Floral Garage - Valentine's Day Flowers

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Honest to God, never once in my entire life had I celebrated Valentine's Day. Yes, I am one of THOSE people. I am not anti-Valentine's Day, it's just that my trust issues has lead me to believe the lack of sincerity of the expression of love on the specific day.

I enjoy random acts of love (corny or not) at any random time or day. I love those "There's no reason but I was just thinking of you and wanted to give or treat you this". It can be the simplest thing like taking me out to eat a particular dish because I talked about it before or got me replacement earphones because one side was broken. This goes both ways by the way.

Buying gifts or treating me special on a specific day like Valentine's Day wouldn't make me feel special at all because I know majority of the couples are getting it too; just because of a date on a calendar. But if that's your thing, do your thing, boo.

On that note,

I AM STILL A SUCKER FOR FLOWERS!
I would willingly accept even on Valentine's days because they are FLOWERS!

So when Floral Garage wanted to sponsor me again for their pretty flowers, how can I say no?

As much as I love all types of pretty flowers, I do have a soft spot for the classic red roses. I would be happy just to receive a stalk of it. There's something about it that makes me smile. But a'las, classic red bouquet roses can be boring sometimes and I told Jia Hui the PR that I would be impressed if they can made it different.

Different it was.





Firstly, I love the size of the bouquet. It was not too big and over the top but not so small either. It was just nice as fits perfectly in my hands. The flower arrangements were simple with every flower properly displayed. I just simply love the two-toned carnations and with the roses, the baby breaths, eurylliums and eucalyptus leaves brings everything together with unison and uniqueness. Wrapped in a brown paper and ribbon, it also adds a rustic feel to the bouquet.



You can request for this specific bouquet by informing the Floral Garage theme but the bouquet was actually under Freestyle bouquet. You can fill up the form online on your general preference and they will whip one just for you. If you wish to go big and want a bigger one, there is also a Premium Freestyle bouquet. Freestyle bouquet is one of the best because no flower bouquets will be the same.

Don't mind me as I 'feeling-feeling' with my flowers. haha

It's the first time I received paper wrapped flowers so I was a little 'sua ku' even though I've seen it many times before. Note that the water inside might leak a little because paper mah so make sure you hold the bouquet properly. Even if it leaks, it won't ruin the paper too much and eventually, the water will dissolve.

There are 3 types of delivery. A self-pick up for free at their shop at Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, a charged standard delivery at specific time slots or specific timed delivery at an extra charge. What I like is they always call or SMS beforehand delivering just to ensure the delivery will go smoothly.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you do celebrate, make a quick trip their website and order now! If you like to gift your partner something simpler and smaller (you know, for the newly blossoming relationships or for your crush), you can check out Fluffy Three.

It's 3 well bloomed pink roses with purple fillers with a fluffy Harrod’s brown bear. It's very cute!

I also have another great news!

Floral Garage has given me a promotion code: zuraxfg15 for ALL my readers, entitling all of you a 15% discount off their online shop and it's a lifetime discount.

Not applicable for seasonal occasions like Vday or Mother's Day etc. Just make sure you click on their main page https://floralgaragesg.com not on their seasonal (Vday) page to able to use the promotion code.

This means, get discounted prices all year round at any time. WOHOO!

Thank you to Floral Garage for the beautiful flowers it definitely made my day.

   

Beauty Keeper - CONTIN & Mdmmd from Taiwan

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I had no idea I would be expecting when I agreed to receive a box from Beauty Keeper. To be honest, I've never even heard of this company but then again, I am hardly ever up to date with current beauty and/or fashion products so what do I know?

Beauty Keeper is company to bring innovative, novel an award winning Taiwanese beauty products to you. so if you a fan or interested in using Taiwanese products, Beauty Keeper is the place to go.



The first bottle that caught my eyes was the CONTIN plant extract shampoo.



What caught my attention even more was that it uses GARLIC enzyme as one of it's main ingredients. I know right? Apparently, the founders noticed that the grandmas who worked in the garlic factory hands were really soft, thus began to discover garlic's energy based on their chemical background and inherited enzyme brewing method.

This shampoo not only cleans and makes your hair silky smooth but also helps fix oily scalp, dandruff, inflammation, hair damage and hair loss.

But the main question is, does it smell like garlic??

NOPE. It does not have a flowery scent either but more of a slightly tonic scent. The shampoo lathers well and cleans my hair. As for whether it helps treat oily scalp and such, I can't speak for it since I don't have such problems. But if you do, you may give it a try.

The next 2 bottles came from Mdmmd which is apparently, an award winning online cosmetics brand. I got my hands on their Upra Age-Delay Revive Toner and Water Drop Cream.

Enriched in high concentration of compound natural ferment extract, Mdmmd Upra Age-Delay Revive Toner prevents and slows down skin aging. It also improves appearance of dryness of the skin, helps skin cell metabolism, whitens skin while providing abundant nutrition and giving a ultimate repair.



The toner is actually odorless and the consistency is not watery like any other toners. It's slightly thicker in consistency but definitely not sticky at all. After gently massaging on skin, the products seems to seep into the skin and that was that. My skin felt almost immediately soft and moisturised.

Now, if you are the kind who dislikes having too many bottles for 1 every type of product, you may like Mdmmd's Water-drop Cream because it is a 3-in-1 skin care product combining toner, serum and lotion.



With the innovated Hydrogel transfer technology, Mdmmd locks the multi-bio sin care elements and plant essence extract in the cream. Combining toner, serum and lotion, the Water-drop cream hydrates and moisturises the skin and repairs dry skin, tightens skin, improves appearance of fine lines, repairs  and keeps skin healthy.

I love the smell of the cream as it as a sweet flowery scent and a little of it goes a long way which is always a plus. After a few seconds, the cream leaves no residue at all except a soft, supple and moisturised skin. This means, it is perfect to use before wearing make up (or not) and going out. I got to admit, this is my favourite product out of the 3 I received.

It's no surprise since it is one of their exclusive products among others.

To find out more info on the products above and much, much more, check out Beauty Keepers's website at http://www.beauty-keeper.com/

You can directly buy award winning products from Taiwan only from their website and don't forget to peek in their instagram page @BeautyKeeperTW


   

A.C.O.D - Adult Children Of Divorce

Real Talk

No matter at what age you are, 3, 10, 16, 21 or even 32 years old, when your parents divorce,
IT SUCKS.

Even if you understand why especially as an adult because you can relate and literally witnessed your parent's relationship first hand. It sucks because every child always have that dream of having a happy family, that happily ever after. A dream obviously the parents wished too, once a upon a time.



As an adult, you know the dreaded 'D' was inevitable, it's just that all of us like to deny it's existence.
In such situations, ignorance was truly bliss.

Situations would turn so bitter but after a while, it would go back to 'normal' and it would go bad again. It is because of that, all of us, the children and sometimes parents think whenever feces hit the fan, we would tell ourselves, it will be fine eventually.

Imagine that cycle for 43 years of marriage hood.

The adult child can be grateful for parents withholding the lawful separation because the parent wanted to make sure all children are grown up and married off. But it still hurts. Usually, divorces involve younger children and majority think it's easier to handle for an adult child.

Not necessarily.

Growing up in an unhealthy relationship, watching your parents fight or see them ignore each other like the plaque every single day does take a toll on us whether we like it or not. Even more so when you live under one roof and everyday, you can feel the tension that can be cut with a knife.

In some instances, a divorce that ends amicably has no problems at all but we all know those chances are slim especially when infidelity and money is involved.

When it comes to divorce, money is ALWAYS involved.

Obviously, I'm not going to indulge into personal information but the reason I am writing on such topics is because the same reason I share most things here. I know there are people out there that are experiencing similar situations too. I know this because I would get random personal messages or emails sharing their own experiences. They felt that they can relate and glad that they are not alone.

There's someone who can lend a ear and then there's someone who has been there too.

There are many scenarios in every relationship and divorce. I won't go through them all but I suppose what always boils down is...

What's next?

Who goes where? Who does what? What can we do to salvage our relationship as a family?
It's not always easy and clear as day.

The day was inevitable for the family and even so, we were never ready for it. Just because we seemingly accepting of the situation (no point being upset or angry) that does not mean it's okay. Sometimes parents think this acceptance as a green light too and they want to share their other not-so-secret life.

Dear all A.C.O.D, I can't really say that it will get better because as of around 2017, if everything goes smoothly, my siblings and I are one of you. I can predict tough roads ahead with frustrating decisions but as the dust settles, as we get the 'hang' of it, just like any other obstacles in life.

It will be okay.

We will be okay.



   

Makketh Bi-fold Slim Wallet & Card Holder

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 Jhon had always complained about his bulky wallet and along with the majority of the men, he does not carry a bag all the time so the wallet is always in his back pocket. On top of his desk related back and shoulder aches, not having him seating properly does have an effect on him. You see, his hips would not be leveled to make up the bulky pocket on only one side of his butt cheek.

That's when I came across Makketh's Bi-fold Slim Wallet on FB. Granted, such wallets were not a new concepts but I just happened to see it on my FB wall and ta'da, it was Makketh's launch sales. With Jhon's birthday (at that time) around the corner, I bought it and gave him as an advanced gift.

It's been 5 months since he owned the wallet and he absolutely loved it. It was also funny that for the first week or so, he kept saying how he always thought he forgot or lost his wallet because he barely feels it's presence his pocket. I guess it's a good and bad thing right? haha

Fast forward to present, when Makketh found out I was one of their buyers, they decided to send another bi-fold slim wallet and additional card holder so I can properly share and review for all of you.

They both come in a clean and simple packaging with a cloth bag. It looked presentable enough to just put a bow and ready to give as a gift.

Makketh Bi-fold Slim Wallet

First thing about Makketh's wallets are that it is slim and minimalism in design. Despite it's slimness, you still can insert 14 cards and 10 bills inside and yet maintains it's 15 mm thickness. It has a pulled tab feature which made it easier to access to the cards. It's leather is naturally tanned which results to thicker and durable leather that do not emits chemical smells. The process is also more environmentally friendly and healthier for people too!

With all payments and information easily scanned for our convenience, it also has it's downfall. With RFID blocking protection, it prevents thieves from obtaining your personal and financial account information through scanning. This means it's perfect for travelling too!

As mentioned earlier, Jhon truly loved the wallet. It's compact but still able to hold all his cards. It's thin, light weight and since it's real leather, the wear and tear gives it character. The wallet holds money well although it does need getting used to. The fact that it's 'exposed' and does not give the impression of security as the notes can easily move can be unnerving but so far, no notes actually had fallen.

Makketh Card Holder





Similar to the bi-fold wallet, Makketh's card holder is slim and simple. It has 4 compartments that can hold up to 10 cards and even some notes. It also has a pull tab function and has a RFID blocking protection. The leather however, is oil-tanned which made it water resistant but it has an accent ballistic black nylon with cotton blue stripped lining for an additional touch.

Jhon's card current card holder only holds 2 card, his EZ-link card and work ID so the card holder caters more than enough for him. In fact, he can even put some emergency money in there. For those who are wondering if the RFID blocks the cards from being tapped or scanned.

It's yes and no.

If the cards are inside where the blue-stripped lining is, yes. He can't tap his EZ-link card at all even after several tries BUT if he placed them in the side compartments, it's a no. He could tap while boarding and alighting the bus with no problem. As for his work ID, he can tap it at work in the inner slot with ease.

Crafted with premium leather, both wallet and card holder has quality assurance and backed up by a 6-month warranty. Not only that, Makketh provides free worldwide shipping!

The bi-fold slim wallet comes in 3 colors of black, light brown and dark brown while the card holders comes in red brown and tan. They are sold at S$79.00 and S$69.00 respectively and they do have sales once in a while.



For more details and how to purchase, head on to their website and/or keep a look out for giveaways and sales at their Facebook and Instagram.

Click http://bit.ly/2jPYyOS to get your hands on Makketh's wallets now. No regrets.

Thanks Makketh for sending their products. Jhon now has a matching set of wallet and card holder. As for the extra wallet, he loves it too much to gift it away. I've got no comment for that. haha

   

Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

It's that time of the year again where I do a quick summary of the year that has passed.

2016 was definitely a great year to remember because it was the year Jhon and I got married. If you've been following up, my blog was filled 98% of nothing but wedding related stuff even after our wedding on April because of reviews and such.

Sure, 2016 has it's ups and downs but it was a year with mostly ups and I am forever grateful with that.



There were a few other things that had happened in the year but these are the highlights of mine.
The year had started with our pre-wedding photoshoot, welcomed a new member of the family and I nursed and fell in love with a bird.

I turned 32 which was cool since aging never perturbs me, at least not mentally or emotionally.

Soon after that, our families officially met up for the first time which of course, lead to our wedding. We had more family bonding with the entire family and sight-seeing with the Tolentinos before sending them off to the Phillippines.

We spent almost a week at Cambodia which was amazing as we climbed the temples and soaked at the beach. We managed to squeezed in some of our normal routines of firework and picnics and concerts after celebrating Jhon's 34th birthday at Batam.

I know 2016 was terrible for the world 'out there' but for my little own world, for the first time in many years, I can happily say that it's pretty much awesome. I hope it will continue on to the years to come. I hope you had a great year too and even if it's not, I hope it had made you grew wiser.

Happy New Year, everyone!

   

Balik Kampung.... Oohhh... Balik Kampung...

We had booked for our trip to Philippines! Every year, Jhon would go back to hometown for a week or so for family bonding and since we are married, it's a trip for 2.

The last time I visited Philippines was 4 years ago and 5 years next year when our trip will be; late January to be exact.

We always liaise with Fil Air Travel and Tours (not sponsored ah lol) because it's less stressful. Plus, sometimes travel agents have special promotions so we got S$100 off which we wouldn't if we had bought online.

It is to also coincide with his grandma's big birthday party.
Mak was greatly invited to follow but due to unforeseen circumstances, she can't which is unfortunate especially after watching her and Ma got so close.



I simply can't wait because I've officially been bitten by the travel bug since Cambodia and if I have plenty of excess cash, there's where I would splurge on!

I crave for adventure and exploration even if it's a tiny one.


   

Penguruan Pencak Sendeng Camp 2016

My two nephews, Shibly and Syihab are currently are participating in a silat group called Penguruan Pencak Sendeng since early this year. Even Abg had joined as a fighter for while until he tore off his ligament on his bicep so it was just his 2 boys while he and Kak Yana joined as a team managers.

I've watched them practiced and had fought before and it was so amazing to see the young ones strutting their stuff. That was why we were more than happy when Abg and Kak Yana asked us to be the photographer and personal videographer for their camp. It was so last minute and we only had time for 2 of the 3 days. Since they were okay with it, then okay lah. Plus, a little moolah on the side was great too. hehe

The camp was held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and as much as I enjoy camping once in a blue moon, I don't think I could survive 2 nights of camping with such a big group, no less. On top of that, it was a rainy weekend which was fun to experience (oh boy, did we all got muddy) but clean up must be so leceh. Jhon and I were glad we get to go home since we needed to charge our stuff.

We missed day 1 but it was mostly silat training, camp chit-chat of goals, discussions, night walks and such. Day 2 was the interesting day because it was that's when they had their matches among themselves. There was also supposed to be team performances too but the day was getting late plus, one team was exceedingly in the lead for their best overall team that it would be fruitless.

I am going to post only some of the photos because there were tonnes.



After their morning walk and reflections, everyone had their breakfast.



Morning warm up.



And the inter-teams matches starts!



I can't resist the cute kiddos.





Father and daughter moment.







Random eagle photo because it happened to soar above us and even call cried out which was amazingly, was a first time for me to hear in real life. Usually, I would hear eagle cries on NatGeo or Assassins Creed.



This boy was excepted from silat but he better buck up next year. He is going to be in Primary 1 and that cute boy act is not working as well as before.



Shibly won his first official fight here. I'm biased so I'm going to bombard many photos of him.









War/ fighting face is never pretty huh? haha



Daddy as his corner man. Abg was beaming with pride that day.







We didn't have any photos of it but after the constant rain, there were plenty of mud all around. The big boys used a tarp for a mini slip and slide. Before we knew it, everyone joined and what supposed to be dumping people on the soapy water tarp, everyone started to dump people on the mud!

Everyone ended up muddy like swamp people! It was fun to watch and probably fun to experience but the thought of cleaning up in a public toilet was horrendous, wasn't it?

Next day, after breakfast and end of camp reflections, it was award ceremony.











Final verdict, it was a successful camp with entertaining moments almost every part of the day and I got really tanned, even more tanned when Jhon and I visited to Cambodia. Go figure!

Thanks to Abg and family for allowing is to be a part of the camp.



Oh yeah!

It was so hilarious when they were doing the lost and found segment where there were unclaimed towels and underwear! Typical camping moments!