I love the sun but it does not love me!

I've been worshipping the sun for a very very long time (evident in the photo of a little girl below wearing a bikini - that was me, I think I was 5 or 6 years old at the time). I've always been a waterbaby and love swimming. My skin also happens to tan beautifully and I remember one summer I sported a super kickass shade that totally glowed off my skin like polished bronze. My tan was g-g-g-gorgeous. As the years went by, as New York winter grew colder, as my travels to tropical destinations became more frequent, my quest for that goddess-like tan became more and more manic. Other people put on sunscreen but I slathered on tan amplifier to make sure my skin attain that delicious shade of chocolate. Sure, I got my beautiful tan alright - thanks, Maui Babe (highly recommended, by the way) but I definitely WAS NOT crazy about the brown spots on my face. And there were lots of them.

Oh, but your freckles are so cute/adorable/sexy! Everyone, especially ex-boyfriends, would say to me. Shyeah rite, I have freckles on my chin! Above my mouth! EVEN ON MY EYELIDS!!! My freckles had long ceased to be cute/adorable/sexy because I baked myself under the sun so much that instead of individual tiny dots peppered on my cheeks, they'd also grown into one another forming large brown patches. -__- U-u-u-uggllyyyyyyy.

I love the sun but it does not love me back for sure. Talk about a one-way street. And I look so friggin' hawt in a bikini too, damnit! The sun has no love for me in spite of it.



With much reluctance, I finally decided it was time for a lifestyle change. I quit tanning altogether. :(



For the last three years or so, I started getting serious about undoing the damage the sun has caused on my face. I used many whitening beauty products, did a lot of facials, sought the opinions of beauticians + dermatologists + acupuncturists + nutritionists, etc etc etc. I knew it wasn't going to take just one particular cream or beauty treatment or miracle diet or some amazing acupressure point to erase these spots on my face. My hyperpigmentation problem is more than skindeep (I must mention here that this is hereditary, everyone including male members in my family has freckles all over their faces). So it's going to take something seriously majorly ultimately professional (ie. medical grade) plus constant maintenance in order for the spots to lighten or fade.



The Aesthetic Studio in Singapore and its principal consultant surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Lee, has been working on my face through several rounds of Laser Toning + Chemical Peel combination procedure which when done routinely, has helped eradicate the unsightly freckles and other melasma pigmentation on my face EFFECTIVELY. I can confidently and honestly say Dr. Lee's treatment has worked very well for me. The large brown cow-like patches on my face before have been broken up (kinda like, visually shattered into smaller pieces) and I'm now at the phase of diminishing the smaller pieces even more. I took photos during my most recent visit to The Aesthetic Studio to show you what the procedures look like.



My skin feels like it's gotten thinner over the years or something, so even the small act of say, squeezing out a zit, can become a full-blown bloody drama for me and blemishes take an awfully long time to go away. All that tanning has caused unseen damages and my skin has clearly become more sensitive. My pain threshold on the face has gotten lower and lower too. So thank goodness for the numbing cream that's applied on my face before any procedure at The Aesthetic Studio.



Dr. Lee started with Laser Toning which is a gentle non-ablative procedure (doesn’t break the skin) that has minimal discomfort and downtime.



This is a new and advanced treatment for melasma that penetrates and targets the melanin in the deep dermis part of the skin and disperses dermal and epidermal melasma pigmentation.



It safely lightens and evens the skin tone, while smoothening skin texture at the same time. The suggested intervals for this procedure are between 7 to 10 days with repeated treatments from 4 to 6 treatments. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? I always do homework before spending my money, and based on my personal research prior, prices at Aesthetic Studio always came out lower than the other clinics. Good for me.



For even more effective results, Dr. Lee customized a chemical peel to complement the laser treatment. A Chemical Peel is painless and has little to no downtime. This can rapidly control outbreaks, decrease sebaceous activity (meaning skin is less oily or shiny) and restore a healthy balance to the skin. Now that the spots were taken care of and since my face was still numb from the numbing cream, I brought up my other facial concerns to Dr. Lee. Might as well, right? I was curious to see what else can be done about my face.



Firstly: the puckering that I got under and at the outside corners of my eyes whenever I smiled a big smile. I don't know if it's eyebags or fatty deposits under the eyes, lack of sleep recently, or what. And...... *GASP IN HORROR* they can't be crowsfeet, right?!?!?! *GASP IN HORROR AGAIN* I'm still young!!!!!!! Too young for crowsfeet!!!!! :p



Secondly: whenever I went "WTF!?" (which I do a lot of), I automatically frowned like this. And the undesirable result was having a pair of really deep lines above my eyebrows. WTF!!!? *frown*



Dr. Lee acknowledged my concerns and administered Botox Injections around the eye area as remedy. This was my first time getting Botox and for those who don't know (I had no idea what exactly Botox is and what it's made of, etc): Botox is a purified protein that is injected in precise doses, directly into muscles to reduce excessive muscle activity that causes the formation of wrinkles.



Botox is injected using a tiny needle and is virtually painless. Depending on the area and amount used, it can be expected to last between 3 to 6 months after which the treatment is repeated. Over time, the Botox gradually dissolves into our natural system. Don't worry, it is a safe and highly effective tool in non-invasive facial rejuvenation.



Botox is used here to reduce wrinkles around the eyes and to elevate and shape the outer brow to achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance. According to Dr. Lee, regular use of Botox may help in the prevention of permanent lines. And he told me to stop frowning. :]



Remember the eyebags I had shown earlier? A little bit of Botox was being injected under my eyes here to smoothen out the folds. Does this image look mad scary or what!!!!?? Thankfully I am not squeamish when it comes to needles and injections. As long as I don't see blood being drawn out of my body, I'm a-okay. Anyway, these Botox injections don't go in very deep. Virtually painless, really.



That was that. I had to return to the clinic again one week later so that Dr. Lee could check the result and make adjustments if necessary. I am very pleased with the treatments I get at The Aesthetic Studio because they are indeed effective on me and my skin. See the results for yourself below:


Images have not been retouched except for color correction, brightness and clarity.


Images have not been retouched except for color correction, brightness and clarity.


Images have not been retouched except for color correction, brightness and clarity.



NO MORE SUN because the sun speeds up aging. I will also say that in Singapore, the sun is super strong and damaging. When I'm in NY my skin gets to take a break during the cooler spring/fall weather. And aside from summer months, the sun is never directly in your face every day like in Singapore. My skin has really gotten very bad compared to when I'm in NY, so it means I have to maintain it more. :(



Boys and girls, we all MUST look after our skin - no matter how old we are. Let's face it, we need to make it our personal responsibility to maintain and upkeep our well-being, even when it comes to our looks. This is not about being superficial or wanting to look like someone else. In fact, what you should desire is to look MORE AND MORE like a better version of yourself (or the way you're supposed to look like, before your face took a daily beating from environmental damages). The harsh reality is, we are not going to age as gracefully as our grandparents or great-grandparents did. Because back in their days, the ozone layer wasn't the way it is today. Industrialization wasn't moving in such crazy warped speed as it is today. How many years and man power did it used to take to build train tracks? Meanwhile, today you see shopping malls, skyscrapers, new subway lines, highways and giant stadiums changing the overall landscape of a city in a matter of months!

So what I'm saying is... Thank goodness for all these cosmetic, clinical and technological advances that allow us to reclaim our looks in a safe and non-invasive manner right now. It's not like we are getting uglier or anything, it's just that you look around and start realizing that more and more people appear fresher-looking! Instead of aging, they look younger as young as before and you wonder how the hell do they stay so refreshed year after year!? Well, it is no longer a secret how they are maintaining themselves. Let me tell you something: There shouldn't be a stigma about maintenance. Why should there be? For example, your face is dirty - you wash it with soap. Your skin is dry - you moisturize and hydrate it. Same thing, your skin is wrinkled - you smoothen it and getting Botox is one of the ways. Your complexion is dull - you buy a good product from a reputable brand, or sign up for a facial, or go for a professional laser treatment. Common sense, really. For WOMEN AND MEN.

I plan to continue my maintenance routine at The Aesthetic Studio. And my common sense tells me to always put on sunscreen before going outdoors. (I don't plan on retiring my bikinis just yet. But no more roasting in the sand for sure.) Cheers!

*xoxo*
-MB.



Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, Suite 12-08
Singapore 228510
Tel: 6836-8382

Parkway East Medical Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place, Suite 04-06
Singapore 427989
Tel: 6440-1200

Meow

With all the moving and traveling going on recently (read: unstable, not grounded, transitory, neither here nor there), I've sent the little furball on a vacation and temporarily entrusted her in the care of a good friend. Ohhhhh, how I've missed my kitty cat. I hadn't seen her in weeksssssss until this afternoon when I had to send her to the groomer. Her hair's growing out and as you know in this tropical weather, it's not much fun wearing a fur coat.

Long time no see, babycakes! Have you missed Mommy? ☺ ☺ ☺








At this point when the last two photos were taken, her hair was flying all over the place and I was beginning to eat some of it. -__- Off to the groomer STAT!!! ✄ ✄ ✄

She gets the full treatment whenever she's at the pet grooming salon. Shampoo, cut, blowdry, ear cleaning, manicure, pedicure. I'd do it for her myself but she tends to get all feisty on me, so I leave it to the professionals. It's like a spa day for her at the salon and she gets manhandled pampered from head to tail. ^^ I'm sure she feels like a million bucks after all that grooming. Even *I* can feel that she's a gazillion times more comfy after a good shampoo and haircut. Who wouldn't?

Anyhoo, as always I'm tickled by this funny comic from the Oatmeal. Matt always gets the cat references spot-on. Enjoy and toodles!

Purrrr,
-MB.

Lavender

Mmmmmm.... lavender. I remember one year I visited the Aliikula Lavender Farm in Maui, Hawaii and the intoxicating fragrance welcomed me at the car park, before I got even close to the compound. I spent the whole day at the farm and didn't want to leave! The smell of lavender brings me to spa-land instantly as the seeds and flowers are used extensively in aromatheraphy, because of its relaxation-inducing properties. In my kitchen pantry there is a pack of pure lavender flowerheads which I brew in hot water and drink from time to time for a good night's sleep. Lavender is also the name of a color described as a pale purple, somewhat silver or grey-ish with blue undertones. It's a beautiful color, easy on the eyes. Lavender (as in the plant and color) appeals to several senses at once - sight, smell and taste. Ahhhhhhh~ how soothing. Here's a style roundup based on the flower and the color.


1. Secret Charm Refreshing Body Mist, 2. Organic Shower Gel, 3. Cedar and Lavender Spray, 4. Bronnley Lavender Soap, 5. Marchesa Spring/Summer 2011, 6. Silverstone Roses, 7. TKEES Sandale Lavender Lust, 8. Zen Tradition Lavender Jasmine Candle, 9. Lavender Rose Pillow


1. Dove and Lilac Swarovski Crystal Earrings, 2. Lavender Organic Dark Chocolate Artisan Bar, 3. Lavender Seashells, 4. Designers Guild Oriental Garden Wallpaper in Tokyo Dahlia, 5. Lavender Chiffon Flower on Cream Silk Dupioni Wedding Ring Pillow, 6. Lavender and Vanilla Bean French Macarons


1. Lavender and Linen Table Number, 2. Handmade Sweet Lolita Macaron Cookie Ring, 3. Ruffled Rosey Fantasy Dress in Lavender, 4. Lavender Merino/Silk/Cashmere Yarn, 5. Antique Silver Lavender Flower Ring, 6. Guerlain Insolence Eau Glacée High-voltage violet, iris and a melody of fruit notes fragrance


1. Givenchy Couture, 2. Lavender-colored Hair *RAD!!!!* :)


1. Lavender Lemonade, 2. Lavender Honey Cream Cocktail, 3. Lavender Infused Cupcakes, 4. Lavender Vanilla Cupcake Cuties Mini Pinwheels, 5. Lavender Orange Biscotti


1. Lavender Bedroom, 2. Lavender Sheepskin Rug, 3. Modern Lavender Kitchen, 4. Lavender Champagne Recipe, 5. Mashti Malone's Lavender Ice Cream, 6. Olive Oil and Sauternes Cake with Lavender Icing


1. House & Garden Bedroom styled by Gwyneth Paltrow, 2. English Lavender Pressed Flower Letterpress Cards, 3. Paper Lanterns, 4. Lavender Sugar [via]

Looking at all these lavender images has a stress-relieving quality for me. Don't know about you but I'm eager to try out some of the wonderful recipes above - biscotti, cocktail, lemonade, cupcake.... yumminess!!!

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone. :) Peace out.

*xoxo*
-MB.

A premiere movie experience

premiere |prēˈmyer; -ˈmi(ə)r| noun
the first showing of a movie

I was invited to a private premiere screening of Rabbit Hole at the new Shaw nex theatre the other night. The nex mall is situated in Serangoon and I'll admit that prior to this I had never been to that area before. I asked my gal pal Anna to accompany me for this screening as I figured it'd be nice for both of us to check out Serangoon nex mall together for the first time (we're the new kids on the block, after all). The mall itself is impressively large, but I beelined my way directly to the theatre located at level 4 and 5. The theatre is a multiplex with 8 halls, but I was in for a LUXURIOUS TREAT because the screening was at the premiere hall. (Yes, it was a premiere screening inside a deluxe theatre hall called premiere. Hablas inglés?)


The box office lobby.


Anna and I at the box office lobby collecting our tickets.


Wah... premiere hall tickets are printed on reflective cardstock. Deluxe indeed.


Targeted at a discerning audience, the premiere hall provides a premium cinematic experience to moviegoers. Complete with deluxe leather seats and premium dine-in services within a cosy hall of 48 seats, premiere is the first premium halls to feature digital RealD 3D technology. Whooaaa!!!


Shaw Theatres has looked into every aspect possible to bring about added comfort. Each deluxe leather seat comes with extra legroom compared to those found in regular cinema halls, and are spaced in pairs to cater for additional privacy (read: date night, yeahhh!). The reclining capability of the chair adds a special touch by allowing moviegoers to choose the most comfortable position for themselves. And to bring it to the next level, customers can look forward to freshly laundered blankets that are replaced after every screening. Now who wouldn't feel pampered from all these? You know how cold it can get inside the theatre, I always pack a hoodie whenever I am going to the movies. Freshly laundered blankets (courtesy of the cinema) RAWWWKKK!!!


Guests may chill out and dine at the exclusive lounge, pre-screen, before the movie starts.


Outside the pre-screen exclusive lounge. Sorry buddy, if you don't flash the reflective premiere movie ticket, you don't get to go in.


The exclusive pre-screen lounge, with a standing room of 50, and the premiere theatre hall are also ideal for private bookings (e.g. birthday and anniversary parties) and corporate events.


No movie experience is complete without some sort of snack and a drink nearby sometimes. The selection of Western-Continental delicacies on the menu here are designed by an in-house chef and freshly prepared in a dedicated kitchen. Top row: Canapes - Smoked Salmon with Tobiko, Finger Food - Breaded Dory Fish, Finger Food - Truffle Fries. Bottow row: premiere Signatures - Lemongrass Beef Tenderloin, Desserts - Mango Tango, Cappuccino.


Since the screening was around dinner time, we went straight for the signature Lemongrass Beef Tenderloin. Note that we had our food delivered directly to our reclining seats and we were munching away during the movie. This ain't the run-of-the-mill popcorn and soda movie experience. Nay, we're talking about a swanky gourmet food experience here, baby!


The beef tenderloin was delicious, reasonably priced and the serving portion was adequate. It's great that they made it into one of their signature entrees. I was pleasantly surprised, as I had felt ripped off before during other fancy cinema experiences.


Bar section inside the lounge, offering a selection of cocktails, wine, beer, fruit juices, coffee, tea and soda for the non-alcohol inclined.


Me against the big screen in the background after the movie concluded. The movie Rabbit Hole was good and I enjoyed it. Even though the synopsis online makes it sound depressing, I found the story to be filled with positivity and hope. I thought the actors (Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest) all delivered a superb performance. No doubt the material was emotionally intense, however I didn't feel laden with weight at the end of the movie.


More thoughts after the movie: Dealing with the departure/loss of a loved one, learning how to heal emotionally and forgive oneself/others, managing well-intentioned advice and support from people who care and love you, feeling emotionally displaced upon seeing others enjoy the blessings which you've been denied from, living day by day questioning and overanalyzing what if things had been different, trying to move on while carrying the heavy weight of sadness constantly... these are all incredibly complex but real emotions.

I have personally struggled with several of these dark emotions before, and over time I suppose one develops one's own coping mechanisms and learns how to crawl out of the darkness. This is the so-called "dealing with reality" which as we all know, has never been easy. The pain and sadness don't go away overnight, but in time they get bearable. Human beings are capable of generating resiliency that way and evolve, mature. We create hope and carry ourselves through by clinging on to that life buoy in order to survive. Sink or swim. For dear life.


All in all, it was a nice evening at the premiere screening of Rabbit Hole and I enjoyed the lux treatment of the premiere hall at Shaw theatre. :)

Seriously, with such an ultra comfortable movie experience, it's very difficult not to get spoiled. :P But hey man, life is tough. It sucks ass in a major way sometimes. Pampering and indulging yourself from time to time is good for you. Keeps you from being sucked into the dark side, like bringing a gun to school, blowing up skyscrapers, torturing animals, slashing your wrists and all that fucked up shit. Stay afloat, people. Take care of yourselves. Really. And go, pamper yourselves! ^^

Peace out.

*xoxo*
-MB.