Friday, December 28, 2012

Naruko

Decided to give a try on Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out series. Despite that Watsons carry Naruko skincare range, I still went online to Naruko to purchase the items as I realise that Watsons do not have all the items. Furthermore, there is a Xmas Basic Skincare Promotion going on which $35 for 1 cleanser, 1 toner and 1 moisturizer. Even though I will still stick to DrGL oil control cleanser, I still went ahead to get the set since it is more worth rather than purchasing it individually. Not only that I also got myself their highly rave night gelly. Hopefully this tea tree range will help to reduce the oiliness on my face as well as to heal my acne prone skin.

Here is a list of what I got for myself:
- Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Toner
- Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Moisturizer
- Tea Tree Oil Out Night Gelly
- Tea Tree Oil Out Clarifying Shower Mousse
- Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Black Spots and Lines Defying Mask (10 pcs)  
- Day & Night Collagen Drink

Yes, I like having shopping spree :( But I am really hoping that it can helps in my skin. I actually wanted to give a try on SKII products since it was highly raved by everyone but cousin strongly against it stating that it is not suitable for me and I do kinda of admit that it doesn't really have that instant effects on me like what others claim. I did bought the FTE and toner 2 years back but after using finish the entire bottle, I did not seem any improvement and with the price, I decided to stop repurchasing. And ever after since, I have been trying to find a suitable skincare product for my skin till I gave up and went to see a dermatologist but yet I do not want to rely on dermatologist's lotion/cream or chemical peeling for long term basis. Hence, after much thought, I decided to give Naruko product a try and their price are more pocket friendly. For all the above items, I spent about $200.

Between, I bought the Naruko Day & Night collagen drink at Watsons during the member private sales. Saw some ladies was purchasing it and there is limited stock left on the rack, i reckon maybe I should give it a try too. Plus, there is member points and 6% rebates using POSB Everyday credit card so why not? Shall see whether Naruko is better than Fancl or not. Comparing the price, Fancl is cheaper but if to compare the collagen, Naruko definitely have more.

Can't wait for my Naruko items to arrive and start using it. *Praying hard that it will helps*

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Fancl Tense Up Ex

Prior to my ROM in Nov last year, my colleague introduce me to Fancl Tense Up Ex drink for firm radiant skin. Hence, in order to look pretty and radiance during my ROM, I went ahead to buy a few boxes to try. It is not cheap, 1 box with 10 bottles cost $61.50 and you will have to drink it everyday for optimal result.

Fancl Tense Up Ex, credit to Fancl

Description: FANCL star product, TENSEUP EX is the intensive care for women of all ages who wish to achieve and maintain firm, elastic and radiant skin.
Packed with MUTENKA anti-aging ingredients such as our patented HTC® Collagen to replenish daily lost collagen and boost collagen synthesis to minimize signs of ageing. Its shorter molecular structure compared to regular collagen ensures effective absorption into skin. Newly added Apple Polyphenol to combat photo-aging by retaining moisture, preventing DNA damage and the deepening of wrinkles.

In apple yogurt flavor, this intensive beauty drink replenishes skin with the nutrients it needs with only 14kcal. Best taken after dinner or before bedtime.

Therefore, 1 month supply of collagen drink will easily cost you $184.50. The effect for me is relatively instant, I can felt my skin is more smooth and moisturise. I used to have very dry and cracked heel but after 1 week of drinking tense up, I realise that my heels are smooth again! No kidding. However, it does not help in acne prone skin, not for me at least.

I have stopped drinking it after my ROM as it is relatively expensive to spent $184.50 per month. However, given that my wedding coming up, I am thinking of start drinking tense up again. And while I was google for collagen online, I chanced upon Naruko Collagen Drink! Didn't know that Naruko also came up with a collagen drink however it is more expensive than Fancl. It is retailing at $99 for 2 boxes of 10 bottles each (Day & Night). Each day, you will need to drink 2 bottles. The day consist of 8000mg whereas night consist of 12000mg which make up to 20000mg collagen intake a day. While Fancl only provide 2600mg only. Not sure if I should give Naruko collagen drink a try or stick to Fancl? Hmm....

Thursday, December 20, 2012

About Braces

As I was researching for Invisalign online, I stumbled upon About Braces which also does Invisalign and at a cheap price range. They have this orthodontics package which is flat fee and is inclusive of consultation, x-ray and moulds. Their price range for normal metal braces starts from $3.5K whereas Invisalign starts from $5.5K which I find it is relatively cheap compared to others. Hence, I quick went ahead to book an appointment with them.

I am lucky enough to  get a consultation slot today cause someone just happen to call in to cancel her appointment! Dr Stefan Vas, the orthodontist ask what is that I will like to improve on my smile and which treatment am I looking at before checking my teeth and explains the procedure. About Braces is slightly different compared to the others dental centre as you are required to go for an X-ray and moulds before advising you which treatment is the best for you. Hence, you will have to pay an upfront fee before knowing whether which braces suit you best. However, this fee will be waived off once you take up their orthodontics package. The downside is that if you decided not to do braces after the follow up, you will have wasted the $ spent on the first consultation. Therefore, I will strongly advise that only go ahead to book the first consultation if you're VERY VERY SURE that you're going to put on braces.

So since I am pretty sure that I will want to get my teeth straighten whether it is before my wedding or after that (hopefully I can straighten it before wedding or at least abit), I went ahead to take the X-rays, photos and moulds. The whole process was pretty fast, around 40 minutes inclusive of the consultation with Dr Stefan Vas. After which, I was told to come back on January 22 for a follow up whereby Dr Stefan Vas will then based on the x-ray and mould to see if Invisalign is suitable for me and whether it will be in time to fix it before my wedding.

Nevertheless, I went on to check with the receptionist that if in the event I decided not to go ahead with Invisalign but opt for metal braces, can I come back to do my treatment after my wedding and I am glad that it can be done. She mentioned that they will hold the x-rays and mould for 1 year so as long as I come back within that 1 year, I will not need to pay for another round of X-rays and moulds.  Yipee!

About Braces
10 Sinaran Drive, Novena Medical Center
#10-21, Singapore 307506
http://www.aboutbraces.org/

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Invisalign

For the past few days, I have been researching on the net on Invisalign and emailing various dental centre to enquire on their rates. The price start from $6.5K to $8K depending on your teeth condition. Comparing to the metal braces which cost $3.8K, it is defintely very expensive but I was really hoping that I can have a nice smile during my wedding.

Not sure if I should really go ahead and spent that money or to save it. How nice will it be if someone can sponsor me *dream long long* probably not full treatment but at least half? LOL!

Nevertheless, I am going to fix a consultation with Orchard Scotts Dental to discuss further. Hopefully I am suitable for the invisalign and that the price won't be too high.

Will update when I have more information after the consultation.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Crooked Teeth

Really tempted to get my teeth fixed before the big day but 9 mths is just way to short to get it done given that most metal braces will require at least 2 years or earliest 1 year.

Previously, I did went ahead for consultation on Simpliclear (an all white braces, really cool! Can't really see you are on braces unless closeup) and the orthodonist said that since my teeth wasn't that bad, less than 1 year is all I need to get my teeth fixed plus no extraction will be required. Was quoted around $4K+ if I didn't remember wrongly. Yes, it is not cheap either whereas the cheapest metal braces I managed to find based on reviews is Dr Cheng from Mt Elizabeth which is $3.8K (seems alot of people went to him for braces and is highly recommended).

However, the idea was placed aside when my ROM date is confirmed and that there is no way that I will want to get ROM with braces on. I understand that it is all white and it wouldn't be that obivious but the thoughts of weird smiling with braces just put me off. Furthermore, Lionel has been telling me that my teeth isn't that crooked so braces is not necessary and why do I have to go through the pain just to fix that few crooked teeth when his teeth are ALL crooked!

But it is only till recently that I found out that my teeth are getting more and more crooked as days go by. During one of the routine dental checkup, I asked the dentist and she suggest me to do an x-ray to check and confirm if it is the wisdom tooth that is causing all these problem. And indeed it my lower right wisdom tooth! It is growing horizontally instead of vertically thus pushing my other teeth to make space however, dentist mentioned that it is rather risky to extract that wisdom tooth as it is very near to the nerve (as shown in the x-ray). On the brighter side is that she mentioned extraction is not necessary if it is not causing me any problem and braces still can be done to correct my teeth.  While the bad news is that since my teeth condition is worse that previously, it may means that treatment time get extend.

With 9 mths left to wedding, it is confirm that I won't be in time to remove my braces beofre wedding so braces are definitely a no-no for me. The only solution for now is Invsalign but it is really very expensive! About $6-8k, which is like almost double of the metal braces. Unless there is some good soul who is willing to sponsor me otherwise, I guess I will have to wait till after wedding to get my braces done. Sigh!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Review: DrGL Skin Repair

Since secondary school, I have always been battling with acne prone skin. My skin condition is relatively unstable as it can be in  good condition in one moment but the very next day, breakout starts to emerge. I tried seeing a GP but the GP said that my condition isn't that bad that will require antibiotic and just advice me to wash my face regularly and applied the lotion prescribed (Differin). But yet it still doesn't helps, my face is still acne prone and is seems to get worse.

Wedding is just 9 months away! *Panic mode* And currently the top priority in my list is to  seriously find some cure for my face! I don't expect a smooth clear skin but at least control my breakout.

Since i am already using DrGL oil control cleanser for almost a year and felt that it is good (it help to reduce the oiliness on my face), i decided to give a try to the highly raved DrGL skin repair. Actually, I have been wanted to give a try on this product but given that the price is very expensive plus there is any review. Yes, I always will google for reviews before purchasing the product(s).
Picture credit to DrGL®, Skin Repair (10ml)
Exceptional serum that lives up to its name – and more. Penetrates deep within to deliver intensive age-defying, skin-revitalizing benefits.
Skin regains an incredible glow, looks remarkably younger, feels irresistibly smooth and supple.
For those with very sensitive skin, this can be used in place of moisturiser to help speed up healing.
Eventually, I decided to just go ahead and purchase it.  This serum is designed for fighting signs of ageing and to revitalise skin. The lighweight texture is perfect for those with sensitive skin, and can be used in place of moisturiser to help speed up healing. After using it for about few weeks, I noticed that it did help to calm my redness and it does help in speeding up the healing.

However, given the price ($98 for 10ml) and that it is recommended to be refrigerate once open, I doubt I will re-purchase. Otherwise, if you have excess moo-lah to spare, you can give it a try! 

So there it goes again, off to look for another product that works for my skin :(
Am actually looking at SKII products especially their signature product, Facial Treatment Essence & Cellumination essence but there are lots of mixed reviews, some mentioned that it cause bad breakout while some mentioned it is their holy grail. Not sure if I should give it a try given that it is not very cheap either.
Well, do share with me if you know any good product for acne prone skin!

Monday, December 03, 2012

Busy

Finally back to blogging after the hectic weeks filled with lots of weddings. Just finished attending 2 of my besties' wedding (both their wedding are just 5 days apart)! Imagine the tiredness of being the "sisters" for the both of them but i am not complaining! In fact, I am very happy and to be there to share their happiness. Of course, how can we forget about the gatecrashing segment where we get to see the "brothers" being "torture" by our games/foods. Haha! Totally madness! 

Not only that, I was the MC for one of my bestie's wedding dinner, I was so nervous for the whole day and on top of that I am speaking mandarin! And never did I will thought that I will be able to speak in front of 480 people but I am glad that I was paired up with Max who really calm me down with all the small talk and jokes! It was definitely a great memorable night where i witness my best friend getting married.

Well that's not all, I still have 2 more wedding dinners to attend before my another bestie's wedding in May 2013 then followed by mine in September 2013. 

Next year gonna be a very busy busy year with all the wedding planning and things to settle but I am glad that we managed to settle our banquet venue (The Fullerton Hotel) and bridal shop (Z wedding). Next, will be to source for good videographer. Well, I actually didn't want to have videography but my friends insists that it is a must so giving a second thoughts now. However, if the rates are expensive, probably I will not have. As of now, the rates for half day (5hours) videography are around $1850 - $2400.

Despite all the little things to settle, i have to admit that I do enjoy the planning process and definitely looking forward to 2013. Hope it will be a great year!

Saturday, November 03, 2012

Counting Down

Another 4 more days and I will be flying off to BKK. Totally can't wait to go there shop and eat but I haven finish planning the itinerary. *Die* Actually planning itinerary for BKK is relatively quite easy given that there are quite a lot of reviews online. Lots of places to cover during the 5 days trip, as he will like to go there do a suit (lot of ppl say go there do suit is cheap).

And the best of all haven got time to pack my bag yet, tmr gonna be busy day as well since I am going to color my hair (gonna utilize my birthday voucher) and Monday will be celebrating darling's birthday. Busy busy!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Pondering

Kinda of upset over myself that I am still so sensitive/paranoid of little things. Always wanted to get rid of this little habit of mine. Knowing that being over-sensitive/paranoid will only make myself upset cos it might not always be the case of what I am thinking.

I find myself always think too much, thinking did I present myself well infront of us, will other hate me, why they don't want to friend me etc.

So there again, I am thinking what have I done wrong or did I did anything wrong that upset others, or is it me? Haiz.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Holiday Trip

Counting down to our Bangkok trip in November :) This gonna be my first time travelling to Bangkok hence all the hyper. I have been hearing my friends' Bangkok experiences and how much they love shopping there so when there is a promotion going on at AirAsia, we decided to just book the tickets. Yeah, so impromptu.

Even his brother and cousin are going in December, how to resist? Wanted to join them inititally however, our schedule can't meet and there isn't any air tickets promotion during that period, it peak period! Didn't want to spend extra money so decided to go on the different dates. In fact, we have actually make a deal that we shall not travel until our customary wedding is over (trying to save $$) but yet in the end I still went ahead to buy the tickets -.- Totally no determination at all, always give in to temptation. Lousy me! Being the nice person as always, he did not even attempt to stop me and even offered to pay for my trip as my birthday present (how nice right?). Thank you!

Initially, I've booked our hotel at Baiyoke Boutique Hotel for 4 nights and the price was really good which is less than $300 however after googling for review (yes, i always have habit to google for reivews), all the reviews was relatively bad. I understand that it is a budget hotel and i can't be expecting much but what i can't stand is dirty toilet and rooms. Discussed with him and we decided to switch hotels, thou i am relatively quite reluctant to switch as the other hotel which I have shortlisted was $200 more which mean our hotel stay went up to $457 for 4 nights with breakfast. He insisted we should change as he doesn't want me to have insomnia and later go complaint. Hopefully the hotel won't disapoint us as it is just newly launched so it shouldn't be that bad compared to Baiyoke Boutique Hotel and the location is better.

Totally can't wait :)

Sunday, October 14, 2012

A brand new start

I'm back! Have been neglecting this blog for the longest period, the last post was like in 2009, that is like 3 years ago? Haha! Not sure why, but i've decided to get back to blogging (a sudden urge to start blogging).
Hopefully, i will be able to blog as frequent as possible.

Anyway, here is what I've been up to.
I've graduated from NTU (woohoo, like finally!) and started working 2 years ago. Life have been good! Really thanks God for that! God has been really wonderful :) Got into a relatively good company where all my colleagues are really nice nice people and job was quite relaxing. The only downside was the pay but well comparing to other peers, I have OT pay if i need to work OT, relatively stress-free environment and good bossess so i guess i shouldn't be complaining much. Moreover, I did not work as an engineer which also explains why i am earning the least among my peers. I decided to work in a healthcare environment instead.

And yup! I got ROM last year and will be having my customary wedding next year (Less than a year away!). Between, we're gonna celebrate our 1st Anniversary this coming november, couldn't believe that time really flies. On a side note, customary wedding are driving us nuts, be it monetary or the planning. But I am glad that we managed to strike off those major issues on our list like the hotel and bridal gown.