Sunday, July 31, 2011

My first fashion blog post

Review

There are many blogshops out there right now......  But for us ladies, there is never too many. We always want to be spoilt for choice. I, for one, choose only those that give the best service and quality. Afterall, you pay hard-earned money for your clothes. Here is one that I frequent. Ever since my friend recommended me this blogshop, there has been no turning back. I was impressed by the design of their beautiful and easy-to-navigate website, and of cos their model Pei Ling is gorgeous.

But more importantly, I liked their clothes. I particularly liked their recent Gucci-inspired collection. It came just in time for a wedding I had to attend recently. Plus, it works as office-wear as well!

So what's so great about this blogshop?

Design and Quality
So far, I've bought at least 1 outfit from every collection that they have launched. I guess you can say I'm their loyal customer! :) They have their own designs that I've not seen elsewhere. Simple and suitable for most occasions. I wore the Toga Dress in Jewel Blue, for instance, to the office; and later to a wedding on the same day; and even pulled it out for a date I had today. I love how it's so versatile!

The Lycra material of the dress is comfortable and elegant. It feels like silk and it stretches to fit one's body shape. I like how Agneselle's designs accentuate the bodyline and enhances my curves! I shortened the length as it was a little too long, haha yes 'cos I am petite.






 





Design and Quality 
This office dress is made of similar material as the first outfit, and I like how its folded waves make me look super slim and also accentuates my curves. There is an underlining so it won't be too transparent, and as long as you wear nude color lingerie, it will look fine. The length of this dress was perfect on me.

I typically match it with fiery hot red nail polish, and corporate shoes. Just like that, I am ready for work!

Service
I have been visiting Agneselle for the past 4 mths and I'm pretty satisfied with their service. Sometimes the back order waiting period can be a little long, but I guess that's how it goes. I have a blogshop myself, and I know that back orders can take quite a while to fill.

Overall, I enjoy shopping at AGNESELLE .  Looking forward for their next collection! :)

After reading some magazines and books, I've been inspired to write more about fashion, so do look out for my upcoming posts.



Special thanks to JJ for taking such beautiful pics . :)

Love, Ariel


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Marie France Bodyline (Part 2) - facing the Truth about yourself

Before reading on, please take just 29 seconds to watch this video (it's funny, I promise!)


This situation is definitely not foreign to many of us ladies when we take photos.  Oh, how many a time I've had to pause the person taking the photo in order to desperately suck in my breath and tuck in my stomach the best I can! Then, while holding my breath, I'll have to squeak out with my last, dying breath- "okay, can take now..." (btw: this is not easy.)

Or when I do a quality check on the photo that's been taken, and have to tell my friend the bad news: "aiya, why you take until my tummy can see?? take again!!" Yes, if in doubt, your friend or the cameraman is always the one at fault. not your tummy. hahahaha, yes, I have done that! I've also gracefully (some would say 'frantically') photo-shopped all my photos to destroy all evidence of my lack of working out and my passionate feasting habits.




Been there, done that, guilty as charged, all of the above.




That's me.




As we get older and time starts stealing some of our youthful charm, this issue becomes more important. Well, maybe some can live without ''quality checks". These people are not bothered, and looking good is never an issue for them. But I personally want to age beautifully. We cant deny the fact that we will get old: Qin Shi Huang showed us long ago that there is no such thing as Elixir of Life. So instead I'll settle for second best: aging beautifully.

If you are 18, that's great! Enjoy the spring of your life, but also start reading up and exploring the beauty products and habits that can help you to cultivate and retain your radiance and charm. By the time you reach 27 (like me), then it's just a little bit too late. The bad eating, makeup and working out habits that you've 'maintained' over the past 9 years are slowly acccumulating, and are going to come back and haunt you. Yes, I speak from personal experience.

If you are 25, well, you are a young-adult-soon-to-be-old-adult. This is the age your metabolism starts slowing down and of course your skin starts to show signs of aging. Okay, this is true for women in general. If you have damn good genes, then you might still be effortlessly enjoying your flawless skin and good figure. But I am not talking about you. Please stand one corner. *jealous*. Oh well, if you are like me, who enjoys average genes, you still need to take care and maintain. And even more radical action may be needed if you are not satisfied with your figure.

Even you are 35 and above, fret not, you can still have a good figure. Just take a look at Carina Lau, Michelle Yeoh and of course the spokesperson of Marie France Bodyline - Christy Chung. *drool* Of course most ladies are not like that, but these celebrities show that it can definitely be done.

Well, the bottomline is, you need to take action to look the best you can be! I always feel good when I am happy with what I see in the mirror.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am glad I've been slim since young. But I'm NOT glad about having a TUMMY.



So I was really glad when omy.sg and Marie France Bodyline picked me to try out their product.




Having never consulted a professional before, I was really curious - Does it work?? Lets put it to the test.....




(As of this post, I've visited Marie France twice.)







Every time I visit Marie France, I am greeted with their super amiable staff. Its a nice and warm feeling. Its like going to salon for a haircut. These are professionals who are trained to make you look GOOD! How awesome is that? Sometimes I prefer self help because I feel paiseh to ask for assistance, but the ladies at Marie France are as friendly and professional as can be. Yay!


 

We were first briefed about what the process was going to be. All of us were different, Ms Marie France told us, and we would each be undergoing tailored programmes suited to our individual needs.



Marie France has only ONE ultimate aim and that is to walk with you throughout this journey towards obtaining your best bodyline. And I don't just mean slimming down. They want to help you attain a bodyline that accentuates your feminine curves. But one important fact they highlighted is that they will also ensure that you know how to maintain it too, which I will share in my next post. (eh, when you're 27-going-on-to-37 like me, maintenance is crucial ok!)

After the briefing, we were each brought to......

Yes... the dreaded WEIGHING MACHINE!!!
And this is not just any simple machine. Its a Body Composition Anaylzer, which is able to detect your fat mass (which measures the quantity of oily white substances in your body). It can also analyze your muscle-fat composition; as well as your fat distribution. Yes, you heard me right! Fat distribution! It basically tells you exactly where your fats are "residing".

The key meaurements are:

Percent Body Fat: which is calculated by (Fat Mass / Body Weight X 100%)
                           Normal value for men is 15% and for women is 23%
                           Mine is ....23.7 %

Fat Distribution: Normal value for men is 0.80, and women is 0.75 
                            Mine is....... 0.81


Physical Fitness Score: 100points is ideal
                                        Mine is ......71points (considered good given my total lack of exercise! haha)

So overall I am quite alright, except that they have detected some fats at the tummy, and a little at the arms. The consultant explained that they will be working on allocating my fats to the right places. All women know that some fat at the right places is great *wink*... And of course to bring down the fats at my arms and tummy. 

You might be wondering: do I even have fats?? Well... below is a photo that might shock you! Hehe, it's all about concealment...

Disclaimer: Photo above is not photo-shopped. 

*Shy*


Yes, I did it.. I revealed one of my darkest secrets. But yes, I need to acknowledge that I no longer want to be like the lady in the video. I rather not suck in everytime I wear some body hugging dress, hipster shorts or when I take photos. So its time to do something!


Enjoy one free slimming trial!! Just log on here. Marie France Bodyline Free Trial

Visit their website for more details: Marie France Bodyline. You can also contact the friendly Marie France ladies on Facebook.


Love, Ariel

Friday, July 22, 2011

Kanebo - Bazzar up to 70% off!

Advertorial

The Great Singapore Sale ain't over! Here is Kanebo with more sales!!! 
Kanebo offers a wide variety of mid-to luxury beauty brands including Kate, Freshel, Lunasol, Blanchir Superior, Impress and many more! 




So get down to Shaw Centre and enjoy the grabs!



Love, Ariel 



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Greenie Pok in Malacca



Introducing a new member in my blog...... 

First Name: Greenie 
Last Name: Pok


Why his name? Cos he is GREEN and he is a CURRY POK. 


He has his own personality.   


He likes to sleep, eat and laze around which would be very evident if you hang around long enough to witness. 


He is a keychain. But he never despises his birth as a keychain. Cos he believes a key chain brings life to the bag/ handphone or even a camera.


He also likes to be noticed, this could be because of him being a keychain. 


He doesn't talk much, but smiles all the time.


During my recent trip to Malacca, I brought him along.



Greenie Pok enjoying the ride to Malacca!




Greenie Pok at Teahouse




Greenie Pok at study table




Greenie Pok checking out the bathroom of the hotel
 
and looking satisfied
Greenie Pok too tired to walk







 Greenie Pok @ Beizhan Restaurant for his lunch





Greenie Pok sitting by the Malacca river




 where is greenie?



Greenie Pok by the fountain @ Casa Del Rio Melaka





Greenie Pok enjoys his walk



Greenie Pok reading @ Geographer's Cafe











 Greenie Pok waiting for more food!

 Greenie Pok too full!





Greenie Pok at the police station..........outside





Greenie Pok on a cow



 Greenie Pok eating the famous rice balls.



 Greenie Pok tasting the durian chendol
 Greenie Pok by the windmill















 Greenie Pok drinking  leisurely @ Eha



And finally, as the sun sets.... Greenie Pok sits by the river @ Portuguese Settlement.

 
 Greenie Pok thinking.....


Love, Ariel


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Movie Music

Long before Jolin Tsai with her music movie: Agent J album and Jay Chou's 夜的第七章 (Twilight's Chapter Seven), with some of their album's songs combine in a short movie , the Koreans have already launch their version of extended music video which had proven to be a hit among the young generation. Here are some of my favorites. It's like watching a movie with great music and more importantly, movie in bite-size. 



Enjoy..... 

Because I'm a Girl
(you might need to increase volume)





As of today, I only have one favourite Korean band, and that is SG Wannabe. They are a popular South Korean ballad trio (Kim Yong Jun , Kim Jin Ho, and Lee Seok Hoon).


They are very different from the current boy bands you have now, as they do not dance nor use special technical music advancement like American funk, nor dependent on great dance moves or great abs and gimmicks to woo their crowds. Just with their mesmerizing voice and talented music compose.

I managed to chance upon them when I was searching online for a Korean actor whom I think has great performances in many of the shows I watched. Not your usual handsome Korean heartthrob, but a man whom I think has great substance in performance. And he (Lee Beom Sum), happened to be cast in some of SG Wannabe's greatest music movies. Both the movies I felt had great cinematography and though a storyline that is quite cliche, but beautifully displayed and filmed.

Here are some of those I think is not to be missed.

The Precious History 





ARIRANG (아리랑) 
One of the songs in the album, Sentimental Chords. An album that became the best selling album in Korea in 2007. The song uses the Korea's classical instruments, which I guess, because of the meaning behind the word. 

The original version of Arirang is one of Korean Traditional folk song, reflecting one's sadness towards love and nation, holding the meaning of a sudden leave of someone. One of Korean's oldest song sung by its people. There are many versions, but mostly have the same lyrics and melancholy feel. 
Although this song that was sung by SG wannabe is not the same as the Arirang traditional folk song, they used the same title to express their song.

Part 1


Part 2



Part 3



Hope you have enjoyed!

Love, Ariel

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Thursday, July 7, 2011

You just can't get enough of her - Megan Fox

Though Transformers 3 has removed her, but that doesnt stop me from admiring her. I mean who doesn't like looking at beautiful babes. Well, I do. Although, strangely she does look a little different when you see her in Transformer 2 and now. Oh well, I guess plastic surgery does change after a few years! But she is still so sexy!

THE MAKING




THE COMMERCIAL

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Where are the Singaporean talents?!!!!

I really wonder where is Dick Lee with his famous "Home", Lin Jun jie with his catchy and groovy songs,
Or winner of the Eco Music composing challenge 2010, Kathryn cheng Heaven and Earth? Or Ken Lim, composer of 2010 Youth Olympic Theme Song .These are composers we are all proud of and who are able to compose good music and lyrics! But whats with the "Fun Pack Song"?  Do we even need to be reminded to take the National Day goodie bag? I thought I saw some people even taking more than 1 pack! When it comes to free stuff, Singaporeans are definitely not shy about it. So do we even need to tell the world that?

What an inspiration? I want a wet tissue, I want New water!!! OMG!!!!!! Even Jay Chou can compose a song about herbs with style and creativity and Fang Wen Shan, lyrics with wittiness. Okay, you might say, he is international star. I believe if you hold a competition, there will be many creative composers out there who would try.

Even Rebecca Black's Friday seems like Grammy award-winning song in comparison to this!





Lyrics of "Fun Pack Song"


By: Haresh Sharma



Oh o o o o o o o o

Time for the fun pack song

Oh o o o o o o o o

We like the fun pack song



Let's start with the bag

That's right, grab your bag

It's the fun pack bag

Attack the fun pack



(REPEAT)



Hold up your flag, don't you forget

You can wave it if you feel like it

Let's wave the flag

Wave wave wave

Let's wave the flag

Take out your light stick, it's two of a kind

It's interactive, means you can join

Just pretend

Oh oh oh... It's a disco



(SPOKEN)



You know that I want you

And you know that I need you

I want a wet, wet tissue



I want Newater and I want a cold drink

You and me, let's share a bit

I want a biscuit and I want a sweet

You and me, let's share this treat



Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

Time for the fun pack song

Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

We like the fun pack song



Let's start with the bag

That's right, grab your bag

It's the fun pack bag

Attack the fun pack



I want Newater and I want a cold drink

You and me, let's share a bit

I want a biscuit and I want a sweet

You and me, let's share this treat



Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

Time for the fun pack song

Kopi-O o o o o o o o o

We like the fun pack song



Let's start with the bag

That's right, grab your bag

It's the fun pack bag

Attack the fun pack!


And dont get me started on the JJ Lin infamous You're the One. Which despite with JJ Lin's great vocals still did not hide the hideouness of the lyrics!

Love, Ariel

Monday, July 4, 2011

Beauty from Within

I remembered when I was in University, I had a friend who was also a president of his singing club. Having a outgoing personality and a humble character, he made many friends. Having scored in most of his exams which was quite a remarkable achievement since University of London's exam structure is such that you only have 1 exam to determine your score for the module. It is like spending that whole year to study and attend lectures and thats it! One exam for each subject to determine your fate. He was indeed quite smart. However, he stopped coming for classes and had to stop managing his club for while. It was until then that I had an encounter of how cancer could just strike at any moment without warning.

He could not attend classes as he was too weak to go for classes and always having to vomit and feeling depressed because he could not do what he loved. Losing hair was also one of the most obvious change. Good thing he is a guy, cause he still look quite sty-lo being bald. Well, he used to look very fit, but when I visited him in hospital, he was so weak and fragile.

When I saw him at graduation, I felt really happy for him that he made it through. However, this may not be the case for some children who has been told they are suffering from cancer. And what about the parents who have been told that their child of 11 years old is diagnose with leukemia.

When it comes to contracting major sickness and living in Singapore, medical expenses is one the most crucial priority, the patient and his family has to bear. And having to deal with the overload of information and jargon that the doctors and specialist bombarded you with. It can be quite overwhelming.

This is where, the Children's Cancer Foundation dedicates their services to help kids and their parents to understand with such situation and helping them in their emotional, social and medical well-being.

You can help by donating or like my bestie, Jorlyn, who courageously shaved her head in bid to raise funds by showing encouragement to the kids.



Some might ask, why shave the head? Well Hair for Hope, an organization that has succeeded its 9th year campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer in Singapore, to show children with cancer and their families that they are not alone in their fight against cancer. And to raise funds to help children with cancer and their families.


I don't think I would be able to shave my head, but I showed my support by donating! So I hope you can too! Every dollar donated, helps a child to go through this with strength. 


Please click here to support! I want to donate! Her aim is to raise $10,000!
You may view the details of this campaign at Children Cancer Foundation

Love, Ariel