Nuffnang

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Singapore, We Now Have Baskin-Robbins!

The day has finally arrived!



The day where Baskin-Robbins finally opens its first location in Singapore! Ice-cream lover rejoice as this favourite American brand opens at Velocity@Novena!



Last Thursday also marks Baskin-Robbin's  4000th international location, as they held the grand opening at Novena Square. Where I was last Thursday evening is the first shop in Singapore, but the  48th country in which now Baskin-Robbin has "checked-in" (4square, you know?). Super awesome. Usually I can only get to eat my favourite ice-cream in Genting, Malaysia and the last time I had BR was in Phoenix Blue Canyon in Korea (and that was like 6 months ago). They are also in Nepal and Thailand.


Scoop and Scoop, along with Baskin-Robbins, plan to open another 10 more locations in Singapore over the next few years! Can't wait for one to open up in Sengkang or Ang Mo Kio. Hehe.



So....what is Baskin-Robbins famous for? Its 31 unique flavours of course! The "31" stands for a different ice-cream flavour for each day of the month, so even if you choose to eat one junior cone daily, you won't get sick of it. I was told that Singaporeans will get to enjoy Asian flavours like Green Tea and Mango Tango, which is made with King Alfonso mangoes from India. I did try the Mango Tango and it's yum - like a sweet blend of mangoes and cream.


One of the flavours that I tried belongs to a program of "Flavour of the Month", where each month BR introduces a new flavour. June's "flavour of the month" is Crimson Passion Sorbet, which is made from blood orange and passionfruit. It's a little too sour for me, but quite refreshing.

Singapore Specials such as "Berry Brownie Good Waffle Sundae" and "Berry-kissed Banana Waffle Sundae" cost S$9.50 per scoop.



 I was busy trying out flavours, but I didn't manage to try all 31 of them and the specials. Others I tasted include Chocolate Mousse Royal (made from dark chocolate, but it's unlike the usual thick chocolate glut,  this one tastes more like a mousse, different texture, like a light cake), and  World Class Chocolate (blend of milk + white chocolate, surprisingly good, not too sweet, tastes just nice).




If you have a sweet tooth, go for Pralines 'n' Cream (damn sweet I cannot tahan) or Maul Brownie Madness (this is actually a lowfat yogurt leh!) My favourites of the lot are Very Bery Strawberry (since a long time ago) and Black Forest (it's a rotator so it's not available all year round). Other worthy mentions are Cotton Candy (coz' it's very shiok that it's not too sweet, really tastes like cotton candy and pretty in pink& purple) and Mint Chocolate Chip (self-explanatory, really :D). 


Just go try them already! Prices are:

Junior Scoop - $4
Value Scoop - $5
Regular (2 juniors) - $6


If you think these stores only serve ice-cream, you're wrong lor. They also have cakes and milkshakes too! As part of the event's activities, we all get to make our own milkshake by choosing three flavours. Mine was too sweet though. :(




Love  their signature pink lounge seats, interactive LCD menu displays and the life-like cake/sundae models!



My favourite decor in the house has got to be the iconic pink spoon door handles, and textured walls that are made to look like waffle cones.


"Hello, evaryboday, my name is Barbarella Baskin-Robbins!"



Guess who's the host of the evening?! Our favourite local SPG, Barbarella from The Noose! 


Her sexy pink bodycon dress is so attention-grabbing. So happy to finally meet her in person. The event was then officially launched by Baskin-Robbins' International President, Mr. Srinivas Kumar and Mr Cheah, President of Singapore's master franchise, Scoop & Scoop Pte Ltd.




There were a lot of buzz and people watching the opening, so it was very lively. Barbarella also did a good job making the crowd laugh, although I do think one of the VIP don't fully appreciate her sense of humour. :/



Me, sandwiched among others, busy taking pictures.


Hospitality was great that evening, and especially so when this guy served us ice-cream, he was so polite, helpful and all smiles. Ask for free tasting at the stores!



The top 5 milkshake flavours that Barbarella liked most are created by them. She made them explain the creation and why the name.



 
Later she was whisked off by the omy team to do an interview, and I cannot resist one photo like this - journalist staring on while she puts the whole cone into her mouth! (They dared Barbarella to do it! )


 One of my few local role models! :D




Goodie bag - I'm keeping the brochures for future reference, too many flavours!

By the way, for those who live in the West and find Novena too far, there's also another Baskin-Robbins store in Clementi Mall. Don't forget to 'like' Baskin-Robbins Facebook page for special deals/offers like free ice-cream (both outlets gave away 100 free scoops on Saturday!) and discounts for your cakes!


"We Make People Happy".  BR makes me happy.  Now I'm just hoping they'll bring in the flavours with the sizzling bits in them! :)

 P.S. Sorry for the late update. Was having trouble with superscript! }:(

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Black Magic Treatment - I Want A Porcelain Face

Advertorial

Out of curiosity (okay more like vanity) , I've been reading up on an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology used for skin treatment. When I first came across this term, it was for hair removal. It comes as no surprise, since IPL treatment is most commonly used for hair removal. Yet, IPL can also be used for skin treatment. 

Firstly, what is required for IPL?

IPL is a technology that requires a Xenon flash lamp and optical prism (used as capacitor) to produce a high intensity of light in a short period of time, converting them into energy to eliminate damaged cells that lies deep within the skin. That said, IPL will not harm the surrounding tissue nor our skin later itself. IPL Therapy targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). 



While Microdermabrasion treatments such as Diamond Peel and Crystal Peel targets the superficial layer of the skin, IPL penetrates deeper into the dermis to stimulate cell regeneration from within.

Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).

The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime, where your skin can recover almost instantly after treatment.  

 What is the procedure for the conventional IPL treatment?

Prior to the the treatment, patients will be given a goggle to protect the eyes from the intense light. Following that, a cool layer of gel will be applied to the area where it will be treated. The gel layer serves to cool the epidermis during treatment and prevent light from scattering. 



IPL gel helps to conduct better light absorption towards the targeted Chromophores (blood vessels and melanin) and thus, the melanin within the pigmented area will be dispersed.

Is there any alternative?
Yes, instead of the clear gel, the Black Magic Treatment uses a proprietary formula created in Korea for the treatment. Also known as The Photo Reborn Gel or Plasma Magic Gel, the Plasma Magic Gel is black, hence the name Black Magic. The treatment does not target pigments, but instead aims to rejuvenate the skin by tightening the pores and reducing sebum production.

What is the difference between the conventional treatment and Black Magic?

Usually, IPL treatment results rely on the light depth and intensity. In this case, the light depths are undifferentiated since its the filter of the hand piece that controls it. Whereas for light intensity, the Plasma Magic Gel is formulated to increase efficiency in light absorption, reduce energy loss, thereby shaving off about half the energy required to perform the treatment as compared to conventional IPL treatments.

What does it help in? 

Black Magic treatment promises to minimize pores and reduce oily skin. 

Are there any side effects?

Sometimes, patients may experience breakouts after the treatment. The skin may be too dry and thus may experience itchiness post-treatment, or the process of healing and detoxification may have caused the minor breakouts. 

For both above mentioned reasons, it is recommended to apply more repair gel and hydration gel along with sunscreen post-treatment.

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I have rather bad skin so of course I dream of wanting a porcelain skin! Who doesn't?! 

Porcelain, The Face Spa provides the Black Magic Treatment service. If you feel that you've learnt something new about the treatment from me, please 'like' my post on their Facebook page. Thank you!


Monday, June 6, 2011

Johnnie Walker Prizes

Months ago I won the Johnnie Walker contest and went to the Jet Black party. Here are the other prizes William and I brought home with us as well. :) 


Bottle engraved with 'Thiang"




4GB Thumbdrive

In the shape of the racing car, with Johnny's logo and the bottom

A bit heavy to bring around though
Gave the whisky as a gift to my dad, and the thumbdrive is good for school. :)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Photos// Kronenbourg F.A.P Night @ Soul Club

Haven't been blogging much! Guilty as charged.

Some super long overdue pictures for the Kronenbourg event; Thanks to Yong Wei for the invite!



The fruity one and the wheaty one. What's your flavour?



Cheers to frienship!



Me, under-dressed for a club event. :( ; HP

William; Bumped into Jia Wen who was working



One of the worst instant photo treatment we received

PATIENTLY waiting for Kumar!


Guest appearance - with a bang!

Funny as hell

Famous last words

Even the assistants were hottt



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