Singapore brand Pleatation first caught my eye at Fashion Steps Out@Orchard in 2015. The gorgeous pleats and flowy silhouettes were hard to miss. Timeless, effortlessly chic yet gracefully feminine, what’s there not to love about this homegrown label?

Sounds like the perfect dress for traveling too, isn’t it? I packed this with me for a weekend trip to the city of Nanjing. Temperatures were soaring and I knew this silky number was just what I needed to paint the town red without breaking into a sweat. It worked like a charm and I had an amazing time flying the Singapore flag in a foreign land.

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

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

Why Tarte?

Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette – S$69 (Shop HERE)

Pick and choose from a dazzling array of 9 mattes and 3 lustres which are perfect for transitioning from day to night. Creating different looks is an absolute breeze with this palette as there are endless possibilities. All you have to do is mix and match!

Tarteist Clay Paint Liner in Black – S$34 (Shop HERE)

Eye make-up is never complete without eyeliner, one item that I can never do without. While I usually prefer pencil liners out of sheer convenience, I do like the intense colour that only a cream liner is able to deliver. 

The only issue I have with cream liners is that it takes a steady hand and tons of practice to perfect it. Well, that was until I discovered Tarteist Clay Paint Liner. The sketcher-angled eyeliner brush makes it completely hassle-free. Squeeze a tiny amount on to the tapered tip of the eyeliner tube which transforms into a flat blending stage, then pick up a small amount of product with your brush and line away! 

 It has everything you need in an eyeliner, especially if you wish to create dramatic looks. Not only is it waterproof and budge-proof, it is also extremely black thanks to its triple-black formula. I adore its creamy consistency as it slides effortlessly across your lids. I was able to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner with utmost precision even on my first try, hence to say that I was impressed is definitely an understatement.

Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint – S$30 (Shop HERE)

Top: Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in TBT // Bottom: Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint in Namaste

Moving on to lip colours. Now we all know that matte lipsticks are all the rage currently, but the trick to getting luscious lips with matte lipsticks lies in finding the right formulation. 

Some matte lipsticks dry out your lips and amplify unsightly lines that even you probably have never noticed before. That is not the case with Tarteist Creamy Lip Paint. It is highly pigmented and comes with a lightweight, moussey consistency that glides luxuriously over your lips before drying to a velvety matte finish. I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but I love how matte my lips look without that dry, icky feeling.

I typically use the precision felt tip on the brush wand applicator to trace the colour on my upper and lower lip line before filling in the lips completely. Namaste is my ideal nude shade as it has blush undertones that perk up your complexion. To dial up the glam factor, go for TBT, a mysterious shade of mauve that is bound to turn heads wherever you go.

Tarteist Lip Crayon S$28 (Shop HERE)

Lip liners are one of the most neglected beauty items, but they are essential tools for priming and defining your lips. Formulated with Vitamin E and mineral pigments that soothe, nourish and protect your lips, it is comforting to know that Tarteist Lip Crayon does so much more than just sculpt your lips. Did you know that it also prevents your lips from feathering?

Transitioning from Day to Night with Tarte Cosmetics

As promised, here are two looks that I created with Tarte Cosmetics’ latest collection. The first look is a soft, feminine everyday look that is suitable for dates and yet professional enough for work. 

For my eyes, I swept charmer (light beige shade) all over my lids to the brow bone as a base, followed by jetsetter (matte warm chocolate shade) on my lids and rocker (shimmery chocolate brown shade) on my crease area, before blending activist (matte cool dark brown shade) and smokeshow (matte dark charcoal shade) at the outer corners. These beautiful eyeshadow shades can all be found in the Tarlette in Bloom palette. Funny girl (champagne gold shade) was used to highlight the inner corners of my eyes before I lined the top and bottom of my eyes with Tarteist Clay Paint Liner. Tarteist Lip Crayon in Boho and Tarteist Lip Paint in Namaste were used to achieve the perfect nude lip.

All I did to achieve a dramatic evening look was to intensify the eyeshadow colours at the outer corner of my eyes with activist and smokeshow from the Tartlette in bloom palette. To add more dimension, I dabbed firecracker (a shimmery cool brown shade) in the inner crease area too. Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram and Tarteist Lip Paint in TBT lent the finishing touches to this glamorous look. 

As you can tell, a change of lip colour makes a huge difference, which explains why I always carry two lipsticks in different shades with me.

Do you like these looks that I’ve created? 

If you are interested in these new products from Tarte Cosmetics, click HERE to shop now!

Eyebrow embroidery gives you perfectly groomed brows that frame your features beautifully, but eyeliner embroidery is the secret behind expressive, magnetic eyes that sparkle. Aren’t we glad that gone are the days when eyeliner embroidery results in a thick line drawn on your eyelids? Today, perfecting the no make-up yet polished look calls for eyeliner embroidery to be done on your waterline to fill up the gaps between your lashes, as this not only enlarges your eyes but also gives the illusion of thicker lashes. 

Can you tell the difference before and after eyeliner embroidery? I
look more wide awake than before, and I am in love with the subtle
definition that it gives to my peepers without any eye make-up, something that I could never do without in the past. Now, I can literally wake up like this every morning. It simplifies my beauty routine and I am able to get more shuteye.  

We all need a little more beauty sleep, don’t we?

Why did I choose Arch Angel Brow?

First and foremost, as with eyebrow embroidery, I cannot place enough emphasis on how important it is to engage an experienced professional for eyeliner embroidery. As eyeliner embroidery is done extremely close to your eyeballs, I would only entrust my eyes to a professional who has done this umpteen times, has a good aesthetic eye and most importantly, has at least 10 years of experience. 

The founders of Arch Angel Brow, Kelly and Eileen, have combined experience of 18 years in the beauty industry. Only plant-based ingredients are used and all the techniques and technology utilized are imported from Korea. All of the above gave me the assurance I needed, and having seen their works (plus my past experience with them), I knew I was in good hands. 

 What is the process like? How long does it take?

It is recommended that you head down without any eye make-up, but even if you do have make-up on, your eye area will be thoroughly cleansed before the procedure. 

Numbing cream is then applied for about 15-20 minutes, before a wand-like instrument is used to embroider the eyeliner pigment on your waterline. Your eyelids will be gently pulled up during the process and the most important thing to note here is to keep your eyes closed throughout. At the end of the procedure, your eyes will also be rinsed with saline for hygiene purposes.The entire process takes about an hour.

Application of numbing cream

Eyeliner embroidery work-in-progress

Rinsing my eyes with saline after the procedure

How long can it last?

I was told that eyeliner embroidery can last about 2-3 years on average. 
 

Does it hurt?

It generally feels a little ticklish and I felt a tingling sensation at one point, after which Kelly promptly reapplied an additional layer of numbing cream. I would say I experienced more discomfort during eyeliner embroidery as compared to eyebrow embroidery due to the skin around the eyes being more delicate and sensitive, but the entire process is very tolerable with numbing cream. Since it lasts a good 2-3 years, going through a little discomfort is certainly worth the convenience of looking great without make-up!

Is any aftercare required?

 Avoid getting your eyes in contact with water on the same day that your eyeliner embroidery is done. Personally, I used wet wipes instead of facial foam to clean my face that evening. 

 You can also ice your eye area with an ice pack if you experience swelling, which is rather common after this procedure. My eyes swelled immediately after as my skin is generally more sensitive and I had very thick double eyelids. After icing it with an ice pack, the swelling subsided the next day.

As with eyebrow embroidery, there is some scabbing involved in eyeliner embroidery too. Scabbing takes place over a few days and all you have to do is to use some eye drops regularly throughout the day to moisten the skin. Do not scratch or peel the scabs off prematurely as this will lighten the pigment of your eyeliner.  

Follow all these steps religiously and you’ll end up with beautiful eyes after the scabbing period passes.

More defined eyes after eyeliner embroidery

***** 

*Exclusive discount for readers*

Sat-Sun: 10.30 am – 8.00 pm

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/archangel.brow

Instagram:
@archangelbrow

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.

The Rooms

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

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.

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

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

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

What is Liposonix?

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)

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?

How long will it take before I see results?

 My skin itches in dusty or cold environments and I find that this body lotion works remarkably well in relieving itch and rashes too. 

Smoothing on an additional layer of Pure Emu Oil in drier environments

Formulated with Emu Oil as its main ingredient, it is further enhanced with a delicious concoction of Lavender, Bergamot Calabrian and Patchouli essential oils to nourish your skin and leave you smelling absolutely divine.

*****

Exclusive Discount for All Readers

You’ll also be happy to know that Wild Harvest Care has kindly extended an exclusive discount to all my readers. 

Key in the code “REGINA5OFF” upon checkout to get 5% off all your purchases! Offer is valid from 26 December 2015 – 16th Jan 2016.

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/wildharvestcare
 

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/wildharvestcare/

2. Sweaters with a Twist

Link: Grey Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Knit Sweater (US$26.78)

3. Blanket Scarves

 Sudio

 https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden
 

 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!