Fujifilm and beauty). So, with almost 80 Years of working with collagen, you would expect Fujifilm to know what they are doing in creating Astalift :-)

'Glowing 'n' Brightening up' with Astalift...I can't wait to see the results of this Japanese created beauty brand ;-)

So, using 'oxidation-controlling technology'(sounds very technical ;-))
the same controls to prevent your old, aged photos from colour fading,
Fujifilm can now help control your skin from losing that youthful glow too ;-)

Yes, remembered my camera this time

so here's a few pics from me @ Astalift workshop, Singapore

 

From Asia to Europe or Singapore to Paris to be exact...

Astalift now in Paris...Ooh la la ;-)

Emotion Hall ASTALIFT
Espace Ephémère
40 rue Etienne Marcel
75002 Paris

Recently hitting the stores in Europe (February 2012) available at a very chic parisienne boutique.  This brand looks set to be big, big, big (as long as it avoids being 'lost in translation....
for, the products I saw and the samples I was given to test are covered in Japanese characters ;-/ I'm pretty sure the products on sale in Europe will be marked 'au moins en Anglais'?

Saturday morning I headed down to the Astalift 'workshop'...lots to learn (click HERE for full details of their nano technology and products list). I was impressed with the cleansing gel which 'effortlessly' removed waterproof mascara.  Also, equally impressive is the moisture foam which, using just a tiny bit, foams up soooo much and leaves pores really clean and skin feeling moisturised ;-)  

Next step to 'the glow' is lotion...I loved the cooling effect it had :-) various ways to apply this...personally, I like the way you can soak a fabric mask and leave to 'let it do it's work'; these tiny capsule thingies are, apparently, available in Daiso, Singapore. Soak the capsule in lotion, open the mask up and 'viola' you have a super face mask...

I'm either very easily impressed

or these little capsules truly are amazing ;-))

As well as the fabulously rosy fragrance I'm also loving the beautiful coloured packaging which also represents the product colour (a natural colour from the astaxanthin extracted from sea algae. I also looked incredibly colour coordinated wearing my orangey butterfly print top, my orangey-peachy beads and butterfly necklace and who could fail to notice my tangerine nails ;-)

butterfly print blouse - NafNaf
butterfly necklace - gift
tangerine nails -  Sephora

bag of goodies courtesy of Astalift

My totally fabulous 'goodie bag' from Astalift was a nice surprise :-) and I am very much looking forward to trying, testing 'n' checking out the results from this bag of goodies.  I am especially excited to sit back 'n' relax in the moisturising mask (rrp S$17.60) ;-)  A full review and my 'skin reactions' to these sample size goodies to follow v.soon.  Hey, I've got tons to try 'n' test given I was also presented with a special 'Astalift Vanity Trove' box of beautiful surprises xx ;-)  If my skin is not positively 'glowing' next time you see me I'll be asking one or two questions ;-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)


:-)  BTW I took part in the Astalift workshop courtesy of 'special invitation' from Vanity Trove but, I give my remarks and opinions of their products honestly xx :-)

A Master Plan that is Singapore...

No fashion or beauty brands in this post...just 'my wonderful Singapore'...

Last weekend we visited the Singapore City Gallery @ the URA Centre. The Gallery shows an amazing 'Singapour miniature' in past, present 'n' future. Most definitely a must visit place...

How Singapore has changed in such a little time is absolutely amazing...

Marina Bay area

Tanjong Rhu

from Fishing town and it's incredibly dirty River to this most fabulous city it is today :-)

Singapura 1960 (ish)

Singapore 2010 (ish)

By seeing the vision of Mr Lee Kuan Yew Singapore follows the 'Master Plan' and Singapore can only keep amazing the world and staying one of the most desirable places to 'live, work 'n' play' :-) Well, I'm certainly 'loving' it and Singapore never fails to make me smile :-)

I went to the City Gallery with my 3 boys and we were truly blown away by the attention to detail of the Island and all it's structures as well as the changing landscape of Singapore in the last 30 years. Amazing :-) .... We certainly will be adding this place to our visitors 'must see' list.  A walk around the area taking in Club Street and China Square really rounded the 'touristy' morning off ;-)  Here's a few pics (I did go extremely snap happy but have kept the pics posted here to a minimum ;-)

OK, ok, so I did say no 'brands' in this post but...tomorrow will see me again frequenting the Reebonz Space thanks to the lovely Camy @ Vanity Trove ;-) I have an invite to 'discover' all that is Astalift - the Japanese label created by Fujifilm...reminds me to charge my Nikon and get some fabulous blog photos :-) I will not forget my camera this time around ;-)

Yes, yes, blog update and post about 'all that is Astalift' coming v.soon ;-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

skin supplement bar 'n' Vanity Trove...

So, as promised now what did I get up to on Thursday afternoon?...

https://www.facebook.com/VanityTrove

I had a very interesting time, met some lovely, lovely girls from Vanity Trove and a nice British guy representing Skinc.  All in all a super experience.  What wasn't so great was that I forgot my camera (foolish of me)...so, I'm using a few pics from Vanity Trove's Facebook ;-)

I got to learn all about Skininc and was given a personalised skin analysis ;-)  No surprises when the results were in...lack of elasticity 'n' tired skin ;-/ 

My favourite 'bit' about Skinc is their 'my daily dose' idea...from their 9 serums you choose 3 which are perfect for your skin type and get these mixed into a cute colourful bottle which is 'your personalised' daily dose.  Here's my 'miracle' serum;  'Reborn' - lines and ageing skin, 'Renew' - tired and ageing skin, 'Revitalise' - pigmentation, dullness...of course, I would be hoping these would be blended in a cute purple bottle ;-)

for now though, I'll be giving 'Renew Q10' a try...

goodbye tired 'n' ageing skin ;-)

 

Skinc products are very kind to skin (especially a sensitive skin) :-)  In the past I've used some exfoliating products or peels and these have been way too harsh and abrasive for me.  Happily, Skinc are perfect and I'm looking forward to testing my samples from the cute goodie bag :-)

The 2 masks look a 'little scary' but I'm excited to see the results.  The black mask promises to 'detox, repair and replenish' while the white mask will give me 'baby-soft and porcelain white skin'.  Photo of me relaxing in one of the masks could be quite funny :-D 

Yes, my special invitation from the lovely Camy at Vanity Trove has left me eagerly awaiting my first 'box of beautiful surprises' from Vanity Trove ;-) and this 'Clinique loving girl may make the switch to Skinc and their skin supplement bar ;-)


This week I've also been busy working on my Personal Assistant course.  I'm happy to say it has started super well, my first test paper gave me an amazing 100% grade A :-) smiles all around here. I could very well be starting my 'dream' PA job very soon...

my dream PA job...a Devil of a boss

but all those shoes 'n' clothes would be soooo worth it ;-)

Yesterday my Bellabox for the month of March was dropped in by Mr Mail Man :-) I've been waiting for some 'do not disturb' time to open and enjoy my goodies ;-) coming soon...

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Titanic - real objects 'n' real stories

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands has been hosting the Titanic artifacts exhibition since end October 2011 (it runs until the 29th April 2012) 

Anyway, I have been so wanting to see this but my Mr Man had decided he 'would not like it'.  As he was away all last week and I am still not allowed a 'champagne brunch' (until lent is over at least), Mr Man suggested he treat me to Titanic :-)

Absolutely, fantastic exhibition :-)  Very interesting and easy to follow, my boys loved it too.  For my boys, the 'best bit' was the 'actual' ice berg and the outside promenade.  For me, it was the little snippets and stories about the 'real people' who travelled on Titanic.  Perhaps a little 'dark' but I loved the fact that every visitor got a replica of a boarding ticket along with the name and info relating to that person...at the end you need to check if you survived the disaster.

My Mr Man and my boys were first class gentlemen :-)  Me, I was a third class passenger, 15 years old from Lebanon, travelling along with my husband who was a wealthy shoe merchant (perhaps the 1912 Jimmy Choo!? ;-))

1912 Jimmy Choos :-D

It was the first time we had visited the ArtScience Museum.  Of course, we've all seen it from a distance and marvelled at the white lotus flower style structure but up close (for me personally) it doesn't look quite as impressive.  Queueing 'n' purchasing ticket service leaves a lot to be desired...I always wonder what can be so difficult and cause a debate when simply purchasing entrance tickets.  If you can remain calm in the queue then the exhibits and interior are definitely worth seeing.


Surprise, surprise...on Sunday evening, we watched Titanic the movie from start to finish...all 4 hours of it!  It's easy to see why it won 11 Oscars, fabulous :-)  For me, I never tire of seeing Jack 'n' Rose fall so passionately in love...and Céline Dion never fails to make me sniffle 'n' sob!

Gorgeous Leo xx

I highly recommend the Titanic exhibition.  Something else I'm forever recommending is BellaBox but...!  I've now discovered 'Vanity Trove' and I shall be sampling their box of beautiful surprises very soon :-)  I'm also very excited to attend a 'special' SkinInc, Reebonz 'n' Vanity Trove event this week :-)  Can't wait to blog about and share my afternoon here...

The VT beauty box...
so excited to get my March box of beautiful surprises

I'm off now to decide what to wear and get my nails sorted out, they look a bit shabby today!

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Sunday, Champagne 'n' Richard Branson

When a Sunday includes a Champagne brunch at a 'posh' hotel the world really does seem like a better place :-) such a perfect way to keep smiling even though it's the last day of the wk/d ;-)

Our very first place of residence in Singapore was Great World Serviced Apartments and our 'local hotel' for Sunday brunch was the Grand Copthorne Waterfront...

Super happy memories from our many, many Sunday afternoons

by the Singapore River ;-)

My boys especially enjoyed the Easter Sunday Special...lots of yummy goodies for the 'kids' ;-)  Honestly, anything and everything was made of chocolate with a cute bunny 'n' chick theme :-)

When our family visited at Christmas time we treat them all to Christmas Day brunch at this good favourite... Yep, as we've become 'regulars', I was able to choose our fave spot in the big bay window over looking the Singapore River. Perfect, perfect :-)

I did intend to recommend all Singapore residents to reserve their table in Brios Café for Sunday Brunch but.....having contacted their F&B Manager I am informed that Brios Café is now hosting 'Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine'.  Gosh, how disappointing!  Looking on the bright side, I guess me 'n' my Mr Man will just have to try that out and yes, I'll review and let you know how it is...:-)

Over the last 11 months Mr Man and I have very much enjoyed familiarising ourselves with this Sunday brunch concept here in Singapore...

Conrad Centennial, Marriot Orchard, Pan Pacific

Pan Pacific refreshment :-)

Me 'n' Richard Branson ;-)
Pan Pacific, Singapore

Pan Pacific...although the Champagne 'n' food was wonderful, the setting of the café was not my 'personal' favourite.  I did enjoy the company though :-)  We happened to brunch at Pan Pacific during the 'Formula 1 night race' weekend...a bit of celebrity spotting never fails to make me smile :-)

Combining business 'n' wife tagging along travels...me 'n' Mr Man have also brunched in China and Vietnam (so far)...not on expenses though :-)
Ritz in Shanghai, Intercontinental, Ho Chi Minh City...

Market 39, Intercontinental,
Ho Chi Minh City

 

My most recent Sunday Brunch was in January at the Ritz Carlton in their Greenhouse.  We were there to celebrate my Aunty's (special) Birthday. It really was fabulous...

I have a thing for desserts ;-)

Option of Vintage Champagne or Rosé Champagne...also a cocktail station - I discovered the Mojito...absolutely amazing and now my fave cocktail, yummy ;-)

Oh, yes....anyone who knows me personally will know that I do Sunday brunch for the seafood course, desserts 'n' champagne but I am informed the real food is really good too ;-)

I'm finding it hard to believe we have been in Singapore 11 months!  How fast this time has gone...almost our leaving France/arriving in Singapore anniversary...Wow!

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

SPCA, Personal Assisting 'n' Art...

Monday morning took me to Mount Vernon Road and my little 'job' in the SPCA shelter...

Anyone in Singapore who is thinking of getting a pet... PLEASE, please take at look at the animals up for adoption. There will most certainly be an adorable and perfect, pooch, kitty, bunny or hammy waiting just for you :-)

http://www.spca.org.sg/

On Sunday I got myself proper organised for a very 'arty' day...

How many Mums intend to, and love the idea of, a day doing arty stuff with the kids...what happens, we need to tidy round, clear a space and dig out paper and paints. That's happened to me since forever!

finally organised...let the messy time begin :-)

Me and my boys had loads of fun creating 'n' crafting and now have a permanent art station (table) on the balcony...yes, we shall be creating some masterpieces 'n' having lots of fun too ;-)

To be perfectly honest, for a few days over the weekend I didn't feel much like smiling. I'd had my feathers well and truly ruffled by a certain individual :-( 

Ruffled feathers to fit my mood :-/

I hate conflict and am generally the person that really avoids it all but 'some people' like a bit of a good old conflict and actually thrive on the attention it involves ;-) I'm for sure not going into the 'histoire' but heck I was annoyed! Anyway, for now it's time for a spot of SUMO :-D and I'll get back to life, fun 'n' smiling... :-)

http://www.coolchaser.com/graphics/tag/smile

 

Once again, Mr Man is away and to keep myself busy this week...I've got myself started on some course work assessments. ICS Personal Assistant course to be exact. The whole concept of the correspondence course is excellent, making it easy to study from home wherever your home may be.

 

My dream PA job - all the clothes 'n' shoes ;-)

This is my third course with the International Correspondence School and this one has started off very interesting and pretty straight forward...mainly common sense stuff which I'm pleased to say I have a lot of :-). Today's topics...the role of the PA, office equipment and behaviour in the office 'tact and diplomacy'!

Love that - tact and diplomacy...yep, I've got that sorted too :-)

Ah well, it's good to be smiling again...you can't beat a bit of Skype with friends 'n' family to put life back on track :-))

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Iron Lady 'n' painted nails...

Last week I finally made it to the cinema to catch 'the iron lady' :-)

The movie received some bad reviews in Singapore, but I'm happy that didn't put me off from checking it out for myself.  I do think it is necessary to know what MT was all about and understand the ins and outs of her time in parliament and as Prime Minister. The story would be quite lost on younger generations and non-British folks.

Meryl Streep is magnificent in the role...

actually, quite spine tingling-ly, alike the iron lady herself. The whole casting was fantastic and the actors were very, very much like their real life characters. Hats off to the casting team :-)

There are some quite shocking clips in the movie (riots re poll tax and miners strike) but the story would, obviously, not be complete without these incidences being mentioned. All in all, a movie well worth seeing :-)


Over the last month I have become a little obsessed with my nails. Before which, I was very much a nibbled nail and always pale pink-y nail kind of girl...

The Moustaffa Centre have some really inexpensive polish and a massive selection of fab colours. Yes, these are proper 'cheap' compared to OPI but the quality is great and I find them so easy to paint on, not at all clumpy or streaky and also I'm not having it all chipping off the very next day. (add to that my 'special' drying method and the polish really is 'as hard as iron' :-))

I'm off now to paint my nails green with a hint of blue sparkle...a perfect combination for wearing with my new blue dress :-)

If I can pin my Mr Man down for a minute before he jets off to China again

I'll get him to take a pic of me wearing my lovely new dress...

Post about Sunday brunches 'n' Champagne in Singapore (and region) coming next... :-P


kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)