tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199997721117636622024-03-14T03:04:52.717+08:00gastronommy.comCornucopia of food and travel musings.Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-41132391519717541572019-11-08T20:41:00.000+08:002019-11-08T20:42:35.443+08:00[In the Press] 2019Couple of updates with some press the past 12 months.<br />
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<a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/singapores-female-fitness-influencers-whose-advice-wed-take-anyday/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxdUMI8Fl9KRm9UmTZBYDvWNrLRxhJIyLsnXqEmQar1sXn1PnVvjkF8NaGg0m94Phs4C2EAksPuQsRa4qCqhWoJ6LbYqxvhI8DXJXkc0d9Xrj4jXwGvWfQmOlcNz61fIY9LHCpM-njFg/s320/menshealth-fitspo-victoriacheng.png" title="" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/couple-fitness-eating-healthy-working-out-together-is-the-right-recipe/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="709" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TQN9dOS2i3ypODVDg5q34VOvZVoGmIT-CtQTuA9zp_s0I2uDDL9FNMK6ZjAoTv1EyODQGYXa8_YrH6F4USbbwOpjd7yLnIHQsYJt-5YIF2Ga8XwvQxMGi_vS5C08qrtMCRRxREfTAZk/s400/menshealthsingapore-victoriacheng.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.cleo.com.sg/adulting/career-and-money/asian-influencers-work-tips/?lgallery=115685&lslide=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo507FX2Na9x7EPqu_OcK-xjQKmxf51UlHCGA8raGqdvnQQJXtdIvt1cUQf_V3NKnXer1e4c9gUGiqCgPZpg8bIDeU7X2Y3XaJhkXPdXZARnL4HrRw5dWiEhrPPB7rg0YSFAufBjv89s/s320/cleo-victoriacheng-asia-influencer.png" width="261" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.businessinsider.sg/uncap-your-limits-and-unleash-your-inner-volcano-with-volvic-natural-mineral-water/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="837" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc_i1aPiD__NXOIjJoaGgF9yJovd-1X0vdIZS_DMiS5eIui2BdUX1OszHvqBHzm-i_heSJSS5alBu6t6cQ9E1cQU67fa4Z4tqlVBotg0v7kHHEBvCz4a5dJ5SCtVP-onRwYnMl-1PdJE/s320/business_insider_asia_victoria_cheng_volvic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-fitspo-of-the-week-victoria-cheng-000000454.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="980" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYRdNtD6VTrhmfsbRyqrcQIbpGfxWdPvw5p9KF6K8tHEKuL5PeIt9EFgy_r3jdzfGoS252D4yu37j3_uUTr3d2NxmLaaFdUNM5vjIBJCnIfcYrriHod9dqpA8ppqQ0Z4pZOfl1CsNIKw/s320/yahoo-victoriacheng-fitspo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Seriously Man</b> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/5-Minute%20with%20Victoria%20Cheng:%20Gracious%20Guys%20Are%20The%20Best%20Guys" target="_blank">5-Minutes with Victoria Cheng: 'Gracious guys are the best guys.</a>"<br />
<b>Yahoo! </b><a href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-fitspo-of-the-week-victoria-cheng-000000454.html" target="_blank">Singapore Fitspo of the Week: Victoria Cheng</a><br />
<b>TEDTalk </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUtOCBVbbgM" target="_blank">Victoria Cheng: Embrace Your Misfit</a><br />
<b>Men's Health Online</b> <a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/couple-fitness-eating-healthy-working-out-together-is-the-right-recipe/" target="_blank">Couple Fitness: Eating Healthy & Working Out Together Is The Right Recipe</a><br />
<b>Men's Health</b> <a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/singapores-female-fitness-influencers-whose-advice-wed-take-anyday/" target="_blank">Singapore Female Fitness Influencers Whose Advice We’d Take Anyday</a><br />
<b>Kitchen Invasion (Toggle)</b> <a href="https://video.toggle.sg/en/video/series/kitchen-invasion-meet-the-cast/ep5/753269" target="_blank">TV Host & Nutrition Advisor Victoria Cheng</a><br />
<b>Business Insider</b> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.sg/uncap-your-limits-and-unleash-your-inner-volcano-with-volvic-natural-mineral-water/" target="_blank">Unleash Your Inner Volcano</a><br />
<b>Mashable Asia</b> <a href="https://sea.mashable.com/culture/7281/malaysian-lgbtq-activist-gets-uninvited-as-a-speaker-by-tedx-whats-going-on" target="_blank">Malaysian LGBTQ activist gets uninvited as a speaker by TEDx. What's going on?</a><br />
<b>National Library Board</b> <a href="https://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2/e/panel-discussion-farm-to-table-reading-to-innovate-70943240" target="_blank">Farm to Table: Reading to Innovate (Moderator, Victoria Cheng)</a><br />
<b>CLEO</b> <a href="https://www.cleo.com.sg/adulting/career-and-money/asian-influencers-work-tips/?lgallery=115685&lslide=1" target="_blank">Lessons From Asian Influencers That Can Get You Ahead At Work</a><br />
<b>Broc & Bells</b> <a href="https://brocnbells.com/blog/crazy-fit-asians-16-inspiring-fit-warriors-health-wellness/" target="_blank">Crazy Fit Asians - 16 Inspiring Fit Warriors in the Health & Wellness Industry</a><br />
<b>Men's Health Online</b> <a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/workout-wednesdays-with-mens-health-victoria-cheng-video/" target="_blank">Workout Wednesdays with Men’s Health: Tighten Up Your Core </a><br />
<b>Men's Health</b> <a href="https://www.menshealth.com.sg/fitness/mhswolemates/" target="_blank">MH Swolemates</a>Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-64979541806761043122019-08-23T19:54:00.001+08:002019-11-06T13:11:36.574+08:00TEDxTalk Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzGYvjFZYtETrLLlSn90Bkht55b7cnEQTPkGxQHDS1ik7Yg_NcxXwL-Wn8iinlC6Q76x5kPLS1KnB22ZHC5jUJypC-lfBMLe3gcSPXaWfXdgHOFkNicCxwTNGCGCIrbxdRVYvZlDonIM/s1600/LTD_1947+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzGYvjFZYtETrLLlSn90Bkht55b7cnEQTPkGxQHDS1ik7Yg_NcxXwL-Wn8iinlC6Q76x5kPLS1KnB22ZHC5jUJypC-lfBMLe3gcSPXaWfXdgHOFkNicCxwTNGCGCIrbxdRVYvZlDonIM/s320/LTD_1947+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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One month ago, I did my first TED Talk. As some of you know, there was <a href="http://www.gastronommy.com/2019/06/speak-up.html" target="_blank">a bit of a situation</a> that arose that weekend. That aside, I'd like to thank Kym Goh for helping me bring my slides to life with his artistic talent; I'm sharing some of those photos here. We're both big kids at heart, so speaking to youths in Singapore that day was quite meaningful for me.<br />
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Even as adults, so many of us are afraid to be our own kind of weird, to be seen as different. As kids growing up and encountering rejection for the first time, we all know how hard it can be to have the courage to just be yourself – especially when others make your life harder because of it. The TED Talk's event theme was You vs You–our inner struggles, so I shared a bit about my journey as a kid who was harassed and picked on in America and how I reacted (anger mistaken for strength, actually). And what I had learned from my mistakes. Someone who hadn't seen the whole talk commented on a previous IG post, in disbelief that anyone could be struggling growing up in the US. It was a naive comment; every single one of us has our own battles with being ourselves. Any country, any one, any time.<br />
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Of course, I also felt the need to be myself and inject some weird humor into it. Out of context, but here are the questions the slides were referring to:<br />
WOULD YOU RATHER (feel free to answer in the comments).<br />
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Would you rather: be stuck in a room with one giant spider, or chased by hundreds of flying little spiders.<br />
<br />
Would you rather: have t-rex baby arms... or have feet for hands.<br />
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Would you rather: be reborn as a man or a woman?<br />
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Lastly, thank you Kym for being you. My relationship with you reaffirms that in being yourself, it allows you to attract or find others who are the same kind of weird as you. It's the best thing ever.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gHzlHF4_n/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">1 month ago, I did my first TED Talk. As some of you know, there was a bit of a situation that arose that weekend. That aside, I'd like to thank @kymochi for helping me bring my slides to life with his artistic talent; I'm sharing some of those photos here. We're both big kids at heart, so speaking to youths in Singapore that day was quite meaningful for me. Even as adults, so many of us are afraid to be our own kind of weird, to be seen as different. As kids growing up and encountering rejection for the first time, we all know how hard it can be to have the courage to just be yourself – especially when others make your life harder because of it. The TED Talk's event theme was You vs You–our inner struggles, so I shared a bit about my journey as a kid who was harassed and picked on in America and how I reacted (anger mistaken for strength, actually). And what I had learned from my mistakes. Someone who hadn't seen the whole talk commented on a previous IG post, in disbelief that anyone could be struggling growing up in the US. It was a naive comment; every single one of us has our own battles with being ourselves. Any country, any one, any time. Of course, I also felt the need to be myself and inject some weird humor into it. Out of context, but here are the questions the slides were referring to: WOULD YOU RATHER (feel free to answer in the comments). Would you rather: be stuck in a room with one giant spider, or chased by hundreds of flying little spiders. Would you rather: have t-rex baby arms... or have feet for hands. Would you rather: be reborn as a man or a woman? Lastly, thank you Kym for being you. I've learned that in being yourself, it allows you to attract or find others who are the same kind of weird as you. It's the best thing ever. #myweirdoboyfriend #tedtalks #tedxsingapore</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoriacheng/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> the chubby ninja</a> (@victoriacheng) on <time datetime="2019-08-23T09:44:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 23, 2019 at 2:44am PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-37892452379650724192019-06-30T23:39:00.000+08:002019-11-08T20:48:33.461+08:00Discrimination is real.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Speak Up. The TED Talk I didn't expect to give.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>"Have you ever been rejected for no other reason than being you? Maybe because you’re a girl. Or not the right ethnicity. Or because you don’t look a certain way, or because you love a certain way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>One of the opening speakers today is no longer speaking, because the organizers were pressured to not include any discussion about homosexuality. Given that today’s very theme is about our inner struggles, I was disappointed to hear that someone had been denied to speak from the heart. I thought hard about whether or not I should speak today.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>My scheduled talk is about being a misfit, growing up against certain adversities in America. For me, I eventually found my place, but there are many who have not, even right here in Singapore. I’d like to dedicate this moment to these people. I hope to see the day where we all truly get the freedom to love."</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>- Victoria Cheng</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I added a new cue card to my TED Talk and sprung an unscheduled introduction as I walked onto stage. As you'd might expect, it won't be uploaded on any official platforms. The backstory to this: Joshua Simon announced the night before our TEDx Talks that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joshuasimonxl/posts/10157582888939365" target="_blank"><b>he suddenly wasn't speaking anymore</b></a>. He wouldn't say why, because he didn't want to take away from the rest of our moments on stage.. That's just the kind of guy he is. But something felt wrong; he and I were sharing our stories with a mutual mix of excitement and stress leading up to this Talk, until just hours before this announcement. I prodded other sources until<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157587642764365&set=a.10150385702654365&type=3&theater" target="_blank">I found out why</a></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>How do I explain the kind of rage you feel when an injustice has occurred before your very eyes</b>. How could I continue to give my talk about misfits, about facing bullies and shame, about having courage.. when this was happening right here, right now? What had gone from a predictable night of resting before an ordinary TED Talk turned into something else. I saw only two options: Drop out in solidarity... Or once the mic was on me, to speak up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I chose the latter. For various reasons, including that the organizers who invited us to speak WANTED us to share these stories. But they were pressured, and caved. Someone needed to speak up and tell the truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I believe in the freedom to love, especially the freedom to express this love. But honestly, when the moment came to speak, I was <i>scared</i>. It's crazy that I was scared to say a simple statement about <b>basic human rights</b>. But thanks to the support of confidants who also share this anti-bullying sentiment (Rozz Lee, Paul Foster, Mark, Laibond, Athalie, Kym and others).. These are people who I know who would do the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>This call to truth and freedom to love </b>isn't about me, but I also feel it's important to share the process of speaking up. It isn't always easy, and indeed there are consequences over seemingly small things. Do I think that risk is worth it? Yes. Absolutely. Never underestimate the power of your voice for the right cause. Speak Up, Singapore. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, thank you Josh for not allowing anyone to censor your story, even if it meant giving up (for now) your dream of giving a TED Talk. I think what you're saying now is infinitely more important. <img alt="🌈" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f308" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="1f308" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f308" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2TkdBW5-OSQ-vx9WCo8gItirtZRTxozkDBDkmCchVFG5VFQoOOdHvIpCRqGB2MvM1OAlfDKZgYcGPHkXXopRJ0OD0PsHQN8ep1JYDB03eI5frYrzwWPsbVma6QUfMWB2bzNh-kzhB5s/s1600/victoriacheng_tedxyouth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2TkdBW5-OSQ-vx9WCo8gItirtZRTxozkDBDkmCchVFG5VFQoOOdHvIpCRqGB2MvM1OAlfDKZgYcGPHkXXopRJ0OD0PsHQN8ep1JYDB03eI5frYrzwWPsbVma6QUfMWB2bzNh-kzhB5s/s320/victoriacheng_tedxyouth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.com500 Dover Rd, Singapore 1396511.3098768 103.777500599999940.8019013 103.13205359999994 1.8178523000000002 104.42294759999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-16452077141616765792019-03-11T17:58:00.002+08:002019-03-14T17:11:41.178+08:00Best Butter Brands According to Chefs<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're in the dairy section of the supermarket: what brand of butter do you pick up?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There I was, asking my partner which brand I should get for the house this time, Kerrygold or Echiré? "Get the cheapest one," he replied. Glancing at the prices first, TO MY HORROR HE REACHED FOR MARGARINE.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Like quality of eggs, brand of butter is of supreme importance to me. It's a daily staple, whether in cooking or slathered over a piece of toast. But to some people, like my boyfriend, "What's the big deal? It's all the same." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">His point really had me thinking...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">...do I actually love this man?</span></span></div>
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</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Nevertheless, I'm convinced people of this nature just need to try the best even just once, to appreciate why it matters.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fortuitously, a week later, we dined at the newly opened <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuVsqR_hixB/" target="_blank">Table65</a> in Singapore, serving a menu which consisted of a bunch of things he normally doesn't care for: mackerel, herring, oysters, and of course, his indifference towards butter. Served in a glass bowl, the creamy, smoky, salted French butter blew his mind. He requested for multiple mini-sourdough loaves til dessert, so he could continue to eat the butter at a 1:1 ratio.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(side note, it was also one of the first times he enjoyed aforementioned seafood as well. Bravo and thank you, Table65. More about Table65's butter in the article ahead.)</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So I thought to share some opinions from cooks and chef friends around Singapore. We've got a range of nationalities and personalities here, who've been so kind as to share their thoughts on butter. It's particularly interesting, since <b>it turns out not every chef is a butter snob:</b></span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">12 CHEFS AND COOKS ON</span></u></b><br />
<b style="color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">FAVORITE BRAND OF BUTTER</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Shen Tan, <a href="http://www.ownselfmakechef.com/" target="_blank">Ownselfmakechef </a>(and my co-host on <a href="https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/kitchen-invasion" target="_blank">Kitchen Invasion</a>)</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. All-Around Favorite brand of butter: <u>Anchor Butter</u></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Favorite Butter for Toast vs. Cooking: For toast, <u>Bordier Demi Se</u>l. For cooking, <u>Anchor Butter</u>, because it is from grass-fed pasture cows.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Other thoughts on butter: Butter is awesome. Especially when frying luncheon meat. Brown butter cake! Eat it with a fried egg in butter and migoreng.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSeeYZdZLUCb7f8m0gNQEc7q26G3i7d7nR6OoQQwIX04RbsUom5rswkDHHh-iwjCZMo_K-h2ch3NPft2oNnoJXTjLWWdTy5JMJcxp4tbos8hDPwE4a5sW82eV78p7SnZLBSROsk4S5yU/s1600/shentan_migoreng_spam.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSeeYZdZLUCb7f8m0gNQEc7q26G3i7d7nR6OoQQwIX04RbsUom5rswkDHHh-iwjCZMo_K-h2ch3NPft2oNnoJXTjLWWdTy5JMJcxp4tbos8hDPwE4a5sW82eV78p7SnZLBSROsk4S5yU/s320/shentan_migoreng_spam.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>Isn’t she awful? I love it.</i></span></span></div>
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</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Kirk Westaway, Chef de Cuisine, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmlgF_vDd5Y/" target="_blank">JAAN</a></b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">“Butter from Devonshire, south west of England, world famous for dairy production. Especially butter and clotted cream served with scones (“Devon” cream tea). It’s famously rich from free grazing cows on the rolling Devon hills.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Chef Kirk then sent me this exact screenshot. Thanks for the visual.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Huang Ming Tan, Chef Owner (JAM at <a href="https://www.sirihouse.com/singapore/thehouse" target="_blank">Sirihouse</a>)</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><b style="color: #222222;">(also a co-host on <a href="https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/kitchen-invasion" target="_blank">Kitchen Invasion</a>, and makes good sandwiches)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1) Best all-around butter: <u>Kerrygold</u> - best balance of flavour, great colour, tasty to eat with pancakes (salted) and to sear and make pastries with (sweet).</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2) Best butter for toast vs cooking:</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u>Echiré for toast</u>. That slight funk is incomparable for straight eating on toast, where you want a robust salting to complement whatever base carb you have: potatoes, brioche, sourdough, pancakes, noodles.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u>Kerrygold for cooking</u>. The funk of fermented butter found in French types doesn't sit well with me. I prefer a straight nuttiness when the milk solids brown and caramelise.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Other thoughts on butter: I hate it when restaurants serve unsalted butter with bread. Where's the joy in eating something that hasn't been seasoned? A bland dinner roll with unsalted butter is like eating a napkin with margarine.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">One of life's greatest joys is eating salted butter and bread. Fresh, crispetty baguette, just-toasted brioche or a crusty sourdough hunk. Appropriate with honey and kaya for breakfast, foie and jam for lunch, mopping jus and sauces during dinner.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>KF Seetoh, Founder (<a href="http://www.makansutra.com/eateries-home.aspx?mid=1" target="_blank">Makansutra</a>)</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQocuWcFIyNpVfuOKwI6RX74VNjG9OY-OOgrk9UhXwdKFBiUT-NFupTVMOX2HCvcdgAUIeblNNNlMX6oYQRceHaAnh4DlfIplVJWTjTCa60MEi_1k8AdwE5tp6S5shj8GGdGBYsTtskJk/s1600/scsbutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQocuWcFIyNpVfuOKwI6RX74VNjG9OY-OOgrk9UhXwdKFBiUT-NFupTVMOX2HCvcdgAUIeblNNNlMX6oYQRceHaAnh4DlfIplVJWTjTCa60MEi_1k8AdwE5tp6S5shj8GGdGBYsTtskJk/s200/scsbutter.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"I'm ol school <u>Costolee (SCS) salted butter</u> man, from Cold Storage. Love the sinful ones. I will add truffle oils or shavings, and blend it in when I can. Spread that toasted brioche or local baguette, and I'm a happy man.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I have even had 6 butters from 6 cows at French Laundry, none memorable la. Still my Costolee is best!"</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Wai Leong Woo, Chef-Owner (<a href="https://www.restaurantibid.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Ibid</a>)</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">“Usually for cooking, I think it’s all down to price. But when butter is used for eating with bread, then it gets a bit more interesting.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Bob, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/walkingfridgechronicles/" target="_blank">Walking Fridge</a> and Founder <a href="http://www.krush.sg/" target="_blank">www.Krush.sg</a> </b></span><b style="color: #222222;">(also a co-host on <a href="https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/kitchen-invasion" target="_blank">Kitchen Invasion</a>)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. Golden Churn</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Golden Churn</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Golden Churn</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Wholesome, nutty, and for the caramelized colour it adds to the steak when basted with it. It’s amazing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Anthony Yeoh, Chef-Owner (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/summerhill.sg/" target="_blank">Summerhill</a>)</b></span></span><br />
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<i>Chef Ant knows a thing or two about fried chicken.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. Favorite all-around butter: <u>Kerrygold</u> or <u>President</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. <u>Échiré</u> for toast and <u>unsalted President</u> for cooking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Other thoughts on butter: It’s so good on Fried Chicken.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Chris Martin, not the Coldplay guy, (</b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/summerhill.sg/" target="_blank">Summerhill</a></b><b>)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. <u>Beurre D'Isigny</u> is my all-round fave, for the nutty flavour and slight tang. It's really good on its own or with a sprinkle of salt flakes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Fave butter for toast: I would have to say simple good old <u>margarine</u>. It's not the healthiest, but eh! I grew up on it, to me it's nostalgia.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fave cooking butter: <u>President unsalted butter</u>. It's got that really creamy rich flavour, which is what you're looking for in all those French dishes (damn fine for mash potatoes).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Other thoughts on butter: Butter is good fried meats too. Ha! Basting it over a nice piece of breaded veal chop tastes pretty damn fine. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Steven Snowdon, Executive Chef (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuMPoqYBX-w/" target="_blank">Subrosa Private Dining</a>), Finalist (<a href="https://lifestyle.toggle.sg/en/lifestyle/eat-list-star" target="_blank">Eat, List, Star</a>)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. My favourite butter would have to be <u>Vermont creamery cultured butter with sea salt</u> crystals. It's really good, like OMG good! It's tangy, creamy and over the top buttery butter. It's strong, reminds me of a very good homemade butter made from strong full fat farmed cream left to culture for a while. It's not for everyone, because it's strong. But if you're a butter person, it's a must try. Take it from a chef.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Fave butter for toast vs fave butter for cooking: <u>President butter for cooking</u>! It's a pretty strong butter, all around great saltiness and foams nicely when needing to baste meats or monte butter/burn noisette. It's also great for toast or adding flavourings to it, it holds up very well. Also great for baking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u>For toast, President or Kerrygold</u> pure Irish butter, very creamy, you can taste the Irish meadows. The Salted version is also very good. Quite an underdog in the the butter world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Any other commentary on butter: Butter is super diverse once you understand it and how many butters vary in tastes, from creaminess to very tangy, sour, how long it's cultured for. There are so many butters on the market that are great. I've always loved French or British butters simply because in Europe we have great cream and milk, but any home made cultured butter from great cream I'm all for! Some butters are made from super strong full fat creams to very light single creams. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It also depends on how the cattle is bred, what it's fed, diet, etc. A little experiment for the not-so-buttery peoples, would be to get three different creams, a commercial version full fat, a single cream and an Artisan farmers fresh full fat cream and make three different butters yourself, leave them to culture for different times and then test the flavors, and you'll see how diverse butter can be.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Bjorn Shen, Judge (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/masterchefsg/" target="_blank">MasterChef Singapore</a>), Chef-Owner (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artichoke_sg" target="_blank">Artichoke</a>)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"I don't have a preferred butter actually. I'll grab what's in front of me. I'm ghetto like that."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"At a grocery store, I'll take whatever is on special... 2-for-1. Best." But not margarine, since he recalls someone mentioning that margarine is bad cholesterol.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Drew Nocente, Executive Chef (<a href="http://www.saltedandhung.com.sg/" target="_blank">Salted and Hung</a>)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. <u>Bordier</u> has to be my all time favourite, amazing flavour and a really smooth texture.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. For both cooking and toast, I like <u>Kerrygold Irish Butter</u>. It's really tasty with high fat content and rich flavour, with just a slight acidity to it. I use salted to toast, unsalted for cooking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Chef Dayal Kesha, Jr Sous Chef (<a href="https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/restaurants/table65" target="_blank">table65</a>)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. Favourite brand of butter would be <u>Lescure</u> (which is the brand we use at the restaurant). My love of butter started with Anchor, a common dairy brand in New Zealand. But I can strongly remember when and where I was the first time I tasted Lescure, and how it took me to a new level of appreciation for butter – which is kinda cool. I wouldn’t be surprised if later in life when I have my own restaurant where we make our own butter that we have a small supply of this for the guests to take home, so i can see this answer changing from being lescure to our own butter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. <u>I make my own butter</u> at home for the sole purpose of spreading on our sourdough that we also make. I don’t use so much butter at home for cooking, but i always have a block of <u>Anchor</u> in the fridge mainly because of the cost, but I do like using <u>Lescure</u> for pastries as it caramelises nicely while also working wonders for the texture of these items.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Making butter is quite simple and also very rewarding. It can get messy but playing around with various methods, cultures, cream varieties as well as adding various flavours can lead to some great results. The possibilities are only confined by your desire for experimentation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>As you can see, there's no one true butter to rule them all. Generally, we can all agree that butter makes eating bread a million times better. For anyone who's never considered butter options before, I encourage you to experiment and taste test this affordable luxury.</b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">PS. My current personal preference is Echiré and Kerrygold for bread, President butter for cooking at home. However, my butter quest is always active and open.</span></span></b></div>
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Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-68952918741864543022018-11-29T01:46:00.001+08:002018-11-29T01:46:56.486+08:00[Esquire] Travel Bhutan, Laya VillageHere's my October article for Esquire, a piece on what goes on behind the scenes of a boutique travel company. We did a recce trip together with Blue Sky Escapes founders, Krystal Tan and Chervin Chow up to the one of the most remote villages in the world, Laya Village atop the Himalayas in Bhutan. There, the Layap people herd yak and harvest the prized Chinese herb, cordyceps.<br />
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-74108182383186356012018-04-25T00:01:00.000+08:002018-04-25T00:01:49.215+08:00Provence and the Splendours of France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-80916152982660715472018-02-19T16:28:00.000+08:002018-02-19T16:29:39.147+08:00French in Spain by a Chinese-American from Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm currently in the Barcelona airport, and a lady came up to me asking my Chinese-American face if I speak French (a little, incidentally!). Then, if I can help her connect her wifi registration on an all French language phone.<br />
Ah the beauty of #omgineedinternet togetherness.<br />
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Good thing I eat a lot of French Fries. Improves my French.Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comBarcelona, Spain41.3850639 2.173403499999949441.1944764 1.8506799999999495 41.5756514 2.4961269999999494tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-23511333319754810102018-02-06T18:46:00.004+08:002018-02-06T18:46:53.620+08:00Victoria Cheng, Channel 8 | The Food Bank x Nespresso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks Channel 8 for covering Nespresso's efforts together with The Food Bank, an NGO focused on feeding the needy in Singapore. You can catch what I had to say from 14:10 onwards (or 18:20 onwards to get straight to it).<br />
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Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-39388295027038002942017-12-22T07:41:00.001+08:002017-12-22T07:41:08.867+08:00Nutrition, Real Nutrition AdviceDoing my Nutritionist studies now. I'm sick and tired of false nutritional information being spread on the internet, or articles that simply have no real research behind it, and are recommending nonsense super foods or fad diets.<br />
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I'm logging some theories that are being confirmed along the way as I research more. Figuring I should just share them publicly, in case anyone's curious!<br />
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- Good nutrition isn't about a particular diet or food choices, as much as it is about simply paying better attention to what you eat. Be mindful of what you're eating.<br />
- One thing every decent diet plan has in common is not adding processed foods to your diet. Rather, whole, minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. Better quality food = better health.<br />
- Diets help you get started, but there's no one size fits all program.<br />
- I don't like calorie counting. I stopped calorie counting (unless I have a very specific sport/health goal). And really, if you are aware of what you're eating, and eat good quality food/produce, you don't need to calorie count. Listen to what your body needs. The better the food is (nutritionally), your body will be fuller longer and perform better.<br />
- It's not just about eating chicken and broccoli for days. Most whole foods are great to eat! In fact, the average grocery store chicken has so many hormones and chemicals in and on it, I wouldn't recommend a diet exclusive to this one bird.<br />
- Eat foods you enjoy, even if it's processed. In moderation. It'll prevent monster bingeing.<br />
<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-54626142406522271882017-10-28T17:33:00.000+08:002017-10-28T17:33:01.968+08:00WTA Finals Singapore | The Coin TossHuge thanks to WTA for inviting me and friends down to the Racquet Club, and to do my first tennis Coin Toss!<br />
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Together with my buddies Felicia, Alex, and Hoirul, we witnessed WTA Singapore's longest match in history since 2014. The Venus Williams v Jelena Ostapenko match witnessed 21 breaks of serve in total with Williams finally getting over the line after three hours and 13 minutes on court with a 7-5, 6-7, 7-5 victory.<br />
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Following that, a relatively quick 1-hour match between <a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova" target="_blank">Karolina Pliskova</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/garbimuguruza" target="_blank">Garbine Muguruza</a>, two of the top three players in the world (. But to kickstart the match, I had the pleasure of doing the coin toss! It was a few minutes of feeling incredibly intimidated to standing between these Amazonian sized athletes (I always get girl crushes on women athletes, <i>much</i> respect and awe).Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.com3 Stadium Walk, #01-08/09, Stadium MRT Station, Singapore 3976921.302989 103.87588099999994-29.592585 62.567286999999936 32.198563 145.18447499999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-81165480103485633382017-10-24T12:17:00.000+08:002017-10-24T12:22:43.243+08:00O Medical Clinic Brazilian SHR Review: Thumbs DownFood. Beauty. Drink. Travel. Hotels. Services. Are you sick of bloggers and influencers and instagrammers only putting up sponsored biased reviews? Bloggers used to be the go to source for common person to common person's opinion instead of relying only on mass media, whom is sometimes influenced by advertisers or restrictions from the government or house guidelines.<br />
Myself, I've done negative reviews, but seldom as I do feel a sense of responsibility before bashing a place. I need to have tangible reasons, and not just personal preference issues. With all this said, I have now sent in my opinion to this beauty clinic at least twice now. I'll show you what I've written now for the third time on their Feedback form.<br />
Why? Because I hope some of you find an honest review useful, and consider more thoroughly how painless this SHR actually is.<br />
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<b>Location: O Medical Clinic at Capitol Piazza / also known as ONLY Aesthetics</b><br />
<b>Service: Originally Brazilian IPL, but was convinced to get the Brazilian SHR (Super Hair Removal) package instead.</b><br />
<b>Feedback:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The last visit was fine, and in fact that particular therapist was the first one in a year who fully explained the whole process properly, which I appreciated.<br />
Few things, which I've pointed out on this form before:<br />
1- Charging $10 (or is it $20 now?) to shave is ridiculous. Especially when all that's provided is a throwaway 50c razer. Considering you're located in a place like Capitol Piazza, I expect better service and not penny pinching over little things that puts a bad taste in the customer's mouth. At less premium locations, other clinics provide shaving free since the customer is suggested to shave 2 days BEFORE coming in (which at O Medical, I was not informed until yesterday). It's a minor thing but very irritating since this isn't the standard at other clinics.<br />
2- I upgraded my package from normal IPL to this other supposedly better and painless technique, SHR. I trusted the sales pitch and trial session which was made to imply this (it was painless and quick during the trial), but it's been anything but painless AFTER I paid for a package. It's been extremely painful each time, quite frankly I'd rather get waxed at this point but I have this package I'm stuck with now. It's been a year now and results are barely minimal.</blockquote>
<b>I can't recommend this service to anyone. All in all, I regret signing on a package way too quickly at O Medical, and this ridiculous shaving charge just makes me hate it even more.</b><br />
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<u>On Facials:</u><br />
PS. I've tried the laser facial once at O Medical Clinic (Capitol Piazza), and wasn't a fan. It didn't change much, my skin felt drier after in fact. But that might just be personal preference for my skin type.<br />
Likewise at The Wellness Clinic (Paragon), while the rest of the facial services were amazing, the laser facial made my skin react badly (lumps on my face!). So far, the only place that I've left feeling really great about the laser results is at DERMACARE Aesthetic & Laser Clinic (ION). Otherwise I highly recommend the Hydrafacial at The Wellness Clinic for something gentler but very effective for clear, dewy skin.Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.com11 Stamford Rd, Singapore 1788841.2931317 103.85143919999996-29.6024418 62.54284519999996 32.1887052 145.16003319999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-89230967691476331122017-10-09T23:41:00.003+08:002017-10-24T11:58:03.671+08:00Victoria in Buro247 x ClarinsLots of fun working with Clarins and Büro247 Singapore about a day in my life! Full article here: <a href="http://www.buro247.sg/special/clarins-double-serum/victoria-cheng-weekly-routine.html">http://www.buro247.sg/special/clarins-double-serum/victoria-cheng-weekly-routine.html</a><br />
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Meetings, so many meetings.<br />
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Wearing my trusty Adidas and Samsung Gear of course.</div>
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Necessities.</div>
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-1082307129186440442017-07-29T19:16:00.002+08:002017-07-29T19:16:18.469+08:00Singapore Food Festival 2017What happens when you put a bunch of gals on a bus that takes you around Singapore Food Festival 2017? Here's a vlog below on some of the highlights of the festival along with Bella Koh, Jemma Wei, Aarika Lee, Roz Pho!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jj0vhZ_CB-E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jj0vhZ_CB-E?feature=player_embedded" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-48100735536446273112017-07-19T18:19:00.000+08:002017-10-24T11:58:16.984+08:00Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Borneo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqylZ84ZPOZbk5GfqSN6oKWWKu9NngS9XwK6XCsK-QdExzB70MBNF_4d5L4vjNReMI1bVrEpjObpG_0Hz2EV4GzxMG9IOQbb8IlTO2Ukg0pECbXwyhkH93ELOHW1ZU6e9nj1hsuI-sj5s/s1600/kinabalumountain_summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="779" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqylZ84ZPOZbk5GfqSN6oKWWKu9NngS9XwK6XCsK-QdExzB70MBNF_4d5L4vjNReMI1bVrEpjObpG_0Hz2EV4GzxMG9IOQbb8IlTO2Ukg0pECbXwyhkH93ELOHW1ZU6e9nj1hsuI-sj5s/s320/kinabalumountain_summit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Standing majestically at 4,095m (13,435 feet above sea level), Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu derives its name from the Kadazan word, ‘Aki Nabalu’, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. It is also Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.</div>
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Watch the video about our trip</div>
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<b>Travel:</b> We traveled in early May, hoping to avoid the rainy season.<br />
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2am at Summit Base Camp, ready to finish the ascent.</div>
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<b>Shoes: </b>You'll see some locals dashing from bottom to top in just crocs or slippers. I wore Merrell trail running shoes, Jeff wore his Asic sneakers, Adam wore supportive running sneakers, Celine and David wore trekking shoes... In summation, don't fuss over expensive trail shoes unless you want to spend; and boots will be overkill.<br />
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However, I had <b>custom insoles </b>that saved me a LOT of potential injuries or additional pain. <i>Highly recommend that you see a podiatrist to get insoles made if you're often on your feet or going on long runs and treks; the Dr. Scholls stuff off the shelf isn't going to help. (I get mine done at <a href="https://www.eastcoastpodiatry.sg/" target="_blank">East Coast Podiatry with Georgina Callahan-Tay</a>. They also do insoles for high heels, which is just amazing).</i><br />
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<b>Weather: </b>We were fortunate. It was misty during the first half of our climb, so it was breezy and pleasant. You can see I'm wearing a sleeveless top and my friends are wearing short sleeved shirts. As we neared the summit base, it got cooler and only drizzled for a moment, which is when I put on a light Adidas windbreaker and a cap to block any light rain. Typically, you can expect it to be hot and humid at the bottom, and sudden gusts of unpredictable rain. Bring a small towel to wipe that sweat!<br />
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At the basecamp, it can get chilly especially after sunset. I wore a Lululemon fleece (so light and warm!), and a North Face windbreaker (also light, warm, and quick to dry!). I was a little cold, but was fine wearing light hiking pants, fresh socks, a buff/scarf, gloves, and a beanie. If you don't like the cold, consider wearing a much warmer jacket, and have leggings under your pants. The extreme wind at the top gets merciless at times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yy-xI6AjWYkHCjnMEmRUNJiiIT6lvo_Frv9TSDUxfyMNQgc0q6qg3sjH7lLM7STT-iign2Y7K8fRjsF1bqavGAysq0xvsW8UTFPyE6Df-PSc67RBV0h1eRvL5rQj6erljQrCTwS9I6g/s1600/kinabalu_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yy-xI6AjWYkHCjnMEmRUNJiiIT6lvo_Frv9TSDUxfyMNQgc0q6qg3sjH7lLM7STT-iign2Y7K8fRjsF1bqavGAysq0xvsW8UTFPyE6Df-PSc67RBV0h1eRvL5rQj6erljQrCTwS9I6g/s320/kinabalu_5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>The climb: </b>Approx 4-7 hours. Stairs, so many stairs of all shapes and sizes. Keep your backpack light! You don't need to carry much, especially if you end up hiring a porter. Water, some snacks, toilet paper, face towel is all you need besides clothes.<br />
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Starts to get a tad cooler with each kilometer up.</div>
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Our path was lit by moonlight luckily.</div>
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<b>Summit climb:</b> Approx 4-6 hours. The top is a very different challenge in the dark, in the cold, and at higher altitude. There are vast flat granite slopes that can be slippery if wet. There are steeper inclines where you will need to use the rope to climb up short distances. We were also fortunate this night to have full moon lighting our paths – thankfully because my headlamp was not very bright.<br />
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<b>Toilet breaks: </b>There is a sheltered modern western style (no squatty potties) toilet and sink every 1-2 kilometers. Bring toilet paper. There are no toilets during the final summit climb, but honestly, you'll be too cold and tired to even want to pull down your trousers.<br />
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Summit Base camp </div>
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<b>Camping overnight:</b> It's not glamping, but it's not camping either. In a multi-story shelter, you get a room, a bed with sheets and a pillow (bunk beds if you share a room), clean toilets and showers, and a dinner (6pm) & breakfast (2am) & brunch (6am) buffet spread. They provide you with towels, slippers too. The heaters are solar powered though, so if you need motivation, remember that hot water is in limited supply. First ones there get more, last ones might not get any! I had the ice cold shower option.<br />
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Bunk beds</div>
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Our view from the window</div>
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The showers (heaters are solar powered)</div>
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It's basic accommodations, but I was happy with it – it's much better than sleeping outside on granite ground in a tent with no bathroom. Some friends however have complained about it not being comfortable enough, the bunk beds being rickety, or the mattress being too short if you're a tall person. Bring extra cash here if you need to refill on bottled drinking water or a cuppa hot Milo; food is included if you are on the Amazing Borneo package (worth it).<br />
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<b>Bugs, leeches, mosquitoes: </b>We had no issues with any of these critters! If seen, Mosquitoes and leeches are usually around base level, the latter of which loves to show up during rainfall. It gets cooler and less humid as you ascend, so you don't see them much as you climb. I got mosquito bites only when I was boarding the van to leave the mountain base.<br />
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Descending after sunrise, you realize how steep it all actually was.</div>
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When locals zoom past you holding giant beams, wearing simple shoes.</div>
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<b>Emergencies:</b> There is a helipad for emergency evacuations at several points, and a few measures to minimize casualties in case of natural disasters (presumably in response to the earthquake a few years ago). On the way up, we saw a young woman being carried down the mountain on someone's back because she sprained her ankle at the summit. The experience didn't look particularly comfortable for anyone involved.<br />
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The Summit trail starts from the Timpohon Gate (1,800m; 5,906 ft) which is located near the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Before reaching Panalaban (3,273m; 10,738 ft), climbers will encounter a series of trail shelters (pondok)—Pondok Kandis (1,981m; 6,499 ft), Pondok Ubah (2,095m; 6,873 ft), Pondok Lowii (2,286m; 7,500 ft), Layang-Layang (2,702m; 8,865 ft), Pondok Villosa (2,690m; 8,825 ft), and Pondok Paka (3,080m; 10,105 ft). The climb from Timpohon Gate to Panalaban takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.<br />
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Big Thanks to Amazing Borneo!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Travel Period: Now till 31 March 2018</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "YouTube Noto", Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Terms & Conditions for Promo: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Promo rates are Exclusive for Mount Kinabalu Climbers only (International and Malaysian). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Applicable for all Mount Kinabalu Climb packages. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Cruise dates are subject to availability and schedule. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Promo rates are not applicable for the following Peak Season Dates: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">24, 25, 31 December 2017</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">01 January 2018</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">14-17 February 2018</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To book with Amazing Borneo tours, visit </span><a class="yt-uix-servicelink " data-servicelink="CDIQ6TgYACITCO-oyKGOldUCFUFDaAodRsgCfSj4HQ" data-target-new-window="True" data-url="http://www.amazingborneo.com/" href="http://www.amazingborneo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: "YouTube Noto", Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://www.amazingborneo.com/</a><br />
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Special thanks to David Yeow Photography!</div>
Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comMount Kinabalu, Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia6.0753131 116.55882369999995-9.9657644000000012 95.904526699999948 22.1163906 137.21312069999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-9367660611134663812017-03-25T13:36:00.000+08:002017-03-25T13:41:22.792+08:00Advice for Social Media Influencer Wannabes<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
This is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gastronommy/posts/1499680053389219" target="_blank">not a hate post</a>. This is sincere advice as someone who also works on digital strategy behind the scenes, including engaging social media personalities for companies.</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Influencer Wannabes: Ordinary people whose sole purpose is to be online famous and freeload with sponsored goods or services. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>protip 1: </b>Don't caption every single post with an ad (giveaways, product listing etc). What is this, an online catalogue? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>protip 2:</b> Don't post about anything under the sun just because it's free. You lose credibility. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>protip 3: </b>Be real–tell us about you! Or be entertaining. Or be informative. Have some substance. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Because people aren't stupid. You aren't "influencing" anyone with your boring Instagram ad. Smart marketers will eventually know how to differentiate numbers vs actual influence (or sales conversion rate). </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Show or write something real about yourself... Or is being an empty-headed narcissistic greedy fameseeking freeloader all you are? (on second thought, I guess that's still a lot of things to be! )</span></span></div>
Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-50673082955941742962017-03-23T18:49:00.000+08:002017-03-23T18:49:03.770+08:00[Video] How to Peel Crawfish | with Norman Hartono<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm a little disturbed how convincing my 'act blur' acting is on camera, haha! I do know how to peel crawfish, but for entertainment's sake... here's what NOT to do when peeling crawfish (me) and how to do it properly (Norman).</div>
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<b>Dancing Crab</b>'s founder <b>Norman Hartono</b> teaches us how to peel these Louisiana style crawfish! </div>
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Come feast at the Annual Crawfish Boil with <b>Dancing Crab Shack at Timbre+</b> on </div>
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April 7th and 8th 2017, 6-10pm. </div>
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Indulge in scrumptious fresh crawfish and chilli crab! Craft beers are available as well, along with LIVE music by a New Orleans Brass Band. </div>
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Visit <a href="https://goo.gl/Y799q5">https://goo.gl/Y799q5</a> to join us!</div>
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Psst! There's up to 48%* off Live Crawfish if you purchase by 31 March 2017 through Chope.</div>
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*standard terms & conditions apply.</div>
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Follow Dancing Crab on</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dancingcrabsg">https://www.facebook.com/dancingcrabsg</a></div>
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Follow Victoria on</div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/gastronommy">http://facebook.com/gastronommy</a></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/victoriacheng">http://instagram.com/victoriacheng</a></div>
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Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-78975112356428729532017-03-23T17:55:00.008+08:002021-10-21T00:40:41.900+08:00Updated Biography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM29PQt65ESsgQ-SSVJnnphkNdlDNN27oQmetavt7HK02InCmjf5lhjvScmUmqIuizy8JUpyv6SY9n81aJhJ6FV2hsde6MmtkouNnz_VX9NtOp0tjDgp7McMig4OofZqD4tnMvoF19gM/s1600/Photoshoot_MLC.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM29PQt65ESsgQ-SSVJnnphkNdlDNN27oQmetavt7HK02InCmjf5lhjvScmUmqIuizy8JUpyv6SY9n81aJhJ6FV2hsde6MmtkouNnz_VX9NtOp0tjDgp7McMig4OofZqD4tnMvoF19gM/s320/Photoshoot_MLC.png" width="303" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Victoria Cheng is an award-winning writer, TV presenter, and content producer. Known for her presence in the culinary and sports scene over the past decade, her inherent lifelong passion for gaming and tech has fast made her a familiar face in the industry.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">To name a few in the past year, she has hosted the worldwide record breaking esports tournament <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRLvP0NaW0Y" target="_blank">FreeFire World Series 2021</a></i> (5.41 million concurrent views), Asia's first <i>GamesCom Studio Primetime</i>, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG8MTFpSd5s&list=PLhSuaHrDBI5mgyJmtnp3ZzvE-n2_9fRIH&index=18" target="_blank">RazerStore LIVE</a></i>, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/comex-show-kicks-off-with-facebook-live-streams-by-best-denki-irobot-as-it-goes-fully-online" target="_blank"><i>COMEX IT Show</i> </a>2020, SingTel’s<i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndv9YIyZkbI&t=8s" target="_blank">SuperGamerFest</a></i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndv9YIyZkbI&t=8s" target="_blank"> 2020</a>, <i><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6790931044204986368/" target="_blank">Lenovo Legion Keynote Event</a></i> 2021, and guest-appeared for the <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-sg/local/campaigns/ps5-asia-celebration-showcase/" target="_blank"><i>Asia-Pacific PlayStation 5 Launch</i> with JJ Lin hosted by Joakim Gomez</a>. She has founded tech & gaming portal <b><a href="http://www.supnerd.tv">Supnerd.tv</a></b>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">She also works behind the scenes as producer and director for content and events, this year's including Singapore's largest Gardens by the Bay event ever: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;">Exhibition Programmes Director of </span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom</i></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">Victoria is a TED Talk Speaker on the evolution of self-confidence, "Embrace your Misfit".</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">She is an official ambassador for Adidas, Nespresso, Samsung, LEGO, and <a href="https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/scs-goodwill-ambassadors.html" target="_blank">Singapore Cancer Society</a>.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">Victoria is a published food and travel journalist, restaurant critic, dining guide book editor, and consults for a number of the Asia-Pacific region's largest restaurant brands. She is on the judges committee on several prominent restaurant award panels. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her research was awarded for a co-coverage feature article concerning local farms and sustainable practices in Singapore. </span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">Watch her on: <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/watch/This-Weekend-S2-E4-Okinawa-Island-Adventures-118117" target="_blank">Channel News Asia's "This Weekend" in Okinawa</a>, and <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/show/Kitchen-Invasion-Meet-The-Cast-29840" target="_blank">Mediacorp series as host & nutritionist, "Kitchen Invasion"</a>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">She maintains an active lifestyle with a 2nd Dan Black Belt with 20+ years of competitive practice in Taekwondo, competition Ballroom Dancesport, archery and freediving. She currently teaches boxing at StillBoxing. She is an ardent supporter of marine sustainability, and is an ambassador for efforts like <a href="https://www.runsociety.com/community/adidas-welcomes-everyone-to-run-for-the-oceans/" target="_blank">Adidas #RunForTheOceans</a>.</span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">She has two dogs adopted from Voices for Animals, a rescue shelter for ex-breeding dogs. They have cute <a href="https://instagram.com/battlecorgis" target="_blank">corgi butts</a>.</span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/victoriacheng" target="_blank">@victoriacheng</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/supnerd.tv/" target="_blank">@supnerdtv</a></span></span></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;">Twitch:<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/akachubbyninja" target="_blank">/akachubbyninja</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/thechubbyninja" target="_blank">/thechubbyninja</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/victoriachengnoms" target="_blank">/victoriacheng</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/supnerdtv" target="_blank">/supnerdtv</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Last updated October 2021</span></i></span></div><div><div style="-webkit-transition: 0.15s ease-out, 0.15s ease-out, 0.15s ease-out, 0.15s ease-out, 0.15s ease-out; border: 0px; color: #333333; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.15s ease-out 0s, all 0.15s ease-out 0s, all 0.15s ease-out 0s, all 0.15s ease-out 0s, all 0.15s ease-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</div>Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-12961941461941117212017-03-21T02:24:00.000+08:002017-03-21T02:24:28.170+08:00Travelogue: Urban Retreat in Singapore | Pan Pacific<div style="text-align: left;">
SINGAPORE TRAVELOGUE: Things to do during a vacation-staycation in the Marina Bay area. We tried the Urban Retreat Staycation at the newly renovated Pan Pacific Singapore. It's made for the food lovin' Singaporeans or visitors, who want to spend a whole weekend noshing with easy access to the best sights in the city.</div>
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Special thanks to Pan Pacific for hosting, and Victoria Tay for spending the weekend with me!</div>
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Book the Urban Retreat Staycation at: <a href="https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/singapore/marina/stay/offers/urban-retreat-staycation.html">https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/singapore/marina/stay/offers/urban-retreat-staycation.html</a></div>
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List of Destinations in the area:</div>
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Pan Pacific Singapore: Keyaki, Pacific Club, Poolside Bar, Pacific Marketplace, St. Gregory Spa</div>
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Marina Bay Sands</div>
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Gardens by the Bay</div>
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Singapore Flyer</div>
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Art Science Museum</div>
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National Gallery</div>
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Suntec City: Adidas Flagship Store, Pasarbella</div>
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Marina Square: Kai Garden</div>
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<b>Pan Pacific Singapore</b></div>
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7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595 Tel (65) 6336 8111 singapore@panpacific.com</div>
Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-9431680423274623452017-03-16T16:49:00.000+08:002017-03-16T16:49:27.942+08:00Adidas UltraboostX Unboxing Video<div style="text-align: center;">
My first unboxing video!</div>
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360 Photography: Anton <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/106683203467355015602" target="_blank">+Mellowedhigh</a> </div>
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Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-81417597612342077602017-02-22T16:25:00.004+08:002017-02-22T16:26:48.242+08:00A Funny Thing... About Eating with GirlsOrdering lunch yesterday with very sweet but health conscious girlfriends:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70jzpN3gfwMwZvLp4cAE4mM8IHPyzEt5QrQThbgik6a_jw9TsjM5q5XCkBv4IC-5Dd1B56sMZopkDXFJ_vxUkbt0c5f4l0xj3LwvoA86ckv63188TXoxMq1c8ndZqir_JRyT9hKE-EHE/s1600/pscafe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70jzpN3gfwMwZvLp4cAE4mM8IHPyzEt5QrQThbgik6a_jw9TsjM5q5XCkBv4IC-5Dd1B56sMZopkDXFJ_vxUkbt0c5f4l0xj3LwvoA86ckv63188TXoxMq1c8ndZqir_JRyT9hKE-EHE/s320/pscafe.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Friend 1:</b> I'll have the Thai Brunch Bowl.<br />
<b>Me:</b> I'll have the Superfood Salad, full sized.<br />
<b>Friend 2:</b> I'll have the Superfood Semi-fried Rice<br />
<b>Friend 1:</b> Can I get the coconut shreds not be toasted? No? Okay, then just on the side. No? Okay, just no coconut at all.<br />
<b>Friend 2:</b> Excuse me, for my semi-fried rice, can the rice be on the side?<br />
<b>Me: </b>....<br />
<b>Waiter:</b> Anything else?<br />
<b>Me:</b> ...Can I have my greens put on the side?<br />
<b>Me: </b>--kidding!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSCEEA3G9TcOsfROZatKGdhFPSiq4hlbjv5xVq52aakip9m-Y5ySD5on-E_lLB1uG85pdgcmW9mjXLG_56hwDNPNXZHtV9bOOsPpbxhHcEcrCKkBOmxPkTGW8gFcsncxXEjrDS8SGtx8/s1600/superfoodsalad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSCEEA3G9TcOsfROZatKGdhFPSiq4hlbjv5xVq52aakip9m-Y5ySD5on-E_lLB1uG85pdgcmW9mjXLG_56hwDNPNXZHtV9bOOsPpbxhHcEcrCKkBOmxPkTGW8gFcsncxXEjrDS8SGtx8/s320/superfoodsalad.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-88300744527472729252017-02-05T01:39:00.000+08:002017-02-05T01:39:24.639+08:00Taking on Eden Ang's CRAZY Push-up Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For laughs.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Igd-7sAjadE?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
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Original video: <a href="http://yt2fb.com/20-crazy-pushup-challenges-eden-ang/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxffDmU-V4jXMvKYTWtA73IZJ8SRhFnQYUA29-19a5WTxmkYw6OcNPHLPdYgueuNBARfZ7CCu59AX4hH39-hQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ehQg3KthOHGR5gkoyUelDg8wB2x6vqkZffrLR4xJcotbdFxvq8mdlPzc1F__uAiWzaLd78bhRAcxBa8oOsbE6HWFWFNFG2bfPLjiV9ATp_XUROVnusWrNdRIky8UGOb3yF782Vhvz6E/s1600/victoriacheng_virginactive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ehQg3KthOHGR5gkoyUelDg8wB2x6vqkZffrLR4xJcotbdFxvq8mdlPzc1F__uAiWzaLd78bhRAcxBa8oOsbE6HWFWFNFG2bfPLjiV9ATp_XUROVnusWrNdRIky8UGOb3yF782Vhvz6E/s320/victoriacheng_virginactive.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-78359255385206430252017-01-18T21:22:00.003+08:002017-01-18T21:23:49.168+08:00Guide to Scottish Whisky Flavor ProfilesScotch whisky is my drink of choice. Here's an infographic I came across that breaks down 86 different brands into 12 flavor categories. Click for full size.<br />
<i>[src: <a href="http://www.rsvlts.com/2014/09/26/scotch-flavor-infographic/" target="_blank">http://www.rsvlts.com/2014/09/26/scotch-flavor-infographic</a>]</i><br />
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<a href="http://cdn.rsvlts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/BDIsUUy.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq2x0yw84YhzojOm7mmLsbxGVboA3MbbOPaqkCboZWP8fdUMMqw5tKxoPe68EIf2LHZET5nNjA7FpW150okWXeAKmJyGRGpX40-B6mazUx16spcCcuSEAiervrqBqzF2jQcZZsRyai_g/s1600/scotchflavorprofiles.png" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-4955207907409783872016-12-17T17:38:00.001+08:002016-12-17T17:38:05.085+08:00A Funny Thing... In The ElevatorThat moment when a random person recognizes you in a public elevator.<br />
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Guy: Excuse me, are you chubby... <br />
Me: 😨 ...<br />
Guy: –chubby...?<br />
Me: 😨 ...<br />
Guy: ... The Chubby Ninja.. Are you? <br />
Me: ooooooh. I thought you were calling me fat. <br />
Guy: (sputters awkwardly)<br />
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I really need to change my <a href="http://instagram.com/victoriacheng" target="_blank">Instagram name</a>. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ywAOdm4bR2-a_XzfydToYU3Btn1qmzujzoWYsV1DaloEj53XL8UtKG0cBXFy7qDGZobsNL14UKG2E7mcVtYAJdCzWlgmgSNCyVpswUMDobycUBwz7ZxKj-BXy9xcWfWRvtuQXcJ9V4w/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ywAOdm4bR2-a_XzfydToYU3Btn1qmzujzoWYsV1DaloEj53XL8UtKG0cBXFy7qDGZobsNL14UKG2E7mcVtYAJdCzWlgmgSNCyVpswUMDobycUBwz7ZxKj-BXy9xcWfWRvtuQXcJ9V4w/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-87166695204273240762016-12-07T02:48:00.001+08:002016-12-07T02:50:22.391+08:00December Ideas to Spoil Yourself and FriendsThe past year, I've got to experiment with a lot of new products and services. Some, I've grown to love and have since incorporated it into my latest routine. I'd like to share these with you, so you can spoil yourself too. Extra bonus: I've been fortunate to have been given promo codes for most of them, so you can get a <span style="color: red;">discount </span>off this December!<br />
<b>Categories: Kitchen, Pantry, Skincare, Beauty, Health/Fitness, Haircare, Weightloss</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For the Kitchen & Home Entertaining</span></u></b></h4>
<b>SALT GRAMMAR </b><br />
<b>by Indiana Supply Company</b> <a href="http://store.indianasupplyco.com/">http://store.indianasupplyco.com</a><br />
They have a fascinating range of edible whole salts, unrefined salts, and macrobiotic salts. For both the health conscious foodie or gourmand friend who seems to have everything already, this is a great addition for him or her to experiment with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt1K_mALvZLpOL-9sp3OC1r2w3DJMe2MrFkrbqtFFCpUyiPdkSDKUA3V9AECb3PNQ7T92jv4zCzfcPsVwj95qNkJRei8x3dTHVOI98qi7GEurNNg_l_KoQhseXuqa6bpT4IdRGAzMXMc/s1600/indianasupplycompany_saltgrammar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt1K_mALvZLpOL-9sp3OC1r2w3DJMe2MrFkrbqtFFCpUyiPdkSDKUA3V9AECb3PNQ7T92jv4zCzfcPsVwj95qNkJRei8x3dTHVOI98qi7GEurNNg_l_KoQhseXuqa6bpT4IdRGAzMXMc/s200/indianasupplycompany_saltgrammar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>NESPRESSO</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.nespresso.com/sg/en/home" target="_blank">http://www.nespresso.com/sg/en/home</a></div>
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or Nespresso Boutique</div>
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Nespresso needs very little introduction as the other coveted Gift Registry item after the Kitchen Aid mixer. They've just released a Christmas inspired range, with tasting notes based on three traditional German and Austrian treats: Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte, and the Sachertorte. While I like to eat Apfelstrudel the most, I highly recommend the Linzer Torte Nespresso capsules; they're a delight with hints of redcurrant and raspberries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeBtZ09uml4seuX320ZbEiiWSRV4vyidlpSZSkWL_c8ytbP1VbLuN0AsolstCff2QSrArjWbRq_arlviG7d7h4Dq-1Brrl4NRp32ufr5LMd-XqG9CTZvb27yU1IYLHnmsC_m8KwCI91E/s1600/nespressoxmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeBtZ09uml4seuX320ZbEiiWSRV4vyidlpSZSkWL_c8ytbP1VbLuN0AsolstCff2QSrArjWbRq_arlviG7d7h4Dq-1Brrl4NRp32ufr5LMd-XqG9CTZvb27yU1IYLHnmsC_m8KwCI91E/s320/nespressoxmas.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpRIwkAyI5r-7WKcm0fXfrmk6lAcaKF-Njuju6n5soHjp4iHX-4hM7kB8MHCFfay92qpkrv0gd34OVaYFnWExh0z4xASWyrVOX8nccpsKNdll7PggAQ-Aj_ZkiQYaPipRTVBeaI10jt4/s1600/nespressoxmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpRIwkAyI5r-7WKcm0fXfrmk6lAcaKF-Njuju6n5soHjp4iHX-4hM7kB8MHCFfay92qpkrv0gd34OVaYFnWExh0z4xASWyrVOX8nccpsKNdll7PggAQ-Aj_ZkiQYaPipRTVBeaI10jt4/s320/nespressoxmas1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Another option for the Nespresso fiend, is the Versilo Capsule Dispenser. It can stand on its own (depicted below), or can be hung on the wall. It's also magnetic if you want to stick it to your refrigerator. This dispenser makes my whole Nespresso corner that much spiffier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OpWu2Rm-xfHnFbIyKM7BL0y48IuXprimWOOdqtb2zwNBE7aQ8hAS-DbBe9FehZWKMustzMhyphenhyphenSROb_A_qmFTBoZHkFnVpvIRbz5vMVfLeTB2yOKfWpI5eYR5oKVmHudnK2bHev_f4DEo/s1600/VersiloCoffeeCapsuleDispenser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OpWu2Rm-xfHnFbIyKM7BL0y48IuXprimWOOdqtb2zwNBE7aQ8hAS-DbBe9FehZWKMustzMhyphenhyphenSROb_A_qmFTBoZHkFnVpvIRbz5vMVfLeTB2yOKfWpI5eYR5oKVmHudnK2bHev_f4DEo/s320/VersiloCoffeeCapsuleDispenser.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<b>OMAKASE BOX</b></div>
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<b>by Chitose Agriculture Initiative </b><a href="http://www.cai-sg.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cai-sg.com</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh seasonal produce delivered weekly from Japan and Cameron Highlands. Most of the vegetables and fruits in Singapore are cultivated using large amounts of pesticides, which destroys the ecosystem in the fields; and chemical fertilizers that force harvest to grow drastically in a short amount of time. Chitose Agriculture Initiative works with artisan farmers and seeks to give our households access to their produce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've found it interesting using their services, since each week is a surprise depending on what produce is freshest and in season. I've also been introduced to new vegetables I haven't cooked with before, so it forced me to get out of my comfort zone and learn how to prepare something new. It's been very rewarding so far–I'm currently cooking and eating through an Omakase box full of Japanese winter vegetables: sweet potato, broccoli, mizuna leaves, San Fuji apples, oranges, and more.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K56hQnfn6-_ocs3aDUUBJQ7T0yJwBhkcBH_5WxbwB_BPgApqiuOQYIpDrkm7nMq2vRv2D1LtRtYDBGDmZhB-HWRE05UPffKRQlzKs7X9hBBpVdAAwJ4Dx1OduzO7Q7sFzmjZ9WDvxHs/s1600/chitoseagriculturalinitiative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K56hQnfn6-_ocs3aDUUBJQ7T0yJwBhkcBH_5WxbwB_BPgApqiuOQYIpDrkm7nMq2vRv2D1LtRtYDBGDmZhB-HWRE05UPffKRQlzKs7X9hBBpVdAAwJ4Dx1OduzO7Q7sFzmjZ9WDvxHs/s320/chitoseagriculturalinitiative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>SUNDAY PUNCH</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.drinksundaypunch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.drinksundaypunch.com/</a></div>
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Small batch bottle cocktails. Had a few of these babies at house parties and barbeques. It was always a complete hit, having great quality cocktails and zero of the work needed (mostly because the small team behind Sunday Punch slaved away to make our lives easier!). They've just released a Christmas edition, just in time for .. well, Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE_6dki0K0MzOrJVaTDIkRYJTEbQltDTFQ0VdIxMRzehhU8JszC9r-cINKsfYn4FS6r0DGcPhXW08cpJeEA2XgceZzTy1ntDKv0KC2u5g3szRTK4D-N0GkBbRNi8gtSUk1yL9ntNMPso/s1600/sundaypunch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE_6dki0K0MzOrJVaTDIkRYJTEbQltDTFQ0VdIxMRzehhU8JszC9r-cINKsfYn4FS6r0DGcPhXW08cpJeEA2XgceZzTy1ntDKv0KC2u5g3szRTK4D-N0GkBbRNi8gtSUk1yL9ntNMPso/s320/sundaypunch.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The Old Fashioned Christmas features spiced whisky, a velvety mouthfeel of cocoa and deep sweetness of blackcurrant, with a subtle coffee after-note.</i></div>
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<b>MONOGRAM Collection</b></div>
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<b>by Gryphon Tea Company</b> http://www.gryphontea.com</div>
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Contact bespoke@monogramtea.com for bespoke services</div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Promocode (10% off your first order): "SHOPNOW"</span></i></div>
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In conjunction with its 10th anniversary, tea experts Gryphon Tea Company is the first to offer bespoke services, where you can customize your own teas. Consumers can create their own blends of teas and tisanes, making for a personal touch in your pantry or as a gift. </div>
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The quality of the teas are one of the finest as far as tea sachet brands go. Gryphon Tea Company is a homegrown brand that Singaporeans can be proud of. Having personally met Lim Tian Wee, the man behind Gryphon, it's been quite an experience to witness the sincerity and knowledge he has for his teas. Many of the Gryphon Tea sachet recipes were personally created by him; and now tea lovers can create their own with the Monogram collection.</div>
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They have a pop-up stall set up at TANGS at Tang Plaza until 24 December. You can also purchase Gryphon Teas on their site, or Monogram teas at www.monogramtea.com after 16 December.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumS-qvgqvYDBORPMujky_g94h5Dy9-lDjK5ICLluWbUeBfUEbf9I3ZBSZYk0T-oFeisAfG8ikV19zB_qWFrSBmXrIVwnnwNU-FZbLHrqYzJFG2ZaDB_jqed7bY42G9BUjC9oWfuEAWdE/s1600/GryphonTea_Monogram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumS-qvgqvYDBORPMujky_g94h5Dy9-lDjK5ICLluWbUeBfUEbf9I3ZBSZYk0T-oFeisAfG8ikV19zB_qWFrSBmXrIVwnnwNU-FZbLHrqYzJFG2ZaDB_jqed7bY42G9BUjC9oWfuEAWdE/s320/GryphonTea_Monogram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>DELIVEROO</b></div>
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http://deliveroo.com.sg</div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Promocode ($10 off your first order, valid until 6 Feb 2017): "CHUBBYNINJAROO"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">While compiling this list, I JUST realized that you can also use Deliveroo from your browser, the app isn't always necessary. Woohoo! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7v8BB6dgLwAtM7JR1pyOKY0v5wMhxmb8u3_yK9H0K85Scyf5xdJAS1Ny45xPvJC68O3m9vcgmuYsFxHDvx4AJAxH6QqDuQVs84lE-l-S1mIeOliP92vCcRZZUw-yBV9BQ34yVUtuHYk/s1600/deliveroo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7v8BB6dgLwAtM7JR1pyOKY0v5wMhxmb8u3_yK9H0K85Scyf5xdJAS1Ny45xPvJC68O3m9vcgmuYsFxHDvx4AJAxH6QqDuQVs84lE-l-S1mIeOliP92vCcRZZUw-yBV9BQ34yVUtuHYk/s320/deliveroo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a heavy Seamless Web user back in NYC, I was pretty upset by the dismal food delivery options in Hong Kong and Singapore. Then, Deliveroo came to our shores and made the world right again. The app user experience is very smooth, and customer service is very quick to remedy any errors if it happens – errors of which have become more rare as time goes on (hooray!). I'm impressed by their restaurant selection, having been able to bring onboard mostly top notch restaurants, so food is hardly a disappointment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My regular fixes are roast Irish duck from Tunglok, Motorino pizza, Hyangtogol, Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken, Park Bench Deli sandwiches, and Saladstop. I'm waiting for the burger crave to hit before I tap into Market Grill's burgers or Burnt End's pulled pork sanger. It will come.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">SKINCARE</span></u></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyonN3IkKfLiorvJ0lYK0-ahadJUkp0lJsFc4E_LsXmnuAbWuE_yHDCpb89jz7LFH-XavHPlTe-w3ro895TqbqAHIrxOTAUTWW9tUE9n7y2HkVjUGevPs4VpEIBEf3jOKvfW-BTjRV_xE/s1600/cookie_victoriacheng.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyonN3IkKfLiorvJ0lYK0-ahadJUkp0lJsFc4E_LsXmnuAbWuE_yHDCpb89jz7LFH-XavHPlTe-w3ro895TqbqAHIrxOTAUTWW9tUE9n7y2HkVjUGevPs4VpEIBEf3jOKvfW-BTjRV_xE/s320/cookie_victoriacheng.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Look at my skin!!!! (also, cookie) Thanks to the products I use below.</i></div>
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I'm annoyingly particular about my skincare routine, and once I find something I like, I'm reluctant to keep experimenting. I have sensitive skin and I don't want to risk a bad reaction when I use something that already works. I used SK-II for a very long time, and eventually (with some coaxing) I was persuaded to give Cle de Peau de Beaute a try. Likewise with Dr.Leaders, I responded to a friend with it that I won't endorse a product I don't like, and I hate experimenting with my face! P.S. I also don't like whitening products (see more below under SK-II for more on that). She persisted, and so I tried.</div>
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<b>DR.LEADERS </b></div>
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<a href="http://shopdrleaders.com/" target="_blank">http://shopdrleaders.com</a></div>
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I love this product. Thank you for insisting I give it a shot, Elaine and Joan! I've used the cleanser, toner, serum and gel cream from the Hydrophilic Expert series. The brand is from Korea, touting itself as luxury plant powered skin care. It's particularly made for Asian skin and the humidity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5E8YfW3kOa5AqOYrOTIueeyMRtG7dvxC9bGhCBFvd6eCIA3oRl5EZfJteJS6h2d8PitLAX0BhXb0KCEhHyaAeEcTIfidykh8MrpicZ3jTgD47TiEWlmvBYdG4FZZgCCl03syyprYEAk/s1600/drleaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5E8YfW3kOa5AqOYrOTIueeyMRtG7dvxC9bGhCBFvd6eCIA3oRl5EZfJteJS6h2d8PitLAX0BhXb0KCEhHyaAeEcTIfidykh8MrpicZ3jTgD47TiEWlmvBYdG4FZZgCCl03syyprYEAk/s320/drleaders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After using Dr.Leaders for a week or so, my skin balance has improved a lot, and my skin tone has evened out after a month – so, unless I need to be on camera, I don't wear foundation when I go out anymore! My skin's bouncier, "juicier" feeling from the plant stem cell power. Even during hormonal weeks (PMS), my skin condition doesn't change. </div>
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However, I did use this product also when I started going to <b>The Wellness Suite</b> for facials, so it's hard to say if it's a combination of both or if the skin improvement is solely from the product.</div>
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<b>SK-II</b></div>
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I grew up as an SK-II loyalist, since my father (who has amazing skin) uses the product. I used to use almost all of their products, except whitening, until I discovered Cle de Peau and Dr. Leaders. However, here are the SK-II products I still use regularly.</div>
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1/ SK-II Color Clear Beauty Artisan Brush Foundation <i><a href="http://www.sk-ii.com.sg/en/product-detail.aspx?name=artisan-brush-foundation-uvlight" target="_blank">retail info here</a></i></div>
The coverage is fantastic, and the applicator brush is better than any brushes I have! The foundation has HD-camera worthy coverage, along with 4x concentrated Pitera (SK-II's signature formula) and SPF 40/PA+++. I usually use Chanel Vitaluminère Aqua (Teint Parfait) if I only want to even out my skin tone, but I use this SK-II foundation for special nights out or if I know I'm going to be filming that day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3CUyjqpEHwypNkPTP4NARDxgUo-MYZYIk2lpXkVn8ALOZF-pQyypQJIkvtMydaJTbAyDrj1oCRF_z_rvcrVFQOnuxp3ObGh7RB4675SseLiEwL-TvEFtkL98DWnUxopaA3nbVcBIZVQ/s1600/skii_artisanbrush_foundation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3CUyjqpEHwypNkPTP4NARDxgUo-MYZYIk2lpXkVn8ALOZF-pQyypQJIkvtMydaJTbAyDrj1oCRF_z_rvcrVFQOnuxp3ObGh7RB4675SseLiEwL-TvEFtkL98DWnUxopaA3nbVcBIZVQ/s320/skii_artisanbrush_foundation.png" width="301" /></a></div>
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2/ Mid-Day Miracle Essence <i><a href="http://www.sk-ii.com.sg/en/whats-new/skin-solutions/Skin-SOS-Daytime-Dehydration.aspx" target="_blank">retail info here</a></i></div>
This is SK-II's signature Facial Treatment Essence in a portable to-go bottle. I like to spritz this if I've been sitting in a dry environment for a few hours (air conditioned rooms, airplanes, or cold cities in the winter). If I get back home really late and am way too tired to shower (ew, I know, but rarely), I'll wash my face and spritz this on then crash.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT9e8dop8nOQUZAh3p1uL_WU1MKe3OI5AacayTs0TGsY4dzlsC9zNWYuwLqj7tcsIg0gnJk9OfpyOKW4UzYEKAtkGHCb0oTBT7tgz3J9DdOjjNIiPAR6GZqVLI3LRy-Ob1PLEPxUekAE/s1600/skii_middaymiracleessence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT9e8dop8nOQUZAh3p1uL_WU1MKe3OI5AacayTs0TGsY4dzlsC9zNWYuwLqj7tcsIg0gnJk9OfpyOKW4UzYEKAtkGHCb0oTBT7tgz3J9DdOjjNIiPAR6GZqVLI3LRy-Ob1PLEPxUekAE/s320/skii_middaymiracleessence.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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3/ Facial Treatment Essence (Limited Edition Bottles) and Facial Treatment Essence masks</div>
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The Facial Treatment Essence works, period. There's a certain dewy glow that results from using this daily. Likewise, the FTE masks are a real treat for the skin. </div>
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If you're gifting this for someone else this holiday season, may I recommend the latest Limited Edition bottles; inspired by <i>Sumanigashi</i>, the Japanese art of ink on water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSqlmrR8B7Kt-E6uCmIlmqtnXwYsRB5ixXZ6Zn_9ALqwKP-pIeCGt_Jz0yfo5PElM-77dHWWAC7qstB3Fqx60c5G2j2ORXdQpHiiWRWgYvXBVbMsdtRMwZo16GHq3s09suE_iEcfX3N0/s1600/sk-ii_facialtreatmentessence_limitededition.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSqlmrR8B7Kt-E6uCmIlmqtnXwYsRB5ixXZ6Zn_9ALqwKP-pIeCGt_Jz0yfo5PElM-77dHWWAC7qstB3Fqx60c5G2j2ORXdQpHiiWRWgYvXBVbMsdtRMwZo16GHq3s09suE_iEcfX3N0/s320/sk-ii_facialtreatmentessence_limitededition.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="169" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o1Lue82V17o?rel=0" width="300"></iframe></div>
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4/ Genoptics Aura Essence</div>
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Removes and prevents sunspot formations.</div>
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I mentioned before that I don't like whitening products, because generally, it's some form of skin bleaching. Plus, I don't like the unnatural creepy doll-like effect it has overtime. Perhaps the American in me also appreciates a touch of the healthy golden glow from being active outdoors.</div>
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However, I noticed my suntanned freckles take longer to fade as I get older. SK-II's Genoptics Aura Essence penetrates through the layers of skin to work from within, rather than simply bleaching spots off your face. The team behind SK-II reassured me that it doesn't whiten; rather, it prevents spot formations from under the surface of your skin. I use this product when I know I will be outdoors a lot that day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduTVBUOBzrh7NnMy-fuWrUgoVlTIvSgIodJtymhqXTPaZUnR6PHLM9C-9X9yGCYIsrPB19QnYvjnfhER6qtTAfnngql4ZZWyg_YBQ8hyZIsBS6YhhMkVVAp02eghyphenhyphenwp0kh7WsgPRAMds/s1600/skii_genoptics_auraessence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduTVBUOBzrh7NnMy-fuWrUgoVlTIvSgIodJtymhqXTPaZUnR6PHLM9C-9X9yGCYIsrPB19QnYvjnfhER6qtTAfnngql4ZZWyg_YBQ8hyZIsBS6YhhMkVVAp02eghyphenhyphenwp0kh7WsgPRAMds/s320/skii_genoptics_auraessence.png" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b>Skincare Travel essentials and tips for tropical weather: </b></div>
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With so many different products out there, I ask SK-II USA Ambassador Steve Jan what actually works and what's just a marketing gimmick. He also explains that whitening products can be very drying, so avoid using them before or right after airplane travel.</div>
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<b>Cle de Peau Beauté </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com</a></div>
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Cle de Peau is my new favorite travel skincare products, and for a time it became my entire morning and night skincare routine. I take it everywhere I go, particularly in temperate climates (Japan, United States, Hong Kong during cooler weather, Australia).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz66gETLyBpuMnnqr_RPZj7WBwmpn3Y3N4JhfcPoIhC_PoLYDBVoZ3oqf5fnII9fiBN8XvCJVo7jQH_-LN3bCEb1Hd5NxiwhurlWONmyNrsfEelnNSf3sZ38u90wHRZrEERTRchhhRA3Y/s1600/cledepeautravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz66gETLyBpuMnnqr_RPZj7WBwmpn3Y3N4JhfcPoIhC_PoLYDBVoZ3oqf5fnII9fiBN8XvCJVo7jQH_-LN3bCEb1Hd5NxiwhurlWONmyNrsfEelnNSf3sZ38u90wHRZrEERTRchhhRA3Y/s320/cledepeautravel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Singapore and Hong Kong, during the day, I use Hydro-softening Lotion and Protective Fortifying Emulsion (which has SPF). I carry the Hand Cream in my bag wherever I go, whichever country I'm in.</div>
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In the evening, as I mentioned I now use Dr.Leaders. However, every 3 nights, I'll switch back to my Cle de Peau routine with (1) Hydro-softening Lotion, (2) Intensive Fortifying Cream, and especially (3) Intensive Eye Contour Cream and (4) the <i>ultra-luxurious</i> La Creme. La Creme is a miracle cream, I use it the night before anything important, in order to look my very best the next day. </div>
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It's a ritual I've grown to love. I have a special little set up on my vanity table for my Cle de Peau products, for those nights I have time to take a few extra minutes to luxuriate and pamper myself. The packing is especially beautiful, which quite frankly, enhances the whole ritual experience for me.<br />
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<b>The Hydrafacial</b></div>
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<b>by The Wellness Suite </b><a href="http://smgaesthetics.com/treatments/hydrafacial/" target="_blank">http://smgaesthetics.com/treatments/hydrafacial/</a></div>
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Location: Paragon Shopping Centre, Level 13</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>Promo discount, quote this during reservation: "Victoria Cheng"</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>for 1st trial Hydrafacial at $125 or All Skin Laser+IPL Combo at $70</i></span></div>
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For the ultimate medical grade facial (non invasive) using the 4-in-1 Vortex Technology – to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate and nourish. The first thing the therapist warned me was that this wasn't your average spa-like pampering facial, where most of the time is spent on massages. Initially, I was worried about leaving with blotchy red patches on my skin, or worse, <a href="http://www.stylexstyle.com/editorial/beauty/non-surgical-cosmetic-facial-procedures-how-safe-are-they?page=full" target="_blank">serious burns from uncertified clinics</a>.</div>
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Turns out, this facial is by far the most effective I've ever had and a doctor who could answer all of my questions (Dr. Jonathan Yong). Clearer skin with every visit, lessening of fine lines, and noticeably brighter and younger looking skin. Highly recommend.</div>
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<b>Sun Protection Mist</b></div>
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<b>by DrGL</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.drgl.com/index.php/main/product/47/shop" target="_blank">http://www.drgl.com/index.php/main/product/47/shop</a></div>
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Ultra light and can be applied over makeup too. There's no white oily residue, and I haven't had any clogged pore problems using this. It's become part of my travel necessities kit, especially this past year having spent most of my overseas time in sunny cities. It's meant for Hair/Face/Body, and I do spritz a fair amount over my hair, scalp, and shoulders as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wCXRka0rk2hzIgBdvgvzjHjJMhY1AIyTLlDeJPCclJKsVrihOwhYxzAuAa_RsOEz5azOcW0MJZ-s0h9XabJGlubRfjgi7jWwxjH9TX7ZpdAx3KR0SIpI_wxTT9i7fpjjGpVkb4timl0/s1600/travelset_drGL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wCXRka0rk2hzIgBdvgvzjHjJMhY1AIyTLlDeJPCclJKsVrihOwhYxzAuAa_RsOEz5azOcW0MJZ-s0h9XabJGlubRfjgi7jWwxjH9TX7ZpdAx3KR0SIpI_wxTT9i7fpjjGpVkb4timl0/s320/travelset_drGL.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>HAIRCARE</u></span></b></div>
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<b>LUMINOGENIC HAIR PROTECTOR</b></div>
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<b>by Shiseido Professional</b></div>
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Speaking of hair protection, in addition to a spritz of DrGL over my roots, I use this lightweight protector over the rest of my hair (starting from the ends and working my way up on towel dried hair). I find this particularly crucial when I'm spending a lot of time in the sun. I brought the whole bottle with me on my recent trip to Bali.</div>
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<b>LUMINOGENIC SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, MASK</b></div>
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<b>by Shiseido Professional </b><a href="http://www.pro.shiseido.com/haircare" target="_blank">http://www.pro.shiseido.com/haircare</a></div>
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I prefer the Luminogenic series since it preserves my hair color best, and seems to leave my hair condition the softest. Also, it smells so good... a wonderful floral perfume. I use the whole series, including the Caviar Essence, of which you can learn more about in this overly dramatic video:</div>
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If you don't have colored hair, then I would also recommend the Aqua Intensive series.</div>
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<b>HAIR COLORING, TREATMENT, STYLING</b></div>
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<b>by HairCube (Novena)</b></div>
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<i style="color: red;">Promo discount, quote this during reservation (until December 31): "Victoria Cheng"</i></div>
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The stylists here are great. Personable, warm and friendly, and I've always left with perfect hair. See examples below:</div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 350px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ2kVW7Aw9z/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">New @shiseidoprofessionalsg hair shade done and styled to perfection at @haircube_novena (with Kelven and Max) and a fresh white smile after my first dental appointment in Singapore at Paragon by Dr. Stephanie Yap (usually I see my dentist in Hong Kong, Dr. Elly Lau!). I feel beyooooooootifulls again!!! . . . @singaporemedicalgroup #teethwhitening #shiseidoprofessionalsg #shiseidoprofessional #shiseido</a></div>
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A video posted by the chubby ninja (@victoriacheng) on <time datetime="2016-09-02T11:55:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 2, 2016 at 4:55am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>BEAUTY</b></u></span></div>
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<b>LASH EXTENSIONS & MANICURES</b></div>
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<b>by Flutters Lash Salon</b> <a href="http://www.flutters.com.sg/" target="_blank">http://www.flutters.com.sg</a></div>
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<i style="color: red;">Promocode (</i><i style="color: red;">for 10% off ala carte services and trials, 5% off regular packages): "</i><i style="color: red;">VICTORIA" </i></div>
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The quality of their services speaks for itself. My lashes and nails alway look gorgeous after I visit this cute salon tucked in Duxton Hill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqYv4wxLidiiVGkojQeQomLB8XTgZDAVWjl0VreqknlkPn7MbmwpIB8r5gQ0y-0xM-u86pinE18XIRbkTpS75kC7XzjBEIqouugBXoHk-V2qjoN3_Cclt9H8jlgTmpTkN0svFLNsajzU/s1600/fluttersmanicure2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqYv4wxLidiiVGkojQeQomLB8XTgZDAVWjl0VreqknlkPn7MbmwpIB8r5gQ0y-0xM-u86pinE18XIRbkTpS75kC7XzjBEIqouugBXoHk-V2qjoN3_Cclt9H8jlgTmpTkN0svFLNsajzU/s320/fluttersmanicure2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>DESIGNER DRESS RENTALS</b></div>
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by Covetella</div>
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<i style="color: red;">Promocode ($20 off all rentals over the holidays): "VICHOLIDAYS20"</i></div>
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Covetella has been my go-to dress rental the since F1 in September. I've gone to them even as late as the day before to pick up gowns for events, weddings, cocktails, parties... Here are some of the outfits I got to wear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippjOUwLaO8JieP86icbvE4X8GT__mGRBM_ZRXcNeH2vHTBZWRoRY5Vh-DK1zkFeLhcZ8-gzRNl5LziJZQ1OYW0Qup2DvHo14QB4kgwkxHsHPWfkmO1oQ5cJ_RCddTWFerMHhiEnhSSGk/s1600/victoriacheng_celavi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippjOUwLaO8JieP86icbvE4X8GT__mGRBM_ZRXcNeH2vHTBZWRoRY5Vh-DK1zkFeLhcZ8-gzRNl5LziJZQ1OYW0Qup2DvHo14QB4kgwkxHsHPWfkmO1oQ5cJ_RCddTWFerMHhiEnhSSGk/s320/victoriacheng_celavi.png" width="128" /></a></div>
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<b>RADIANT LIQUID ROGUE & EXTRA RICH LIPSTICK</b></div>
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by Cle de Peau Beauté <a href="http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com</a></div>
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I use the Extra Rich Lipstick in Dusty Red (103) almost daily for a natural tinge of pink, and the Radiant Liquid Rogue in Light Rose (13) for evenings I go out. I'm actually wearing it in most of the photos above in the Covetella section.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhj0skD-n4QAMOdzXqEn3X4paJj4zrCExRuejXd3QqFB-A51R3DjDl1UZ7PvTu2BS6gYuM55dG5KHAHGgjnebgBl33BG-c_EctG4ATa11ZyGhVAdQxu6lsdlFdd4IHHDYxBLa58aYtrM/s1600/103dustyred.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhj0skD-n4QAMOdzXqEn3X4paJj4zrCExRuejXd3QqFB-A51R3DjDl1UZ7PvTu2BS6gYuM55dG5KHAHGgjnebgBl33BG-c_EctG4ATa11ZyGhVAdQxu6lsdlFdd4IHHDYxBLa58aYtrM/s320/103dustyred.png" width="175" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">HEALTH/FITNESS</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6HfKR_avCx3URQV9G1Rhhj4NChF9qqzXknLr3rrIFqZMjI_saXV2MUhxe3UeiPXIrxEF7hNquxz6JTKqJge9B3bmS_ne48_h7vbuBdfxETUZJvoI1027rFdgySudAR3kGjj4Otuks24/s1600/victoriacheng_fitness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6HfKR_avCx3URQV9G1Rhhj4NChF9qqzXknLr3rrIFqZMjI_saXV2MUhxe3UeiPXIrxEF7hNquxz6JTKqJge9B3bmS_ne48_h7vbuBdfxETUZJvoI1027rFdgySudAR3kGjj4Otuks24/s320/victoriacheng_fitness.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>(photography by David Yeow)</i></div>
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<b>PurelyB's FRESSKO FLASK</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.purelyb.com/" target="_blank">www.purelyb.com</a></div>
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Fressko Flask: <a href="https://www.purelyb.com/shop/purelyb-healthy-with-fressko" target="_blank">http://www.purelyb.com/shop/purelyb-healthy-with-fressko</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Promo code (5% discount off all orders): "VICTORIACHENG"</span></i></div>
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Founded by an entrepreneurial team of women from Malaysia, PurelyB focuses on fitness, wellness, and healthy living. The past year, I've experimented with their meal plans–I lost 2 kg after 2 weeks on their SaladStop plan, and have shopped from their Marketplace. </div>
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One of my favorite items is the beautiful glass Fressko Flask. It can store hot or cold liquids, and has a "brew as you go" concept. Infuse berries, honey, herbs, into teas or water; or store smoothies and yogurts in a gorgeous on-the-go container.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYEvHPVHn4ghdwjD8mvS15Kbzz9xbzQXzr_S5HTBN2XzUyA2faNctmJ-ht2Pzg96MatxN6rPE1GU9X7nlw_F0d-_rr1o9RvpgFc27OmPLvFHuK9XImsxb_rYZKXFmQ7LbIjFukqcRJB8/s1600/purelyb_fressko.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYEvHPVHn4ghdwjD8mvS15Kbzz9xbzQXzr_S5HTBN2XzUyA2faNctmJ-ht2Pzg96MatxN6rPE1GU9X7nlw_F0d-_rr1o9RvpgFc27OmPLvFHuK9XImsxb_rYZKXFmQ7LbIjFukqcRJB8/s320/purelyb_fressko.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>TEABIOTIC</b></div>
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<b>by We Are Cultured</b> <a href="http://www.wearecultured.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wearecultured.com</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Promocode (15% off everything): "VICTORIA15WAC"</span></i></div>
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There are a few different varieties depending on your needs, but I've been using their PURE MA-CHA, a ceremonial grade matcha (green tea) + probiotics in one. 80% of the immune system is located in the digestive system, so the gals behind Teabiotic focus on your gut health to heal you from the inside out. Claims say it helps with focus, energy, detoxing, and skin health. It can be drank as a tea (hot or cold), or used as a sprinkle ontop of desserts or dishes. Check out <a href="http://www.wearecultured.com/aboutteabiotic" target="_blank">their site </a>for some ideas.</div>
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<b>VIBROGYM</b></div>
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by Alvin Tan, Owner Lifestyle Fitness</div>
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(related article: <a href="http://www.gastronommy.com/2014/03/how-f-tycoons-stay-lean-vibrogym.html" target="_blank">How F&B Tycoons Stay Trim</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/VibroGymAsia/">https://www.facebook.com/VibroGymAsia/</a></div>
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I've written about my training at the boutique gym on the 5th floor of Sheraton Towers a number of times. I've even mentioned it in articles that ask about my fitness routine (see Straits Times article below). There has been a direct correlation with my weight loss and training with Alvin Tan. My training with the vibrogym has also helped with increasing flexibility, endurance and muscle tone. </div>
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Mr. Tan caters his training depending on his client's goals, age, and body type. He also assists with injury rehabilitation. He's the only trainer I've had so far who's been able to get me to lean out rather than bulk up (my body type is prone to getting bulky & muscular looking rather than limber).</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">WEIGHTLOSS</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW6qDWhpdCYiliBRMw1L_IKlqDHiJU4tGopYekNHDQvyM83oP4MjYwZAXoKrUVGtei5k6SeSre6YBEigPhXUxZLjFYrm3lEZMqqyhSGrCbzH3h5FmPY8tFvw6f3Xqukoz-EOmwN8LkCk/s1600/A_DavidYeow_DY2_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW6qDWhpdCYiliBRMw1L_IKlqDHiJU4tGopYekNHDQvyM83oP4MjYwZAXoKrUVGtei5k6SeSre6YBEigPhXUxZLjFYrm3lEZMqqyhSGrCbzH3h5FmPY8tFvw6f3Xqukoz-EOmwN8LkCk/s320/A_DavidYeow_DY2_1331.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<b>SLIM SUPPORT</b></div>
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<b>by Vermilion </b></div>
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Shop: <a href="http://www.vermiliongrp.com/product/garcinia-cambogia-slimming-supplement/" target="_blank">http://www.vermiliongrp.com/product/garcinia-cambogia-slimming-supplement/</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Promo code at checkout (buy 2 boxes, get 1 free): "VCSLIM"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">*3 boxes need to be in the cart before entering the promocode. </span></i>I've written a few testimonials about this product over the last few months. I've used a <i>lot</i> of different methods to try to lose weight to supplement my exercise. In particular, I've found that diet pills or supplements are terrible–they gave me bad mood swings; fullness meant feeling bloated; faster metabolism was just caffeine kicking in, or worse some made me hungrier. Best case scenario was no effect at all.</div>
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So I started taking Vermilion's latest Slim Support with low expectations. Vermilion's other supplements worked well enough for me and I like their natural approach to the product, so I trusted that it wouldn't be harmful at least. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my appetite did decrease, and I continued to lose weight even when I had to go on a 1 month break from exercising. Also, no side effects!</div>
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Check the link above for more details on the product.</div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 450px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNKUFCxjkH_/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My body type is naturally curvy. There are pros and cons to this, depending what your preferences are. I gained 14kg in a year, then lost 12kg in 6 months. I plateued for a bit here and there. One thing that helped get over those humps was @vermilion_sg's Slimming jelly supplements. Tried and tested! Usually diet pills/teas etc are all bullshit (I know I'm not the only one who's tried and failed). These Vermilion jellies (all natural using a combo of TCM and western science, developed by two doctors) effectively reduced my appetite and sped up my metabolism, and no addition of caffeine. This is NOT a sponsored or paid post - I'll explain how I came across this product in a YouTube video later. ☃️❄️❄️❄️But they've offered a special promo code until Christmas: Buy 2 boxes, get 1 free. Use code: VCSLIM at checkout on their website🦄 . . Yes, I realize this photo is flanked by delicious food photos. That's the problem! Hahah. Thank goodness for these jellies.</a></div>
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A photo posted by the chubby ninja (@victoriacheng) on <time datetime="2016-11-23T17:32:14+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 23, 2016 at 9:32am PST</time></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">RETREATS</span></u></b></div>
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<b>REMINDER BANDS</b></div>
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<b>by The Mindful Company </b><a href="http://www.mindful-company.com/collections/reminder-band-cuffs-all" target="_blank">http://www.mindful-company.com/collections/reminder-band-cuffs-all</a></div>
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These make for great gifts. They're attractive cuff bracelets with words meant to inspire you everyday you wear it. These are the two I chose: "Believe" and "Fearless". I'm planning to order a bunch for Christmas for each of my 4 brothers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwRoP-90A8ObIpx6_eFlC4SIvnCEzh4yGyo7aa9GoQHhbqV4gYrKtPNHWERo43BgVQOjmUDxxfU0sAR6Xu46Jc8EKrCk5pWuUTH2FQutF0FBRIo-HAyJd6pncwmI6dxORO4X1zIDCNwc/s1600/bracelets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwRoP-90A8ObIpx6_eFlC4SIvnCEzh4yGyo7aa9GoQHhbqV4gYrKtPNHWERo43BgVQOjmUDxxfU0sAR6Xu46Jc8EKrCk5pWuUTH2FQutF0FBRIo-HAyJd6pncwmI6dxORO4X1zIDCNwc/s320/bracelets.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>W Sentosa Detox Retreat, Singapore</b></div>
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<b><i>More about that here: <a href="http://www.gastronommy.com/2016/10/detox-retreats-w-hotel-singapore-at.html" target="_blank">http://www.gastronommy.com/2016/10/detox-retreats-w-hotel-singapore-at.html</a></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ia_gKRcxAFgkMCHSFfng-63xO8XDa9-ohuF6k-gUST51TgmqlVZ16jmc4_a5Tfs4ArGGvHNKtfwsFTTpSPp79h_ynhu28vmjxXXgHyVF8MqmNhquMfNv2vsVkW0WdTEUr9yuRTsEqbk/s1600/WSingapore_TaraStiles_VictoriaCheng_Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ia_gKRcxAFgkMCHSFfng-63xO8XDa9-ohuF6k-gUST51TgmqlVZ16jmc4_a5Tfs4ArGGvHNKtfwsFTTpSPp79h_ynhu28vmjxXXgHyVF8MqmNhquMfNv2vsVkW0WdTEUr9yuRTsEqbk/s320/WSingapore_TaraStiles_VictoriaCheng_Yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Alaya Ubud, Bali</b></div>
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<b><i>More about that soon.</i></b></div>
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<b>Katamama Boutique Hotel, Bali</b></div>
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<b><i>More about that soon.</i></b></div>
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<b>Westin Singapore - Makantrail with Misstamchiak</b></div>
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<b><i>More about that soon.</i></b></div>
Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119999772111763662.post-30566922085563604182016-12-02T16:48:00.000+08:002016-12-05T16:29:38.234+08:00When being called a celebrity or influencer is insulting<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="220" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftodayonline%2Fvideos%2F1848570808711690%2F&show_text=0&width=400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br /></div>
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The truth about Michelin. Or rather, here's an opinion I share with Marco (video above). The guide has changed a lot in the past decade and is no longer what it once was. Perhaps it was as a result of globalization and increasingly loosening standards as Michelin became a business instead of a symbol.<br />
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But more about today's thoughts: I disagree with his statement about not being a celebrity chef. </div>
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He is a celebrity. </div>
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Yet, I completely understand what he means – that he doesn't identify with it and all the usual 'celebrity chefs' qualities that give the title a reputation he doesn't want to be associated with. He has actual life skills that brought him to celebrity. I feel the same way about the influencer/blogger label and I often protest the title as well.<br />
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Lingyi Xiong, the writer, producer, and creator of Singapore's <i><u>highest</u> </i>viewed YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WahBananaSG/" target="_blank">Wah!Banana</a> has less than 5,000 followers on her personal instagram account (currently). She jokes about the times when fans ask <i>her</i> to hold the camera and help take photos of some of the other YouTube actors. Still, she is the essence of the channel and the brains behind the operation.<br />
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I don't think she would get miffed by being called a celebrity, influencer, or Youtuber. But one day when she has hundreds of thousands of followers on her personal accounts... and folks reduce the popularity of her work down to taking cute photos on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blingyi" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, I somehow doubt she'd appreciate that.<br />
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Moreso, it's amateur to believe number of followers equates actual influence or is a measure of a brand or person's success, intelligence, or skill in anything besides posting clickbait. Viewership or followers is an important metric, but there's so much more to it (<i>related post</i>: <a href="http://www.gastronommy.com/2016/08/im-worst-digital-influencer.html" target="_blank">I'm the worst digital influencer</a>)<br />
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There are a lot of us who take pride in our work, that there's a certain skill and expertise we've honed over the years, a decade for me; and decades for someone like Marco. (I am not saying we are on the same level, but the heart is the same) He is an internationally renowned chef, but his celebrity is as a result of his actual cooking prowess and a passion he's able to so acutely articulate.<br />
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When he's thrown into the bucket label of 'celebrity chef', I imagine he's not impressed by the association with men who made it because they are great on television, men who sought the fame for the cameras and not the craft of culinaire.<br />
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Still to this day, I grit my teeth a bit every time someone calls me a blogger. I know there isn't any insult intended behind the label, it's simply a title I don't relate to.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/gastronommy/photos/a.132436770113561.18556.126721587351746/1027098437314052/?type=3&theater" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ6AExuDNn2opb-azIsugrLI80BodlejJp_ThEg3WK_AsR7VL6W1mExy5Ysr4QolF8H3rjJ6Wd_k-SvOlj5dv-SExB60HeordixTuK7X-DLtIA3oW5r9kzbYajaezo3iT2BNfzoU5kzc/s320/marcopierrewhite_victoriacheng.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With the <strike>celebrity</strike> chef, l'enfant terrible, Marco Pierre White.</div>
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Gastronommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014945042369856027noreply@blogger.com