Browgraphy + Brazilian Waxing at Beauty Emporium (Dempsey Hill)

The festive season has been keeping me busy, but a girl's gotta take care of herself, and thanks to an invitation from the kind folks at Spa Esprit, I brought Evonne along, and we had an absolutely pampered day at Beauty Emporium at House, Dempsey, where we got to try two of their most highly raved services: Browgraphy at Browhaus, and Brazilian Waxing at Strip!

Beauty Emporium at House is the world’s first one-stop transformation experience for beauty and nutrients, unlike most large scale beauty stores which are product determined, the grocer-inspired Beauty Emporium at House sets a brand new trend by focusing on expert services from our established beauty brands, while introducing new retail concepts. The result is a complete inside-out pampering that suits even the most frenetic 24/7 lifestyle.

I adore the quirky and refreshing interior of Beauty Emporium, it certainly stands out from your average beauty store/salon for sure! Thanks to the extensive experience behind Spa Esprit, Beauty Emporium at House is able to deliver fast results in a quirky setting.

Expect anything from the norm: a unique range of specially selected beauty potions combined with creative beauty treatments which are exciting, effective and cleverly packaged. From brow grooming to Brazilian waxing to discovering thought- provoking poetry, pick from an extensive menu of services that’s been customized to suit your body and leave you feeling loved and pampered. All in stylishly quirky surroundings that bring to mind a convenient modern grocer.

Browgraphy at Browhaus

As you might know, I'm pretty anal about them brows and I do tweeze and shape them myself at home. Once every few months though, I visit the professionals to do a proper brow shaping, to ensure that my brows stay in shape!

I have always looked to Browhaus for my brow grooming needs, and I was really excited to take brow grooming one step further with Browgraphy, which is a brow tinting treatment that helps to further enhance your brows to best suit your face/hair color: You can go for darker brows for a more defined and striking look, or lighten your brow colors for a softer look that complements your hair color!

The process was fast and took barely twenty minutes, a natural vegetable dye was applied to my brows (I look like Santa Claus!) to color my brows to a dark brown shade, before the experienced therapist used a combination of threading and tweezing techniques to shape my brows to perfection!

In the treatment room!

And the results of my Browgraphy session: you can see how my brows are now a really natural looking brown shade that complements my hair shade! (Yay! No need for application of brow mascara anymore!) My brows have also been shaped into a clean and well-defined shape!

The results of a Browgraphy session can last for a good three weeks, and I loved how my tinted eyebrows needed less "work" every day, all I needed to do was to fill in my brows with some powder and I was good to go! Loved it!



Brazilian Waxing at Strip

I'm no virgin when it comes to Brazilian Waxing, but it's not something I do on a regular basis, due to the ouch factor and the embarrassment of having someone dealing with your private bits... Lol.

At Strip however, I was pleasantly surprised to see all the thoughtful little steps taken to ensure that the experience be as comfortable and pain-free as possible, including a cute Virgin Forest Rescue Book to ease the fears of first-timers, as well as a Rescue Remedy essence that's supposed to help calm the nerves.. there's even squeezy toys available to help you cope with the pain. How cute is that?

My Waxpert (waxing expert) was extremely friendly and put me at ease immediately: the entire procedure was over in twenty minutes or less, and it definitely wasn't as bad as I remembered! The soothing smell of the chocolate wax was a plus point, and rest assured that Strip practices very high standards of hygiene, with no double dipping. I left the waxing room with a thoroughly clean down under, and intend to go back again!

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We ended off the day with a little fun concocting our very own customised shower gels, with the selection of high quality essential oils and blends offered at Spa Esprit! There were so many different essential oils to choose from, my nose had trouble smelling them all after awhile. Hahaha.

I am a sucker for refreshing, lemony scents, and I went with the Citrus Bliss, which is supposed to have cleansing and invigorating purposes! It contains wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, tangerine, clementine and vanilla, and smells absolutely delightful. If you're looking for a customised gift for a friend, this would be a really lovely choice!

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Especially for all readers, all you need to do is to quote my blog/my name, and you get to enjoy 10% off any Brow Construction treatment from BROWHAUS and 10% off any waxing services from STRIP! (Only available at STRIP and BROWHAUS Beauty Emporium.)

Thank you for the invitation, Weiying! :)

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Beauty Emporium at House

8D Dempsey Road, Level 2, 

Singapore 249672 

www.dempseyhouse.com

For appointments, reservations or enquiries, please call: 

Browhaus: 6475 7020 

spa esprit: 6479 0070 

Strip: 6475 7833 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm (except selected eve of and public holidays)

***

I can't believe it's Friday again :( WE ARE MORE THAN MID-WAY INTO JANUARY OMG.

Wednesday's make. I am all into natural make-up lately. So tired of the big eye lens and super heavy falsies.. Had enough of them! Less is more.

Woooo I have got aegyo sal (Korean eyebags) HAHAHA no actually I wish I had less eye bags cos when I dont get enough sleep my eye luggages are like bigger than my eyes! :( 

And the outfit: I attended Lancôme's press event with the theme of Black and White!

Wore the upcoming TheVelvetDolls leather panelled skirt, which is mad love! Necklaces layered from SortandPepper, and House of Harlow 1960. Still can't do without a pop of color, so it's my trusty Bimba and Lola bag again. And a pair of new nude heels from Charles and Keith!

Okay, gotta scoot off now. Til the next entry!

xoxo

Dinner at The Dempsey Brasserie!

Pardon the influx of food/dinner posts lately.. It's because I've been eating alot of good food and catching up with all my favorite people! And that makes me really happy! :)

When a friendship is twelve years old and counting, it's really a gift and is nothing short of precious :)

Remember how we first met? HAHA.

I remember cos you were the new girl in class, and Mrs Seah the form teacher "assigned" me to take care of you cos I was like the class chatterbox or something! And poor you.. new transfer student to the school and all, you were stuck with me for the entire year, and we did all kinds of stupid things like taking zillions of neoprints (I still have them somewhere and we look incredibly baaaddd in them) and hanging out at Macdonalds after school and you watching me practice guitar at the Student Centre.. Hahaha. I honestly feel bad about it now because it must have been super mind-numbingly boring for you, but you just tagged along without a complaint. HAHA. Well, we got streamed into different classes after that year, but that one year of BFF times has stuck and held out til now.. Thank you :')

Always carrying on right where we left off in each other's lives, hahaha. But let's promise to make more time for each other this year on! No more once-a-year-dinners, okay?

So for the first meetup of the year!
It was Dempsey Hill for dinner, and we decided on The Dempsey Brasserie!

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The Dempsey Brasserie

7 Dempsey Road

Tel: 66816696

http://www.dempseybrasserie.com/

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Was googling for restaurants at Dempsey and didn't want to go for any of the tried and tested establishments, then came across this fairly new restaurant so we thought we would give it a try! :)

Helloooooo :)


The place was unwhelmingly empty on a Tuesday night. I think there were barely five tables besides us.. That's how empty it was!

We decided on ordering a few items to share, and ended up with two starters and a main! Once again, made the mistake of asking the staff to serve everything at once. Almost everything came at once, and the dishes got colder faster than we could eat them ;(



 Time for food!! :)

French Onion Soup $16 

Thick crostini, gruyere cheese melt

This is SUPER delicious! Or maybe I just haven't tried enough French Onion Soups in other restaurants to compare, but I loved the cheese melt and the thick broth as well as the chunky slices of onion in the soup!

Extremely cheesy, rich and divine. Would definitely recommend it for sharing, haha.

Mussels and Fries, Vin Blanc (Starter Pot) $20

Shallots, garlic, parsley and white wine

Been craving for fresh seafood like mussels lately... D:  And I read quite a few reviews online that the mussels at The Brasserie are good! So we got the starter pot (you can also order it as a main dish, which costs $36 instead) and it was pretty good! The mussels were pretty fresh and juicy, and the Vin Blanc sauce was like super GAO (thick) with a very strong taste of white wine! I would come again just to order the french onion soup and the mussels :P

It also comes with a pretty generous portion of fries. They taste good dipped in the white wine sauce! Hehe.

Duck Confit $34

With baby potatoes, sautéed bacon, french beans, flambéed cherries, mustard cream sauce

I was looking forward to the duck confit, but it didn't leave a fantastic impression on me, cos I thought the duck meat was a tad dry and it wasn't flavorful enough. The mustard cream sauce helped to redeem the dryness of the duck confit a little, and it was really not too bad, but just not amazing! Maybe I was too spoilt by my first experience with duck confit which was in Nice, France, and now no other duck confit in Singapore can live up to my expectations anymore! :( Any recommendations for good duck confit, anyone?

Didn't stay for desserts at Brasserie, cos PS Cafe is just around the corner and I really wanted some sticky date pudding dessert!! So we took a short walk over to PS Cafe instead!

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PS.Cafe @ Harding 

28B Harding Road Singapore 

Tel:  6479 3343 

http://www.pscafe.sg/

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I haven't been to PS Cafe at Dempsey for the longest time! Always love admiring this entire row of pretty cakes.

And it was DAMNNN crowded. The whole place was full house on a Tuesday night! I guess PS Cafe is still the popular spot at Dempsey!

So we took about two seconds to decide on dessert. Which was none other thaaaaan....

Sticky Date Pudding $14.90

The butterscotch sauce that accompanied the sticky date pudding was FANTASTIC. Not too jelat, but just the right consistency and sweetness that went perfectly with the sticky date pudding!

The sticky date pudding was quite fluffy, and less dense as compared to my favourite sticky date pudding at Marmalade Pantry, but overall it was just sinfully delicious and I enjoyed every single morsel that I put into my mouth!


Nicolle unwrapping her belated birthday and Christmas present hahaha from last year :S Yayyy!!! I hope you like it ♥♥♥

Happy twelve years and counting! BFFs til we're old and wrinkly, okay?



People come into your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
 When you know which one it is, you will know what to do with that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a dificulty…
To provide you with guidance and support…
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually…
They may seem like they are a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die…
Sometimes they walk away…
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand….
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled…
Their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has now been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON.
Because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons.
Things you must build upon to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind, but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life…
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime

~ unknown author

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Outfit:
Ombre Denim Jacket in Pink (Size M)
Adara Bustier Top in Black (Size M)
Leather Panelled Skirt in Black (Size M)
all upcoming on TheVelvetDolls! ^^

Nude wedges from Sœurs again and my rainbow weave bag from Bimba and Lola. Hahaha I need to buy new shoes and bag :(


The waitress at Brasserie complimented me on the jacket and said she really likes it ^^ I love it to bits and pieces too!! Oh and it matches my new hair color hahaha :S The upcoming leather panelled skirt is another favourite of mine, it's ultra flattering and super chic! Love how the leather details are so subtle and makes it easy to wear.

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Outfit pictures for tonight's upcoming collection on TheVelvetDolls! ^^

Lace Cut Out Dress in White, size M

I love the intricate lace details and the flare skirt! It's a very decent looking length too, makes it look elegant!

I like how the lace ends at the waist in an intricate cut-out fashion. Makes it so much more interesting than your regular lace dress!

Lace Peplum Dress in Wine, size M
This is one of my outfit considerations for CNY Day 1! Hehe. This dress is super comfy, surprisingly! The fabric is awesome, and it has anti-slip at the bust area!

 The lace is raw-hemmed and mad pretty too! (Spot my kaypoh little dog in the picture. Haha)

 Sequinned Bandage Skirt in Bronze, size M
Love this skirt to pieces!! It's super chic and not too over the top cos the sequins are quite subtle!

Love it :) Paired it with a plain top and a necklace from Sort And Pepper! Now I'm deciding if I should keep the black as well! Hahaha.

See y'all at tonight's launch at 9PM! Byebye!

xoxo

Dinner at Deli Turk Turkish Cuisine!

I haven't had the luxury of having a Saturday date in agessss... Most of the time, my weekends are swamped with rehearsals and work and I've nearly forgotten what a proper weekend off feels like ;(

So last Saturday, YZ and I met up with Trish and we watched Les Miserables together! ^.^ The last time I watched a movie in the cinema was so long ago I don't even remember when. And this was planned so impromptu hahaha only at 11am on Saturday morning! Yay! I was planning on spending my Saturday dating my laptop but I'm so glad for the change of plans! Love spontaneous friends and meet-ups!

The movie was pretty good, and Anne Hathaway was BRILLIANT! Her performance alone made the movie worth watching! I thought her on-screen time was wayyyyy too little, while the entire movie itself was too draggy and long. And some of the actors really cannot sing HAHAHA. But I still thought that it was an enjoyable watch! I would really love to watch the actual Broadway production though. I love musicals dearly!

The movie was much longer than I expected, almost three hours! And it was evening by the time we stepped out of the movie theatre. Trish was craving for this Turkish restaurant at Suntec City, so off we went for dinner there!

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Deli Turk Turkish Cuisine

 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-004
Suntec City Mall S(038983)

Tel: 63368082

 Opening hours: Mon - Sun 11am - 9pm

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I've only tried Turkish cuisine once in a restaurant near Haji Lane, so it's something that's quite new to me! Oh, and random kebab shops along the streets of Italy. That's like Turkish fast food though, and completely different from the more authentic Turkish cuisine served at this restaurant.

Random selca hahaha ooooh my hair color is mad pretty. Love it!

The menu looks pretty unassuming and humble, but it features an extensive variety of Turkish food!

The restaurant is next to Kuishin-bo, at the Sky Garden so it's quite easy to locate. Nice view of the mall from where we were.

With le boyfriend! ;D Him looking all smart in a shirt cos he came from work!

And with Trish! ♥ Glad this last-minute date happened!

Apple Tea $7

We ordered a pot of Apple Tea to try, and it was really refreshing! Really tasted like apples haha I don't know how better to describe it but it was good!

Mixed Grilled Vegetables $14.90

Grilled vegetables dressed with extra virgin olive oil

Got this as a starter. The veggies were crunchy and well-grilled, but a little pricey for being just grilled vegetables, as seeing how some of the other main dishes with meats in them only cost a few dollars more. 

Doner Kebab (Chicken) $14.90

Meat shavings served with rice or pide bread

Standard Turkish fare that almost everyone knows of! Kebab :D This was enjoyable with the yogurt dip and bread, but the meat turned cold rather quickly (because the meat shavings were smaller pieces, I suppose!). I really liked the taste of the spices and herbs because it's so different from the spices usually used for local food!

King's Kebab (Beef) $16.90

An excellent combination of stewed meat with herbs, mashed potato and cheese topping baked in pot

Extremely extremely gratifying dish, if you want meat and carbs combined in one dish of cheesy goodness!!! It was delicioussss! The beef chunks were juicy and succulent and together with the mashed potato and cheese topping, it was absolutely divine.

Caravan Grill Chicken $18.90

Marinated meat cubes grilled, served on smoked mashed eggplant and yogurt mixture and topped with melted butter and tomato sauce

The other hot favourite on the table. It's just pieces of griiled chicken with a yogurt/eggplant dip, but it tasted amazing! The chicken was tender and tasty, and the yogurt dip complemented it perfectly. My favourite way to eat it is to bite off a chunk of chicken, followed by some bread that's been dipped in the yogurt! It's an amazing combination!

Chicken Pide $16.90

Minced chicken meat topped with paprika sauce and mozerella cheese baked on very thin crust dough

Turkish-style pizza! The thin crust dough was crispy and light, and with the savoury toppings on it, I could easily have had two slices of it :D It tasted especially good when eating piping hot with the melted cheese on it!

Our spread of food!

It's been a long time since we went out dining at somewhere new ^^

And the reason why we came to this restaurant, cos Trish was craving for their desserts! If you do visit this Turkish restaurant, YOU HAVE GOT TO ORDER THE DESSERTS! They are a must-try! This is my first time having Turkish desserts and we were literally blown away because they were so delicious! 

Kunefe (slice of heaven) $12.90

Layers of shredded pastry joined by a thin layer of unsalted cheese, baked in a hot oven, topped off with light syrup and served with pistachios and a drizzle of cream.

Kunefe is a traditional Arab cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, the crust is made from long thin noodle threads and there is a layer of cheese inside. The texture and taste of Kunefe is unlike any dessert that I've tried before, and it is REALLY GOOD. Especially in the cream sauce! It's damn delicious!

We really wanted to try the other dessert on the menu, the Baklava, which was still being prepared, so we waited for about twenty minutes for it to be ready!

The friendly Turkish chef with a trayful of Baklava. Apparently, the preparation time takes hours!

Baklava $12.90

Layers of thin pastry flakes stuffed with crushed walnuts and baked in oven, sweetened with light syrup

There are 80 layers in this pastry, according to our friendly Turkish restaurant boss. Haha. In between the layers are crushed walnuts, and the entire pastry is baked before being drizzled with sweet syrup that makes it taste absolutely decadent! If you like walnuts (I do!), I think you'd really enjoy the Baklava! I can't decide which I prefer, because I loved both desserts.

Complimentary fruit platter to end off the amazing meal. We will definitely be going back again for more soon! Good service as well, and the boss is really friendly and helpful! Can't wait to be back to try more items on the menu!

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Outfit:
Ombre Denim Jacket in Blue
Lattice Back Dress in Black

I kept this ombre denim jacket in both washes! Super love it.

Close up of the lattice details at the back! YZ loves the dress :)


Heading back to my Photoshop now, busy editing photos for the next collection! It's just a short four weeks away from CNY and I'm absolutely swamped with work! But it's also super exciting! Hahahaa. Favourite time of the year with super many pretty designs for everyone to dress up for CNY and Vday!   Yayyyy. Check out TheVelvetDolls' Facebook page for the latest previews and updates! :D