Groupon Deal Review: - LifeSpa massage - Worth Going?

You know, I have figured that my blog should contain posts that benefit others from my personal experiences - especially those that I spent money on.

I am sure plenty of you out there have googled companies, products or items from Groupon deals before purchasing them, and reviews from bloggers would have benefited you.

SO, so... I have decided to share more about my Groupon experiences here with my readers as I do purchase their deals quite often! 

So what kind of deals do I usually spend my money on, you ask?

MASSAGE or FOOD. 

(I feel that body massages in Singapore are darn expensive without purchasing Groupon deals!)

As I have a friend (I shall call her "Shrek" since it's a nickname we have been calling each other since our poly days, haha) who are into body massages as much as I do, we would often share lobangs with each other and purchase deals to try.

"Well... You know, you can share all of our experiences in your blog," she suggested. 

I thought it was a pretty good idea. (So to all those bad merchants, watch out! If you are one of those who do not honor your Groupon deal, I shall post about you on my blog!)

I shall start off my first entry experience on a positive one: - Here's one deal from Groupon that we tried: (Don't worry, this is not a sponsored post or anything like that -  We freaking paid money for the services from our own pockets!!)

$27 for a Swedish or Deep Tissue Stress Relief Massage at LifeSpa

$27 is considered an attractive price for a body massage service. (Without Groupon deals in Singapore, a body massage can easily cost up to $100 and above, which is crazy)

I know it's risky, but I did not bother to check or read reviews about the place before purchasing the deal. It was a pure luck thing. I remembered both of us were desperate for a body massage and were lucky enough to book an appointment for the next day.

There are 3 outlets of LifeSpa, and we chose the one at Carlton Hotel, which was quite a convenient location.

We were WOW-ed by the place upon arrival. We felt so out of place in such an atas venue.

The reception lady was well-mannered, and passed us the forms to fill in our personal details before heading in for our massages. 

When we were told that the room was ready, we were completely overwhelmed by excitement as they brought us to a luxurious-looking suite (it was a COUPLE ROOM!! It means that we would be able to communicate with each other in the room during massage, which was an additional bonus as we didn't expect we would be given the privilege. In most massage places, a couple room requires a top-up charge and we were NOT charged a single cent for it)

It was an out-of-the-world (in a good way) kind of experience as I was dazzled by the facilities as well. Can you imagine that there was a PERSONAL TOILET as well in the room? We had all the privacy to ourselves, and there was a heater pad on the massage bed too to warm our bodies.

The masseurs were very professional as well, and I would say they do have some good skills there!
(In the past, I always had this mentality that the masseurs will not give quality service since we purchased the Groupon deals at a cheap price. I am sure most of you would have this thought, too, right?! Sometimes, things are too good to be true. However, I was proven wrong on this occasion!)

After the massage, we were given a choice to choose our tea (I opted for Ginger tea, which I love!) and we were led to a comfy resting area (We felt like princesses with such atas treatment, LOL).
When we reached, I noticed that there was even a small plate of snacks- complete with our cups of tea- ready at the table.

NOW IS THE MOMENT. I HAD A FEELING THEY WERE GOING TO DO SOME HARD-SELLING OF PACKAGES.
I always hated this. I have read reviews of many places doing hard-selling of packages and throwing customers black faces if they say "NO".
I'm someone who has difficulty saying "NO", so you can imagine how dreadful it was for me.

Well, we waited.
There was indeed a young lady approaching us with a form.
Fortunately... We were only asked a question,
"Do you do massages often?"
We shook our heads.

"Well, its okay then. See you".
And that was it! No hard-selling. Wow. This is so un...un..un..un..believable. LOL.
We were stunned like vegetables. *pun intended. ahem*
I guess it was because I indicated we were students in the forms?
 (Yeah, students are always poor okay!)

Nonetheless, I would recommend this Groupon deal to anyone who would like to give it a try. Please do note that I am only reviewing the outlet that I went, and could not verify that the services in the other outlets are the same.
Till then. stay tuned to more of my Groupon deal updates~!

Online shopping VS Physical shopping

This blog entry is not an advertorial ; but just my thoughts on ONLINE SHOPPING and PHYSICAL SHOPPING.

Let's see if you do share the same sentiments... ..

Online Shopping Vs Physical Shopping

FACTS ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING:

- You don't really feel the pain of money draining from your bank account when you make online purchases. Sounds aggressive, I know. But it's a true fact when it comes to online shopping. Come on, are you the guilty one?

- You'll tend to buy MORE than what you initially planned to. (Remember those times when you would just do a "casual" browsing at the web page, and you ended up checking out a number of items that you never thought you would need/be getting?)

- With online shopping, you can basically (or technically) shop 24 hours without being afraid of closing hours or being observed by shop assistants. All you'll need is a mouse or an "enter" button.

- Online shopping makes you lazy. At times, you don't really see the reason to go physical shopping when you can just hug your pillow and surf the net at the comfort of your own home.)

- Gone were the times when you would purchase from a physical store immediately without checking the prices online. Yes, a retail shop will not be able to beat the online prices. 

- Online shopping includes INTERNATIONAL shopping - and one does not need any air ticket to fly to that particular country to get them.

- You are able to filter your searches and look for specific items that you want ; instead of sourcing painstakingly for them in physical stores. It makes everything a whole lot easier, does it not? *smiles*

-Online shopping gives you more room for consideration. How convenient it is to read reviews before making your purchase! There is no obligation too. No hard-selling. No nothing.

Ah, I am not saying that physical shopping isn't ideal - It has its advantages, too.

A physical shopping trip can give you the utmost retail therapy you'll ever need. You will be able to touch the items physically (some shoppers like to feel them using their hands. LOL) and get them immediately off from the shelves without any waiting time. In addition, a shopping experience with family and friends is like no other! :) 

So what about me?

I guess I am a neutral - I LOVE BOTH online and offline shopping. Online shopping adds more to the "surprise" factor, and I am always excited to look forward to my items during its delivery. Needless to say, I tend to spend more online than offline. 

However, there is something that I'll not really make purchases on - and that would be SHOES. As much as I often come across OMG-SO-AMAZING shoes that I would fall head over heels with, I restrained myself from getting them as it's kinda.. risky (due to the size issue!)

Despite the fact that shoe size charts are often provided, you can never really trust them as different manufacturers have different cuttings. What you think you can fit may not be the case.(Imagine the disappointment you will feel upon the discovery that you are unable to fit into the shoes that you have been looking forward to!)
Not only that, you will not be able to test the comfort level of the shoes - which can only be known when you wear them. (And this is only possible in physical stores!)

I have read many shoe reviews from buyers who would complain of such issues. Shoes are either too big, or too small when it comes to different cuttings. So.. I guess they would be something I'll refrain from buying online!

Ah, what about you? Are you more of an online shopper, or an offline one? =P

Shopping Addiction: My new AQUA mobile phone!

You know, sometimes I really love and hate Qoo10 (previously known as Gmarket) at the same time.

They sure have their ways to make online shoppers splurge on their wants instead of needs!

Imagine scrolling through their best deals out of boredom... And suddenly you spot something that captures your attention.. 

You start to add it to your shopping cart.. TA-DA...! 

And the rest is history.

Of course, there are other highly recommended sites as well that have the same addictive trait.
One such example is ZALORA, an e-tailer that offers a wide variety of choices (be it clothing, accessories, etc) for women and men! (Seriously, how often do you see a web store that has so many unisex choices - and yet at irresistibly affordable prices?!)

As if that is not enough, Zalora offers FREE delivery and CASH ON DELIVERY, too!

*squeals*

Totally spoilt for choice, lah. I'll go through their catalogue slowly.

And as below are just some of my random purchases (Not from Zalora though)- CARD PHONES from Qoo10 that I just wanna show off~ (GOOD THINGS ARE WORTH THE SHARE, RIGHT??! ;))

No, it's not an i-banking device.. 

Nor is it a calculator. =_=

It is a CARD PHONE! And it is really a card-sized phone - just like your any other ordinary ez-link card.

I got it for my mum as I thought it should be basic enough for her liking.

Well, in case you are wondering.. Yes, it supports any other normal SIM card. I actually got her a Singtel prepaid card to go along with it.

I was so fascinated with the phone that I ended up falling in love with one myself - except that mine has got to be a tad more expensive as I got a waterproof version.

So this means that I can drop it into the toiletbowl without worrying that it will become faulty.

Just kidding.

(Why in the world would I drop it into a toiletbowl unnecessarily, man?! LOL)

I actually wanted it badly due to its NEON color.

 I don't really care about the waterproof function.

And no, I didn't get it from Qoo10.

It was the sweet boyfriend who went the extra mile to get it for me at a physical sports store in Singapore - yes, he did it behind my back.

(I was like.. WHAAATT??!!!)

*Ouch* I could see a hole burnt in his pocket. 

Nonetheless, I am currently making good use of the phone for work purposes. 

It's actually a VERY basic phone and not really worth the money that was paid for, but I still stubbornly love it as I know it's special and you cannot really find it in everyday stores.

Here's a short video that features it:

Just a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros: 
-Small and handy (You can hang around your neck like a travel pass. Accessories and cables are provided!)

-It has a loud ringtone. So loud that even the deaf can hear it.

-Waterproof? (I haven't tested it out yet so I cannot comment much on this)

-Good for simple users such as kids, army, etc.

-Despite its simplicity, you'll be surprised that it as a FM radio function!

-Requires only very minimal charging time * Only 30 minutes and the phone can be on standy for 3-4 days! Amazing battery life, huh?

- A perfect conversation starter. I have met many people who are fascinated at the sight of this baby and started asking about it. 

Cons:

-Initially, I thought it would be an ideal phone for senior citizens.. But it seems that the font and buttons are quite small. 

-And no, it doesn't have wifi or bluetooth FYI. 

BUT GUESS WHAT HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AGO?!

I was walking past this sales promoter and he attempted to compliment me on this cute little phone.

It was not until when he said..

"Hey, that's a calculator? Cute!"

*GRITS TEETH*

This little baby cost over a $100 and he mistook it for a calculator!?!?!

*Breathes in, breathes out*

OK... But I do admit it does look like one.

Oh well.

If anyone is interested in this phone, you may feel free to visit their website for more info at:
www.card-tec.com

(And no, I am not earning anything from this, nor am I in any way affiliated to them.)

[Advertorial] IMPULSE

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, how are your preparations coming along so far?

New apparels, new shoes, new bags...

Wait...

Did you forget something?
Yes, accessories!!!
(I can NEVER get enough of accessories because they contribute so much to my outfit!)

If you are thinking where to get cheap finds (Waaaayy cheaper than retail stores) but YET full of choices, then you should totally give yourself a chance to read on what I have in store for you.

And if you are a guy, there is no need to complain too because I am offering more Valentine's Day gift ideas for your other half! Just scroll down and thank me later!

Well... Thanks to IMPULSE, it is possible to look sophisticated without going through much expense. 

The lovely owner of Impulse, Chloe, has generously sponsored 3 different accessories of my choice from her online store, and here they are:

(I totally LOVE them!)

1) A merry-go-round necklace - Item code #N0033

2) A leaf headband (That can be used as a necklace too - I'll show you!) - Item code #H0001

3) Fashion gold ring - Item code #R0001

I have purposely chosen 3 accessories of different categories so you guys can see and compare the varieties:

Let's start with the "merry-go-round" necklace first, shall we?! =)

Top view:

I simply love all the details that are engraved on it. It really does look delicate!

Personally, I am a HUGE fan vintage-looking necklaces. 

They are intriguing because the color and design is made to look old but sturdy.

 And this design was one of the first that caught my attention while I was browsing through the store catalogue.

I am trying to capture every bit of the necklace's material to detail so you can judge for yourself.

It's totally NOT those cheap-looking ones made of crappy material.

 (I ever encountered one which looks similar to this material in retail stores but it broke in my hands, much to my horror!)

Darn, why is there a blue ink stain on my finger?? LOL!

And look at this small wheel-looking thingy at the end of the necklace!

It just adds on the cuteness in general. :)

Pardon the strand of hair across my face. It somehow spoils the picture. HAHA.

But whatever - It's the necklace I wanted to focus on!

 CUTE right? The design really appeals to me because the "merry-go-round" actually 'moves'! 

The mini horses will dangle as you walk!!!

I wanted to capture a full-body photo but it made the necklace look small, so this is the furthest I could go:

I matched it with a black dress of mine and I love the combination!

Somehow black color makes the necklace stand out more:

Let's go the Vintage style! 

LOL.

Here's item no #2: The leaf headband 

I have friends asking me where I got this from when I wore it - So here is the answer in the blog post!

A close-up of the leaf design. In metallic gold.
If you are a headband lover, I am sure this will appeal to you!




One of the random photos I took using my phone's camera while I was shooting this advertorial:
(I believe some of you Facebook friends will recognize this pic! Haha!)

I seldom wear headbands but I totally love the design of this one.
Am considering it as part of my CNY accessories!





And if you are not comfortable with wearing a headband, then pull it all the way down to your neck and it'll transform into a necklace!

SIBEI CHIO!!!

What do you think??

Headband or necklace? You decide! :)

Here's item no #3: Fashion ring

A ring that appears simplistic and yet appealing.

Fashionistas, how do you like it?!

Sturdy material, no doubt!

Here's a method to "show off" the ring if you are wearing it:

-Pretend to yawn and cover your mouth like me! LOL.

SEE? Notice that ring?

Hahaha.

Okay, enough of my nonsense. Here's something important that I have to share here - and I promise you it's something great.

IMPULSE guarantees you:

♥ Affordability:

The accessories are VERY affordable. Some famous blogshops are selling them at 2x or even 3x higher! 

♥ Quality guaranteed:

They are made of fantastic quality. If my review above is not enough to convince you, then probably these reviews left by Impulse's customers will!   (Click to enlarge!)

♥ Items are true to the pictures:

Sometimes it is really hard to believe what you see on the internet. There were times when photographs of the items you see online differ from reality when you receive them. But trust me - The accessories sold at Impulse are true to the pics! 

♥ Fast Shipping:

Who doesn't love fast shipping? Impulse offers fast shipping as parcels - both normal and registered options available. They are sent out on every working day!

♥ Singpost A.M mail available:

Singpost A.M mail is available too! (Next day delivery)

♥ New and trendy designs regularly:

Impulse is bringing in new and and trendy designs regularly! So do always keep checking back because you may not know what you have missed!

♥ Items are at a FRACTION of original prices:

Do you know that quite a lot of Impulse's products are from the manufacturing factories of ASOS, Forever 21, Topshop, H&M, etc! So... Those prices are really a steal because you are only paying a fraction of their original prices! How cool and money-saving is that, right? ;)

♥ Good customer service:

Have something to ask (eg: measurements of bracelets, necklaces, etc?) Impulse answers most enquiries within 24 hours! And yes, the owner is really patient and nice, too! (I can vouch for that. Haha)

♥♥♥♥♥AND HERE'S THE GREAT DEAL♥♥♥♥♥:

Impulse are going to sell their accessories at an EVEN lower price despite their original already low prices!

Do keep a lookout for the upcoming GROUP BUY Promotion on Qoo10 (or more commonly known as "Gmarket") that will be going on for two weeks, starting from 6th February 2013 @ 7 PM.

And... And... AND!!

They will have a booth at the NUS Central Forum on 

13th February 2013 AND 14th February 2013 as well!

Are you getting excited yet???!!

THAT'S NOT ALL!

Impulse will be offering a promotion to my readers as well! If you are interested in any items you see in the store, just include "Catherine" in the memo to seller section during your purchase and you will receive a cute anti dust-cap! 

NO minimum spending is required but limited to only 1 customer regardless of the amount of items purchased!

Please do note that colors will be given out randomly.

So...

Start shopping away at IMPULSE right now - It's just within a mouse click away! They have loads more choices than what you see here...So... SHOO and get going! ;)

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.