Updated Skincare Routine *EDIT

People always say that your skin age faster when you hit 30 and it doesn't heal as fast anymore, it has lesser elasticity and you get more wrinkles. So most people start their skincare routines at 30. However, some (few) others believe that you should start to take care of your skin from 25 because "Prevention is better than cure". I am part of this few because I would think that if you start maintaining (preventing) your skin from the age of 25, you will be able to maintain good skin even after 30. Makes sense? I am a very logical person, so when I first read this random article about maintaining your skin, I was immediately convinced.

I started to fall in love with skin care few years back not just because I needed to "maintain" my skin at 25, but also because it is the easiest way to go. There is no need to wake up earlier and spend 30mins each morning to put on make up because you have great skin to flaunt. To be honest, I have very little knowledge about make up and I have yet to venture into that simply because I am very lazy and I think sleep is more important! Hahaha. For those of you that know me, you will know that I hardly put on any makeup. On rare occasions that I put on makeup, it will be SUPER DUPER SIMPLE: Foundation/ BB cream > Blush > Mascara. I think some of the make up lovers out there reading this must be rolling their eyes. But honestly, if you have great skin (besides those of you that require make up for work), would you still put on make up? It has always been a curious question of mine. 

I indulge in skincare so that I can sleep in a few more minutes in the morning. And mainly because I am pretty lazy to put on make up in the morning. I actually wrote about skincare a few years back (you can read them here), but have since changed some of the products as my skin changed and I thought to share them again here. 

*EDIT: I will be reordering them in the case of a night time routine so that it's easier to understand.

1, CLEANSE & 2, DOUBLE CLEANSE

After a long day at work, you need to shower to wash off all the dirt and you'll also need to wash your face. Never ever touch your face with dirty hands - this is how most breakouts happen. I always wash my hands with hand soap before cleaning my face. Start with a remover - not just for your make up, but also your sunscreen - and then follow up with a foam cleanser for a good double cleanse. I love the Banila Co Clean it Zero cleansing balm.

And follow up with a foam cleanser to deep cleanse your pores. I use the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam. It is one of the deep pore cleaners that does not strip your skin. Remember to lather well before applying to your face so that there is less friction generated.

If you're just starting out your day, I suggest you start with a mild foam cleanser. I have been using Hada Labo's foam cleansers for the longest time but has recently found a new favorite, i.e., NeoGen, the Green Tea Foam Cleanser.

They actually have 4 different flavours/ scents - Green Tea, Cranberry, Blueberry and Cereal. So far, I have only tried the Green Tea and it smells wonderful. There are also real green tea leaves in the bottle as well. You know you are getting the real deal.

3, EXFOLIATE

I usually exfoliate twice a week - usually on Wednesday and Sundays. Healthy skin generally regenerate every 28 days or so depending on your age. So when you exfoliate, you are essentially trying to speed up the regeneration process by removing all the gunk and dead skin. Try not to exfoliate your skin too often as that will also be too harsh. I would say, if you have to, the maximum you can go for is to exfoliate every other day.

My personal all-time, hands down favourite is the NeoGen Wine Gauze Peeling because it not only works as a chemical and physical exfoliator, it also smells heavenly - therapeutic even. 

For those of you that are wondering what is the difference between chemical and physical exfoliators... Allow me to explain it simply: Chemical exfoliators make use of chemicals like AHA & BHA to exfoliate your skin, while physical exfoliators are generally rough or grainy in texture.

4, TONE

After washing your face, you need to ensure that your skin stays moisturized. Some of you might have read before that your skin loses moisture 3-5mins after leaving the shower. (I'm planning to share a post soon regarding moisture loss. Do keep a lookout!) So, to lock in the most moisture, always keep your toners in the bathroom. Before I use my toner, I am currently using the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum to lock in the most moisture.

According to Innisfree, The Seed Serum actually preps your skin to hold moisture in your skin and prevents moisture loss so that your moisturizer would work its best. I will be sharing another tip to lock in moisture to your skin in the next few updates as well. Many tips coming up in the new year!

Anyway, follow up with your toner. 

You can use these on their own but I like to use a mix blend of the trio - Hada Labo Whitening Lotion, the Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner and the Mario Badescu Rosewater Toner. I keep them in a spray bottle and spritz them on as and when I need. Again, I will share a "recipe" on how I mix these items in another update. Or else, this post will be never-ending.

So recently, I am hearing so much rave about the Medicube Zero-Pore series and I just have to give it a try as well. I'll be sharing a review on this series soon as I am still halfway through. 

5, ESSENCE/ AMPOULE

If you're able to lock in enough moisture from the start, this may sound redundant for you but it actually helps to restore moisture within the deep layers of your skin. I use the Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence both day and night because it is very lightweight. As I have oily-combination skin, I really hate to use products that make me "shine bright like a diamond". Anyway, this essence from Innisfree is not only lightweight for day and night use, it also has wrinkle free and anti-aging properties, which is very good for maintenance.

6, SHEET MASK

This is the main edit of this post - especially comparing with the one I did years ago. Previously I mentioned that you should mask at the last step, however, I realised I wasn't being clear - and possily misleading. Please note that whether masking should be the last step largely depends on what masks you are using. If you are using a sheet mask, please do it before you slather on your moisturizers. 

Why?
Essentially sheet masks are concentrated packs of essence/ ampoules that will help you penetrate deeper layers of your skin. To think of it logically, for them to penetrate layers of your skin, they are usually lightweight and fine... so, if you use a heavy cream before this, you will not be able to reap the entire benefit of your sheet mask! So, always use sheet masks before moisturizers!

7, EYE CREAM

Many of us are guilty about skipping the eyecare step because they are so small. But they are not to be ignored. One of the main reason is because, although the skin surrounding the eyes is very 'small', this skin is one of the softest skin on your face and is the first to show signs of aging. Keep it moisturised and keep it well taken care of. Most of the time I use the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye & Face Ball. 

But sometimes, I do follow up with Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Treatment.

8, MOISTURISE/ SLEEPING MASK

Like my favourite cleansers, I also have morning and night moisturisers. Morning moisturisers tend to be more lightweight, while the night moisturisers are slightly creamier or heavier. In the morning, I recently discovered the La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturiser which as the name suggests, give you a matt finish. This is exceptionally important for oily-combination skin people that :shines bright like a diamond" - like me after lunch.

Anyway, in the night, I usually just go straight to sleeping masks as they are less comedogenic than most cream moisturizers. Like I mentioned earlier, I have oily-combination skin so my pores tend to clog easily and do not react well with creams. And it is always so difficult to find good gel type moisturisers! So I kind of gave up on moisturisers and went straight to the Sleeping Masks and often switch between the Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Mask, and the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.

If you want to know whether what you're currently using will clog your pores, Acne Mantra has an awesome online tool called Skingredients that helps you check if the ingredients are comedogenic almost instantly.

9, SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is very important! I cannot stress how important it is - Freckles appear due to sun damage and when freckles appear, it is so difficult to get rid of them so DO NOT FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN. Most sunscreens are comedogenic, so please make sure to cleanse your face with a make up remover. I am currently using the Innisfree Daily UV protection stick with Calamine Tone Up and sometimes, the La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti Glare UV Spray.

The Innisfree Daily UV Protection Stick with Calamine Tone up is not available in Innisfree stores in Singapore. If you want to get them, you'll need to order them from innisfreeworld directly. Or get some of your friends travelling to Korea to get it back for you. If none of your friends are travelling to Korea, try airfrov!

10, ACNECARE

I do my spot treatments for acne last mainly because I prefer using Tea Tree Essential Oil Blend than any other commercial acne care serums you may find out there. If you are using the standard over the counter acne care serums, you should apply this before your sheet mask - somewhere around step 5 or 6. But, if like me, you prefer to use essential oils, your skin will react better if you use it at the final step. A Tea Tree/ Spearmint blend can be very strong and drying for your skin when you apply it directly. You would not want it getting near your eyes as you spread out your moisturiser. So not only is it safer, it is also better to moisturize and prep you skin before you apply such drying oils.

After writing all these, I am starting to think that I am not that lazy after all. Hahaha. And, I'm starting to sound like an Innisfree/ NeoGen ambassador because I am using so many of their products. But honestly, they are really good - for the price and for the value you get. All these products are also easily available through Lazada/ Qoo10, Sephora and Innisfree!

I guess the number of products I get through on a daily basis has not decreased - compared with the post written a few years back. But with better at-home skincare tips, you don't need to spend so much money at the beautician - which we all know costs ALOT! So, this pretty much sums it all. If you have any skincare tips you would like to share, let me know! 

Just ranting

Just realised I haven't written anything since July. Here to rant a wee bit... about #comfortdelgro taxi fleet. Rather, this one taxi driver. An infuriating, frustrating and whatever you call pissed off experience!

Normally, from my home to work, I would take no more than 25mins at this time of travel. And when I say this, I actually went to check the previous trip history and none of them are more than 25mins. Yet, today's journey took almost 50mins all because the #comfortdelgro GPS from the MDT (as the driver called it) requested he bring me on a sight seeing journey around Singapore!!!

I called for a cab at approximately 0725hrs, waited around 8mins for the driver to arrive, only to have him drive past me because he followed his GPS and didn't know where I was. Called him, took a few minutes for him to properly locate me and started my journey at approximately 0735hrs today, only to have it end at 0822hrs. This is so bad because I WAS ALMOST LATE FOR WORK and the reason is no good reason at all because I catered an hour for travel.

First he took a left when he exited the carpark and went towards Boundary Road. I assumed, he was going to take the Braddell exit to CTE - saving me one ERP, but no, the GPS requested that he go straight towards Bendeemer. When I asked why he didn't take the right towards Braddell when he was at Upper Serangoon, his answer was simply, "GPS say this is the best way." Okay, so I trusted him and the #comfortdelgro GPS but the #comfortdelgro GPS actually led him past 3 ERP gantries, 10 over traffic lights, and took almost 50mins to end this trip! If this trip wasn't a flat fare, and if the ERP gates are activated, can you imagine how much I would have to pay for this ride? He didn't even tried to remember my destination because when his GPS started making weird noises at 0810hrs, he panicked! He had to restart his GPS, while asking me where I was going, and he even needed me to guide him on how to go because he is not sure with the roads. At one point, his car was swerving between lanes because he was so concentrated on keying in his ID and password to get his GPS working! This is unsafe, unprofessional and outright unbelievable!

On top of everything, I was actually checking google maps with real time traffic on the way. There were no reported accidents on CTE, everything looks blue and normal. Traffic was also smooth even on KPE/MCE. So, I really cannot understand why the #comfortdelgro GPS recommends that going through Potong Pasir, Bendeemer, Bugis, Chinatown, then Jalan Besar - leading me on a early Singapore Tour - is actually the better way to go! This is precisely the reason why Taxi Drivers always get complaints on taking the further route trying to charge passengers extra. Again, this would have happened to me if today wasn't a flat fare trip. I always cater an hour for travel in case of bad traffic but there is absolutely no bad traffic today. The only reason I was almost late to work is because of the #comfortdelgro lousy GPS directions and an inexperienced driver with almost zero knowledge on the roads in Singapore.

Here's hoping that #comfortdelgro will update and upgrade their GPS and make sure it leads the best way or it is as good as a white elephant. People usually choose cab over MRT/ Bus for a reason. For me, I usually get a cab or grab in the morning for added convenience so that I can arrive at my work place earlier without getting out of the house earlier. However, today's trip took much longer for me than when I would travel via MRT, gave me an additional heart attack because I was almost late for work, so I really question why I am paying 10times more than an MRT fare for convenience that I didn't get today.

Unplug before takeoff

"Personal headphones or earphones must be unplugged and not in use when the aircraft is taxiing, taking off and landing."

I travel often (as some may already know) on budget airlines and I always hear this on the flight announcement before take off. I bet for those of you that travel on budget airlines. You hear this alot too. Do you really follow and unplug? Or do you just ignore it until the flight attendant comes over to tap you on the shoulder (or better, misses you altogether)?

HAHA.

Here's the thing. Although I always hear it on budget airlines, like jetstar and scoot (my frequent budget go to airlines), I don't hear it when I fly full service flights like SQ or ANA. And on top of not hearing it, you get to keep their headphones or earphones connected to their in flight entertainment systems.

WHY?

I mean. I get it when they say

"Laptops may not be used and must be properly stowed when the aircraft is taking off, landing and on the ground". 

Logically, the laptop will sit on your tray table and you usually have them stowed for whatever's mentioned above. Should the take off or landing be bumpy, I would think that a laptop is a big enough device that may or may not result in some "injuries". Something simple like leaving an unfortunate bump on your forehead before your business meeting or a stamp of shame before your vacation starts that will show in every single photo you take? So yeah. I get it. No laptops.

But why no headphones or earphones?
I didn't understand the double standards (with full service flights).
So I began thinking about the differences.

Budget:

• You bring your own headphones/ earphones
• You connect to your device
• You are in your own world with zero interruptions 

Full service:

• You use their headphones/ earphones (Yes, I know you can use the connector and connect your own headphones/ earphones too)
• You connect to their in flight system
• Your movie gets interrupted every time there is an announcement.

THERE.
THE 3RD POINT.

When we're connected on our own devices, we would have zero interruptions. With loud music and maybe noise cancelling for some, we would not be able to hear any passenger announcements. When we're connected to the in-flight entertainment systems, they get to interrupt us whenever they want. Okay, to be honest. They're not so bad but it just irritates me sometimes that the multi language options takes such a long time and gave me too much of a break from my movie marathon. HAHA. Actually, I really don't know if this is the right reason. But it's something I can understand and live with. If by chance, any flight attendants are reading this, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Side note. The flight crew today on Scoot TR276 were awesome and funny. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very very very pleased to announce at we've arrived 25mins ahead of schedule. Woohoo!"

Yes, he did that woohoo! HAHA
Ciaos~

Dear Singtel

I actually wrote this feedback to Singtel slightly more than a week back.

And according to the auto-reply I received, I was supposed to hear back from them in 3-5 working days yet no response till now. NADA! So, just sharing...

I am writing this after my "awesome" experience with your 1688 call-in.
I've tried on 3 occasions today, albeit with different numbers and they all got me on hold for more than 10mins, to which I gave up because work beckons.
At 1925, I finally got through after all that waiting to a rude operator, Bee.
(I got her service/ employee number as well and they were in the email to Singtel, but let's leave it out for this entry).

Frankly, I do think that she is just trying to do her job, following protocols, but I couldn't entirely agree. So here's the background.

Account Holder: My DadMobile Line User: My Mum (my dad has multiple lines)
1688 Caller: Me

On Friday last week (Hari Raya), my parents and I went to the nearest Singtel Exclusive Retailer to recontract both my mum's and my dad's line. Recontracted an iPhone 8plus for my dad and since my mum's phone is still working well, she had no intention to change. Yet we were told that we're no longer allowed to recontract a line without a phone and was told that, since the plan is due (24months) on 18-Jun, we should either come back again on Sunday, or to call in to 1688 to make the necessary changes. I hated calling in to 1688 because of the long waiting times, so on Sunday, I made sure to head down to the outlet again. However, after waiting for approximately 30mins or so, this other service personnel told us that we cannot downgrade the line to a SIM-only plan because the contract will only be up on 18th - which we were a day early. If we insist on doing so, we will have to pay a penalty of $40.

So, unfortunately, I was tasked by my dad to call in today - on the exact date of 18-Jun - to downgrade one of his mobile lines, used by my mum, to a SIM-only plan. As much as I hated it, I did it for my dad and Singtel Operators never fail to amaze me at how effective they are at testing my patience. When I finally got through to Bee, she mentioned that I wasn't allowed to make any changes. I explained that my dad works night shifts and that he is not with me, but I am able to provide all the necessary information. But no, she insisted that he has to be present during the call.
I'm really sorry, but which part of "he works nights" is unclear?

Then Bee explained that it's because of PDPA that she couldn't verify anything with me - even when I could provide all the information, she didn't want any.

This, I hatefully and honestly understand.

But what irritated me was that on one hand she refused confirmation due to PDPA, yet on the other, she requested for my NRIC.

As someone who is not a Singtel customer, how do I know if my information will be protected?

I refused and she insisted that if I refuse, there was nothing she could do.
Knowing that if I didn't budge, everything will be on a standstill so I gave in.
I'm truly ashamed to say that I showed some bad taste in my replies but this is really wearing on my patience. She requested and obtained my full name and NRIC, as well as my dad's number to call and verify while placing me on hold. So here's another thought...

If I bore any ill-intent, I could always provide a fake number with an accomplice to help, no?

So what is the PDPA that you actually uphold?
I do understand that she may just be following protocols. So I hope Singtel sees just how bad your protocols are.

If you have a set of rules, define them.

Educate your exclusive retailers properly so as to not waste each other's time.
My family and I took time to head down to the outlet on Sunday (again), and I specifically asked if there was going to be any issues if I was the caller.
The advise was "no problem, everything can be done over a phone call".
Yet the truth differs.

You updated your system yet it was imported with inaccurate data.
My dad's DOB became 01-Jan-1901. Seriously! Does it even make sense?!

As a consumer, I sincerely urge you to improve your customer service standards.
Porting telcos are easier by the minute and there is no reason to stay committed to Singtel. If such inconveniences and inefficiencies are not improved, there is absolutely no reason for consumers to stay loyal - aside from the contract period to avoid penalty. "Big company syndromes" don't last and without your consumers (and backing), I don't see how you're going to be able to survive the long years ahead even when you're the major market holder now.

I am so glad that I decided to switch my personal line to Starhub years ago.
They are so much more efficient! Whoohoo!

Although I couldn't care less whether Singtel replies me or not, I am still interested to know what they are going to reply. Haha. So, if I do get a reply... Will share it up too. If not, yeah well, you'll know that they're not bothered with one little customer like me...

KNO Hotel Review: Grand Swiss-Bel Hotel

Sometime in June last year, I trotted to the West Island of Indonesia, Sumatra – the city of Medan – with 2 of my friends to visit the world’s largest crater lake (Lake Toba). If you’re interested in reading up, click here. If not… About 8 months down the road, I went back to Medan again – this time for work, not leisure. The last time that I went to Medan, I didn't have time to visit the city centre. So, I was pretty excited to be back at the city centre.  However, reality failed to live up to my expectations. I’m not really sure what is the reason behind, but there seems to be a hidden slogan among the Medanese. I heard from my local colleagues, “Medanese are Loud and Proud”. Or something along these lines. And they are indeed loud. Everywhere in the city, you can hear cars honking at one another, getting irritated with one another for cutting lanes (as if that isn’t what you see in Indonesia everyday)…

I was really quite turn off by the way people handled traffic there. However, the people there were still pretty friendly. 

My main purpose there was for the preparation and the opening of Uniqlo’s first store in Medan City – the one and only at this point in time (2018). Yes, I went back twice and both times, I stayed at a nearby hotel. About a 5-10mins ride away (depending on the traffic).

Each time I checked into the hotel, there was a welcome drink. It tasted a lot like lemon grass cooked with a lot of sugar and water and steeped with ginger because the drink was rather ‘spicy’. According to the staff at the check-in counter, I was given an upgrade during my stay from February 22-23 but it didn’t really feel like an upgrade.

Besides the extra walkway space, since it was a corner room, it look similar as the images I saw online… Well, maybe for the additional sqm then.

But the second time I stayed there from March 14-16... Now this is what I call an upgrade! Hahaha.

I got upgraded to the business floor of the hotel, that comes with a bathtub! Awesome~! But the sad thing came, the bathtub was leaky. And I didn't know about it. So, after my bath, I found the flooded floor. Thankfully the bathroom door has a raised floor gap so the water doesn't flow out. Called housekeeping and they mentioned they will take a look the next morning but when I returned and bathed, it was still the same. Well, I had my bath, I felt good and I was already checking out the next day. So, frankly. I didn't bother anymore.

Random Lunch photo at the Mall

Aside from the leaky bathtub, my experience with Grand Swiss-Bel was rather decent. Then again, I’m pretty easy to satisfy I think. All I ask for is a clean bed with good pillows (preferably firm), clean towels, and a pair of indoor slippers. And if they would like to pamper me more, they can throw in a tub – which they did, albeit leaky! The only downside is that because this hotel is in the city centre, there is quite a lot of traffic even at night, and it can get a wee bit too noisy for comfort.

BKK Hotel Review: Siri Sathorn & Novotel Phloenchit

This came later than I expected. But here goes...

I don’t travel to Bangkok much for work. Early this year, I travelled twice to Bangkok for work. The first, I stayed at Siri Sathorn’s Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite from January 10-12, 2018 and the second, Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit’s Superior Twin Room from February 27 - March 3.

The 1st – Siri Sathorn

This is a place that I will usually stay if my schedule is just around my office because it is only within 5mins walking distance to my office. They are literally on the same street (or “Soi” if you call streets the local Thai way). Breakfast here is rather decent, and the rooms are always huge. I think one of the reason is also because Siri Sathorn serves as an serviced apartment as well.

If I travel alone, I usually would go on a 2D1N or 3D2N work trip. Either way, I usually get back to the hotel really tired and I don’t really get to enjoy the space. For a small girl like me, tired, I just want to sleep properly. HAHA.

The 2nd - Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

This hotel is located quite near the city centre and also near to the BTS station. This makes heading out much easier – although Grab is also very convenient in Bangkok. I usually book my rooms via Agoda, so, prices may vary from time to time. 

Nonethless, I thought this hotel was value for money. It was in a good location, with clean rooms, and friendly staff. I didn't quite use the facilities though (as usual), but they do have a pool and good breakfast!

Wayyy Overdue Review - SPARKLE TEETH WHITENING KIT

The number of Ys does not do the reviews justice on just how late this is.

Remember I travelled alot in March? Well, maybe not. Cause I haven't been updating. *Guilty much* I will write and complete the hotel reviews soon. Definitely within this two months for them to be up. They have to, since this is my low period. HAHA. Or else. God knows when I can update them again.

Anyhow…At the end of my trip to Thailand in March, I had too much time to spare at the airport so I decided to just walk around and randomly stumbled upon a whitening kit in BOOTS.
Yes, I did a very brief review about another whitening kit before. If you're interested to read, click here. Although don't expect much because I really didn't like how that kit worked.

So yes. Below is the whitening kit that I randomly chanced upon at BOOTS pharmacy. It's called Sparkle Whitening Kit.

The kit comes with 5 things/ parts:

1, Whitening Gel
2, Mouth guard
3, Carry case - for the mouth guard
4, Shade chart - shade codes are printed in reverse so it reads right in a mirror
5, Instruction/ Additional information booklet - although, unless you're able to read Thai, is as good as useless

How does it work?

1, Apply the gel to the mouth guard,
2, Fit mouth guard into your mouth,
3, Bite down and hold for 20mins.

Just. This. Simple.
And! There is no hassle. No need to insert battery. No need to charge it at all since it’s a non-light whitening kit.
One of the reasons why I am tempted – Especially after being ‘burnt’ by the last LED whitening kit.

Does it do what it says?

YES! I could see my teeth whiter in just one session.

From A2/B2 to a shade of A1/B1

The photos are not very clear (Sorry!)

That said, there are always 2 sides to a coin. While it does prove effective, there are slight problems that come with it…
First, take a good look at the mouth guard.

Don't see anything wrong? What about now?

HAHAHA. VERY UNGLAM, I KNOW.

What I’m trying to say is that this mouth guard makes you bite down with your lips turned out.
Not only does it require a lot of jaw strength to keep it bitten down, you know what happens when you can’t close your mouth? YOU DROOL!
So unless you're gonna stand over your sink for the 20mins or carry a bucket for your drool, I think it might be a good idea to buy a separate mouth guard. HAHAHA.

I got mine from qoo10. It's about 5 SGD for a pair but it’s so much easier to just set the trays and go about doing whatever it is you want to. Definitely better than the original mouth guard. I can’t remember exactly how much the SPARKLE WHITENING KIT retails at boots but it is approximately 500THB.

There's this one more thing that I didn't quite like about the whitening kit. Notice how there are white spots?

It does fade off well after a few hours. So, if you're going out on a date, I wouldn't advise this treatment before. It would be better to do it the night before. HAHA. Taste of this whitening gel is just like regular toothpaste.

So overall, price, taste, effectiveness and given that it says what it does.

I would give it an awesome 4.5/ 5.

0.5 deducted for the white spots after treatment and the stupid drooling mouth guard. If any of you are interested, you can try your luck on Airfrov if there are travellers going to Thailand to purchase them for you with a small (additional) margin. Cheers!

FAITH IN HUMANITY

I wasn't in my right mind, I think. 

When I got my boarding pass, I remembered very clearly that it stated: "Please be at the boarding gates before 1650". I looked at my watch that showed "1740" and I just sat there thinking why is this time so familiar? This train of thought continued with "Well, let's just send one more email".

And then it struck me. 

MY BOARDING TIME!
(It's an hour ahead because I didn't adjust my watch to cater to the time zone differences)

I haven't missed my flight yet. 

But I was about to. 

I took out my boarding pass again quickly to check and yes, I was right.
Boarding was scheduled at 1655.
Secretly panicking inside because my email is still stuck in my outbox and I really needed to have this sent out before my flight.
The moment it disappeared from my outbox, still wanting to be safe and responsible, I clicked on Sent Items to make sure it's there, and wham! Slammed my laptop shut, kept it and bolted off.

I literally ran to the gates, because I saw that the flight was boarding.
Now. Here's where it's worth writing... Humanity! Hahaha.

There's this additional security scan before the gates and the gates were still a distance away. The queue for this security scan was pretty long - about 10 people in front of me. As my watch showed 1748... I knew I had no choice but to embarrass myself and started apologising with "Hi there. I'm sorry but would it be possible for me to go first? My..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, all these strangers just moved aside and let me through.
There's this Caucasian guy (American, I think, by his accent) that even went, "Go Go! Good luck and safe flight!"

HAHAHA. THAT WAS UNEXPECTED.

First I was super worried that people won't let me through even after they hear my reason, like, "you're late for your flight so deal with it".
Yet they let me pass through so easily without even hearing the reason.
Then, that quick cheer that relieved a wee bit of tension in me!

SO MUCH FAITH RESTORED IN HUMANITY.
Who have I been dealing with all this while to have lost faith?

Robots maybe.

Anyway. I've gotta confess.
When I got to the gates, it wasn't even boarding yet. So here's a proper "Thank you" to all those that gave way to me and I'm sorry I cut your queues.

Thank you for the good cheer, Mr Caucasian. I'm pretty sure you'll never come across this and I can barely remember how you look like. But thank you for your kind words and for "cheering me on" to catch my flight. Under different circumstances, I would have loved to chat.

Albeit scammed by the digital screens, it was a good scare. I got to the gate (barely) on time, and managed to get home safe!

Guess I should always set an alarm 15mins prior to boarding time so I make my way there in good time. And maybe, it's my turn to let people through next... HAHAHAHA.

Till next time~

My one and only BAD SCOOT experience (thus far)

I actually wrote this entire post on my flight back from Bangkok in January. But I kept delaying to post it. Not too sure why myself. But I'm proud to say that I actually took scoot again in February, to the same destination, and there was no nonsense like that you'reabout to read.

FAITH IN SCOOT RESTORED!!!

DEFINITELY. GONNA. SCOOT. AGAIN.

So ya. In case you're wondering what bad experience I had or what nonsense I had to face... Read on...

You're having a bad day, maybe.
I get it. People do. Sometimes.
But here's what I don't get.

Everyone's heading home.

What does it take for you to be a little more friendly?
To accomodate that 1 simple question so that everyone gets to go home on time without delay?

No, you just had to sulk and walk away from that ONE SIMPLE QUESTION...
Is there any other space at the overhead compartments? My seat's full. "NO."

Hello! Walking away with a "No" does not help!
People just end up spending more time, trying to open already closed compartments to find space.
Seriously.
It's a small thing. But it irritates the hell out of me.

Yes, it's only a small thing so why am I writing about this?
Well. Stupid things pisses me off.
I hate how it irks me but things like these always happen.

I was seated at 8D.
It's one of those seats I call the in betweens.
Those parked right in the middle of the emergency exit and the front of the plane.
Those that doesn't matter what time you get to the gate, you will still be the last few to board.
I'm not complaining because this is the logical and efficient way - Fill up the back of the plane first then the front.

When I finally boarded the plane, I saw that the front compartments were almost full but the seats were only half filled. I didn't understand why since everyone's entitled to a max of 2 carry ons right? And right then, I saw.
A few people walked to the front to put their bags in the initially empty compartments and walked back to their seats. Usually I wouldn't care less cause I'll only have a backpack which I tuck into the seat in front of me. But this time, I am actually carrying an additional cabin luggage. When I walked to my seat, the overhead compartments was full. Packed but open. I looked to the back and saw that there are a few additional opened compartments. Out of courtesy, I asked the attendant (A) "Can I put this back there?". She replied, "Your seat no space already" and walked away.
Erm. I don't think you answered my question but I'll take that as your acknowledgement.
There were gaps in the back compartments so I went ahead to squeeze it back there.

Few mins later. Another lady came on board. Also seated in the in betweens, she asked "Is there any other space I can keep this? My seat's full." This same attendant (A) replied, "No" and walked off to the back of the plane. I initially thought she was going to the back to find space but no, she walked off to the tail of the plane past another attendant (B) that was still packing some baggages for other passengers. So guess what. This lady went to open the already closed compartments one by one and check if she could squeeze her baggage in. And I was like, "what the hell" and looked to the back. That attendant (A) was gone and another attendant (B) came to help. She offered to take her baggage a few seats down where she could squeeze it in.
Conclusion, no one seated at the in betweens have their baggage with them and they're all further at the back.

Now. This is really a question I want to ask. I kept thinking about this on the flight back. What should be the correct operating procedure? The SOP? I would assume that we should try to pack the compartments as close as possible before asking passengers to go to other compartments. Right? No?

It seems (and it is) so stupid that you allow people from the back to take space in front when the back isnt entirely full, then in turn, people from the front need to go to the back? Let's not talk about how much time is wasted before takeoff. Can you imagine how much more time and how chaotic the entire plane will be when it is parked? People from the front would be squeezing backwards while people at the back would be inching forward.

Seriously.
Stupidity at its finest.
Inefficiency at its best.

See. If I'm having a bad day, I'll want to end my shift as early and as fast as possible.
Head home.
Rest.

But it appears you're just trying everything to prolong your shift.

HELP. ME. I. CANNOT. UNDERSTAND.
Or help her, repair her brain a little.

I pray our paths will never cross again.
But if it does, I only hope you're "smarter".
Because I give up understanding stupidity.

Good luck. Bye.

Over in a flash

Chinese New Year is over in a flash. Yes, there are still gatherings going on, but technically, the holidays are over.

And here I am. In Indonesia, Medan on a business trip.

It's been a very long time since I've actually written something on my business trip and in the hotel. If my memory serves me right, the last time I did this was in KL. Which means, it was ages ago. HAHA. Cause I haven't been on a business trip to KL in more than 6 months.

Alright. Anyway, just here to share some thoughts. Actually 1. And it's somewhat random.
So. Has anyone tried Skin Inc Optimizer Devices before? 
With all this travelling, I am really tempted to get the new Voyage Tri-Light device.

HOW..?
It keeps appearing on my facebook, and instagram feed.

I. AM. SO. TEMPTED.

2017 in Review

I wanted to write this before the end of 2017 but January 2018 is almost over! Omg! 

Getting right to the point. The last few months of 2017 have been draining, physically and mentally, and weekends were naturally burnt for sleep, or to catch up on lost sleep. It took me quite some time to get back into routine yet I can hardly find time (and energy) to sit down and write something. Did I mention that I stopped swimming sometime in March and could not find the momentum back to continue? Even until now?

Looking back on 2017 and I’ll say it's a year of challenges – especially at work. 

A lot of changes and a whole lot of getting used to. 

In my company, organisational changes are very common every 6 months, people transferring in and out of teams. So, in Dec 2016, while I was still nursing the transfer (and taking over his portfolio) of colleague K in Sep 2016, I was told to be prepared for another transfer of colleague S that was due to happen in March 2017. Boss told me that the team in Singapore will downsize and move forward as a 2-man (or 1-man 1-woman) team, i.e., the Boss and me. That said, each country – particularly Thailand and Philippines – are expected to increase 1 member each so as to cope with the expansion speed. Yet sometime in Feb 2017, I heard news that I will also be expecting a new member here in SG. Frankly, I didn't quite understand why given that the local members have already increased. So yeah, 3 new comers in March to guide – 1 in SG, 1 in TH and 1 in PH. And on top of all that, our existing member in Philippines decided to leave the company (to somewhat pursue her dreams) and serve notice till September. I was so sad/ disappointed (not sure what word best describes how I felt) that I was the only girl left in the team, again? Just like when we started, but with a team of different people. But yes, the hunt for a replacement began and frankly I wasn’t having high hopes of another girl being assigned. Yet when the name came in, I went, “OH! It’s her!” – like a parent finding out the gender of their child for the first time. HAHAHA. Anyway, she was then assigned to begin in Jul 2017, so that the existing member could give proper OJT.

I would have thought that all this was enough changes to introduce to ONE TEAM for a year but, god was I wrong. 3 newcomers in March and 1 in July AND that’s hardly the end of it. In June/ July 2017, my boss started prepping me for his departure secretly. He told me that he is wanted back in Japan by the officers but there was little news as to what his next designation would be. In any case, I would be expecting a new boss by September 2017. 

WHAT THE HELL?!

Honestly, I didn't think it made sense at all. 

First, I am the only “surviving member” from the original team.

Second, I am currently juggling the training of 4 members, ensuring that their quality and standard stay the same or better.

Third and on top of all that, I need to figure out my new boss?

I am only 1 person.

How is it possible to manage?

Can it even be possible? 

Well, I couldn't and dare not even think more about it so I spoke to my boss about my concerns and being the ‘father’, he told me that he will always be there to support me whenever I needed his help, wherever he is. SO SWEET & NICE! BUT HELLO?! The stress building on my shoulders is no joke. It’s no wonder why my shoulders are getting stiffer day by day. HAHAHA. Anyway, for the sake of differentiation so that I don't get confused writing this while you read, he shall be referred to as “Papa Boss” hereon.

Prepping for Papa Boss’ departure was the hardest ever – more so than Colleague K and Colleague S whom I worked with for 3 years each, both entering and leaving the team 6 months apart. As I mentioned earlier, as the last standing member of the original team, I’ve worked with Papa Boss for a total of 4.5 years (March 2013 – Sep 2017). He’s always a tough boss, asking for the best of the best, ensuring that no compromises were made in the process of the opening. Sometimes he is so anal that you don't know what you can answer, except accept the fact that you could have done better. Yet he is also a father figure to me for guiding me and teaching me everything I know with regards to the work I do. 

For every transfer, I always tell them that there is no permanent farewell in this company because we’re always moving around. Yet somehow, when it came to Papa Boss’ transfer, I didn't trust my own words. I knew he was moving out of the brand (within the same company) and it felt too real, that this part of history, this part of what made me – me, was leaving. That said, I promised myself that there shall be no tears! Not that I am an unfeeling bitch, but I thought that I should be remembered the way I always am, positive and laughing. So yeah, no tears! 

And when the new boss came, it felt like I had to start anew. It took time to understand the new boss and his style of working. Coupled with the potential language barrier, damn was it draining. It got easier day by day and I guess, it was easier for me to understand what he wants to convey by reading the atmosphere and inferring it with the knowledge I had. All the good training from Papa Boss came in handy. Muahahaha. New boss is a areally nice guy. He sat me down and asked me what I needed from him. I told him that I felt like I’m stuck at a bottleneck if all I’m going to do is the same things all over. So, he promised to give me more opportunities at work and more learning opportunities to grow. So yeah, let’s just say everything with the new boss is good and I just need to get my head straight with the trainees. 

Anyhow. Enough about work. On a lighter and personal note, I am pretty happy that I manage to take more trips and explore more places in 2017 (albeit some of them were because of work).

• January – Port Dickson
• February – JB 
• March – JB 
• April – KL, Shanghai
• May – Bandung
• June – Genting, Medan
• July –JB
• August – Surabaya
• September – Surabaya
• October – JB
• November – JB
• December – New Zealand

If you search under the hashtag #ellietrotsabroad, it seems like I’m travelling every month! Although there are frequent trips for work (#nssnso) too.

In any case.

Thank you, 2017, for being such a challenging year. 

I believe 2018 will be easier because I am stronger. 

Here’s to more journeys and adventures in 2018…