When it comes to food in Copenhagen, I have to admit that traditional Danish delicacies such as herring can be an acquired taste, but the street food and pastries are definitely among the best in their league.

Aside from the famous 2-Michelin star restaurant Noma (impossible to get a reservation unless you book early), here are 3 interesting places for good food and pastries that I would personally recommend.

Papiroen Street Food (Paper Island) 

Indulge
in street food, people watch and soak up the sun outdoors with a group
of friends at Papiroen (Paper Island) along Copenhagen Harbour.Why is it called Paper Island? The building once served as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press, but the raw halls have since been transformed into a place where colourful trucks and vans serve up a dazzling array of street food from all over the world. These street food vendors are temporary occupants whose lease will be up in end 2017, so do visit Paper Island while you still can!

http://copenhagenstreetfood.dk/en/ 

Cinnamon Buns at St Peders Cafe (Sankt Peders Bageri)

I have never been a fan of pastries, but St Peders Cafe changed my mind for good. Cinnamon rolls are the highlight of Copenhagen’s oldest bakery (founded in 1652) and you instantly know why when you sink your teeth into its fluffy goodness.

 Words fail to describe how incredible it is to have a piping hot crispy cinnamon bun on a cold morning.

 Their cinnamon rolls are also known as Wednesdays snails, with over 4000 of them flying off the shelves every Wednesday!Address:
Sankt Peders Stræde 29
1453 København K

Contact No.:
+45 3311 1129
 

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe is a popular spot in town (even Oprah has visited this cafe!) known for its reinterpretation of the Smorrebord, an all-time Danish staple. Smorrebord is essentially an open-faced sandwich, typically with rye bread as a base and loaded with toppings like herring and the works.

Bite-sized Smorrebord, also known as Smushi

Royal Smushi created its own version of beautifully crafted bite-sized Smorrebord, lovingly termed Smushi. You can pop a few of these delectable goodies into your mouth and try all the different flavours without feeling overstuffed. I love the guilt-free experience. Oh, and did I mention that the cafe itself is just as captivating? It is hard not to fall in love with the whimsical decor and those Arne Jacobsen Ant chairs!

Address:
Amagertorv 6,
1160 Copenhagen

Contact No.:

If you’re interested in reading more about my adventures in Copenhagen, click here for my previous post on Travel: 5 Sightseeing Spots in Copenhagen.

Have a great weekend ahead! I’ll be heading to Tibet tomorrow, and keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that I wouldn’t be hit by altitude sickness. Please keep me in your prayers ok?

 Japanese skincare and hair care products never fail to fascinate me. The Japanese always aim to impress with exquisite packaging, unforgettable scents and quality ingredients. ErucA is yet another Japanese hair care brand that caught my eye recently. It was love at first sight, and judging from its beautiful packaging, it is not hard to see why.

ErucA Hair Care

Physical appearance aside, ErucA is keenly aware that beauty is more than skin deep. Beyond its intricate packaging, it is sulfate-free and uses only natural ingredients harnessed from 12 types of seed oils to add brilliant shine, volume and glossiness to your hair in the healthiest way possible.

Its star ingredient, broccoli seed oil, is widely referred to as ‘natural silicon’ as it imparts shine to your hair without the harmful effects of chemical silicon, which unfortunately is still being used in many hair care products today. Other key ingredients include seed oils from cowberry, bilberry and milk thistle, as well as rich botanically-sourced organic oils such as argan, virgin prune and marula oil to thoroughly cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate our tired tresses.

There are three different product ranges to choose from depending on your hair and scalp condition. All you have to do is use the right amount of shampoo for your hair length (short hair –  about the size of a 10 cents coin, average hair length – about the size of a 50 cents coin, hair past shoulders – about the size of two 20 cents coins), lather, rinse and apply conditioner for beautiful, luscious hair!

Scalp & Volume

ErucA’s Scalp & Volume range is ideal for those of you with common scalp issues and fine hair. Personally, I use this range after sports (e.g. yoga classes) to lift the dirt and perspiration from my scalp and to prevent itchiness and dandruff. Broccoli seed oil, cowberry seed oil and bilberry seed oil help to revive and restore balance while hyaluronic acid repairs and hydrates the skin on your scalp.

ErucA Scalp & Volume Mask

My head is lighter and my scalp feels much cleaner whenever I use the shampoo, conditioner and mask in this range. Unlike many scalp care products which tend to dry out your hair, ErucA leaves you with silky smooth, voluminous hair after every wash.

I also adore its sweet floral fragrance, a refreshing departure from the typical minty scents that define scalp care products.

3D Volume Up

3D Volume Up Range

For an extra boost in volume, I would recommend spraying a suitable amount of ErucA’s Volume Up Foam on to your hand and running it evenly through your dry hair from the roots to the tips for an airy, voluminous finish.

ErucA’s Moist & Repair range is my favourite out of the three as my hair is very dry from the harsh winter conditions in China and requires utmost hydration to keep split ends at bay.

It lathers and cleanses well, again without stripping the natural oil from your hair. It also restores the water and oil balance in both your scalp and hair. More importantly, I know that I am in safe hands as harmful chemicals that have adverse effects on damaged hair such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, mineral oil, alcohol and artificial colouring are omitted.

I have been nourishing my tresses with the Moist & Repair shampoo and conditioner daily and I find that my hair is less frizzy, more manageable and definitely smoother, thanks to the luxurious concoction of argan oil, virgin prune oil and marula oil. I would also use the Scalp & Volume mask once or twice a week to ensure that my scalp is in tip top condition.

To illustrate my point, I deliberately tried the products on just one side of my hair. Can you spot the difference between the texture and shine on both sides? The contrast is so stark that I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Did I also mention that it smells heavenly? My hubby hardly notices any changes in my routine but this time, he picked up the musky, sensual scent instantly.

If you too would like to go natural with ErucA hair products, you can find them at Guardian and Tokyu Hands branches nationwide. You can also purchase them online at Maimee’s Corner (www.maimeescorner.com). Retail prices range from S$18.90 – S$22.90.

For a limited time only, you can also click here to redeem free ErucA samples from Samplestore.com!

To stand a chance to win ErucA products, ‘Like’ ErucA on Facebook here to participate in their upcoming CNY contest and ongoing weekly contests!

*****

ErucA 

 Website

 www.eruca.sg

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/erucasingapore/

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Open Concept Reception

Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.

Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room

Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.

Shanghai Tang bath toiletries

Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast

For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant

Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa

Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

This “love” has been surrounding my waist for many months, given my hectic schedule with no time to exercise and a lot of stress-fuelled late night binging. With more yet to come in the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, I am sure that many of you are experiencing the same despair as me. 

Hence, I was really excited when I learnt of Liposonix treatment, introduced by Dr Gabriel Wong at SL Clinic.

Dr Gabriel Wong

Here’s Dr Gabriel who put me at ease instantly and made the entire consultation and treatment process less nerve-wrecking for me!  

What is Liposonix?

Liposonix is a fat reduction treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound technology to permanently target and destroy the stubborn fat. Yes – it targets the stubborn fat areas beneath the skin! This means that the skin is not harmed at all, as only the fat tissue beneath the skin is permanently destroyed. It can be used on areas such as the abdomen, thighs and back.

Liposonix
treatment has 10 years of research and testing behind its development.
It has a well-defined safety profile during and after treatment with
very good patient satisfaction, and it has been available in Europe,
Japan and Canada for several years. It was available in the US starting
in January 2012.

Is it the same as Liposuction? (i.e. sucking fat out of the body)

No, not at all! Liposonix treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, with little to no downtime. What it does is it uses advanced ultrasound energy (the same energy source as diagnostic ultrasound) to very precisely target specific areas with high energy to destroy fat cells, where there is at least 1.0 cm of subcutaneous adipose tissue beyond the selected focal depth setting of the system. 

It can help you lose one dress or pant size without surgery, but if you are looking for crazy huge reductions associated with surgical liposuction, then please do have a consultation with the doctor to talk about your specific situation. However, the great news is that it does not have the uneven or lumpy results that you see from Liposuction, nor saggy skin.  It is also customizable to address specific problem areas. 

Why SL Clinic?

Dr Gabriel was
very professional, yet really sweet and gentlemanly.  His
easy-going demeanor makes it a breeze to share your concerns without
feeling shy or insecure and he dispenses sincere, genuine advice. I
would highly encourage everyone to give him a call for consultation.
After all, having treated many patients with Liposonix, Dr Gabriel knows
what is best for you. You can also rest assured that the cost for Liposonix at SL Clinic is the lowest per treatment area.
 

What is my main area of concern?

My main area of concern was my abdomen and you can see the problem areas here (*sob*):

Problem area – Abdomen

Dr Gabriel explained that he would put the head of the Liposonix device on the area to be treated – which would be the black dots that he meticulously measured out to ensure the entire abdomen was covered. 

Problem area – Abdomen (side view)

After meticulously applying the treatment to every one of my problem areas, I finished my first session! There was a slight tingle for certain dots, but Dr Gabriel assured that this was common for all patients as the treatment did its work, and there would be mild pain or discomfort and bruising for a few weeks. Fortunately for me, I did not experience any redness or swelling. Most importantly, this meant that the stubborn fats have been destroyed! Yay!

At the end of the session, the questions on everyone’s mind is definitely: 

How long will it take before I see results?

The good news is, most people see maximum results in 8 to 12 weeks, as this is the time it takes for the body to naturally remove the fat cells that were destroyed during treatment. 

  
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]

****

About the writer Isabelle:

An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 

****