Mia's Travelogue: Malacca Eats - Nadeje

Over the long weekend, I decided to drop by Malacca for a short getaway with T. Well, weather was really hot with nothing much for sightseeing and shopping, so we literally spent 3 days eating like a pig. 

And so, let's get started on my humble recommendations!

Was strongly recommended to drop by for their Mille Crepes by T's friend, and it's just so lucky that there's 2 branches near our hotel (one at Mahkota Parade and one at Mahkota Plaza, Jln PM 4) and so we visited both branches on 2 different mornings! 

Look at the different selection of  mille crepes! Well, I would really love to try their Royal Milk Tea, but too bad they're no available on both days (and both branches) I visited. 

Strawberry Chocolate

Rum & Raisins

Well, look at the different layers of crepes with generous layer of flavoured cream smeared in between. And yes, that's yours truly staring at the strawberry chocolate mille crepe like a psycho....

Mango Yoghurt

 Double Chocolate

Out of the 4 flavours, I'll say the Mango Yoghurt and Double Chocolate were the nicer one. Well, Rum & Raisins was good too, but I'm personally not a huge fan, so... yeah.

Strawberry Chocolate was pretty, but the overall taste was quite disappointing as you know, chocolate crepe doesn't really have much of a chocolate taste by itself, and without any chocolate cream, it tasted more like strawberries and cream instead of strawberry chocolate. 

Double Chocolate, on the other hand, was well done! Soft chocolate crepe with airy chocolate whipped cream in between and topped with a layer of chocolate ganache. Rich, chocolately, yummy!

Mango Yoghurt was like a palate refresher to the rich and heavy flavour from Double Chocolate. The mango puree layer on top was generous and tangy, the crepe soft and whipped cream light and airy. A must try for those who enjoy a tangy mango! 

Dark Chocolate Cafe Latte

Look at the amount of chocolate sauce at the bottom and the glob of thick cream at the top. 

T wasn't truly impressed, but I loved this so much! The coffee taste was strong, coupled with a rich chocolate taste.... 

A must try for all mocha (or chocolate coffee) lovers!

Malacca Cafe Latte

We drank it without any addition of sugar (I usually add 1 sachet of sugar to my cafe latte) and I believe it's because the latte is flavoured with Gula Melaka, although I cannot be sure. 

It was definitely yummy, but I'll get another chocolate coffee anytime. :)

For more locations of Nadeje, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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Mia's Review: Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate

A while back, I posted up a pretty short review of the chocolate cupcake from Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate and since that visit, I've revisited their branch at Greenwich V a handful of times and tried out a some other goodies. 

Butterscotch Milk (Hot) - about $7

I first tried this when D told me that it has got some good reviews. I got the hot one while she took the iced version. My advice is, take the hot one. The iced one was made by pouring the hot concoction over a cup full of ice, so it'll be served to you horribly diluted. 

As for my hot butterscotch milk, it was definitely yummy. The rich and smooth milk was deliciously sweetened with a strong dash of butterscotch flavour, topped with chocolate powder and a melting marshmallow. 

White Chocolate Butterscotch Block - $7.90 per 100g

A thick block of creamy, rich and sweet white chocolate moist cake of mousse-like texture with a swirl of chocolate sponge cake centre and topped with a thick layer of butterscotch cream on top. 

This has to be the richest, sweetest, most sinful (white) chocolate cake you can ever find. 

Not recommended for individual consumption, unless you can get the staff to sell you a 50g piece. 

Flourless Chocolate Cake - $6.90

Other than their original chocolate cake and the chocolate cupcake I've reviewed in my previous post (linked above), this has to be the other cake they have that is true to their shop name, Awfully Chocolate. Being flourless, the cake naturally will be more moist, sticky, gooey and richer in taste. It's really like a fudgey brownie that's done over the top. 

For more information on Awfully Chocolate, visit their website HERE

For more information on Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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Mia's Review: OxyGeneo™ NeoBright at SkinLab The Medical Spa [Sponsored]

Last weekend, I was really honoured to be invited for a sponsored facial session with SkinLab located at Plaza Singapura.

After assessing my skin condition, the therapist decided to let me try out their latest treatment, OxyGeneo™  NeoBright, a 3-in-1 super facial treatment that comes in 3 steps: Exfoliate + Infuse + Oxygenate.
Touted as the new super facial, we can get the exfoliation benefits of microdermabrasion plus deep facial rejuvenation with the infusion of essential revitalizing nutrients and healing skin oxygenation from within. OxyGeneo™ treatments are suitable for all skin types – any ethnicity and pigmentation, sensitive skin, and even for those who keloid (scar) and couldn't otherwise have abrasion treatments.

Advantages of OxyGeneo™ includes:
• Skin Plumping & Hydrating
• Restored Skin Volume
• Renewed Youthful Glow
• Increased Collagen
• Reduced hyper-pigmentation
• Improved Skin Cell Production
• Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles
• Safe for any skin type (unless there's peeling)

Similar to microdermabrasion, the OxyGeneo™ exfoliates the upper skin layer to remove dead cells, smooth and renew the skin, preparing it to receive active nutrients. The OxyGeneo™ is safe on all skin tones and can treat sensitive skin without any irritation.
Through the exclusive Capsugen, the OxyGeneo™ cleanses the skin while infusing nutrient-rich active ingredients. There is two treatments available. NeoRevive™ for rejuvenation and anti-aging or NeoBright™ for skin brightening and texture improvement.
The OxyGeneo™ produces CO2 bubbles which gently burst on the skin surface creating a physiological response, sending oxygen-rich blood to the area, increasing capillary flow and skin metabolism. Oxygenation results in optimal absorption of active ingredients.

NeoBright reduces skin pigmentation and sun damage while lightening the complexion.
There are 3 components involved:
Azelaic Acid for even pigmentation, Kojic Acid for skin lightening, and Retinol for anti-aging.

And so, after the short consultation, I was led to one of the rooms to change into my facial gown.

The room was clean and simple, equipped with a large mirror and a bed with pretty comfortable comforter blanket. 

And that's the machine I got to try out for the day.

After cleansing my face thoroughly...

I had a quick massage...

And the therapist got the treatment started! 

I shall not bore you with all the different steps in the facial treatment, so let's get straight to what's important!

A mid-facial shot taken after half of my face was done with the final treatment (the side with the half fallen out double eyelid sticker, UNGLAM!)

As you can see, the results was amazing! I looked as though I was smirking with the right side of my face totally lifted while my left side remains saggy. And as the therapist also extended the treatment area down to my neck, my deep neckline has visibly lighten, although it wasn't captured in the picture.

And that's my after facial look with absolutely no traces of make up on (and a pair of super geeky oversized glasses) and taken with my new samsung nx mini with no additional photoshopping. 

SkinLab offers treatment not only for face, but also for body, hair and contouring. 

Drop by SkinLab's website HERE to find out more! 

On a side note, I was really honoured to collaborate with Honey of Little Miss Honey and posted my thoughts on the importance of job satisfaction as her guest blogger for the month of March. Do drop by and read my personal thoughts HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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Mia's Review: Tilley Scented Soy Candles & Reed Diffusers [Sponsored]

In my previous post about Lin's Australia, I talked about their Neo Rosehip Oil Cleanser and this time round, I have another 2 awesome goodies from Lin's under their Home Spa range! 

A huge fan of scented candles, I was simply elated to find a full sized 40-hours burning time soy wax candle in Peony Rose scent in the bag along with set of reed diffuser. 

Tilley Peony Rose Candle - $55

This exceptionally clean burning premium perfumed candle envelopes your senses with the heavenly sweet floral scent of peony rose. Carefully crafted with a slow burning lead-free cotton wick, the white frosted glass container adds an elegant ambience to any décor.

For those burning scented candles in a non-airconditioned room, I'm sure you will have the disappointing experience of smelling absolutely nothing while the candle burns right in front of you. But for Tilley, the scent payoff was just great! 

Even with a fan on rotation blowing at the candle, I can still smell the slightly powdery floral sweet scent of the candle as it burns and when placed at another spot in my room away from the blowing wind, it can easily fill my entire room with the deliciously feminine smell. 

Absolutely love this! 

Tilley Soy Candle currently comes in a total of 12 scents and another scent that really caught my eye is Pink Lychee. 

Have to get my hands on that after I'm done clearing my current stock of candles and reed diffusers. 

And of course, the same scent is available in the form of reed diffusers.

Tilley Peony Rose Diffuser - $69

Peony Rose is a tempting rose aroma with an incredibly delicate allure that adds a soft feminine ambience to any room.

Reed diffuser is an awesome alternative to scented candles when safety issues restrict the usage of burning candles (small area with many clutter etc). Plus, by reducing the number of sticks you leave in the bottle of essential oil, you can easily tweak the concentration you would like to have in your room to have a more subtle, less overpowering scent and also have your reed diffuser last longer.

And a small tip: If you wishes to have a quick boost of scent, just flip your sticks and let the saturated ends be in direct contact with the air.

For more information on available scents of Tilley Soy Candles & Reed Diffusers, visit Lin's Australia HERE

Till then,
Mia Foo

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Mia's Review: Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil for face [Sponsored]

If you're not familiar with Palmer's, they're founded in America more than 170 years ago in 1840, and has become one of the world's leading names in skincare, a brand that women around the world have grown up with. Their unique heritage and commitment to quality has stood against the test of time. Generations of families have loved the fantastic moisturising qualities of Palmer's skincare range, and millions of women around the word agree.
Their number 1 formula, Cocoa Butter Formula, is one of of Palmer's key offering in its wide range of skincare. Palmer's is committed to creating affordable products that really do work, and is growing to provide a Pamer's product for every skincare need: hand and body care, facial care, stretch mark care, hair care and personal care.
Using nature's richest, most luxurious ingredients, Palmer's key ingredients include Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and has created a Palmer's product for ever skincare need.
In addition, Palmer's is against animal testing and all of the products are cruelty free. Majority of Palmer's products are free of parabens, phthalates and sulphates.

Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose skin perfecting dry oil for both face and neck, and delivers a pure shot of nine super oils blended with Retinol and Vitamin C to breathe new life into the skin. With Palmer's unique Rapidermal Absorption Systeme, the ingredients is penetrated deep into the epidermal layer. What's more, Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil is hypoallergenic, free of parabens and phthalates too!

These remarkable super oils together with Retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C help to heal, moisturise, reduce appearance of lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots and even skin tone. To put it across simply, retinol helps to rejuvenate our skin by reducing our cells' turnover time and help prevent the breakdown of collagen, and vitamin C helps even out our skin tone and texture, and prevent sun damages to our skin. 

This lightweight facial oil treatment helps to:

1. Reduce lines and wrinkles

2. Lighten dark spots

3. Moisturise dry, aging skin

4. Brighten skin tone

5. Even skin tone

It comes in a handy bottle with a dropper attached capping that allows us to control how much oil to dispense each time. 

As to my usage, I apply 3 drops of the oil all over my face, and another 2 to 3 drops to my neck, and massage gently for better absorption. But being an oil, it still absorbs to a slightly oily sheen so I definitely recommend that you only use it at night, unless you do not put on any form of make up in the day. 

And after using it for a few nights, let's see how this treatment oil has worked for me.

Before

 After

As I've expected, I've experienced some initial (comedone-like) breakouts on my chin (my most breakout sensitive zone), probably due to the retinol (do google and read up on "initial breakout from retinol-a") but overall, there's definitely an inprovement in terms of skin tone and texture. You can also see a vast improvement in my acne depression scar (or was it chicken pox) on my left cheek (right cheek in the picture).

Before

After

Although the improvement at my neck is less obvious, (my 2 deep neckline didn't disappear) but they have definitely grown slightly lighter! 

If you're a SampleStore member, you can redeem your free sample of Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil (1 sachet) HERE.

You can get Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil for Face (30ml) for only SGD $29.90 at all Watsons, Guardian Pharmacy, Robinsons, John Little and Watson's Online Store.

What's more, make your purchase via Watson's online store and stand a chance to win:

Grand Prize of $150 cash + $80 Palmer's hamper

or

Consolation Prize of $100 cash + $80 Palmer's hamper

Purchase a retail size Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil from Watson's Online Store HERE or from physical stores. 

Pose for a selfie with your retail sized Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil and post on Instagram with the hashtags #Palmers #PalmersSG #PalmersSTOFace 

And that's it! You're in!

This contest runs from now to 25th April 2015 and winners to be announced on 30th April 2015.

Good luck!

Till then,

Mia Foo

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Mia's Review: Tony Moly Hug Me Hair Removal Cream

Yup, finally I'm squeezing in a non-sponsored review after a while. Been busy with work (handing over of my projects and getting ready for my new job) recently so I was kind of struggling to keep up with the blog assignment deadlines. 

But now, here it is! A review of Tony Moly's Hug Me hair removal cream. 

So, a hair removal cream that not only works in 5 to 10 minutes, but also soothes and moisturises, leaving our skin smooth and soft? 

Well, let's put it to the test...

On my fat and hairy legs.

I'm always too lazy to shave/epilate my legs, don't judge me. 

As the product comes in a handy squeeze tube, dispensing the cream directly onto the skin surface was a breeze.

And with the curved surface of the plastic applicator that came along with the product, spread out the cream evenly such that every strand of hair is covered. 

As the cream is light and slightly watery, spreading and evening it out was effortless using the applicator. Scent wise, there was a subtle 'ammonia' smell, but nothing unbearable and can also be easily overpowered and neglected with your own room scent that might come from a reed diffuser or scented candle. 

As for the efficacy, I have to say that leaving in on for 5 minutes on my hair didn't work, at all. 10 minutes didn't work brillantly, either.

Undeterred, I applied a little bit more cream and left them on for another 5 minutes (15 minutes in total) before I started using the end of the applicator to start scraping the cream off, which takes away almost all of the hair along with it.

As for the remaining few, they came off easily enough with just a light to medium scrubbing motion of my fingers and viola~

Hairless legs!

True enough, my legs didn't feel dry and tight at all. Instead, it felt soft and smooth to the touch, and obviously, hairless!

Tony Moly Hug Me is available on Qoo10 HERE

On a side note, since spring is almost here, I've collaborated with a few other fellow lifestyle & beauty bloggers to bring you #SpringTreatGiveaway on instagram! One lucky winner will walk away with $180 in PayPal cash plus $80 shop credit from wishtrend. For more information for this awesome giveaway and how to participate, check out my instagram post!

Till then,

Mia Foo

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