Crawfurd Medical Centre: Fractional C02 Resurfacing Laser Treatment Review

Posted on November 30, 2016 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

As much as I want to be comfortable in my own skin, I find it nearly impossible to step out of the house without applying at least some foundation on my face. I wasn’t blessed with the most fantastic genes and was plagued by acne during my teenage years. Yup, you might have guessed it. My old acne scars just wouldn’t go away despite me having tried various creams that claim to eliminate or smooth out these awful blemishes. I was left feeling dejected each time I did not see any visible results after weeks of diligently applying these creams. Recently, I came across Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser, a form of laser skin renewal, and it certainly piqued my interest as I found out that it’s an effective yet non-invasive procedure that can help to address my concerns.

Crawfurd Medical Centre is one of the clinics in Singapore that offers Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment and what’s really awesome is that Crawfurd Medical is a one stop facility that provides GP, Health Screening and Aesthetic services! How convenient is that? The clinic is located at Suntec City which is highly accessible by public transport. A few weeks back, I went for a consultation with Dr. Peter Chen to learn more about Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser and of course, to determine if this treatment is suitable for me!

I was greeted by a very amiable Dr. Chen, who explained Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser to me in layman terms, which definitely made it easy for me to understand. In a nutshell, Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser works by using light energy to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and remove areas of damage, while at the same time, stimulate collagen growth. It is a treatment used to combat acne scars, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and large pores. Apart from my old acne scars, I also raised another concern of mine, which is some pigmentation which has begun to form on my upper cheeks, probably the result of long sun exposure as I used to play a lot of tennis. Dr. Chen advised that he would rather under treat than to over treat this problem as there is a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which could worsen the problem. It was certainly a very insightful consultation session for me where I learned about what Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser could do for me! Noticeable results could be seen after the first session but it takes at least a couple of sessions to achieve optimal results, depending on individual skin condition.

I was ushered into a treatment room and was asked to change into a robe. Elaine, the Head of Aesthetic from Alcove at Crawfurd, started the session by first cleansing my face.

A good amount of topical numbing cream was applied thereafter.

Elaine explained that the cellophane cling wrap will aid in better and faster absorption of numbing cream, which took all of 20 minutes to take effect.

As you can see, these are the old acne scars and pock marks that had prevented me from heading out without any makeup!

Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Chen first tested the moisture level of my face to determine the suitable level of laser intensity to be administered. Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser works in such a way that laser energy is delivered in tiny dots in a grid formation. I have a pretty low tolerance for pain but found the entire process to be quite tolerable. For the first round, it actually felt like having a rubber band hitting lightly on my face. I wasn’t used to the sensation initially and kept jolting, and Dr. Chen made sure that I was alright before proceeding with the laser treatment for the next targeted area of my face.

For the second round, there was a very slight burning sensation, but it was still tolerable. The only thing that bothered me was the smell of my burnt skin that filled the room. Apart from that, it was all cool!

Visible grid marks could be seen after the treatment but not to worry, they will go away in a few days!

The immediate after-effects of the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser treatment was a lobster red face and the feeling of getting a sun burn on the face.

Elaine slathered on some Intensive Hydrating Marine Algae mask on my face, which felt very cooling and soothing to my red-hot skin. I drifted off to lala land for about 20 minutes and Elaine proceeded to peel off the mask for me. My face didn’t feel that hot and was really refreshed! I highly recommend it!

As you can see in the photos that I have taken on a daily basis following the treatment procedure, my face was the reddest on Day 2. Scratching, scrubbing and sun exposure is not advisable as the skin is very sensitive during this recover period. When I needed to head out, I made sure I applied sunblock of at least SPF30 as advised by Elaine. My face felt itchy and by Day 3, my skin started to scab. I would say that there is very little downtime and I could apply light foundation whenever I wanted to head out of the house. During the recovery phase, it’s best to keep the face cool!

I was also given some products by Nelly De Vuyst that helped my skin heal faster. Nelly De Vuyst is a premium skin care brand from the United States and its products are exclusively offered through spas and medical spas. It has a longstanding reputation as one of the most effective, anti-aging and corrective skincare line in the market.

As my skin is slightly on the dry side, Nelly De Vuyst Cleansing Milk Hydrocell works really well for me as it contains ingredients that thoroughly and gently cleanse the skin while respecting the quality of the hydrolipidic film. The cleanser has a light and creamy texture, which helps to remove impurities from the face while leaving the skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. It is very gentle and perfect for dehydrated, sensitive and irritated skin conditions.

My skin was red and felt raw after the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser treatment, and Elaine told me to rub a few drops of Nelly De Vuyst Sensitive Skin Serum onto my palms before pressing the serum on my face. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin and visibly reduces any signs of redness. It also soothes inflammatory reactions, itching and irritation. Lastly, Elaine told me to apply the Nelly De Vuyst Sensitive Skin Cream whenever my face felt hot or itchy, as this cream helps comfort, hydration and softness to sensitive skin.

Currently, there is a promotion code for my readers! Quote “CHARLENECMC15” for 15% off all Nelly De Vuyst and Douglas Laboratories products at Crawfurd Medical! And quote “CHARLENECMC” to try the Laser Skin Renewal @ $300 NETT!

CRAWFURD MEDICAL
3, Temasek Boulevard, #02-482, Suntec City Mall (North Wing between Tower 1 & 2), Singapore 038983
Mondays to Fridays: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
Saturdays: 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: CLOSED
Call 6804 9579 to book an appointment today !

7 Reasons to Visit Baby Baby December 2016!

Posted on November 25, 2016 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

Whoohoo! The end of the year is almost here! I guess we all know what that means. YESSS! Christmas is coming! Regardless of whether you have been naughty or nice, as long as you are a parent or parent-to-be, you really ought to head to Baby Baby Exhibition this December and pamper yourself with some goodies, especially since Christmas is around the corner!

Baby Baby Exhibition is organised by Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd and targets new and expecting parents and parents with infants and toddlers between ages 0 to 2. If you have been to, or at least heard of Baby Baby Exhibition, you would know that it showcases a wide variety of products and services for parents under one roof! It is THE place to be if you wanna snag ultimate deals for yourselves and your little ones! Since 2011, this fun-filled baby event has gathered an average of 70,000 visitors! Heading into its sixth year in 2016, Baby Baby will be taking place from 2nd to 4th December at Singapore Expo Hall 6! Here are 7 reasons why you should not miss Baby Baby December 2016!

1) Over 500 Brands and Star Buys

I’m a huge fan of Baby Baby Exhibition and ever since I was pregnant with Little misschewy back in 2013, I have always tried to squeeze out some time for this huge event and check out the irresistible offers and promotions, especially on essential items such as diapers, breast pump and milk bottles! This year, expect over 500 brands and Star Buys! It’s time to stock up on milk powder and diapers from MamyPoko, Moony, Huggies, Pampers, GOO.N, Gain IQ, Friso, Enfagrow, Nestle NAN, Similac and more! Plus, enjoy FREE Home Delivery with a minimum purchase of $300 in a single receipt! Cash and major credit cards accepted too!
Expect big brands like Philips Avent, Spectra, Capella, Aveeno, Parklon, Lamaze and more!

And for the very first time, exciting exhibitors and brands such as SweeTooth, Tokidoki, Blackmores, Kalila Organics, Kippins and Young Living will be joining the fair! OMG I can’t wait! At Baby Baby, new and expecting parents will be able to find all the necessities that they will need for a smooth parenting journey following the birth of their babies!

2) Attractive Star Buys

Here are some of the attractive star buys that you can expect at Baby Baby December 2016:

• Philips Avent 3 in 1 Electric Steam Sterilizer Bundle at $159 (U.P. $206.90)
• Moony Wet Wipes Bundle (Comes with one case and one refill pack (i.e. 80 pcs x 8 pkts) @ $28 (U.P. $32.50)
• NEW in SG: SweeTooth Teether – 25% off usual price (minimum purchase of 2 pieces) U.P. $27.50

Click here http://starbuy.babybabysg.com for full list of Star Buys and add them to your cart! What’s more, you can even personalise your wishlist to make your shopping easier! Just look at this bouncer! It’s going for $59 now instead of $119! That’s 50% off the usual price!

To prepare yourself better for your mega shopping spree, check out Baby Baby’s e-flyer which contains discount coupons that can be used at the respective booths at this link http://bit.ly/2gJ7wB0!

There’s even bottle trade-in promotions for Philips Avent, 5phases, Simba and Farlin!

3) Super Crazy Deals

At 2pm daily, be the first in line for Baby Baby’s Super Crazy Deals! It’s super crazy because it promises to offer the lowest deals in Singapore on necessities such as breast pumps, car seats, carriers, bouncers and more! There are more than 2,000 items with lowest prices guaranteed, some as low as $5 only! Told you, it IS super crazy!

4) Bi-hourly Lucky Draws & Goodie Bags

And as if the special promotions are not enough to convince you, there are lucky draws conducted every two hours at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm daily! Prizes worth up to $15,000! Too good to be true! Also, by taking part in the lucky draws, you stand to fantastic prizes such as strollers, toys, a staycation package and more! You might just be the lucky one!

5) Goodie Bags Giveaway

To top it all off, be the first 1,000 visitors daily and redeem a FREE Baby Baby goodie bag worth more than $20! Goodie bags are to be redeemed at the redemption counter at 11am daily.

You can find these items in the goodie bags:
– VS Baby SG Baby Hat
– Kodomo Baby Wipes 10s
– Karihome Growing Up Milk Sachets
– Tendersoft Baby Wipes
– Tendersoft Pocket Tissue
– GOO.N Diaper NB Size Sample
– Tavola Risotto Chips (Assorted flavours)
– Naif $10 Vouchers (They are each $10 and have no minimum spend. They can also be used on the event day itself on non discounted items.)

Also, get exclusive Baby Baby Christmas Gift Wrappers with minimum $30 spent at Baby Baby 2016, while stocks last!

6) Baby Baby Stroller Park

Do you know that there will actually be a Stroller Park at Baby Baby, where you can test drive strollers on actual terrains right at the entrance of the Hall to Baby Baby? How cool is that? It will definitely contribute to your decision making in such a big ticket item! Expect brands such as Lucky Baby, Capella and more.

7) Demo Stage – first time at Baby Baby!

There will also be a Demo Stage if parents are keen on hearing what the renowned experts have to say about important topics such as Infant Massage, Babywearing and health-related topics!

Here are some topics that caught my eye:

• Infant Car Seat Installation by Elise Mawson, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (Baby Car Seat Specialist)
• Be A 5-Star Safe Road User Today by Terry Tan from Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS)
• Childbirth Odyssey by Kong Choon Yen, HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and Infant Massage Instructor.

Slots are still available, so register now! Limited seats available.

Fri, 2 Dec Slots: demostage-fri.peatix.com
Sat, 3 Dec Slots: demostage-sat.peatix.com
Sun, 4 Dec Slots: demostage-sun.peatix.com

Plus be among the first 20 to register and come down for the session to receive a limited edition goodie bag (worth over $10)!

Baby Baby December 2016 is happening from 2nd to 4th December, 11am – 9pm (Fri & Sat) and 11am – 8pm (Sun), at Singapore Expo Hall 6! Mark your calendars! I’m ready for Baby Baby December 2016! Are you? Do say HI if you see me there! For more info:

Baby Baby website

Facebook page

Baby Baby Dec Event Page

IG page

Latest event vid

Disclaimer: Please note that photos are from last year’s event, so not all brands shown will necessarily be at this year’s fair. Check out the website for the fully updated list of vendors. Other T&Cs apply.

Combat Hair Loss with Plantur 21 Plus Giveaway!

Posted on November 23, 2016 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

Have you wondered why hair is so important to women? Our hair is like an extension of ourselves which gives us our identities, and I would even like to go as far to say that our hair can also give away our age! I’m sure everyone has uttered the words ‘bad hair day’ at some point in their lives, and on a day like this, everything just seem to go downhill.

Yes! Our hair is that important to us! In the “Hair Does Matter” survey conducted in May 2015 initiated by Dr Wolff and carried out by Nielsen in Singapore, the results showed that as many as 90% of Singaporean women agreed that their self-confidence is affected by hair loss, and among those suffering from hair loss, 1 in 2 felt depressed because of it.

I didn’t take part in this survey but the results totally resonate with me. I know because I suffered from slight postpartum depression after giving birth, due to a myriad of reasons such as having to adapt to new additions in the family, and of course hair loss! Imagine having to scoop up a ton of hair after stepping out of the shower! Depressing much?! In fact, most women suffer from hair loss after giving birth due to stress and hormonal changes. From my point of view, it is also a vicious cycle! Stress causes hair loss, and hair loss causes stress! Even though this is a normal phase that most mothers go through, weak hair roots can also prolong or worsen the problem, which can ultimately prove to be a challenge. If you think that hair loss only affects older women, you are so wrong! Hair loss can affect younger women too! Premature hair loss can be triggered by mental or physical stress, and nutrient deficit due to poor diet.

Of course, I did a simple research online and a few articles suggest that scalp massage and other home remedies such as making a hair mask using eggs and olive oil are some of the methods that can be used to combat hair loss. However, are they really as effective as they claim to be or are these just old wives’ tales? I want something that has been proven to be effective because at the rate that my hair is falling, I’m going to turn bald in no time! *GASP*

It is often overlooked that hair loss problems must be directly tackled at the hair root. Interestingly, Dr Wolff Research found that CAFFEINE is effective in preventing hair loss! I’m not asking you to go grab a cup of coffee right now, watch this short video and you will know why!

Caffeine is a key ingredient that helps to combat poor hair growth and premature hair loss when it is directly applied to the hair roots! Dr Wolff have since developed their own Nutri-Caffeine complex which protects the hair roots from premature exhaustion and providing the hair roots with sufficient energy to grow.

The Plantur 21 series is highly suitable for young women with hair loss problems as the activating Nutri-Caffeine complex penetrates and stimulates the hair roots during hair wash, and helps to recharge the roots by supplying energy to promote hair growth.

Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo is made using a unique galenic formula which allows the powerful Nutri-Caffeine complex to penetrate the hair follicles during hair washing, after just 120 seconds of residence time.

The Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo is suitable for all hair types, and is especially for color-treated and stressed hair. The shampoo also contains conditioning agents that repair the externally stressed hair!

If your hair is frequently subjected to harsh conditions such as bleaching, colourations and heat treatments, you definitely need to treat your hair with the Plantur 21 Nutri Conditioner after shampooing! It is a must for me to use conditioner as it gives a nice silky shine and brilliance to my otherwise dull hair, and brushing is also much easier. The Nutri Conditioner contains fruit acid and active avocado ingredients that strengthen the hair structure and smooth hair surface, apart from micronutrients and caffeine that help combat hair loss.

I have tried a few types of hair tonic previously but they are all either very greasy or requires thorough blow-drying of the hair before application, which in a way causes stress to the hair. In comparison, I really like Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Elixir for its non-greasy texture and sweet fragrance. It does not make my scalp feel oily or make me look like I didn’t wash my hair for days.

The active ingredient complex in the Nutri-Caffeine Elixir travels along the hair shaft and forms a 24-hour ingredient depot in the scalp thereby providing protection from an energy deficit in the hair roots.

It is important to note that the elixir is a leave-on treatment which should not be rinsed out once it is massaged into the scalp once a day.

My scalp definitely feels healthier after two weeks of using Plantur 21 products on a daily basis! Of course, I’m not going to stop using them just because my hair loss problem has seen an improvement. It has to be used continuously so that energy can be supplied to the hair roots to prevent hair loss!

The retail prices of the following Plantur 21 products are as follows:

Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo: $18.90
Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine-Elixir $19.90
Plantur 21 Nutri-Conditioner $12.90

Plantur 21 is available in Guardian, selected Watsons, Unity, NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, NHG and independent pharmacies.

Thanks to Plantur 21, we are giving away THREE sets of Plantur 21 Shampoo and Conditioner! Simply share my Plantur post via my Facebook page www.facebook.com/missuschewy and leave a comment to stand a chance to win. Contest ends on 7th December 2016 and is only open to participants Singapore. Good luck! 🙂

Furama RiverFront Singapore Family Staycation Review

Posted on November 8, 2016 by missuschewy

A big HELLO from The Chewys! It’s so difficult to take a proper family photo with two young kids these days and when we checked into Furama RiverFront Singapore for our staycation recently, we just had to pose for one in the gorgeous Family Room that we stayed in. We have made travel plans but it will only take place early next year, so in the meantime, Furama RiverFront promises to create equally memorable moments in their newly launched Family Rooms. Featuring a comfortable space with two queen beds in a colorful setting, The Chewys can attest to that!

When we tapped the electronic card and entered our room, Little misschewy ran in excitedly before exclaiming, “Wow! So nice!” The colorful wall certainly brightens up the room and we all know how important colors are in our lives!

The Family Rooms are spacious enough to accommodate up to two adults and two kids. Even though Mini misschewy has her own playpen at home, the four of us always co-sleep in our queen sized bed. It’s also the reason why we didn’t request for a baby cot for our stay at Furama Riverfront. Anyway, two queen sized beds! What luxury! Misterchewy and Little misschewy shared one bed, while I co-slept with Mini misschewy. It was awesome because I didn’t have to push any hand or leg out of my face, if you know what I mean! LOL.

There was a platter of fruits and some titbits such as iced gem biscuits and peanut candies in the room. Little misschewy was quick to help herself to the biscuits while lounging on the couch watching cartoon. She really knows how to pamper herself la!

Complimentary bottled water and hot drinks. Ooh there’s Milo too! Instead of using glasses, Furama RiverFront is thoughtful enough to place plastic cups and spoons in the Family Rooms. Don’t have to worry about kids breaking a glass and getting a bad cut from it!

Look who’s helping herself to a packet of full cream milk from the mini-bar? What you see in there is complimentary!

Bathrobes and bedroom slippers for adults and the little ones! Adorable!

Toiletries for children are also included!

Gotta love the step stool! Little misschewy was able to brush her teeth and wash her hands without having us to carry her.

Credit: Furama Riverfront

After all the excitement, we got really hungry and proceeded to The Square @ Furama for late lunch.

Credit: Furama Riverfront

Children aged 4 years old and below dine for free when ordering from the special ala carte kid’s menu. Apart from that, there is a dedicated kid’s play area within the restaurant – Tykes @ The Square, with interesting and fun activities such as popular cartoon video screenings, activity sheets and free-play toys. Parents can finally eat in peace, but please don’t forget to watch over your kids while you eat ok!

We ordered some fresh honeydew juice to quench our thirst on this hot day! Totally refreshing!

We ordered from the a la carte menu and I had the Hainanese chicken rice. The portion was quite generous and it was so delicious that it definitely satisfied my chicken rice craving!

It took quite a while for the hubs’ lamb shank to arrive but it was totally worth the wait. The meat was cooked till fork-tender and it was still very succulent! Should have paired it with a glass of red!

Credit: Furama Riverfront

As part of Furama RiverFront’s efforts to create a family-friendly environment for guests, they have introduced the Kid’s playroom – PAWS at level 1, for juniors aged 5-11 years old. Children get to jump around on the trampoline, build their dream castle or empire with blocks, LEGO, and practice their drawing skills on the black or white board. The little ones can enjoy cartoon screenings at PAWS as well. Babysitting services are available at a minimal cost, and can be arranged by booking a day in advance. Great for busy parents!

As it had rained earlier that day, we decided to put off swimming to the next day. Furama RiverFront’s location is really convenient! The hubs and I wore the girls and we walked to Robertson Quay for dinner! It was a really short walk which took about 10 to 15 minutes. Loved the nightlife and variety of food choices there! But if you prefer to stay in the hotel, there’s buffet dinner available at The Square @ Furama!

Watched a bit of cartoon before calling it a night!

I didn’t wanna get out of bed the next morning because it was sooo comfy! By the time I woke up, it was already past 10am and the buffet breakfast closes at 10.30am! Misterchewy and Little misschewy went down to grab a quick bite while I continued to snuggle in bed with Mini misschewy.

It’s time for a dip in the pool! Whoohoo!

Little misschewy loveeees being in the water and she could hardly contain her excitement!

We brought our own float along but the hotel also provides pool noodles and styrofoam water guns.

Apart from the main pool, there is a baby pool which is great for kids to waddle in!

This is definitely the highlight of our stay! A gigantic inflatable waterslide! Even I got excited!

Little misschewy was initially a little afraid to go down the slide, but with much encouragement from misterchewy and I, she finally did it! It was so fun that Little misschewy kept asking for “last one” when we told her it was time to go! We will be back next time!

Starting from $268 only, Furama RiverFront is having a special #FuramaKids staycation bundle which includes the following privileges:

– Complimentary breakfast
– Complimentary wifi
– Kids amenities upon request
– Access to swimming pool and Children’s play room – PAWS
– 50% discount for lunch/ dinner at The Square @ Furama and Kintamani
– Room accommodates 02 adults and up to 02 children (below 12 years old)
– Extra-bed is not allowed
– Enrolment to FURAMAfirst program with Gold status

Applies to bookings till 31 December 2016 and for stays till 31 March 2017.

Furama Riverfront
405 Havelock Road
Singapore 169633

For reservations:
Tel: +65 6739 6464
Email: reservations.riverfront@furama.com

Kirei Kirei: Anti-bacterial protection that keeps your family safe and healthy!

Posted on November 5, 2016 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

I might not be the tidiest person to all who know me, but I’m definitely very particular when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. I wash my hands so many times in a day that all my good friends call me “OCD queen”. Ever since I became a mum, grubby little hands got on my nerves but we all know that children are curious little creatures who just want to touch everything in sight and sometimes explore new objects by putting them into their mouths. There’s no stopping them!

When Little misschewy was younger, I got very paranoid each time I caught her sucking her fingers and would drag her to the bathroom to wash her hands and rinse her mouth, for fear that she would catch some germs and fall ill. I soon learned about anti-bacterial soaps, which contain certain active ingredients to prevent bacterial infection. Our family’s trusted brand of anti-bacterial hand and body soap? It’s Kirei Kirei, the No. 1 Hand Soap in Japan! Kirei means “clean” in Japanese and with Lion Japan’s advanced and safe anti-bacterial formulation containing Isopropyl Methylphenol (IPMP), I can rest assured that my family stays healthy by keeping those nasty germs at bay! Kirei Kirei is also the trusted brand of Vivian Lai, Mediacorp artiste and proud mother of two. I have to say that mothers know best!

Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap dispenses soft, creamy foam which cleanses more effectively and thoroughly than ordinary liquid hand soap. The 100% cleansing ingredients from plants formulation is gentle on our skin and I have no qualms about Little misschewy using it as her regular hand wash.

The soap dispenser is wide enough, making it easy for young kids to dispense an appropriate amount of soap.

Hand washing made easy with Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap as the soap is dispensed in a ready-to-lather form! Mummy approves!

Protecting our hands is simply not enough. We need to protect our bodies too! It’s not easy to find an anti-bacterial body soap that effectively cleanses the body, and yet is gentle enough on our skin so that it does not make our skin feel overly dry. Kirei Kirei Body Foam contains 100% cleansing ingredients from plants so it’s really gentle on the skin and makes our skin feel pampered and soft after every shower! It also has deodorizing ingredients that help maintain freshness all day by preventing body odour and acne!

Choose among FOUR refreshing fruity fragrances for the Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Soap and Body Foam – Natural Citrus, Moisturizing Peach, Refreshing Grape and Caring Berries! Foaming Hand Wash is available in 250ml bottles, 450ml bottles and 200ml refill packs, while the Body Foam comes in 900ml bottles and 600ml refill packs. My favorite is the Refreshing Grape!

Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer has found its way into our diaper bag and these days, we never leave home without it! It is especially useful in icky situations where hand soap is not available, thus the hand sanitizer is the perfect alternative to hand washing! Having tried various brands of hand sanitizer, I really like the Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer for its more watery-gel consistency and it dries instantly, leaving a non-sticky feel. A bonus is that it smells very pleasant and is moisturizing for the hands! It comes in a small 50ml tube which is easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in our diaper bag.

Kirei Kirei is having a promotion of up to 35% off for selected products for a limited time only. Protect yourself and your family with Kirei Kirei’s safe anti-bacterial formulation today! Visit www.lioncorp.com.sg for more information.

PastaMania: Affordable Family Restaurant and Doughworkz Class

Posted on October 27, 2016 by missuschewy

– Advertorial –

I grew up with PastaMania since my JC days. Back then when I was young(er), my girl friends and I loved hanging out at Lot One after classes (now you know which JC I was from) and most of the time, we would pick PastaMania for lunch. As for misterchewy, he would take the then newly opened Downtown line to PastaMania at Plaza Singapura with his friends after school. Till today, he has fond memories of tucking into a delicious plate of Chicken Bolognese at PastaMania. After a long day of attending lectures and tutorials in campus, what we really looked forward to after school, was a sumptuous hot meal that is affordable for the average student and PastaMania was our ideal choice. Most of the dishes cost about $10 only! My all-time favourites were Al Funghi, Carbonara and Creamy Chicken! Now that we are reminiscing about the past, we can’t believe that PastaMania has been around for more than 10 years already! I guess it’s because PastaMania is always keeping up with the latest food trends and expanding its menu, offering diners plenty of appealing food choices at reasonable prices! It is also a popular choice at my workplace because PastaMania is halal certified and we have Muslim colleagues, so we would sometimes order PastaMania delivery when we are too busy to head out for lunch!

Recently, The Chewys had lunch at PastaMania and the vast variety certainly made us feel spoilt for choice! There was so much that we wanted to try! I finally decided on the Salmon with Creamy Tomato Sauce and the thick slab of salmon was nicely pan-seared, moist on the inside and flaky with a golden brown crust. The linguine was al dente and the creamy tomato sauce was pretty addictive! This dish comes with a side of salad too! Will definitely order this again on our next visit!

The hubs knew that he just had to order the Salted Egg Soft-Shell Crab as he was flipping through the menu. Salted egg yolk is all the rage and we are glad that PastaMania made a good move by coming up with this dish! The pairing of salted egg yolk with soft shell crab was simply amazing!

PastaMania’s drinks menu is also quite extensive! Apart from the usual soft drinks, they have juices and really cool drinks like Milo Maniac and Choco-Licko Gelato Smoothie. It was a real treat for misterchewy and I!

Kids are not forgotten at PastaMania! The Kids Feast Menu consists of a half size pasta, side or dessert and a drink, at just $8.90! This is really affordable and value-for-money, plus there’s no need for parents to split their food portions with their kids. Choose from 6 different types of pastas (beef Bolognese, chicken Bolognese, cheesy meatball, cheesy chicken sausage broccoli, dory fish and carrot, mac & cheese) and either a snack (cheddar cheese sticks, waffle potato, cheesy garlic bread) or gelato (chocolate popcorn, marshmellow mango, vanilla berry).

We ordered the Cheesy Chicken Sausage Broccoli for Little misschewy because she loves broccoli. It’s served on such a cute plate! We were glad to see her enjoying her meal and she even offered to share some of her yummy pasta with us.

Waffle potato! Every child’s favourite!

Little misschewy totally enjoyed her kid’s meal!

Every now and then, PastaMania comes up with enticing promotions that are really irresistible, so do keep a look out on their website and Facebook page!

Do you know that PastaMania has been conducting Doughworkz classes for about 4 years now? It is a pasta and pizza making program customised for children from 4 to 12 years old. The hands-on experience gained at each Doughworkz class helps to nourish your kids’ mind and body while the fun facts of food preparation and equipment are to expand their food knowledge. After the class, kids get to eat their pizza too! As PastaMania believes in family bonding, parents are welcome to join in! Doughworkz classes are available at PastaMania Sengkang Sports & Recreation Centre, PastaMania Singapore Management University (SMU) and PastaMania NEX. I can’t wait for Little misschewy to turn 4 so that I can register for the Doughworkz class!

Take part in PastaMania’s lucky draw by spending a minimum of $40 in a single receipt and stand a chance to win a Doughworkz class! Alternatively, my readers can quote “MISSUSCHEWY” when signing up for the Nov or Dec classes, and get a special rate of $25 per child and $45 per parent & child pair for the family class. Only applicable for sign ups before 18 November 2016! Hurry down to PastaMania and have a great family bonding session over delicious food at affordable prices!

Mummamia Confinement Review

Posted on October 26, 2016 by missuschewy

With the arrival of Mini misschewy, I went through confinement once again. At the end of my confinement period, the hubs and I agreed that having a confinement nanny this time round felt more like a luxury, probably due to the fact that we are no longer first-time parents. If we were ever to have a third child (hehehe), we are pretty confident that we can actually go for DIY confinement because there is Mummamia Confinement which has been around for a few years now! Mummamia Confinement aims to provide hassle-free confinement through all products and services to new mummies who are busy and lack the appropriate knowledge on how to confine traditionally. With references from 皇帝内经 and TCM Physician advisors, all products and services by Mummamia Confinement are designed to help mummies recuperate, strengthen, support breastfeeding, and also promote healthy body and diet care.

After 9 months of pregnancy and giving birth, post-partum women experience deficiency in blood and Qi, weakening uterus that leads to “coldness” in body, back ache, appetite disorders, discomfort from bloated stomach due to excessive wind, discharge of lochia/ heavy discharge, unable to produce breast milk due to blocked breast duct, fatigue-ness, constipation problem, as well as heavy water retention in body. Besides proper confinement care, it is important that mothers consume herbal tonics to strengthen their bodies. Professionally prescribed by TCM Physicians, Mummamia’s Pre-packed Confinement Herbs focus on 5 main confinement recovery stages, namely: Expel, Remove, Rejuvenate, Recuperate, Tonify. Each box of pre-packed herbs contains 10 packs of herbs for Days 1 to 5, for 2 weeks. Each pack of herbs is enough to yield two servings of soup, hence I had it everyday for lunch and dinner during my confinement period.

Day 1: Nourish “Qi” & Tonify Yin
Day 2: Strengthening Spleen & Kidney
Day 3: Boosting Milk Supply and dissipate stasis
Day 4: Rejuvenate “Qi” & Blood
Day 5: Invigorate kidney and Reduce Water Retention
Day 6: continues as the Day 1

Preparation of the confinement herbs is hassle-free. Meat is optional but I prefer to add meat for taste. All the different soups tasted bitter of course, but were full-bodied. I like the fact that instead of having to get my own herbs from Chinese medicinal halls, everything is packed nicely and all I need to do is simply tear open the packet and pour the contents into the slow cooker. Very convenient!

Credit: Mummamia

It is recommended that mothers consume red dates during their confinenemt to avoid excessive water retention or getting “cold” during this period. Red Dates are rich in Iron and Vitamin C. Every pack of Mummamia’s Pre-packed Red Dates Tea consists of Red Dates, Black Dates, Dang Shen, etc. For a day’s worth of red date tea, I just need to boil one packet with about 1.5 to 2 litres of water every morning. I drank this every single day of my confinement and did not touch even a sip of plain water!

Credit: Mummamia

I find it very amusing whenever my friends ask, “You not going to shower during your confinement?” And I will always reply, “AIYO! Can shower la! Use those herbal bath la!” In fact, Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath contains ingredients like Man Jin Zi, Balsamiferou Blumea Herb (Da Feng Ai) and Lemongrass which help mothers to expel wind, dispel cold, improve blood circulation and reduce after birth pain. Instead of having to boil the herbs and water in a large pot like what my previous confinement nanny did, with the Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath, my nanny added boiling water into a large pail and soaked the herbal bath sachet in it for at least 3 minutes. Then, she added more warm water to make sure that I have enough water to bathe with! I didn’t wash my hair everyday since I didn’t perspire much at home and I hated having to spend so much time drying my long hair. On days when I washed my hair, my nanny would use two herbal bath sachets. Because the herbal bath water is black in color, most people think it’s dirty or sticky which is obviously not true! For mummies who want to stay clean during their confinement period, please do not shower with normal water. Get the Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath!

I had a very bad start to my breastfeeding journey for my first child. Hence, this time round, I was determined to make things right. I must say that Mummamia’s Nursing Herbal Soup is super amazing! Before I delivered, I passed a pack to my MIL so that she could have it on standby and boil the soup for me once I had delivered. I only consumed one pack which was rich enough for 3 servings of soup. The next day, my milk supply kicked in! Even the lactation consultant looked amazed when she came by to check on my progress! Each box contains 5 packets and I have only consumed 2 packets so far because I’m quite happy with my current supply. I even have excess frozen breastmilk to feed my firstborn when she stays with us on weekends! Besides promoting milk supply, the Nursing Herbal Soup also helps to reduce engorgement discomfort and reduce the risk of breast related inflammation.

Mummamia’s products are halal-certified and are also suitable for vegetarians! Here is a list of retailers where you can purchase Mummamia’s products from:

Mount Alvernia Hospital Retail Pharmacy
Thomson Medical Centre (Parentcraft Shop)
Time Enterprise, Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Ave #03-16
Mom Essentials, KK Hospital Retail Mall #01-22
Mom Essentials, Square 2 #02-74
1010 Mother & Child, The Seletar Mall #B1-02/03
1010 Mother & Child, City Square Mall #B2-45/46
1010 Mother & Child, Waterway Point #02-28
Isetan Scotts, Level 4 Children Dept
Spring Maternity Suntec City Mall Tower 4 #02-721
Takashimaya Dept Store #B2 Food Hall (Lo Hong Ka)

Alternatively, you can also choose to shop online at Mummamia’s website and have the products delivered right to your doorstep! DIY confinement is made possible with Mummamia!

Kenjo Korean Hair Salon Review & Discount Code!

Posted on October 12, 2016 by missuschewy

Hello chewy friends! If you have been following me closely on Instagram and Facebook, you would know that I had a hair makeover a couple of weeks back! During my last trimester of pregnancy, my hair was in bad shape and not wanting to sit in a salon for hours with a humongous tummy, aching back and swollen feet, I randomly picked a hair dye off the shelves at NTUC and dyed my hair at home, hoping to cover up my black roots that had started to show. It was only a temporary measure because my previous hair colour was quite light, making the black roots very obvious, and I didn’t want to look awful for our family photoshoot that I had scheduled to take place after my delivery.

After my confinement, I was invited by Joseph Foo, Founder & Director of Kenjo Salon to try out their professional hair services. Kenjo Salon, located at the new wing of Plaza Singapura, is set against a sleek and modern ambience with a combination of local and Korean stylists. The salon has been around for about 2 years and keeps up-to-date by offering their valued customers numerous hair services such as Mucota colour, volume rebonding, omega oil therapy treatment perm and a whole lot more! When I walked into Kenjo Salon, I knew my hair would be in good hands!

I was shown to my seat and was immediately offered something to drink. Kenjo Salon has their own drinks menu with a wide selection of hot and cold beverages! There is also complimentary Wi-Fi so customers need not worry about exceeding their data plan while keeping themselves occupied at the salon!

Senior Stylist Justin Teo was assigned to take care of my hair. Obviously, DIY hair colouring was a very bad idea on my part! My hair looked like a total disaster! Although I had a hundred and one things I wished I could do to my hair, my top priority was getting a cut and colour. I didn’t know my hair was THAT long! How did I survive confinement with such long hair?!

Before getting down to business, Justin and I had a pretty in-depth discussion as to how we should go about achieving the hair colour that I want. Initially, I wanted to try ash colours but Justin informed me that bleaching is required to achieve optimal results. Also, bleaching would cause my hair to become as dry as hay and the aftercare maintenance is not something I think I can afford to invest time and effort in at this point in time. Another push factor is that the colour would probably last only about 2 weeks max, which in my opinion, is not worth the agony of sitting through 10 hours in the salon. We finally settled for 10-FB as the base color and 10-PG as the highlights. I really appreciated that Justin took time to explain, which helped me make an informed decision about picking the final colours for my hair.

As Justin snipped off a few inches of my hair, he could tell that I hadn’t trimmed my hair in a very long time. For a low maintenance mother, I had always thought that long hair is the way to go as I don’t have to keep visiting the salon to trim my hair. Justin taught me that it is important to blow dry my hair thoroughly especially the roots, while it is ok to leave the ends to dry on its own.

The colour for my highlights was applied first and Justin explained that the machine (in the middle photo) used has an ability to distribute heat evenly, thus enabling better colour absorption. Finally, the base colour was applied.

After more than 5 hours, we are done! Thank you Justin!

Stepped out of Kenjo Salon with smooth and silky hair!

Justin reminded me to use colour shampoo and try not to use hot water to wash my hair if possible. This is supposed to help hair colour last longer. I totally love how my new hair color looks under the sun!

Once again, a big thank you to Justin and Kenjo Salon! Quote “MISSUSCHEWY” and get 15% off your first visit at Kenjo Salon! Call 62388083 to make an appointment!

Kenjo Salon
68 Orchard Road
#04-72
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6238 8083
Email: kenjosalon@singnet.com.sg

Opening Hours:
Daily
11am to 8pm (including Public Holidays)

Boost Milk Supply with Franjo’s Kitchen Tanker Toppers Lactation Cookies Plus Giveaway!

Posted on October 6, 2016 by missuschewy

Being a new mother all over again, one of my top concerns and priorities is breastfeeding Mini misschewy exclusively for 6 months. As compared to my past breastfeeding experience, I had a pretty good head start this time because I nursed Cayla every two to three hours immediately after delivery and my milk supply kicked in the next day while we were still in the hospital. Besides frequent nursing and drinking sufficient warm water throughout the day, consuming lactation cookies is also another way that can help mothers boost and maintain their milk supply! If you don’t already know, lactation cookies contain galactagogues, which have been used for many years by breastfeeding mums to help with milk supply!

Shortly after my confinement, I received some lactation cookies from Wholesome Harvest Pte Ltd, a wholesaler distributing organic and natural food and drinks products in Singapore. They have recently started to distribute lactation cookies from Franjo’s Kitchen Australia, which is a joint business venture between two mothers, Fran and Jo. Their passion is in helping other mothers nourish their bodies while breastfeeding their little ones through consuming their lactation cookies.

Named Tanker Toppers, Franjo’s Kitchen lactation cookies are full of natural galactogogues – oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseeds. They also contain chia seeds, coconut oil and buckwheat flour which will load mothers and their babies with vitamins, minerals and good fats! Designed by Jo, who is a naturopath and nutritionist, these lactation cookies do not contain any additives, preservatives or colours and are made with only wholefoods. The cookies are also suitable for vegans as they are wheat, dairy and egg free.

Currently, there are two different flavours in the market – Fig & Almond and Choc Chip. Almonds help to increase milk supply while figs are high in calcium. Put these two together and you have the perfect breastfeeding snack! Everyone loves chocolate chip, me included! It’s impossible to say no to chocolate! Franjo’s Kitchen lactation cookies are fragrant, crumbly in texture and subtly sweet. It is recommended that mothers eat 2 to 3 cookies per day to help with milk supply.

Because Franjo’s Kitchen lactation cookies are full of natural and wholesome ingredients, they are a great snack for everyone! Packaged into lovely tins in peach and purple colors, these cookies also serve as wonderful gifts for mummy friends!

Franjo’s Kitchen lactation cookies can be purchased from the following:

– 10 10 Mother & Child Pte Ltd
– Four Seasons Organic
– Mothercare
– Thomson Medical Retail Pharmacy
– Smart Little One (S) Pte Ltd
– Agape Babies (online)
– Bakipa (online)
– Redmart Marketplace (online)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In collaboration with Wholesome Harvest Pte Ltd, I will be giving away FIVE cans of lactation cookies! Complete the steps in my Rafflecopter contest by 10th October! Contest is open to residents living in Singapore only. Winners will be drawn randomly and contacted via email. Good luck!

Best Romantic Places in Europe to Discover

Posted on September 27, 2016 by missuschewy

Europe is famous for its beautiful romantic cities. Usually, couples choose the most popular European destinations such as Paris, Venice, or Vienna and overlook some less known cities and places that are real hidden gems. If you want to spend your romantic weekend or honeymoon in some romantic non-mainstream place, get ready to explore the following European destinations.

Budapest, Hungary

Romance is already in the city’s name: Buda and Pest, two cities separated by the river Danube, were unified in 1873. Budapest is rightly considered to be a paradise for romantics. The city is filled with history and charming atmosphere. Cobblestone streets, medieval houses, gothic arches, and old bridges are the distinguished features of the Hungarian capital. The Chain Bridge over the Danube River is a perfect place for watching the sunset with your loved one. After an exciting day trip, relax in the city’s thermal baths whose history dates back as far back as the 12th century.

Copenhagen, Denmark

When in Copenhagen, take a walk in the Tivoli Gardens, the city’s iconic spot. It’s different from other theme parks you might have already visited. Typical parts of an amusement park (roller coaster or bumper cars) are harmoniously combined with some quiet places where you can just walk hand in hand and feel that magical ambiance of Tivoli. However, this is not the only attraction in Copenhagen. A colorful 17th-century waterfront Nyhavn with its museum ships and a line of restaurants is an ideal venue for an evening promenade. Copenhagen was once rated as the happiest city in the world, so why don’t you go there and check it?

Portofino, Italy

What makes Portofino such a romantic place is its picturesque location. This small town is often called a gem of the Italian Riviera and for a reason. Guy de Maupassant once described it as a small village that “stretches crescent-shaped along the edge of this calm bay”. Portofino sits on a rocky promontory surrounded by a harbor and the green hills covered with cypresses, palms, pines, and azaleas. The quay is lined with different boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and typical colorful houses. The best views can be caught from the water so take a boat ride along the harbor. Dolphins are frequent guests here so don’t miss the chance to see them in the clear seawater.

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro is gradually gaining its popularity among travelers. It attracts mainly the tourists from Eastern Europe but more and more western travelers come here to contemplate mountainous landscapes and other attractions. There are a lot of picturesque places in this country and Kotor is one of them. This UNESCO-protected site resembles a canyon or fjord but still it’s unique and one-of-a-kind. When you first see this town, either from the sea or from the road, you’ll be impressed. The Old Town is protected by the thick and high walls that are crafted into the natural steep slopes of the hill. Climb the fortress and you’ll be rewarded by a breathtaking view from the top.

Bruges, Belgium

This city became more widely-known after the film In Bruges in 2008. Bruges is known for its medieval architecture and the network of canals. Due to the latter, it’s sometimes called “The Venice of the North”. It’s a small city so it’s possible to walk around on foot without using any transport. Splendid buildings reflected in the water create that special history-soaked atmosphere that will make you forget you’re in the 21st century. There are a lot of chocolate shops so treat your significant other to famous Belgian chocolate.

This article is provided by Ukrainian Site Meet Wife.

missuschewy

Singapore Lifestyle and Travel Blog

Category Archives: #Advertorial/Sponsored Review

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Mummamia Confinement Review

Kenjo Korean Hair Salon Review & Discount Code!

Boost Milk Supply with Franjo’s Kitchen Tanker Toppers Lactation Cookies Plus Giveaway!

Best Romantic Places in Europe to Discover

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