Category: recommendations

fitness, recommendations, samsung gear fit, smart phones, technology

Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE
It’s been about 2 months since I’ve made the switch to the Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE and I’m happy to report and update that there’s absolute no turning back. It’s got so many wonderful features that fit right into my lifestyle; from taking pictures using the high speed camera, ultra power saving mode (I’ve raved about this in my previous post and I say it again. This feature is a lifesaver! I no longer have stressful phone- battery-about-to-die situations when I’m out.), fingerprint security and so many more.
 
Here’s me registering my fingerprint for the function. I swiped my finger 8 times for accuracy and security. 
The fingerprint security is a super cool and convenient feature that allows you to unlock your phone with a swipe of a finger and get this: shop online and make payment via Paypal, all with one finger swipe! Someone get this phone away from my hands before I spend all my money! Haha.

Have you always wished that you could hide certain files on your phone so that nobody except you can see? The Private Mode does just that. You can separately save files including photos, videos, music, voice recordings and more in a separate folder that can only be accessed with a password.


The private mode can be switched on or off with a simple toggle. I can now lend my phone to anyone without worry of anyone accessing my private information. I do always save passwords and my everything in my phone to help my goldfish memory! 


Another favourite feature of mine is the S Health, a personal fitness tracker that allows me to monitor, manage and even challenge my workout routines. 
This is the main dashboard of S Health. 

Pedometer is the perfect feature for me to feel less guilty when I don’t make time to workout. It tracks my daily steps count, distance walked and calories burned. So even when I’m not fully working out, I look at the calories burned from my walking around daily and feel better about myself! 

The exercise mode tracks my runs and keeps track of my run duration, distance, speed, pace, calories and even elevation, calories burnt and heart rate. I love that it allows me to set goals based on time and calories to help me push myself just that little bit harder on my runs.
Did you know that the Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE is also the first smartphone in the world that allows you to measure your heart rate?

I’ve learnt that for an effective workout, you need to up your heart rate so that you burn more calories. Sometimes, it’s not how far and how long you’ve run, but your heart rate that makes all that difference. I measure my heart rate on my phone before I start a workout and track it in between and adjust the remainder of my workout time according to my heart rate. If my heart is not beating at optimal level, I’ll alter my steady jogging and combine slow jogging with quick bursts of running to push my heart rate up. 

And this is my total calorie intake for today. This calorie tracker really helps me keep a conscious effort of what I’m putting into my body and gives me a good check and balance against the total number of calories that I need in a day. Most times, I try not to cheat my calorie counter and input as accurately as I can. The huge jump in calorie intake after a huge meal can get really scary sometimes! Haha.

Sometimes, I find it hard to keep checking back on my phone when I’m going for long runs on the road. The Samsung Gear Fit comes in super handy as it’s perfectly synced to my phone and the S Health function. It measures my heart rate, and does everything the S Health does on the phone.
The most convenient feature for me is the Media Controller. It allows me to control the music playing from my phone and lets me skip tracks, pause a song, etc. Plus, the Gear Fit notifies me of incoming calls, texts and emails so I don’t miss out on anything important. 
Another of my favourite functions on the Gear Fit is the sleep tracker. It monitors my sleep by keeping a log of how long I’ve slept and how long I was motionless for. I’ve always been curious of my sleep patterns! 
Did I also mention that the Gear Fit is super lightweight and comfortable to wear? The watch face curves nicely to fit the curvature of your wrist so it sits comfortably on your arm. 
If you’re bored of your current brand phone like I was and is looking to switch, I’d definitely recommend the Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE. If you’re worried about transferring data from phone to phone, the Samsung Smart Switch app takes care of everything and allows you to seamlessly transfer all your contacts, photos, music, messages, notes, calendar and everything else from your old phone to the S5. It’s super easy! The Samsung Smart Switch feature allows easy transfer of your personal data from iCloud or via PC to your new GALAXY device and even if you are currently a non-Samsung user.
Plus, the transfer is also a breeze with the Accelerated Network Download Booster. Get this: the phone taps on both 4G LTE and Wi-Fi concurrently so download speed is super fast. Download speed is 3x faster than just using 4G LTE or Wi-Fi alone. It’s super awesome especially when I’m streaming videos on YouTube! But it only works if files are more than 30MB. 
Have I also mentioned about GALAXY Life and GALAXY Gifts? As if this phone is not power-packed and bloated enough with extra apps, GALAXY Life and GALAXY Gifts offer oodles of exclusive privileges, free downloads and subscriptions.
To explain, GALAXY Life is this awesome app with exclusive personalized lifestyle content, rewards and privileges. I just spotted this privilege that I am totally going to redeem. Oooh!

A selection of deals and privileges such as this above matched to my interest is offered to me every week and redemption is super simple. I just need to show my phone to the merchant!
GALAXY Gifts is the app store on the S5 LTE. There is over US$500 worth of free content and services. A few of my favourite apps that I’ve downloaded and am hooked are NYTimes – Breaking News (free!!), Dropbox that I use daily for work – it comes with free 50GB storage for 2 years – and Evernote. Now all my notes are synced across all my devices…how I love technology!
If you can’t wait to enjoy all these benefits, I have good news to share!
Samsung is having a promotion:
Purchase GALAXY S5 LTE in 32GB without contract at selected retailers, CE/IT Stores and Samsung Experience Stores:

–       Free 24” Samsung HD LED TV worth $259
 Purchase GALAXY S5 LTE in 16GB with contract:

–       Free Samsung Gear Fit worth $268
Don’t forget to head over to Samsung Experience Stores to check them out! 🙂

[Thank you Samsung Asia for giving me this  Samsung GALAXY S5 LTE!]

-xoxo-


ho chi minh recommendations, holiday, recommendations

Ho Chi Minh Adventures

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Ho Chi Minh Adventures
I went to Ho Chi Minh for a very short break with a few girlfriends over the long National Day weekend. Being last minute as always, we were left only with flights to Ho Chi Minh, Manila and Jakarta for that weekend. Ho Chi Minh got the most votes, so we packed our bags and flew over for a short 3D2N stay.

We got a suite at Nikko Hotel Saigon that fit us 4 perfectly – it was like a major slumber party sleepover.
Here’s us at the entrance of the hotel. The interior of the hotel was very ‘Japanese styled’, with muted cream/nude colour schemes and clean furnishings. I’m not the biggest fan of such interior design, but it had an overall calming effect. Very apt for a super chill holiday.
We really didn’t do very much. All we did was eat, massage, wash hair (very random I know) and shop at 1 mall. No sight-seeing since we’ve all been to HCM. Oh, we did go to the supermarket to stock up on snacks – lots and lots of it…because everything is so cheap. 
Here are some recommendations: 
Co-Op Supermarket
168 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Dist 3 HCMC
We went to the Co-Op Supermarket (opened by NTUC Fair Price) and stocked up most on Nescafe 3-in-1 Cafe Viet. Another friend tasked us to buy it for her and of course, we had to get so many for ourselves too. I must say it’s delicious! Now I wish I had bought more. 
These Jackfruit Chips are super yummy. The Banana Chips from the same brand is good too.
Vincom Center
70 – 72 Le Thanh Ton | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This show was taken at Vincom Centre – the only mall we visited where Chanel, Hermes and a couple of other brands are housed. There’s also an Emporio Armani cafe nearby.

The architecture of the building is gorgeous. This area is very quaint. Definitely worth a visit. 
Pho Hung
241-3 Nguyen Trai St | 10 Nguyen Thi Nghia, Q.1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Pho at this place is super yummy. This bowl is the chef’s recommendation, named Special Pho Hung. When in doubt, always go for the chef’s recommendation.

The drip coffee there…not so happening though. Maybe I’m just not a fan of drip coffee. It’s super super sweet.

Pho Hung’s menu – check out the english/mandarin translations, especially the mandarin in #4. I laughed till my sides split and tears were rolling down my face. 
Miu Miu2 Spa
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The prices were super cheap, service was good and interior was nice. We went there 2 days in a row for foot and body massages.
Tokyo BBQ

 We stumbled upon the best Japanese restaurant around the corner of the spa. The bbq beef was fantastic, salmon fresh and the kimchi stew was really good. We ordered seconds of everything.

We had seafood and went to a couple more eateries but the food were all not rave-worthy, so this is all I have for you guys. 
Before heading out for the night. The hair is nicely in place because we went to get our hair washed and blown after the spa massage. Being so used to Salon Vim’s pampering and hair wash techniques, I’m not sure if I’ll have another wash should I go back to HCM again. The hairstylist was basically using her long nails to scratch at my scalp throughout the wash and it was just  plain, ouch.

We’ll stay gold forever.
These girls are definitely keepers.
….till the next adventure!
xoxo
Anna Sui, beauty, beauty recommendations, beauty tips, make-up, recommendations

Hello, Anna Sui!

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Hello, Anna Sui!
Look what arrived at my door today!!! It’s been such a good year so far, with so many surprises springing up sporadically at my door. Always a huge fan of Anna Sui’s beauty products, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to see what was inside the pretty bag.

I think every girl will fall in love with Anna Sui. They are a brand that pay so much attention to details; from the outer packaging, to the smell, and even to the experience you get upon application of their products. Two thumbs up every step of the way!

Here’s a peek of what’s inside.
Ta-da! (From left to right) Pearl Gel Primer, Refreshing Loose Powder, Lipstick in Shades 400 & 301.

Opened the product packagings and all the make-up smell soooo good – like a garden of nice smelling roses. Mmm…! And here they are, sitting pretty on my make-up counter.

Pearl Gel Primer

Check out the pretty mini blue and purple beads! The primer felt so cool on my skin upon application. Very very refreshing. I can imagine using this in the early morning to ‘wake’ my skin up.
Refreshing Loose Powder

Really shocked upon application of the loose powder. It felt so cool against my skin and almost felt like water melting into my face. It definitely holds up to its name of ‘Refreshing Loose Powder’. I’ve never tried any loose powder that felt like this before. Super amazing!! The powder also has a nice touch of glitter shimmer – just enough to give your skin a nice sheen and highlight, but not too much that it makes your skin look oily. I’m sure you girls know what I mean! I’ve bought powders with an overdose of shimmer before and it made my face look like a huge shiny oil pot. 

The powder puff comes in a nice separate black packaging. Can’t stop raving about how pretty Anna Sui’s packaging is.
Super attention to details – the holder for the puff comes with breathable holes so your puff won’t turn mucky and smelly.
The pretty purple puff. 

The powder is very fine and applies well on the skin. Of course, I’m sure the primer before this helped with the smooth and easy application!
Love, love, love the texture, smell and refreshing feeling upon application! Here’s me looking nice and bright after the primer and loose powder. 
Lipsticks in Shades 301 & 400

Prettiest lipstick ever!

Shade 301 (left) and 400 (right)
Shade 301 is a really pretty sweet pink, and 400 is a super hot, sexy red. I’ve been looking for a pale pink, and hot red lipstick for the longest time. These 2 are perfect! So happy! Even the lipsticks smell like roses!!
Check out my kiss imprints. Haha.
I’m wearing the pink 301 here. Such a sugary sweet colour, I melt! (Girls, I’m sure the guys around you will melt with this lippie colour too!)
Me in the vampy red. The red shade is oh-so-perfect. Not too gaudy!
Close up of my lips (the lipsticks have got a nice glossy texture):

301

400
All made up and ready to go! I’m ready for my close up now. 😀
beauty recommendations, beauty tips, make-up, recommendations, vanity trove

Vanity Trove

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Vanity Trove
Look what arrived at my doorstep today. Christmas came wayyy early for me! 

and not just 1, but 3 troves…all for me! 
Lucky, lucky me. 🙂
“Beautiful surprises”…can’t wait to rip the packages open and find out what’s inside.
Trove 1 – January’s edition
Here’s what’s inside: 
1. My Beauty Diary – Q10 Rejuvenating Mask
This is one of my favourite brand masks. Ever since I saw it on some Taiwan beauty programme, I’ve been sold. Just found out that each sheet mask is made from eco-friendly plant fibres and has a soft and unique three-layered structure that is perfectly plush and comfortable. No wonder it’s so comfortable when put on!
2. Slim Secrets Bars – Snack Attack!
Been having massive snack cravings post CNY. Definitely going to try this when the next crazy craving for junk food comes. It contains an anti-oxidant derived from the Prickly Pear Cactus that reduces fat absorption naturally. Wow.
3. Bifesta – Make-Up Remover
Been hearing quite a bit about this brand lately. It’s water-based, and gentle yet powerful enough to get rid of the most stubborn make-up including waterproof mascara. It may just be my next beauty must-have!
4. Dr Ci:Labo – Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich-Lift-Ex
Another brand that I’ve been seeing around quite a bit and meaning to try. This Aqua Collagen Gel directly works on the causes of ‘sagging’ skin. This is an anti-ageing lotion, anti-ageing emulsion, lifting serum, brightening and make-up base. Sell me anti-ageing, collagen anything and I’m sold! (excited to try this!)
5. Yuskin A – Hand Cream
I’ve been addicted to hand creams since my JAL flight attendant days. Can’t leave home without it. This is a top-selling moisturiser in Japan and is light, non-greasy and contains Vitamin E and Glycyrrhetinic Acid to heal chapped skins. I’m putting this handy bottle into my make-up pouch right now!
6. Trulife – Lingzhi Immunity
This is perfect for when you are feeling frazzled by hectic schedules or just looking to improve your general well-being. This drink combines Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, Zinc and Niacin with 100% Lingzhi spore powder as well as Red Dates, Longan, Wolfberries and Gan Chao extracts. So many awesome things packed into 1 tiny bottle! 
7. Essence – Sun Club Bronzer
Bronzer is the favourite part of my beauty regime where I start shading and defining my face. Of course, it can also be used for a radiant sun-kissed tint, but for those like me who like to look fair, it’ll work absolutely well as a shading powder. This one even has different tones for highlighting the face. How perfect.
Trove 2 – February’s Edition
Here’s what’s inside:
1. Yuan Soap
Made from precious plants from Yuan farm, there are various types targeting at different type of ‘problems’. E.g. The Oat Soap is especially effective for atopic dermatitis patients with sensitive skin. I just opened my package and oh-it-smells-so-good…
2. Lovemore Facial Mask – Japan Soymilk Enzyme Moisturising & Smoothing Mask
I’m a huge huge fan of face masks and doesn’t the name of this mask sound so good already? Japan Soymilk Enzyme Moisturising & Smoothing…give it to me already! *slaps on face*
3. Kiehl’s – Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Formulated for Asian skins, this Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is 100% active. Once applied, it immediately targets deep-set dark spot. The power-packed key ingredient, Activated C has “anti-cluster” technology that breaks apart discolorations and prevents melanin clusters. Unlike traditional discolouration products, this solution is lightweight, hydrating and suitable for use all year-round. Again, I’m totally sold. Going to start putting this on my dark freckle spots!
4. Pure DKNY Rose
Hmm…this smells so good…the rose scent is one of my most favourite scent in this world. This new fragrance by DKNY also partners with CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation that lifts women out of poverty.
5. GabaNite – All Natural Drink Relaxer
I’m quite a chronic insomniac and a friend has recommended me this drink before. So excited to see it in this trove. I’m going to try it tonight! It contains natural plant-derived ingredients and is safe for use every night. This may just be the solution to my sleep problems!
6. Origins – Plantscription
This Anti-ageing cream contains powerhouse ingredient, African Anogeissus to combat the ageing process. Each full-sized jar contains 300,000 raspberry plant stem cells to revitalise ageing skin. As said earlier, give me anti-ageing anything and I’ll be sold. Excited to try this product!
7. Phytomer – Souffle Marin
An energising oxygenating serum that instantly delivers oxygen to the skin – making it feel soft and invigorated. It is formulated with marine extracts to protect your skin. I’ve heard only good things about oxygenating products. Here’s another one I can’t wait to try!
8. Jorubi – Aloe Vera Gel
This pure and versatile gel is a boon for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skins. Aloe has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is an effective general first-aid agent. Use it to treat ulcers, stretch marks rashes, sunburn, bruises, cuts, insect bites and more. Do I see ‘stretch marks’??? I’ll be super happy if this works on my ugly stretch marks!
Trove 3 – March’s Edition
Here’s what’s inside:
1. Clio – Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner
I just tried this one and it really glides on easily. The shimmery pink is really pretty too. Extremely easy to apply (I’m not very good with make-up usually, especially working with eyeshadow and colours), the colour stays put all day long and is smudge proof and waterproof. Available in a range of versatile colours. 
2. My Beauty Diary – Bulgarian White Rose Mask
Yay! Another My Beauty Diary mask. Tip: Don’t let the moisturising serum go to waste. Use it to nourish your neck and body too!
3. Kilo Off – Organic Herbal Slimming Tea
Just what I need to get rid of excess weight from CNY binging! This light and refreshing tea is made in France and contains natural and herbal ingredients. The slimming detoxification tea with hibiscus and meadowsweet helps eliminate excess water, toxins, fights water retention and activates microcirculation. This tea also helps stimulate digestion and prevents bloating.
4. Laura Mercier – Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact
Laura Mercier’s best-selling tinted moisturizer now comes in a convenient compact. Aside from giving your skin a dewy, natural-looking flawless finish, the creme has SPF 20 as well as antioxidants Vitamin C and E to guard the skin from environmental stressors. A must-have in your travel and makeup pouch!
5. Burberry – Body Tender
What a pretty pink packaging! Understated, yet feminine, the scent is a light, spirited expression of the iconic Burberry Body fragrance.
6. Skin Food – Gold Kiwi
This brightening skin care line contains quercetin, an ingredient from the gold kiwi. The hydrating formula cools the skin and drenches it with moisture so it looks firmer and clearer.
7. Bellewave Eyewave – Visionergy ATP Cell Activating Serum
Inspired by the revolutionary science of cellular regeneration, this potent serum recharges tired skin cells with a boost of ATP to help stimulate the cell renewal process. It helps to prevent tissue collapse in skin cells that ultimately lead to wrinkles. Prevention of tissue collapsing and preventing wrinkles? I’m on-board! Can’t wait to try. 
My Top 5 Recommendations
I’m going to try and pick 5 items out of these 3 troves to recommend to you. Honestly, I’m too spoilt for choice, but here goes:

Recommendation #1. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact
I’ve applied it on my face and the creme compact feels lightweight, smooth and easy to apply. I like that it’s got SPF20 and Vitamins C and E. My skin does look smoother and more flawless after application. The compact size is also perfect for makeup pouches.
Recommendation #2. Clio – Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner

I’ve got the liner on my right eye. I like that the pigments are strong, and the creamy smooth texture. Makes application much easier! Double bonus that it’s smudge and waterproof.

Applied it on my top lid, above my black liner.
Recommendation #3. GabaNite – All Natural Drink Relaxer
Only because I’ve got sleeping problems and have been on the look-out for a natural solution (instead of popping sleeping pills). Really excited for this one.
Recommendation #4. Dr Ci:Labo – Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich-Lift-Ex
The gel is light-weight and quickly absorbed into my skin upon application. It smells nice too! Coupled with its anti-ageing, lifting and brightening properties, I’m so sold. 
Recommendation #5. My Beauty Diary – Bulgarian White Rose Mask
Always a fan of My Beauty Diary masks, my skin always looks brighter and fairer after a mask application. Plus, the sheet masks are so comfortable to use. I tend to fall asleep with it on my face!
Thank you Vanity Trove!
Want beautiful surprises for yourself too? Sign up for Vanity trove now, and you can have a trove full of beauty goodness delivered to your doorstep. 

Quote my name, ‘Jeneen’ when you subscribe and get an extra surprise, the Laura Mercier Compact!

You can sign up for your troves here:

https://www.vanitytrove.com/?r=21811

xoxo!

Bali, holiday, KLM airline, pink flare, recommendations

Destination: Bali

by xoxojeneenLeave a Comment on Destination: Bali
Can’t wait for Monday to come around because that’s when I’ll be off for a short getaway to Bali with KLM Airlines. These are some of the pieces that I’ll be taking with me this trip. I usually try and plan outfits in my head so that I don’t overpack…leaves me space for shopping!
I have to say a big ‘Thank You’ to KLM and Gushcloud for sending me on this trip (and on Business class too! *squeals*). Bali has always been a place that I’ll like to visit, but haven’t had the chance to yet. 🙂 It’s also going to be my first time flying with KLM! I did some googling to find out more about this Dutch airline and found that they had daily flights to Bali at a really reasonable cost. It costs $200 & up for Economy with hot meals served on board and $574 including taxes for Business. How very affordable! The daily flight timing is convenient too. Late noon flights out, and late evening flights back. 
I peeked (and liked) their Facebook page and found that KLM is currently running a ‘Ik hou van Bali!’ (I Love Bali!) campaign. Like the KLM Facebook page, tell them when you travel to Bali and a surprise might await you. How fun! You can go to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KLMSingapore for this campaign, or for other fun campaigns, exclusive offers and games. 
I haven’t even gone to Bali yet, but I’m already making a mental note to myself to definitely check out KLM flights on my next trip. Tata everyone! I’m off to finish packing! xoxo
P/S You can check out awesome flight deals to Bali on KLM here! :