Heal Spa - Ann unforgettable massage session

I'm sorry for the negligence as I have had a tough week and fell sick before I knew it. 

I was both emotionally and physically strained due to some issues that I will not disclose here, but I would still like to thank each and everyone of my dear friends & colleagues for your concern. 

Yes, you know who you are.

Thank you!

I'll update some of my happier happenings before all the crazy stuff happened - That is my massage treatment last week! It was actually a deal brought from Groupon.

(Yes, I have been on a crazy roll trying out different deals each time so I can share them here with my readers.)

So.. Guess which outlet I went to?

(No, this is not an advertorial and I am not paid to advertise for them in any way. I just wanted to blog about my experience because it was a positive one!)

Yes, it's Heal Spa! 

You know I have this common mindset about purchasing group deals that involve such services. Horror stories being shared by a few customers weren't helping at all.

 Questions such as:

"Is this going to be a scam?"

"Will they hardsell me their services and require me to purchase their packages after the massage?"

"Will they threaten me to buy their packages, if not they'll break my bones?" (LOL)

But I decided to put my worries at rest and just go for it. 

 I won't know until I tried, yes?

So I was ushered to the room by their friendly staff when I reached. 

The masseur (A female, of course) was a friendly and experienced one! What amazed me was her ability to know some facts about me being not able to sleep well, etc when she was massaging me.

I didn't even tell her that I had a pain at my back area, and she seemed to know about it!

The standard of their massage was superb and not those "anyhow" kind. They will ask if there are any affected or painful area(s) of your body, and focus on that area specifically.

I was impressed.

Personally, I have tried different massage services before, and so far... This is one of the best I have experienced! I was served a cup of longan tea after the session...And no, they did not persuade me to purchase their packages at all. (They only introduced me about their ongoing promotion, which I politely declined)

I couldn't believe the feeling I felt when I was walking out of the place. It was as though I was walking on air. (Haha) Yes, I was THAT relaxed. 

I almost wanted to exclaim to the whole world
"THIS IS LIFE!"

If anyone would like to know more about them, you may feel free to visit their website at:

http://www.healspa.com.sg

Complaint: SingPost, aren't you responsible for lost mails?

**Update: Recipient found successfully! (Thank God) :) Will be arranging a meetup with her this week to hand over the parcel.**

This has got to be one of the most unusual posts ever.

I am going the extra mile to post this to look for someone (If you are the someone, please kindly contact me after reading this.)

So I received a huge package in my mailbox this evening. Thinking that it was from one of my sponsors, I stopped short in my tracks when I realized it was actually a package that was delivered to the wrong address - MY address.

(We have similar addresses, bearing the same block number and ALMOST the same door unit. BUT we are located in very different areas.)

I am situated in Boon Lay and the stated address was Jurong East.

(Seriously, SingPost.. What is this?!)

Worse still, I believe the package was an item from an online store to one of its customers as there was a website indicated on the package - together with the label, "Daniela black dress (M)".

*Sorry for the poor resolution as this was taken using my mobile phone camera*

The back view:

The customer's name is: Phyllis Neo.

(I tried the Facebook method by searching for this name but it turned out that there were many results.)

Nonetheless, I am trying my luck - Hopefully that I can contact the correct Phyllis Neo.

(If you happen to be reading this, can you kindly contact me? I will meet you to pass the package to you.)

As an online shopping addict myself, I considered this a SERIOUS issue because this would mean the customer would NEVER get to receive the item if it happens to fall in the wrong hands.

I believe that is why store owners never fail to remind you that it is your own risk if you opt for normal mail postage.

After this incident, I lost 60% faith in SingPost services. 

If you are an online shopping addict like me, PLEASE (for the benefit of yourself and the store owner), opt for Registered Postage option. 

I would rather pay more to feel secure, rather than bearing the risk that the package would end up in Lalaland and never to be heard of again.

Some people have asked what Registered Postage is. (Yes, I understand there are people out there who seldom shop online, hence may be unfamiliar with the option). 

A Registered Postage is an additional security to your package and it will be delivered straight to your doorstep by the postman, whereby you will have to sign on  receipt to acknowledge that you have received the item. In this way, the risk of losing the mail in the masses will be much lower - although I will not say its a guaranteed 100%. (There ARE still cases of lost Registered Postage.)

Whatever it is, it is still a safer option to go by; as it provides you a TRACKING NUMBER to track your package too.

P/S: I have contacted the online store, Love Bonito, to link me up with the customer. Hopefully I can return this lost package to its rightful owner. If no reply is given, I will bring it back to Singpost and have them deliver it again - But how much can I trust them after the package has left my hands?

Online Shopping Addict - Gmarket

I believe most of you out there have heard of Qoo10.sg, or previously known as Gmarket (Seriously, I just couldn't get used to their new Qoo10 name - how the heck do you pronounce that! They should have just stick back to Gmarket. Grrr.. )

Well, I wasn't really an addict/fan until I began mass shopping recently on the site. I ordered things that are quite high in rarity, such as my mobile case cover as I am using Huawei brand that most stores outside do not have.

It was a pleasant experience until now. All of the goods I ordered came in good condition as expected, and delivery was reaaaallly fast.

But there was one thing about them that disturbed me generally whenever I was doing some random online shopping on the site.

They often trick customers with too-good-to-be-true prices (such as $0.99 or $1.99 for an item that's worth $19.90) on the front page of the website. Of course, you click on it and you'll be led to their page.

You will then have the misconception that most of their items are really going LOW at that price. 

You start to happily pick out and jot down the list of items that you want from the store...

Without noticing that there is an OPTION price on the dropdown list.

(For those of you who are no familiar with the site, the option price is like an "add-on" price on top of the "attractive" price that they advertised so nicely on the page.

In a way, the $0.99 price that you saw is considered as only the BASIC price. You cannot really purchase anything with the advertised price unless you ADD on from the option list.

And sometimes, the Option prices are so ridiculous. It can be $10.00 or even $20.00.

In total, you will be paying the initial advertised $0.99 ON TOP of the $10.00.

I came across a perfect example a few weeks back, but the listing is no longer available when I check back now. Hence, I shall take a random example:

Notice that the item was advertised at only $9.90.

But you CAN'T actually click on the purchase button until you select from the drop-down list that has a top-up price of $22 and $35 respectively.

Come on, the prices are not even close!

I am not sure if anyone feels the same way as I do (since I am not really an expert on qoo10 as it was only recently that I started online shopping on the site.) 

It was just that I felt some of the sellers are trying to mislead potential consumers into thinking that their items are REALLY going at that kind of low price, leading them to click on their page.

They will then attract consumers with beautiful photos of all the items they are selling, and more often that not - those items required ALOT of add-on price.

As a shopaholic, I know it's all in the shopper's mind. If you have spotted something nice, you'll begin craving for it and develop the "OMG, I MUST HAVE IT" mindset.

Eventually, you decided that you wouldn't mind paying the additional price for the products, even though they cost a bomb.

Sounds familiar?

Plead guilty, now. (LOL)

I have so many things to complain whenever it comes to online shopping, especially on deal websites. That will be something I am going to blog about in time to come. It will be beneficial for you because I'll be blogging from my personal experience!

P/S: I have nothing against Qoo10.sg with regards to this entry. I am just commenting how some of the deals work - They are misleading to a certain extent. 

[Media Invite] ilovebooks.com

Hi lovely readers!

*waves*

So were you at the SWF (Singapore Writer's Festival) 2012 during the weekend?!

I was invited to ilovebooks.com event for "The Diary of Amos Lee" last Sunday (Thanks, Charlene!) and I am back to share with you lovely readers of my experience. 

I am sure many of you (or your kids) would have heard of the famous title before (It was even converted to a kids drama series on OKTO!)

With the opportunity to meet the original creator behind those famous characters, it was certainly something not to be missed!

On our way there (Pic taken using my new mobile phone. Gosh, we look so freaking-ly white after the edit!):

Both Abrial and I reached quite early so as to ensure we were at the correct venue.

Yes, it's held at one of the areas in SMU (Singapore Management University), and it wasn't difficult to locate. :) (I know, I know...I have never went there before, so I was quite a noob!)

*phew*

Walking in further, we spotted the sign! :)

I love those heart-shaped balloons! They were meant to be given to the attending kids at the end of the session. How sweet and thoughtful. :')

Ready to be seated. (Majority of the participants were parents, whose kids are major fans of the famous Amos Lee series!) :)

The goodie bag that was given to all the attendees.

(ilovebooks.com has been very kind to sponsor a few of those for my blog readers, too! If you are one of those who had submitted your entry based on my previous post, do keep a lookout in your inbox! I have contacted you guys specifically.) 

Camwhored abit (my usual style. LOL!) before the commencement:

Excited kids:

And here's the moment we've been waiting for!

The lady behind the famous books - Adeline Foo. 

( As someone who used to aspire to be an author, I find her a very inspiring lady! I love the way she interacted with the audience, too.)

During the session, she shared with us her personal life (that included her adorable children), and everything under the sun about her Amos Lee series. 

Not sure if you know, but it is an interesting fact that the famous Amos Lee was actually an inspiration derived from her own son!

Some of the shots I caught while she was showing us some slides (My apologies for the poor quality of the photos due to the lighting)

:

For the Amos Lee fans: Have you got these as part of your collection? ;-)

And here's another important personality behind those series! 

She is Stephanie Wong, the illustrator who had worked so hard to draw and design all the famous characters that you see in the books :)

All of them worked hand-in-hand to come up with their final product - a result of their time, effort and sweat!:

(Yes, it's no easy task. I really take my hats off them.)

Aren't those illustrations cute?!!!

They are quirky, and yet depict the thoughts of a modern kid. :)

And this is the life-form Amos Lee, spotted a midst the audience!)

(Actually, he is the young actor who played Amos Lee in the TV series. I am sure you will find him familiar if you are a fan~!)

A Q&A sharing session which we would get an opportunity to ask them any questions about the series!

(I remembered an interesting question that was asked by a kid during the session was "How did the name "Amos" came about?")

And here's the ANSWER!

Kids listening attentively:

I believe many children love reading the books because they can see themselves in Amos.

How I miss my childhood days! I would most probably be a crazy fan if I were younger.  LOL. :)

(Yes, my dear readers... These are for you!) 

I rushed to take this photo before they took down the banner after the event:

Interested in reading the Amos Lee series?
There's good news for everyone, especially Amos's dearest fans!
The series are now available in e-books format, and you can purchase them to read immediately at the comfort of your own home. :)
(How convenient technology has become... Right??)

Just for your convenience:
Click HERE to get to the page.

Even if you are not based in Singapore, it's all still possible with e-books!
I am sure your kids will enjoy the good read. (Just make sure they don't destroy your iPad/tablet or whatever device you have. LOL)

Of course, if you are one of my few lucky readers, you would be receiving a 15% voucher off your purchase - aside from other goodies that it comes with! :)
Thanks so much for the support!

Had Astons with Abrial after the event (How famished we were!) and she recommended me her favorite - Dory Fish.

(It's covered with mayonnaise and cheese with rice!)

Walked to Orchard and came across a beautiful decor that will create interesting effects for your photos!

BEAUTIFUL RIGHT?!?! (I don't mean me, I meant the backdrop! LOL)

Do stay tuned for upcoming giveaways as well! =D

[Advertorial] My Black Shop

Hi lovely readers!

Are you someone who loves trendy, stylish and fashionable but yet affordable accessories?
(Yes, accessories play an important role in spicing up a boring outfit. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make!)
.
.
.
.
.

If your answer is "Yes" to the above,

Here's introducing you:

MY BLACK SHOP

When I was given the opportunity to choose a sponsored item for this review, I was actually spoilt for choice.
You should have seen their latest Collection #2 -

Fiesta de Verity!

It ranges from different designs of accessories, such as leather cuffs, belt and necklaces.
Each and every design showcases a different style and individuality.

Being a huge fan of necklaces, I eventually decided on a "Victorian Chandelier" necklace from the collection.
(Haha, even the name of the necklace is intriguing!)

I received the necklace from My Black Shop within 2 days, and it came carefully bubble-wrapped to ensure its condition during mail transition.
Yes, you can be assured of their professionalism!

With an attached tag that comes with an exchange policy as well!

Took this photo with powered flash.

I simply love the combination of soft and dark colors! Elegance is the word to describe my first impression of the necklace.

AND,

I love the fact that the colors are not of the plain kind - but shimmery-like as well.
(You will be able to see it clearly here!)

Made up of shimmery pearly white and black colors, the Chandelier necklace is as beautiful as it sounds.

Not sure if you've noticed from my previous entry about the SP event I attended, but I actually wore it to match the black dress I had on :)

Initially, I was worried that it would look too chunky on me as I have a small neck - But my worries were later uncalled for as I absolutely love how it matches my dress!

A close-up shot of the necklace on me.

Somehow it has a retro touch to it, and it definitely spices up a boring outfit!
(Now you can see the importance of accessories!)

I love, love, love it.
Even my mum, who is not usually a fan of necklaces, told me that it looks really nice.

I matched it with a new red dress which I bought from SPELL and it looks fantastic, too!
And oh, did I mention that the length is adjustable as well? I had wanted it to remain at a choker length, hence I fitted it as close to my neck as possible.

If you are one that fancy longer lengths, you can adjust it yourself too depending on your outfit! I believe it will give off different results on different outfits :)

*dances*

This necklace is simply a great addition to my collection.
Thanks to My Black Shop!

Shreky gave me a necklace from the store too as part of my birthday gift! It's a little mustache in bright orange, one of my favorite colors! I haven't got the chance to wear it yet, but I definitely will for my  upcoming events! :)

If you like the idea of being kept up with the latest trendy accessories, please do not forget to subscribe to My Black Shop by clicking that "LIKE" button on their Facebook Page! 

They will be launching more collections in time to come, so do stay tuned as you will be surprised by what they have in store for you.

(Those lovely accessories make great gift ideas too!)

http://www.facebook.com/myblackshop

(P/S: Special thanks to my friend, Shrek a.k.a Si Ying, for the kind assistance to make this review possible! :) )