I was supposed to...

...write about this new massage place that I was gonna try a last month. But the thing is, I didn't get to try it afterall. And hence, the no follow-up.

After consideration, I decided to write about it afterall. And here's the story why I failed to get my massage...

There’s this up and coming massage place called Feethaven.
They have a few outlets in Singapore and one of them is located very near my place at Serangoon Gardens.

The intention was to try them out and if they’re good, they’ll be my go to massage place whenever my body tires.
I had an off day on a weekday, and I wanted to make it my self-love pampering time.
So, I booked a mani/pedi in the early afternoon, and the massage in the evening before a dinner catchup with my friends.
The mani and pedi went well, got my desired nails and got rid of all the dead skins and excess cuticles.
When travelling to my 2nd stop, i.e. Feethaven, it started pouring and I didn't have my umbrella with me.

To be a responsible customer, I tried to call the outlet to inform them that I may be late – especially since traffic is bad in the rain.
However, no one picked up the phone.
So, I tried to text to the whatsapp number – provided on the site for booking – to inform them about my potential delay.
And I received a reply! From the boss, no less. He mentioned that he understood the situation and it’s fine that I’ll be slightly delayed.

However! When I finally reached the outlet, the recep was so rude.
I was 15mins late. And usually, like restaurants, you would expect them to hold an appointment for at least 15mins.

So here’s how the conversation went.
Ellie (E): Sorry, I’m late. My appointment was at 330pm.
Recep (R): You late. No masseuse now liao. I call you, you never pick up. So I give other people walk-in.
E: I didn't receive any call from you (showing phone call logs), and in fact, I called your outlet wanting to inform that I may be late but no one picked up.
R: No one free, how to pick up. So late somemore, no more slot liao.
E: I texted the whatsapp number and your boss replied that its fine for 15mins. So, is there any other slot?
R: You text me boss also no use. You can wait lo. 1.5hr later. 5pm start.
E: 5pm is so late. I can’t. I have another appointment.
R: Who ask you late.
E: Yeah, I apologised when I arrived. But it’s okay since can’t wait.
R: Cannot wait, then bye.

To which, I replied by turning and leaving the place.
But this rude recep’s attitude was really haunting me. So, I texted the same whatsapp number again with a kind intention knowing that there is no way a place selling services can do well with bad service attitudes.
The boss replied. Quickly. Told me that he was sorry about the inconvenience and that the usual recep was on MC.
And this guy was a masseuse who was also acting as a recep. In my head, I was thinking… “So, its you. You are my scheduled masseuse but you rejected me saying there’s no one”.
I asked the same thing to the boss. But instead of falling into my trap, he offered me complimentary foot massage at any of his 3 locations.
To which, I kindly decline. With this type of masseuse, I don't think I’ll step into their outlets ever again, even though the boss was quick on recovery. I wouldn't want such a rude guy to massage me either.

So yes, they lost a new and potentially returning customer, aka me.
Informing him of how his frontline staff actually acted was like a responsibility of mine since I am also in the service line. And I know how bad service thwarts businesses.
Well. You be your own judge but I’ll be boycotting them!

An #elliehonestreview. #notsponsorednotinfluenced.

In a blink.

It's already mid-March!
Where did January and February go?
I feel like I haven't done enough and March is already leaving in 2 weeks.
What's this sorcery? Hahaha.

Anyway. Haven't been writing much because there is nothing for me to write. No ideas yet but look out for my next review of a massage place. Hahaha.

I think the last time I actually reviewed a massage parlour in Singapore is actually 2 years ago for "Rule of Thumb". And lately, I've been travelling to jb for massage. Maybe I should write about that as well. Okay. I will try to snap pics the next time I'm there and then write a detailed review for all.

So yes. Its gonna be a self maintenance day tomorrow because I'll be on leave. Off work to a manicure, good 'ol shoulder and foot massage to a hair cut - or trim as you may call it. Since I'm only trimming off the ends. Hahaha.

I'm trying out this new massage place tomorrow. In Singapore and not jb. Hahaha. It's one of the up and coming massage parlours I think. Well, let's see how it goes and I'll update soon I promise! Cheers to a good Thursday! TGIF tomorrow guys. Have fun~

The Mad Sailors

Whenever I am meeting up with my poly friends, we would always be troubled because we don't know where to go. As this clique is a 'halal' clique, we always ended up at the same places and we are bored. So one day, I came across this on facebook and we decided to try and check this list, one by one.

As usual, we were a bunch of people who couldn't decide what to eat. So when we finally started calling restaurants for reservations on Christmas week, most places are filled - with the exception of the #10 on the list, i.e. The Mad Sailors (aka the title of today's post).

The restaurant is located at Haji lane with interesting decor.

Just round the corner of the Mad Sailors

Decor on the second floor. 

  

Yes. The theme is mostly doors! All sorts of old school doors.

While the store's decor was interesting, we weren't too impressed with the food. Yahoo mentioned that "This, my friends, is comfort food at its finest." but I really didn't think so.

Partial Photo of what we ordered.
Fish & Chips (Cod & Dory), Marmite Wings, Truffle Chips

This photo above was only a partial photo of what we actually ordered. There were 2 more dishes that came later which weren't in the photo. One by one... I'l give you my 2 cents.

One, Fish & chips. We ordered Dory and Cod. Both of which started off quite well. Until the fish cools, you start to have trouble cutting. What do I mean? Well, the batter was thick and the fish separated from the batter. So, essentially you are eating either the batter on its own, or the fish itself. Not good - 1.5/5?

Two, Marmite wings! What you see in the middle of the picture. I think this is quite alright since I am a fan of marmite myself. But for my friends, they didn't quite like it. Personally, it's a 3/5.Try it for yourself.

Three, Truffle Chips. I gotta say, this is a major fail. There was hardly any taste of truffle, and the chips were just oily. We were better off with the regular chips that came with our fish. Haha. 1/5.

Four, Hunky Dory. When we first ordered this, we would have expected some Dory but apparently 'Hunky Dory' is just a slang and this pasta has no dory(s). It's an aglio olio pasta with supposedly large prawns. But what came was small shrimps. Again, disappointing. The taste was also not impressive. I would rather have my aglio olio at Wicked Garlic with my 5 large tiger prawns that is also cheaper than this. (P.s. Hunky Dory was about 18bucks, but Wicked Garlic Tiger Prawns Aglio Olio was about 14bucks). Conclusion, 2/5.

Five, Dory & Mash. The portion is just small and the taste doesn't appeal to us again. Sadly. The only thing we liked about this dish, the mash! HAHAHA! So, I will give it a 2/5 as well.

Yeah. Total damage for that night was slightly more than 100. If I didn't remember wrongly, it was about 120. Sorry but it really wasn't worth it. Final Verdict... 1.9/5.

Frankly, I did see quite a few good reviews about this place. So we were really excited to try it out. And because of the expectations, we were really disappointed. I thought it might be a good idea to share our thoughts. Oh well! It could be just us not knowing how to appreciate the food but if you're game for it, try it for yourself. Sorry this post came so late! Been too busy with CNY and work lately. Till next time~

ACUVUE® Oasys® 1-Day, The Lens That Keeps Up With My Demanding Days...

In my quarter of a century existence (Yes, I am proudly saying this since my birthday is officially over. Hahaha), I have been wearing glasses for almost 2/3 of my life. I started wearing glasses (full-time) since Primary 2 and have always preferred glasses for my day-to-day activities. Frankly, the reason why I always stuck to glasses – even though I hated how much it fogs when I run and how I can’t see anything when I swim – is because of 1 simple reason – Laziness! Oops =X. Anyhow, about 10 years ago, a friend asked me to give contact lenses a try and I did, starting with dailies. Although daily contact lenses were more expensive, it all boils down to the same reason (*coughs* Laziness *ahem*) because I didn't want to go through the trouble of washing or cleaning my lenses and knowing myself (how lazy I may get), I don't want to risk getting an eye infection. So, I decided that dailies would be my go-to then on.

Just few weeks back, I’ve had the opportunity of an eye examination courtesy of SingPost/ Sample Store and ACUVUE®. I went online to get myself registered and got a $30 e-voucher before getting my lenses. You can too! I will share the download and redemption details further down in this post…

After registering yourself, you will notice a long list (A very comprehensive list!) of eye care providers listed where you can utilise and redeem this $30 e-voucher. So naturally, human instincts, I chose the one closest to me… Eyechamp Flagship at nex (Serangoon MRT station). Not only was it located close to my house, I often pass by the store and each time I do, it never fails to impress me - the clean white concept of the store and rows of glasses on display! It’s no wonder they called it their Flagship outlet!

Photo Courtesy of Eyechamp

I made an appointment before heading down to their outlet and met up with one of their Optometrist, Yock Teng – who’s, by the way, very friendly. When I arrived in store, it could be peak hour after dinner crowd but they seemed a little short-handed. Nonetheless, Yock Teng kindly informed me to take a seat at their special and cosy “ACUVUE® corner” and she’ll get to me shortly.

Photo Courtesy of Eyechamp

When she came over, she started asking how was my day, and what I do at work, etc. Initially I thought she was only asking that to make conversations but, I was wrong! She was trying to find out my daily routine and requirement and explain how I can benefit if I used the ACUVUE® Oasys® 1-Day lenses compared to other daily lenses. As I was wearing my glasses, Yock Teng asked if she could check the degree on it first and then check on my eyes later so I passed her my glasses and stayed “almost blind” for a minute just sitting there. My degrees are pretty high, approximately 650 on each eye. And once she came back, she directed me to “Shin-san”, the eye machine where you stare at a hot air balloon image while they check your eyes briefly…

Shin-Nippon AKA "Shin-san"

She then led me to the refraction room to settle down while she prepares…

Yes, you're seeing a mini reflection of me in the mirror

Before we started with the regular refraction test, where they add and remove lenses to check your degrees, she set my face on another machine and did an eye health check for me.

Is it just me, but, having worn glasses for so many years, I have never once recalled an eye health check before. Never! So this eye health check was a new and a pretty interesting experience.

After the eye check, Yock Teng mentioned that I had Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. It sounds so chim right? But she said it’s nothing serious and it usually happens when I rub my eyes. She asked if I often rub my eyes since I am always looking at the computer screen and all… And yes, I am very guilty. In any case, to recover from it, all I had to do was 1, to resist rubbing my eyes, and 2, to ensure my eye lids are kept clean and oil free by cleaning it with lid wipes for the next 2 weeks or so and it will clear naturally.

The eye health chart is on the right panel

After the refraction test, she mentioned there was a slight increase in my left eye degree. As all eye tests, we know how straining it can get and with that increase, I realised images got even sharper and my eyes got more tired. She asked if I wanted to increase my contact lens degrees but I highlighted that I was worried the sharpness would give me a headache at work with the computer screens and all. She understood my concern, and suggested that I retain my current degree for now and return to get new prescriptions if I feel I can’t see as clear after anymore.

I think I mentioned earlier about their special and cosy “ACUVUE® corner”. They do support lens fitting for first time users here as well so you won’t get lost on what to do when you first put on contact lenses. I wish when I first started wearing contacts, there were such “tutorials”. It would have been so much more helpful knowing and learning from the experts, rather than fumbling through on your own.

All these testing took approximately 30mins and Yock Teng made sure I was comfortable with her speed. In fact, because there was minimal increase in my degree, I was left very confused in the refraction room when she asked me to compare lens 1 and lens 2. Kudos to her patience! In any case, I left the store a happy customer with my new ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day lenses that retails for $72 per box (for 30 lenses). I have different degree on each eye so, I got one of each and with the $30 e-voucher, I only paid $114 for 2 boxes! Whee… Cheers to more savings!

I couldn't wait to start wearing my lenses, to test out “the lens that keeps up with my demanding days” like what ACUVUE® claims. So, I started my first pair a few days later when I went out for bowling! I was really amazed at how comfortable the eyes felt when I first put it on. And how, even with the strong air-conditioning in the bowling alley, my eyes stayed comfortable with no dryness at all. Even though I’ve only worn it for approximately 8 hours that day, and approximately 3 hours in the bowling alley, I could feel the difference because my previous lenses would have left my eyes dry and you would definitely see me “pouring” eye drops!

Me with the lenses and my mum...

The next week, I stepped up the challenge and wore my ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day lenses to work! Muahahaha! The ultimate test of computer screens and a night out – donning the lenses for a total of 16hours (leaving the house at 0700hrs, and returning home approximately 2300hrs). 

Guess what? Again, unlike my previous lenses where they tend to dry out by the 8 hour mark, the ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day lens actually lasted till the end of the day. I had my eye drops on standby because I knew I had a long day but the amazing thing was that I didn't need it at all. Even the removal was easy. For those of you that have habits of wearing your daily lenses for long hours would know that some lenses dry out faster and are pretty difficult to remove. But the ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day lens was pretty alright! Seriously #achievementunlocked! Definitely my go-to lenses for a long and active day!

Try it for yourself and #seemyworld!

You can download the $30 e-voucher from http://www.acuvue.com.sg/e-voucher

Each box of ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day consists of 30 lenses and retails at SGD $72.

Do note that the voucher can also be used for other ACUVUE® key brands such as Define™, MOIST® for Astigmatism, MOIST® Brand Multifocal.

However, I would strongly suggest that you give the ACUVUE® OASYS® 1-Day a try. Especially for first jobbers’, these lenses are sure to help you transit from your student life into a more demanding working lifestyle.

“This post was created in partnership with SingPost / Sample Store and ACUVUE®”

Oh right… Before I end off…. FUN FACT!

You know how sometimes when you put in your contact lenses and they don't sit right? You feel that nagging tinge on your eye that makes you want to remove your contact lenses, flip them, and put them in again? With almost all ACUVUE® lenses, you will never have to do that and waste any time. If you look at the lens package, and realise there is a lens logo with 123 printed, try looking even closer on the actual contact lenses before putting them in your eyes. 

I don't know if you can see. It's beside the CE

You should be able to see the same laser-marked 123 on the lenses. Put them in and they will fit just right! If you see 321, it means your lenses are inverted and the fit would not be comfortable. Flip them before wearing and you won’t have to suffer the nagging tinge at all!

I STILL GOTTA SAY IT!

Even when I think you’re all sick of hearing it… IT’S BEEN A BUSY DECEMBER! I’m serious. December freaking just zoomed past! Hahaha. My birthday marks almost half the month gone. And, as you probably know… that was an amazing week!

So moving on from there, everyday still felt very festive to me. Since December is my birthday month and, there’s Christmas… Also New Year’s Eve! Could be the concept of “12 days of giving” since Christmas is exactly 12 days from my birthday! Muahahaha. Anyhow, I prepared Christmas gifts for my colleagues – small thoughts – since my Korea trip. Was shopping and saw a few Christmas ideas and bought from there. So, no last minute shopping this year. All was prepared since October! Hahaha. There was a bit of brainstorming done for the boy gifts but I eventually decided that food would be the best. I ordered some clear Christmas ornaments from Taobao and thought it would be good and cute as a gift but there were a few that came mismatched so, I ended up having lesser “balls” than I initially planned.

Chocolates in a Christmas Ornament~

Had the intention to pack the girl gifts so I went to SKP to get the mesh drawstring bags and to get the bulk price, I decided that this would also serve as a backup for the boy snacks. Hahaha.

Gudetama~! I forgot to take the snacks in this mesh bag...

Usually December is the month to catch up with friends because there are so many reasons to and no reasons not to! So, there were impromptu “Secret Santa” planned and I had to go buy gifts last minute. Hahaha. Did you know, there are websites that help you coordinate “Secret Santa” with your friends? We used ‘Drawnames.com’ but I’m pretty sure there are more out there. Everything is so easy. One person will be the group admin, enter the agreed budget and criteria (if any) as well as all members email addresses. Everyone would then receive an email invitation from Drawnames to join the group. Once you’ve accepted, (as a Santee) you can either decide to be surprised or provide your Santa with a wish list. If everyone in the group has accepted, you will receive another email from Drawnames to see your Drawn name. And that person is your Secret Santee! Simple and Easy. Really amazed at how people think of these ideas…

Xmas Presents! So loved...

Xmas Presents Part 2...

Catch-ups happened on 23-Dec (Friday night!) at The Mad Sailors and 24-Dec (Christmas Eve morning), where we actually Cocoichibanya (Japanese Curry) at 10am. Yes, Level 2 spicy level on a Saturday morning! Hahaha. And another intimate catch up at a friend’s place on the night of Christmas Eve. It just had to be pouring the entire day. Cold and wet… Tsk. Anyhow, off topic… I will be writing a review about The Mad Sailors soon…

23-Dec TGIF catch-up...

Now that Christmas is over, it is almost immediate that we see Chinese New Year (CNY) decorations. In 2017, CNY will also be in January which is why retailers are all throwing gifting strong discounts (still!) from Christmas all the way till end January! Don’t stop shopping! Hahaha! But, do take care of your wallets…

2017 is just 2 days away! 

Are you ready for it?
Have you looked back on 2016?
Did you manage to fulfil your 2016 resolutions?
Will you be coming up with resolutions for 2017? 

Hahaha. Many questions huh. Think about it when you’re bored. For now, enjoy the New Year ’s Eve (NYE) weekend! It’s Friday! Although I don't usually celebrate New Year’s Eve because my mother’s birthday also falls on 31 December! Each year, we’ll have dinner out and then head home to watch the fireworks, on TV, or outside the flat, depending on where the fireworks are being released (If this is the right term for it). Hahaha. But the main point is to avoid the crazy crowds everywhere. Nonetheless, have a good NYE! And till the countdown starts for 2017, HAVE A BLAST... for whatever remaining 2016 time! 

December 19...

It's been a week since my birthday and I'm still receiving a few belated wishes. No, I'm not complaining at all! It's precisely because of my birthday (this small insignificant event) that I've managed to get in contact with some old friends whom I haven't contacted in a year or more! Really amazed at how little events like this can rekindle friendships and memories! So yes, I know that December is going to be another fast month. Although the birthday's over but with Christmas and New Year's coming, it means more social nights and more "relaxed" at work since the bosses are hardly around. Hahaha.

Right. I really feel very thankful and frankly, feeling a little off this year. Somehow, I felt too pampered. Not too sure why I felt this way but a friend was saying, its the "Quarter of a Century" crisis. Muahahaha. Anyhow, it has never been a tradition to celebrate birthdays in my household. All we do on birthdays are mostly a good dinner out and that's about it. My parents tell me that one does not need to celebrate so many birthdays - only the ones that count, i.e., Your 1st, 21st, 60th, and possibly the decades after. So yes, there were so many wishes and gifts this year that I felt too pampered and that I have not done enough to receive. It may be hard to understand and difficult to explain so, I'm just going to end this post with all the love I've received.

Birthday (Log) Cake from the colleagues!
I know I look damn tired. Omg!

Gifts from the colleagues

From one of my BFW

A ladies night out...

My birthday gift for myself... Just ONE! Hahaha

Pre-Birthday Steamboat!

Gift from the team!

And finally...

Makeshift Birthday cake!

Service kudos!

Yesterday, I went to pamper myself with a long overdue manicure at Belle&Co, Far East Plaza with my favourite Manicurist, Kim!

Told her my ideas and she will always magically combine/ create everything so nicely. I wanted these nails to last through Christmas and New Year. So, theres a christmas ornament on my left hand and wine glasses on my right. Kim's always very accommodating to me and my habits. Because I bowl quite often, and I'm a right hander, there's a certain limit as to what I can do on my right hand. So, she'll think of ways to spice up the nails while making the hands look "symmetrical". Hahaha. Always happy with her services and her hands!

Anyhow. While I was there, we sort of witness some sort of police raiding. Not too sure what exactly happened or transpired... but, we saw 2 big guys going into the store and within 5mins, started throwing out black bags of stuff. By black bags, I mean those black trash bags but the contents look nothing like trash. And, after a while, we saw them bringing out the massage beds. Muahahaha. This whole process took less than 15mins. And they cleared everything, bringing everything with them within 20mins of their arrival. Okay. Enough with the kaypo-ness... I finished my manicure shortly and left. Headed to Chinatown to grab some necessities.

Instead of changing trains, I decided to take a bus. So there's few buses that go to chinatown/ people's park area... Right. So I took bus 54 from Far East Plaza to Chinatown Point. This bus driver uncle was so nice and friendly. He greeted every single commuter when we tapped in. And when we tapped out, he popped his head out to say, "Thank you! Have a nice day!" In my mere 20min ride, I saw him repeatedly doing this for each and every commuter and each bus stop! This kind of service just makes your day. Even when you're having a bad day, this just brightens up everything! I'm sorry for not knowing bus driver uncle's name. Just kudos to Bus Driver Uncle of Service 54, SBS6671A!!