Casio is famous for its selfie functions, beautifully brightening and unblemishing faces in what I describe as a natural automatic photoshop function.

If you see here, the ZR3600 has enhanced the ease of selfies even further by adding a 180 degree flip screen so you can view the screen while taking a photo (and adjust your face and hair accordingly haha).

What’s so convenient too is the button in the front where your forefinger can easily press while holding the camera, a really common gripe of selfie lovers that Casio has wonderfully addressed. What’s more, there’s also the “wave” function where you don’t even need to press a button. Just wave your hand in front of the camera and it’ll automatically take the photo!

The even more awesome news is, this camera doesn’t just take great selfies. It has so many other  amazing functions.

Without further ado, I’ll let the photos during the media trip to Penang do the talking.

Note: All images featured in this post are unedited.

1. Capture Close-up Details without Compromising on Image Quality

There is no need for filters with this camera. All the images come out crystal clear, even when you use the zoom function. Seriously, just look at this.

I zoomed right into the dragon perched on the roof of the temple. All the vibrant colors against the bright blue sky were completely captured.

Look at this magnificent sunrise. The striking orange hues and the gorgeous golden yolk were beautifully captured up close with minimal noise.

This was taken at sunset, when the skies turned into cotton candy shades of pink and purple.

2. Achieve Great Shots with Minimum Time & Effort

 

 

This was taken in a rush, walking along a street when I saw these flowers randomly growing by a colorful fence. See how well the colours turned out, even when I literally stopped and snapped the photo in 3 seconds!
 

 

And this “Of Parallels and Opposites” photo was another 3 second snap, the words of which poetically came to mind while I was rushing down the same street. Mid-street, in between the houses and the bustle, this space just seemed to call out for a shot.

The camera is also able to capture details well. The famous street murals in Penang are a must-see for many tourists and locals, and here are a few in various sizes and intensity of color: the one similarity? They all turned out beautifully with just a simple click of the camera!

This is one giant cat that spans the width of 10 people!

This is one mini cat that is one human head width.

This was at a non-descript, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it area along the street. It was also shaded by trees so the mural appeared darker and less obvious. However, look at how gorgeously rendered it is as the camera picks out the light and shadows!

Look at the detail of the dragon scales, even in this quick sideways shot!

Here’s one of the great moments when I said hi to a durian seller uncle. He was sitting in his chair as everyone passed him by. I was intrigued by the durians in the boot of the car, and told him so. It was a brief connection of two strangers, with a warmth and heartfelt poignancy as we smiled at each other. Sir, I wish you well!

P.S. Yes the mural behind him says “kah lu kong hokkien” (teach you speak hokkien).

Coincidence?

 

3. Achieve Bokeh (Blurred Background) Automatically Without Adjustments RequiredI love how the camera automatically blurs the background while retaining sharpness in the foreground, making the subject come alive instantly. There’s no need to fiddle around with the aperture mode to do this (although there is an option for you to do so if you wish). The bokeh effect may not match up to my usual DSLR camera, but for a regular point-and-shoot camera, this is pretty commendable!

Just look at this snake! Did you know that I was also the only female in the group who mustered enough courage to place this snake around my neck? It may sound frightening, but it really wasn’t!

The food images look fantastic too, again bearing in mind that these photos have not been post-edited in any way. I would consider bringing this camera with me for my food tasting sessions in future.

There are many other functions including a selfie art mode, art mode, and even full HD video recording!

I’m sure Casio’s selfie art mode needs no introduction, but here are a couple of selfies that I took with three of my favourite scene selections. You can choose from a total of five scene selections to achieve different moods and effects.

4. Get Flawless Skin with the Selfie Art Mode

~ Beauty shots with “Selfie Art Mode – Elegant” Scene ~

Dreaming of crispy Peking Duck skin that crackles like a thin slice of caramel in your mouth?

Or a slice of tender and succulent duck meat that boasts an aromatic smoky flavour?

How
about completing your gastronomic experience with a generous dollop of
caviar that brings out all the flavours of the Peking Duck beautifully?

If
this sounds enticing to you, the newly revitalised award-winning
fine-dining restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is
where you should be heading to for the most indulgent Peking Duck
experience in Singapore.

Jiang-Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

 

Fine traditional wood carvings contrast with rough fishermen baskets – a manifestation of Jiang Nan, located south of the Yangtze River

 

Traditional medical cabinets serve as decorative backdrops

Traditional chopstick holders are incorporated into the exquisite design of the reception counter

 

What’s special about the Peking duck?

Caviar aside, here’s essentially what differentiates the roast duck here from its counterparts.

Fresh
ducks undergo special preparation methods for 14 hours before they are
roasted in a mesquite wood oven, which not only imparts succulence to
the meat, but also ensures that the fat beneath the glossy crispy skin
is greatly reduced.

I
was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Peking duck when it was
swiftly wheeled out by the Chef, making a dramatic entrance in the
dining hall. Watching

the chef wield his magic and carve the duck in front of guests was a
feast for the eyes.

Chef carving the beautiful glossy Peking duck

The crispy duck skin was the first to be served,
followed by slices of succulent duck meat. I
usually find Peking duck skin a little too oily and the meat, when
taken alone without any sauce, too dry for my liking, but I soon discovered that Jiang
Nan-Chun’s Peking duck is truly in a league of its own.

Crispy skin that crackles in your mouth like caramel

I
thoroughly enjoyed the crackling crispy skin without the extra layer of
fats, which is perfect for even the most health-conscious patron, and
as I sank my teeth into a slice of duck meat, I was immediately greeted
by the wonderful aroma and an explosion of intense flavours.

It was only then that a wave of realization hit me – I have yet to even pair it with the condiments that accompanied this dish.

In
line with Jiang Nan-Chun’s new concept of “享乐主义”, or “the principle of
enjoyment and happiness” which promotes the idea that how you eat, and
why you eat, is just as important as what you eat, the various eating
methods of “Peking” versus “Cantonese” roast duck are explained when the
condiments and pancakes are served.

Caviar
is the main highlight of the condiments and surprisingly, it
complements the traditional flavours of the Peking duck perfectly,
lending the finishing touches to an unforgettable experience.

Highlight of the condiments – Caviar

Peking Duck served with a generous dollop of caviar

Words
fail to describe how impressed I was as I have never tasted Peking duck
that has approached this level of sophistication.

But that’s not all
that Jiang-Nan Chun has to offer.

Beyond just duck, some of its
signature dim sum and claypot dishes are prepared in the
specially-customized duck oven to greatly enhance the depth of flavours.

Dim Sum

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Mushroom, Char Siew Sliders with Homemade Pickled Green Chilli

Can
you see the beautiful layers on the Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black
Pepper Meat? There is a total of seventeen symmetrical layers alternated
between water-based and oil-based skin, forming a crispy textured
pastry that envelopes the wood-fired black pepper meat within.

It
takes many hours to make this and the chefs’ hard work certainly pays
off. Just take a bite and let the light, flaky layers melt in your
mouth, revealing the juicy black pepper meat.

I felt like I went to dim sum heaven.

Crispy Flaky Pastry with Black Pepper Beef

The
Char Siew Sliders with Green Pickled Chilli is yet another work of art
that showcases the chefs’ attention to the finest details.

Only
Kurobuta pork, the most highly prized pork in Japan, is used to create
its signature Char Siew. The juiciness, tenderness and distinctive
flavour set it apart from the usual char siew, and that tangy sweetness
of green pickled chilli gives it that extra punch.

Char Siew Sliders with Pickled Green Chilli

Now,
how could I forget the steamed shrimp dumpling, a dim sum mainstay?
Jiang-Nan Chun’s version is clearly a notch above the rest as it comes
with thin, silky smooth skin and generous portions of large succulent
shrimps.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with Mushroom

 Appetizer

What
I love about Jiang Nan-Chun is how innovative the dishes are. Take this
appetizer for example. The soft shell prawns are fried to perfection
(they’re so crispy you can actually eat them whole!) with curry leaves
and spices based on the chef’s secret recipe. The almonds and crispy
rice added that extra crunch which made this dish highly addictive.

Soft Shell Prawns with Sliced Almonds & Crispy Rice

 

Double-boiled Soups

Sea Whelk, Maka (Peruvian Ginseng), Dried Scallops & Pork Ribs

Jiang-Nan Chun’s double-boiled soups are well-loved by VIPs and dignitaries alike, and it is not hard to see why.

To
create a rich stock, the base of the soup is boiled for eight hours
with fresh, natural ingredients. Then, key ingredients are added to the
stock and boiled again for another eight hours.This process ensures that
you reap the wellness benefits of their nourishing soups, which have a
rich, complex flavour yet remain incredibly light on the tastebuds.

Double-boiled soups are my idea of comfort food and needless to say, I finished my bowl of hearty soup in a heartbeat.

Claypots

Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil

The
Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass-infused Oil is a new signature dish
at Jiang-Nan Chun. Cooked for over 30 hours in the mesquite wood oven,
the meat is so tender it melts in your mouth. It is exceptionally
flavourful and goes very well with a bowl of fragrant white rice.

At
Jiang-Nan Chun, even the tiniest of details is not spared and you’ll be
happy to know that every bowl of rice is individually steamed, so that
every grain is moist and soft.

Main Dishes

Steamed Cod Wrapped in Paper Rice Roll

When
I first read that the next dish to be served was Steamed Cod Wrapped in
Paper Rice Roll, I wasn’t expecting it to turn up looking like a
beautiful art piece with an equally enthralling story behind it.

Can you tell that this dish evokes silk in the water ripples? This
dish tells the story of one of the Four Beauties of China, Xi Shi.
According to the legend, she used to wash her silks in the famous West
Lake in Hangzhou and her gorgeous reflection stunned even the fishes, so
they swam lower below the waters.

I
enjoyed this wellness dish with cod, mushrooms and water chestnuts,
accompanied by a touch of truffle personally shaved by the chef for
every guest.

 Dessert

Desserts are less traditional and like every item on the menu, each brings an element of surprise to the table.

Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Puff Pastry

Fans
of salted egg yolk can get your fix here with the Crispy Salted Egg
Yolk Puff Pastry with Almond. I was particularly enamoured with this as a
refreshing and creative spin is given to the salted egg yolk craze by
incorporating almond cream in this delightful crispy puff pastry.

Avocado cream, coconut sorbet, osmanthus jelly and cocoa nibs

Those
of you who are a little more health-conscious can opt for the Avocado
cream dessert which is lighter on the palate yet equally tasty.

Yogurt Cream, Mung Beans, Longan, Chia Seed, Sour Plum Granite

If
you are feeling more adventurous, opt for the Yogurt Cream dessert. The
juxtaposition of yogurt cream and sour plum granite, topped with a
sprinkling of Chia Seeds, gives it a unique east-meets-west twist.

Tea Pairing & Wine Pairing

In
line with the concept of 享乐, you can always look to the servers for
recommendations on a cup of tea or a glass of wine to complement every
dish and to complete your dining experience.

Tea Pairing

From now till 30 June 2016, call 6831 7220 and quote “25% off Peking Duck” when making a reservation to enjoy 25% off the Signature Peking Duck (U.P. S$98).

There is also a special wine-pairing promotion @S$65++ for 3 glasses of wines curated by their resident wine experts.

*****

Jiang-Nan Chun

Address:
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646

Tel:
+65 6831 7220


Opening Hours:
Lunch – 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner – 6pm – 10.30pm

Music has always been a part of me, my life and my existence. Just like how a painting says a thousand words, music speaks where words fail. It brushes away the dust that everyday life has cast on my soul. 

You’ll be amazed by how therapeutic it is to listen to music on the go, especially when you have a good set of earphones like my trusty Sudio Vasa.

My first encounter with Sudio earlier this year left me in awe in terms of both its design and quality. This time, the Swedish company has taken it up a notch with its premium Vasa earphones (compatible with Android and iOS devices) which allows you to listen to every detail and every instrument in every song, as if you were in the recording studio. 

An unforgettable
audio experience is what you are in for. I enjoy listening to both pop
and classical music, and being able to identify the different instruments in
orchestral music gives me inexplicable joy.

Aside from its sound quality, I am drawn to its sleek, clean minimalist design with rose gold accents. It blends functionality with style and is the perfect accessory for all my outfit choices.

Special Discount for Readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven

If you would love to get your hands on this gem, you’ll be happy to know that Sudio has kindly extended a discount to all readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven.

All you have to do is key in REGINA15 upon checkout to enjoy 15% discount on your purchase. 

International shipping is free.

Sudio Vasa retails at S$110 and is available in White, Black, Pink and Blue.

 *****

 Sudio

Facebook: 

 https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden
 

Instagram: 

@SudioSweden

Official Website: 

 www.sudio.se

*****

If you enjoy reading my blog, you might wish to click here to Like my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!

Challenge B: Cooking (Orange-Sesame Noodles with Grilled Shrimp)

I started with Challenge B, a cooking challenge using Florida’s Natural Orange Juice. 

Yes, that’s right. Orange Juice.

Before you start frowning at the idea, I have to tell you that I have tried using freshly squeezed orange juice to marinate shrimps previously. However, this was my first time using Florida’s Natural Orange Juice or any juice straight out of a carton for that matter as a sauce for soba noodles and I wasn’t so sure if it would taste good.

Here’s the recipe if you’re interested in recreating this dish:

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh orange juice (I used the Most Pulp version)

3 tablespoons tamari

3 tablespoons peanut butter (I used organic unsalted peanut butter, but I think the sinful version would taste better)

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

10 ounce soba noodles

1 cup snow peas

1 carrot, cut into matchsticks (I used baby carrots as they’re sweeter and there’s no need to cut them up)

1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I used ready cooked frozen shrimp for convenience)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Preparation

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl to make orange juice sauce.

2. Boil noodles according to package directions. Before draining, add snow peas and carrots to cook for 30 seconds.

3. Drain pasta, peas and carrots and toss immediately with orange juice sauce. Set aside.

4. Brush shrimp with sesame oil and grill over medium-hot stove for 3-5 minutes

5. Arrange pasta on serving plate, topped with shrimps.

And here’s presenting my final dish! I was surprised that it actually tasted better than expected. It had a pleasant nutty taste accompanied by a refreshing citrus flavour. I used organic unsalted peanut butter but I have a gut feel that this would taste better with the more sinful version.

Challenge C: Flatlay (What’s on my table?)

My next pick was Challenge C, which also turned out to be the easiest challenge for me as I love flatlays. I did a flatlay of my favourite beauty products, accessories (the lovely people who packed my challenge chose this gorgeous floral wreath and floral ring for me), and not forgetting Florida’s Natural Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice.

Since we are on the topic of beauty, did you know that grapefruit juice promotes a healthy complexion and helps with weight loss too? It gives you more energy at the same time and decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease too.  

Now, I’m sure this gives you ample reasons to start consuming grapefruit juice! I have just started taking grapefruit juice during breakfast every morning so I always have a carton of Florida’s Natural Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice in my fridge. You should try it too!

If you prefer something a little sweeter, you could give Florida’s Natural Cranberry Ruby Red Juice a try. Cranberry juice acts as a sweetener and promotes urinary tract health too, which is perfect for us ladies.

Challenge A: Upcycling (Juice Carton Desk Organiser)

I wished the challenges were as easy as ABC (in that order), but the truth was, I was stumped by Challenge A. I was tasked to upcycle an empty carton of juice and in a nutshell, what this means is I had to make a useful product out of waste materials. I have to say it is a very meaningful task, but handicraft is definitely not one of my strengths.

Thankfully, with the help of my brother who loves art and craft, we managed to convert the juice carton into a desk organizer to store my girly stationery. As frivolous as my pens may look, don’t you agree that they’re so adorable? Looking at them brightens up my day instantly. 

If you’re interested in making your own desk organiser, follow the instructions below:

What you need

 Empty juice carton

Craft knife

Hole punch

Preparation

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the interior and exterior of the juice carton. Use your craft knife to cut out an entire flap on the side of the carton.

2. Use your hole punch to punch several holes all over the flap that you cut out. Note that you have to use a hole punch that is able to create larger holes. The usual puncher does not work as well, so I used this hole punch that I purchased from Art Friend instead: 

3. Use blu tack to stick the reverse side of the flap back onto the side of the carton.

Here’s a close-up of the final product:

I had a lot of fun with these creative challenges and I certainly hope this post has given you a better idea of what you can do with your Florida’s Natural juices.

And now’s the time for the big reveal. 

Did you guess the sequence of my challenges correctly? 

 For those of you who guessed BCA, you could very well be my giveaway winner! 

Giveaway Winner Announcement

There are two winners for this giveaway and they will each walk away with 1-month worth of Florida’s Natural Juices. 

The winners are:

1) Serene Tay

2) Tan Bee Leng

Please drop me an email at regina.chow@gmail.com. Florida’s Natural will get in touch with you directly to make the necessary arrangements.

Thank you once again for participating in this giveaway. I took a while to sieve through all the comments as there were more than 100 responses! 

Missed this giveaway? I’ll be holding giveaways regularly, so do follow me on Facebook here for more updates!

Buffets are usually known for quantity instead of quality, but in this day and age, discerning consumers value both qualities equally and Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood is one of the few places in Singapore that lets you have your cake and eat it. 

I first had a taste of their Mezze Dinner Buffet (S$58++ including appetizer and dessert buffet spreads and one main course) earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much that I had to take JW there on a separate occasion. 

Appetizer & Dessert Buffet

What I love about the appetizer and dessert buffet is that the extensive selection caters to all your whims and fancies. There is also an element of surprise as items are refreshed daily based on the freshest catch and produce, so you can expect nothing but the very best culinary offerings ranging from organic salads, cured meat, cheese, succulent seafood and exquisite desserts that promise to tantalize your taste buds. 

I was blown away by the wide variety of seafood and organic vegetables.The prawns were very fresh and came with a hint of sweetness while the sweet cherry tomatoes oozed juicy goodness with every bite.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will be in for a treat at the dessert buffet which boasts a delectable array of cakes, bread and butter pudding (my personal favourite!), cookies and fresh fruits.

  
Main Courses

The main course menu features a sumptuous spread of cuisine wood-fired over the sweet aroma of apple wood.  

Here’s what you can expect:

If you are a meat lover, I would highly recommend the steaks here.I tried both the Wagyu Rump and Black Angus Prime on my first visit and I have to say they were well worth the top-up and calories. The Black Angus Prime was more tender, but both were equally succulent and tasty, with a delightful tinge of wood-fired flavour.

Some of the other ala-carte items that you have to try include the very fragrant truffle foccocia which was previously only reserved for VIPs. 

Before the start of the meal, pamper yourself with Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s signature Singapore Sangria, a cocktail that infuses flavours from Asian fruits such as dragonfruit, starfruit and lychee liquer. This delicious concoction was exclusively created for Four Seasons Hotel Singapore by Javier de las Muelas and can only be found on our sunny island. You could also pop by on Fridays for Happy Hour between 6-8pm and enjoy 1-for-1 on cocktails of your choice.

Aside from the delectable food and drinks, I truly appreciate the cozy and intimate ambience at One-Ninety, where you can catch glimpses of Executive Chef Giovanni Speciale, Senior Sous Chef Nicolas Owen and the team working their culinary magic as you just sit back, relax and indulge in the freshest and finest gastronomical fare. Definitely what I would consider as one of life’s greatest pleasures.

 
One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood, 

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

 

 Reservations:

Call (65) 6831 7250 or email one-ninety.sin@fourseasons.com

Address:

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

190 Orchard Boulevard S’pore 248646

6.30pm-10.30pm 

Website:

http://www.fourseasons.com/singapore/dining/restaurants/one_ninety/

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and there would be no better way to celebrate this special day with your mum than to pamper her with a thoughtful gift, isn’t it? 

If you’re wondering what to get for your mum this Mother’s Day, you might just find the perfect gift at Noelgifts.

  

Importance of Gifting & Celebrating Mother’s Day 

My mum and I may
be poles apart in terms of personality and character, but our love for
each other (and our common love for shopping!) transcends all boundaries
and binds us together. 

 Life hasn’t been a
bed of roses for her as she strives to juggle both work and family,
often taking it upon herself and staying up late to complete her
household responsibilities despite having to work the next day.
Nonetheless, she has always been a fighter even in the face of
challenges. She is our pillar of strength and she alone has kept
the family together in hard times and adversity. That is why I always make it a
point to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mum and family to express our
gratitude and appreciation for the most special woman in our lives.

 A cozy celebration at our favourite restaurant is never complete without a surprise gift at the end of the meal. To be able to put a smile on my mum’s face and see her eyes light up when she receives a gift she adores truly warms my heart and every year, I crack my brains thinking about what would make a good gift.

Why Noelgifts? 

I was pleasantly surprised by Noelgifts’ plethora of gift options for Mother’s Day. This year, they have gone one step further by bundling their gorgeous floral bouquets with practical gifts ranging from spa treats, hand creams, perfumes, cakes, organic tea, nourishing tonics to even jewellery!  

There’s something for every mum, whatever tickles her fancy.

 Thanks to Noelgifts, I can now spring a surprise on my mum this Mother’s Day with the click of a button, regardless of where I may be.  

This is such an ingenious idea as it makes gift shopping not only thoughtful, but quick, convenient and absolutely fuss-free too!

Which gift am I picking for my mum?

My mum has a soft spot for jewellery, clothes and hand creams. As I just bought her a necklace for her birthday recently, I figured the Playful Elegance Gift Set which comes with a lovely bouquet accompanied by Crabtree & Evelyn’s Pear and Pink Magnolia hand cream (100ml) and bath gel (250ml) would be a good gift for her this Mother’s Day. My mum has been
advocating the use of hand creams since I was in my teens and thanks to
her golden words of wisdom, my hands have gotten smoother and
softer over the years.

 I’m sure the
flowers in this gift set would perk up her day at the office, plus she can easily pop
this handy hand cream into her handbag and keep her hands hydrated
throughout the day!

Here’s wishing my dear mum and all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day in advance!

*****

Free Delivery

Mother’s Day is just slightly over a week away, so if you’ve yet to find the perfect gift for mummy dearest, click here to check out Noelgifts and place your orders!

From now till 8th May 2015, key in the promo code “RCMD15” upon checkout to enjoy free delivery on all purchases!

*****