Kaohsiung : Arriving in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Yippie! July finally came and our long awaited holiday is finally here. Our last holiday (not counting Malaysia's or Batam's one/two night staycation) was last year May. We took a cruise last year. Woah... Really a long-awaited one. It had been more than a year ago.

Flight: Cathay Pacific / Dragonair

This time, we booked to travel on Economy class. My first time travelling on Economy with the hubby. Haha.. I'm the stingy one who always wanna save by travelling budget, then I will get a higher budget for shopping =P

I cannot compare whether Cathay Pacific Economy class is better than any other airlines, as the only other time I flew by Economy was more than 10 years ago. But I do like the overall services and comfort. There are entertainment and food service (which is not that bad) on board, which you have to pay for if travelling budget. And definitely prefer the leg space and seats.

Yay. Movie time. We watched Marvel's Captain America - The Winter Soldier. We missed it in the cinemas. 

The omelette breakfast is bland. But I like the rest of the food. 

The chicken congee tastes surprisingly better than expected. LOL

Unluckily, when we were about to reach Hong Kong for transit, our plane hit turbulence big time. The worst turbulence I had ever encountered ever. The feeling was terrible. Especially for people like me who do not really appreciate roller coaster rides.

The transit in Hong Kong was short, especially in such a huge airport. We spent most of the time walking from the arrival gates to transit, to departure gates. They were so far apart.

The sister airline of Cathay Pacific - Dragonair, is not as high standard as Cathay Pacific. Maybe it's a short flight, about an hour and 30 minutes, the food service is rushed and the food tastes yucky. Maybe it's also because the passengers nearby are a little too rowdy, plus it was afternoon, the sun was glaring in.

Hot hot weather.

I don't like the dishes on Dragonair at all.

Definitely going to consider the pros and cons of Economy vs Budget the next time we travel. Especially if the flight is going to take longer than 2-3 hours.

Telecommunications: Prepaid Mobile Data

The first thing we did after we had gotten our chopped passports, was to look for the Pre-paid mobile data counter. The counter is quite easy to find. The information counter even has this sign on their table to get visitors to head up to level 3 of Kaohsiung International Airport.

Chunghwa Telecom has got many plans for you to choose from. From pure data to hybrid of data and airtime. We had gotten the 5 days unlimited pure data usage for NTD300. The hubby read that this promotion package/price is only valid in this outlet in the airport. May not be able to get this rate outside of the airport.

Many people were queuing to get their prepaid cards.

The sim card is suitable for Android or iPhone. 

After 5 days of using the Hubby's hotspot, I conclude that it's really slow. Hubby says it's because we were too used to using 4G/LTE. But even the main set, his phone with the sim card, is slow too. The main reason we bought this sim card is for in case we got lost, and we can use Google Map to save us. However when we were really lost, time was lost too, by just waiting for stuff to load.

Luckily our hotel provides WiFi. We can do some last minute homework before heading out (if need).

Transport: KRT / iPass

Similar to our MRT, in Kaohsiung, they have the KRT Kaohsiung Rapit Transport. And to save us time and effort for having to keep buying single tickets, we bought iPass (Similar to our Ezlink cards). They have such cute cards.

The KRT is quite accessible to most of the places we wish to go. See their map here: http://www.krtco.com.tw/train_info/service-1.aspx

In Kaohsiung Taiwan, we have to keep right when travelling on the escalator. Opposite of what we do in Singapore. I had a hard time fitting in initially. I keep standing to the left to then realise I was on the wrong side.

[ADV] Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness

I still remember when we were around twenty, my girlfriends and I were never worried about our skin complexion at all, thinking that we were still young, so is our skin, and with all the makeup out there to cover the problems while looking pretty, what is there to worry about? But as we grow older, we realised that we were wrong. Dark circles, uneven skin tones, freckles, dark spots and so on gets worse as we age, due to the decrease in our cell renewal rate.

Neutrogena®, part of Johnson & Johnson, has introduced a range of new clinical solutions, the Clinical Fine Fairness range, is formulated to provide higher efficacy in combating stubborn dark spots, for healthy and radiant skin.

The Clinical Fine Fairness range has VITAL-IONS™ to tackle cell renewal, and Lily Nectar to inhibit melanin production. VITAL-IONS is a combination of zinc and copper minerals and are said to boost energy supply to the skin cells, kick-starting cell renewal to quickly clear accumulated melanin. Lily Nectar comprises of white lily extract and stabilised vitamin C, which blocks melanin-production signals that are usually prompted when skin is exposed to UV rays.

The new Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness skincare range comprises of the following three products:

1. Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence ($45.90), 
2. Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+/PA+++ ($34.90), 
3. Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Cream ($34.90)

Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence, $45.90

Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence has been clinically proven to lighten even the most persistent spots with visible results achieved in just three weeks, effectively erasing a year of accumulated melanin with just one bottle.

The special formula of clinical strength whitening ingredients contains VITALIONS™ and Lily Nectar, which breaks down melanin accumulation and diminishes the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots. Its hydrating and soothing formula works deep within the different layers of epidermal skin to revitalise skin’s renewal process and help prevent new melanin from forming, enhancing skin tone and clarity.

How to use:
Apply to skin after cleansing, before moisturiser.

My Review:
Not being a avid fan of using sunscreen due to the oiliness and stickiness that comes with it after some time, which at the same time worsen my sensitive skin and also with the excuse that I usually go out before the sun gets too hot and back home after dark, my skin complexion was not as good as before. Stubborn dark spots decorated my face.

After trying out the new whitening product from Neutrogena's Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence that has a breakthrough technology (powered by VITAL-IONS and Lily Nectar), and also clinically proven with dermatologist tested to lighten even the most persistent spots, my face looks much healthier.

The double chamber pump of the bottle of Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence pumps out two small pump of essences, one in a lighter colour than the other. I guess that's the two different important essences of the Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence. The essence is opaque white and there is a mild fragrance from the essence that is just nice and not overpowering. When applying, the essence feels cool and lightweight, and there is no sticky feeling after that.

I am able to see the difference of my skin tone almost immediately upon application.

Here's the results:

After one week of using Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence, my complexion looks a healthier by a little. Let's check back again after 3 weeks of use.

Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+/PA+++, $34.90

Formulated with Neutrogena’s patented Helioplex™ technology as well as the clinical strength whitening ingredients of VITAL-IONS™ and Lily Nectar, it serves the dual purpose of broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays and cell revitalisation for renewed radiance. Helioplex™ has been clinically proven to deliver one of the best forms of protection under extreme sun conditions, shielding skin against cellular damage and premature aging that cause fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles and dark spots. Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+ PA+++ is lightweight and provides a non-sticky finish.

How to use:
Apply liberally to face and neck after your morning skincare regimen, before sun exposure.

My Review:
I love the high SPF and PA protection against the sun harmful UV rays in Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+ PA+++. Huge huge protection against the hot sun. The fluid is purple in colour, with a tinge of light fragrance. It does not feel sticky. Actually, it feels almost to nothing after applying.

Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Cream, $34.90

A luxurious non-oily moisturising formula infused with VITAL-IONS™ and Lily Nectar, it aids deep skin renewal at night, helping to make skin look brighter, fairer and more radiant. Its clinical strength formulation works to reduce melanin production and improves skin tone and clarity, while at the same time providing sufficient hydration for dewy soft, smooth and moisturised skin with youthful luminosity.

How to use:
Spread a small amount evenly on face and neck every night every night after Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Essence.

My Review:
I am afraid whenever beauticians or over the counter's sales recommend me cream type beauty products for improving my skin condition. There were a few times, cream based beauty products seem to be too "heavy" on my skin and I will get outbreaks. For Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Cream, I started off by applying a very thin layer onto my skin. I like how the cream felt on my face, especially the moist and smooth feeling. It feels really nice. Till now, still applying with a very thin layer, my face does not react adversely and I can feel the difference in how hydrated my skin is, before and after using Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Radiance Cream.

'LIKE' Neutrogena Singapore Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NeutrogenaSG for more information

For more information visit Whitening page on the Neutrogena Singapore Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NeutrogenaSG/app_1517933861762645

All Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness products are dermatologist tested, oil-free and noncomedogenic and are available at leading personal care stores and pharmacies in Singapore.

Neutrogena® : New Clinical Solutions To Its Fine Fairness Range
A Synergistic Solution To Renewed Radiance With Breakthrough VITAL-IONS™ Technology And Lily Nectar

LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum

Recently, I am addicted to this mobile game: "LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum" (\'so͞om-so͞om\) that is available on both iOS and Android, just because it is SUPER cute. It has my favourite Winnie the Pooh too. See, ain't the tsums cute??

And the plush tsums are super cute too. I saw them at the Hong Kong Disneyland Store at the airport when transiting to Kaohsiung. But I didn't get any as I find them too tiny.

And, after diligently playing for about a week, and getting most of the tsums in page one of three, I finally gotten my Pooh Tsum! I am SOOOO happy. I got it the night before we head to Kaohsiung. Ain't he cute??

I got a Stitch too. But Stitch is a little harder to get. He is in the Premium Box that is worth 30000 coins. And I got him at my first paid Premium Box. Lucky me.

I am left with Dale, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore from the Happiness Box (worth 10000 coins) and the rest of the Tsums in the Premium Box (worth 30000 coins), except Stitch and Mike. Hope to get the rest of the different tsums instead of the same tsums.

Bio-essence Tanaka White

With the scorching hot weather lately, I just feel like hiding indoors and not go out at all. With the sun at such high intensity, I fear for my complexion whenever I feel the sun's UV rays trying to penetrate into my skin. With so much exposure to the sun, problems like dark spots, freckles and uneven skin tone will sure to follow.

Addressing our problems, Bio-essence has has constantly been improving its formula and launched a new and improved Tanaka White series to combat such problems.

Products available in the new Tanaka White range:

• Tanaka White Double Whitening Cleansing Foam (100g/ $10.80)
• Tanaka White Double Whitening Clarifying Softener (100ml/ $16.80)
• Tanaka White 4X Intensive White Serum (30ml/ $45.80)
• Tanaka White Ultimate Whitening & All Spot Fading Cream (25g/ $38.00)
• Tanaka White Double Whitening Cream SPF20 (50g/ $29.80)
• Tanaka White Double Whitening Renewal Night Cream (50g/ $29.80)

Bio-essence Tanaka White 4X Intensive Whitening Serum ($45.80 / 30ml)

Fight Darkness on Outside, Work Fairness from Within

The new Bio-essence Tanaka White 4X Intensive White Serum is improved and specially formulated with premium alpha-Arbutin that is 9X more powerful than beta-Arbutin, which is typically found in many other whitening products in the market. Arbutin, extracted from bearberry plants and helps to brighten dull and yellowish skin, is a great natural whitening agent that is known for eliminating pigmentation and improving overall skin complexion.

Tanaka White 4X Intensive White Serum is specially blended with traditional and modern ingredients, including 4 of the greates whitening ingredients, alpha-Arbutin, Tanaka Exrtact, Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid. It is specially formulated to specifically target, combat and treat the causes of dark sports and uneven skin, providing highly intensive whitening and brightening for a luminous, fairer and more radiant skin, with superior whitening effect that can be seen after just four days. After application, skin exides radiance and has a smooth, fiar and healthy looking complexion. Skin's fairness is also intensified for a flawless far skin which glows from within.

The 4X Intensive White Serum is a product that meets everyone’s needs. For those battling dark spots or freckles, this serum is the perfect solution to fading away pigmentation. With constant use, spots will gradually fade away to restore a flawless, fairer and more radiant complexion. For those without major dark spots problems but seeking prevention and to achieve a fairer even skin tone, the serum helps to effectively lighten skin tone, keeping skin radiant and fair from within while preventing spot formation.

Benefits

• Effectively lightens existing pigments and spots
• Blocks tyrosinase and inhibits the production of melanin to prevent dark spots and reduces darkening after UV exposure
• Evens out skin tone, whitens & brightens complexion
• Moisturizes and cools skin
• Skin exudes radiance, revealing a smooth, fair & healthy-looking complexion.
• Skin’s fairness intensifies for flawless fair skin which glows from within.

How to use:
Apply twice a day after cleansing. Spread a sufficient amount of the serum evenly onto entire face. Then, apply another layer over areas with dark spots & freckles. Use after Bio-essence Royal Jelly + ATP Deep Exfoliating Gel for best results.

Bio-essence Tanaka Double Whitening Day Cream ($29.80 / 50g).

Visibly reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone

The Bio-essence Tanaka White Double Whitening Day Cream comes with SPF 20, Tanaka Extract and Tranexamic Acid to help suppress excessive production of melanin, protects skin from harmful sunlight and repairs skin for instant fairness from within so that skin glows with crystal clear luminosity. Regain bright and naturally fair skin as it helps repair damaged cells and encourage cell renewal. Uniquely formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin hydrated and moisturized, it is lightly textured with a non-greasy formula to facilitate fast absorption while Tanaka Extract helps to keep skin cool.

Benefits

• SPF20 to protect against harmful UV rays
• Tanaka Extract shields skin from external pollutants, keeps skin cool and moisturized
• Contains Tranexamic Acid to significantly brighten and even out skin tone
• Provides skin with trace minerals and precious herbal extracts such as ginseng, angelica, and gingko
• Lightens and prevents freckles, dark spots and pigmentation

How to use:
Apply daily on clean face. Smooth cream evenly onto face until fully absorbed.

My Review 

Tanaka White 4X Serum has this light flowery/nature fragrance to it, that I like alot. The fragrance is not overpowering, and the smell gives off a relaxing feel. Upon application, my face feels very much hydrated and cooling. The cooling effect is even more obvious with the hot weather these days.

Double Whitening Day Cream has this cool and hydrating feel when applying on the face. The cream smells like a natural powder, with the herbal extracts it contains. It does not feel oily only hydrating.

After one week, my face is visibly whiter, in terms of the dark spots. The dark spots have faded to a lighter shade. I am sure with consistent use, the other persistent dark spots will go away all together. (Pardon my darker skin tone. I got a little tanned during my short holiday)

The only down side is that I am not too use how to use the Tanaka White 4X Serum, as in its bottle packaging. There is an area to press, which I assumed is to suck in the serum into the tube inside the bottle, and then to release the serum onto my finger for application. It does work once or twice, but most of the time it does not. Or maybe I had assumed wrongly?

'LIKE' Bio-essence Singapore Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bioessence.sg for more information

Click here to redeem your free Bio-essence Tanaka White sample here:
https://www.facebook.com/bioessence.sg

Purchase your Bio-essence Tanaka White 4X Intensive Whitening Serum (worth $45.80 / 30ml) and Double Whitening Day Cream (worth $29.80 / 50g) from all Watsons, Guardian NTUC Fairprice, Sasa outlets, personal beauty stores and major super markets today.

July holiday has ended

Our short 5 days holiday in Kaohsiung has ended. Everyday was filled with food, sun and travelling, seeing many different places in Kaohsiung. It was hot there (35 degrees on day 1) and we were sunburnt on day 3. Ouch.

Over the next few (or many) days, I will be sharing what we saw and did there.

June Black Box

Happy to received my June's Black Box samples today, though I thought I was not eligible in this month's ballot? But surprise surprise. Black Box has changed its packaging this month. From the (literally) black box to the plastic foil packaging. I wonder why. I like the previous box design, but this new packaging is less bulky than the previous. Can't wait to try out these samples.

Here are what's inside the June's Black Box:

Phytokeratine Reparative Shampoo - Weakened Damaged Hair [$48/200ml]

Phytokeratine is a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse and respect sensitized hair. The hair fiber's inner structure is replenished while the hair becomes more resistant, supple and silky.
Where to buy: Phyto is available at all Robinsons, John Little, Beauty by Nature and selected Watsons, Guardian, SaSa, Sephora, BHG, Unity and Nishino.

KLARITY™ LASERTOX™ CC Miracle White Lotion [$29/30g]

Helps to restore your beauty with at least one tone lighter whitening effect immediately. The lotion is enriched with diamond powder, giving you the instant glow after application. Also enriched with wild rosehip extract, which is a source of powerful antioxidant, it helps to prolong skin youthfulness.
Where to buy: BHG stores island-wide and selected SaSa stores. www.klarity.sg

Sexy Look 3D Duo Lifting [$8.80/box of 5pcs]

Sexy Look offers you a 360 degree ultra lifting and firming effect with a fine selection of quality natural ingredients - pampering like no other. The innovative patented mask sheet with ear-hook not only provides a perfect fit onto your skin, but enhances the absorption of the essence - giving you a visible lifting and firming effect.
Where to buy: BHG stores island-wide. www.secretive.sg/8-sexylook

Darlie Double Action Enamel Protect (Strong Mint) [$3.70/200g]

The Enamel Protect Formula strengthens tooth enamel, reduces decalcification of teeth, containing fluoride that help prevent cavity. The superfine cleaning agent cleans teeth thoroughly - using natural spearmint and peppermint essence - to keep your breath minty fresh.
Where to buy: Selected major NTUC FairPrice, Giant, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong, Prime, and other leading supermarkets, Watsons, Guardian and other cosmetic stores. 


Black Box
http://www.blackbox.sg/

Legoland Malaysia

This post has been delayed for quite some time due to my procastination. We went Legoland Malaysia in end May, and it's already early July now.

Legoland Malaysia is a family oriented theme park, mainly for families with children. I went with my family, and us children, the youngest is already 23 haha.. Therefore some of the rides were not suitable for us. Still, the weather was too hot for us to handle, so we did not really play all the rides.

We bought our tickets online 7 days in advance, to enjoy the 20% discount and also to save ourselves from the long ticketing counter queues. It's easy! All you have to do is just purchase the tickets from their website, print the tickets sent to your email, and bring the printed tickets and scan at the entrance for entry. Purchase your tickets online here: http://www.legoland.com.my/Ticket/. We bought the theme park with water park tickets.

We went the budget way of going to Legoland Malaysia. There were 5 of us. To take a cab there is a little not worth it. Hence we went to JB Sentral, the bus terminal next to the Malaysia Customs and wait for bus LM 1. It was only 8 plus in the morning.

Got to see this time table for the LM1 bus schedule. We missed the first bus, hence we waited for the 9am bus. We have to be alert to look out for the bus. We almost missed it again, as the bus was at the far right and blocked by the other buses.

It only costs RM 4.50 per person for the bus fare.

When we reached Legoland Malaysia, the place was croweded. The theme park is not yet opened. Everyone is crowding around the entrance, taking photos, and the queue at the ticket counter was horribly long. Just before the gates open, the staff and the dino mascot gave an opening dance.

There are lego figures all over the park. Cute! The joke for the last picture was, we have to build our own toilet bowls before using. Haha...

Off to the first ride. The Project X roller coaster. The most exciting part is when the car moves up in height and then come down at high speed from the height.

There are alot of these games stalls. But the men of the group feels that it's not worth it to try. Haha.. But we do see many hugging these soft toys or winnings around the park.

Next, we went up on the Observation Tower to see the park from top view. The place looks huge.. and hot.. haha..

Then we went for a 4D lego movie at Lego Studios. There are no shaking of chairs or such, but there are huge gust of wind, rain, snow to give the 4D effect. Cool.

We skipped this Dino Land ride. No one wants to get wet in this hot weather.

Took some other rides in between like the Lost Kingdom, a laser shooting ride to hunt for lost treasure, we went for this mild ride, the Legoland Express. A train that brings us one round around the park. The waiting time was long though.

After the ride, it's time to fill our tummies. We went to the Market Restaurant. Even though the place is crowded, but there are still empty tables around.

Love the interior. Above our heads are all the lego characters. All of them busy "preparing" our meals. The restaurant is very colourful too.

The food ordering style is quite easy, just take whatever you want to eat from the respective counters and proceed to payment.

The top two are the kids meals. All the meals comes with a cup of fruits and a drink, except for the Fish and Chips that comes with a soup and drink instead. Lunch was filling and it was not too bad.

Then it was a visit to the Lego Miniland. Using lego pieces to build the representation buildings, cultures from different countries.

Familiar?

We decided that we had enough of fun and sun, we took a break and went for some lego shopping.

We went for the second part of the Legoland Malaysia. It's water splashing time at the Waterpark. There are many different types of pools for different age and excitement in the Waterpark. My family went more for the exciting tall slides. Reminded me of the old fun times in Fantasy Island (If you still remember where that was haha...)

The ticketing counters looks empty at the end of the day.

Time to go home...

It was a fun day. Down side is the hot weather. Do remember to hydrate yourself frequently when you visit the park. I suppose the next time we go, would be when there are young children in the family and stay in the themed hotel (IMO, it's pretty expensive though the rooms are lego themed and they look cool and fun). If you plan to bring your family there for more than an occasional fun, perhaps at least 4 times a year, it is more advisable to buy the annual pass then getting the day pass each time you visit.


Legoland Malaysia
http://www.legoland.com.my/