07. Carousell: SHE SCAMMED ME & MANY OTHERS

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I'm going to make this post short and sweet cause when it comes to scam and fraud I'd want my point to get across as straight forward as possible. 

I put up my Topshop dungarees on sale as one does, and received a chat from her asking if I was interested in trades. I hardly do trades but I've had all pleasant experiences thus far and her listings looked pretty promising.... I saw a pair of Topshop jeans and thought why not, it's the same price range, same brand and in my size, why the hell not?

We arranged to meet at Bishan today (fast deals wow, like her already) and as our conversation below would show, she refused to give me her handphone number. I was totally fine with that as I've dealt successfully numerous times through the app chat. I should have suspected it though, when she did not want to offer on the item. 

We met up (she was late-.-), exchanged items and before I could even check, in the split of a second she was already off?!? I then spammed her received no replies and then I just became a very very fuming and frustrated person at Bishan. (Thank god my boyfriend was there I would not have dealt with this very well by myself lol)

DOES THIS LOOK LIKE TOPSHOP JONI JEANS TO YOU. REALLY. You could've at least gotten the color right.... 'light denim'........

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So what did I do???

I proceeded to email carousell on this matter and immediately reported her listing as fraud.

I then posted on my account (akkcsells) entitled 'Bloody scammer/fraud' - to warn others so they would not fall into the same trap I did. I had nothing else to do, I didn't have a phone number nor an address NOR the ability to leave a negative feedback on her damn page. The very least, I could warn others.

Within 15mins, 2 people sent me personal messages and 2 others commented on how they had been scammed by the same person..... Others thanked me because they would have went ahead and dealt with her if not for my warning. One girl was even supposed to meet her today but she cancelled to opt for mail instead... and hear this, FOR THE SAME JONI JEANS. WOW WANT TO SCAM 2 PEOPLE IN 1 DAY?? *applaud* Also, one of them even CHASED after her but to no avail.

THIS IS THE LOW DOWN ON THE SCAMMER. Please please beware I do not want the same thing happening to anyone else:

1. She has had 3 accounts to date. The first account is cybershitz followed by wanteds0uls and now c0hffee. The dangerous thing is she can (and probably will) make more accounts as they get suspended by carousell to continue doing this heinous deed of hers
2. She will never give her handphone number/offer on your post 
3. Handphone number: 900801**
4. Address: #04-433, IN CCK

(^Got these thanks to the girl who was supposed to mail her. I have the full details but I'm omitting them........)

ALWAYS ask for real life pictures (I know how bloody irritating it is to be asked this especially when the item is true to stock pic but sometimes, better safe than sorry). If she cant produce it then you know something is up.

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I am appalled that such people even exist. People will ask why so worked up over such a 'small' matter. This is no small matter to me, the principle of the matter has just gone haywire. Preying on the mutual trust that we who use carousell believe in. I've had so many deals (200 over??) and there has been those that irked me and frustrated me, what with stupid questions or asking me to send over 1029384 pictures and then telling me they're not interested anymore. But this takes the cake.

She's the cherry on top of the list of terrible buyers/sellers I've met on this platform. It is a wonderful app to sell / trade items that would otherwise be rotting at one corner of my wardrobe but you, if you ever read and chance upon my blogpost, you make me lose faith in humanity.

I hope you find joy in wearing clothes off the people you've scammed with the little conscience you have left. I wouldn't be surprised that even with a 3rd account suspension she'd find ways to create another, and another and continue scamming people.......so please please be careful.

I feel karma works in wondrous ways and what goes around, comes around. I choose to forgive (and forget, soon enough), and take it that my clothing was given to 'charity'. -.-  

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These are the other posts by fellow victims.....:

Thank you for reading and please share with all your friends who use carousell!!!!

Till the next post, which I promise will be less dreadful :)

x

06. Is Tian Kee & Co. Worth It???

 Interior of Tian Kee & Co

 Paddlepop Rainbow-esque Cheesecake $7.50

 Buffalo Drumlets $9.90 for 8 pieces 

Full Breakfast $15.90: Toast, Baked Potatoes, Ham, Sausages & Truffle Egg

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Here's a short little update from me :) 

I headed to Tian Kee & Co. after 6 months (possibly more..) when me and my girlfriends first took notice of their rainbow cheesecake flooding the squares of Instagram. Finally, I was able to savour these off their extensive menu and to decide for myself whether I would return for a second time..

The buffalo drumlets weren't popular or recommended based off the menu but we decided to go for it anyway - and it was a delightful choice. The sauce wasn't incredibly sweet like most buffalo wings I've sampled at eateries such as TCC, Swensens and Big O. It was infused with a tang of spiciness which is always a good thing in my opinion ;) It was surprisingly good and I would definitely recommend this dish. For $9.90 and 8 pieces, it is quite reasonably priced. I'm usually a wings person but this was finger licking good (literally!) 

I had the full breakfast for myself (they serve all day breakfast, woohoo) and it cost $15.90. This was mediocre and a disappointment. The bread and ham was overly done and slightly hard, whereas the sausages were mushy and definitely not firm to the chew. The truffle egg was nicely done but I would have loved more truffle oil. This was something I could have made in the comfort of my own home and spend a fraction of the price I paid. I usually loooove all day breakfast sets at cafes but this one was just a miss for me. 

For dessert, the three of us shared the rainbow cheesecake (for the sake of Instagram too! Haha). The consistency is similar to jelly, or rainbow kueh. The cheese is subtle and not too overpowering. The crust was my favourite part! A slice cost $7.50. I would say..... a hit for the idea that it looks like the old school paddlepop ice cream and it's photogenic, but a miss in the overall taste. It gets gelat (sickly) after a while.. would not order seconds for this. 

Overall, the food is mediocre (expected, as Tian Kee & Co. is more known for their dessert cakes and pies). The menu is quite extensive, with burgers and mains on top of an all day breakfast selection which includes eggs benedict (ham $14.90 or salmon $15.90), salmon and guacamole bruschetta ($13.90) to name a few. It was about 12pm when we arrived and slowly but surely the crowd started trickling in, mostly from the office and those who wanted a cuppa coffee or two. 

There is seating on the inside and the outside (no air conditioning), but when I went, it was relatively breezy and the sun was not out on full force as it usually is. It's a quaint and homely cafe, and importantly not too claustrophobic like others can get especially when working with a smaller than usual space. I really liked the old school artefacts and ways they incorporated it into the dining experience. Tables were numbered with old school calendar motifs and a humongous kettle was used to hold drinking water! The prices on the menu was also inclusive of GST and service taxes making almost everything quite friendly on the wallet. 

Overall, I would not see myself going back to Tian Kee & Co. The drumlets were good but not life-changing enough. It's nice to try for first timers or just for drinks/coffee and a dessert indulgence but probably not for a full meal in my opinion.

Thank you for reading this short lil update of mine! Till next time,

X.

Tian Kee & Co.

6.5/10

12 Dakota Crescent, Singapore 390012

Closed on Mondays 

Open Tue-Fri from 9am

Nearest MRT: Mountbatten (Circle Line)

05. Tokyo Left Me Speechless: Shopping and Thoughts

Here comes part 2 of my series of posts on Tokyo :) 

Disclaimer: This post is solely based on my own experiences and encounters.

Shopping

Tokyo isn't like Bangkok or Vietnam, or even Taiwan; what with renown night markets brimming with clothes at prices not many can resist. Tokyo is expensive, especially for those on a budget. Department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya carry mainly local brands, and they're priced high on the spectrum. 

Underground malls connected to major train stations such as Shinjuku and Shibuya are the best bet for affordable clothing. I've noticed certain brands that are selling in Isetan Shaw as well, but for three to four times the price (Green Earth, Lowrys Farm which has recently closed down in Singapore, and EMODA). Clean, crisp and minimalist are words I would use to describe when shopping for clothes in Tokyo. Comfort is definitely key, and for the prices I paid (approx 15SGD and up) I had no complaints whatsoever. 

Being in another Asian country, sizing is not much of an issue especially if you're petite. Jeans, skirts and dresses would not fall too long and as someone who stands at 155cm, it was a breeze to shop for clothes in Tokyo. Sizes are mostly free, or come in the range of M or L. If you come around June (nearer the end) till August, the sales get bigger and better as the months go by. 

Apart from clothes, Japan is THE place for all sorts of knick knacks. Polaroid films that can set you back 15SGD and up cost less than 10SGD over there (yes, even for the patterned films). Stickers, stationary, toys (Gundam, Tamiya, Lego, Pokemon, Tomica; the list can go on for days...) and all things Sanrio or Disney is significantly cheaper in Tokyo. Departmental stores often commit one level just for these; I spent the most at these sections. If you're a sucker for these paraphernalia just like me..your wallet will be weeping by the end of your trip.

Tip 1: Always bring your passport when shopping, tax refund is done on the spot at a counter and they need your passport to input the relevant details. The tax at Tokyo is at 8% so that is a significant amount you get back (the more you spend, the more you gain), in cash. 

Tip 2: BIC Camera East Store (Shinjuku) is THE place to go for discounted prices of Lego, Tomica, Tamiya and Gundam items amongst other toys. They sell these items 30% off retail price, so do visit them before other departmental stores to avoid paying higher for one item and regretting it when you see it at BIC. 

Tip 3: Shops close early (8-9pm)!! Restaurants and eateries close later (10-11pm) so plan your day accordingly!

Designer goods such as Coach, Agnes B and LeSportsac are cheaper than Singapore. I bought a bagpack from Coach that would have cost me SGD995 but was SGD740 in Isetan. Singapore also carried only one color and Tokyo, three. I also noticed a ton of items that Singapore did not carry despite having many Coach stores lining Orchard Road (e.g certain shoe models and accessories). LeSportsac carries many Japan Exclusive items and these are marked with a tag. They are for sale only in Japan's Departmental Stores so this is the time to grab and show off to your family and friends your exclusive item. Take for example the amazing Frozen collection, as well as Cinderella.... 

*Other brands such as Chanel and Ferragamo are significantly cheaper as well. 

How a typical train ticket looks like. 

Tickets for the Airport Limousine service that we bought upon landing in Haneda Airport. Approx SGD13 per pax

This allows tourists to get tax refunds, and yes as with all things Japanese - it is too cute. Tokyu Hands has such a card too! Other departmental stores rely on the physical copy of your passport to determine eligibility for tax refund.

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Getting Around

For a first timer in Tokyo, unless you're with a tour group that provides transport, going 'free and easy' isn't going to be always easy. The Tokyo train map looks like a intricate and mind boggling spider web. 

Train stations can have up to 10 exits and 16 platforms (or more!?), and it is not an easy place to manoeuvre for a foreigner. For starters, Shinjuku is connected to 4 other coloured train lines... Thank god for maps every 20 metres and information counters with the most polite staff in the history of any service line. Even then, one can get lost. I guess that's all in the joy and adventure of travelling, getting lost and the satisfaction when you finally get to your desired destination.

The amount of walking one does in Tokyo is unreal. I could feel my skinny jeans getting less 'skinny' as the days passed, or it could all just be in my head. Nonetheless, I was in awe at how easily it was for them to go around like it was second nature... So, when in Tokyo, take the train. It is a whole new experience altogether and unlike taking the train in any other country. I promise you that. 

Tip 1: Buy a card that can be topped up every now and then. I did not and I realize I could have saved a lot more by doing so. Train tickets bought individually can go up to SGD5 and the cheapest at SGD1.80. Here's a link on how-to get top up cards for your time in Tokyo. 

Tip 2: Avoid taking the taxi unless ABSOLUTELY necessarily. For a mere 15 minute walk, it can cost up to SGD10-12 for that ride alone.

Tip 3: Umbrella. Poncho. Hoodie. The rainy season is during June for Tokyo, and to avoid getting drenched, always be prepared. You'd think this is common sense but it can often be something we all overlook. *7/11 also sells Gossip Girl-esque transparent brollies for a mere SGD5. 

Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.  

The infamous Shibuya Crossing

Takashimaya Shinjuku 3F:
Cova used to be at Paragon. Serving quality coffee and tea sets this is THE place for mid-day shopping recharge over a cuppa and cake.

The aftermath ;)

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With this trip, I would have been to five parts of Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Kyushu, Yokohama & Tokyo) and safe to say not one has disappointed me. Tokyo is a fine example of what I hope Singapore will be one day; a busy yet seemingly organised community. How they need no train personnel to form a synchronised queue at the platform or how scarily accurate they are in terms of timing train arrivals to the minute details of gift wrapping each item with pride. I guess its in the joy of serving others' I see it in the way they speak, portray themselves and with acts that speak louder than anything else.

I will never forget the impeccable service provided at every shop I stepped into. Whether it was a branded boutique or merely 7/11 on the street. The seamless routine the people of Tokyo possess, the ever so delicious food and a culture so vibrant... Needless to say, Japan will will always have a special place in my heart. :) 

Final Tip: Go with an open mind. Soak in everything Tokyo has to offer. They say the word is a book and those who do not travel only read a page. I've realised how small I am in the bigger scheme of things each time I travel; and its a wonderful wanderlust feeling to wake up in foreign place and breathe in a different air.

I hope this post resonates well with you, thank you for reading! 

X

04. Tokyo Eats

I've returned from the land of the rising sun! I went to Tokyo & Yokohama over the past week and I'll be documenting my trip in several posts. The first post I'll be doing will be on Tokyo's food, what's good and where to get them. These stood out for me (if I were to document every food for each meal this post could go on forever..) and are highly recommended for anyone who will be visiting Tokyo in the future.

1. Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran ramen only serves one type of ramen - tonkatsu. It has over 10 outlets in Tokyo itself and the website, thankfully, is in English complete with addresses and a map depending on which outlet you'd like to visit. I visited the Shibuya outlet! 

Ordering is done through a machine, so if your Japanese is as pathetic as mine, pictures are your best friend. Choice of toppings and payment are made through the machine. Along with a tiny chit that comes out of the machine, the waiter will pass you a sheet for to fill up your preference of noodles (firm, slightly firm, etc), spicy level and garlic level. You're then ushered to a booth and your order chit and form is passed through a little hole, and the bowl of ramen is brought to you through the same hole. 

There is a third form that stays with you for additional ingredients if you wish to order at your booth; maybe in the middle of your ramen you decide it needs more meat/spring onions/mushrooms/egg or even noodles. All of this is done without either customer or server seeing each other. Pretty genius I must say! 

The ramen's broth was perfection in a bowl. I selected firm for the noodles and the first level of spiciness. I would have liked for it to be a tad more spicy but it was a good balance for me. The pork was oozing with flavour; so good that my mom had an add on of meat. No Tokyo trip is complete without life-changing ramen!  

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Ichiran ramen and its outlets (English website) click HERE. 

2. Maison Tonkatsu

Korabuta, loin

Maison Tonkatsu is the holy grail when it comes to tonkatsu. The menu can be a little overwhelming and confusing when everything looks more or less the same. Always ask for the english versions of menus, and do note that in Tokyo dinner time is always more expensive than lunch time. The same meal that costs 3000 yen ($32 sgd) could cost 990 yen ($11 sgd) during lunch. Lunch would be the time to go all out at fancy restaurants and hold back this urge during nightfall. 

The menu has different types of pork but the korabuta and loin are the ones you should be going for. The meat is far from tough and the batter is thin, unlike some where majority of what you're eating is batter. The meal comes with rice, miso soup and salad. Wholesome, complete. Your tummy will definitely be happy with this meal.

The main outlet for Maison Tonkatsu is at Omotesando but there's outlets at Shibuya and Shinjuku too. I had my meal at Hikarie in Shibuya, opposite BIC Camera. 

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Maison Tonkatsu's website in English

Address for outlet at Hikarie:

〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya Shibuya Hikarie 渋谷2-21-1 渋谷ヒカリエ6F

3. Tsukiji Fish Market

Upon entering, small souvenir shops line the outer market. This stall sold re-usable tote bags, chopsticks and quaint lil umbrellas for a fraction of the price in departmental stores! 

The restaurant we had our sashimi meal, 8 pieces for about 3000 yen ($32 sgd). 

Tamago on a stick, 120 yen (approx $1.40 sgd)

The Tsukiji Fish Market is not to be missed. Open as early as 5am for those who wish to partake in the tuna auctions and wholesale, all the way till 2:30pm. The restaurant I went to did not allow phototaking but I managed to sneak a snapshot of the wondrous thick slides of sashimi.

Restaurants at the market are tiny, one with a maximum occupancy of 12-15 pax. This makes the experience with the chef, a very intimate one. The sushi is done in front of you and it is amazing to observe the art of what goes into that one sushi.

The Japanese way of enjoying sushi would be to eat it in an entire mouthful. The portions are huge compared to what we get in Singapore, less rice, more sashimi. Wasabi is placed on top of the rice to give a little kick to our taste buds.

I did not know half of the sashimi that was going into my mouth but it was so, SO good.
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Tsukiju Fish Market
5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045
Nearest station: Tsukijishijo (Oedo Line direct from Shinjuku)
Follow the sign boards that lead you right straight to the market. Upon exiting the train station, a guard will be there giving out maps of the market in English.

4. Breizh Cafe

Brown sugar and butter | Salted caramel with vanilla ice cream

What is Tokyo without crepe?

A tea time set at Breizh Cafe consists of a savoury or sweet crepe and a drink off the menu. If we had not already eaten lunch we would probably be diving into more than just two. These crepes are made to perfection, they're thin, moist, soft and albeit huge, do not leave you feeling sick.

These crepes are perfect for a mid-day snack among hectic shopping, or to refuel from walking through Tokyo's bustling and busy train stations. Perfect as brunch, dessert or even as a meal with the wide array of savoury options.
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Breizh Cafe
5-24-2 Sendagaya | Shinjuku Takashimaya 13 F, Shibuya 151-0051

Takashimaya Times Square (New South Exit from Shinjuku Station)
Level 13


5. Hantejiya (Korean Pork BBQ)

Hantejiya was located just opposite my hotel and this was one of the last meals we had in Tokyo. Irony, as it was Korean BBQ in Japan. Nonetheless, no regrets. I've been to Seoul and this, was as authentic as it gets.

If I could just let you smell the aroma of the BBQ-ed pork (more known as samgyeopsal).....
The prices are very affordable, an entire meal of BBQ pork (1 portion), kim chi soup and korean pancake came up to about $30 sgd. The restaurant was packed and full of life. You'll definitely be leaving smelling like BBQ pork yourself but trust me, it is worth it. I dare say this was one of the best meals!
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Hantejiya(韓豚屋 新宿サザンテラス店)
Shinjuku Southern Terrace Odakyu Southern Tower 3F, 2-2-1, 
Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8583

Nearest Station: Shinjuku (South Exit), connected via a bridge.

6. Krispy Kreme

The same bridge that connects you to Hantejiya/Odakyu Southern Tower on the right of this picture. If you're coming from the station, it would be on your left. 

This seems like a mundane choice of food, especially since Krispy Kreme has hit our shores. Personally, Krispy Kreme donuts in Singapore do not give the brand justice. From Seoul to Malaysia and to Tokyo, what is being churned out at Tangs Basement for a exorbitant price of $4.90 is not what I would pay for and is incomparable to the latter.

200 yen works up to about $2.20 sgd and we would not want to compare Singapore dollars with the Ringgit. Why is there such a discrepancy in quality? Is it the dough? The baker? Why?? Anywho, Tokyo is the only place in the world (that I know of) to get cream cheese donuts and they taste heavenly... Why not grab one, two or maybe a dozen while you're at it!

7. The basements of Takashimaya, Isetan, any departmental store

10 pieces for 1080 yen, a complete steal.
A wide array of meat, quail eggs, pickles, mushroom and prawn to name a few. These cost about $3-4sg a piece when Isetan Shaw has a fair... 

Seafood tempura, consisting of scallops, onions, prawns, veg and sotong. 

The basements of department stores in Tokyo is quite literally, food heaven. It is filled with stalls selling anything and everything that encompass the Japanese cuisine. It is usually divided into two distinct sections. 

The first would be takeaway - breaded meats, tempura, yakitori (think Tori-Q), unagi, sushi, salad, chicken wings, cold pasta, croquette, bento sets... you name it they have it. The second section comprises of sweets and treats that serve as the best kind of souvenirs for those back home. Chocolates, biscuits, waffle crisps, nuts, crackers and the list goes on. Packed ever so nicely and individually wrapped, they do make the best gifts. 

The basement is as chaotic as you think, but it is a great place to get lost in. Sample all kinds of food! Takeaway a whole bunch and bring it back to the hotel for dinner and/or supper. I find this a great way for dinner eats since restaurants charge thrice when its that time of the day. Its a great way to savour small portions of different types of Japanese food and decide which deserve seconds. 

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And with that, the first post of my Tokyo trip is done :) 

I would like to think this has made you very very hungry (sorry!) and more knowledgable on where to eat in Tokyo; do look forward to my other posts regarding Tokyo's shopping and my overall experience during my stay. 

Till then! 

03. Hits and Misses: Habitat Coffee

The boyfriend being comical at school...

I've decided to include a short little update before my last paper tomorrow (Hoorah!) and before I embark on a holiday trip this coming Monday.

My previous campus was situated near Upper Thomson and a couple of us would either drive down or hop on a bus 3-4 stops away to food haven... Since we moved campuses I've really missed the quaint cafes and atmosphere of Upper Thomson so I dragged the boyfriend along after a study session.

Eggs Benedict $12

Truffle fries, $8 | Dark Chocolate waffle, coconut ice cream $9 

It was my second time at Habitat Coffee!

Hits:
Truffle fries ($8) as pictured and the eggs benedict ($12). The truffle fries came aplenty, with the right amount of truffle oil drizzled over it. I've tasted many truffle fries, all more pricey than Habitat's and this for its affordability is a winner for me. Some fries are overly done and hard to the chew, but these were perfect, considering.

The eggs benedict had the right amount of hollandaise sauce atop the softest brioche. The only qualm I had with this dish was that sometimes the yolk doesn't flow out and other times its a good consistency.

Misses:
We decided to try the dark chocolate waffles with a scoop of coconut ice cream ($9) (a change from the usual belgium)...and it was a miss :( It wasn't crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as we would have liked. No doubt it's on the cheaper side but I would rather fork out more for a waffle that would leave my tummy happy.

The coconut ice cream was a tad sweet and strong, using the Island Creamery's coconut flavor as a benchmark. I was hoping for a hit with this dish but alas... It's one of those 'one's man meat is another man's poison' scenarios.
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I've heard other reviews mentioning the hotcakes with cream cheese and berries (new item on the menu) as a great alternative to waffles.

I'll definitely give it a try the next time I'm around the area!

That's all for today, and I hope most of ya'll (who are students) have a good holiday this June!

Habitat Coffee Pte Ltd 

233 Upper Thomson Rd, 574355

Nearest MRT: Marymount MRT

X

02. Chye Seng Huat Hardware

Alas, a second review on this relatively stagnant/dead blog. Nonetheless, updating it takes me away from the world of deadlines, presentations, essays...

Tonight, I'll be reviewing Chye Seng Huat Hardware or more affectionately known as #CSHH on Instagram.

It is my second visit there, the first time round they were still undergoing renovations for their main dining area. I was thoroughly impressed with their latte and blueberry muffin (the boyfriend agrees with this one, which means a lot b/c he tends to be less of a muffin fan). Thus, CSHH made it to the top of my cafe bucket list once it finished renovations! Several months later....

Their new menu! Was studying their menu from Oct 2014 online and had wanted to try the Italian breakfast but seems to be gone :-( We decided to go for the Huat! Breakfast with scrambled eggs and the Wild Mushroom Aglio Olio.

The Huat!Breakfast consists of ham steak, potato salad, chicken sausages, grilled tomato, choice of eggs (scrambled, sunny side up, overeasy) and a toasted brioche. - 3/5

I've had friends and Instagram posts rave about the CSHH Huat breakfast but I was quite disappointed with this, hence the 3/5 rating. The ham steak was the winner on the plate, followed by the brioche. The chicken sausages felt limp, would have wanted it to be fresher, with more flavour. The scrambled eggs - which I had high hopes for were a tad dry after a few mouths. Maybe I've had better big breakfast experiences at other cafes.... The potato salad is either a hit or miss, depending on if you like onions. It was subtle amount, but strong in flavour. Unique addition to a breakfast meal which was what I quite liked overall. 

Wild Mushrom Aglio Olio: A wonderful mess of mixed mushrooms, black fungus, chilli and coriander, fried enoki mushroom - 4/5

This was a pleasant surprise. The black fungus reminded me of Din Tai Fung's vegetable dish. The mushrooms and chilli blended so well together. This is a step away from the usual seafood alio olio that most cafes and restaurants serve. The chilli was not taste-bud numbing, allowing the flavours of all ingredients to stand out. The enoki mushroom on top was a tad oily but added to the fusion of flavours in the dish. The portion was relatively small, but great for small eaters like me because I wouldn't feel bad wasting a chunk of pasta. 

Missed out on coffee and desserts that day, plus forgot to snap shots of the interior because class was at 12pm and we were still happily munching away at 11:45am. CSHH had a very cosy and homely atmosphere. I would definitely go back again to try the other dishes and for their coffee, and maybe their Huat! Breakfast with another choice of egg. It was relatively crowded considering it is quite inaccessible for those who do not drive, and it being a weekday. It is a chill place for small friendly gatherings and to catch up over a cuppa. For those who drive, parallel lots are available along the nearby roads. 

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

150 Tyrwhitt Road,
Singapore 207563
6396 0609

Open Tuesday to Friday: 9am - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 10pm
Closed on Mondays

Till the next review, x.

01. Eyelash Extension Review: Brow & Beauty House

Disclaimer: everything written in this post is true to my experience and are my own opinions. There may be differing experiences by others which I fully respect, these are just my words.
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Edit: I went down to Novalash today at Marina Sq (exit B esplanade MRT) to get my badly done eyelash extensions removed ($30, I believe it's cheaper if removal is for their own lashes). The amazing girl there warned me that it'll be a little pain because my cluster lashes were really thick and also, it was just done one day before. I was there for about 45 minutes before FINALLY, it was off! It was quite painful during certain parts and she explained it was because the glue the previous beautician used was too much and thick :/ Maybe in future I would try Novalash out! They've been recommended widely by beauty bloggers and magazines alike.

Recently I purchased a Groupon coupon for eyelash extensions, it was my first time doing so and my girl friend had wanted to get hers permed so we decided to try it out at the same store..

The salon was pretty small, we were shown to two chairs near the entrance of the salon, the reclinable kind. We paid $28, so I wasn't expecting too much in terms of ambience.

Before starting on my eyelashes, she asked me whether I had done this before and it being my first time; she told me to avoid swimming and rubbing the extensions after showering/facial cleansing. I also proceeded to tell her I wanted natural looking extensions... Then, I lay down, excited for longer lashes!!

She showed me two kinds of lashes, according to her, one was better than the other because it was softer and of better quality (from Korea). She even let me feel the difference between the two. I decided to go ahead with the 'better' ones and this required me to top up a further $15... because I wanted my first experience to be better. There were no single lash options for me to choose from, only multi strand clusters of three;

(picture from google to illustrate above point of multi strand)

She then started with the procedure. In the beginning it didn't feel like much, no pain, just a little tingly sensation at the lids. The beautician started chatting with another lady (potential customer, I assume) who enquired about the extensions she was doing on me, the prices ($128 original) and claimed they looked natural and pretty. I was of course, relieved to hear that. Their conversation also revealed that the beautician was already doing this for 10 years and this further relieved my apprehensiveness of a first timer doing eyelash extensions.

As several minutes passed, my eyes started stinging (effects of the glue?) and started watering slightly. I assumed this was all part of the process or because it was my first time and I was not used to it. This was the same for both eyes. I would rate it 4/10 in terms of being comfortable. After she adhered the extensions to both sides of lashes, she gave me a mini fan to blow at them as my eyes remained closed.

After about 15 minutes? She told me to try opening my eyes, but they stung really badly the moment I tried to open them so she continued with the mini fan. This occurred for about 3 more times before I could finally open them for a slightly longer period of time (still with the fan blowing at the lashes though). I told her I could not really see clearly as the extensions interrupted my vision field (Was this 'natural'!??!) She told me to push them up every now and then and they would be alright. I also mentioned that it felt stingy and she seemed to know where it stung exactly.. telling me it would also be alright later on. 

My girl friend on the other hand, was still perming her lashes. She was supposed to be done before me but they kept redoing her lashes because I overheard they were still hard and not going in the desired direction... I asked her if it was pain (it couldn't just be me right?!) and she said yes, a little bit. 

We left the shop at around 1:20pm. It is now 11:40pm and my eyes are STILL stinging, blinking a little harder than usual hurts and my vision is still obstructed even though I did push the extensions up every now and then. Driving back was alright but as more of the day passed, the pain did not subside. Pain whilst in the procedure and slight stinging would have felt normal to me but after so many hours, I didn't think this was the norm. 

This could all be a overreaction or a result of paranoia lol but I called up Carragheen and Novalash (well known eyelash extension boutiques in Singapore after googling) and enquired about this. They both advised me to remove them, even though it has not even been a day. I immediately set up an appointment.

My pain threshold is usually high..... and I dare say even waxing my lady parts was not as uncomfortable as this... The beauticians were very friendly with my girl friend and I, their service was not impeccable but not terrible either. They were not rude or rough with us but I really would not recommend going for eyelash perming or eyelash extensions at their boutique if this is the result. I decided to read more reviews of eyelash extensions and what I experienced is certainly far from the norm. :/

Quote from a blogger's post on past experiences with bad extensions:

Before I begin introducing GRACEOUS, let me start by saying I have tried eyelash extension elsewhere in Singapore and Taiwan but there are always issues such as:

- My eyes feeling the sting from the glue

- The overpowering smell of the glue during the procedure which gets pretty unbearable I can start whizzing 

- The discomfort from the stiff eyelash extension when I sleep, wash my face, bathe etc 

- Feeling the horrible weight of the eyelashes due to the lousy quality'

^ OF WHICH I AM FEELING ALL OF (except the wheezing part)

 (Although they certainly did not end up like this): 

vs

(Mine which look decent compared to the above but really, 0.5/10 comfort level)

I hope you girls do not get into the same scenario as I did, what with the money spent and comfort compromised. I am pretty sure I am going to lay off eyelash extensions for a while, if not forever now. Mascara, or short lashes, I will embrace them. 

Almost a 100 people bought the groupon, I sure hope their experience isn't as such. As I said, this is my individual experience and my opinions which I thought was important to share (e.g creating a blog just for it! haha maybe this would be a regular thing!)

Brow & Beauty House Rating: 0.5/5 

P/s I would love comments telling me where you've done eyelash extensions, the experience and if not, what alternatives do you use? (Mascara,falsies..)