tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60465749356554304962024-03-09T02:08:21.736-08:00That Whimsical Blogger!A Lifestyle Review Blog
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-8245355125818277032015-12-18T06:25:00.002-08:002015-12-18T06:25:54.142-08:00Coffee Review: Gevalia India Malabar Ground Coffee<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm17_mIrXYEo9K8tK93QOlBbgFWWcIC28VRPd3p23O2vIXfRq3YwSgloBvEznhoDvCNK4yKWkS_Fb_NFmB4iR-gWNhcX-pSn7Y1F-p05rpXu8oc05VSDnkruezZPuJ0p-3P3E2xqpPy_E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-18+at+10.24.25+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm17_mIrXYEo9K8tK93QOlBbgFWWcIC28VRPd3p23O2vIXfRq3YwSgloBvEznhoDvCNK4yKWkS_Fb_NFmB4iR-gWNhcX-pSn7Y1F-p05rpXu8oc05VSDnkruezZPuJ0p-3P3E2xqpPy_E/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-12-18+at+10.24.25+pm.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gevalia India Malabar. Image credit: Google</td></tr>
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Oh Gevalia, how I love thee (second to Lindvall's, though).<br />
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Introducing Gevalia's India Malabar Ground Coffee, a dark roast coffee blend with hints of chocolate and a touch of smoke. I discovered this particular blend when the store at Ofvandahl's in Uppsala Sweden told me they used "Indian coffee", by which I think they meant Indian dark roast coffee.<br />
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For those of us residing in Southeast Asia, this is quite similar to the typical coffee we enjoy here which is darker in roast. However, whilst we typically drink robusta beans which has been roasted with hearty doses of sugar and fatty margarine, Gevalia's India Malabar Ground Coffee is made of Arabica beans which tends to be more flavourful and less cloying on the tongue.<br />
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I much prefer this blend to regular dark roast robusta, to be honest.<br />
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A decent blend to try, if you enjoy richer tasting coffees. <br />
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-62947224075059407212015-06-13T09:36:00.001-07:002015-06-13T09:38:12.573-07:00Michelle Chen - a "fat" xiaolongnu<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja21aXS0gPmpL_5A8dhyKsGgquI_AqjDVzj1RkxUpXsllOq8IanZDPOCun9_922fffLTJkbCNrCMiWP2sc_yra73TNezIdCCK4Lc6lRUgvTCZIJoVYb3T-x4MtqAm93UoARbPu-PFlUGE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.22.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja21aXS0gPmpL_5A8dhyKsGgquI_AqjDVzj1RkxUpXsllOq8IanZDPOCun9_922fffLTJkbCNrCMiWP2sc_yra73TNezIdCCK4Lc6lRUgvTCZIJoVYb3T-x4MtqAm93UoARbPu-PFlUGE/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.22.33+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently, a favourite show for my dad and I to tune into is the Legends of the Condors (神雕侠侣) at 11pm on Channel 8. Now, since my last vague memory of this series had our local actress Fann Wong as XLN (yeah, I know, that was eons ago), I could watch this show on a clean slate.</div>
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I found that the character of xiaolongnu was played by someone(ahem, Michelle Chen) who looked girlish and of a natural beauty, a clear contrast to the surrounding female cast who looked like they had way too much makeup and plastic surgery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8z-be9IuGvvRBtdaBsDS9ndYT_9JuTiFUQ5QlkzN8or39_-A_k63WvK-Y3Sq04b4eRP-BY1jVWTcqP52ApSuqjSd2IFQiRLIKkILrkHOAhmSKyWDBwRtAcmD3nTg8e4yGDb8Ulk7eU8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.23.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8z-be9IuGvvRBtdaBsDS9ndYT_9JuTiFUQ5QlkzN8or39_-A_k63WvK-Y3Sq04b4eRP-BY1jVWTcqP52ApSuqjSd2IFQiRLIKkILrkHOAhmSKyWDBwRtAcmD3nTg8e4yGDb8Ulk7eU8/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.23.49+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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"No, netizens said she's the ugliest xiaolongnu ever, especially when compared to the actress playing Li Mochou," my dad would say when I remarked how pretty Michelle Chen was in the drama series. I was positively aghast. The actress playing Li Mochou looks like the typical plastic surgery ideal - fake and pretentious, which is far more suited for the character.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugL2Apqj1KoGLMygkUODPXCfJBrljrJUpqlliVbHtdRRbX457qPGzljJ-0k4zhFpM2ZVKWBs-JDSouwjJElPieCwSQOVPivZtqgJWx4-j_ovnzG6JH26nkyve9xy_UJne6KgmCNcurEg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.25.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugL2Apqj1KoGLMygkUODPXCfJBrljrJUpqlliVbHtdRRbX457qPGzljJ-0k4zhFpM2ZVKWBs-JDSouwjJElPieCwSQOVPivZtqgJWx4-j_ovnzG6JH26nkyve9xy_UJne6KgmCNcurEg/s200/Screen+Shot+2015-06-14+at+12.25.18+AM.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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In contrast, someone who plays xiaolongnu should be someone who is dead serious about staying and guarding the tomb, oblivious and unaffected by the ideals of the outside world. In short, someone whose so-called ethereal beauty is the raw beauty of a woman. Someone who's perhaps even naive and childlike, just like Michelle Chen who still has cute cheeks (hello, she's NOT fat FYI). Thus, Michelle Chen fits this role. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="yt watch-title-container" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="神鵰俠侶(2014)第16集(陳曉、陳妍希、張馨予、楊明娜、鄭國霖)">張馨予, who played Li Mochou, </span></span></h1>
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<span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="神鵰俠侶(2014)第16集(陳曉、陳妍希、張馨予、楊明娜、鄭國霖)"><span style="font-size: small;">looks more like a low-grade porno actress than xiaolongnu-worthy</span></span></h1>
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When netizens screamed at how Michelle Chen doesn't portray the role of xiaolongnu well with her cutesy behaviour, I'm inclined to agree somewhat that there's a hint of The Apple of my Eye coming into this show. However, given how there's comedic relief on the Yang Guo's part in this drama series, the bubbly nature of Michelle Chen is a complement to this light-hearted set of script.</div>
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To some, this drama represents the criminal butchering of 神雕侠侣. To me, I found it a refreshing change.<br />
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Well if you've actually read this far, I applaud you. This is a mere rant against the superficial general crowd.<br />
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Until next time~<br />
~J </div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-56222193536275854742015-05-29T07:50:00.002-07:002015-05-29T08:24:34.778-07:00Skincare Review: Skinfood Peach Sake<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEcTASQx05QH4mYJjWMcrFSl2jiNBU7SS4MFTVvA7Pap2OZICP9m6Y1-rV8yWOa4JGTR6vqnb1T3zkV5OXAZVxurjRk_rJ6apGw9pN95sHh3JI0PAZ3TVuDdVU-Jw5hxa7lAwHy40Lak/s640/blogger-image--550338496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEcTASQx05QH4mYJjWMcrFSl2jiNBU7SS4MFTVvA7Pap2OZICP9m6Y1-rV8yWOa4JGTR6vqnb1T3zkV5OXAZVxurjRk_rJ6apGw9pN95sHh3JI0PAZ3TVuDdVU-Jw5hxa7lAwHy40Lak/s320/blogger-image--550338496.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach Sake Toner & Emulsion - S$11.70 each at DFS Changi</td></tr>
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Oh gosh, I honestly have been lemming for Skinfood's Peach Sake range since forever. I'm quite a sucker for the scent of juicy peaches and this range nails it. Also the bottles are so delightfully cute! Look at them! Like petite little sake bottles for the skin!</div>
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Unfortunately, I did not manage to buy it for a long time as the steep prices at the local Skinfood outlets (read: $3x +++) was such a turn-off given that Skinfood doesn't seem particularly premium but commands a premium prices in our local stores. In fact, it is fairly affordable in Korea.</div>
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Fast forward…</div>
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I was at Changi's duty free arrival area the other day and spotted these little darlings going at just $11.70 per bottle! WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS REAL SOMEONE SLAP ME AM I DREAMING?! Well, it is true. It is soooooooooooo cheap compared to what was sold in the stores here. Needless to say, despite lugging back 20+ bottles of Naruko from Taiwan, I grabbed these two bottles along with 2 other skin food products and merrily trudged to the counter.</div>
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"I'LL TAKE THESE NOW THANK YOU!" I boomed at the sales staff. No, just kidding; although I am really quite psyched about the prices.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNFetXFrlZnL8aNmxrF4yMbEVs3YmhiXvQ_OEbb8GqzOoOUYCxcA6Z12RKsp4_qqEyZDOJEMMZZEWu9XtTyaRiZwFBwGRclVJpm0rG-Z3-jL6iaQCn8eedW67cmuW7pDB6koak3TiMEE/s640/blogger-image-505052807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNFetXFrlZnL8aNmxrF4yMbEVs3YmhiXvQ_OEbb8GqzOoOUYCxcA6Z12RKsp4_qqEyZDOJEMMZZEWu9XtTyaRiZwFBwGRclVJpm0rG-Z3-jL6iaQCn8eedW67cmuW7pDB6koak3TiMEE/s400/blogger-image-505052807.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Pretty pretty</td></tr>
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Just as I have remembered, the peach sake range smells so delightfully of happy, juicy peaches with an everlasting nectar supply. Just smelling them made me instantly happy and ready to dance into the rainbow and ride a unicorn ....heh. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzknqMxXd5QM68fXX6foTkOa2wdY89gZuYRe8xBUpjdofh4u5A8RMdouIwx1qA-sVXg9jF_oKTz0CGyV8zfEvxR3X4Ed9HyjEX-1zssq1uMEhm_Vucndd4xbpnhXF7-ItbDea-H_ZEbw/s640/blogger-image--1837005063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzknqMxXd5QM68fXX6foTkOa2wdY89gZuYRe8xBUpjdofh4u5A8RMdouIwx1qA-sVXg9jF_oKTz0CGyV8zfEvxR3X4Ed9HyjEX-1zssq1uMEhm_Vucndd4xbpnhXF7-ItbDea-H_ZEbw/s400/blogger-image--1837005063.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: toner, bottom: emulsion.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This product provides almost zero moisturising ability and serves as a great oil reduction product for my T-zone areas, saving me the embarrassment of looking like a disco ball in our sunny Singapore.</div>
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I've only been using them for a couple of days so I might come back in the future to update on the post, if needed.</div>
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Till then, darlings. :)</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Jasmine</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-26002317313298523282015-05-13T06:25:00.001-07:002015-05-13T06:44:57.089-07:00Skincare Review: Naruko Apple Seed Toner<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAickX2SsTra-2BmXGBJCdyZoGZNh50KBYtnrqtBpQTw6jNOVKsrEepunRB3Vg4fovkz8grrnD8Ggu-80o_2R6qTHvZRF4AycqvB1Nrq9AXtgky5oPuiOGMF1lpkzOhtb8jpsqFa7nVY/s640/blogger-image--1436896371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciS0WU2xHNKKoM-gfljxGLa6mLLePQoZZPHDj1DM22Bpq4xyYMmzBc9bFLxv8K_wPmwg6PVqn-ZXWgPBPUpQYor9UpjneVRyUCKTDbZ5k5aHULCfep96CRN4fb2_MjXLu6xducb1HWfo/s640/blogger-image--1586253145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naruko Apple Seed Toner</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciS0WU2xHNKKoM-gfljxGLa6mLLePQoZZPHDj1DM22Bpq4xyYMmzBc9bFLxv8K_wPmwg6PVqn-ZXWgPBPUpQYor9UpjneVRyUCKTDbZ5k5aHULCfep96CRN4fb2_MjXLu6xducb1HWfo/s640/blogger-image--1586253145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Hello to all y'all people out there actually reading this review.</div>
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I bought this toner on an impulse buy during Naruko.sg's promotion. I believe it was on 50% off when I grabbed this on a whim. Truth to be told, I have long eyed this particular range which boasted the ability to radically brighten the skin and eradicate dark spots (e.g freckles).</div>
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I liked that the toner is in a lovely aqua green colour - which I find highly soothing and refreshing. The product itself is a viscous liquid which made it seem like it was a lot more moisturising than the typical liquid toners. Here's a picture taken with my Hizztech patent camera clip using the 4x macro lens. Pardon the garish lines on my hands - macro shots does bring out the worst in my skin heh.</div>
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In all, I think it did helped to brighten my skin when I used in conjunction with the serum. However, my gripe is that it leaves a 'filmy' texture on the skin possibly due to the propylene glycol in the ingredients. I find such products really icky so … nah, I'll pass on this toner once it is used up. The winner of this range for me is actually its eye-gel, which I am inclined to blog about in the (hopefully) near future.</div>
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Until then.</div>
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~J</div>
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<br />Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-3475436620342281792015-03-24T00:17:00.004-07:002015-03-24T00:17:49.633-07:00{{Bag Review}}: Fjällräven Kånken 13 Laptop Bag<br />
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Before I begin, here's a little rant:</div>
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You do not -I repeat- do not, pronounce Fjällräven Kånken as "fall raven kenken" as so many people have done on YouTube.</div>
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The letter "J" sounds like "Y" in English.</div>
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"ä" and "å" are legitimate letters with specific pronunciation.</div>
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Fjällräven Kånken is pronounced somewhat like "F-yeah-lle-r-air-ven k-awn-ken".</div>
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/End rant</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuuEK-519PX_WeyqQ1Xfcjd0bLKvyxmKBi7W4TY01gQsNJ6ukyGHohwjXxdPPmjsH_TM5KnARsgTF3llh9VBVy_wWlgObsZTA1x3RWDFCMkmfmRwdUePaj1_T6aKE9iPMbJNFsZd5ZIg/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuuEK-519PX_WeyqQ1Xfcjd0bLKvyxmKBi7W4TY01gQsNJ6ukyGHohwjXxdPPmjsH_TM5KnARsgTF3llh9VBVy_wWlgObsZTA1x3RWDFCMkmfmRwdUePaj1_T6aKE9iPMbJNFsZd5ZIg/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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I never thought I'd ever buy this bag. Ever.</div>
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I see it everywhere in Singapore being carried by superficial fashionistas and posers and found the bag odd, if not strange. </div>
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Fast forward a year later, I am in Sweden and I see TONS of people carrying this bag. You cannot walk for 5 metres in the university grounds without seeing a Swede carrying this bag around. Intrigued, I found out that it is actually a Swedish brand and the bag has been manufactured since 80's. Fjällräven is actually a company that specialises in outdoor clothing and accessories, and the bag was born as a rugged, tough, hardy companion for school kids. H told me it was common for Swedish school kids to go out on trips to the woods/forests and thus a nice, durable bag like Fjällräven Kånken was extremely apt. To top it off, the bag boasted the ability to help with back problems.<br />
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As of today, I've been carrying the bag for 7 months or so and some of the threads are running a little. However, it still remains unbeatable in terms of weight distribution (read: comfortable bag) and is spacious and roomy enough for random stuff. A gripe though, is the 13' is smaller than Kånken Classic so if you're gonna stuff a fairly thick sweater in it, it's gonna get filled to the brim. :(<br />
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Overall, I like this bag and am intending a second purchase.<br />
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Also, please don't bother buying a Kånken from Carousell as they're all possibly fakes and marked up. If you wanna get a fake one, just buy it from Taobao instead of getting ripped off for buying something "real". It's not. The imitations look very alike the real one, but their fabric is not Vinylon-F, so there is a difference which you can tell in terms of the structure (real ones are boxy) and stiffness of the fabric, along with its odd dust-attracting ability.<br />
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Till next time, lovelies.<br />
~J</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-27097349596465045612014-12-13T02:18:00.002-08:002014-12-13T02:32:00.140-08:00Coffee Review: Lindvall's Kaffe Brygg (Mellanrost)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindvalls Kaffe Brygg, approx 33kronor </td></tr>
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Hello y'all. I hope you've been doing great :D</div>
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Recently I bought a bag of grounded coffee from ICA and that started my European coffee obsession (lol). After trying several brands of Scandinavian coffee, I reckon I should review them. I've always thought of myself as a tea lover and often do not drink coffee except at Starbucks (pfft, it doesn't seem so great now..).</div>
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First up is Lindvall's Kaffe Brygg, a medium-roast coffee that is said to be suited for everyday drinking. It comes in 3 variations, colour coded in dark green, light green and red banners that represent extra fine ground, organic ground and normal fine ground respectively. The red one is suited for <i>my</i> french press, though I think it is bordering on being <i>too</i> finely grounded for a french press. Alternatively, you can use the regular coffee filter + filter paper combo to brew this.</div>
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Anyway, I love this particular coffee blend because it is so full-bodied and aromatic. Made of 100% arabica beans, it is a rich brown colour with cocoa tones and mild sweetness, possibly because the beans are not roasted too darkly. H likes it very concentrated, so I often put 4-6 rounded coffee spoons for just 2 cups of coffee! I love seeing the coffee oils at the top of the drink, and inhaling the aroma before I drink it with one sugar cube and some milk. Perfect to pair with a nice little dessert as well, I'd say.</div>
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Because Lindvall's Kaffe is presently a relatively small company, I hardly see its products outside of Uppsala, where I am currently residing. I'd be sure to lug a couple back to Singapore :p</div>
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Mmm, mellanrost. </div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-78522579629743882522014-11-28T03:24:00.003-08:002014-11-28T03:27:09.400-08:00Cafe Review: Ofvandahls Hovkonditori in Uppsala<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMLSKa2xgG8H7rx94SIxdD__VieJb8Hy1oqmwj8urqMxV-qeVUz2UTDMKHaNjzypI96R8zHNKmb4U9qdUKXpx9HzQeZxr_mObL3sQQuKOrrEmEZEnUZ-Yyxlz8pH8OXP67uUxXgq1XTg/s1600/DSC_1683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMLSKa2xgG8H7rx94SIxdD__VieJb8Hy1oqmwj8urqMxV-qeVUz2UTDMKHaNjzypI96R8zHNKmb4U9qdUKXpx9HzQeZxr_mObL3sQQuKOrrEmEZEnUZ-Yyxlz8pH8OXP67uUxXgq1XTg/s1600/DSC_1683.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are in Uppsala, you must visit Ofvandahls Hovkonditori. Open by baker-poet Erik Ofvandahl in the 1878, it is the oldest cafe in Uppsala. Ofvandahls Hovkonditori is a beauty with its antique decor and homely atmosphere.</div>
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I am quite an addict to this place, for it is unpretentious and serves up lovely, soul-comforting food. Also, prices are really great for students, where a lovely student baguette (jättebaguette) meal costs 59kr while a delicious tomato soup(soppa) meal costs 69kr. Or, if you are feeling like having a tea time treat (fika, as what they say in Swedish), a cake and coffee set for student costs just 55kr. That is significantly lower than many cafes in Uppsala.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLAO3Od_enPpzsOau0uIWe19_8Ohxf4q0aElV_aCdTuVMSbUPmoNDRnRkhEym1iDbR3ikpO4NNPXz14dY9Avl_d0ENREssF_st70hyqLqXWNxqtkaBH2lGCKE5g9shB5zE3eingSTlLM/s1600/DSC_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLAO3Od_enPpzsOau0uIWe19_8Ohxf4q0aElV_aCdTuVMSbUPmoNDRnRkhEym1iDbR3ikpO4NNPXz14dY9Avl_d0ENREssF_st70hyqLqXWNxqtkaBH2lGCKE5g9shB5zE3eingSTlLM/s1600/DSC_1671.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Perhaps what I truly enjoy is the coffee they serve here. In a room beside the front of the store, there is coffee stored in a classic looking gold-toned dispenser, along with a small milk container and some sugar cubes. So dark, so rich, it almost feels like you are drinking chocolate…truly a treat. I noticed it is free-refill as well, so drink away. </div>
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Water jugs, flavoured with freshly cut cucumber, oranges and lemon slices, are also available to rinse your mouth from any caffeine stains.</div>
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Ah, Ofvandahls, I will miss you when I leave here.</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-62474081209576010602014-10-30T15:37:00.001-07:002014-10-30T16:26:00.267-07:00My Swedish Adventure Part 2: Autumn 2014 + School Life in Uppsala<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ah, autumn has arrived in Sweden.</div>
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Forget the warm yellow glow of the sun, the heat of daylight and the still cool air. Autumn has arrived with gusty winds, grey skies and damp pavements.</div>
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I thought I would like autumn.</div>
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Images of lovely red trees, warm hues of yellow and orange leaves found in photos…they are utterly <i>misleading</i>. </div>
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Yes, I did manage to enjoy two weeks or three of such lovely scenes, but it is what the Swedes call <i>brittsommar</i> - the last days of summer in what is supposed to be autumn. That's when the air is around 11 degrees celcius in the day while the trees are in hues of brilliant orange. Walking to school and trudging along the pathways make me feel so surreal, as though I were in a beautiful dream.<br />
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Adapting to the school system is a little bit challenging, because the professor just leaves it up to you to decide whether or not you wish to be educated. Sure, there's homework, but it's merely project-based. Forget the ridiculous tutorial + class participation + project for every single module in NUS…here, it's just project work. You have time to research, to read up, to engage with your group mates. It's wonderful, when done in a proper way. By that, I mean if you actually took the time to read up.<br />
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While I did read up on things, I found the lack of motivation to do so. Maybe it is because I'm a <i>utbytesstudent </i>(Swedish for exchange student) where my grades are not at stake. Several of my friends whom I have met here are studying for their masters and they seem to be struggling under piles of readings and work to do…then again, H doesn't seem to be studying a lot at all but still does fairly well in school here in Sweden.<br />
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There's plenty of time for everyone to fika, take a relaxed stroll before doing some semblance of school work.. Ah, quite the life indeed.<br />
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My favourite haunt is becoming the lovely bibilotek (aka library) nearby. Rows of bookshelves arranged in a spacious manner, with modern chairs and tables all around for one to pore over a good read or assignment for the day. Plus there's a cosy little cafe cutely called Kafe Kardemunn (Cafe Cardamom) with modern classical deco and faux fire places (I'd probably pop by and review it when I have the time…).</div>
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On a side note, I bought a kånken from Fjällräven here in Sweden. It is far pricier than many online stores in Singapore, but I reckon those stocked there are fake. I never thought I'd buy this bag because of all the ah lians and beings and wannabe hipsters toting it around in Singapore. But I discovered it was Swedish and that there's tons of Swedish people of all ages toting this bag around for decades. Thus, I ended up getting one….hmmm, should review this too.<br />
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Anyway, that's all for this post.<br />
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I hope everyone (who reads this) is doing well, staying happy and awesome.<br />
Till then.<br />
~J</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-54159673157198093982014-10-11T13:10:00.003-07:002014-10-27T16:28:21.627-07:00NOMNOM Review: Lindt Creation Mint Supreme<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ah, I've always had a soft spot for mint.</div>
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Mint ice cream, mint flavoured chocolates, mint tea….I <i>mint</i> it (heheheh puny).</div>
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After walking past the chocolates on the shelves in ICA, Hemkörp and other grocery stores, I could not help but get lured into grabbing one of the awfully enticing chocolate bars by Lindt. I'm a die-hard fan of Lindt's dark chocolate with sea salt, and my insane need for it led to several amusing incidents of me exerting all effort in getting it - it included begging a cousin to bring over some from Australia in the days when it was unavailable, hunting down every single chocolate store known locally, and hoarding supplies when I was in the land Down Under.</div>
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Anyway, Lindt's Mint Supreme is rather good. One bite into it reveals the beautiful mix of dark, seductive bittersweet chocolate and a creamy mint filling that tastes vegetal, almost like actual mint leaves. The creamy dark chocolate fills my mouth with such rich texture that it almost feels like I'm slowly being led into some sort of gothic, forbidden romance. Then the mint slides in-between the cocoa, sending a light, refreshing feel to save me from sinking into the abyss…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExu-ICFEOOWI4svlIT1SZKsdQKuf2iCZrRD6oYzZzTkeHavYLwqon1qZWi0CmvFLLf8CfeP15VehbUHG2a7rGsK2wtoH7eigjI3YKTLAFyYYBFQnzzeZsnSCn2b4hJ_zTZ2AN4aoJiqk/s1600/DSC_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExu-ICFEOOWI4svlIT1SZKsdQKuf2iCZrRD6oYzZzTkeHavYLwqon1qZWi0CmvFLLf8CfeP15VehbUHG2a7rGsK2wtoH7eigjI3YKTLAFyYYBFQnzzeZsnSCn2b4hJ_zTZ2AN4aoJiqk/s1600/DSC_1535.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty chocolate squares :D</td></tr>
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Well, this gave me quite the foodgasm, if I could put it that way. A marriage of lovely smooth dark chocolate and melt-in-your mouth mint makes it a delightful treat. However, I am a sucker for the refreshing sensation of mint in chocolates and think that I still needed more mint in this! The mint filling, while refreshing, was a tad too light to balance out the pull of the dark cocoa.</div>
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Nonetheless, a lovely little treat during tea time (or fika), I suppose.</div>
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Mmm, mint. I think I will now make myself a cup of peppermint tea, or strong black coffee to go along with this...</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-92089210184452168252014-10-07T14:32:00.001-07:002014-10-30T16:21:22.855-07:00My Swedish Adventure - Part One<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello you guys, I am bwaaaack. Or, as they say in Swedish, <i>hej</i>! </div>
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I am currently on a 4-month exchange in Sweden and will spend my time blogging about it :3</div>
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I have since spent around a month here and every day I learn something new/different about the Swedes versus life back in Asia. In this post, it'll be about how I find Sweden :P (I've been asked this question many times by Swedes!)</div>
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1. KALLT! (Cold!)</div>
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Oh boy the weather is just plain cold compared to Singapore, but I got used to it after a few weeks. When I first arrived in late August, daytime temperature was around sixteen to twenty degrees and in the night it was around ten or eleven. I was just freezing in the first two weeks or so until my body adjusted. Honestly, the cold is bearable if it was not windy. The winds are often a lot colder than the average temperature and it feels like I'm getting whipped in the face every time the wind blows. :( </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the duckies trying to keep warm? Yeah Sweden is cold.</td></tr>
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2. EXPENSIVE<br />
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Why you so expensive, Sweden?! Anyway, things here cost between three to four times more compared to equivalents in Singapore. A McDonald's meal, for instance, costs around S$12-$15. A regular cafe meal costs over S$20 and a basic restaurant food charges above S$20 per plate. :< It's a lot more economical to just stay in a cook all day (and hone my cooking skills mwahahahaha.)<br />
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3. NICE SCENERY<br />
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The nice thing about Sweden is that it has many beautiful sceneries that you can explore and immense yourself in. Gamla Uppsala, for instance, offers a lovely countryside escape that's just 30 minutes away from central Uppsala (never mind the fact that there are the Viking hills which are essentially ancient burial grounds). Unlike Singapore when I feel utterly icky and insect-phobic, I'm pretty happy to go frolicking in the parks or woods here.<br />
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So there, that's the 3 big things about Sweden for me in the first few weeks :p<br />
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More to come later!<br />
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Toodles, stay healthy and awesome everyone :)</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-40016037672114333742014-09-30T01:51:00.003-07:002014-10-07T01:13:46.006-07:00TRAVEL REVIEW: Paris<div style="text-align: center;">
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Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I have visited Paris…wanted to review it quicker but I couldn't get past the awful experience I've had in Paris. I'm not sure if this will be an encouraging post for you to visit Paris, but it might be highly useful for you to avoid the same bad experience I had.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">What's nice about Paris?</span></u></div>
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<b>French pastries, everywhere.</b> </div>
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You can even get them in McDonalds!</div>
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<b>Lovely, gothic architecture. </b></div>
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Streets in France looks very dated, but not as though they were about to crumble and fall apart (unlike in Singapore…ahem). They are pretty well maintained for most part of the facade.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>What's not nice about Paris?</u></span></div>
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<b>Rude, rude, <i>rude</i> people. </b></div>
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When people have said that the French were rude and snobby, I thought it was an over exaggeration. While we did meet a few nice people, most French were indeed just plain rude. Be it the angsty cashier to the pedestrians who elbow you to get their way through, people there are just not very nice.</div>
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<b>It's not safe.</b></div>
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Hell, two bunch of people tried to pickpocket me on the same day of my arrival in France. Then, thug-looking men followed us in the hotel because they wanted to snatch my mother's phone. Worst of all, the hotel manager threatened to report us to the embassy when we wanted to upgrade a room to a family room as we had booked a double room for a night for 3 persons as there wasn't any option for a family room elsewhere and we were pretty desperate. It was half an hour of this awful man yelling at us as though we were criminals when we were just tourists wanting to travel around France.</div>
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Anyway, it's doubly unsafe if you're Chinese or Chinese-looking because pickpockets will target you wherever you go.</div>
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<b>The streets are dirty and litter-filled.</b></div>
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Yeah, they said Paris was a romantic place. What they did not tell you is that near these romantic touristy spots, are pee-filled streets. It's like everyone took a dump there at night because they could not afford to go to the washroom (which is…quite expensive).</div>
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<b>It is very hard to find toilets.</b></div>
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Yeah, no toilets on the streets. No, nein, non. McDonalds is your best bet but there will be tens and hundreds of people queueing up for the toilet. Well, if you do happen to find a toilet on the streets, chances are it will cost you 1 or 2 euros just to pee. Yeap.</div>
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Anyway, I do not have really good photos to show you in this post as I did not dare to even whip out my phone in public in Paris after several incidents which happen to my family.</div>
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Till next time~</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-23333304550119322262014-08-31T11:44:00.002-07:002014-08-31T11:44:37.307-07:00TRAVEL REVIEW: FRANKFURT<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello my darlings. It has been a while! I hope everyone has been doing great.</div>
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Recently I visited Frankfurt for a 3-day stopover on my way to Sweden and I reckon it'd be nice to do a quick review for those intending to come here.</div>
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<b><i>Places I visited:</i></b></div>
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<i>Zeil shopping district<br />Frankfurt am Main Station bridge<br />(Konstable) Hauptwache area</i></div>
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(It is not a lot, I know, as we were on a free&easy trip and didn't want to pack all the tourist attractions in a few days partly also because we didn't think it'd give us a true view of Frankfurt)</div>
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<b><i>First impressions:</i></b></div>
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I found much of Frankfurt's architecture to be modern and aesthetically beautiful, with complex metal works on many buildings. Also, many German people spoke very good English (except for a particular convenience store Haussman whose employees don't seem to be able to speak it) so you'd have no trouble moving around. Great for a non-German speaker!</div>
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<b><i>The people:</i></b></div>
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Most are very polite, and seemed really hardworking. I think they're taller than Singaporeans in general, though not very much taller. A lot of Germans appear very chubby which I kinda found cute (hehehe).</div>
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<b><i>The food:</i></b></div>
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WURST WURST WURST, I'm not kidding you. At least, this is what stood out for us tourists. Everything seemed to be related to hearty doses of meat. In fact, my mother picked up a plastic container thinking it was coleslaw when it was actually ham & mayonnaise (no idea what's the name of it). It was really hard to get a daily dose of vegetal fibre there! Anyway, my dad eagerly ushered us to buy the famous curry wurst that people have been talking about on the net. While it is nice, it is just curry powder and barbecue sauce topped onto chopped wurst.<br />
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<i><b>The safety:</b></i></div>
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Very few shady-looking people around although I'd say you'd best remain vigilant. I'm not sure if it is less safe than Singapore statistically speaking, although I did feel a little unsafe in some train stations that were quite deserted. Plus, you do not need a train ticket to enter the stations - you just need to hold on to a ticket in the event that the train conductor decides to check (which they never seem to do).<br />
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<b><i>The places:</i></b><br />
From our conversations with many locals, Frankfurt appears to be just a "city area" and is not as exciting as the other parts of Germany but I found it really nice and clean. My only few gripes perhaps is the stark lack of toilets and ridiculous prices for drinks at metros (4 euros for a bottled coke?!).<br />
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Zeil Shopping District had a lot of shops for shopaholics to trawl, while Hauptwache area had a lot of street food. Frankfurt Main Station was a little old and untidy, but there are some nice shops in the area to check out like the huge supermarket there (I enjoy checking out stuff sold in supermarkets mwahahah).</div>
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Overall, I liked Frankfurt. A thumbs up for me.<br />
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Next up, is a travel review for Paris.<br />
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Till then!<br />
~J </div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-83066574512360436592014-08-07T00:34:00.003-07:002014-09-06T14:12:12.970-07:00{{Clothing Review}}: Uniqlo Extra-fine Merino Wool Sweater<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le random me in zeh sweater.<br />
Colour: <strike>brown</strike> (apparently I bought the wine color by accident!)</td></tr>
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<b><i>UPDATE: My wool sweater started piling after using it on and off during my trip in Europe! BWAAHHHHH :'( I HAVEN'T EVEN WASHED IT WHAT IS THIS.</i></b><br />
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Whoopdeedoo, the image of my sweater turned out really grainy *bawls*</div>
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But anyway, here's a quick little review of Uniqlo's Extra-fine Merino Wool sweater.</div>
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I've been lemming for one for quite awhile now, and since the days are drawing near to my departure from Singapore, I have decided to just grab one! Grawrrrrrrrrr. Why you no discount?!</div>
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So, I tested the female sweaters first but didn't really like the designs - they are really slim-fit (hard to use as an outer layer), and felt less luxurious than the male versions. I don't think the male versions are made of thicker wool per se, but that the edges like the neckline and wrist areas are raised slightly, making them look more expensive. So, needless to say, I trudged over to the male section to try out theirs instead. </div>
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Initially, I wanted to buy the (ultra-santa-claus-inspired) red U-neck sweater but I decided against it. After all, it is quite hard to mix and match a ludicrously bright piece especially for formal business wear (to me, anyway) so a brown neutral tone would be the most versatile. The next nicest colour was wine red, but as I already had a wine red top which I will be bringing, I decided to grab the brown one instead (yeah, all shades of red, I know).</div>
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So, how does this sweater fare? At SGD49.90, it is not cheap for a seemingly thin top! However, I noticed it is quite warm considering how I break out in a sweat in the changing room trying out the various wool products.</div>
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Currently, I am sitting in Starbucks which has a really cold aircon (probably blasting 16 degree celcius equivalent air) that is starting to hurt my face. But, the sweater is surprisingly keeping my body warm, as the cold wind does not seem to penetrate the wool surface(yaaaay). Not bad for a thin, fragile-looking thing, eh?</div>
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Anyway, I will update this review after using this for awhile ^___^</div>
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Love y'all and stay happy!</div>
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-Jas</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84410649999999987 103.174389 1.8600595 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-16932303279594631312014-07-14T05:56:00.004-07:002014-07-14T06:02:48.819-07:00My fragrance review blog!<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmQ3u2KqpZxMTjFytRln8xbR39a3ryO_Icb6FaZHNFfGeY5D_uNqAJEBrY9TkH-E7ULvjvjw6V5MS29HAumFmTqSi0Jjz0X9cWib5zYeGufgw9D2I68CsxXeikYz67NEMZ89G66sQN-M/s1600/sos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmQ3u2KqpZxMTjFytRln8xbR39a3ryO_Icb6FaZHNFfGeY5D_uNqAJEBrY9TkH-E7ULvjvjw6V5MS29HAumFmTqSi0Jjz0X9cWib5zYeGufgw9D2I68CsxXeikYz67NEMZ89G66sQN-M/s1600/sos.JPG" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please visit ScentsofSights.com :)</td></tr>
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Hello everyone!</div>
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I hope you guys are doing well, as usual!</div>
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Today's post is a little advert for my new fragrance blog (I've decided to dedicate an entire domain to it). I would greatly appreciate it if you could hop over there! I will be shifting my fragrance reviews here onto that site instead, and this blog will focus on lifestyle blogging.</div>
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Please click <a href="http://scentsofsight.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for my fragrance review site, Scents of Sight!</div>
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Thank you, and stay awesome!</div>
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-Jasmine</div>
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AKA That Whimsical Blogger</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-50002334628996859882014-06-10T20:26:00.001-07:002014-06-10T20:59:21.161-07:00{{Food Review}}: Tart Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04S5zq4n-MhAXTLAk2AJvLxR2qOuPuluvlkIX49Ku9fUvwSAoWfqeMBuA2-5G4KlcZlBADZBdLw08cWi9tCZr47xtefqxcxwRJ3m54Me9bfTd43yMP4DcIQz56LGzhBa-noOEyf9mALA/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04S5zq4n-MhAXTLAk2AJvLxR2qOuPuluvlkIX49Ku9fUvwSAoWfqeMBuA2-5G4KlcZlBADZBdLw08cWi9tCZr47xtefqxcxwRJ3m54Me9bfTd43yMP4DcIQz56LGzhBa-noOEyf9mALA/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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Hello people!</div>
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Today will be a food review of Tart Blanc, a cute little cafe situated at Millenia Walk, Singapore. </div>
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I was strolling by the area with my friend and we were deciding where to have our meal when we chanced upon this cute little cafe. The store is really small, with just 3-4 tables in there but the decor was truly beautiful. It is a modern minimalist decor where everything is white, flawless and neat. OCDs would probably approve of this place.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwfxTiETknvKODPztJf0aKaKrqTmmd-pEmZ7KUxb-9mt-_HVNnPVx5KBP-jz1AYqslOzLMGahr9RLASeKxVfSglEEt2iwYSWD9u9FMTEuUQm-rqt2SD58gfSD-ST2gXJBe3bvj4xqdM4/s1600/IMG_9639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwfxTiETknvKODPztJf0aKaKrqTmmd-pEmZ7KUxb-9mt-_HVNnPVx5KBP-jz1AYqslOzLMGahr9RLASeKxVfSglEEt2iwYSWD9u9FMTEuUQm-rqt2SD58gfSD-ST2gXJBe3bvj4xqdM4/s1600/IMG_9639.JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oo pretty lights!</td></tr>
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The lunch promotion seems great! At $9.90 you could get a main and a drink, which can be a coffee or one of their exquisite gourmet tea. Mmm, I'm a total tea sucker so that got me running into their store.</div>
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But wait, the surprise doesn't end there!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg70gJ6f9CM_jSfTuhyZw20eigLtfiY48eWZu81cFo_AiMb-6QsCtQ7s911-TrHOnAMNDv8PAguZjLgja00QiN3iqzhzWTooC-woNJ69pcH43a9HG7To2pxS9HMBxY1BYb14FPQnhK-_k/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg70gJ6f9CM_jSfTuhyZw20eigLtfiY48eWZu81cFo_AiMb-6QsCtQ7s911-TrHOnAMNDv8PAguZjLgja00QiN3iqzhzWTooC-woNJ69pcH43a9HG7To2pxS9HMBxY1BYb14FPQnhK-_k/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is that I spy? Pretty little tarts? Oh my!</td></tr>
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Upon entering, I realised that what is so delightful about their food offerings is the range of tarts they had (oh wait, it's called <i>Tart </i>Blanc, doh!). Just staring at how perfectly made and adorably small they are made me squeal internally like a little girl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkPCAjuGv9LZeqkqg693vCEcC-mgZGEIoTwSdViXk33onmPxVAsSHC6krrN9Yp8rFBf1UJJku9OZHSG1-JE7PRTdoIGSR4bSWTM0CXN2z1VqXd2gE8HfJVQbDDMbj0enkysCUNTSOzfo/s1600/IMG_9634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkPCAjuGv9LZeqkqg693vCEcC-mgZGEIoTwSdViXk33onmPxVAsSHC6krrN9Yp8rFBf1UJJku9OZHSG1-JE7PRTdoIGSR4bSWTM0CXN2z1VqXd2gE8HfJVQbDDMbj0enkysCUNTSOzfo/s1600/IMG_9634.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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Normally such intricately-made desserts are exorbitantly priced, with one averaging around $10 in town. But here, it costs $7.50 and with the lunch promotion, you needed to add only $6.00! <i>Oh heck yes</i>, I thought.<i> I am so getting the meal+drink+tart promotion.</i></div>
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For the main, I got the tortilla wrapped mushroom and beef meal, served with mini potatoes and a small salad that had balsamic vinegar dressing. I liked that you could choose the type of bread, filling and salad dressing for the main to really customise your order.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdv5nykJ9WY6so6_pvhAUjkMuW7HGjm4FIznkMcdTeJaBxcCwgfTX1Pt7Orq5vlYbJxDcFOvpJ0ZTQVirzuyU8EQ9zcJ7ApUQEvrHU5i9bHJyrOVkdjoVdicmEpO5Vy9aDiiP9XA2yAM/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdv5nykJ9WY6so6_pvhAUjkMuW7HGjm4FIznkMcdTeJaBxcCwgfTX1Pt7Orq5vlYbJxDcFOvpJ0ZTQVirzuyU8EQ9zcJ7ApUQEvrHU5i9bHJyrOVkdjoVdicmEpO5Vy9aDiiP9XA2yAM/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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The tortilla was crisp and wonderfully fragrant, thanks to the onions in the filling. </div>
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My only gripe was that the filing was arranged such that you can not cut it without it oozing out everywhere and leaving you in a mess (or perhaps my fine dining skills just <i>fail</i>, that's all).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhfUE22Rde-CV7bTevs04ds_TtY4ewW3TD4YQdsc7pUcZbE-TWH1ZiEugkehTXsS47zn0RU9pCrmYmmv75yaQ2qHVL6r7ShwF910iTKUUs65WPEfUsyJ2IcdLGWH98yVwflWkSDqtnGM/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhfUE22Rde-CV7bTevs04ds_TtY4ewW3TD4YQdsc7pUcZbE-TWH1ZiEugkehTXsS47zn0RU9pCrmYmmv75yaQ2qHVL6r7ShwF910iTKUUs65WPEfUsyJ2IcdLGWH98yVwflWkSDqtnGM/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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My friend got the same thing, except his bread was wholemeal(I think..).</div>
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And next, <i>desserts</i>!</div>
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We took such a long time staring at their desserts. Should I get the chocolate one? No, too plain and generic. Or the fruits? Oh....</div>
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I ended up with the Pumpkin Crack Tart, a tart that's back due to<i> popular demand</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQPoT3acpk__SKKrYkH_BmWl2mWhtL2JUj6OOb0wYPGMSUtr_7NbWmZEnNddHQoMv6sJM3VHv8lu58Hmay_jXVMI98dFgbaiS4o_GAvbMlP5djKXe-o45WHbBopU40U0hvfjUNyGfUyA/s1600/IMG_9662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQPoT3acpk__SKKrYkH_BmWl2mWhtL2JUj6OOb0wYPGMSUtr_7NbWmZEnNddHQoMv6sJM3VHv8lu58Hmay_jXVMI98dFgbaiS4o_GAvbMlP5djKXe-o45WHbBopU40U0hvfjUNyGfUyA/s1600/IMG_9662.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
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My friend got the Raspberry Lavender Chocolate Tart</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZs4OB_e6dpT5NZHMFIjPwc0cxo4noynUwhJHgHGVO-BlLHwfqmMN9JZkaG3GnelBfIQD1bweaOrJ_eutFTz0hTgeUx0RopRJX2dA0TndXj2qrcSfOne6NLPO4BU4IBE6POVlbOW4A8E/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZs4OB_e6dpT5NZHMFIjPwc0cxo4noynUwhJHgHGVO-BlLHwfqmMN9JZkaG3GnelBfIQD1bweaOrJ_eutFTz0hTgeUx0RopRJX2dA0TndXj2qrcSfOne6NLPO4BU4IBE6POVlbOW4A8E/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
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Pumpkin Crack Tart wasn't pumpkin-like at all. I could barely taste the pumpkin in it (a good thing for me because I dread the taste of pumpkin given how my dad loves boiling some every week). Like melt-in-your-mouth cream, this icing-sugar-sweet dessert just disappears almost instantaneously when you taste it.<br />
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Raspberry Lavender Chocolate Tart on the other hand was kinda like a dark-rich-tutti-fruity pastry. Upon tasting it, the myriad of tastes just explodes in your mouth. First is the sweetness of the tart, quickly followed by the bursts of sourness of the berries and then the lavender-laden dark chocolate base. A really interesting dessert.<br />
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My only gripe is that the tarts was rather hard and we had to use knives to cut it.<br />
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Overall, I liked my meal at Tart Blanc. Would likely pop by there if I'm hanging around the area next time.<br />
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Have you tried Tart Blanc? Did you like the food sold there? Do tell! :)<br />
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-24730844090983376352014-04-30T23:57:00.000-07:002014-07-02T07:18:46.810-07:00{{Fragrance Review}}:The Body Shop's Blooming Gardenia EDT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFhoXsaCUpZR64Dm3f5NmClY7spNf4q1LLjYX-TLZxtMCIyLoiOa5lL0anovj3ANwVAJpU_Xi6ccol8lFoYUYPHIqk2c2O-icNxLBGlwxohKgYBjYU9mvZhkMX5W8jFt_k5koh4bM8EQ/s1600/BSbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFhoXsaCUpZR64Dm3f5NmClY7spNf4q1LLjYX-TLZxtMCIyLoiOa5lL0anovj3ANwVAJpU_Xi6ccol8lFoYUYPHIqk2c2O-icNxLBGlwxohKgYBjYU9mvZhkMX5W8jFt_k5koh4bM8EQ/s1600/BSbg.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Dawn White Gardenia EDT S$35.90<br />
Source: The Body Shop UK</td></tr>
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A 2014 addition to The Body Shop's Scents of the World Fragrance collection, English Dawn White Gardenia is a lovely, delicate fragrance. </div>
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English Dawn White Gardenia opens up startlingly crisp and fresh, with the pale translucency of a sweet, white rose scent. There is the presence of greenness as well, like the freshly cut stalks of a flower at dawn, still glistening with morning dew. Its opening smells nothing like gardenia and draws more semblance to its rose perfumes like Morrocan Rose and Atlas Mountain Rose, albeit with a mild blackberry-like undertone similar to Smoky Rose. Nonetheless, this scent acceptably beautiful, conjuring an image blooming white roses, lilies and jasmines at dawn. I thoroughly enjoyed the opening notes.</div>
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As the scent settles, the waxy animalic vibe from the gardenia flower emerges. <i>Ah, there's the gardenia! </i>I thought, as I prepared myself for the growth of a monstrous white tuberose note<i>.</i> But lo! It did not trudge into tuberose territory. No, this is a gardenia that non-white-floral lovers can bravely embrace. While the pungency of a white floral is there, it settles elegantly instead of drowning your olfactory senses. The scent at its drydown smells darker and purplish, although there is just that barest hint of lovely sweet roses and greenness to it, reeling it away from the dark depths of the Unknown.</div>
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I might add this to my collection. It's simple, it's pretty. It's a fuss-free everyday scent.</div>
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Have you tried this scent? Is it a yay or nay for you? Do share, I'd love to know!</div>
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Love,</div>
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That Whimsical Blogger!</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-17809858720913703232014-04-10T21:26:00.000-07:002014-04-10T21:29:40.457-07:00{{Fragrance Review}}: Yves Rocher Lilas Mauve EDT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWDCGb71h9bd5nIL2F_ye93mqfaB51YoDREL__-rKz_dE_k8fmsS8B7bApTYKwAswnSd-iBESjXXmL63KxzpQXitcLa5WoqGNQasUXgsHucofx0n7UmqFxCMnRgqAKDsz2-Y_wPQeLHE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWDCGb71h9bd5nIL2F_ye93mqfaB51YoDREL__-rKz_dE_k8fmsS8B7bApTYKwAswnSd-iBESjXXmL63KxzpQXitcLa5WoqGNQasUXgsHucofx0n7UmqFxCMnRgqAKDsz2-Y_wPQeLHE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yves Rocher Purple Lilac (Lilas Mauve) -S$9/20ml or S$30/100ml</td></tr>
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Hello my darlings <3<br />
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Today I'll be reviewing Yves Rocher's Lilas Mauve EDT. I got this from Yves Rocher's store in Westgate Mall, which is ludicrously far away from where I live. :( The good thing is, the SA told me they will be expanding into the town and heartland area in the months to come, such as Ngee Ann City and Bishan Junction 8. Yay~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8cSa39gL8OHnONY1tnidE-iSjPkRkCVczkUngK1uvU_r49UXkFilxjV8AG2xzan27bIW1ZJat_Mq5FwR9EMUb_2hyUPQZqUZKp-yNrjtfmRxaRGjK0BnhscttVUiwn-RfQDflgj0uLk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8cSa39gL8OHnONY1tnidE-iSjPkRkCVczkUngK1uvU_r49UXkFilxjV8AG2xzan27bIW1ZJat_Mq5FwR9EMUb_2hyUPQZqUZKp-yNrjtfmRxaRGjK0BnhscttVUiwn-RfQDflgj0uLk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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Basically Yves Rocher is known for its affordable fragrances while retaining a sense of creativity in their creations (y'know, many fragrances tend to either choose low price or being distinctive these days).</div>
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Out of the three EDTs in the range available (Lilas Mauve, Orange Flower, Lily of the Valley?), I picked this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjWcIz9Ybe4z9B5G0vI7iXkscUSCoMO1HTrXLuozTW-TMzSpQ5dJIcdSwJ6R8BnYz993gB0QJ0GdyORc6oLxeNB9nuOmF99orrifTiWz2O-cnhyjQHwQy2HmLNWUO54PUhj0yOC7W2fc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjWcIz9Ybe4z9B5G0vI7iXkscUSCoMO1HTrXLuozTW-TMzSpQ5dJIcdSwJ6R8BnYz993gB0QJ0GdyORc6oLxeNB9nuOmF99orrifTiWz2O-cnhyjQHwQy2HmLNWUO54PUhj0yOC7W2fc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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Lilas Mauve is a simple, basic scent mimicking lilac flowers. The creation opens up fruity, with sweet pear and lychee notes and a mild drizzle of juicy citrus (orange, perhaps) to lighten the scent. The scent quickly settles with a characteristic sweet powdery lilac note, a dashing of light creaminess and just a touch of greenness.</div>
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Overall, a simple basic easy-to-like lilac perfume, although my gripe is that it is so light that it is more like a body spray.</div>
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Longevity: Poor</div>
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Silage: Soft</div>
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Have you tried Yves Rocher's perfumes? I would love to know what you think of them!</div>
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Love,</div>
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ThatWhimsicalBlogger</div>
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<br />Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-83001408563291571972014-03-04T04:01:00.002-08:002014-03-04T06:48:33.878-08:00{{Fragrance Review}}: Olympic Orchids Kingston Ferry<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympic Orchids Kingston Ferry, available at orchidscents.com</td></tr>
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Hey guys, I'm back this time with a fragrance review from the indie perfume brand, Olympic Orchids.</div>
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The perfume I will be reviewing is Kingston Ferry, a scent I held high expectations for providing a realistic sensory experience.</div>
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Kingston Ferry is a rather strange composition in a way that it is both green and aquatic. Yet, it is not your usual aquatic nor green scent that is either calone-overloaded or a like lush green synthetic garden. Rather, Kingston Ferry is resembles thickened seawater meeting damp, algae-covered planks at a rural countryside.</div>
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The scent starts out wet, dark and very herbaceous. The herbal quality of it is almost pungent, attacking one's nasal senses with the notes of astringent lavender and other medicinal green plants. The "aquatic" element to this scent gives an impression of a slimy and still water, possibly due to the seaweed note. When whiffed from afar, the myrrh note stands out like an intoxicating charm, leading you towards the edge of the stale seawater. </div>
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This perfume brought me on a somewhat macabre journey, in a desolated area beside the sea.</div>
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Overall, it has a rather strong silage and a longevity of 4-5 hours.</div>
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Interesting scent, methinks, though I'd think it's more apt as a scent you smell for the imagery rather than as a perfume.</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-5563383891749542952014-02-26T05:37:00.001-08:002014-03-04T06:47:59.931-08:00{{Fragrance Review}}: Demeter Fragrance Riding Crop<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzENe3GFAnMtjrwzSBrxj1LwV_pGHtID0a966QCLrLvedoajeB5w75bhhF7Qo7AhDYlkeru1V10-ayVx0Gy8MCY-r2i1rr1n1IwcNPahLhHwebLV0bYDohar1ZlTQRnLNXbIGECbnZCOY/s1600/l11957533_4ff503dd2e5bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzENe3GFAnMtjrwzSBrxj1LwV_pGHtID0a966QCLrLvedoajeB5w75bhhF7Qo7AhDYlkeru1V10-ayVx0Gy8MCY-r2i1rr1n1IwcNPahLhHwebLV0bYDohar1ZlTQRnLNXbIGECbnZCOY/s1600/l11957533_4ff503dd2e5bd.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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Greetings my darlings.</div>
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It has been a long while, as usual.</div>
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Today I present you a fragrance review, this time from Demeter Fragrance Library.</div>
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I ordered this online after reading up reviews of it. Demeter is not available in Singapore, if I am not mistaken. This is supposed to smell like "true leather" and almost "animalic sexy", according to some people.</div>
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Personally, though, I wouldn't call it a true leather scent. When I think of leather, I think of the lovely scent of new soft-skin leather goods. That interesting sensuous scent that extends beyond the realm of chaste impressions. Demeter's Riding Crop smells more like a treated leather scent with a heavy emphasis on the treatment chemicals. It is basically a glossy, high-shine hard suede-like leathery scent with mild dusty undertones. The smell has a purplish grey colour.</div>
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Very intriguing for a perfume, nonetheless. The leather impression also lends this strange familiarity that makes it unique.<br />
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I would put silage to be mild, longevity to be around 3 hours on skin.<br />
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Have you tried Demeter's Riding Crop or any Demeter's fragrances? Do share! They seem to have many cute scents. </div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-34647337159352363212014-01-09T06:33:00.002-08:002014-01-09T06:38:25.066-08:00{{Food Review}}: Starbucks Smoked Duck Wrap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplUa_a8nvMU40XLpKqJOz4Ma88mMOO08Rrio7MJSLG0p7Kjihn_3jWILsih251wfVTTMILS1uiG4fG8aksG1eDexjNeaCHW2KIF9-axO8v2S-X4I1_-48gAo6jdX52L4akJGH5aVFSfk/s1600/photo+1-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplUa_a8nvMU40XLpKqJOz4Ma88mMOO08Rrio7MJSLG0p7Kjihn_3jWILsih251wfVTTMILS1uiG4fG8aksG1eDexjNeaCHW2KIF9-axO8v2S-X4I1_-48gAo6jdX52L4akJGH5aVFSfk/s1600/photo+1-4.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starbucks Smoked Duck Wrap -S$10.50</td></tr>
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Hello my darling readers, today I am trudging onto a review land that I have yet to explore - food reviews! Hyaaaaah. </div>
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Being the usual <strike>ADHD</strike> whimsical me, I decided to pop by Starbucks for a meal <strike>and hog their seats for a long time to do my art</strike> just before the university term starts. So here's a review of their Smoked Duck Wrap. I initially wanted their Ham, Roast Beef, (insert tons of meat) wrap but it was unavailable so I settled for the Smoked Duck Wrap instead. </div>
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Boy, was that a mistake.</div>
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Besides being encased in a crispy onion-flavored wrap that is deliciously aromatic, there is little more this dish can do to impress.</div>
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The duck meat is rubbery and dry like processed ham, lacking a characteristically flavourful duck meat taste. Strike one. The addition of purple sweet potatoes thoroughly eliminated any trace of a savory dish with its sweet starchy flavour. Strike two. The spinach present does little to the composition except to lend a mild vegetal taste and perhaps provide me with some good ol' dietary fibre. Strike three. A smattering of onions nestled inconspicuously between the duck meat and potatoes provide negligible flavour, making me question their existence. Strike fou-you're out!</div>
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Overall, a strange confusing dish, akin to a perfume whose scents evolve rapidly through the different olfactory groups at once.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYvwF0iXGhQCewgCfPxbWO_-0RT8VY2Zel1ORyfkZiV_UUWRkduGV1fheK0gELxfiY1CsutC7sEtxZRiEddw935pkKWla2CkLvWA4dBohXQAl-egzG91hwvmwJua_kDqNmQlwpI3RxNg/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYvwF0iXGhQCewgCfPxbWO_-0RT8VY2Zel1ORyfkZiV_UUWRkduGV1fheK0gELxfiY1CsutC7sEtxZRiEddw935pkKWla2CkLvWA4dBohXQAl-egzG91hwvmwJua_kDqNmQlwpI3RxNg/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No likey you, smoked duck wrap!</td></tr>
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The salsa side dip that was served with the wrap is rather queer as well. It is overly sweet with just a faint tomato taste peeking through at the end, as though the wrap itself isn't sweet enough with all the sweet potato stuffing. The spice/basil leaf(?) sprinkled in this dip lightens the sweetness somewhat with its greenness but its efforts are paltry at best. </div>
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This picky food eater disapproves.</div>
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Score: 2.5/5</div>
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On a side note, at least I got to draw some stuff :D </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXGv-7i0l6BEHJ8BZ0IrRQjNpka6VDjDcvKFVyPeCvH9icL-CZKHeE-8_12fhbBD-6utWZuo35fadyt1pg_R_Ure2mbFJNvid0U-NmLJcsoafsTnL9DSfv2Y7VbmKWNA5rBMiikS4ppw/s1600/995022_10153695184915603_2070666853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXGv-7i0l6BEHJ8BZ0IrRQjNpka6VDjDcvKFVyPeCvH9icL-CZKHeE-8_12fhbBD-6utWZuo35fadyt1pg_R_Ure2mbFJNvid0U-NmLJcsoafsTnL9DSfv2Y7VbmKWNA5rBMiikS4ppw/s1600/995022_10153695184915603_2070666853_n.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a work-in-progress!</td></tr>
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<br />Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-13372879422274249282013-12-21T03:26:00.002-08:002014-01-10T20:59:53.155-08:00{{Fragrance Review}}: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea eau Parfumee<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXvoMeDAvJqHnfyUmAnava2jB_3eDuxz2yYlpxsSn5BJtb8-FVrSix0u0W0wRWS7pMZBaxvBc-Ak4jKwSukbSjEotKE8U1N80DSZbqMcgPH2Tph71eScpuRtN4u7a6MInLToK7yyoij0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-21+at+7.03.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXvoMeDAvJqHnfyUmAnava2jB_3eDuxz2yYlpxsSn5BJtb8-FVrSix0u0W0wRWS7pMZBaxvBc-Ak4jKwSukbSjEotKE8U1N80DSZbqMcgPH2Tph71eScpuRtN4u7a6MInLToK7yyoij0/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-21+at+7.03.23+PM.png" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Arden Green Tea eau Parfumee</td></tr>
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Greetings my lovely readers, it has been awhile.</div>
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I have been gone for quite some time, due to my busy schedule (I kid; I actually went on holiday to Taiwan. But, no matter~).</div>
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I cannot express how shocked I am that I have yet to review this fragrance on my blog.</div>
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This fragrance has been around since 1999 and I have had many moments in life where this fragrance has given me beautiful memories.</div>
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My first vivid encounter with this fragrance was perhaps when I was a young child. I was staring out of the door of my home when a lady who was dressed in a smart white shirt passed by. This scent wafted in my direction - its crisp citrus freshness mixed a smattering of delicate jasmine petals and a very strong green note a scent to behold for a young child. That incident created for me an association of this scent with someone who dresses smartly.</div>
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Cue 10 years later, and I now own three bottles of this fragrance simultaneously (I'm compulsive, I know).</div>
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While I have developed further my olfactory senses in the world of perfumery, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea has always remained a staple in my (ever expanding) collection.</div>
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This scent, as mentioned above, is crisp, citrusy, mildly floral and very, very green. Besides this, though, is a subtle complexity for this scent, created by the mix of (synthetic) spices in the background. Additionally, it is not a natural smelling tea scent (in fact, this is what we call in perfumery the "appearance" of a tea smell - kind of like abstract art, if you'll think of it that way) but it never fails to brighten up my day because it just smells that "happy" and "bright". Perhaps this is why we see that despite being launched in 1999, it still remains as one of EA's best sellers today, with a slew of other related products being sold such as the shower gel, honey drops cream and tons of GT flankers (I happen to not enjoy any of them, but that's another story). The 90's green tea era is long gone, but this scent has stood the test of time. </div>
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The only few drawbacks of this scent is perhaps its poor silage (dies down to a skin scent in a matter of an hour) and that it smells fairly generic today - many green tea fragrances on the market probably use similar chemicals (it's not very difficult to copy a scent) to EA's GT and hence produce similar smelling products.<br />
Some people say that the longevity of this fragrance is poor, but I disagree. I used to think it was so, till I did a skin-test and noted it lasted around 5-hours on my skin in this hot and humid weather. Maybe the poor silage gives the impression that it does not last long.</div>
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Overall, nothing ground-breaking for sure, but this scent is a lovely staple to have in your wardrobe whenever you'd like a simple pleasant green tea aroma. </div>
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P.S: You can get this at a really cheap prices at perfume discounters islandwide. I got mine for $20+/- for 100ml.</div>
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Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-40615037746572809242013-10-19T03:28:00.001-07:002014-01-10T22:42:54.819-08:00{{First Impressions}}: The Cambridge Satchel Backpack<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53l9E-9_jChJHrs60m7HYYyBty6ZHVgdhqLRImNDi5O8TGgV4JW37YG_HkTS_g6QDjTZyNnqAgb6fAQszpLb9gavQSDthf-mc4XxjdOV2VshEXgfPYIa3x_SEbPjROX9vaLmfWDsT6is/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53l9E-9_jChJHrs60m7HYYyBty6ZHVgdhqLRImNDi5O8TGgV4JW37YG_HkTS_g6QDjTZyNnqAgb6fAQszpLb9gavQSDthf-mc4XxjdOV2VshEXgfPYIa3x_SEbPjROX9vaLmfWDsT6is/s320/DSC_0436.JPG" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cambridge Satchel Backpack(vintage brown), S$270<br />
https://www.cambridgesatchel.com</td></tr>
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Hello my adorable readers, it has been awhile!</div>
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Today, I received my Cambridge Satchel Backpack from the courier (*squeals like a little girl*) and would like to share my first impressions of it. I have been lusting for one ever since its release a few years back. It came in a ton of colours, such as navy blue, fluoros, black, and dark brown.<br />
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However, the price deterred me, and there was a time when they stopped producing the backpacks (boo!). Now it is only available in the red and vintage brown colour. Also, their customer service is really sucky. I tried contacting them via email, facebook and twitter and not once was my queries ever answered. Nonetheless, it is a fairly reputable brand so you probably would not be scammed.</div>
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My darling backpack was shipped using Fedex and I received my order just 5 days after purchasing it online (that's really fast. I was expecting at 14+7days waiting time according to their site).</div>
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The backpack comes in a cardboard packaging filled with air packets for extra protection, and placed in a eco-friendly bag with "The Cambridge Satchel Company" printed on it (see above).</div>
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It is 15-inches wide and weighs approximately 1.05kg. </div>
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I was expecting a really hard, sturdy bag but this was a little soft for my tastes. As a comparison, I'd say it is harder than the satchels offered by Dr Martens, but softer than cardboard(can I really compare it this way? Heh.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC6ZmgYurj1vC-k7ZqraQph67ct06n4f2WxvrQcRMa4_FQDzCUmbl2oqnvSdZ7YPE1yuyNrtZ15Fo7JpyB07jB-Qbekhiyc-w1LCy681lZ_JXRT7_sr7_hucq75fKoKUWATdD6aB12Uw/s1600/DSC_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC6ZmgYurj1vC-k7ZqraQph67ct06n4f2WxvrQcRMa4_FQDzCUmbl2oqnvSdZ7YPE1yuyNrtZ15Fo7JpyB07jB-Qbekhiyc-w1LCy681lZ_JXRT7_sr7_hucq75fKoKUWATdD6aB12Uw/s320/DSC_0424.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bag itself is fairly spacious if you're just thinking of carrying your laptop, pencil case and small miscellaneous items. I bought it to lug my 13-inch Macbook Air which fits in easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0bCl1rNIxlOt6p6oFAyvUnxwygZlpyBxP3qghM2rAOibXWehU6hdErkdD_UTvrlnrXuxTlTFt-TMxNhwTCVnzjzxp5bAiQ7Rip0gykNzyylu2ZVZVNWvJ4tzY4J8GyL243_gkBTap4k/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0bCl1rNIxlOt6p6oFAyvUnxwygZlpyBxP3qghM2rAOibXWehU6hdErkdD_UTvrlnrXuxTlTFt-TMxNhwTCVnzjzxp5bAiQ7Rip0gykNzyylu2ZVZVNWvJ4tzY4J8GyL243_gkBTap4k/s320/DSC_0438.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I researched extensively before buying this and noted that some people thought it smelt like dead fish/smelt bad. For me, I think it smells like leather and leather dye. I love leather, so this smell didn't perturb me, although it isn't really very leathery.</div>
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Overall, my only gripe is that when carrying heavier items, the end of the backpack seems to "dig" into my back, which can cause friction and discomfort if I carried it for too long. Then again, there's always the handle bar for me to use :)</div>
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In all, I am pleased with the purchase.</div>
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P.S: It is currently free-worldwide-delivery month. So do grab a bag if you're thinking of doing so :)</div>
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P.S 2: My dad thinks this looks like bags old men carry, but I love the retro vibe. <3</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-61182030892482330072013-09-07T22:03:00.001-07:002013-09-10T21:57:56.814-07:00{{Quick Review}}: Nivea Lip Butter (Raspberry Rose scented)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62i_Ttyprm2p3IY4tUGYCj4rlO-Ws9MVqpJqFOUSZS5TYpYVlcuJrlg7O0PwNqKRJwHkwzXYMbA3BDkHFsSDSRCdtvbZ9ayN8MPA9uCBzJrI4KYCJpBujaDW1xLrT6-Danj7OTWTWHaI/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62i_Ttyprm2p3IY4tUGYCj4rlO-Ws9MVqpJqFOUSZS5TYpYVlcuJrlg7O0PwNqKRJwHkwzXYMbA3BDkHFsSDSRCdtvbZ9ayN8MPA9uCBzJrI4KYCJpBujaDW1xLrT6-Danj7OTWTWHaI/s400/DSC_0334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nivea Lip Butter - $5.90 at Watsons Singapore outlets.</td></tr>
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Hello there!</div>
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Today I succumbed to the temptation of Nivea's lip butter and bought one. I have been seeing them around in Watsons for the past few weeks. Since I feel I have been using my lip balm from The Body Shop for way too long, it's time to toss that icky thing.</div>
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Anywho, I've noticed that most people grab the original scent of the lip butter more than raspberry rose flavour. Perhaps they love the nivea body lotions' scent? Or perhaps they know that the raspberry rose one smells too kiddy?</div>
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The scent of raspberry rose is rather alike to those chewy milky strawberry flavoured candies we have here in Singapore. Nothing very ground-shattering, obviously, but perhaps a little nostalgic when you smell it.</div>
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I immediately disliked the packaging when I tried opening it. Previously, my TheBodyShop lip balm was held in a pot with a screw-on lid which wasn't messy. However, Nivea's lip butter comes in a metal tin with a horrid metal tin cap that is hard to remove. Needless to say, being the klutz I am, I opened it haphazardly and got my finger stuck into the lip butter - eww! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9F_ZDU6eSkpM3PBaoocno3KRkcvnjOx4421vIeV5m9f3CCMbegNrRYgrEy_HdpgGsh2LOz6MK5t8su8SfjNs19Zj8VZU5m8gsle7Z4HobMcIJf1xuXJYOvOcNy5NgUhsboW7Cf4kdx0/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9F_ZDU6eSkpM3PBaoocno3KRkcvnjOx4421vIeV5m9f3CCMbegNrRYgrEy_HdpgGsh2LOz6MK5t8su8SfjNs19Zj8VZU5m8gsle7Z4HobMcIJf1xuXJYOvOcNy5NgUhsboW7Cf4kdx0/s320/DSC_0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely finger-imprinted mark on the lip butter</td></tr>
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However, I do like the product itself. I am very picky when it comes to using lip products because some would leave an unsettling balmy feeling on my tongue, or give a weird taste in my mouth. Thankfully, Nivea's lip butter has none of that so I am feeling very pleased with it.<br />
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This also leaves a mild shimmer on your lips, giving it that luscious-moisturised-healthy -lip look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgbfCbq-1B60HibYAaRVXT56iWuu7hOr6_NCzac-oTt92b9S5ZPNLqG8iTWaN0TktZeXwjDgbgmzxX5GVVCVfzs7Lqdo2b9jSrj-3w63L-3lqurmAojv161MRoPDOTBRrapfXTlC1Eow/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgbfCbq-1B60HibYAaRVXT56iWuu7hOr6_NCzac-oTt92b9S5ZPNLqG8iTWaN0TktZeXwjDgbgmzxX5GVVCVfzs7Lqdo2b9jSrj-3w63L-3lqurmAojv161MRoPDOTBRrapfXTlC1Eow/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, yay for the lip butter itself but a big NAY for the darn tin packaging. I won't be lugging this around in a bag because I wouldn't close the tin too tightly as it's hard to remove carefully.</div>
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Have you tried this lip butter? What's your thoughts on lip butters/balms in a pot in general? Do share, I'd love to know. :)</div>
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Till then, my awesome readers!</div>
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That Whimsical Blogger</div>
Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-32569951541428337432013-08-24T23:51:00.003-07:002013-08-24T23:51:47.786-07:00{{Haircare Review}}: Ginger Shampoo from TheBodyShop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EB0aiwlyqJYwPsIHOWzcARxfpXxAgU6qKYWUmvdDXbP0d7xph2P7APJWRszIOmNO5pHFo9-TuntmvC6-5HtvIE0WVNXn9WxPubWggLNEQqlUx6XRzx1kADz9No3MROlZp68I01TqA8w/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EB0aiwlyqJYwPsIHOWzcARxfpXxAgU6qKYWUmvdDXbP0d7xph2P7APJWRszIOmNO5pHFo9-TuntmvC6-5HtvIE0WVNXn9WxPubWggLNEQqlUx6XRzx1kADz9No3MROlZp68I01TqA8w/s640/DSC_0196.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TBS Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, S$16.90 for 250ml<br />
There's also a 400ml bottle (pictured) but I have forgotten<br />
the price.</td></tr>
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Hello M'lovelies!</div>
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Today I will be reviewing The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo!</div>
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This has been a staple for me for many years. It really helps to keep those pesky dandruffs at bay. </div>
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This shampoo lathers up well and a 400ml bottle can easily last me for the most part of a year.</div>
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The product itself is a thick, yellow-tinged transparent liquid that has a strong aromatic ginger note. I think the scent is rather therapeutic although the drydown smells medicinal. Because I enjoy the use of ginger in my food and drinks and even perfumes (Bvlgari's BLV, I'm looking at you), it is comforting smelling the scent of ginger in the shampoo. However, I've gotten comments from my mother and a schoolmate that my hair "smells"(i.e stinks). I think they meant there's this medicinal scent to it that doesn't smell particularly pleasant because people expect shampoos to be loaded with tons of chemically sweet scents. </div>
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Honestly, I personally think that as long as this does the trick and <i>I</i> am neutral with the smell, who cares about what the others think? </div>
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Anyway, if the smell does bother you I suggest using those mainstream girly-scented conditioner after using this product or spritzing a bit of perfume in your hair once it's dried. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmhyZwiJKYXmMCktPWCb_SWkTbL05hL9fGhIB_X6bcoeNeRJmN-AxRC4lulQQ69e1wUWYMj6v4x3zyOGBdZs_62ntZGtWl_1eFdXnFS14izMCHDRCV8nCKvbcIwxk6zTfaqCpIigc3tQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmhyZwiJKYXmMCktPWCb_SWkTbL05hL9fGhIB_X6bcoeNeRJmN-AxRC4lulQQ69e1wUWYMj6v4x3zyOGBdZs_62ntZGtWl_1eFdXnFS14izMCHDRCV8nCKvbcIwxk6zTfaqCpIigc3tQ/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ingredients.</td></tr>
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Overall, a big thumbs up for me. Will keep repurchasing this product unless TBS discontinues it (it's so prone to discontinuing the good stuff!) I've tried tons of anti-dandruff stuff ranging from the lower-priced ones like Head&Shoulders to the higher priced ones like PHYTO and yet I still come back to this product time and time again.</div>
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Till next time, darlings.</div>
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P.S: Sorry for the lack of updates. University has just started and I'm currently wading in obliviousness trying to adjust to the curriculum and workload. </div>
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<br />Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6046574935655430496.post-3555367737087115252013-08-05T06:46:00.003-07:002013-08-24T23:52:52.688-07:00{{Haircare Review}}: Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_JyTxZnbo6d23fgM8xRjGHdX03Occ_FRiFOH8ilYLWo-s9YF0oRp7jNL10aXkWW67bhRrd49FqzTqEszSsVTGoADwqPJ_EJEauyY6n3yu1JR7nVwVhyphenhyphen6RYgjHfoDAtgrYoamZa3LtPc/s1600/DSC_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_JyTxZnbo6d23fgM8xRjGHdX03Occ_FRiFOH8ilYLWo-s9YF0oRp7jNL10aXkWW67bhRrd49FqzTqEszSsVTGoADwqPJ_EJEauyY6n3yu1JR7nVwVhyphenhyphen6RYgjHfoDAtgrYoamZa3LtPc/s400/DSC_1960.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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Hello m'lovelies. It's been awhile!</div>
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Today's gonna be a review on the fantabulous Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush.</div>
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I bought this after reading so many rave reviews about it here and there on the internet.</div>
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Does it live up to its ability to detangle?</div>
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Why yes, yes it does.</div>
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I used to think Kent combs were The Best Combs I've had till this baby came running along. I grabbed it at Metro on a 20% discount, by the way.</div>
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The bristles of The Tangle Teezer are made of soft silicon with alternating short/longer lengths throughout the whole brush. They go through your hair (wet or dry) like a breeze. I do mean like a breeze! It glides smoothly through your hair to detangle it (unless your hair is badly tangled). I've never had such an amazing detangler before with virtually zero tugging on my poor delicate hair. So yes, this is a big thumbs up to the Tangle Teezer.</div>
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Also, although the shape looks weird, it fits snugly into your hand thanks to the ergonomic design. Thus, a good grip is always ascertained. </div>
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One thing I don't like about this, though, is the difficulty in cleaning it. Residues tend to gather on the bristles easily and they're not easy to scrub off even with a cleaning brush. Also, because the bristles are made of soft silicon, you cannot manhandle them (I did) because the bristles will bend and lose shape (which happened to one or two of my bristles - boo!).</div>
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Overall, me likey likey.</div>
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If it were cheaper I'd get another.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oi_EAAVG3bkIODXf8yTYJ2olmAVr_0nN8uGFRjLX6-hdsafzkUpWKfqWUazvmfu3HOuwF21MwLlbpKmvkeH7ylOE4H4mMpukgVgDS5bpRaB0S562-gY9HCh7egRWGmm5YTGQqkRhg2A/s1600/DSC_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oi_EAAVG3bkIODXf8yTYJ2olmAVr_0nN8uGFRjLX6-hdsafzkUpWKfqWUazvmfu3HOuwF21MwLlbpKmvkeH7ylOE4H4mMpukgVgDS5bpRaB0S562-gY9HCh7egRWGmm5YTGQqkRhg2A/s320/DSC_1967.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La bristles!</td></tr>
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<br />Jas Vlog: That Whimsical Blogger!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11348086829204090423noreply@blogger.com0