Traveling light doesn’t mean you have to forego your beauty regimen and have to endure looking like a stowaway. Looking a million bucks whether you’re strutting down the streets of New York or lying by the pool in Bali can be a breeze if you pack smart and only bring what you really need.
Here are 5 beauty essentials that savvy jet-setters swear by, guaranteed to have you ready for your close-up both on any runways (airport or sidewalk).

1. Dry Shampoo

By no means should any self-respecting woman resort to using generic hotel shampoo. Respect your mane or you’ll live to regret it! Washing your hair every day while on the go can be a hassle, but you can supplement that with a dry shampoo that will lift your roots and also give you a nice voluminous slept-in look.

TRY http://www.sephora.com/perfect-hair-day-dry-shampoo-P399330

2. Face Mist

If your skin feels tight or you’re just in need of a mid-day pick-me-up, reach for that face mist. Face mists are godsends while on a long-haul flight when our skin is parched and needs that hydration. Just a spritz or two and you’re ready to go again.

TRY http://www.ishopchangi.com/product/avene-thermal-spring-water-spray-twin-pack-2x300ml-12530-37

3. Day and Night Skincare Set

Forget about transferring skincare products into travel-sized bottles or having to lug along a big heavy pouch. Good things come in twos and all you need is multi-functional skincare one for Day and one for Night.
Power packed with multiple skincare benefits such as anti-ageing, hydration, sunblock, restoration and more, they come in pretty nifty airless-pump bottles that open with a twist and are spillage proof. Even better, they fit in your carry-on bag to have you covered 24/7 even on a flight.

TRY http://auolive.com/en/shop/5-day-glower-night-booster.html

4. Cleansing wipes

Leave your bottle of facial cleanser at home and swap them with a packet of handy cleansing wipes instead. Get one that removes your makeup with a few good swipes and doesn’t leave behind a greasy after-feel. They can even double up as wet wipes for your hands! You can cleanse, put on fresh makeup and be all ready to greet your destination.

TRY http://www.cetaphil.com/gentle-skin-cleansing-cloths

5. BB Cushion/Cream

For that final step to have you leaving your hotel with only flawless skin, make sure you never check in without your trusty BB cushion or cream. They usually come with SPF and also helps cover up any last-minute zits without being too heavy on the skin.

TRY http://www.laneige.com/???my/en/product/makeup/face/view.bb-cushion-spf-50-pa.all.html

The post 5 beauty essentials to stow in your carry-on bag appeared first on Digital Influenza.

(An Anniversary Edition)

Many clients turned friends would have known that our agency, OC Group, is fronted by a husband and wife team.

Yes. None other than my man Jason and myself.

This October is a very special month for us. It marks a decade of life together as one. 20th Oct 2016 is our 10th year wedding anniversary!

So I’m feeling so inspired now and wish to take this special moment to share a little reminiscence of how we met and ended up working together:

We met in 2004 in the now de-functioned Bar None at Marriott Hotel. You know what people say about not trusting guys you meet at the bar. Well, we met under unforeseen circumstances(under the strobing disco lights) and only started dating later in the year after many dramatic ups and downs. I’ll leave the long-winded lyrical love story for another day, but yes “this guy from the pub” became my husband on 20 Oct 2006.

We hadn’t dreamt of working together till that fateful day when his business partner wanted out. At the time, Jason had already branched out to run the digital arm of the business. I saw the pain in his eyes during that period as he was caught in a dilemma – to take on full operations or give up the original business.

With my experience in marketing and campaign management, I finally suggested the idea that I come onboard to take over that part of the business. He was hesitant, as we all know couples should not work together!

However, this seemed like the best solution at that point of time and with our belief that we could make the agency even stronger, i ended up as his partner at work too!

Together, we were able to bring full service expertise to the table and eventually rebranded ourselves as an integrated marketing and advertising agency – OC Group.

Our working relationship:

At work, we behave independently and take care of different aspects of the business, one at the front and one at the back.

I’m the sales girl and the door bitch, taking care of business development and client servicing. Jason takes care of project management and operations.

We never introduce ourselves as a couple to new colleagues and clients. Suspicion and confusion usually arise when we seem to be pretty close with little signs of affection, yet at other times we are loggerheads in much heated debates.

I guess this is definitely not the typical perception of how a couple should behave ya… The new colleagues will usually find out soon enough.

Although we handle different scopes of work, the nature of our business requires customisation that keeps us intertwined for most major projects. Both of us play the role of creative and strategist in the company. However, we are from 2 different planets. (Venus and Mars?)

As you know, there are no hard and fast rules in the world of creative and marketing, sky’s the limit. With respective years of knowledge and experience under our belts, armed with different ideas and tactics, the amount of “sparks” we rubbed off during brainstorm sessions and project discussions is beyond your imagination. And in running a business, there are 101 other matters that require both of us to come to a consensus.

We have mutual understanding that it is never about being personal and what we discuss is for a similar goal and for the better. However, each sparring session is like a spartan race that leaves us feeling drained and at times with nothing else to talk about for the rest of the day. Indeed this is a test of our limits and we do worry if this will have adverse effects on our relationship.

Till date, our colleagues still wonder how we can see each other from day till night and survive with such intensity in our everyday work… Not forgetting there are family and kids matters too.

Here’s my hypothesis on the opportunity rate for a couple to quarrel:

Couple = 40%

Married Couple = 70%

Married Couple working together = 99%

Curious to know how we manage our marriage and life together juggling work and family?

Here are 10 tips that I have learnt over the years:

1) Draw the line between work and personal

Every couple has a line between work and personal. When you work together, that line became a thin grey one that is almost invisible. When you are on the same boat running a business, it has impact on the bacon that you bring home to the family. Risk is high. Thus most of what we talk about seems to somehow or rather be related to the business, even if it’s just a random question while lying on the bed.

Put on the “at work” mindset and tonality when in the office. Anywhere else where there is no work agenda, you know it’s personal time. Listen and converse like a spouse, without being judgemental or over analytical about the topic. You should be able to rant, just like anybody else. Don’t shut him/ her up because unhappiness will snowball when one has to hold back and not be able to communicate with the spouse. Whatever you speak of is not official and is just private chat between husband and wife.

Official decisions will be raised only in the office.

2) Show Respect

Respect is the cornerstone to sustaining a marriage. Always keep in mind that both the man and woman deserve to respected. It is never about win or lose between the two of you. Be open minded, listen and consider each other’s opinions. Even when you believe that you are right and have to argue your case, never attempt to put down your partner with negative and sarcastic words, play the blaming game or ignore your partner.

A man has an ego. Call me old fashion, but i believe it is just dutiful as a wife to respect your man’s ego too.

Be mindful to always show mutual respect, especially when in front of others. If not, you will lose the respect from your fellow colleagues and friends too.

3) Be Sensitive

We tend to be harsher towards the people whom we care most. However, the receiving end doesn’t quite appreciate this kind of gesture. Woman is generally more emotional and sensitive, but it’s important to understand that the man has emotions and at times PMS of sorts too.

Don’t be rude or show signs of despise when greeted with an emotional meltdown from your spouse. Look out for emotional signs like teary eyes, frowning brows, raised voice, etc and be more attentive and sensitive in your words and actions that follow. When your spouse is feeling emotional, acceptance and care is much needed.

When your wife cries, you can hold her hand, give her a hug or say “don’t worry it’s fine”, instead of getting angry or walking away from the scene as these are perceived signs of desertion, which will have detrimental effect on the relationship. When your husband fuses up, do not blabble on or go hard on him. Give him a nod and smile as this will serve as a reminder for him to calm down and signifies that no matter what you are still by his side.

Find suitable timing to share your thoughts and feelings with your spouse, rather than keeping it to yourself and expecting your spouse to read your mind.

4) 51-49%

This came from my husband. In business, try to avoid a 50-50 because there needs to be one who has the authority to make the final say. In any matter of discussion, identify who is the 51% and who is the 49% right from the start.

If it is something within your specialised domain or is a project spearheaded by you, you can declare a 51% position. Discussions may go on and the 51% can make the final decision which is to be respected.

5) What happens in the office, stays in the office

Work is work. You can feel stress, be angry, argue or fight in the office, but do not bring any disgruntlement and negative emotions back home. Your affected attitude and emotions will directly reflect in how you manage your kids and loved one.

I know it’s hard to kick work related issues to the back of your mind, but please make a conscientious effort to do so.

If you need to thrash things out, do it the next day when you are back in office. Learn to breathe, and never go to bed feeling angry.

6) Share the load

The good thing about a couple working together is that you can look out for each other. Because you know each other so well, you are able to detect both emotional and physical signs of stress, frustration, illness or burnout. When a couple works together, both will tend to portray the competent and strong side of them when at work.

Offer a helping hand even before you are asked to. This will be greatly appreciated and help to establish the fact that you are in it together. Keyword is “together”. So you don’t suffer alone. Seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness and you can be sure of better results if you get help before it’s too late.

7) Give each other space

Working together doesn’t mean you are obligated to be within each other’s sight from day to night. Allow your spouse to go for drinks, hang out with friends, or do whatever he/she has made plans for. Don’t sulk just because you have to go home by yourself after work. Don’t complain that your spouse did not accompany you for after-work activities. I know many women who don’t allow their husband to go for drinks or hang out with friends. The result is not an obedient husband, but in contrary a lying husband.

It’s not healthy when your spouse has to lie about his whereabouts even with no guilty conscience. You are pulling yourself further away from your love when you start to be a control freak.

Be gracious and have mutual trust in each other.

8) Take time off. Do things together.

Besides work, i highly recommend that couples share similar interests and engage in regular recreational activities together. We spend a large amount of time in work, we don’t want to be just thinking and talking about work or family all the time. Foster work-life balance in the relationship by doing something that both of you enjoy.

Designate a date night for dinner and movie after work, pick up a favourite sports, explore a new recipe and go grocery shopping together, go on short trips… There are many activities which you can do together besides just work, so make an effort to pursue more fun and ignite passion in the relationship.

9) Forgive and Forget

Quarrels are inevitable in any relationship. Not quarrelling isn’t exactly a good thing too if you know what i mean. Quarrel is a form of communication and no one side should be the one that’s always giving in. Everyone has a threshold for bullshit and you don’t want to wait for the explosion day.

No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Embrace each other’s mistakes and ask for forgiveness when you did wrong.

Give a closure to an existing problem instead to escaping like an Ostrich, because no, it’s not going to be blown away by the wind. You can fight (not physical), but learn to kiss and makeup after every quarrel, with no hard feelings. Breathe and cool down when in an argument. Words hurt, and most of the time you don’t realise the damage that you have done. Always forgive and forget, and remember never to rack up the past even in a heated moment. No one likes to be reminded of past mistakes.

10) Hugs and Kisses

Mind you, the courting and dating doesn’t stop after marriage. Keep reminding your spouse of your love and care in every way possible. A hug can reduce blood pressure and calm nerves. It is a sign of affection, comfort and assurance, not forgetting a huge self-esteem booster. Give your spouse a hug anytime and everytime when he/she needs one.

Your kids will see and soak in the love, learning to be aware of feelings and that it is fine to express themselves with affection. Take the opportunity to show appreciation and celebrate every little success at work as it makes all the sweat and tears worthwhile. Gift can be as simple as a kiss, or indulge in a scrumptious dinner.

Last but not least, don’t deprive your spouse of sex. :p

~~~

I hope these 10 tips can come in handy for every couple out there who are working together. Not fool proof but i hope my experience and learnings can benefit you.

As the Chinese saying goes, 十年修得同船渡，百年修得共枕眠.

It is not easy to come together as a couple, and more so be working partners. We have to take great care of our relationship. It is tough but it is POSSIBLE to work together and achieve success in both the marriage and business. We can do it! #marriagegoals

And so it’s 10 years and counting… I would like to say a big THANK YOU to my hubby for loving me for who I am.

Happy 10^th Wedding Anniversary! <3<3

Love,

Rachel

The post Is it a nightmare to work together with your spouse? (An Anniversary Edition) appeared first on Digital Influenza.

We may be a small nation, but food seems to be Singaporean’s favourite passion. It does not matter whether we choose to cook, eat out or call for delivery. We love food, and we revel in the plethora of options that we have. Add that to Singapore’s fast pace of life, it’s no surprise that we’re no stranger to food delivery services such as Foodpanda. Here are 8 reason why we Singaporeans need food delivery:

1) When the only thing you can cook are instant noodles

And perhaps a sunny side up too. But that’s okay! With a plethora of food options for food delivery alone,  we can probably find a meal we enjoy more than the one we whip up ourselves. Plus, the added upside is that we don’t have to clean up the kitchen after! All we need to do is order, eat and bin the trash!

2) When you’re too busy/tired to cook 

After the end of a work day, all we want to do is rest and recharge before yet another work day begins. How many of us would still have the energy to cook (instant noodles are not counted!) Also, you could most likely get your food delivered to you the same time it takes you to prepare and cook. So why not take a shower and relax while you wait?

3) When you’re just too lazy to walk/cycle/take a bus to get food

Somedays we just don’t feel like “working” (or moving) for food. That’s okay, because food can come to you instead. All you need to do is move a few fingers and walk a few steps to your door., that we’re sure you can definitely do.

4) When it’s pouring so heavily that even the umbrella won’t keep you dry

Making it back home drenched after braving the rain to get food doesn’t sound like a very worthy quest. With food delivery, your food will be delivered to your doorstep no matter rain, shine or haze.

5) When the sun doesn’t give you a chance

We all know days like that, when it’s so hot out there, we joke that we can cook an egg on the pavement (which actually may not be a joke with the temperatures these days). We would love a roasted chicken for a meal, but we definitely wouldn’t love feeling like we’re getting roasted by the sun, that’s for sure!

6) When you’re tired of the food at the nearby coffeeshop/food court

And you may only eat from the same few stalls, which also means less choices to choose from. With food delivery, the only thing you’ll fret about is: which one should I get?

7) When you just want to snuggle up with your favourite box of pizza and watch your favourite show 

This is almost like therapy for the heart and soul because who doesn’t love the feeling of a warm pizza box sitting on your lap? And this can only be done when you have pizza delivered to you!

8) When you have a huge group of friends over for a party/gathering

One of the biggest problems when dining with a huge group of friends would definitely be the difficulty in finding seats for the entire group, especially when reservations are not allowed. With food delivery, that wouldn’t be a problem, the only thing you need to worry about is agreeing on what to order.

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One of the most popular food delivery choice among Singaporeans is the pizza! Because they are great to share with family and friends! And our favourite is Pezzo pizzas because they use quality ingredients to make their pizza. We love that they use only freshly made dough that’s made daily, no frozen dough! Not only that, they also use extra virgin olive oil, which is one of the best oils! Plus, they are super generous with their toppings! We counted (yup we did) 72 pieces of pepperoni on our pepperoni pizza! (which is a great party choice, by the way) This is why we are so happy that they now deliver islandwide from https://pezzo.foodpanda.sg/!

Pssst! Did you know that you can order lasagna from Pezzo’s food delivery menu too? And here’s a promo code (THANKYOU!) for you to get $5 off your Foodpanda order! (Min. order $15, and for first-time orders only)

The post 8 Reasons Why Singaporeans Need Food Delivery appeared first on Digital Influenza.

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Pizza Type: Hola Hawaiian, Chicken Delight

Your personality: Down to earth, Compassionate, Easy-going

Ah the classics. You tend to be more of a “better-be-safe-than-sorry” kind of person instead of a risk taker. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with that! You know what works and you stick with it, after all, why change something that isn’t spoilt in the first place? Honest, compassionate and easy going, your friends know they can definitely count on you if they need a listening ear or an extra pair of arms. 

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Pizza Type: BBQ Bonanza, Pepperoni Party

Your personality: Sociable, Outgoing, Affectionate

Our party favourites, these get a party going. You definitely know how to have fun! Extroverted, social and outgoing, you’re fun to be around. You’re also likely to be someone who cares deeply about your loved ones. You believe that “good things must share”. After all, what’s the point in enjoying something (or some place) when you can’t share that experience together with at least one other person?

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Pizza Type: Cheesy Cheese

Your personality: Laid back, Trustworthy, Kind

Nahhh, you’re far from cheesy despite your love for cheese. But how could we blame you when our Cheesy Cheese pizza checks off all the winning elements of a feel good rom-com with our union of mozzarella, cheddar, edam, parmesan and feta cheese? Like a feel good rom-com, you’re a mix of a few things: laid back, trustworthy, empathetic and at times, an unexpected daredevil who knows how to have fun. So it’s no surprise that your friends love being around you. 

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Pizza Type: Singa Laksa, Chicken Rendang, Sambal Ikan Bilis

Your personality: Creative, Adventurous, Open-minded

Like these three pizzas that give you both local and western flavours, you believe in the best of both worlds. You’re flexible open to trying new things, creative, adventurous and easy going. You see life and in extension, food as an adventure.

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Pizza Type: Big Daddy, Meat Munchers, Supremo

Your personality: Outspoken, Brave, Ambitious

Love Pezzo’s “heavyweights”? Well, nothing makes a statement quite like a pizza loaded up with as much meat as humanly possible to stomach. You are very vocal about your feelings and your opinions. After all, you have nothing to hide (like your humongous appetite). You possess a strong sense of pride in the people you love and things you do.

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Pizza Type: Hot Chick, Mexican Mania

Your personality: Driven, Go-getter, Sassy

What is life without a little ups and downs? You love things with a little kick, the adrenaline rush is what gets you going. Challenges? Meh, you don’t bow down to them, you love the thrill. You’re a risk taker, competitive and driven; you know what you want and you have your eye on the prize.  

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Fisherman’s Favourite

Your Personality: Principled, Intelligent and Critical

Fisherman’s favourite indeed, because like a fisherman, you’re principled, intelligent and critical. You don’t make choices without considering them wisely. You also enjoy appreciating the finer things in life. Hence, it’s no surprise that your friends and family often flock to you for opinions and advice. 

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So what is your pizza personality?

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Facebook LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT Contest – Pezzo Pizza Personality

We want to give 3 lucky fans a treat! Each winner will win a free pan of pizza on us! Join our Facebook page and tell us what’s your pizza personality by leaving a comment at our contest post (pinned to the top of the page). Remember to like and share the post! 3 lucky fans will stand to win a pan of favourite pizza each! Good luck!

Note: Contest closes 31 May 2016, 2359hrs. Only open to fans currently residing in Singapore

The post Your Pezzo Pizza Personality + Giveaway Contest appeared first on Digital Influenza.

In conjunction with possibly the hottest MediaCorp Chinese drama of the year, “The Dream Makers 2”, we want to redefine the best of Melbourne so that you’re set for the ultimate dream vacation experience of your life!

Here’s 8 defining reasons why Melbourne is everything you want it to be. And more.

1. Food, Food, Everywhere

If you haven’t heard of Melbourne being a culinary capital, it’s time to venture out of your cave, pack your bags and catch that 8-hour flight to the gastronomic heaven! Whether you’re up for Greek, Peruvian, African, Vietnamese, Thai, or other world cuisines, Melbourne’s eclectic dining scene has much to offer in its myriad of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars.

Brunch on the mouthwatering bagels at Manchester Press (the smoked salmon is to die for!), drop by Mekong Vietnam for a bowl of tasty Vietnamese pho, or shop for fresh produce and feast on fresh oysters at Queens Victoria Market or South Melbourne Market!

Now, you can’t forget about the drinks when you talk about food. Enjoy Melbourne’s best coffee in the self-proclaimed coffee capital, and for those who enjoy their wine, the beautiful vineyards of Yarra Valley are a must-go for great wines and fresh local produce.

Food and drinks aside, don’t forget to go on a hot air balloon ride over the scenic Yarra Valley!

2. Free Tram Zone

There’s nothing more satisfying than being able to save up on your transport fares when you are overseas, don’t you think so? If you are traveling within the CBD (which of course you will), you can hop on to any of the city trams without tapping in and out with your myki card (also known as ez-Link card in Singapore and Touch ‘n Go card in Malaysia) unless you plan to travel outside of the central area.

With plenty of transport options like trains, trams, buses and bikes, it’s so easy to get around in Melbourne. The clear and interconnected grid layout makes it hard for you to get lost too!

3. Meet The “Locals”

Now, don’t just stay cooped up in the city. Did you know? The state of Victoria is home to over 4,300 native plants and 950 animal species!

Take a short drive from the city to one of the numerous national and nature parks and experience the wonders of the natural world. Try spotting your favorite mammal species like the ever-adorable wallabies, sleepy koalas, puffy wombats and echidnas!

P.S. The highly popular Phillip Island Nature Parks has just opened its new Penguins Plus Viewing Experience last November! Featuring an underground viewing area for visitors to come face to face with their favorite wildlife, it’s a reason why every one should go whether or not they have already been to Phillip Island.

4. An Iconic Beach

Scroll through your Facebook friends’ profile photos now and chances are, you are able to find at least one friend with Melbourne’s iconic colorful bathing boxes as his or her photo’s backdrop.

About an hour’s drive south from Melbourne, the Brighton Beach is one of the popular beaches, and rightly so. No two boxes are identical and each has its own design, shape and character. Set against the spectacular Melbourne city skyline, Brighton Beach is also a sought-after destination for wedding photo shoots (hint, hint!) and a dream destination for photographers and holiday-makers alike.

Did you know? The bathing boxes were originally erected from the 1890s to protect ladies’ modesty when they change into their swimwear. Today, they are used for changing and storage of beach necessities like surf boards. Sadly, there are only 90 boxes left as many were washed away or have been destroyed by rough weather. Bathing boxes are rarely put up for sale, but last year, the historic box #6 on Brighton’s Dendy Street Beach was sold at a weekend auction for a whopping $276,000!

5. Street Art Capital

Forget the ugly graffiti. Take a wander down Hosier Lane, Melbourne’s iconic bluestone laneway and you’ll understand why its urban art scene is well recognized around the world. In the recent years, the street art‐covered walls have become a popular backdrop for fashion and wedding photography too!

Designed by local and international artists, the walls and grounds of Hosier Lane are constantly being updated with new, mind-blowing art pieces in a dazzling array of colors, characters and shapes every few weeks! There’s always something new to admire. Photo-taking is free so don’t forget to stop for one and strut your coolest pose in front of your favorite street art! If you are lucky, you might even be able to catch the street artists at work. And if you have been wondering… with proper permission, yes, street art is legal.

Keen to explore the fascinating urban art scene and immerse yourself in the local culture? Join a walking tour and discover not just of the city’s best laneways and artists, but the hidden shops and laneway cafes as well!

6. Amazing Coastal Drives

How can we forget about the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most scenic drives?

If you are planning on a self-guided drive, we’ll recommend a 3-day touring route from the surf capital Torquay to the famous 12 Apostles, and end at the historic fishing village Port Fairy.

Now, there are plenty of things you can do as you make your way to your destination. The drive is some 420km in entirety and definitely warrants a 1-3 nights stay along the spectacular coastal drive to be able to soak in the sights and venture off touristy attractions for awesome photography! Spot koalas, kangaroos and other native wildlife, explore surf towns and seaside villages, enjoy seasonal local produce and seafood along the coast, and admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk. For the more adventurous souls, there are also a great range of outdoor activities you can do like horse rides along the beach, soar up high at Otway Fly zip line, go on walks and hikes, mountain biking, fishing charters and open sea kayaking!

7. A Global Metropolis

Those who have been here will tell you that Melbourne is a city that takes great pride in being a giant melting pot — a city with different cultures, different nationalities from around the world, and one that straddles history, modernity, technology and tradition. It’s no wonder Melbourne was named the World’s Most Liveable City for the fifth year running recently.

8. Australia’s Capital For Events & Festivals

On the topic of arts and culture, the city is abuzz with fantastic festivals and events all year round. In fact, in 2016, Melbourne will see six major events in the first quarter alone! Tell us if that doesn’t already convince you!

Now, anticipation is already running high for the Australian Open Tennis (18 – 31 Jan), White Night Melbourne (20 Feb) Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (4 – 13 Mar), Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (7 – 13 Mar), and Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (16 – 20 Mar), and they are just the beginning of a long list of happening events in the new year!

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Photo: Ben King

Australian Open Tennis

What are you waiting for? Don’t dream your life. Live your dreams.

Plan your trip, pack your bags, and to Melbourne, let’s go!

For Singapore residents only:  Keen to trail “The Dream Makers 2’s” filming locations? Don’t miss out on Chan Brothers Travel’s 7D Melbourne & Surrounds Self-Drive Package Tour here. For more resources and reasons to choose Melbourne as your next dream vacation, see visitmelbourne.com.

More related articles on Melbourne & Surrounds:

- 48-Hour Itinerary: Food
- 48-Hour Itinerary: Family
- 48-Hour Itinerary: Fashion
- 48-Hour Itinerary: Art and Design
- Adventure, Explore, Experience Itinerary
- Mind, Body, Soul Itinerary
- Adventure, Explore, Experience Itinerary

About Dream Makers 2

Dream Makers 2 (DM2) is a sequel to the highly popular 30-episode TV series Dream Makers (DM) that aired on Singapore’s MediaCorp Channel 8 from late June to early August 2013. DM featured a heavy-weight cast of top billing actors and actresses.

DM2 continues to follow the lives of those working in the front and behind the cameras of a TV station where temptations of fame can change one’s character and outlook in life. The lead role is played veteran actress Zoe Tay who headed the variety channel in the first series. In DM2, she is now one of the VPs of the drama channel and her outlook in life has dramatically changed since the death of her boyfriend in DM. Because of declining advertising sales, the TV station hires another VP for the drama department to put pressure on the lead actress. This coupled with a new TV station entering the market creates friction among colleagues who are both friends and foe at the same time. Faced with competition and pressure, will the central characters overcome adversity to rise up the ranks?

DM garnered 21 nominations for 12 awards in the Star Awards, winning 9 gongs including Best Drama Serial. The series was sold to Malaysia (2 week delayed telecast), Thailand, Cambodia and China.

DM2 will be broadcasted in Singapore from 4 December 2015 to 15 January 2016 on MediaCorp TV Channel 8, weekdays, at 9pm, and in Malaysia on ASTRO Shuang Xing Channel, weekdays, at 5pm. An estimated 42 scenes were filmed in Melbourne and Surrounds. For more information on “The Dream Makers 2″, visit Toggle, iWeekly and MediaCorp.

This article is created on behalf of VisitMelbourne and powered by Digital Influenza. 

The post 8 Reasons Why Sweet Dreams Are “Made in Melbourne” appeared first on Digital Influenza.

Perfume is what every lady would need.

Not that you smell bad (#blamethehaze), but it brings out the femininity and allure in you. Chosen right, the perfume which you wear is a tell-tale sign of  your personality and leaves an impression with people around you.
Most importantly, your favourite fragrance can give you a boost in confidence and make you feel ready for the day!

Much to my surprise, i’ve found out that many ladies didn’t know that they have been wearing their perfume wrongly!

If you have been spraying perfume only on your clothes, please stop doing it!

- Perfume is meant for application on skin, not on fabric as the fabric fibres might distort the scent, and cause stain spots on clothes.
- Simply dab or spray on pulse points such as sides of neck, behind earlobes, wrists, back of knees.
- Do not rub your wrists together as it will burn off the top notes faster and your fragrance would last for a shorter duration.
- Apply on moisturised skin, so your fragrance can cling on to last longer.
- Spray from a distance 20-30cm away from skin and let it falls gently onto the skin.
- Besides the pulse points, do you know that the hair fibres can hold fragrance longer too?

That’s how “perfume rain” is derived, to smell good from top to toe!

Eau De Toilette is a common favourite and contains about 5-15% aromatic compounds. It can last for an average of 4 -6 hours. If you are out under the hot sun, well… your spritz might last for a shorter time.

I’m a hopeless romantic, and i love anything sweet & floral. You can guess what’s my kind of fragrance right?

So… introducing my personal favourites:

Dior Addict
Eau Fraiche
Eau De Toilette

*For my casual days

Chanel Chance
Eau Tendre
Eau De Toilette

*For work days & occasions to feel sexy & important. Especially when i need to meet clients. I have this in hair mist too, which i carry in my makeup pouch.

On top of these, I’ve just acquired a new love from Anna Sui’s Autumn 2015 Collection – ROMANTICA! Thanks to the media event held by the Anna Sui brand team from Luxasia.

Anna Sui has been a favourite brand since my teenage days. My first perfume and blush were from Anna Sui. The exquisite detailing in product packaging & that signature rose fragrance in all her cosmetics makes the brand an all-time favourite. Not just that, their pricing is definitely pocket friendly!

Here’s a closeup photo of Romantica. Who creates beautiful bottles like this?!

Noticed the similarity in my choices? Pink = Sweet & Floral!

Romantica is the Floral Jewel in Anna Sui’s fragrance collection. It is like an enchanted bouquet of blooms – sweet, alluring, romantic yet playful.
Fruity top notes of Calabria Bergamot, Mandarin essence, Sparkling Pomegranate and Water Quince, leading into floral notes of Rose de Mai, Osmanthus, Jasmine Petals and Orange Blossom, and settles with White Ceylon Cedarwood, Sheer Amber, Indonesian Sandalwood and Creamy Musk.

My verdict: I first caught a wisp of the fragrance coming from the ribbon corsages which were given to us, and i was wondering whoa this smells really good. What is it?! Sweet, yet not overpowering. It gives you the feeling of first love. Romantica… indeed.

If you have the same “taste” in fragrance as i do, swing by Anna Sui counter in Isetan Scotts or BHG Bugis to lay your hands on Romantica, and fall in love with their line of lovely cosmetics!

So i’ve shared mine. What’s your favourite fragrance?

Hugs & Kisses,

Lady Editor Rachel

The post Every lady needs to have a favourite perfume appeared first on Digital Influenza.

M is for May…
M is for Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day falls on 10th May this year, and is a special occasion to show our love and gratitude for our mom.

Being someone who is so close to us, we tend to grow up and take for granted that whatever she does is of her duty to do so, and that no matter what, she would always be here by our side.

For those staying with their mom, you get to see her everyday but do you spend time to sit down and have a nice chit chat with her? For those who are not staying with their mom, when was the last time you visited her?

We might not be able to say “I Love U” everyday, thus Mother’s Day is that special occasion where we can to do something really special for our mommy dearest. Grab this once in year opportunity to show we care by making the effort to romance her, like how we romance our girlfriend/wife. Every lady loves to be loved, and to receive surprises that will sweep her off her feet. Don’t forget that your mom is still a fair lady, no matter how old she is.

“My mother likes perfume and has an extensive collection. What’s more perfect than an elegant set of designer perfume, complete with flowers!”

Timeless Glamour
(JBA27)
Find out more here

“Work absorbs our daily lives, but family is always important and should not be neglected. I find it important to prepare a Mother’s Day gift for my mother as a reminder of my love for her.
As you know, it can be abit embarrassing for a guy to be seen carrying a bouquet of flowers on the street, thus Noel Gifts becomes my first choice when it comes to gifting. Being an established brand, I can always find quality gift sets and be able to make hassle-free order online. It gets delivered right to her doorstep to surprise her!”

Alvin Lim
http://alvinology.com/

“My mum has a soft spot for jewellery, clothes and hand creams. As I just bought her a necklace for her birthday recently, I figured the Playful Elegance Gift Set which comes with a lovely bouquet accompanied by Crabtree & Evelyn’s hand cream and bath gel would be a good gift to pamper her. My mum has been advocating the use of hand creams since I was in my teens and thanks to her golden words of wisdom, my hands have gotten smoother and softer over the years.
I’m sure the flowers in this gift set would perk up her day at the office, plus she can easily pop this handy hand cream into her handbag and keep her hands hydrated throughout the day.”

Regina Chow
http://reginachow.blogspot.sg

A cozy celebration at our favourite restaurant is never complete without a surprise gift at the end of the meal. To be able to put a smile on my mum’s face and see her eyes light up when she receives a gift she adores truly warms my heart.

Playful Elegance Gift Set
(JBA25)
Find out more here

Regina Chow
http://reginachow.blogspot.sg

“Every year, I crack my brains thinking about what would make a special gift for her. I chanced upon Noel Gifts when my company ordered corporate gifts from them. I was pleasantly surprised by its plethora of gift options for Mother’s Day too! This year, they have gone one step further by bundling their gorgeous floral bouquets with practical gifts ranging from spa treats, hand creams, perfumes, cakes, organic tea, nourishing tonics to even jewellery! There is something suitable for every mom!

Thanks to Noel Gifts, I can now spring a surprise on my mum this Mother’s Day with the click of a button, regardless of where I may be. This is such an ingenious idea as it makes gift shopping more thoughtful, and also quick, convenient and absolutely fuss-free too!”

“Mother’s Day is a very important day to me as it is a great opportunity to make my mum feel extra special.

As a mom myself, I lead a busy lifestyle with work and family too and don’t have much leisure time to hit the malls. You know when you want to find something in particular, you simply couldn’t find it there and then. Lucky for me, Noel Gifts is the perfect place for me to order a special gift for Mother’s Day!

Besides the traditional hampers & flower bouquets, the e-store also offers other well-thought choices and endless gift combinations for you to spoil my mom. Noel Gifts also have hampers and gifts combinations for all other occasions. Convenient for busy moms like me to find a nice gift whenever I need.”

Jessie Ting
http://blog.myfatpocket.com/jessieting/

Lady Yang
(JBA3A)
Find out more here

“This year, besides flowers and a nice meal which is a must for Mother’s Day every year, I decided to add an additional touch. I ordered this combination gift set – Lady Yang from Noel Gifts. I feel that other than a nice bouquet of flowers, my mom would be happy to get the wine, cake and chocolate for our Mother’s Day celebration. Price for this is $74.90 including GST. This is seriously value for money, don’t you think so?!

Jessie Ting
http://blog.myfatpocket.com/jessieting/

“Mother’s Day happens only once in a year, and I believe this occasion acts as a reminder for us to show gratitude to our mother. My mother plays such an important role in our development, and our gift for her is a way of demonstrating our love & appreciation.

The first thing when I need to buy a gift is to check out Noel Gifts. The convenience and assured quality of Noel makes them a natural preferred choice for me. I like the fact that I can have a wide variety to choose from, enable me to order online instantly, and have the gift delivered straight to my mum’s doorstep!”

Edmund Tay
http://edunloaded.com/

“My mum has a sweet tooth, thus I would like to send her a this lovely set of flowers, tea and honey so she can have Hi-Tea in the comfort of her house. Honey is a great supplement for her too, so I believe she will love this surprise and put it to good use.”

Organic Honey Sweet Tea Time
(JBA12)
Find out more here

The post Noel Gifts appeared first on Digital Influenza.

This month, i was invited to be the incumbent feature for KissJane Editor’s Choice. I was surprised at their choice of choosing me to front this, as i’m not a blogger nor a fashion model! LOL… But after hearing their idea of having a new segment to showcase special hand picks by fashionable individuals in their own field, I felt really honoured! KissJane shares the same belief as i do - Fashion is for everyone and STYLE is about individualism. Being a fashion fanatic & shopaholic, i would not say no to this then. =p

Black is not boring

Tadaa! Sharing with you on my first favourite… This Houndstooth Polyester Crop Top (Black) with emboss prints caught my eyes instantly. It reminds me of a bomber jacket, but a lighter & more stylish option! It is versatile for mix & match to bring out the style & look which you desire, from cool rock to casual sexy.

KissJane Houndstooth Polyester Crop Top

Crop Tops are obviously cropped and sit slightly above the belly button. Some of us may not be too comfortable wearing them. Don’t let your confidence bring you down. Crop tops are comfortable & flattering if you match your bottom well. Similar to what i’m wearing in the photo, you can pair it with a short tight skirt to balance the long sleeved top, or high waisted pants/ midi skirt if your crop top is short or sleeveless.

Perfect for Friday Dinner Date

This crop top comes in interesting graphics too. Choose from Zippy, Catty, and Houndstooth Top in Black, White. My hand picked collection is exclusive at KissJane.com at a special flat rate of $28.00 SGD. Limited pieces only so grab your favourite design now!

Zippy Print Crop Top

Catty Print Crop Top

White Crop Top

Catty Print Crop Top by KissJane – $28.00 SGD
Zippy Print Crop Top by KissJane – $28.00 SGD

My second piece is a chiffon waist peplum top. I believe most of you already have enough peplum tops, but this is unique! I have chosen something that is more adventurous with a chiffon semi translucent peplum instead, which gives a slight see-through effect around the waist. I like this clever design of “cropped” & peplum both rolled into one, and the elegant hourglass flaunt it gives to the body. Paired with skinny trousers which is in trend now, it is totally flattering for someone short like me (160). Makes me look more curvy & taller! =p

The top is sweet, pretty & light. Love it for my casual fridays to feel good as i hang out in the cafe over a coffee, looking at passer-bys and daydreaming of new ideas.

Top comes in light blue and white

This is available in light blue and milky white, also priced at flat $28.00. KissJane will take about 2-4 days with free local postage. They have international shipping as well, so shop to your heart’s content at their online store.

The third piece i want to share today is a casual top which is such a dear, with adorable detailing of embroidered little girl pattern. A light weight & comfortable blouse, this is perfect to pull over on a Sunday family day out with the kids! With 3 active toddlers in tow, you can image the amount of big movements i must be prepared with, thus my attire must be able to accommodate that, without making me look like a sloppy auntie. =p

Nadia, KissJane Team, showing how the blouse can be worn

For a casual look, you can pair this blouse with a denim mini skirt or jeans. For a work look, pair it with executive skirt or trousers, complete with a nice pair of dangling earrings.

The little girl prints got to me!

This is only Part 1 of my feature writeup. In our first collaboration, KissJane & i will working on 15 designs. Will share more with you soon!

Follow them and enjoy affordable fashion, as they offer a wide range of designs & styles from different popular blogshop brands. Look out for many more super cool local women who will be featured on KissJane.com. You will be spoilt for choice! We never will have enough clothes, do we? =)

I hope you do also love these gorgeous wear which I have selected for you. This collection is now available in limited pieces, at a never before special flat rate of $28 on kissjane.com!

Grab your favourite now! See you there!

XOXO,

RachPassion

The post Mummy knows best – Part 1 appeared first on Digital Influenza.

Unlike most tourist posts about Bangkok, this short excerpt is just about one place that most reviewers have either missed out on or not been to. We happened to chance upon it during one of the random conversation with locals.

Click to get the app on your mobile

Getting There. If you have WIFI, getting there will be a breeze. We stayed in Amari WaterGate and JJ Green is about 6km away on google map. We used GRAB TAXI APP and just pumped in the road name “Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd”. Two great things about GRAB TAXI. One is the astonishing number of taxis that are using it. The second is that they are expected to switch on their meter so there is absolutely no hassle at the end of the trip. The ride took less than 15 mins to reach there and the service fee is 25BHT. Brilliant.

When to go. We were there on a Saturday night so the place was blooming with locals, mostly tertiary or young working couples. We were told JJ Green opens from Thursday – Sunday and the probable best time to go is in the late evening till late. At the gate of JJ Green, we were greeted by many cars taking part in Car Boot Sale and it almost felt that we were in a Gypsy Market. A very unique and different kind of feel you get from your normal Bangkok city buzz.

 * A point to note is that it is really walkable from the famous Chatuchak Market. If you have the appetite and the stamina, you might want to visit the day market and walk down for a chill beer at JJGreen.

What we did & loved about the place. We probably been to Bangkok no less than 10 times over the last 5 years, JJ Green was like a refreshing minty gum that you just popped in your mouth. The crowd were not seen with their pradas bags and ferragamo shoes. Well dressed nevertheless, they oozed their own style with cool hats, bags & accessories. Almost everyone had a different style.  We actually felt young (again) mingling with the crowd and everyone was just really friendly and nice. No one was too eager to sell their ware which is, out of the world.

A lot of these stores are a walk down memory lane. We found one store that was selling all our favorite tikam toys for a mere 10bht. Check out the fun we had posting on Facebook on this one!

A lot of pre loved items, especially converse shoes that are going for 150bht. Other great finds were cool ornaments and vintage furniture that could find in abundance at every corner of the market.

Some of these pre loved are actually impressive new

Spidey among the rest of the M&M and other cool characters at this vintage shop

Found this spiderman and was tempted to bring it back to Singapore. It costed about S$1,000. Absolutely gem. 

What makes a great place?  Great ambience is a result of spontaneous crowd, deco & great food & drinks at great prices. JJGreen has a couple of bistros that are filled with amazing unique creative deco and acoustic bands. The menus are all in Thai but they should hardly stop you from getting what you want. After 4 bottles of beers and 4 dishes, we were merely setback by 550bht. 

Nice use of recycled materials

What they did & loved about the place. Do a search on #JJGreen, JJGreenMarket and you will see great photos posted by locals and tourist all over the world. Post your comments if you have other great photos to share. In short, we had a great time at JJGreen & will strongly recommend a visit if you are going Bangkok anytime soon. go visit JJGreen before it turns into another tourist attraction.

Below are the 6 favorite Instagram pictures we found. 

The post If you have not been here, you have not been to Bangkok appeared first on Digital Influenza.

There are something about a curve that just fascinate a man and envy a women alike. Everyone appreciates a beautiful posture on their body as it oozes silent confidence and sexual appeal. Today, we are so fascinated with heavy advertisement on weight loss program that we often forget there is a natural beauty within all of us. We can still look sexy and appealing with our natural S Curve.

The S CURVE. What is it? 

Image Credit to eveningdresses2012.com

Image credit to www.posh24.com/

Being curvy has been an obsession since the 19th Century

How many of us are guilty of this?

Sadly, most of us have lost our S Curve due to the way we address ourselves during work and leisure. With prolonged hours of bad posture at work and mobile device usage at home (who’s not guilty of this!), a bad posture has evolved over time. As a result, we often complain of pain and look sluggish.

What better way to put this. How many of us are guilty of these posture at work and at the comfort of our home…

How to regain your S CURVE – Good Posture

There is no 2 ways about it. Good posture is the best policy to retain or regain your S Curve. If you feel your sluggishness is not helping you on your posture, it’s time to set it right!

1. The expensive way? – Chiropractic Technique. 

There has been an increase in chiropractic practices in Singapore and many parts of this region. This alternative treatment use hand on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to proper align body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine. Although the treatment has proven successful to many, it is a costly option (per session can cost a hundred dollars) and may take 2 – 3 months before results are shown.

2. The tough way? - Reducing total body fats & muscle toning 

Getting your S Curve means you will may have to reduce total body fat and improve muscle tone in the thighs, hips, back and abdominal muscles. That means work out! Go out there and get your gym membership to work those muscles, it’s definitely a great way and even if you don’t get back your S CURVE, you would definitely feel a mile better than just being the couch slouch. According to WikiHow, these are the exercise you could make use of.

3. The way? A beautiful posture begins with the way you sit. 

Recently, we came across a product that was designed with a focus on the knowledge and technique used to align the body through chiropractic medicine. It believes that beautiful body line is maintained by proper alignment and maintaining of your sitting posture.

What we loved about this product from Japan (MTG) was the fact it snuggles fitly and naturally creates a beautiful posture immediately. We believe by virtue you could stylish fit it on your office chair, the body will soon remember the S CURVE it once had!

MTG Singapore Chiro Support System

Working on your Lower Back Area, Buttocks & Thighs

 
The product is not just another senseless product or an imitation of sorts from your cheap sites, MTG is famous for its innovative products in Japan and the product aroused from a thorough research of chiropractic techniques and the human body.

The lower back support is meant to emulate the hands of a chiropractor which supports the lost S-Curve of your backbone.
The design of the curved seat helps tip the body forward by supporting your pelvis to maintain a natural and beautiful posture. It also wraps your thighs on both side to proven your body from leaning.

For $120 SGD, we think it’s worth a great deal. (Free delivery when purchased online) and is a perfect companion for workaholics like us who spends easily 4-5 hours on our chair every day.

The product can be found in MTG’s online store and its retail distribution in Singapore. In fact, MTG Singapore has many other interesting beauty products that complement a healthy lifestyle, and encourage beauty, the natural way. Look out for their Facebook in Singapore here too.

Evoke a posture that your body will not forget

The post Attract your man with your natural S Curve appeared first on Digital Influenza.