Talk about health : How can you lose weight by drinking more water ?

Sunday, March 10, 2013



Stay Energized

Studies have shown that staying hydrated with sufficient water while exercising can result in the ability to complete more reps and remain energized. This means the simple act of drinking enough water can directly increase the number of calories you'll burn, because you'll have more energy during your routine than you would have had if you were insufficiently hydrated.




Minimize Hunger

Consuming water prior to a meal will allow you to fill up your stomach without the evil of extraneous calories. This will minimize your chances of binging on food, because it will make you less hungry than you would have been.




Fill Up on Water Before Meals

The American Chemical Society suggests drinking 16 ounces (two cups) of water prior to every meal. Drinking this recommended amount while cutting down on the size of your meal portions makes you increases your chances of shedding pounds and keeping them off in the long run.




Opt for Zero Calories

Too many people these days substitute high-calorie beverages like soda, juice or alcohol for water during their meals. The situation gets even worse when you factor in the typical drink size at most fast food joints and restaurants.

Think of all the sugary, high-calorie drinks you consume in a given week, and imagine all the calories you could save by switching to water - if even for just one substitution per day. It's true that you can cut down on calories by switching to low-calorie diet sodas and juices in lieu of their regular counterparts, but diet drinks tend to increase your desire to eat. Water with every meal is the perfect choice when you're looking to cut down on calories.




Hydrate to Burn Fat

Whether you are vigorously exercising or burning a few calories just sitting down and chewing gum at work, your body needs sufficient hydration in order to efficiently use those calories for fat-burning. So, whether you're burning 100 or 1,000 calories, you still need to drink plenty of water for them to be burned as efficiently as possible.




Fulfill Your Hydration Needs

More research is necessary for accurately determining the water needs for every person, but the Institute of Medicine recommends that women drink 15 cups (2.7 liters) of water per day, while men should drink 18 cups (3.7 liters). These recommended amounts for body efficiency are total water amounts, and they account for water you consume in coffee, fruit and vegetables also.




Lose Weight Quickly

If you're looking to shed weight in a hurry, one way of doing so is to consume plenty of water while cutting down on your sodium intake. The decision to eliminate dietary salt (the pretzels and turkey you eat in the breakroom, the canned foods you prepare on the stove, or the chips or nuts you snack on between meals) while increasing your water intake will allow you to drop water weight quickly.




Flush Toxins

Whether you are burning hundreds of calories at the gym or handfuls of calories walking from place to place, the act of burning calories releases toxins inside your body. Drinking a sufficient amount of water allows your body to flush out those toxins, rather than letting them hang around all throughout your dehydrated day.




Keep Oxygen Circulating

Based on water's chemical compound (h2o), correlation between water intake and your body's oxygen level should be rather obvious. When you don't drink a sufficient amount of water, your blood volume decreases. This means your muscles are failing to get necessary oxygen, and you will become exhausted more quickly as a result.




Muscle Maintenance

Your body needs water for countless reasons, and one such reason is to make life easier on your muscles. When you are exercising, you are putting a heavy toll on most - if not all - of your muscles. Sufficient water is necessary for the proper lubrication of your joints, and it drinking to your needs will drastically minimize the amount of soreness you'll feel later.


Talk about beauty : Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-ageing Micro Sculpting Cream Review

Sunday, March 3, 2013

SPONSORED REVIEW

There's always this saying that women supposedly start to age at 25. To some even more kiasu kiasee ones, 24. I have always been conscious about my skin and now that I am turning 25 this year, I feel the need to pay extra attention to wrinkles and fine lines so by the time I reach 40, I will not lose out to my then boyfriend/ husband who generally looks more ravishing the older they get.

Before this year, all I ever pay attention to was Whitening. To me, as long as my skin is fair and bright, I feel that it was enough. But as I got older, it gets kind of depressing when you look into your face and you noticed that wrinkles start to appear and pimple scars don't go away that fast anymore. It gets even worst when I get SO many comments from people telling me I look older than my age. It was then I realised that it wasn't enough.

I started consuming Collagen and as much as I like the improvement I see on my skin, I wanted more and I wanted quicker results. I then decided to switch one of my skincare products to something with anti-ageing properties and lucky me, I got sponsored at the right timing !


Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-ageing Micro Sculpting Cream


Of course I had my doubts cause we all had experiences where we spent tonnes of money on big brands yet they won't deliver what they promised. Nonetheless, I still gave the Olay Regenerist Advance Anti-ageing Micro Sculpting Cream and I was totally sold.



The product has a flora scent to it and I was initially worried that the fragrance will cause horrors to my sensitive skin but it has been doing pretty well to be honest. The consistency is really thick but smooth to apply on the skin. Here's a photo of the texture.



Like every other moisturiser,


Step 1: Scoop some onto your fingers


Step 2: Dap


Step 3: Blend


Viola ~ You're good to go !
So, what's my take on this product ? 

Having tried many other anti-ageing cream, this is definitely one for keep. Not only does the Olay Regenerist Advance Anti-ageing Micro Sculpting Cream comes with 20% more anti-ageing ingredients compared to many brands out there, it also has more Amino-peptide and new ingredients such as Olivem and Lyslastine which can boost collagen and make the cream works deeper within our skin.

I would apply this on both day and night each time after I cleanse my face. What amazed me was that given its thick appearance, the cream blends very well and was easily absorbed into the skin. There was zero stickiness can you believe it ! I love how it livens up the skin almost instantly. To be honest, if you're looking for a miracle cream, you'll be pretty damn disappointed. Even though it's named micro sculpting cream, I didn't manage to see any firming effect as of yet but I could see distinct improvements on my laugh lines especially. I am also applying it to my neck cause I already have some visible necklines which I am having trouble filling up.


Just remember, it is never too early to start on Anti-ageing. I would rather be kiasu than be sorry.

Talk about health : Eating Clean - OIAJ

Sunday, February 17, 2013


Overnight Oats in a Jar

Overnight Oats, especially Oats in a Jar is getting kind of popular on Pinterest and Instagram these days. Apparently this kind of cold yogurt and oatmeal mixture has been around for quite awhile. I don't know where I have been, because I had never heard of it until I saw a recipe by Gwen on her instagram.

GXFC !

Friday, February 15, 2013



Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone ! May all of you stay happy, wealthy and most importantly, healthy !

I also wish for everyone to huat huat in the year of Snake !

It's merely 6 days into the year of Snake and I already am feeling the love from the universe. Been bringing The Secret to a higher level and it sure is rewarding. I have finally signed the lease and paid the downpayment for my flat after all the hassle that HDB have put the boyfriend and myself through. To read more on our application journey, please click here, here and here. If you and your partner are considering applying a flat and have queries in your mind, do feel free to ask me in my Formspring or comment below, I will be more than glad to help. I will be doing up a BTO FAQ tab soon so stay tuned. You can also check out the BTO FAQ tab at the top of the site ^.^



February has always been my favourite month of the year. With February, comes Chinese New Year and Valentines Day when it's the only month with so much love in the air. So how was your CNY and Valentines ? I would say my CNY has been a real tiring one cause I have packed several visitings in a day and my day usually starts as early as 8am and ends with overnight gamblings. The lack of sleep and feasting on heaty and oily new year goodies definitely caused disaster to my complexion. If you are like me, killing your own skin with our not-so-healthy habits, here's something I have been consuming for the past few months to ensure minimum damage to my skin brought upon during this festive period.


Sorry ah, this is not milk powder

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Yes, it is none other than Collagen Powder !!

The brand I am consuming is Suntory Milcolla Collagen Powder, highly raved in Japan and Taiwan. This particular product appeared upteen times on 女人我最大, with many Taiwanese female artistes swearing by it. I have personally tried some collagen big brands like Fancl, Meiji and some other brands and all tasted and smelt fishy which I find it hard to consume. I had to literally hold my breathe while drinking them but I do not have the same problem with Milcolla so I am definitely sticking by it.

Directions : Mix in one flat spoon of powder with your choice of hot or cold beverages (coffee, tea, juices) or even yoghurt, soup or food. I have tried replacing the cheese powder for my pizza and it tastes equally good.

Product Details : 105g per pack - 15 days supply. Does not contain fragrance and artificial sweetener. Only 25.3kcal and low fat. Suitable for people who are on diet as well.

Each spoonful contains : 5000mg collagen peptide. 600 µg milk ceramide. 50mg vitamin C. 120mg milk calcium. More than 1 billion of vegetation based lactic acid bacteria.

I am going to be ordering again and I thought why not share this with you guys ! Good things are meant to be sharing isn't it. Each packet will be $46 exclusive of postage and will arrive on 1st March if the order is made before 17th February.


Product introduction from 07:18 onwards

Food Haunts : Dinner at Raj Restaurant

Thursday, February 7, 2013


For more information, click here.
Hello everybody ! Hope everyone had an awesome week ! I have been so stuffed with delicious food lately that I am starting to feel like a stuffed Christmas turkey. Anyway, today's entry is about more food haha. Met up with the bride-to-be Waileng and hot-mama Liling sometime last week for my virgin Indian cuisine experience. I had been wanting to try out Indian cuisine for the longest time after looking at tonnes of delicious looking Indian cuisine on Instagram. Knowing that I know nuts about Indian restaurants, Waileng recommended Raj Restaurant which was just about 5 minutes walk away from her office.




Can you believe this woman here is already the mother of a 11 month ? Hot mama please !
Anyway, here'a what we ordered

We ordered 3 garlic naans, 3 butter naans

Mushroom Masala and Paneer Peshawari

Some chickpea curry Poori which I forgot what's the actual name





I was so glad to have the chance to try it out cause the food was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Although we totally over ordered we Liling and I managed to clear the plates. It is probably the first time in my life where I have so much flour in a meal haha. Ok la, forgive the bride-to-be since her stomach is not feeling too well.

20 Biopolis Way
Centros Block #01-03
Tel : +65 6478 9495
After dinner, it was more bitching and gossiping over coffee / tea

Not gonna post photos of me cause I look horrendous that night haha. Till then people !

Food Haunts : Saveur & 黑丸嫩仙草

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I had a little meetup with my two favouritest sisters about a week back.


What I wore that day

Glad suggested we have Saveur for some affordable French cuisine.

Yucui ended work late so Glad and I ordered a Duck Salad to share while waiting for Yucui.



Shredded duck confit, mesclun tossed with homemade lemon vinaigrette, quail egg, orange segments, and cherry tomatoes. I love their vinaigrette. It gives a very zesty feel and boosted the flavour of the duck and greens.

The main courses that we ordered to share.



Duck leg confit, homemade mashed potato, sauté shiitake mushroom, orange segments,and orange infused natural jus. Duck was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The only downside was that it was slightly too salty but I think the orange segments kind of take away the saltiness.



Pan-seared sea bass, diced sauté potato with crabmeat, french beans, and caper vinaigrette. Sea bass was soft, albeit dry and the diced potato were crispy and goes very well with the protein.



Chicken thigh roulade stuffed with foie gras-infused chicken farce, creamy basmati rice, and parmesan sauce. Chicken roulade was really tender and the basmati rice was awesome beyond goodness.

So all the food that we tried were really good. I would definitely go back there again !

5 Purvis Street
Talib Court #01-04
Tel : 6333 3121


After our dinner, we headed to Raffles Hotel for a mini MissFayne photoshoot



Followed by 黑丸嫩仙草 for some sweet tooth satisfaction.


Hugeass cup of Taiwanese drinks. L-R, Red Bean Ice Blended 鮮奶紅豆, Sour Plum Tea 酸梅湯 and Lemon Wintermelon Tea 檸檬冬瓜. We all thought the Lemon Wintermelon Tea had a unique aftertaste to it. We didn't expect the drink so be such a big cup though. It is equivalent to the size of a large Koi thereabout ? Definitely too big a cup for us when we just had dinner and wanted something light and sweet. Nonetheless, I managed to finish my drink, being the true blue 水桶.

We ordered a "Mix & Match" to share. You can mix and match any four toppings and for your dessert you get to choose between 冷 熱 燒 冰沙. Do note that cold meant fridge cold and not ice cold. We ordered the wrong one, only realising that ours does not come with ice when we received it. But it is still very nice la. The server advised us to add in some creamer for a more flavourful taste and it is definitely much nicer with the creamer.


Lastly, a group photo before we met our chauffeurs for the night

& thank you to the boyfriend who came to pick me home despite his busy schedule ^.^

Ad : Accessorise up !

Sunday, February 3, 2013

SPONSORED ADVERTORIAL

Bored with your outfits ? Spruce it with just a switch of accessories ! A cake is pretty by itself, but never entirely complete without the cherry at the top. And accessories are like the cherries on top of our outfits, differentiating you from the girl standing there right beside you ! It will be Chinese New Year in about a week's time and don't Chinese New Year always gives us all an excuse to buy more pretty stuffs ? I was never a fan of accessories because I am lazy just like that but lately I feel that a simple accessory can really make a difference in your entire outfit so why not spend a few seconds more just to make yourself stand out from the rest ?

Today I am excited to introduce to you two online stores where you can find cheap and awesome accessories.

In no order of merit, first up is Rainbow Mochi.

I was kindly sponsored a customised handmade Happy Emme Bracelet from their latest collection. It is actually a woven chain bracelet where you get to choose either a silver or gold chain and also up to 3 colours for the fabric weave. I do not want something too loud for my armswags so I chose a gold chain and a blue fabric weave.


Next, we have Cute Little Strawberries.

Not only do they carry a vast selection of accessories, their items are sold at an unbelievably cheap price ! How does a $2.00 diamonte necklace sound ? Frankly speaking, I was truly overwhelmed by their range of selections. It doesn't matter if you are the rocker or dainty kind of girl cause over at CuteLittleStrawberries, there is always something for you.


My all time favourite, chunky vintage rings !

Here are some of their really mad chio items at crazily cheap prices OMG.

Everything featured today is so cute and pretty and these are definitely accessories that I definitely need and want to have in possession. I am sure you girls share the same sentiments too so shop away !

If you are interested to be featured here, do drop an email to toxikk_@hotmail.com for advertising rates (: