Decided to inject some colours into my outfits while on set at our recent voyage with Royal Caribbean. I thought the prints and colours on this jumpsuit was a rather unique concoction by H&M so I bagged it home, only to receive disapproving looks from the sister. 

She said my fashion sense seems to have spiralled downhill but...I beg to differ! A large attribute could be age? Nevertheless, donning some happy colours did some good to my mood too. 

The wind came in a fiery and my hair was in an ultimate mess. Dealing with the wind at sea is completely different from anywhere else because I ended up with tangled, damp and clumped up hair at the end of the shoot. I was basically whipping my hair back in every single shoot, so I added a decent looking BTS shot of what really went on. 

Mustered all the positivity from within and found myself traipsing along the aisle of our dining area near sunset in PACE's lapp white, a modified version of lap which previously came in a sandals version. This new arrival will be up for preorders as well this coming Sunday, 27 March too! 

You can view our lookbook here!

A skincare power house, Kiehl's is widely known for their natural hair, body and facial products. With the introduction of their new duo masks,  I've conveniently added them into my skincare routine.

In green, Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque 

curated to defend against impurities and replenish skin

We know that pollution has negative impact on our lungs and cardiovascular system, but recent studies have also suggested that it affects skin integrity. The different kinds of air pollution would result in damaged skin barrier, delayed skin repair, premature skin aging and pigmentation. 2 vital ingredients in this mask are the Cilantro Seed Oil and Vitamin E (Tocopherol), which contains nourishing and skin-strengthening benefits are used to replenish your skin. 

Hence, the introduction of this mask would prevent impurities from adhering to your skin. It serves as a protective, treatment facial mask that

1. Fights skin damage

2. Strengthens skin

3. Shields against pollution

I love overnight masks because you don't have to wash it off before you sleep! This one's no exception; you're supposed to apply a generous layer and let it sit for 5 minutes before tissuing it off for the night. I'd usually apply a thin layer and head straight to bed - it still works for me! You can expect a smooth green mixture with a bonus of pleasant citrus smell. My face felt more refreshed and detoxed after washing it off the next morning. It's best to use 3 times a week to get maximum results!

In red, Tumeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque

curated to instantly brighten and restore healthy skin. 

With a large percentage of the population citing dullness as a top skincare concern, Kiehl's chemist have leveraged their expertise in highly efficacious ingredients to deliver this mask. Formulated with brightening ingredients like Cranberry and Tumeric, it helps to visibly improve the overall look of the skin.

This mask is definitely a keeper for me because my skin was instantly brighter after a single use. The gentle exfoliation from the cranberry seeds works it's magic when you massage your face in a circular motion. To achieve a brighter and illuminated complexion, apply generously over your face and keep the mask on for 5 - 10 minutes before washing it off. 

Both masks are retailing at S$49 each!

Some of you may have doubts about spending on products without trying, but fret not! 

During my previous Kiehl's purchase, I was also given lots of samples too. All you have to do is click here to get 1 week's worth of samples here! 

Other Kiehl's products I am using are:

1. Ultra Facial Cream

2. Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner

3. Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment 

4. Creme De Corps the Original Rich Nourishing Cream

A big thank you to Kiehl's for sending these lovingly packed box over! 

For Singapore's store locator, click here.

What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our Gift to God. 

After months of preparation leading up to the big event - our mission trip to the Philippines in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), it was time! A part of me was beyond thrilled because I find so much joy blessing others; while the other half of me felt apprehensive of what to expect and afraid it wouldn't run smoothly. 

With an open heart, I hurriedly packed my luggage and prepared lots of educational items for the kids. My sister and I made a point to reach the airport earlier to link up with the other participants, who have blossomed into buddies. 

We were greeted with vivid blue skies on flight so Nat (from multifolds) & I couldn't stop snapping while we were on our privileged Cebu Pacific Air seats. To show their support for this philanthropy project, they have kindly sponsored our air tickets and offered us the first row - extra leg space and we get to be first to disembark! 

By the time we arrived our accommodation, it was past midnight and everyone adjourned to bed because we had a call time of 730am. 

--

DAY 2

We drove past this scenic view on our way to Gawad Kalinga's Mabuhay community at Cabiao, Nueva Ecijia. It was such a lovely sight to behold! 

Got off our vehicle and the little kids start running towards us, with a tinge of shyness as they peep at us with the corner of their eyes. We made our way to the tent for a briefing, which was consecutively used as our dining table and refuge from the sun.  

A group of us started shifting bricks while another were deployed to shovel. It wasn't an easy feat..and the blistering sun didn't make us (or maybe just me) feel any better. I have very sensitive skin - which causes me to grow spots instantaneously when I stay in the sun for a prolonged period of time. I covered as much as I can and did as much work as I could, but still pale in comparison as the rest! Yikes. 

I excitedly ran to the shelter when Caroline, our tour coordinator signalled everyone for a water break. By then, some kids have already started surrounding some of us and we got a little caught up! These little tots are so precious. :')

One group photo before lunch (missing Nat the photographer who was tirelessly shooting under the merciless sun)

Lunch was insightful - they sprawled banana leaves over the table and scooped ingredients over it. Known as the Boodle Fight Lunch, we were required to eat with our bare hands and STAND while having this meal. 

We continued building the foundations of the house and made our way back to our accommodation at 5pm. I can safely say that all of us were overly exhausted from the lack of sleep and the spike of labour work we had. 

--

DAY 3

Our final day in the community!

The kids were our rays of sunshine as they grinned widely when we arrived. We took a few group photos before starting our agenda for the day! And yep, I'm the only one who wore a long sleeve top over our Gawad Kalinga tshirt because I was already a thousand shades tanner after yesterday's battle.

We moved on to painting and it was really fun! To paint the higher areas, we were first given a really long wooden stick. We were then offered metal platforms to stand on so that we had easier reach to the top parts. 

These kiddos made their way into our hearts and territory by offering to paint with Jun An. They found so much joy in doing so, that they rolled orange paint over their slip ons and uttered 'ganda (beautiful in Tagalog)'. With brilliant smiles plastered over their faces, it was almost impossible to be infected by them. How contented they were, treating plastic bags and stones like toys they picked from the ground. I sincerely pray that more would step out to see; to see that in some ways they were richer than us. 

After a buffet lunch, some of them played with the kids and had an incredible amount of fun..While I stayed in the shelter and sulked in the misery of my period cramps. 

We proceeded to have a family immersion session; where 2 of us would team up and spend time with the family we were assigned to! Sharine and I had the opportunity to be hosted by Aida, where she lives in the community together with her 22 year old daughter. 

In order for anyone to live in the community, they were required to clock in certain number of days to build the houses and they wouldn't know which belongs to them till it was completed. This was to ensure everyone places equal effort in each and every building. 

There was a GK amazing race and my sister's team won! The last challenge was to eat their local dish called Balut - developing duck embryo (fertilized duck egg) that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Shine swallowed it in a mouthful while James seemed to be enjoying it.

Concluded our community programme on a high note with quality time spent with the kids! All of us reluctantly bade farewell as precious friendships were forged. Before I climbed into the jeep, a little tug my t shirt, hugged me tightly and requested for a photo...I couldn't say no. 

Some of the tita (aunties) even prepared tissue boxes in case there was anyone who needed them. Undoubtedly a tear-jerking moment when the vehicle made its way to the community exit; with kids trailing off as they murmured their goodbyes. 

Returned to our inn with heavy hearts but finally had time for one another; where most of us stayed up till the wee hours. Packed our luggages and were whisked off to the airport the next morning! That concludes my first experience doing community work in the Philippines.. and I'm pretty sure I'll be back despite the discomfort and difference. 

Not forgetting that we witnessed one of God's beautiful creation - swirls of pink and purple flooded in as the sun makes it's dip to the horizon of padi fields. I had the opportunity to shoot a set with Nat too, but I'll save that for another time. :)

We made a decision to step out of our comfort zones, and the intangible returns was beyond words. Thank you everyone for being a part of this! 

Photos by Natalie (Multifolds)

Known as the Shibuya of Taipei, you can expect to find more Japanese culture injected into their winding rows of shops. Of course, we fixated our eyes on food! With some of my favourite snacks lined up in a single street, I guess you could say I found myself in food heaven. 

Some of the compulsory munches would be:

1. Hot Star Large Fried Chicken 

Easily recognised by their striking blue signboard and long queues, sink your teeth into their succulent and crispy fillet! I'd conveniently add in some taro balls and fries whenever I make my order too!

2. 糖葫芦 (Sweetened fruits on a stick)

I ordered a stick everyday because it was soooo good! Fruits in Taiwan are really sweet because most of it are home grown and they are only picked from trees when it becomes 70% ripe, as opposed to 50% when fruits are meant for export. 

3. Milk tea/bubble tea

Some of the more established brands have already found their way to Singapore, so I went around trying those that weren't available here. It's hard to wrong too! I like how their milk tea tastes more authentic - with a tint of milkier taste. You get to choose how much ice you want (with no extra cost even if you select NO ICE!) and of course the sweetness level. 

4. Ah Zong Mian Xian

Highly raved and was easily identified with people standing right outside the shop to eat. For me, I felt it was pretty much overrated. I didn't really fancy the taste but KH's parents loved it and had it repeatedly. But I guess it's a must try!

5. Goose Noodles at 鴨肉扁

We had this for a dinner and everyone of us loved it! They don't even have a menu, you'll only have an option of ordering noodles and a plate of goose. We were initially annoyed with the nasty customer service when they hurried us to order and pay when we trying to figure out what to eat as we were expecting a menu & a wide selection. Anyway, the food made up for that! The broth was flavourful and blended perfectly well with bean sprouts and garlic. We thought the goose was well seasoned and tender too. 

Stay a night or two in this area to fully experience the bustling life of Ximending! With a full stomach, walk into their myraids of alleys and you may end up with a couple of shopping bags. Pay a visit to Uniqlo Level 4 - a specially curated Ximen level filled with Disney and Line apparels. I found myself buying 2 tee shirts for my little cousins at the 'Design your own tshirt' corner, where you can fully customize your tee shirt with a large variety of characters to choose from. Printing took less than 10 minutes for me and costs 390 TWD (16 SGD) each.

Whether you're looking to watch a movie at 9am in the morning or 1am in the night, there are movie theatres open! They have way wider screens, comfier seats and a wider variety of snacks, which made our cinema experience a better one. We watched an 11pm movie and walked back to our hotel thereafter.