My nails were always long until my keyboard instructor, Alvin Khoo, said I shouldn't keep them when I'm learning how to play the keyboard.
@MintLeong Instagram Image
@MintLeong Instagram Image
So I had them cut and kept short.
@MintLeong Instagram Image
After 8 weeks of intensive keyboard course at Ocean Butterflies Music Forest, I have learnt BASIC comping techniques, read and understand major/minor chords, find song chords and play them smoothly with the keyboard. This course is efficient. Even though I'm not good enough to do a keyboard performance yet, I can play and find all the chords for my new songs. Also, sing and play songs I find on the internet.
This is a major step in my life.
Just 8 weeks ago, I don't even know what's a middle C.
Alvin Khoo, our keyboard instructor, is really good at simplifying musical terms and making you understand the basics of keyboard playing within a short amount of time.
I've completed my intensive pop keyboard class!
Wohooo~
Class photo with our keyboard instructor, Alvin Khoo(In green strips).
Strong friendships were also fostered between my classmates and I.
Meet them!
Front row from left: Kiah Gek, Jona, Ah Foo
Back row from left: Maricelle, Zhi Hao, Alvin Khoo(keyboard instructor)
But my nails ...
They were short. plain. yellowish.
I need manicure!
Every other night before I sleep, I'd look at my nails and thinking how nice it'll be if there were still long, and then I'd paint them with sweet colours with designs.
But who says you can't have pretty painted nails when you nails are short?
I'm really escalated to tell you that two days ago, I did my FIRST gelish nails!
WOHOOOO~
Evangeline, introduced by Zir at the LJH Hankook Workshop, painted and designed them for me. I feel that Zir is also my fairygodsister who encourages and helps me to become a better person. :)
Evangeline Love can clean and paint nails REALLY fast.
The previous times I did french manicures at other shops, I took more than 2 hours.
She did my nail art in about an 1hour.
Her quiet and cosy hideout has become one of my favourite places to go to for relaxation and gossip corner. I thoroughly enjoyed her company and bubbliness which totally brightened up the rest of my day.
I told her I've never done gelish nails nor nail arts before and that she is free to draw what she feels like.
Here's the final result and I LOVE IT, especially the rainbows!
Here's Evangeline's inspiration of my nail art:
Music notes: I love music
Rainbows: I wanted something sweet and cheerful
Fallen Hearts (thumb): She love it. :D
Not only that, the rainbows are painted with neon colours which will glow under UV lights! So excited that I forgot to take the rainbows under the UV light. BOO!
Here's an idea of the neon nail colours which will glow under Ultra Violet lights.
I took 2 images from Lavishing Me Facebook Page:
PRETTY RIGHT!
That's how my rainbow looks like right now under UV light!
L.O.V.E.
I didn't know gelish nails that dry IMMEDIATELY after the manicure.
Tasks like dive into your wallet to get your card, go toilet used to be a chore for the next 2 - 3 hours when I do normal manicure because I didn't want to ruin my nails.
Not anymore with my gelish nails.
I can even practise my Ukulele wahahaha!
My, isn't gelish nails addictive
Go get your gelish nails done at Lavishing Me.
I can't wait for my next appointment already!!!
Promotion Package:
5x gelish Manicure + 5x Classic Pedicure
With soak off and fast dry top coat for the feet: $240
( Usual Price - $440 )
One session: $48 ( Usual Price - $88 )
No time limit, Free one time simple Nail art (Hands)
Package can be used for all festive seasons
Priority In slots and Booking for appointments.
Quote "Mint Leong" for 10% OFF for your nail art mani/pedicure.
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Road #B2 -25 S228796
Call for appointment: 6732 6649
Email: Lavishing-Me@hotmail.com
Website: http://lavishing-me.blogspot.sg/
LeeJiHam was named after the family names of doctors.
LJH Skin Clinic is founded in 1994 and is the 1st specialised dermatology clinic established in Korea. It's also the first cosmetics company to introduce 'doctor cosmetics' in Korea. LJH products are developed based on many years of clinical experience from LJH Skin Clinics in Korea.
Until now, its brand has maintained its reputation as the first and best dermatology clinic in Korea, being able to adapt quick to fast changing technologies for treating wrinkles, acnes, freckles and other skin problems that we face.
Their products include facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser, serum, creams, lotions, sun pact and so much more.
LJH Cosmeceuticals: Cellabel
The term 'cosmeceuticals' is a combination of cosmetics and pharmarcuticals. Cellabel not only enhances your appearance, it also deliver nutrients necessary for healthy skin.
We know about all-in-1 beverage, all-in-1 shampoo, all-in-1 smartphones; all-in-1 cosmetics just made our lives easier!
I previously covered reviews for these LJH products:
Let's move on to the next - Cellabel M.C. Sun Pact with SPA50+ and PA+++
Cellabel MC Sun Pact with COMPLIMENTARY Pearl Shining Primer
The box comes with an extra sponge/puff, a black pouch to hold your sun pact and a complimentary pearl shining primer
I'm very conscious about UV protection ever since I got to know that UV light is the main cause of skin aging and pigmentation! I don't want to have them, oh no!
When I was first introduced to compact-powder sunblock, I immediately grew to like it more than the cream/water base ones. It's non-sticky, I don't have to wait for the sunblock to dry up before applying my cosmetics, easy to carry around, easy for touch ups and this new one which I'm currently using is even better because it comes with COVERAGE.
There are 2 different shades to choose from!
#21 : Fair (white base)
#23: Normal (brown base)
I'm using #23.
For anyone who goes for a more natural make up just to cover blemishes and even out your skin tone, this is a convenient product because it gives you the coverage (in fact better than you think) and at the same time protects you from the UV rays!
For this post, I'm sharing with you the usual make up I put on when I go for my OB music classes, casual and beach outings.
Natural and casual Make Up
Let's start!
Show you my damn cui nude look first.
Red patches in between my brows, upper lips, chin...
Look again.
My mummy told me that when I was a baby, the red patch in between my brows used to form a 'V' whenever I cry. It's my birthmark and I got it most probably because she had loved to watch this TV show titled 'V files' when she was pregnant with me.
Applying Primers
It's the latest trend to apply primers, aren't you hooked yet?
They say that applying primers as a base before you even put on any other make up is beneficial because it helps to better disguise your blemishes and lets you blend your make up more evenly. Also, it makes your foundation/concealer stays on your face longer. Also, a primer helps to smooth out the skin's surface so that when you apply make up, the make up evens out on your skin tone easily.
The Cellabel Pearl Shining Primer contains pearl and caviar complex use for covering wrinkles and blemishes. The primer fluid is very rich yet not sticky. The caviar complex has anti-aging and moisturising benefits while the fine pearl powder reflects light to cover blemishes, obvious veins and uneven skin tones.
Complimentary Pearl Shining Primer
The smaller tube primer comes as a complimentary with the Sun pact.
The actual size can be purchased online here.
Look at the shimmering layer!
As for the area round my eyes, I used the Prep Eye Primer for 3D coverage.
The sun pact contains SPF 50+ and PA+++.
The core ingredients of the Cellabel sun pact includes:
7 types of tea to instantly sooth and moisturise irritaed skin areas. Tea is an anti-oxidant to slow aging process and calms the skin due to external stress (harsh weather, air pollution).
Deep Sea Water to keep the skin hydrated 1000x better than normal water.
Coral Powder so that skin is smooth and flawless.
Like I've mentioned, I like it because it's a non-oily product such that it reduces oil shine, and there's coverage powder to fade fine lines and spots!
Notice my complexion is already looking smoother after applying ONLY the shining primer and prep eye primer:
If I'm going on an event/show/gig, I'll use my Chanel liquid foundation first to cover obvious blemishes, follow by the Chanel 2-way foundation for the entire face and especially for the reddish-skin areas. Last but not least the sun pact will act as a loose powder.
In this case, I'm only going for my music lesson at SCAPE so the Cellabel sun pact will give me more than enough coverage. It's so convenient now that this one product itself can give me coverage with UV A/B Protection - save half the time!
Pat sun pact powder on the puff and gently pat on your face like normal foundation, focusing on the red and uneven skin tone areas.
Super LOVE the puff/sponge which feels like a marshmallow~
The box comes with an extra puff.
Final touch up with brown eye shadow and pink blusher; light enough for a beach outing yet both blemishes covered and UV protected!
At times, I'll add mascara to my lengthened eye lashes, thanks to Eyelash Queen made my lashes grew longer!
READY FOR MUSIC CLASS NOW, BYE~!
Oh, and remember to bring the sun pact out too, heh-heh.
Cellabel Sun Pact SPF 50+ PA+++
Complimentary Pearl Shining Primer
Usual Price: S$88
Discount: S$68
Quote coupon code "LJHMintLeong" for additional 20% off between 15 - 30 May 2013.
That's only S$54.40 instead of S$88!
Young & aspiring Zack Hourihane has improved so much since his first Youtube Video.
"Words Unspoken" is his first single, released on 4th May 2013. Congratulations Zack!
Please support Zack if you like his song latest single.
The last time I remembered how Boat Quay(BQ) looked like, it was an entire row of TECHNO clubs blasting TECHNO MUSIC (OWNAGE!!!).
Friends, THIS. IS. MY. FAVOURITE. TECHNO. SONG.
Titled Close To You:
*Boom shakala Boom shalkala BOOM~ Listening to this awesome song and grooving in my seat while blogging this post. LOL.*
If you focus on understanding the lyrics, you'll realise that techno songs are really very meaningful.
Anyone reading this post now remembered Lighthouse or Club X?!
Which other techno clubs in BQ, help me remember them by leaving a comment please!
I just love the music so much that I HAVE TO chiong every Wednesday, Friday - Sunday.
484 rocks, (if you know where I mean)! It's really for the music and not to xian guys.
Having said that it's been a while I've been to Boat Quay and so much about the place has changed when I re-visited it 2 weeks ago. The shophouses are mainly occupied by seafood restaurants now.
Cuisine Master Hotpot Restaurant
Amongst the seafood restaurants, tucked away near the underpass which links to Clarke Quay, you'll come across Cuisine Master Hotpot, a newly launched (on 16 March 2013) fine-dining Hotpot Restaurant.
To be honest, the term 'Boat Quay Hotpot' makes me think of one of those all-you-can-eat buffet steamboat eateries along Liang Seah Street. But the first impression I got when I looked inside Cuisine Master Hotpot restaurant totally shocked me! *Siao Liao, so ATAS and I was totally dressed down*
It's just the beginning guys...
The pleasant surprises come in waves I couldn't imagine.
Cuisine Master Hotpot is a bar + fine dining restaurant where the ancient cooking methods of China is made alive, using only the best and freshest food as ingredients. With the setting and the appropriate eating vessels, one can indulge in the ancient cooking methods by their friendly waited staff.
I have to stress that this is a fine dining hotpot restaurant.
We're having steamboat but a Fine. Dining. one.
If you're thinking of a dining place where you can bring your overseas friends or loved ones for an exclusive dining experience, Cuisine Master Hotpot Restaurant is where you should make a reservation NOW.
Mother's Day is just 2 days away.
Don't always bring your mother to the same restaurant over and over la, so boring.
Father's Day is coming soon too.
What about your friend's/sibling's birthday, friends dinner outings, your grandpapa/mama's great birthday?
This is my personal experience:
I paid about the same amount/even more at Imperial Treasure Hotpot but the service and experience I got at Cuisine Master Hotpot is so much better: The staff is hospitable, helpful, knowledgeable about what they serve to you, focus on healthy eating and they cook every single dish for you, WITHOUT REQUEST.
Cuisine Master Hotpot is so meticulous that details like the order of every food dish served to you and the suitability of the soup base to cook your food are being thought of such that each taste will not clash or overwhelm each another. In this way, consumers will be able to enjoy every dish.
Go for Cuisine Master Hotpot because it's a brand new dining concept, extremely healthy, ATAS-quality service/outlook/food at a very worthy price.
LEVEL 1: Cuisine Master Bar + Outdoor Alfresco
Level 1 is a cosy chill-out bar with an outdoor alfresco to immerse your company and yourself in the peaceful Singapore River view.
Ancient chinese cauldron: Ding (鼎）
This is an ancient chinese vessel-shape cauldron with legs known as a 'Ding'. In chinese history and culture, the 'ding' is a cooking vessel often used to symbolise power and authority. You'll spot this one standing right outside the entrance of Cuisine Master Hotpot and it's NOT a mega ash-tray or thrash-bin!
There are so many types and designs of 'dings' and perhaps the most famous ones were the legendary 'Nine Tripod Cauldrons' also known as the 'Zhong Hua Jiu Ding'.
According to the origin I read online, the creation of the Nine Tripod Cauldrons is said to have been crafted by King Yu of the Xia Dynasty when he divided his territory into nine provinces after solving a great flood affecting the entire country, using the collected bronze tribute from each province.
The nine tripod cauldrons naturally became an ultimate symbol of power and rulership.
Back in the ancient dynasties, only authorities of the ruling dynasty with strict regulations imposed were allowed to use the cauldrons. Even so, they are strictly only allowed to use one or three of them to offer ritual sacrifices to the ancestors from heaven and earth at major ritual ceremonies, and later regarded as a national treasure. 所以不是随随便便就能用的～
The philosophy of Cuisine Master Hotpot is based on the ancient chinese belief of 'Zhong Hua Jiu Ding'.
The hotpots that they use are in the form of a 'ding'.
#LikeAnEmperor
There's a hidden surprise about these hotpots which you'll be finding out in no time.
While waiting for the rest of the BFFs to arrive, I was treated to a welcome drink:
This is the culinary set we'll be using later!
*tick tock tick tock*
I can't wait any longer, let's go explore the other levels first!
Wait for me MinutemanSG!
Seating Capacity of Cuisine Master Hotpot Restaurant
The capacity at CM Hotpot is limited (only 52 pax in total) so if you're planning to dine with your family or friends there, remember to make a reservation first to avoid disappointment!
There are 7 tables on level 3, FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, and ONE outdoor private room for 8 - 10 pax. The scenery in that private room is breath-taking!
Well-ventilated Outdoor Private Room on Level 3
What an amazing sight; to be able to view the entire scenery of Boat Quay when you're only on a 3rd level-- UNBLOCKED. If you're lucky enough, you'll even get to see the full moon above MBS like I did. Catch the MBS laser show too!
Friends who like to dine while enjoying a beautiful scenery and don't wish to smell like your dinner, please reserve this room! Best thing is, there's no minimum expenditure you have to make in order to book this room as long it's for 8 - 10 pax. SHIOK, IKR.
The Table Is A Transformer
This looks like a normal 4 seater table but it's actually made of REAL marble. In fact all the tables are. More importantly, each table is a TRANSFORMER.
Firstly, it can transform into a beautiful dining presentation like this:
Told you the culinary is exquisite!
Next, it's a transformer like the auto-shuffling mahjong table!
It's the ultimate uniqueness of Cuisine Master Hotpot.
The centre of the table will open up and the hotpot will RISE FROM THE TABLE! This is perhaps the one and only hotpot restaurant in Asia to create this presentation concept.
Watch it TRANSFORM:
WOW FACTOR: 5/5 STARS
Air-conditioned Private Room on Level 2
There are 6 tables on the 2nd storey and ONE fully air-conditioned private room for 12 - 15 pax.
BFFs and I are dining in the private room on level 2, whee~
BFFs and I are dining in this room:
Presentation: 5/5 Stars
Now that the BFFs and I are seated down, let's start dinner!
Healthy Hotpot Eating, Not Stuffing yourself with FOOD
Cuisine Master Hotpot encourages both healthy eating culture and Chinese culture learning.
Don't worry about:
1. Cooking what you've ordered. Their staff will attend to you and serve every dish to you.
2. Over-eating. The quantity of the food is catered nicely for each individual.
3. Lack Of Choice. You can always add on additional food choices to your menu.
4. Not sure what you've just eaten. ASK the staff and they'll explain it to you.
Feel free to mix your sauce with these condiments:
Ideally, we should have the fruits BEFORE our meal instead of after so that's it more beneficial to our digestive system.
Top left appetiser: CHERRY TOMATOES marinated in orange juice.
***MUST TRY!***
OK I'm ready, let's dig in!
Here's another signature at CM Hotpot: Shao Xing Wine.
Try drinking it with another ancient chinese glass known as a 'jue'.
Ancient Chinese Goblet: Jue (爵）
A Jue is an ancient chinese goblet with two taotie masks used to serve or warm wine. It was used for ceremonial purposes by the chinese usually to rejoice for official promotions and graduations.
HUAT AH!!!!
Even the washroom looks like a hotel toilet~
The Food Menu
The food menu package range between S$78 - S$138 PER PERSON.
We had the S$78 PER PERSON menu with adds on of Lobster and Kurobuta Meat(black pork).
Who always drinks soup after cooking the hotpot soup? Everyone I suppose for it definitely taste better after all the ingredients are added. But take note of this, if leafy vegetables are cooked, there might be nitrite/oxalic acid in the soup base. So if you really want to drink the soup, taste it at the beginning!
That's just what we do at CM Hotpot. :)
If you wish to know some healthy tips for eating hotpot, read THIS.
Serving 1: Double Flavoured Soup.
For the soup, the ingredients for Buddha Jump Over The Wall will be added into the chicken soup base.
Serving 2: Prawn with Turbot Combination
The prawn is DAMN BIG.
Eat Prawn
Serving 3: BaZhu Mushroom and Morel Mushroom
I've never had them before and I heard it's a rare delicacy.
Here I am stressing on healthy eating but drinking Coke. *bleah*
Serving 4, ADD ON: Lobster serving for 4pax:
Serving 5: Mixed Vegetable with Chinese Yam Platter.
First time trying Chinese yam and I loved that too!
Serving 6: Chef's special prepared Shrimps and Pork Balls.
Serving 7: Freshly sliced chicken meat
Serving 8, ADD-ON: Kurobuta meat!
Meanwhile the other table is serving Tender Veal Tripe as their 8th serving.
Serving 9: Special home-made noodles.
Comes in 4 colours to represent 4 happiness!
They are made from flour and vegetables.
Last but not least, we're having cocktails for desserts!
Eh, don't snatch my cocktail la.
BFFs blog links and more information from this point onwards will be updated tonight because I'm in a rush to meet Colin and we're bringing my mother to CM Hotpot to dine NOW to celebrate Mother's Day! Wahahaha....!!!
Small groups, big groups also can go fine-dining de okie.
We are going to quote "Cuisine Master Facebook" and getting a 20% discount
Promotions until 12th May 2013!
CM Hotpot is also having LUNCH SPECIAL of S$48 PER PERSON.
For now, there's no validity for this promotion so guys working at CBD area, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Bugis, this is yet another awesome deal!
It's also an ideal place to bring your client for lunch!
= Updated on 15 May 2013 =
Ops.
Looks like instead of tonight, I only managed to do this today.
It feels good to have dinner with some of very good friends, my BFFs!
It's not the complete family picture yet.
One day, I'll gather them all and take 'family photos' together.
All MY BFFs (Blogger - friends - forever).
