health – Regina Chow

Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Florida's Natural Juices (Giveaway Winners)

May 17, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have always been a loyal fan of Florida’s Natural juices and my favourite is their Orange Juice with Most Pulp (Product of USA). Squeezed from Valencia oranges and not from concentrate, it is the next best alternative to having freshly squeezed juice.

Nothing else comes close, and naturally, I couldn’t conceal my excitement when I had the opportunity to be a part of their latest campaign, where I got to find out more about Florida’s Natural range of juices and their multiple uses through 3 challenges (hidden within the envelopes labelled A, B and C in the photo below) that were posed to me.

If you follow me on my Facebook page here, you may already have participated in my recent Florida’s Natural Juices Giveaway where the winner will receive 1-month’s supply of juices from Florida’s Natural. I asked you to choose the sequence in which I should open the envelopes which would determine the order of the challenges that I take up.

Which sequence did I pick in the end?

Who is the winner of this giveaway?

Sorry for keeping you in suspense for so long! The winner of the giveaway will be revealed at the end of this post, but meanwhile, read on to find out more about each challenge.

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!

Personal Thoughts, Uncategorized

Let’s Build Singapore in 2065 – #BuildSG2065

April 22, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Singapore has come a long way since it achieved independence 50 years ago. We have a beautiful garden city, a democratic and multi-racial society, and a safe and secure country where everyone lives in harmony. Most importantly, we have a place that we are all proud to call home.

As we celebrate SG50 this year, let’s take one step further and let our imagination run wild as we envision Singapore 50 years down the road.

What will Singapore look like in 2065?

What do you hope to see in Singapore in 2065?

The Straits Times and CapitaLand are calling out to all Singaporeans to submit your ideas here . A total of 50 attractive prizes are to be won, including the top 3 prizes below:

Your ideas can be submitted in the form of videos, images and text. Remember, the only limit is your imagination, so let your creative juices flow and think out of the box. Who knows? You might just be a winner!

Your ideas should fall under one of these topics:

Go Green

Smart Spaces

Space-Age Kampungs

Weatherproof World

What about me? What do I hope to see in Singapore in 2065?

I’ve always thought that it would be amazing if we could incorporate augmented reality into multi-tasking wearable gadgets or electronic devices found in our home.

For instance, by wearing something as simple as a watch, you can get an instant health scan and get a rundown of your current health condition, the types of food that you should avoid and what you should do to prevent yourself from falling ill.

How about a smart refridgerator that keeps stock of everything that you have in the fridge, keeps track of your likes and dislikes and automatically replenishes your groceries based on your preferences? I have always found grocery shopping a chore, hence I’ll be eternally grateful if such technological advancements come our way!

And you know how women have bursting wardrobes but are always complaining that they have nothing to wear? I have come to realize that these feelings arise because our crammed-to-death wardrobes make it difficult for us to see what we have at a glance, and it takes even more effort for us to mix and match clothes, bags and accessories to put together a decent outfit.

Now, what if you have a smart wardrobe that catalogs every single item in your wardrobe and project it on a screen whenever you open up your wardrobe, along with styling and make-up recommendations based on not only the occasion that you’re dressing up for, but your current mood as well? As it is, I am already rubbing my hands in glee at the thought of it!

What other ideas do you have?

The deadline for the contest is 30 April 2015, so keep your ideas coming and submit them at http://buildsg2065.straitstimes.com!

Uncategorized

Fitness: Power Plate at Croyez Studio

February 17, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I’ve long heard about the benefits of Power Plate® equipment and how it enhances the effectiveness of your exercise routine to produce optimal results. Friends who have tried Power Plate® classes also shared with me that they could get an extremely thorough and intensive workout in just a short period of time.

Naturally, my curiosity was piqued and I couldn’t help but say yes to a Power Plate® session at Croyez Studio along with Karen and Raphael.

Croyez Studio is the first and only authorized Power Plate® and NARL® studio in Asia that offers both personalized training and group workouts. Located amidst lush greenery within Dempsey, it offers an exclusive studio perfect for individuals seeking a frills-free workout with a view.

There are classes everyday, 7 days a week, and you’ll definitely be able to find a class that fits your schedule and fitness level.

Unlike most fitness centres which are equipped with only a handful of Power Plate® machines, Croyez boasts a studio filled with these machines.

What are Power Plate® machines and what do they do?

Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new
dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical
abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate
the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit
waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions
between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in
sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

Essentially, this means that you don’t have to spend as much time exercising to achieve the same results, which is great for our hectic lifestyles. In fact, as a result of the vibrations, you could lose 50% more weight than if you were to use conventional gym equipment. Now, we have less of an excuse not to exercise!

Other measurable benefits related to Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment also include improved blood circulation, better muscle strength and flexibility, less cellulite and faster recovery.

How does it work?

Getting acquainted with the machines and how they operate is an integral part of the process as the different speed and timing buttons will vary the intensity of your workout. You need to familiarize yourself with all the buttons as you could be standing up at one point and seated at the next.

What types of exercises can you do with Power Plate® machines?

The Power Plate® machine can be easily incorporated into your favourite workout routine, ranging from yoga, kickboxing, muay thai, pilates, body combat or aerobics. These classes are all readily available at Croyez Studio.

We tried the PBox class, which is the most popular class at Croyez Studio. PBox includes moves inspired by Muay Thai, Taebo, Body Combat and MMA using 1kg hand weights.

The
adrenalin-pumping cardio and strength building workout was paired with
fist-pumping music to keep you fired up as you push your physical limits
and unleash your beast mode!

The
whole workout took just 40 minutes (including 20 minutes of warm-up and
cool-down exercises), but at the end of it, I could feel the intensity
of the workout running through every vein of my body as there were no breaks in between.

There were times when thoughts of giving up flooded our minds but the instructors were a huge source of motivation. Bursting with energy throughout, they encouraged
every one of us to persevere and keep up with the pace.

Their positivity definitely rubbed off us as we gritted our teeth and pressed on, in the hope of reaping the fruits of our labour.

One of my fitness goals is to tone up my arms and surprisingly, I achieved this after just one session! My arms may have
ached for days after, but my biceps firmed up immediately and my arms
became much toner and muscular. I was impressed.

To reward ourselves for the hard work, we were treated to a round of massage using the Power Plate® machine during the cooling down segment. Massage helps to relieve any muscle soreness and aids in muscle recovery after an intensive workout.

If you are worried about weight gained after all the feasting during Chinese New Year, there’s another machine for weight loss at Croyez Studio which would probably interest you.

What is NARL®?

NARL®, which stands for NorAdrenalin ReLease, uses a unique, safe and patented combination of ultrasound frequency and
intensity that enables a local release of noradrenaline, through a specific
stimulation of the sympathetic nerve terminals. This local noradrenaline release will trigger a natural lipolysis from nearby adipocytes.

Local
fat loss is observed if the released Free Fat Acids and Glycerol are
burned (used as energy). This localised stimulation bypasses our central
nervous system, hence there is no fat rebound effect, and long lasting
results are guaranteed.Lipolysis is activated by catecholamine (adrenaline and
noradrenaline) and it relates to the breakdown of Triglycerides contained in our fat cells (adipocytes) into FFA and Glycerol, source of
energy.

Once FFA and Glycerol are released in blood stream, they
have to be burned. If not, this energy will be re-synthesized into fat
by homeostasis principle.NARL® is clinically proven to be effective
locally and on all kinds of fat (cellulite, subcutaneous and visceral). For optimal results, it is recommended that you use NARL® before your workout.

If you are planning to try out the Power Plate®, I would highly recommend that you attend fitness classes at a studio such as Croyez which specializes in the use of these machines.

This is because Acceleration Training is considered a less conventional form of exercise and you would benefit greatly from a total body workout specially tailored to your needs by a trained professional. It also helps to have a trainer watching your alignment and motivating you class after class to achieve your desired results.

As with all forms of exercise, results vary from individual to individual. Nonetheless, most people are able to see visible changes in their body after 3 sessions a week over 3 weeks.

I fall into the category of people who build muscle very quickly and I saw results instantly after just one session.I felt an immense sense of achievement after my Power Plate workout and am looking forward to yet another session after the CNY feasting. My
biceps are still rock hard even as I am writing this post many weeks down the
road.

Pretty incredible, isn’t it?

Croyez Studio

Address:

Blk 8D Dempsey Road
#03‐06
Singapore 249672

Tel:

6474 4136

Website:

http://www.croyezstudio.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/powerplatesingapore

Opening Hours:

Mon to Thur: 8am – 9pm

Fri: 8am – 7pm

Sat/Sun: 10am – 2pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Uncategorized

Reduze PRO Review

December 1, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

The festive season is just around the corner, which means it’s time for parties and feasting! December is always an exciting month for me, because not only is it my birthday month, it’s probably the only time of the year other than Chinese New Year when I can feast to my heart’s delight and not feel guilty about it because everyone else in the world is having a ball of a time!

Well, technically, I don’t feel guilty about it until I start to notice unsightly bulges around my tummy. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I don’t always have abs or a flat tummy all year round as I am prone to indigestion and bloating. I am generally blessed with a high metabolic rate, but when I overeat, which is unavoidable during this season, I tend to pile on the pounds in the most undesirable areas like my tummy and arms. Fortunately, I have Reduze PRO with me to save the day during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Reduze PRO – S$128/box (60 capsules) – 1 month supply

Did you know that detox is one of the most important steps to achieve weight loss? A study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity published in 2010 has shown that weight loss releases excess toxins into the body, hence it is necessary to detoxify your body as you embark on your weight loss regime.

Reduze PRO was specifically developed with this in mind and its triple action synbiotic formula helps you to detox, burn fat and lose weight effectively.

Here’s what it does:

1) Rebalance Gut Flora

– Increase Weight Loss Bacteria

-Decrease Weight Gain Bacteria

2) Improve Digestive Function

– Increase Bowel Frequency

– Reduce Fat/Toxin Accumulation

3) Sustainable Weight Loss

-Increase Fat Metabolism

-Increase Satiety

Unbalanced gut flora is one of the root causes of obesity, as it leads to an increase in appetite, toxins and fat storage. This, coupled with a decrease in metabolism, eventually results in weight gain. Reduze PRO’s unique blend of ingredients breaks the weight gain cycle by rebalancing gut flora and eliminating toxins to achieve sustainable weight loss.

The synbiotic formula, which comprises both prebiotics and probiotics, helps to improve digestion functions. Prebiotics increases satiety, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. In this case, Reduze PRO helps you to feel full for up to 6 hours after meals! Each dose of Reduze PRO also delivers 20 billion live probiotics to optimize fat loss and trim your tummy.

Clinical studies have also proven that Reduze PRO improves bowel frequency by 52% and I can certainly attest to this. Extensive travelling in the past month has taken a toll on my digestive health and bowel regularity, but after taking Reduze PRO for about 2 weeks now, I realized that my bowel regularity has improved. My stomach also feels less bloated from indigestion. More importantly, it looks much flatter too. Thanks to my trimmer tummy, my crop tops can finally see the light of day again after taking a break!

In addition to bowel regularity, Reduze PRO also promises 8 times more weight loss, a 52% improvement in bowel frequency, 29% less calorie intake and a clearer complexion.

To feel the initial difference, it is recommended that you take the product for at least 4 weeks. 2 pills once a day before food is all it takes. You can also start off with 3 pills once daily before food for faster results. As only natural ingredients are used, Reduze PRO is suitable for long-term consumption as there are no adverse side effects.

I’ve only taken the product for 2 weeks, but I am already very pleased with how it has tackled my indigestion and bowel irregularity issues thus far. Now, I can eat all I want without having to worry about indigestion and weight gain!

*****

Special Discount for My Readers

Reduze PRO has also kindly extended a special discount to all my readers should you be keen to give it a try.

From now till 31st December, click here to purchase Reduze PRO on Rakuten and you will enjoy S$10 off with a minimum spend of S$128(1 box of Reduze PRO).

Remember to key in my discount code: REGINA10 (case sensitive) upon checkout to enjoy this exclusive offer!

*****

Reduze Pro is also available at the following stores:

Guardian

John Little

Metro

NTUC Fairprice

Robinsons

Sasa

Unity

Watsons

Uncategorized

Climbing natural beyond Singapore

November 5, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

This post follows on from JW’s (my hubby) previous entry on climbing. Interestingly, some friends had earlier commented that this topic was odd for a blog on fashion, beauty and travel.

I thought about it. Sometimes, it is the flower which has an oddly-coloured petal among the others that also makes it interesting.

In any case, health and fitness is part and parcel of looking good and feeling great, which really isn’t that far off from what my fashion and beauty posts aim to achieve, isn’t it?

[Guest Post from JW]

Why
do people keep climbing up and down that same artificial rock-wall?
Actually, there are routes of varying difficulty on it. But I also
opine, that the ultimate delight of climbing probably lies in the transfer to
natural rocks.

While I may
not have travelled as much as I’d have wished, I’m grateful enough thus
far. Everyone probably
has his or her own tick-list of places to visit/climb, and I’m glad to
have made satisfactory progress on mine! I’ve had the good fortune of
discovering overseas
crags which charmed me. Although Blue Mountains (Australia) and Yangshuo
(China) are pretty awesome, the crags which hold a special place in my
heart
are still Krabi (Thailand), Ceuse (France) and Rodellar (Spain).

KRABI, THAILAND

There’s
something magical about Krabi. When my then team captain told me about a climbing
paradise called Krabi, I thought she was just exaggerating. And boy, was I wrong!

Climbing
for two weeks by the Andaman Sea on beautiful limestone crags amidst the rustic habitat
of Tonsai as well as pitting myself physically and mentally against the natural
features on different routes, the simple pleasures of life couldn’t be more stark. A
trip which I intended to mark the end of my climbing years (prior to my
all-important final year in university), turned out to be the beginning of my
epiphany that climbing was not so much a competitive or athletic pursuit but a
way of life…

Climbing in Krabi is economical as it is near Singapore, with
quality food and accommodation at affordable prices. With an abundance of 6s, Krabi
is worth the journey for climbers who can send 6c comfortably.

CEUSE, FRANCE

I’ve
written about Ceuse before, so I shall refrain from going on and on
about it. It was a trip I badly needed to find some closure and peace
with myself after a difficult episode in my life, and I’m glad I made
it.

Two weeks in southern France, two weeks of self-discovery, two weeks
of climbing lessons from Mother Nature. Prior to Ceuse, I paid scant
attention to footwork coz I thrived on overhangs and powerful moves
which were more acrobatic and offered greater thrill. But at its Berlin
crag, I was completely humbled and mind blown as I was challenged to hone
myself in a dimension of climbing unfamiliar to me. The handholds and
footholds were so sketchy, I experienced feet cramps! Well, it probably
made me a more wholesome climber than I was before.

The cool climate,
limestone features and scenic countryside of Ceuse were an absolute
pleasure to behold, not forgetting to also mention the croissants and
pizzas which tasted heavenly. The only downside was the daily 45-min
trek (which I grew to love) and painfully icy sensation on cold days
(which I never accustomed to). Cost isn’t much of an issue except for
the air ticket. I spent less than S$500 for two weeks of camping and
climbing in Ceuse. The classic routes are generally 7s and higher, so be
prepared to train and level up for Ceuse.

RODELLAR, SPAIN

Being true to my tick-list for crags, I actually made a two-week trip to Rodellar with my non-climber wife (i.e. Regina).

Located in an obscure part of Spain, little did I expect both of us to enjoy it so much! Here we were, not knowing what to expect – which really is the beauty of such trips. Here, the routes suited my style of climbing – massive overhangs, powerful moves and big holds. Coupled with the ease of access to routes, Rodellar was an ideal destination.

I also loved the sunny weather which was seldom threatened unlike other colder parts of Europe. It probably spilt over to the local culture which was jovial and so full of energy albeit the laidback lifestyle. The idyllic area of Rodellar was certainly worth the 5-hour drive from Barcelona. Decent food and accommodation were also easily found and reasonably priced – it only cost about 40 euros a day for our own stone hut (see top-left photo above!). While Rodellar doesn’t boast scenery as picturesque or calming as Ceuse and Krabi, it is still extremely pleasant and offered interesting places to visit in the vicinity such as the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alquezar. It also has a wide range of quality routes from 6s to 8s, so there is no dearth of choices to climb.

Climbing is a very individual yet communal sport. The adrenaline and enjoyment from the challenge of your own physical and mental limits on the beautiful creations of nature somehow makes the entire experience very much a spiritual form of harmony between oneself and the world.

I also relish how climbing has brought me onto the less trodden paths which lead to amazing crags and breath-taking places. Perhaps someday, I will again laze by the pristine shores of Krabi to hear the waves gently lapping or lie on the rolling fields of Ceuse to watch shooting stars across the quiet evening sky.

Uncategorized

TruLife Ready to Drink Supplements

September 18, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Restoring a healthy balance and rejuvenating my skin from within are two of my key priorities now that I’m well into my early 30s. Aside from exercise (hot yoga in my case), I’ve been incorporating supplements into my daily regime in a bid to maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle and to keep my skin glowing. Thanks to Vanity Trove’s invitation, I was introduced to TruLife’s ready to drink supplements during their product launch at Willow Stream Spa recently.

TruLife is a newly launched contemporary healthcare brand by Poli Medical, an established Singapore-based company that has served the TCM needs of many Singaporeans since 1971. TruLife is acutely aware that today’s society thrives on convenience and aims to answer the health and lifestyle needs of consumers with this in mind.

Manufactured in Singapore, TruLife’s ready to drink supplements combine powerful active ingredients that are rapidly absorbed by our body for targeted results, giving us the luminous glow of health from within.

The best part is, these supplements are completely sugar-free and additive-free.

Collagen Cell Renew – For Bright & Radiant Complexion (S$56.60)

I am a huge fan of collagen drinks and most of the collagen drinks that I have tried in the past contain preservatives and added sugar. I couldn’t be happier when I
found out that one of TruLife’s latest state-of-the-art products
includes Collagen Cell Renew, a collagen drink that contains 15,000mg dosage of Micro Marine Collagen Peptides.

Collagen Cell Renew is clinically proven to increase moisture levels by 50% and decrease UV spot area by 13%. It also targets fine lines and brightens your complexion, leaving you with smooth, supple skin.

I have previously read about how difficult it is for our body to absorb collagen due to its large molecule size, hence you can imagine my delight when I was told that only low molecular weight collagen peptides of deep sea fish origin are used to enhance absorption levels and ensure that our body absorbs the highest grade of collagen available today.

I was given a box of 10 Collagen Cell Renew supplements to try at home. Having read that effects are visible after just 10 days, I drank a bottle everyday before bed. It is recommended that you take this before bed as your body is better able to absorb the nutrients to achieve optimal results.

As no sugar is added, I was half expecting the drink supplement to taste bland or in the worst case scenario, bitter. I took my first sip gingerly and to my surprise, it was just as sweet and palatable as other collagen drinks that I’ve tried. Unlike other collagen drinks, the Collagen Cell Renew has a thicker and more viscous consistency, which I believe is largely attributed to the higher concentration of collagen peptides.

Did I see any results after 10 days?

To ensure that I could make a fair assessment of the supplements, no changes were made to my daily skincare routine. Aside from pigmentation at my cheek bone area, my skin tone is pretty even thanks to my whitening skincare regime, which I have been adhering to religiously for a few years now.

While I didn’t see significant improvements in my overall skin tone, I did notice that the pigmentation around my cheek bone area seemed to have lightened and I could get away with less concealer than usual. My skin also felt firmer, softer and well-moisturized.

I am not certain as to how enduring the effects are and if further improvements can be seen if I were to take this supplement in the longer term, but the results that it achieved in just 10 days are enticing enough to make me want to buy another box!

Besides Collagen Cell Renew, we were also given a thorough introduction to the full range of TruLife’s ready to drink supplements and products by Mr Dylan Hu (Director of Poli Medical and third generation business leader) as we nibbled on delicious canapes between sips of yummy fruit-infused water.

Mr Dylan Hu, Director of Poli Medical

Yingjie, a seasoned TCM practictioner, was also present to give us tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Based on TCM theories, the key to achieving good health is to balance the Yin and Yang energies.

Yingjie, TCM Practitioner

Here are the other two ready to drink supplements that we were introduced to:

Herbal System Detox – Stay Lean with Less Effort (S$45.95)

Herbal System Detox helps to improve kidney and liver functions by stimulating regular bowel movement, thereby preventing toxin accumulation and increasing metabolism. It also enhances digestive health and reduces oil absorption after meals.

It contains six
natural active ingredients, namely Green Tea, Lotus Leaf, Folium Sennae,
Hawthorn Fruit, Herbal Plantaginis and Cassia Seed to hasten the
detoxification process.

This supplement is perhaps your next best alternative to dieting. Not only is it flavourful, it is also completely natural, which makes it safe for consumption in the long term.

Berry EyeHealth – Brighten Eyes and Improve Visual Acuity (S$45.95)

Berry EyeHealth
aims to improve visual acuity and relieve eye fatigue to keep your eyes
bright, sparkling and healthy. Infused with high concentrations of
Wolfberry, Bilberry and other natural ingredients such as Chrysanthemum,
Dendrobium stem and Prinsepia Seed, this supplement targets common
problems such as blurred vision, cataract and even symptoms of glaucoma
too.

I intend to purchase a box of Berry EyeHealth soon as taking good care
of my eyes is one of my top priorities given that I spend the bulk of my time sitting in front of the computer on a day to day
basis. I am also genetically predisposed to myopia and am practically
blind without my contact lenses or spectacles.

We also had the opportunity to try other products under TruLife. Perosonally, I think that the Bird’s Nest Drink would make a wonderful gift to my parents or friends who are more health conscious as TruLife offers a sugar-free version of this popular tonic too.

After
the comprehensive presentation, the evening ended on a relaxing note
with a pampering massage of our choice at Willow Stream
Spa. I chose the Keep Calm with Collagen treatment, a specially
customized Face and Neck Massage that complemented TruLife’s Collagen
Cell Renew supplements perfectly.

TruLife’s supplements are
now available at Guardian and Nishino pharmacies, as well as OG and
Robinsons department stores.

For more information on TruLife’s premium quality healthcare products, do visit their website here.

Uncategorized

Climbing in Singapore

August 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Climbing in Castle Hill, New Zealand

[Guest post by JW, Regina’s hubby, who is an avid rockclimber and fitness fanatic.]

With a social wave of fitness hitting our island-state, it’s
no wonder that climbing is now a rapidly growing sport in Singapore! It strengthens the body,
requires technique and challenges the psyche – an absolutely mind-blowing and
adrenaline-pumping experience. I particularly enjoy climbing overseas, against the backdrop of beautiful scenery which will take your breath away to the point of sweet suffocation, but before you even get there, you first have to start climbing in Singapore. Having climbed in Singapore for a good 10+
years, I guess I’m in a decent position to write about it! =P

I first started climbing in 2003 when my army mate HH
recommended the sport to me. Back then, while I trained competitively in the
comfort of NUS Bouldering Gym, popular commercial climbing spots were Yishun
SAFRA and Bukit Merah SAFRA. How things are quite different now… So lemme
give my lowdown on climbing gyms in Singapore which I’ve been to (I shall
discuss ‘natural’ in a subsequent post). I don’t frequent all of them regularly and this is purely my personal opinion so please
feel free to comment if you beg to differ or if you spot any inaccuracies!

CLIMB ASIA (CA)

60 Tessensohn Road
Singapore 217664 (Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park)

Credit: Climb Asia

One of the most established climbing gyms in Singapore,
CA really offers a good spread of options for climbers – which I deem
as its competitive edge. Two storeys of indoor bouldering, wide selection of
indoor top-rope climbing, and even a 15m outdoor wall for lead-climbing and
speed-climbing.

The location is also one of the most central compared to the
rest. Its focus on route-setting somehow feels more diminished over the years
as it seems to cater more to climbing courses/events and the top-rope community
since the bouldering crowd is quite seasoned. You can also check out Team Climb
Asia in action e.g. some of Singapore’s top boulderers Haroz Foo and Xu Liting.

Price per entry: $14
for non-members and $7-$9 for members

YISHUN SAFRA (YS)

60 Yishun Avenue 4 Singapore 769027 (Nearest MRT
Station: Yishun)

Credits: SAFRA

For outdoor lovers, this is da place to climb! You get the
breeze, the sunlight, and unfortunately, the rain too as well sometimes… Some people may
find it scarier coz the climbing feels more exposed but you’ll get used to it
soon (I hope!). The high-wall texture is great – you can smear more confidently
without slipping compared to other gyms. The route-setting is also top quality,
thanks to Paul Soo and gang who dedicate much time and effort to it. For a
period, it became kinda infamous for sand-bagging i.e. stiffer route-grading but who
cares? Climbing is not about the grades (yeah right!)… YS also boasts the
highest outdoor wall (25m) in Singapore and an air-conditioned boulder gym
although not much serious attention has been paid to them vis-à-vis the 15m
walls for top-rope and lead-climbing.

Price per entry:
$16.05 for non-members and $10.70 for members/students

ONSIGHT CLIMBING (OS)

100 Guillemard Road
Singapore 399718 (Nearest MRT Station: Guillemard)

Credit: Onsight Climbing

The biggest indoor gym in Singapore! And also very crowded recently
– for good reason, I suppose. Being indoors, its competitive edge is
all-weather sport-climbing. It has really nice high-wall routes for top-rope
and lead-climbing.

My only grouse is that the route-setters may sometimes have been
too carried away and set a few routes which criss-cross – meaning two lanes may get
occupied by a single climber – which however makes for interesting climbs. I’m
more into sport-climbing so I’m not very sure about the bouldering. The few
times I tried, I found the boulder routes pretty challenging and organised. And since one of Singapore’s
top female boulderers Felicia Lim hangs out at OS, you know the quality is
there.

Price per entry: $18
for non-members and $11-$13 for members/students

CLIMBERS LABORATORY (CL)

48 Toh Guan Road East #05-152
Enterprise Hub Singapore 608586 (Nearest MRT Station: Jurong East)

Credit: Climbers Laboratory

A great place for beginners! I like the rough wall-texture
and abundance of easy routes for me to guide interested friends who are new to
the sport or wish to build their sport-climbing foundation.

The only
short-comings (pun intended) are its inaccessible location and 8m walls which
are too short for more advanced sport-climbers to push their limits. But well,
parking is free if you drive. And there is a lovely horizontal roof section to
lead-climb which can’t really be found in other climbing gyms. It is also
enjoyable because it is generally less crowded than the rest, which allows you to hop
on the route of your choice almost anytime and take your time to work on
climbing fundamentals/moves on-rope aka route-hog or hangdog without feeling
too self-conscious.

Price per entry: $11-$13
for non-members and $7-$9 for members

KINETICS CLIMBING

160 Paya Lebar Road Singapore
409022 (Nearest MRT Station: MacPherson)

Credit: Kinetics Climbing

An awesome place for bouldering enthusiasts! A lot of effort
is placed on quality boulder route-setting so there is no need to squeeze your
own brain juices (you can still do so if you wish to). I must say that
bouldering offers more thrill and comfort with its acrobatic possibilities on
the wall and cosy rest-time on the mattress. It also allows you to focus on
training specific techniques or holds – be it dyno, drop-knee, side-step,
slopers or crimps – which are important for both budding and advanced climbers.
While you may not find the option of high-wall climbing, you can probably draw
inspiration from one of Singapore’s top climbers Jay Koh or steal some tricks
from Team PMS!

Price per entry: $16
for non-members and $10 for members

CLIMB CENTRAL (CC)

1 Stadium Place #B1-01 Kallang Wave Singapore
397628 (Nearest MRT Station: Stadium)

Credit: Geraldine Kong

The newest kid on the block! And my, does it have a lot to
offer – in terms of non-climbing stuff, heh! High quality walls with well-set routes (mostly 5s and 6s tho’), air-conditioned
and in close proximity to the likes of H&M and Starbucks – I believe that it
will appeal to many who crave a mall-break between climbs!

Indeed,
it’s easy to see why the crowd is growing. CC also boasts the highest
indoor climbing wall in Singapore – at 16m. It is rather exhibitionist,
surrounded by curious onlookers/shoppers on a few storeys, which will perhaps
go down well with our younger generations and also hopefully encourage more
people to try or support the sport. The bouldering section is
still under construction, but I’m sure it’ll be another cool feature!

Price per entry: $14-$20
for day pass and $140 for 10-session pass

Uncategorized

Fashion: Stylish in Shorts

July 20, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Shorts set from Theory of Seven

Shoes from Charles & Keith

Bag from Givenchy

Hair & Make-up c/o Laneige

Stylish shorts is a term that comes across as a misnomer at first glance. How one could look stylish in a pair of shorts used to be unfathomable to me, but my mind changed ever since I chanced upon well-tailored shorts sets like this particular one from Theory of Seven (they’re having a massive sale now!). Looking immaculate without compromising on style and convenience takes all but 2 minutes with shorts sets thanks to the structured silhouette. If you are in the creative industry, this is probably an outfit that you can pull off for work too.

I love wearing jeans and pants too, but shorts is really the most practical option for our climate, especially if you’re going to be out and about the entire day. That very day, I had a makeover session courtesy of Laneige earlier in the day (more details in a separate blog post) and a couple of errands to run after that. Speaking of which, I absolutely adore the glamorous make-up that the lovely Korean make-up artist at Laneige did for me. The braided crown hairstyle added the finishing touches to my overall look and now, I’m on the hunt for a hair tutorial video to replicate this hairstyle.

On a totally irrelevant note, I had originally intended to write a post titled “Breaking Back” in view of my recent back problems. The resemblance of the title to the popular drama series “Breaking Bad” cracked me up and I always believe a little humour is perfect for alleviating pain and stress. I have terrible posture and while my back is better now, I have been told to stay off certain poses such as downward dog during yoga and to sit less. In fact, I was told by my doctor that I should stand up every 15 minutes!

My penchant for large bags doesn’t help too as I love to bring my entire house with me wherever I go, and that exerts unnecessary pressure on my back. Obviously. So yes, I will be sticking to smaller bags like the Givenchy Mini Antigona which was a gift from the hubby recently. He immediately insisted on getting me a new bag after my doctor’s appointment. You know, sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful man.

I was still in a little bit of pain when this series of photos were taken (again, by the lovely hubby), and I switched to flats right after just to be cautious. I love my heels, and to give them up would be a mammoth task. That aside, I know the hubby is secretly gloating at my misfortune, because now, I can’t tower over him in my high heels anymore! 😛

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AFC Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision Health Supplements Review

June 30, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

AFC Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision are two health supplements that I have incorporated into my daily routine for about a month now.

Kidachi Detox aids digestion and detox while Diamond Vision protects our eyes from UV rays and blue light emitted from computers, mobile phones, television and LED lights. Both supplements target common issues that manifest in this digital age, where we are constantly embroiled in a whirlwind of activities. Being connected 24-7 means that checking our emails on our laptops and mobile phones while we are on the go has become a norm, and sometimes, we get so caught up with everything that’s happening around us, we end up neglecting our health.

There have been several occasions where I had to skip meals or eat at irregular hours simply because I have deadlines to meet, and I’m pretty sure I’m not just speaking for myself here. Busy is a drug that we have all become addicted to.

While it is difficult to change our current lifestyle, incorporating exercise (like yoga!) and health supplements such as AFC’s Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision into our daily lives helps us to take baby steps towards better health and fitness.

Kidachi Detox

What is Kidachi Detox?

Kidachi Detox is a high potency all-natural formula, with active Kidachi aloe, 10 billion Lactobacillus plantarum and prebiotics (inulin and oligosaccharides) to promote healthy digestion, restore gastrointestinal health and strengthen immunity.

Kidachi Detox is recommended for those with:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Constipation

Poor digestion & gastric health

Diet rich in processed food

Bad breath & body odour

Skin problems such as acne & allergy

Did you know that our stomach is responsible for 75% of our digestive functions? Our digestive system is home to 100 trillion bacteria (both beneficial and pathogenic) and forms the foundation for stronger immunity and overall health.

Indigestion occurs as a result of food processing and cooking methods which destroy vital food nutrients and enzymes required for digestion. You may also get indigestion from eating at irregular hours.

What are the symptoms of indigestion? Common symptoms include a bloated stomach, gastric pain and heartburn.

I am very prone to indigestion and I often feel bloated due to my irregular eating habits. I also fall prey to indigestion and constipation when I travel overseas, as a slight time difference is all it takes to cause my body clock to go haywire.

Thankfully for me, AFC’s Kidachi Detox came just in time for my Hokkaido trip in early June. I packed it in my luggage as I knew it would definitely come in handy, and it sure did. My stomach started to feel bloated a few days into the trip and my bowel movement was affected as well.

That was when I decided to whip out my bottle of Kidachi Detox.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of 6 caplets per day and you can either take all 6 at a go or split it up the dosage throughout the course of the day. For ease of convenience, I usually just take all 6 caplets in the morning or before I head to bed. I tend to have difficulties swallowing large pills, but these caplets are relatively small, smooth and easy to swallow.

Why should you choose Kidachi Detox?

It is 100% natural and formulated with active Kidachi aloe, a premium species of aloe exclusively found in Japan that naturally restores the pH level in our stomach and aids in the breakdown of sugar and fat to relieve discomfort. It is widely recognized as a medicine in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia as Anthraquinone is present in this species. Anthraquinone is known for regulating and improving bowel movement without any side effects.

It is also the only aloe supplement in the market that contains 10 billion Lactobacillus plantarum and prebiotics to restore digestive health. The Lactobacillus plantarum used are specially treated to withstand high heat, such that it can survive in acidic stomach conditions and prevent harmful bacteria from affecting the absorption of nutrients. Prebiotics, on the other hand, promote the growth of good bacteria.

Was Kidachi Detox effective for me?

I was mindful that Kidachi Detox is meant to be a dietary supplement and not a miracle drug, hence I didn’t expect the results to be immediate. However, after taking the supplement for just 3-4 days, I realized that my stomach was less bloated than before and my bowel movement became more regular. It has been almost a month since I embarked on my journey with Kidachi Detox and I am happy to report that I hardly feel bloated anymore. This is one supplement that I would personally recommend and will continue to take in the long run.

Diamond Vision

What is Diamond Vision?

Diamond Vision is an all natural supplement scientifically formulated to provide crucial nutriental support to safeguard the well-being of your eyes by reducing accommodative stress from prolonged work at near focal length. Harmful blue light and oxygen radicals that are harmful to the eyes are neutralized. Key ingredients include 4 super carotenoids for eye health, namely Astaxanthin, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Bilberry Extracts.

Diamond Vision is recommended for those who:

Experience eye fatigue with near point tasks or after prolonged work on computer

Constantly exposed to UV and strong lighting

Read from gadgets such as tablets and smartphones frequently (that’s like every one of us!)

Experience difficulties in adjusting between different focal points

Did you know that blue lights emitted from electronic devices such as smartphone, laptops and tablets create a by-product called free radicals that damage our eyes?

Exposure to blue lights and UV rays over time can lead to premature eye problems such as blurred vision, dry eyes, eye strain and macular degeneration.

I personally suffer from dry eyes and eye strain as I am always clearing work on my iPhone or laptop. It doesn’t help that I wear contact lenses for extended periods of time as well. To reduce the discomfort, I always carry a bottle of eye drops with me wherever I go, and I try to give my eyes a break every hour or so by giving them a gentle massage.

However, old habits die hard and there are times when I either get carried away or my work schedule requires my eyes to be glued to my electronic devices all the time. That’s where Diamond Vision can then play a role in mitigating the negative effects these gadgets have on my eyes.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage is 2 softgels per day. These softgels are just as easy to swallow. In case you were wondering, yes, you can take both Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision together.

Why should you choose Diamond Vision?

Diamond Vision provides comprehensive protection for the eyes against blue light and UV light through the use of Natural Astaxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. It also improves visual acuity, blood flow in the eyes, and delays age-related vision deterioration. This would be an excellent product for your aged parents too.

Was Diamond Vision effective for me?

Having taken this supplement for about 2-3 weeks, I do notice that my eyes feel less dry and tired than before. I also feel good knowing that my eyes are now protected from blue lights and UV rays. That said, prevention is always better than cure and I still make it a point to put on my sunnies and use a brolly when I’m out in the sun. I also try to take more short breaks when I am working on my computer.

*****

Thank you Lifestream Group for these supplements!

There’s a discount on both Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision right now, so if you are interested in purchasing, do click on the links below for more details:

1) Kidachi Detox

2) Diamond Vision

These supplements are also available at NTUC Unity, selected Guardian & Watsons stores, Nishino Pharmacies, OG, Robinsons and leading departmental stores.

Hope you enjoyed this review! Meanwhile, have a great week ahead!

Uncategorized

Tokyo Bust Express

October 16, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Tokyo Bust Express kindly extended an invitation to me to experience their bust treatments at City Square Mall recently, to which I readily agreed as I have heard from fellow bloggers who have undergone Tokyo Bust Express treatments that only natural ingredients are used and the results are instantaneous, even with just one treatment! It sounded so miraculous that I thought I ought to try it for myself.

What struck me the moment I arrived at the Tokyo Bust Express branch at City Square Mall was how thoughtful the company is. The name of the shop was discreetly etched behind the reception counter against a neutral backdrop to protect the privacy of its customers and prevent curious stares from passersby, a very telling gesture that speaks volumes about how customer oriented the company is.

Upon stepping into their branch at City Square Mall, I was greeted by the warm and affable staff who made me a cup of delicious fruit tea while I waited for my consultation to begin. I also loved the cozy ambience which put me at ease immediately.

As I sipped on my tea, I couldn’t help but notice the pictures of models with enviable figures that every lady would aspire towards.

Truth be told, I am not particularly well endowed and although plastic surgery may seem tempting, I can never bring myself to go under the knife.

Some years back, I discovered lumps in my breasts and that caused alarm bells to ring because breast cancer is the number 1 cancer among women in Singapore! Thankfully, after consulting a specialist and undergoing a couple of tests, I was told that the lumps are fibroids (unlike cancerous lumps which are hard nodules, these are tender and move about within the breast) and there wasn’t any cause for concern.

You can imagine how relieved I was, but that episode also served as a reminder that my health should never be taken for granted, which is why I would never put myself at unnecessary risk for the sake of beauty. Honestly, I never thought that I would share this piece of information on my blog, but I wanted to let those of you who have the same issue know that you are not alone!

Well, then why did I decide to visit Tokyo Bust Express? Tokyo Bust Express is the largest bust enhancement centre in Singapore and its treatments
are not just for enhancement purposes. I had a very candid discussion with my consultant regarding my fibrocystic breasts and was told that one of the causes of breast
fibroids is the lack of circulation in the lymph nodes which limits lymphatic flow.

Massage
is one possible way to enhance lymphatic drainage and promote better breast health. Similarly, Tokyo Bust Express treatments are able to boost
circulation and help in lymphatic drainage as well as detoxification to promote better breast
health and reduce the risk of cancer, which addresses my concerns.

If bust enhancement is your main concern, here’s what you need to know. A common misconception is that breasts are made up of fats. In reality, breasts are made up of both fats and mammary glands. If your bust size decreases when you lose weight, which is a common complaint among many ladies, chances are your breasts are made up of more fats than mammary glands as fats are the first to go during weight loss. This is the reason why Tokyo Bust Express focuses on the stimulation of mammary glands for bust enhancement instead.

Of course, it also helps that natural ingredients are used in all Tokyo Bust Express treatments. The key ingredients include:

1) Fenugreek Seed Extract: A unique herb that is rich in phyto-estrogens, active plant cells with estrogen-like properties (estrogen is the female hormone) that promote breast health and lower your risk of cancer.

2) Mexican Wild Yam Root: This is an excellent source of beta-carotene and diosgenin, which are powerful phyto-estrogens to aid in breast development.

3) Dang Gui Root: This is probably no stranger to most Asians. Used to treat menopausal symptoms and also typically taken after each menstrual cycle for iron replacement, Dang Gui Root is able to effectively balance women’s hormone levels.

4) Humulu Lupulus: Also known as Hops Flower, this is a Eurasian shrub which is rich in flavonoids and highly valued for its anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. It also promotes the development of mammary glands.

After the very detailed consultation, I changed into a robe and had my measurements taken. A personalized bust analysis was conducted and it revealed that one of my breasts was higher than the other and there were some initial signs of sagging (sob!). Fortunately, all that was about to change as I was led to the treatment room.

The treatment room was tastefully decorated in neutral hues, complemented with feminine shades of red and pink. The sprinkle of rose petals on the bed added a nice touch too. I was all ready to kick back, relax and begin my customized treatment!

Here’s what my treatment included:

1) Firming Scrub

2) TT Push Up Machine (with Bust Toning Essence)

3) Bust Up Therapy

4) Bust Suction Therapy

The treatment started off with a firming scrub. We all know how important exfoliation is in enhancing the absorption of nutrients, don’t we?

Next up was the TT Push Up Machine, where two flat, circular plates were placed on each breast to stimulate my mammary glands through the use of electric currents. You will feel a light, pulsating sensation during this treatment. Before the treatment started, I was half expecting to be shocked by the current, but it turned out to be pretty comfortable and I even dozed off for a while.

My favourite step was the manual massage (Bust Up Therapy), where my therapist expertly massaged my bust with her deft hands to unclog the lymph nodes and boost blood circulation. My bust area felt rejuvenated and I could also feel an immediate difference in terms of fullness and softness. The therapist warned that this was the most painful step out of the routine, but my high pain threshold made the process rather pleasurable.

The last step, Bust Suction Therapy, entailed the use of two pumps with suction pressure to lift and enhance the overall shape of the bust.

The results of the treatment were nothing short of amazing. I experienced fullness, firmness and softness immediately. There was also a noticeable lifting effect which was further proven with measurements. I was impressed!

The effects after 1 treatment generally lasts a few days (it lasted about a week for me!), which is why it is important to follow up with regular sessions (at least 5-10 sessions) for maintenance and longer lasting results.

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tokyo Bust Express is pleased to offer an October Pink Ribbon Special to all my readers.

You’ll get to enjoy:

1 Complimentary Bust Customised Health Treatment + 1 Bust Collagen Volumizer (U.P S$1,266)

To enjoy your free treatment,

1.
Participate now by clicking on the link HERE

2.
Call 6262 6161

Terms and Conditions Apply:

– Only for females aged 18 years old and above

– Strictly by appointment only

– Promotion is valid for 2 months

Page 1 of 212 »

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Let’s Build Singapore in 2065 – #BuildSG2065

Fitness: Power Plate at Croyez Studio

Reduze PRO Review

Climbing natural beyond Singapore

TruLife Ready to Drink Supplements

Climbing in Singapore

Fashion: Stylish in Shorts

AFC Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision Health Supplements Review

Tokyo Bust Express

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