Lifestyle – Pheuron Tay: Singapore Lifestyle & Travel Blog since 2013 https://www.pheurontay.com A Lifestyle & Travel Blog For the Culturally Curious & Epicurious Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:34:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.pheurontay.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-Icon_B01-32x32.png Lifestyle – Pheuron Tay: Singapore Lifestyle & Travel Blog since 2013 https://www.pheurontay.com 32 32 Newborn Baby Nursery Essentials https://www.pheurontay.com/newborn-baby-nursery-essentials/ https://www.pheurontay.com/newborn-baby-nursery-essentials/#respond Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:08:47 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=32526 Bebe K is 2 months old by the time I get to jot down my thoughts regarding newborn baby nursery. I remembered that when we were first setting up the room, we were so overwhelmed trying to figure out what he’ll need, besides the obvious things like a cot, a stroller and a car seat.

The baby products market in Singapore is undoubtedly saturated, as with everywhere else in the world, making it challenging to distinguish the must-haves from the nice-to-haves. And to be honest, most newborn nursery items are the big tickets that would eat into our budget. So we were very clear from the start that we do not want to go over the top as the baby grows really fast, and that we’re going to convert the nursery to a Montessori bedroom once he hits his toddler phase.

A great part of the items in our super cosy baby nursery are, therefore, hand-me-downs (bebe is so fortunate!) or from the 2nd-hand marketplace (Save the environment!). Here is a roundup of my favourite products for the early days with bebe K. They have helped us tremendously as we ease into our new role as papa and mama.

Baby Nest

I used to think baby nests are only for the gram. I mean, they look so picture-ready in all the Pinterest photos I reference. Until I started to research more about them, I realised that not all baby nests are the same. There are the cotton nest lounger, rustic woven baskets, those with fancy fabric and removable arch etc.

In the end, I got the Red Castle’s CocoonaBaby nest for bebe as it has this elongated semi-fetal position, which mimics the shape of a mom’s womb for the baby to feel safe and contented while respecting the medical recommendation for babies to sleep on their back. We found bebe sleeps more soundly in the nest too! One thing though, is that it comes in various fitted sheets and it is better to choose cotton ones (those with prints!) as the quilted versions tend to get warmer even in the air-conditioned room. We love it nonetheless, as our newborn sleeps so well in it!

Cocoonababy Nest Review Singapore
Bebe K loves the Red Castle CocoonaBaby nest!

Diaper Changing Board

As our Micuna baby cot is a fairly new hand-me-down from a sweet relative, we got our diaper changing board from the same brand. It was such a relief to our back. Trust me, if you do not categorize yourself as young and energetic, please invest in one or get a 2nd-hand changing board as you do not need to bend down every single time you change diapers for the baby. This is especially helpful if you are going to have / may end up with a cesarean section delivery, or intend to get your folks to help with taking care of the baby. Your back will thank you for this!

Nursery Mobiles

Baby mobiles are adorable. And it is a great choice to decorate a baby nursery. But they are more than just an aesthetically pleasing accessory for a baby’s room. So for our baby’s very first mobile, we opted a Munari mobile, which is a Montessori mobile that promotes visual tracking and hopefully, provides some concentration training.

It is a simple, lightweight mobile with a transparent sphere and a few cupboards that are drawn in a specific black & white proportion. It was said that the elements are designed to ignite a child’s inherent mathematical sense, which is definitely needed because both K and I are lacking in math abilities. Jokes aside, we are happy to see that the mobile keeps bebe occupied during his wake window! As anything that comes with a Montessori tag is expensive, and these mobiles need to be changed out as the baby grows, we got ours from Taobao. If you wish to find out more about these Montessori mobiles, here is a great write-up about them.

Waterproof Bed Pad

All parents would know how a Poonami and Wee Fountain can make a simple nappy changing time a really complicated one. A waterproof diaper-changing pad is helpful when it comes to messy diaper-changing time. It also doubles up as a baby mattress protector. Just layer it on top of the mat to prevent the baby from wetting the bed!

We got ours from this popular China brand called Cutelife and it’s so soft, dries fast and is so aesthetically pleasing. I love the floral prints that add a delicate touch to the room!

Diaper changing mat
Floral Bed Pad from Cutelife. Bamboo Muslin from JaeJae.co

Bed Pockets

A bed pocket is really handy when it comes to storing small items during nappy time. Be it the baby’s pacifier, mom’s hair tie, airpods and other necessities. They’re so perfect I never regret getting them!

Nursery Essential Bed Pockets

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a practical item in the nursery as it allows us to keep a lookout for our newborn in the middle of the night and during naps. We got a super affordable baby monitor from Xiaomi. The night vision is clear enough and so far it works fairly well for us. The only thing that I don’t like is the speed to launch the monitor as it would usually take about 15 seconds or more to launch the camera, which can be painful for any impatient individual.

Nursing Cart

I guess this Ikea RÅSKOG Trolley is no secret to any breastfeeding mom. You basically put everything you would need on it, be it diapers, ointments, nursing and pumping gadgets, you name it. It is literally a newborn survival cart! You can roll this from room to room, with all your nursing essentials in one place. Here’s our nursing cart and check out that Bepanthen ointment. We use it each time we change bebe’s diaper to prevent nappy rash, so very effective that we recommend it to all parents!

Nursing Chair

A nursing chair is an important item in the baby nursery. Because, guys, don’t underestimate the duration we’ll end up nursing our baby or rocking them to sleep on the chair. If you do not wish to splurge on a nursing chair, an armchair with good back support is essential. A reclining feature would be a nice-to-have if you’d also like to explore laid-back breastfeeding if your let-down is too fast that it gushes down.

Ours is an Ekenäset armchair which is a limited edition from Ikea as they celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2018. It is a relaunch from their archive and I really love the iconic mid-century modern design that works well with our space. It used to be our reading chair in the living room but as we make space for a “milk station” in the living room, we have since moved this armchair into the baby’s nursery and it works great for us.

Ikea Ekenäset armchair, baby nursery singapore
Ikea Ekenäset armchair, limited edition (2018).

Odourless Diaper Bin

Nobody warns us that newborn’s farts and poops can be as potent as adults’. The odour can actually linger long after we have disposed the diapers. We choose Umee Odourless Diaper Pail as its patented design can seal up the smell, germs and bacteria and can store up to 25 diapers! Great item to help us tide through the sleepless newborn phase!

Umee diaper bin singapore review
Umee Odourless Diaper Pail

Newborn Playmat

A playmat is a nursery essential as it provides a cosy and safe environment for our newborn, especially during his play time – this includes his tummy time and motor skills time. As I wanted a touch of Korea in the nursery, we opted for a quilted cotton playmat that comes with anti-slip features from Taobao. It also works as our baby’s Monthsary backdrop!

Newborn nursery essential quilted cotton playmat
Baby monthsary

White Noise Machine

White noise machines are our saviour in the initial days when bebe returned from the hospital. The soft frequencies and ambient sounds mimic the noises the baby heard inside the womb while drowning out other disturbances. It is a good transitional item that can comfort newborns and help them sleep better. We find this device essential if you want to save yourself from having to make those “shhhhh” sounds for hours (that’s insane) or having to use your mobile phone to play the sounds.

White Noise Machine Nursery Essential Singapore
White Noise Machine, Bedside Lamp & Silent Table Clock.

Bedside Lamp

A bedside lamp is extremely practical and critical to a nursery. You’ll likely nurse the baby, change their diaper, and put the baby down to sleep round the clock during the newborn phase. A dimmable bedside lamp would be very helpful when it comes to those midnight feed when you do not wish to wake the baby while getting the job done.

Table clock

If you’re going to sleep train your baby, or at least want to be more informed of your baby’s next feeding time so that you have more control of your daily schedule, a silent table clock in the room is going to be very helpful as most of the time, your hand may be pretty much occupied especially when you’re nursing or feeding.

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Taobao Haul: Aesthetic Home Decor & Tablewares https://www.pheurontay.com/taobao-haul-aesthetic-home-decor-tablewares/ https://www.pheurontay.com/taobao-haul-aesthetic-home-decor-tablewares/#respond Mon, 22 Aug 2022 03:24:35 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=29445 Taobao has always been my best friend when it comes to hunting aesthetic decor for our home, ever since our first house renovation in 2018. We have been doing lots of Taobao furniture, home decor, and tableware shopping since then. Nowadays, I even shop for baby items on the platform!

I love what I bought, and I am always proud to tell my guests that a large number of items they see at my house are from Taobao.

Here in this post, I am going to share a few of my favourite corners of the house, the Taobao decor and tablewares I got, and the links to the shops where I got the items from. I have been patronising some of these shops since 2018, and I am happy to share that they’re generally very durable! I will also be sharing some tips to shop for your Taobao home decor at the end of the article too.

Dining Area

The dining area is undoubtedly one of my favourite corners of the house. Our interior theme was Bohemian Mid-Century Modern. So you would see earth tone, macramé, lots of woods and rattan elements in the house.

As we already have an Ikea IVAR sideboard cabinet in this space, and a solid wood dining table from Picket & Rail, there is already a lot of wood element in the dining area. I wanted something not too heavy, preferably not in beige or wood colour to blend in the look when it comes to decor items.

Taobao Haul Dining Area

So I found this beautiful, light grey-coloured frame painting from a Taobao store called Brusheep 涂咩, and instantly fall in love with their frames and paintings. The style very much fits the mid-century modern theme so check them out if you’re also going for a similar theme. Their frames are made of real wood and glass, hence they look sturdy and expensive, which is why I love shopping with them.

My vinyl record player was from Syitren, a PRC local brand carried by the store called 黑胶盒子. I like that the owner is passionate about vinyl record players and if you are new to this and can converse well in Chinese, you’ll learn a lot from him.

Taobao Haul Artificial Cactus realistic
Artificial Cactus Plant from Juhan Home 掬涵.

As for the plants, considering that we both need to be in the office (that was before COVID happens) and that the corner where we wanted a plant doesn’t have any sunlight, an artificial cactus was the best option. But I wanted a super realistic artificial cactus.

I found one at my favourite home decor shop Juhan Home 掬涵. It is of the right size and the right shade of green. While it wasn’t exactly cheap (SGD 70 excluding international shipping) but given the quality and the workmanship which you can see from the close-up photo above, I am happy with the product. I also shopped for my wedding decor, CNY decor, and Christmas tree ornaments with them too!

Coffee Accessories 

Coffee can be a costly passion for aspiring home baristas. The accessories and devices can be really expensive. But Taobao is a good alternative to get entry-level coffee accessories, especially when you want some hands-on experience but are not sure if the investment would turn out to be a white elephant in the house.

I bought my pour-over coffee maker with a wooden base and some other coffee accessories like espresso & coffee cups from this reputable home, tableware and coffee accessories shop on Taobao called Toto 九土. Their packaging was nice and sturdy and I didn’t have to worry about breakage even for international shipping.

Plates

One very simple and straightforward way of elevating your home dining experience is to upgrade your dinnerware. And Taobao offers beautiful tableware at an amazing price point.

I like to buy bowls and plates from this store called Do Easy Home 朵颐家居. Their designs are simple, modern and minimalist, with that quintessential Wabi-Sabi aesthetics that I love.

Taobao Plate

However, think twice if you’re purchasing something from this shop with the ship-direct function from Taobao. My recent two purchases from them (and using Taobao’s consolidated shipping) did not turn out well as there were broken pieces (6 out of 8 pcs of plates were broken) even when I had told the seller to enhance their packaging — the packaging still appeared flimsy.

The shop did offered full refund of the broken plates but the shipping wasn’t covered. While I love their products, I find that the quality of their packaging has definitely gone backwards through the years.

#Tip: If you have a trusted forwarder company, you can ask the forwarder to repack your items, especially when you're buying fragile items like tablewares. Most forwarders are good at repacking your items, ensuring your items arrived safely. 

Whiskey Glass

I love buying cute Whiskey glasses tho I am not particularly fond of the drink. But it was love at first sight when I saw this Japanese-mountain-peaks-inspired whiskey glass from I Ka Cook 爱加家居. It is made of heat-resistant glass, and paired with a walnut wood coaster and costs less than SGD 15!

Taobao Mountain Whiskey

Sake Cup, Coaster & Wooden Tray

I also got this cute little sake cup from Joto 九土. You can also use it as a Chinese tea cup too! I pair it with a handpainted coaster from a store called Qixi China 器昔. This particular shop has a lot of vintage and Japanese-inspired tableware and ceramics. Wooden tray is from Do Easy Home 朵颐.

Taobao Haul Sake Cup and Tray
Mini Sake/Teacup from Joto 九土.

Merry-go-round Candle 

After a busy day at work, I always like to light up a scented candle with the fragrance that suits my mood and let it do its magic as I wind down. I found this inexpensive merry-go-round candle holder from 卖香薰的小女孩. Once you light the candle, the merry-go-round will start turning slowly, and it looks so therapeutic. It also makes a great gift for the festive season too!

Taobao Haul Merry Go Round Candle
Merry-go-round Candle

Blue & White Floral Bone China Tea Cup 

For those who have been following my Instagram and this blog, you may notice that this particular bone china tea cup and saucer has appeared multiple times on my stories. While it may be expensive to own a real vintage bone china tea cup set, Taobao has made my afternoon tea at home super pretty and affordable! Blue & White Floral Print Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer set from 尚兰欧品屋.

Bone China Tea Cups
biker starlet pheuron review

Key & Ring Tray

One of my first buys from Taobao for our home was this Umbra 2-tiered storage rack from OTB Home. I use it to place our house keys and rings.

Taobao Key Holder
Key & Ring Tray from Umbra

Candle Holder

Another home decor item everyone asks about is this candle holder. It comes in various sizes, and I got the big one that can hold a block candle and the smaller one that can hold a tealight candle. They’re from this lovely interior decor store called 收集时光. It is an old piece which isn’t available anymore. However, they carry lovely tableware and accessories so if you like to set up a cosy home cafe, do bookmark this store! Christmas garland from Juhan Home 掬涵.

Taobao Candle Light Holder
White houses block candle holder.

UV Light Sterilizer

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently have been the part and parcel of our life in recent years. This Philips UV light sterilizer from 杰逸家居专营店 came in handy in time like this and I’ve been using it to disinfect everything when I reach home. It is USB chargeable, and you just need 8 minutes a day to sanitize all your gadgets & accessories!

Entrance/Hallway Decor

I like to decorate my entrance/hallway according to season. Say for spring, I’d go for a romantic pink theme, with matching posters, vases and accessories. I got my Korean-inspired poster & frame from DESIGN hanajung. Brown vase, wooden plate, candle and fossil coral from Korean-inspired decor shop SHINY MOMO. Both shops offer affordable interior decor pieces if you are into Korean-inspired interior design.

Taobao Haul Entrance Pink Theme
Korean-inspired poster.
Taobao Haul Decor Items
Korean-inspired interior decor items

My Taobao Home Decor & Tableware Shopping Tips

With my 6 years of experience shopping on Taobao (and counting), I am confident to say that my satisfactory level has always been 4.5-5 upon 5, which is pretty high. And I rarely get a heart attack from my Taobao interior shopping loots. Here are my tips:

#Tip 1: Don't go for dirt-cheap stuff. 

This is my No.1 golden rule if you want something sturdy and unique. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. There is always a "Find Similar Item" (找相似) button for you to gauge how expensive and cheap the very same (or similar) product can be. After some quick CSI, you'll usually be able to find out who's the original seller and tell the imitated goods apart. After which, it is up to you to decide if you want to pay a higher price for better quality and originality, or you're alright with a cheaper product.
#Tip 2: Always read the review section. 

When it comes to home decor and tableware shopping, real buyers are more than happy to share reviews of their purchases. And that is where you can verify what you see is exactly what you'll be getting. I find that there are lesser fake reviews in the home & interior segment compared to the fashion segment, so it is relatively stress-free when it comes to buying decor items on Taobao. If reading Chinese isn't your forte, always look at the photo and video reviews before purchasing! 
#Tip 3: Engage a forwarder for fragile items. 

If you absolutely need to ship fragile items like mirror, glass ware, tableware and furnitures, it is always a better idea to engage trusted forwarder that will do a good job in handling your goods! I find that they handle my parcel way better than Taobao's own consolidated shipping or direct shipping as broken items always happen when I don't engage my usual forwarder. As mentioned earlier, you can also request your forwarder to check the parcel and repack for you if necessary. 
#Tip 4: Message the seller and request better packaging. 

What I'd usually do after purchasing is to let the seller know that the item will be travelling a long distance from China to Singapore. I'll also ask the seller to add a few more layers to protect the goods. While there are seller who would go extra miles to pack the items nicely, there are also those who would just give a standard reply, and would automatically give a refund for the broken items. Well, to each their own. At least we know where to stop buying from in the future!  :) 

The above are my two cents regarding shopping for your interior decor from Taobao. What are your favourite Taobao stores when it comes to Home Decor shopping? Do comment below!

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Nespresso Creatista Plus: A Fuss-free Coffee Maker to Fit Your Fast-Paced Lifestyle https://www.pheurontay.com/nespresso-creatista-plus-coffee-machine-review/ https://www.pheurontay.com/nespresso-creatista-plus-coffee-machine-review/#respond Sun, 14 Feb 2021 07:37:28 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=28504 And so we upgraded our Nespresso Pixie machine to the Creatista Plus Coffee machine! I was beyond thrilled to kick start my day with this sexy, new coffee machine in my kitchen and posted some updates on my Insta stories. After posting the unboxing stories, I received so many DMs regarding the espresso maker so I decided to blog about this beautiful machine we got a while back!

Getting a property you can call your own is exciting. And after the consultation of the renovation, confirmation of the 3D drawings, demolition day and all… It’s time to hunt for the furniture and home appliances for your new home! Outfitting your new home with suitable home appliances is fun. And for coffee lovers, a coffee machine is essential at home. Having gone through the journey, I’d like to share my thoughts and advice when it comes to purchasing a coffee machine for the new home.

Because, coffee is so crucial to our life, especially to all coffee lovers. Not gonna lie but the day hasn’t really started without a cup of coffee!

While I do appreciate the artisanal work that goes into a cup of nice, handmade coffee from a traditional shot puller, the hard truth is that not everyone has the luxury of time to do everything ourselves from beans to cup. That’s where the modern pods come into play. Coffee on a typical workday of mine is a habit (and an escape to sanity) rather than a hobby. So I have been relying on the pods or the Japanese drip coffee bags as they fit seamlessly into my crazy schedules.

As I am working from home, my criteria for a home coffee machine is simple – fuss-free and consistent. Those are the reasons I bought my very first Nespresso Pixie years back and the time has proven that it is, in fact, a good buy. I use the machine every single day, and I love how convenient it is to get my daily jump starter drink. So when we want an upgrade, the decision of getting a Nespresso Creatista Plus came naturally.

The Creatista Plus is a coffee machine co-created by Breville and Nespresso. If you are an aspiring home barista, chances are that you might already have a Breville coffee machine on your wishlist. This Australian brand has been creating fool-proof, user-friendly espresso machines for the longest time. And for Nespresso, I am pretty sure it is not an unfamiliar brand in Singapore, especially for those who want a hassle-free, quick coffee fix at home or in the office.

The Design

I really love the design of this coffee machine. It features a complete stainless steel finish that makes it extra sleek and elegant. It features a 1.5L water tank, which holds more water compared to my previous machine. And it has a TFT display screen on top which guides me on prep, settings and maintenance.

I remembered the assembly to be super straightforward and when I have no issue setting it up myself, I believe everyone can do it too! Together with my Balmuda toaster, these two make the perfect conversation starter.

Level of Customisation 

One setback from our usual Nespresso machines was their inflexibility, especially when it comes to milk coffee. For Creatista Plus, there is an extensive preset program for ristretto, espresso, lungo, flat white, latte, cappuccino, latte macchiato and a few more options. You may also adjust the milk temperature, coffee volume, and the intensity of the milk froth to your liking.

The machine comes with extensive preset programs for drinks.

Adjustable features of Nespresso Creatista Plus.

Setting up the machine using a water hardness test strip.

As water hardness plays a big role in coffee flavours, it is also important to set up the machine based on the water hardness test strip that comes together with your machine. I’ve heard how the same capsule may taste really different from different water sources, so be sure to set this up correctly so the machine can take care of the brewing for you. You may also want to purchase extra test strips if you like to experiment with different water (tap water, filtered water, hot spring water, mineral water etc).

The Steam Wand 

One of the best features of this machine would be the steam wand that does auto milk frothing. The texture of the foamed milk is silky smooth, and I get the same temperature, the same texture all the time – the consistency is impressive. I can see how someone who drinks milk coffee on a daily basis would enjoy making coffee using this machine.

The machine boasts a cleaning assistance technology that will auto-purge the wand after each froth so it is a breeze to clean up – a stark difference compared to the Aeroccino in terms of convenience.

Silky-smooth, latte-art ready milk from the Nespresso Creatista Machine.

The Latte Art

One of the most frequent DM I got was – So, does the machine create latte art for you?  I hate to burst your bubbles but no –  There is no espresso machine that has an automated latte art feature in the market yet ( I’d love to see one soon). However, the machine produces amazing milk froth for simple latte art. So you’ll definitely need some self-help and patience to create a perfect heart shape or a leaf design with this machine.

As for the taste of the milk coffee, when you get the right capsule and the right milk, your coffee can taste amazing. Personally, I like a double Chiaro or Scuro with Farm Fresh Pure Fresh Milk.

Review After 3 Months of Usage:

I am getting more and more in love with my Nespresso Creatista Plus. I am spoilt for the choices each day and it is a bliss to get a cafe-style milk coffee just within a few clicks at the comfort of my home. Plus, I love how it looks on my countertop.

As I mentioned earlier, I ain’t looking for a coffee machine which I can take full control of in every aspect. Neither am I looking for a coffee machine to hone my home-barista skill. I want my coffee serves quickly and a machine with quality workmanship. I like a machine that let me enjoy my morning espresso and curb my craving for a fancy milk coffee without stepping out of my house. Nespresso Creatista Plus ticks all the boxes.

To put it simply, you have to know what you need when it comes to purchasing a home coffee maker. A super-automatic espresso machine might be downright pricey for some. A semi-automatic espresso machine may seem to be the right one, but it comes with duties like fine-tuning the grinder and really understanding what you’re doing to make sure the quality of your espresso every single time. If you are a newbie to all these,  there is a steep learning curve to overcome before enjoying the perfect cup of coffee.

So to avoid having a white elephant at home, it is best to first assess what exactly you need the coffee machine for. If you’re having busy mornings, Nespresso is going to be your best friend forever. : )

If your requirements are similar to mine, here is a simple QnA list I’ve put together for you. These are the actual DMs I received that might be helpful to you! : )

Q. Is it easy to maintain the machine? 

With the auto-purge technology, it is going to be really helpful to keep your machine in top-notch condition. I always purge at least twice for each use and descale the machine every 6 months.

Q. I never get lucky with the capsules I purchased. How do you pick your capsules? 

This all boils down to personal preference. Whether you like your coffee acidic, smokey or balanced, Nespresso does provide a variety of capsule choices. And my best tip is to read the intensity and flavour profile and try to match them according to your palette preference.

I drink black coffee most of the time, and I like to start my day with an espresso. I also like my coffee taste balanced, not too acidic, not too light and not too strong. So I’d go for capsules with a 5-6 intensity. I am never a fan of flavoured coffee so I have always avoided those with “xxx flavoured” in the description. Otherwise, talk to any friendly coffee specialist in-store and they’ll be able to give recommendations.

Q. What are your favourite capsules?

I always start my day with Columbia or Volluto while Nicaragua is my favourite go-to in the afternoon. On the days I feel like I need some extra caffeine kick, I’d go for Roma or Venezia.

Q. The machine must be expensive! Do you have any discount code? 

Unfortunately, this post is not a sponsored post and I paid for my own machine. : ) I’d love to collaborate with them one day! (Nespresso Singapore, if you are reading this! ) There are several sale periods to take note of if you are looking to get your hands on this beautiful machine. Nespresso has an official store on Lazada and they always have promotion during 6.18, 11.11 etc! I got mine at SGD 534 so it is 29% off!

Follow My Nespresso Home-Cafe Journey on IG:

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Gift To Myself: A Custom Moissanite Ring! https://www.pheurontay.com/gift-to-myself-2020-a-custom-moissanite-ring/ https://www.pheurontay.com/gift-to-myself-2020-a-custom-moissanite-ring/#respond Fri, 25 Dec 2020 04:20:52 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=27449 The year 2020 has been brutal. The pandemic took us by surprise and altered our routines, our work, and many of our plans. As I pen down my thoughts, I am already taking a pay cut for the 9th months in a row. But I was lucky enough to be given opportunities to try out different duties at my full-time job. I launched a new E-commerce platform and a few campaigns, and also started a rewarding skincare sideline too!

While things are slowly getting better, this year is no doubt deeply painful for many of us. For me, it was an emotional downward spiral during the start of the lockdown. Thankfully I was able to quickly get over it, seize the opportunity to upgrade myself, and even step out of my comfort zone for a better source of income through my skincare sideline while I am being put on unpaid leave by my company – and for everything that has happened, I am grateful it hasn’t been worse. This year has taught me to adapt, to be resilient, to press on and above all, to choose myself.  #selflove

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.

So when the guys from LeCaine contacted me for a bespoke moissanite ring product feature that is all about self-love, I agreed without hesitation. Sometimes, all we need is a gentle reminder that we are, indeed awesome and deserving of the best things life has to offer. And a custom gemstone ring is definitely a perfect way for us to remember and treat ourselves like the amazing being that we are!

Here we are at this product feature blog about my entire journey of creating a bespoke Moissanite ring.

A MOISSANITE 

LeCaine is one of the most reputable Moissanite jewellers in Singapore. If you haven’t heard of a Moissanite yet, it is a lab-created gemstone which is almost similar to a diamond. It exudes strong brilliance and fire, therefore appears almost identical, if not more brilliant than a diamond to naked, untrained eyes. More importantly, it is conflict-free, ethically and responsibly sourced, environmentally friendly and only costs a fraction of a diamond.

THE DISCUSSION 

Prior to the actual discussion, I had a brief discussion with the lady boss Ashley regarding the ring design and my preference through Whatsapp. For those who are interested in a bespoke ring, the priority is always to make sure that the ring reflects your style. I did some research and pinned some of the designs on Pinterest as my visual inspiration.

My Inspo-board on Pinterest.

I love vintage rings. They are timeless, full of details, and exudes a unique elegance. But I’d also like a ring that incorporates my style and outfit — something that reflects my aesthetics.

We scheduled our first meeting at LeCaine’s new physical store at Millenia Walk. Ashley provides valuable advice in terms of ring design. We went through my inspiration board and nailed down the settings and some design elements of the ring.

CHOOSING A STONE & CUT

Next and the most exciting part – selecting the gemstone. LeCaine offers a variety of quality moissanite. From the top-notch colourless grade to a wide array of different shades of green and grey. Knowing exactly what I wanted, we went straight to picking the coloured gemstone.

According to Ashley, green and grey moissanite are the rarer finds in the moissanite family, with the grey moissanite being the hardest to procure. Typically, it takes about 3 months to create one grey moissanite, therefore explain its scarcity even in the lab-made moissanite market. LeCaine is the only moissanite jeweller in Singapore that produces grey moissanite in-house too.

At the end of the day, I set my eyes on a 2-carat round-cut grey moissanite that has a rainbow-like sparkle. The gemstone also changes from mystical grey to a beautiful shade of steel blue-grey under broad daylight like a chameleon.

SELECTING THE METAL & SETTINGS 

We also decided on a three-stone setting for a fresher look. The main stone will be flanked by two 0.8 carat colour grade D teardrop moissanite stones on an 18k yellow gold plated band. As the grey moissanite has a cool undertone, a yellow gold band would bring out the vintage look of the ring.

SKETCHING 

A week after the initial meeting, I received the mock-up sketch from Ashley, and It was exactly what I wanted.

Ashley suggested a basket-prong setting with a twist – and it worked so well with the vision I had in mind with this ring. Of course, at this point, you may also make any final tweaks before they start making your ring. You’ll need to wait for about two to four weeks for the ring, and the team will keep you updated. The entire process was fuss-free and gives me peace of mind that the ring will turn out well.

COLLECTION OF THE RING

I still remember vividly how my heart flutters when I collected the ring at the store. It was exactly how I pictured. The beautiful gemstone sits nicely on the prong, and from the side, you can clearly see the “V” that symbolises victory. I have always wanted to remind myself to look on the bright side, and this ring is a timely reminder.

The two teardrop moissanites around the main gemstone symbolises the hardships and adversity. We placed them at the side of the main stone, symbolises that the hardships will eventually be paid off.

I want to remind myself to accept the fact that storms will happen in life, and despite all that may be going on maybe going wrong, there is always something to be grateful for. A positive mindset is everything. I love that Ashley and her team managed to bring my vision to life, it definitely worth the one month wait.

Two weeks after collection of the ring – I must say this ring still makes my heart skip a beat every time I caught a glimpse of its sparkle. I like to twirl it around my fingers just to see the way it glittered from all angles.

The craftsmanship of the ring is truly commendable. The experienced gold workers are hailed from Hong Kong, and they pay absolute attention to the details and took pride in their work to create your one and only bespoke ring. The photo below is a comparison of LeCaine’s ring with a brand S’s diamond stimulant ring from Canada that costs about USD 220. You can definitely tell them apart in a glance!

Comparison between LeCaine’s Ring (top & bottom) and Brand S (middle).

The moissanites from LeCaine also comes with GRA certification, though the best way of verifying true moissanite is through a Moissanite or Diamond tester. Presidium produces the best testers in the market. So if you do not want to buy expensive cubic zirconia online, you may want to invest in a tester, or check in with the lovely people at LeCaine as they have the testing device in-store.

Testing a LeCaine Moissanite with Presidium Diamond Tester.

My Bespoke 2-carat Grey Moissanite Ring from LeCaine Singapore.

Looking for an alternative engagement ring or getting yourself a custom gemstone ring? A moissanite ring would fit the bill! Before you head down to LeCaine’s website to find out more, here is my FAQs regarding getting your ring customised at LeCaine!

FAQ 

Why Moissanite?

Because it is guilt-free, cruel-free and debt-free! A similar-sized diamond ring would have cost x 4 of the price of a moissanite ring.

Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia, how do we tell them apart? 

Admit it. We all have the fear of purchasing fake gemstones. However, it is pretty easy to tell the two apart. Put the real moissanite and Cubic Zirconia (CZ) next to each other. The Moissanite would have a diamond-like sparkle compare to the CZ. A moissanite also tends to have lasting sparkle than CZ overtime. You may also check the two stones from top-down. The CZ would look more like glass and tend to turn cloudy within a short period of time while moissanite is more reflective with its diamond facets.

What are the colour ranges available, if I’d like colourless moissanite? 

Most moissanites comes in a yellowish or brownish colour, similar to J-M colour diamonds. If you like a diamond-look-alike style, the trick is to go for moissanites that are equivalent to “Near Colourless” G-I range, and “Colourless” D-F range. LeCaine pride themselves as the moissanite jeweller that has the most similar cut and quality to a real diamond.

How do we make sure the quality? 

Always go to the trusted store, and preferably the ones that you can see the stone and make a comparison in person. LeCaine also uses Presidium tester so you can see them perform the test in front of you. Ashley is very knowledgeable and upholds a high standard for every piece of moissanite jewellery the store offers to its clients.

How long does the entire customisation process take? 

Depending on the design and the moissanite you choose, it may take 2 weeks or more to create your dream ring.

What’s the price range like?

A ready-made 0.5-carat moissanite ring would cost SGD 738 onwards, and a pair of ready-made 0.3-carat moissanite earrings on 18k gold would cost SGD 398 on their official website. There is no minimum budget for a custom piece. You can engage them for a quote of pricing depending on the carat size, colour, shape and design! For a custom ring similar to mine, you’d have to ballpark SGD 2,400 or more.

CONTACT INFO:

LeCaine Gems
9 Raffles Boulevard #01-32 Millenia Walk, 039596
https://lecaine.com/ 

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Travel Essentials: In My Beara Beara Backpack https://www.pheurontay.com/travel-essentials-in-my-beara-beara-backpack/ https://www.pheurontay.com/travel-essentials-in-my-beara-beara-backpack/#comments Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:02:24 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=26935 I was recently sent a backpack from Beara Beara, a British genuine leather bag brand. Though I love designer bags, I am also an avid fan of indie bag brands as they often come with a friendly price tag and high-grade quality. My indie bag collection ranges from South Korean, Thai, Malaysian labels and now this handsome chap all the way from London. I have been using this bag for about two weeks now and brought it along with me to my recent trip in Macau. So today I am sharing a bit about this beautiful and functional backpack that I absolutely adore, and how I usually pack when I travel.

Beara Beara is a responsible brand that upholds quality, style and humanity. What caught my eyes are their gorgeous design and luscious leather. I got their classic and bestselling backpack Mya in Brown. Initially, I was torn in between the Tan and the Brown as both colours are equally gorgeous. I picked the brown in the end as I feel it matches better with my entire wardrobe. Depending on the light, you may see black cherry or rich dark chocolate, which is absolutely gorgeous.

 

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I couldn’t get over the detail and quality of the bag. It is made of full soft leather, with an extremely sturdy frame. It measures 24cm x 31cm x 14cm, and fits my new Macbook Air perfectly. I love the secret zip pocket at the back which is the best pocket for passport and credit cards. It also has a zipped pocket inside and features a small pocket on the front with buckles.

 

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I love to travel. And when I travel, I do my best to make sure I look good and feel comfortable, which could be a struggle even to avid travellers. But this backpack has been a game-changer. The design and functionality are well executed while keeping that vintage British style alive. I matched it with casual dresses, tees and jeans, and even smart casual for business. The best thing? A (stylish) backpack keeps my hands free! Which is great when we are transiting at the airport, or exploring a new city.

If you are looking to update your travel bag, I think the bags at Beara Beara are worth considering. And if you are already looking for a leather bag, look no further because they are having a Black Friday Sale with 20% discount sitewide! I am so excited about this sale as it is a great time to grab your dream bag at the biggest discount ever. The sale starts on the 29th of November and ends on 2nd December so get ready!

 

What’s In My Bag When I Travel: 

I must say the size of the bag is not big. However, I have yet to feel that I need an upsize at my recent trip. It fits in my MacBook Air, wallet, a water tumbler, a book, my sunnies and even a thin cardigan. Not all items are captured in my photo here but here are my travel essentials I can’t travel without:

SUQQU Flawless Lipgloss 02
| This has become my favourite lippy this year. I suffered from cracking lip early this year and could not apply any lip products as they often resulted in a sharp pain at my lips except SUQQU. My lips feel hydrated and plump after one application and I am sold.

Giorgio Armani Essence-in-Foundation Cushion| Lightweight, amazing cover and dewy finish, perfect for my schedule.

Medication & Eyedrop | Axe Universal Oil (for the uninitiated, this is one quirky item most South-East Asian would have in our bag.) For all unpleasant moment from headache, nausea to a runny nose. Daily disposable contact lens, make up remover wipes, eyedrop etc.

SEABAND | A band to wear on each wrist to relieving nausea, travel and motion sickness by exerting pressure on the acupressure point (Nei-Kuan Point). I really recommend this as it works well on me and I can go drug-free!

MacBook Air | For work and connecting with the world.

Water Tumbler | I always make sure I carry a Thermo bottle with me whenever I travel. Age is catching up?

Beara Beara 2019 Black Friday SALE

Date: 29th Nov. – 2nd Dec.

Discount: 20% OFF all collections  (the biggest discount of the year)

Promotion Code: HIBLACK 

Website: https://bearabeara.co.uk/product-category/all-products/

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Timeless and effortlessly chic: Biker Starlet new bags review https://www.pheurontay.com/timeless-and-effortlessly-chic-biker-starlet-new-bags-review/ https://www.pheurontay.com/timeless-and-effortlessly-chic-biker-starlet-new-bags-review/#respond Sat, 05 Jan 2019 04:33:27 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=25444 Happy 2019! I am back, and this time I am going to review two of the Biker Starlet’s latest bags collection. I believe most of you are no stranger to this South Korean designer bag label because I have been raving about it since my very first purchase years ago. Fast forward 5 years and today, I am still very much in love with their designs.

The kind ladies behind Biker Starlet sent two of their bags from the latest collection, and it arrived right before Christmas. Just in time for the pre-Christmas brunch date with K at the newly revamped SKAI bar. To read more about the beautiful bar at the 70th level of Swissotel The Stamford and its offerings, click here.

Left: The Noelle Small in Khaki; Right: Winnie in Black.

I brought the Noelle Bag out for the day. It comes in two sizes, the small and the original. Being a small bags collector, of course, I chose the small one. This design debuted in Spring 2018, and now it comes with a brand new, sophisticated Khaki colour to suit the late winter mood. The deep and solid green colour complements the slip dress from Klarra so very well, it lifted the holiday mood almost instantly.

Speaking of the size of the small Noelle, I didn’t think it is an issue. It could be that I am used to mini bags. I usually wear mini bags on a date, attending a wedding or gatherings with one, which generally only lasted a few hours before returning home. This particular bag may look small, but it could load up my wallet, iPhone, house keys, lipsticks and a packet of tissue papers. I’d say the size is pretty decent – just nice to fill up the essentials that could last me for half a day.

The cow leather bag is soft yet sturdy – It feels soft, but the bag stays in its oval, elegant shape even when its empty. I love the flap design and vintage buckle opening. It ensures easy accessibility yet very secure.

The other bag I got was the Winnie bag from the latest collection. I like it because it is a timeless and classic sling bag that would fit almost everything from your wardrobe.

One thing that I think Biker Starlet should improve on is the quality of their buckle for Winnie. The vintage outlook certainly looks classy, but it doesn’t withstand the daily wear and tear. I barely wear it about 5 times and starting to see noticeable scratches at the buckle. I didn’t encounter any problems with my Noelle bag though. Probably it is just the closing mechanism that causes the scratches inevitably.

They have some terrific deal on their official website. Some of the designs are having a 50% discount, a great time to get a new bag!

Note to International Shoppers

I did receive some feedback about having problems purchasing their bag. I figured it is because you’ve visited their Korean site. They do have an English site cater to international customers. Head here to access their English site for international customers. All you need to do is to add the bag to the cart and select “check out all”  at the bottom of your cart page. If you do not wish to sign up as a member, you may select “Guest Checkout”, and continue to pay by credit card or PayPal. However, using guest checkout means you won’t be able to accumulate points for any future purchase.

Biker Starlet x Pheuron Tay – Exclusive Promotion

I’ve partnered with Biker Starlet for some awesome promotion only for you! Simply DM them the code “Pheuron2019” on their official Instagram right after you’ve done purchasing your bag and you will receive a Poppy Canvas Bag of your choice worth SGD 47++! For members who spend more than KRW 200,000 (USD 179++ or SGD 243++), upon DM them the code, you’ll be given a Poppy Canvas Bag of your choice and a super cute Champagne Clutch!  They’re having up to 50% sale on their site now so just click away!

 

Biker Starlet


2019 New Store: 13 Sangwon-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours : Mon-Fri 9:30am-6:30pm / Sat 11:30am-6:30pm
Tel: 02-518-1446

http://en.bikerstarlet.com

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5 Classic Biker Starlet Handbags Korean Celebs Are Carrying https://www.pheurontay.com/5-classic-biker-starlet-handbags-korean-celebs-are-carrying/ https://www.pheurontay.com/5-classic-biker-starlet-handbags-korean-celebs-are-carrying/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:07:23 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=21876 Biker Starlet. An independent South Korean handbag label by designer Jacey Chae that specializes in leather arm candies that are meticulously crafted, blending casual and elegance that makes a perfect touch to your everyday contemporary look.

When I first discovered the brand a few years back, the simple and stylish design struck me immediately. I went on to purchase my first Biker Starlet and became their enthusiastic brand advocate ever since. Over the years, it has become one of the top designer bag labels in South Korea and a star-studded brand in the local entertainment and fashion scene. So when they contacted me for a collaboration, I was thrilled.

I can’t wait to introduce these 5 versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create an endless number of ensembles for your wardrobe.

#1 Doctor’s Bag

Doctor’s bag (USD 373.91) remains as one of my favourite bags to-date. Be it work, play or travel, my regular sized black Doctor’s has followed me to almost everywhere in the past 2 years. I was surprised that it is still looking great, retaining its shape and form despite daily wear-and-tear.

Duck egg blue x black kind of day. . . . #danishdesign #koreandesign #localbrand #ceciliecopenhageninSG #bikerstarlet

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The bag comes in regular and mini size and various colours, from the classic black and tan to the bright and summer-ry ones like blue or white, not to forget the quirky ones like forest green and coral pink. This bag has also appeared in many popular dramas. I remembered how effortlessly chic Hwang Jung Eum looked in drama “She Was Pretty”.

Hwang Jung Eum styled in a Doctor’s mini.

I also adore So Yi Hyun’s look with the wine red colour Doctor’s Bag in “Women’s Secret”- the perfect ensemble I’d wear during the year-end festive season. For those who’re looking for a summer bag, check out how Seo Hyun Jin style her girl-next-door look with a white Doctor’s.

So Yi Hyun in drama “Women’s Secret”.

Seo Hyun Jin in “Another Miss Oh”.

#2 Alex Bag

Alex (USD 373.91) is another bag from the label that caught my eyes since the first day of its launch. Buckle bags are the ultimate classic that will never go out of style! This one in cow suede leather makes a good styling item for F/W season and will pack in everything you need on your daily commute.

Check out how actress Kim Go Eun and Red Velvet’s Seulgi style the tan brown bag respectively. Opt for the black version for a sophisticated look just like Kwon Yuri in her recent drama.

Kim Go Un and Red Velvet’s Seulgi  Alex in brown.

Kwon Yuri carries the black Alex Bag in “Neighbourhood Hero”.

#3 Madison Bag

I am a huge, huge sucker for mini bags and I’ve been pondering to get myself a Madison (USD 452.17) for the longest time. I love the muted golden hardware at the top which screams retro. Although it comes in a compact size, it is definitely not so “mini” that you can actually fit in quite a few essentials.

This bag comes in different colours and I love their summer edition which features white, Cerulean blue or and red colours. The website currently features dust navy, mahogany and classic black which is so very in season.

Madison is also well loved by Korean celebrities. We’ve seen AOA’s Mina, Girl Friend’s Shinbi, DIA’s Ki Hee Hyun wearing them when they’re off the screen, and Lee Chung Ah styling the mini Madison in red perfectly with a red plaid dress.

AOA’s Mina (left) and DIA’s Ki Hee Hyun (right).

Actress Lee Chung Ah looking stunningly beautiful in “Lucky Romance”.

#4 Lila Bag

Lila (USD417.39) didn’t really catch my eyes in the first place but things of true beauty stand the test of time. The design and colour selection is impeccable, making it very easy to work with your outfit. For those who believe size matters, this is the perfect bag – not too big, but not too small to contain whatever you need.

Left: Joo Yoon Hee in “The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop”

Left: Kim Min Jung in “Men to Men”.

 

#5 Isla Bag

Isla is the latest addition to my Biker Starlet collection at home. It comes in two sizes and I got the mini one in beige (USD 417.39). Boy, it was love at first sight. The golden buckle, the slender top handle, the sleek dark lacquered edges as well as the slight A-line shape, this bag is in many ways, the perfect incarnation of my dream bag – a timeless classic piece with a contemporary touch.

Between pairing it with dresses or wide leg trousers on workdays or a pair of casual jeans on a weekend, you can’t go wrong with Isla. It also comes in regular size which Gong Minji (better known by her stage name Minzy) carries.

If you’re searching for a new arm candy, I cannot recommend Biker Starlet enough! They have English and Chinese version on their official website and order online was a breeze. They ship via EMS and the wait was short. I know I have preached about this brand for ages, but it really makes an ideal gift for her. (or even for yourself!)

If you end up picking one of these lovely cuties up, do let me know in the comments how you’re liking it!

Brand Details

Biker Starlet


2019 New Store: 13 Sangwon-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: 02-518-1446

 

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Korean Advanced TCM: Your Alternative Health Solution Across the Causeway https://www.pheurontay.com/korean-advanced-tcm-your-alternative-health-solution-across-the-causeway/ https://www.pheurontay.com/korean-advanced-tcm-your-alternative-health-solution-across-the-causeway/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:13:19 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=11702 So, after a few years working in the media industry, my body got weaker. Then I embarked on my exciting life-journey to South Korea, a country with the highest suicide rate in all OECD countries. Students report a high level of depression, stress anxiety much of it caused by the All-Work, No-Play culture in the South Korean education system. – This worsens my health.

Although life in Seoul is interesting and I enjoy my days here most of the time, it is not an easy task to stay healthy juggling the coursework and to pursue my dream. I was constantly haunted with many stress-related illnesses. Not only I feel stiffness at my neck all the time, but I was also suffering from insomnia at night, extreme tiredness, as well as digesting problems.

It was until I visit Korean Advanced TCM (北京中医북경한의원 ), then I start to see improvement in my health and performance. After several courses of treatments including acupuncture and herbal remedies, I became a true believer of TCM in treating fatigue and restoring energy. A Korean TCM, or TKM? It is even better. Read on to find out why.

TCM 2

The Best of Both Worlds

A general, if not an oversimplified difference between the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) is that the TCM specializes in the treatment of disease while TKM focuses on disease prevention and promotes good health and longevity. The Korean Advanced TCM skillfully combines the two medical cultures, so the patients enjoy the best of both worlds.

The “Perfect Blend” of Chinese-Korean Medical Practice

Dr. Lee himself is a good example of the “Perfect Blend”. At a young age, Dr. Lee was exposed to, and budded interest in oriental medicine as two of his uncles are TKM practitioners in Korea. He then spent 10 years in China studying under renowned TCM professors in the Beijing University of Traditional Medicine and working with Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Medicine and the Beijing Chinese-Japanese Friendship Hospital before returning to South Korea, where he worked at his uncle’s Yeongdeungpo TKM Hospital in Seoul.

Keen on promoting traditional medical practice overseas, Dr. Lee hailed from Seoul and explored options in establishing a Chinese-Korean medical clinic in KL, Singapore and Johor before deciding on Johor Bahru. Currently, there are two doctors, Dr. Lee and Dr. Jin working in shifts. Although the clinic is located in JB, it is centrally located at Taman Pelangi (some 10 minutes cab ride from City Square), not bad an alternative health solution across the causeway.

Korean Advanced TCM Doctors
On the left: Dr. Lee Dong-il (Dr. Lee). On the right: Dr. Lee Gyung-Jin (Dr. Jin)

Rich Clinical Experience

Doctors at the Korean TCM have accumulated 20 years of clinical experience. Their areas of specialization include stroke, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis and more. There were even patients coming for beauty-related treatment too.

Trilingual Doctors

The doctors have an excellent grasp of three languages: Chinese, English and Korean to ensure proper consultations and communication throughout your treatment. Their local clinic assistants can speak Malay and different dialects and occasionally assist in communicating, especially when an elderly / Malay patient visits the clinic.

PA271722e1
Visitors are required to change into slippers before entering the clinic – A common practise for all TKM in Korea.

Advanced Korean Medical Equipments

The clinic relies heavily on advanced Korean medical technology to provide fast and accurate diagnosis, including an electronic pulse diagnostic machine and an electronic “Eight-Principles Diagnosis” 八綱診斷器, which the patient can take a firsthand look at their own health condition.

tcm 4

equipment Korean TKM

Gentle Korean Acupuncture

One thing I hate about acupuncture is the idea of needles poking into me. Seriously, how can poking me with needles relax and rejuvenate me? I am easily tensed and I hate visiting hospital because I dislike the suffocating atmosphere in there. Trust me, I freaked out at the operating table when I did my gastroscopy. That 4 minutes “operation” felt like forever. However, Dr. Lee’s Korean Acupuncture is gentle and much more bearable. Every acupuncture session in the clinic is less painful and more relaxed.

The clinic has recently upgraded their machines and brought in a painless option: An advanced Laser Needle technology imported from Germany. The machines penetrate laser lights to the desired points, providing a painless, safer and accurate treatment. I also like their Interferential Current Therapy, a combination of physics theory and TCM application to reduce pain and increase blood flow.

TCM 1

acupuncture TKM
Interferential Current Therapy

Conveniently packed medicine, in “Gangnam-Style

Your usual TCM either gives you medicinal powder or a prescription and you’ll need to settle the rest yourself. That is probably the biggest drawback for anyone who wants to give TCM a try – A tad too troublesome. Here in the clinic they prepare your personalized herbal tonics in machines imported from Korea. Each intake is pre-packed into pocket size sachets for your convenience.

Packed medicine sachet.
Packed herbal medicine sachet.

For those who loves Korean drama, I am sure you saw these herbal tonic sachets at least once in the Korean dramas you watched in your life. The Korean herbal tonic appeared in many episodes of The Greatest Love 최고의 사랑, one of my favourite K-dramas starring Gong Hyo-jin, Cha Seung-won and Yoo In-ah.

the greatest love 1

the greatest love 3

the greatest love 4

I like the pre-packed, pocket-sized medicine as it is extremely convenient for busy people. You can heat the packet up in a bowl of hot water and drink it straight from the package. Another benefit, albeit superficial: The oh-so-Korean packaging makes eating traditional medicine something hip. K-pop? K-drama? K-make-up products? Nah. Those are too mainstream!

PA291730e1

Writer’s Note: The clinic has been practising and combining the Korean and Chinese medical cultures for the past 11 years. Although it is located across the causeway, I think it is a good alternative to explore if you are determined to make some efforts for the betterment of your health. After completing two courses of treatment, I felt more energetic than before and no longer get cold hands and feet in the air-conditioned room. Perseverance is needed throughout the period of treatment, and together with a healthy diet and lifestyle, I am sure you’ll see improvement soon!

 

Contact Details:

Korean Advanced TCM 北京中医 북경한의원
14, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
9am – 1pm / 3pm – 9pm (closes every Wednesday & Public Holiday)
Tel. 07 335 3023

Korean Advanced TCM Johor Bahru

Directions:

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Biker Starlet: Popular Korean Designer Bag & Tips to get it cheaper https://www.pheurontay.com/biker-starlet-popular-korean-designer-bag-tips-to-get-it-cheaper/ https://www.pheurontay.com/biker-starlet-popular-korean-designer-bag-tips-to-get-it-cheaper/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:22:59 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=1107 Biker Starlet, a Seoul-based designer handbag brand that I longed introduce to my readers. It is currently one of the most sought after Korean designer bag in South Korea. Big shots like Girls Generation (SNSD) and members of K-pop idols, for example, AOA and Rainbow were seen carrying them around and it  seems to me that the brand has becoming one of the essential items to complete SNSD’s “Airport Fashion”. I came across with the brand some 2 years ago and purchased one of their bags back then. To date, I am still happy with it and I must say it is one of the bags I carry almost every day.

Recently, I got a chance to visit their flagship store at Chungdam-dong personally and I thought of sharing this Korean designer bag that I adore with you guys!  (Update as of Oct 2019: Biker Starlet has shifted their flagship store to Seongsu-Dong, address updated as below)

Biker Starlet Chungdam

So this brand has come into vogue, particularly these recent two years in South Korea. For those who are pretty updated on what’s happening in the Seoul fashion industry, you may have already noticed quite a number of socialites, fashion bloggers or models endorsed in this particular brand when they attended Seoul Fashion Week 2015 S/S.

Seoul Fashion Week 2015 S/S from Biker Starlet.
Seoul Fashion Week 2015 S/S from Biker Starlet.

Seoul Fashion Week 2015 S/S from Biker Starlet.
Seoul Fashion Week 2015 S/S from Biker Starlet.

Picture taken from Biker Starlet.
Picture taken from Biker Starlet.

Not only the K-pop idols are loving it, your favourite K-drama stars are appearing in different dramas with these bags. The visibility of these beauties has also increased in various variety shows. To name a few, KBS drama “Blue Bird” 파랑새 의 집, Blood 블러드, My Heart Shines 내마음반짝반짝, Birth of a Beauty 미녀의 탄생, Tasty Road, We Got Married’s Kim Soo Eun & Song Jaerim couple … you name it.

AoA Seol Hyun in Libby Bag and SNSD Sunny in Maya Clutch all from Biker Starlet. Picture from Biker Starlet.
AOA Seol Hyun in Libby Bag and SNSD Sunny in Maya Clutch. Picture from Biker Starlet.

Their signature bag, the Anne City is one of their best sellers so far. I like the slightly thicker gold chain, which makes the bag a bold statement piece. Just wear something simple and let the bag shine! Easy wardrobe solutions!

biker starlet signature bag, anne city
Biker Starlet ‘s Signature Bag: Anne City.

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Next, I am going to introduce several classic designs by the brand, which are my favourite. I am planning to get another Biker Starlet soon but, frankly speaking, I can’t really decide which one to get yet. I mean, look at their design, they are so versatile, the colours are all very basic which make them so easy to work with your daily outfit ensemble.

The first one is Manuella, very cute robot (?) face suitable for both formal and casual look. I really like the two gold studs, also the buckle of the bag which comes in muted gold colour and a square shape. It just look like the mouth of a robot. What a cutie!

Biker Starlet bag, korean drama
Manuella Bag.

Next design that I have been pondering to get is Misty in Grey colour. I really love this particular design as it is a very classic and stylish bag to carry to work! I especially love the “grey” tone of the bag, which, unfortunately, doesn’t really show up nicely in my picture. If you go to their site and search up “Misty” you’ll be able to see how pretty the colour is. It is not exactly in grey, but a lighter shade of grey, with probably muted indie pink ground. A very sophisticated (and special) colour to begin with for your first Biker Starlet bag I would say.

Biker Starlet Misty Grey bag
Misty in Grey.

Introducing Libby in Black, a Daebak [means awesome in Korean] design from the brand. (Every Korean girls of my age love this!)  This particular shoulder bag has what it takes to be a popular item at the shopfloor. The rectangular body gives off the retro and classic look to the overall design. The bike logo, which was very different from the rest of the Biker Starlet bags, is probably the reason why this bag is a keeper for an avid Bikerstarlet collector. It is their only bag with this particular logo!  What is more, the bag is sturdy and could actually fit in more that you could imagine!

Biker Starlet bag, libby bag
Libby in Black.

Biker starlet, mia bag
Mia in Green.

Next, Mia in green from their mini bags series. I am never a fan of mini bags, perhaps because I am quite a practical person when it comes to bags. But this one was exceptional. Look how it completes my look! If you are looking for a mini bag with a sense of detail in design, do head over to their official site and take a look at their mini bag range.

Biker Starlet bag chungdam

Biker Starlet Chungdam

 

On the racks are the new 2015 S/S designs! We see some slight changes in the new 2015 S/S design: In conjunction with the breezy spring, a series of pastel colours we added to the collection, something we have never seen in Biker Starlet, a refreshing change! The signature metallic “eyes” aka two buttons on the bag is retained on most of their new designs, which is a plus in my book. I am totally in love with their new Taylor and Sadie bag, especially the small Taylor in off-white, and Sadie in Black, or Burgundy.

Taylor Bag - Small - Off White
Taylor Bag – Small – Off White. Picture from Biker Starlet online.

Sadie - Black and Burgundy
Sadie Bag- Black and Burgundy. Picture from Biker Starlet online.

I tried on Taylor Small Red on my visit that day. The small size looks really cute but if you are looking for the functionality of the bag, I would suggest you to go for the normal size tailor, which look just nice for work and play! Oh well, but I do agree small shoulder bags do have their charm!

biker starlet taylor
Taylor Small in Red.

My Review on Biker Starlet Rider Bag:

I got my Rider bag some 2 years ago, probably the original version. Completed with a unique design and a huge body, it is a very practical bag, for both school and work. It is a very easy piece to work with — I wear it almost every season. It was also featured on Who Are You? The 2013 TV series starring Soh Yi Hyun.

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The Rider bag is such a convenient daily bag in my wardrobe!  It  fits my Macbook air, water bottle, makeup pouch, and sometimes I even managed to stuff a scarf in! It is certainly a very sturdy bag made of heavy duty leather. After 2 years of wear and tear, it still looks quite perfect. It is also one of my go-to bags when I travel, particularly due to its size and the two very useful pockets outside. One downside: the bag is quite heavy I must say.

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Rider Bag at Taejongdae Park, Busan.

 

Tips To Get It Cheaper:

A Biker Starlet bag will cost about USD 300-500 or more, depending on the size and design. If you are residing in South Korea, you may want to sign up their membership. The company holds private sales every summer and winter, sometimes they offer up to 80% discount deals during the private sales.

If you are residing out of Korea, it is also advisable for you to sign up as a member on their English site to accumulate points and enjoy membership discount.

Biker Starlet Chungdam

Contact Details:

Biker Starlet 바이커스탈렛 *Click* 

2019 New Store: 13 Sangwon-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: 02-518-1446

Myeong Dong Lotte Department Store
2F Between, 1, Sogong-dong, Junggu, Seoul
Tel: 02-772-3386

Jamsil Lotte Department Store 
2F between, 40-1, Jamsil 3-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Tel: 01-2143-7221

Please check their websites for other stores.

Directions:


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