Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Friday, September 06, 2013
Naoki Yoshihara by Ash Salon - Liang Court Singapore
2 years back I was randomly approached on the street by a Japanese Street Photographer, Noriaki Tsuchiyam for a photo for his calendar app called Street Angels. Who knew 2 years later I would be receiving a friendly email from Noriaki-san, asking if I'll be interested in a Hair Makeover.
As i was back in Chiang Rai throughout the whole opening period, it was thanks to Aya-san and Atsuko-san (from Bluebird Ventures) who arranged for me to be part of this on their last makeover day. =)
I've been desperately trying to grow my hair out, however it gets really messy whenever it reaches shoulder length, so I left my hair in its disastrous state for the last 2months.
Alright enough blabber, time for the pictures:
NAOKI YOSHIHARA BY ASH
ASH is a Japanese Hair Salon brand which has over 100 stores in Japan.
Sitting in the well-it and spacious salon. They have lockers for us to safekeep our handbags and belongings. You'll also be served tea and sweets, talk about good service.
While I was in Thailand I was told to send in pictures of my hair then, so i'm gonna use them for comparison.
BACK VIEW (BEFORE)
I had very short asymmetrical hair and the last stylist from a pretty reputable salon screwed it up big time, Trust me, i spent S$200 for a haircut and hairdye. Was fuming mad when i left and ended up covering my dye job with a DIY brown the very next day.
BACKVIEW (AFTER, Ash Salon)
I mentioned that I'll like to grow my hair out and requested for a simple and neat haircut.
I like how shapely and light the bob is.
SIDE VIEW (BEFORE)
Yikes, dry frizzy hair! Okay that's my fault for not conditioning my hair..
SIDE VIEW (AFTER, Ash Salon)
Obvious volume, and I must say both stylists ended the session with
"I've balanced out your bob, leaving a slight asymmetrical at the tip, so you can change your parting to either side if you feel like it."
Do the judging yourself.
FRONT VIEW (BEFORE)
I usually tuck one side behind my ear so it'll at least look neat.
FRONT VIEW (AFTER, Ash Salon)
Fits my chubby face lol.
Conclusion, I am definitely pleased with the haircut. Amazed at the meticulous techniques Japanese stylists at Ash Salon are trained to go through. They actually cut and measure your hair by small sections, that's alot of effort, which produced a very balanced haircut.
I am of course very honored to have the head of creative team, Teiji Ishizawa, best of thousands of stylists from the whole Ash group to monitor and finish my complimentary haircut.
Here's a photo with the pretty Atsuko-san and Teiji-san =)
Ash Salon is having 30% off all hair services till 30 Sept'13!
You can save the pricelist and enlarge it in photo viewer if you're interested.
That's not all, 6weeks after my haircut with Ash Salon, I received a handmade card from Atsuko-san. I thought that was really sweet! Japanese are always the nicest people around.
Atsuko-san, if you're reading this, a big thank you to you and stay pretty too! =)
Thursday, September 05, 2013
The Philippines - Baguio
November 2012
During the 2nd week of my 19days trip to The Philippines, dad had to go to Baguio for the Mining Conference so I was allowed to tag along =) Was really looking forward to experiencing Baguio.
We set off from Manila, approx 8 hrs drive
Watching the city disappear into long stretch of roads covered with the blue sky.
We had a pretty comfortable ride up cuz bossman told us to take his imported Toyota Sienna LE and one of the staff offered to drive.
Look how spacious the vehicle is, it's almost like we're sitting in an aircraft. Plus the sliding doors are automated. I pretty much slept all the way up to Baguio lol.
Now we're in Baguio, went pass some interesting looking slums (according to Rico).
Everything is so closely stacked together.
Spent an afternoon here.
Note: Do not wear heels, it's impossible to walk on stones n pebbles.
I felt like i might fall and sprain my ankles anytime. Someone shld have warned me before hand!
Walk further into Mines View Park and you end up at a spot where you see a wide view of greenery.
Best of all, there are random horses standing around for photos.
Never knew pink horses exist! No they don't, actually they had thier white manes dyed neon pink!
Looks magical isnt it, i wonder if 'My Little Pony' was inspired by the horses here.
Generally the white horses have pink manes while the brown horses are spared from the dye. I'm assuming it because they dont wana hurt the horses by bleaching it.
But sadly you'll see a couple of brown horses with pink manes.
I hope they weren't put through any pain to get that bright shade of pink =(
Which was also why I choose the white horse for my photo.
***
Bossman paid for everyone's lodging and we were given the junior suite.
So dad and I got individual toilet and room . =)
Went out to explore the hotel's premises the next morning..
I like how I get to start every morning with so much green n light..not forgetting Baguio's cool (maybe cold) weather!
One of dad's colleague brought her bubbly daughter along too.
lol guess she found a tiny friend at the hotel's lobby.
***
My fav in Baguio.
Rico drove us to this park with a huge lake in the middle.
You can rent these tiny boats at pretty reasonable prices.
I liked the Swan boat but decided not to rent it because it doesn't come with oars to row.
So i chose Boboy..dad's fav no. 888 lol
He was the one n only ugly dino, and he's red <3 br="" nbsp="">
Dad getting all bossy and telling Rico how he's not rowing it right...
"no..no...you should row them together..." -_-
Cant find a better way to spend my afternoon.
Later on I told dad to row us around! lol as expected.. he did a worse job.
Not as easy as it seems huh daddy...
***
I've been trying to find cheap deals for a hair perm in Manila but it seems like NOBODY is interested in perms. Every salon was offering rebonding services and it can go as low of $30!
I watched a lady complete her $30 rebonding and surprisingly she came out with silky smooth hair that's equivalent to a $200 rebonding in Singapore.
So while my dad was busy with his meetings, I spent the day at the mall in Baguio.
AND I FOUND A KOREAN SALON with all hair services going at 50% off!!! OHMYGAWD!!!
I went for the better range of digital perm package that uses Lo'real Paris for only S$100.
Transformer at work..hehe
Before the 'transformers', i had the 'heating cap' on.
It felt so warm and comfortable in sucha cold weather.
I like how they towel wrap my hair in a korean way (no photos to show), exactly like how Koreans wrap their head at bath houses. Additional star rating for them cuz I dont look ugly in the mirror.
Here's the outcome, I LOVE IT!
Thumbs up to TONY & JACKEY SALON!!!
and you know what, the head stylist used to work in Singapore's Jiwon Salon (Expensive local salon located at Wheel lock Place). That must have been good karma for me. =)
Dad came back to join me in the evening for coffee..the clouds were coming in and it was drizzling.
I like the concept of these huge umbrellas, it's so hassle free and it looks neat.
We watched the sunset holding our mugs..lovely =)
Baguio is filled with nature trails, perfect if you're looking to destress with nature..
They also have adventure trails like 'flying fox, freefall etc..'
but err.. it states 'Might break down during bad weather'
I gave it a missed cuz i dont wana be stuck mid air.
That's it for 4 days in Baguio, lovely experience but i dont think i'll come back again because i've seen almost everything that's available here. It's a tiny place almost like Genting except you can relax with nature and not pulling slots machine in the Casino.
Driving down Baguio, amongst the mountains and hills
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Aibi Ez Tone Cycling Chair - Review
Getting a cycling machine had always been at the back of my head, and i finally did!
I looked around and chose AIBI Ez Tone cuz i like how it isnt bulky, it's SILENT (magnetic) and very sleek looking. I've always been a sucker for nice packaging. That factor would usually contribute to 60% of my decision-making.
Oh I used to cycle in the gym with level 1 tension and my friends would just look at me with the 'you call that exercising?' face. But i must say this level 1 tension did made me lose significant weight on my thighs. My theory is that it doesn't build muscle, but burns fat and makes you sweat if you cycle at a constant, fast speed. Not scientifically proven but I'm a life example.
The downside of the Ez Tone is that it doesn't come with an option to switch tension. However, I'm perfectly fine with it, i just need that little tension to stick to my theory.
This machine is retailing at S$699, very steep imo. Plus I couldn't find a single review online so I decided to try Gumtree.com to see if i could get lucky. and i did! Bought a second hand Ez Tone for only S$299!
It was almost brand new, scratch free and in this exact gold which happened to match my light gold curtains. lol. I checked and self-collected it in a taxi, it fits nicely into the boot, very fuss free. In case you're wondering, the previous owner (from New Zealand) lives in a nicely renovated condo and because she hardly has time to cycle, she finds it an eye sore to have it sitting in her living room.
Had it for 1.5 months now, sis and i are utilizing it well! On lazy days I'll cycle at a moderate speed and watch TV. When I need a workout I'll paddle fast for about 20mins and I'll be drippin sweat!
NO REGRETS! =D
NO REGRETS! =D
Monday, July 01, 2013
Bidam - Our Precious Pearl Winter White
Bidam says: "Hiiiii !"
Pearl Winter White
D.O.B: 15/6/2013
In case you're wondering, Bidam was the name of my fav korean character in the series Queen Seonduk.
A very skilled warrior (ninja-like) who died for his loved one. :'(
I think with every passing year i must be getting more sentimental or so.
I find myself getting too attached to things/people, and at the same time i fear losing them.
Very unsettling feeling.
Take Bidam for example. He isnt my first pet hamster, I've also had a winter white (Grey) for 3 years.
Took me a yr and a half before i felt a connection and eventually upset about his death.
But here i am typing, only having spent 3 days with Bidam, finding it hard to sleep.
Because of the imperfection of this amazing habitrail cage we've (me & my sis) gotten him.
looks amazing isnt it, i do like how it's extendable and i think Bidam enjoys it too. But problem is, the wheel that comes along with it has a wide gap that constantly causes his tiny feet to slip. I worry it'll injure him. I dont want him to fracture his legs or accidentally scratch his eyes causing an eye infection., so i've removed it and am desperately searching for safe wheel.
Next thing is his water bottle, it doesnt have a ball bearing, instead the water is held in via pressure (gotta shake the bottle 3 times to prevent leakage). I'm kinda worried if he has figured out how to take a sip. What if he dehydrates and die?!
He's showing weird behaviour, he would lay spreadout, motionless under the water bottle with his eyes wide open for 15-20min. Almost like he's daydreaming or depress.Then the next moment he would become really active runnign around. He doesnt resist when we hold him, doesnt bite. In fact he has a really mild temper.
He loves spreading himself out between our thighs while we stroke his back/belly and fall aslp. Which is kinda weird for a hamster to remain that still! You can watch the vid via my instagram >>
***
I dont know if he's relaxed, bored, depressed or having a heat stroke (based on some research).
When i move him to the air conditioned room, he'll start to sneeze non-stop!
It worries me!! I'm so afraid he'll die. =((
I was googling all night for alternatives and solutions..sigh..
Stay strong little one!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)