The Importance of Accepting Kindness: My Personal Wish List

Because of my friend Denise I need to post a wish list. Nahihiya kasi ako manghingi (kahit di halata, haha!) ng gifts. There are times na I am thinking that I do not deserve gifts from people around me, but I have read in Dale Carnegie book, learning to receive blessings from others is an important aspect of cultivating positive relationships. I've come to understand that it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the generosity of those around me.. Kaya here I am, putting up my wish list and reasons I need those. 

The Importance of Accepting Kindness: My Personal Wish List

Adjustable 2KG Twin Pack Ankle/Wrist Weights -DOMYOS | Reference: 8573672
When I head to the gym, I find myself yearning for a trusty pair of ankle weights. However, I often forget to ask Abbey to pick some up for me. Yup! Gusto ko ng pabigat! Haha...

Monthly Microsoft 365 Personal
For many years I am brushing off Abbey’s idea to upgrade our Microsoft for Mac 2011. But now, I realise it's time to take the plunge and upgrade. I am wishing to start with a monthly subscription only to gauge whether the upgraded software is truly necessary or if Google Sheets can handle my analysis needs just as well. Ultimately, I'm looking to boost my productivity and streamline my workflow, and I'm excited to see how this upgrade can help me achieve those goals.

La Panthère Eau de Toilette 
Last year, when I bought a gift for my friend Chat, I couldn't help but be struck by the incredible elegance and sophistication of Cartier perfume for women. I found myself wishing I could experience that same sense of refinement for myself. Now, I'm considering treating myself to a bottle of this luxurious fragrance.

Independent Love Diamond Earrings | SDE02373
Will love to partner it with my dancing diamond necklace given by Abbey last September 2015. After 8 years, it seems mapapartneran na din sya :)

11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Boarding World Dream Cruise The Palace Suite

I know that The Palace guests at World Dream’s Cruise to Nowhere will have a different kind of treatment but I really do wish that I’ll know this tips before and while on board the cruise ship.

These are my advises: 

1. You can be board the ship as early as 1pm. This is what we’ve learned from our butler. Even you are scheduled for swab testing 4pm, you can go there to get your swab test as early as 1pm and board the ship.

2. Butler’s duties are not what you think of. Don’t expect a "Carson"(Downtown Abbey) butler that you’ve seen in that tv show. Intense marketing but relatively standard concierge.

3. You need to look for your butler IMMEDIATELY! You need to book as fast as you can all the activities, pool, sauna and steam room. Specialty restaurants will be fully booked as early as 5PM before departing. (Experienced that! So frustrating situation).

4. For shows, you didn’t need to book it. Just go ahead and queue at Silk Road restaurant to get the VIP access to the theatre.

5. You can get free one lunch/dinner to a specialty restaurant. You know that right? But if you are not satisfied with the set meal provided you can still dine in at Dream Dining Room (do a reservation) or The Lido (free seating).

6. Choose Deck 17. It is where The Palace Restaurant located. Imagine, just few steps you can access an array of food and drinks up to 2AM.

7. Palace Pool consisted of 1 pool and 4 jacuzzis. It is not crowded but you need to book it. Oh! The scent of chlorine is quite overwhelming.

8. If everything is fully booked. Talked to the Palace concierge to be included in waiting list.

9. Weightlifting is your kind of exercise, do not go for The Palace Gym book the City Life Spa Gym. The Palace guests can take their private elevators from Deck 17 to Deck 15.

10. There are no lockers provided for the slides.

11. You need to complete the rope course before you zipline. If you are afraid of heights and unstable wind condition do not push for this activity. GoPros/jewelries are not allowed. Yes even your wedding band are prohibited.

These tips are for you to take advantage/prevent to avoid frustration or meet a full joy while on board. 

Happy Cruising To Nowhere!

#RediscoverSingapore #Singapoliday #SingapoRediscover #SeaCation #CruiseToNowhere #WorldDreamCruise Singapore’s Seacation Cruise To Nowhere

Wax Factor Singapore - Only With The Best and Experienced Therapists

If you are always on a hunt of good deals but not compromising the quality of a Brazilian waxing service, you should try Wax Factor.

As you can observe after 2 years, I am now blogging for a new salon for waxing. It is because that I am not satisfied by the service of others. 

Okay. Wax Factor is located at Orchard Central. Found their deal at Facebook ads and it was SGD60 for two sessions. My first and second session went very fast and not painful at all. It left my skin smooth and my skin didn’t form any nasty in-grown. Thumbs-up for that.

Wax Factor Singapore - Only With The Best and Experienced Therapists
HOT WAX

Wax Factor Singapore - Only With The Best and Experienced Therapists 
Cobalt Blue Treatment Room

Uhmm, do you know that some salon will charge you an additional of around S$10-20 if you want the backside to be waxed too? Well, in Wax Factor that SGD60 charge is inclusive also the behind part. You will not be definitely caught off guard.

They have only 2 rooms that is totally lit up. In that case, you can see any debris of waxes or any nasty stuff. In Wax Factor, the room is neat! If you are the one who are easily irritated by people’s suggestions, don’t worry their staffs are not pushy!

Their appointment booking using their Facebook page is so easy to use! Wax Factor is totally recommendable. 

***
Wax Factor Singapore
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central Level #04-18
https://waxfactor.sg

Singapore on Foot : Rediscovering Little Red Dot

This is my 10th year here in Singapore and I will confess that I didn’t YET visited all places of interest here in Little Red Dot! Like the famous murals... just visited it last month. (You can watch our less than 2minute clip at this link.) 

But I am proud to say that my husband and I completed the 36KM route of NParks Coast-to-Coast trails. That was last 2019. 

This year most of the leisurely activities were closed for months (COVID era) and for us to seize the moment we have tried to visit the parks, Sembawang, Waterway, Punggol Park, Sungei Buloh, Fort Canning to Marina Bay and longest walk/run for this year that we have done is from Upper Serangoon to Merlion Park which is 13.18km. 

 

Truly, you can explore Singapore by foot with an ease. They have a dedicated pathways for pedestrians and some of it are well covered either by the trees, buildings or by roofed walkways. You can download apps like Singapore Maps for you to pre-plan your trails. What is more rewarding? Strava and Health 365 which gives badges and vouchers respectively. 

Oh! We are all waiting for the LumiHealth app. LumiHealth is a partnership between Apple and Singapore’s Health Promotion Board to encourage the Singapore residents to be active and achieve a good night sleep. The benefit? eVouchers worth up to S$380.

Singapore is all known to be a city-state which only has 725.7 km2 and kuddos to NParks for their initiative to their Park Connectors Projects and Health Promotion Board for the health initiative apps.

Who loves diet?... More accurately, Who LOVES One Meal a Day (OMAD Diet)?

I am a full time housewife for the second time since Abbey and I get married. And because of that and the COVID-19 safety restrictions here Singapore, we didn’t reached our step, movement and exercise goals. So we totally ditched out the idea of exercising even at our balcony for a month. 

Last week of May, I noticed that I am getting fatter and fatter. I felt that walking is already a chore! So I decided to have a one-hour exercise EVERY DAY. But 2 weeks past, no improvement! SH*T! As they say 20% exercise 80% kitchen. I targeted the kitchen then. 

Since I failed on a 7-day waster fasting, I told Abbey that it will be easier for me if we do the One Meal a Day Diet. He approved and to make it more fun, I asked my friends too! Haha! Damay-damay na to! 

Nakakapayat ba ang OMAD with exercise? One Meal A Day in 1 week | Lose Weight and Waistline

Our One Meal A Day (OMAD DIET) have a twist. Instead of 23:1 we will need to be fasted for 24hours and 1 hour eating window. 

*No Rice 

*No Softdrinks 

*No Chips 

For seven (7) days! 

All the days of the week, I felt fine except 3rd day. Maybe that is the time when my body is looking where to get sugars. I felt what I have felt on my 30th hour of water fasting. Chills all over the body, headache and want to vomit. I was about to give-up but I know I will be the GREATEST LOSER if I’ll accept my own defeat. So I still proceed. 4th day, nah! My body coped up and my brain surrendered in persuading me to stop. Ha! 

After the OMAD 7 Day Challenge, I lost 1.5 inch of waistline. My thighs become smaller and I feel lighter now. Feel cleaner inside. 

Oh! While in that 7-Day OMAD, we only got a chance to exercise for 5 days. Jog and some HIIT thingy. 

My hubby and friends are happy for this kind of experience. Actually they are up now for more challenges like this! Yeahbah! A good bonding for all of us. 

As you have heard on the video. Abbey told me that he wants OMAD as our lifestyle now. So I hope, I will achieve the body we are eyeing to! 

Good luck on your OMAD. Watch the video to see our joy, struggles and tips for you. 

Hair Makeover at Number76 Singapore

Video for Hair Makeover at Number76 Singapore

How wonderful it is that your husband saved and put up a budget for your salon?

My natural hair is wavy and messy and I like it to be permed. For past few years, Abbey always requesting me that he like my hair to be straight.. really straight. As promised, this year, we went to Number76 salon in Orchard Gateway to grant his wish.

I know it will be expensive but Abbey keep on reminding me a yucky procedure I witnessed last time when I accompanied one of colleague at chain of salons in Lucky Plaza. The stylist brushing a man I can still vividly see in my mind huge flakes of dandruff falling out of the head. And the same brush was used to another customer. *Fainting now** Yes! You will get what you pay for. Even the treatments will be expensive, I rather be at Number76.

I let Abbey talked to Jerry(stylist). I never heard how much everything will be but I know that it will be over Abbey’s budget. Unexpectedly, Jerry gave us 20% discount. Yeyyyy!

What are the treatments?
Hair Cut: SGD56-00
Jerry just cut-off my very dry hair. 2inches from the tip.

Rebond: SGD276.00
I thought rebonding will be a tedious procedure. Like I need to sit there for 4hours just to straighten it. As explained by stylist, the new technique only takes one (1) application and will last for an hour and half (inclusive of iron)

Hair Color: SGD165.00
I am shocked that coloring can be done after the rebonding. Usually, it is impossible. Oh well, with Number76 it is possible. Bye gray hairs!

Ultrasonic Iron Treatment: SGD148
this is for Abbey to make sure that my hair will be still lustrous aftet all chemicals applied on my head. Unlike other treatments that need to use a hot oil or red light, this treatment used ultrasonic iron. Another first time of my life! Haha!

For almost a month now sporting this straight, soft and shiny hair, I can say that it is worth of every dollar. Will definitely be back with them Number76!

***

Number76 Singapore

(W) https://www.number76.com

Lay Bare Waxing Salon -- Yey! or Nay!

Lay Bare Waxing Salon - SM North EDSA The Block

Where do I got started my brazilian waxing journery? Well, it all started with Lay Bare. 

So why Lay Bare? Because they have a descent discount coupon from my Belle de Jour Power Planner and they have a walking distance branch from my Makati office. 

Lay Bare Waxing Salon
Waxing Area

The first session is still vivid. I have a high pain tolerance that time maybe because of the stress of lovelife and job I have that time, so the cold wax really works for me. And that is the only brazilian wax I know that is affordable to redeem and I have nothing to compare to. 

After, around 8 years visiting only hot wax salons, I made my way to LayBare again and now I know the difference. With cold honey wax, it is more painful, because..maybe, the pores were close and it gives more shocking sting of pain. For only 3 days, I saw some hairs already popping out. Oh, and there are 4 ingrown bumps I saw. 

Ahm, after this session, I will surely come back to hot waxing. Hehe. Before I forgot! Kuddos to their brow threading. Attendant, shaped my brow perfectly! Lovvve it! 

Be aware of the packages they are offering. You will save a lot! 

Till next time LayBare for my brow threading!

Lay Bare Waxing Salon
SM North EDSA The Block
Contact Details

***

Lay Bare Waxing Salon

(W) https://lay-bare.com/

National Museum of Natural History Philippines

Tita Duty!!! 

Ok! Together with my nephew and nieces, we went to National Museum of Natural History. This is the newly renovated museum in the City of Manila. We went there to see what is the buzz and we were surprised of what we witnessed inside. 

Inside is like a wet market! The noise is all over and you will definitely cannot concentrate to what you are reading. It is annoyingly noisy! It seems that the youth went there just to take photo and talk non-stop with their friends. 

National Museum of Natural History Philippines
Lobby

National Museum of Natural History Philippines
Replica

National Museum of Natural History Philippines

National Museum of Natural History Philippines
Entrance for Senior Citizen

National Museum of Natural History Philippines
Swamp

National Museum of Natural History Philippines
Lobby

Ok, to the museum. The architecture, specially the space where Lolong's replica rests is white and astonishing. The crisscrossing and elevator in the middle is a good idea. The direct sunlight brings natural light in and reflects nicely throughout the museum. 

They have Lolong's skeletons hanging at one room. They have a video of the beauty of Philippine marine life. Most of the collection is taxidermy birds. The washroom is clean and well maintained. 

Looking forward to see more at the museum on the next few years. For sure, it will be developed and be aligned with intenational museums!

***

National Museum of Natural History

(H) 10AM - 5PM

(A) Ermita, Manila, Luzon 1000, Philippines

(T) 527 7889

5 Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Yep! It is time to cut the misery off and quit your job! 

Now, on this day counts my 3rd month of sabbatical leave. 

Because I am free and open for communication right now, haha, people are sending me congratulatory messages that I have an opportunity to rest for a while. But others just ranted away! Of course, I listen to what they say. And now I am compiling it. This will help you to DECIDE why you should leave your job NOW! 

Below are some of the reasons you are burnt out or everyday you ask yourself why you are still staying on that company. 

1. You feel lightheaded every time you're on your way to office.

- You feel the stress welcoming you every time you punch-in. Your blood pressure strikes on top of your head. Aha! You are starting to be physically sick because of the anxiety inside the office. 

2. Your personality transforms automatically when you open the glass door! 

- From always smile to always grumpy! You become defensive and a lot of F*** word accommodating your brain and spilling it out from your mouth. Lunch break and 5PM bells, you will come back to your best and original you!

3. No growth. 

-Some people felt stuck because there is no development happening for their skills or knowledge. You should quit now if your department head wants you to sit there and do your job and no plans to have an improvement for you. 

4. Disrespect is all over the room. 

-Your boss disrespects you and you give a hell back to him. Your manager do not show empathy on you. Your supervisors always point finger. You do not feel secured and appreciated. Shouting is the "only" communication you know to be heard. 

5. Politics is in all time high! 

-Gossiping is your favorite dessert on your tea time and your boss plays favoritism. 

Please have respect and dignity to yourself.
Just quit! 

Well, that's it! Now it is time for you to think.

ButtonsUp Mushroom Crisps - Spicy Salted Egg / Cheese Flavour

What's the best thing "pasalubong" with your colleagues when you came back from Philippines? Dried Mango? Again? So lame! Give them chicharon. Not the ordinary dried pork chicharon. Giveaway some mushroom crips by ButtonsUp. 

For real, Abbey cannot put his hands off whenever he see a bag of Buttons Up Salted Egg flavoured mushroom crisps. To be clear, the taste is excellent except I do not miss it. But, OMG! When I ordered 2 cheese and 3 spicy, Abbey got the chance to munch I think 2 pieces of crisps. Haha! 

Yes! Specially the cheese is very addictive. After the last bag of chips, I questioned myself, why I only bought 5 of those? Huhu! 

Anyways, I do hope someone from Manila can get some and give to me. Haha. Order now. It is FREE DELIVERY. 

***
ButtonsUp Mushroom
https://www.facebook.com/ButtonsUpMushroom/
+63 929 818 6723

Dove Hair Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Intensive Hair Tonic

There's few causes of hair loss but nowadays the prominent cause is stress and sleep deprivation. 

So how to deal with it? Have a good quality sleep. How? Put away your phone. Put it on silent mode and save yourself with some wifi radiation directly hitting your brain. 

Stress? Well, let go of people that gives you anxiety. Remember, you can't control anything and everything. 

What if you really need an instant help on your hair loss? Well, I was alarmed that I saw my hair just falling off and gently rest on my arm. The quickest way I have done is to tie up my hair to fight the force of gravity. Other than that, I help my scalp in its duty to hold on to my hair by using Dove Hair Tonic. 

Dove Hair Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Intensive Hair Tonic
7ml Vials

Dove Hair Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Intensive Hair Tonic
Instructions 

After applying the toner and massage it to my scalp for absorption, I immediately, yes immediately felt the tightness of my scalp pores and whenver I tried to pull one of my hair, there is a big force that will hold the strand. Oh my gosh! What's going on? Haha! 

I continued to use it once a week! 

Hope this vials can help you solve your hair loss problem too! 

Wax Diva's Brazilian Wax at Far East Plaza

I admit that I am frugal. I am always want it to be cheap without compromising the quality. That is why I am ditching out my loyalty with Pink Parlour. They are expensive and nothing bad to look for new alternative. Right? So, I browse on FAVE! This app will greatly help my quest. Wink-wink. 

My latest voucher I got from fave is 3-Sessions Brazilian Waxing for $60 at Wax Diva. 

Wax Diva
Services

Wax Diva
Session Bed

Wax Diva's
at Far East Plaza

If you will go to waxing salons, the service all depends on your attendants. Is it less painful, more hygienic or they won't stop until all unwanted hair was plucked. Well, with Wax Diva's lady boss, Margaret, he make sure that the customer's experience will meet with excellence. She do the waxing personally and meticulously. She will not let any client walk out of her salon unsatisfied. Well, I am not surprised when there's a queue whenever I visited the salon. Her repeat customer is astonishing. 

This is not your international flag for waxing, this is totally local! Support Local Businesses! Hope Wax Diva will flourish and branch out with other outlets.

***

Wax Diva

(A) 14 Scotts Road #04-37A Far East Plaza 

Yolé Singapore - New Frozen Yogurt Shop

Without bidding a formal goodbye, llaollao left the stage to make way with Yolé. 

Abbey bought me a large cup with natural frozen yogurt flavor for $6.90 and it was consisted of two toppings and a syrup. 

So how was it? The taste of yogurt is more natural than the predecessor. You exactly knew that llaollao  twitched their yogurts by putting sweetener and or cream. Yolé? More sour (natural taste of a yogurt) and feels healthier to consume. Of course the biscuit syrup will not leave my cup of frozen yogurt. 

Have you tried their different flavored yogurts offered by Yolé? 

***
Yolé Singapore

(A) 83 Punggol Central Waterway Point #01-63

Amber Beila's - 6 SESSIONS: Brazilian IPL with E Frost Machine Treatment and Mask

Going to waxing salon is a must for me and sometimes that routine is quite tiring. While browsing the Groupon (Now Fave) webpage, I stumbled upon a very low and reasonable price of Brazilian IPL at Amber Beila. The location is quite near at my office so I bought a package for 6 sessions for only S$80.00

E Frost Light Machine
Italia Belleza

When me and my colleague arrived, as usual, they are introducing another product...pain is lesser and the effect as they claimed is “instant”. We waived that off and go on as per our voucher. 

To my surprise, there’s no cooling agent applied and directly lasered the area. It was painful at first (unlike the Strip). In less than 10mins our first session is over. 

Only on our second meeting, they put a mask on my sensitive area after the laser session. It stayed on for 10mins. It smoothens the skin. 

On 5th session, the attendant is very pushy for me to get another 10 sessions. Frankly, I told her that I am not satisfied with my 6 months of stay there.

Amber Beila's IPL with E Frost Machine Treatment and Mask

Why?

1. The inner part hair didn’t receded. It grew back as normal. The texture seems no difference. 

2. I am not sure if they changed the towels used inside their cubicle for each customer. 

3. In my first time with them, they charged me off $20++ for not shaving off. That is insane amount! 

4. The attendant is kind but they are as I said pretty expressive in selling their products.

You can check their packages at their website or at FAVE.  

-------

Amber Beila

(W) www.amberbeila.com

(A) One Raffles Place #05-19A

(T) 6532 2668

Victoria's Secret at Magnificent Mile, Chicago

It was 3 years ago when Abbey confessed that he is into a big surprise for me. He wanted to buy me lingeries from Victoria's Secret. And he was shocked when he saw the tremendous array of brassieres and panties to choose from. He surrendered that idea immediately and just laughed it out.

My husband doesn't forget. When we went to Magnificent Mile of Chicago, he reminded me to check out Victoria's Secret.

When we entered the store, Nikeisha smilingly greeted us. She asked me about my size and I told her that I am 10B and she looked me into my eye and told me that I better be checked. Haha.

Victoria's Secret - Bra Recommendation Sheet 

My NEW Victoria's Secret Bra

Victoria's Secret at Magnificent Mile - Bra Salon

Victoria's Secret - Fitting Room Aisle 

Victoria's Secret at Magnificent Mile - Fitting Room and Shirt

Victoria's Secret at Magnificent Mile - Perfumes 

Victoria's Secret at Magnificent Mile - Waiting Area 

While on our way to their exquisite fitting rooms she handed me a pink card and set of bras to try on. Hesitantly, I told her that cup "C" may be way too big for me. She shook her head and explained me that most of the girls assumes and uses a wrong size of underwear.

To my delight it is more comfortable and well cover my boobs. Nikeisha knocked to my door, and yes she barged in and taught me how to tighten up the strap. She asked me from where I am from, because my body is too slim. Gosh! It feels that I am a child and that was my first time to wear a bra! Hahaha!

After getting the perfect size for me, we roamed around at Victoria's Secret store to get the design I want. I chose nude and black for US$50+ each. Abbey with a lustful smile glanced at me and told me to get what I want and it will be on his tab. Naks!

I ended up buying 2 bras and one perfume. I got a free bag, lotion and lipgloss. :)

Thanks Victoria's Secret for making us look and feel sexy and thank you Nikeisha for treating me not just a customer but a queen. :)

___________________________
Victoria's Secret Magnificent Mile
(A) 734 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
(P) +1 312-280-1050
(H) 10AM – 9PM