Once in awhile, I get contacted to give personal reviews on products. This time, it was for Neutrogena’s new line of Hydro Boost skincare products. These products are great for those who suffer damaging effects of air-conditioning, late nights and harsh sun exposure, all resulting to dry damaged skin. Yes, yes and yes! That’s me!

So what’s my beauty regime? Almost non-existent one. I would wash my face with facial foam or scrub in the shower, and maybe if I bothered to in the morning, I’d slap on a bit of moisturiser. That’s it!

If my mum read this, she’d be shaking her head disapprovingly. You see, my mum has managed to “preserve” herself really well by taking care of her skin. And she would preach her ways during countless dinner table conversations, but I’m just too lazy to do it!

She says the most important is sunblock, especially when I’m out in the sun cycling.

Was given some beauty products to try recently from Neutrogena. So since I had it there in front of me, why not just give it a shot. Here’s how I felt about each product.

Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser Facial Foam – Love the dispenser. When you dispense the wash, the soap comes out all foamy and light. Not so great with make-up removal. It washes the face, but somehow my face doesn’t feel clean. It leaves a layer of something… oils? which I presume helps to keep the skin hydrated.

Hydro Boost Clear Lotion – I guess it’s a bit like a toner. But not like those alcohol astringent.

Hydro Boost Water Gel (Recommended) – This is probably my favourite out of all the products. Moisturiser applies easily and doesn’t feel thick or cloggy. It’s absorbed into the skin quickly and leaves a silk like texture on face. I’ve been using this before my make-up and it blends well without separating or reacting with the other products.

Hydro Boost Essence – Popularity of “essence” really came from SKII essense. It says that it restores three times the skin’s moisture level within one hour. This is great for your night time regime.

Hydro Boost Mask – Clinically proven to boost skin moisture level 14 times! Great for those nights when you just want to pamper yourself, wear your mask and watch some tele.

Price is very competitive. Recommended retail prices of these products range from S$13.50 to S$31.50. And the best part, it’s available at all major personal stores and pharmacies.

So if you’re a no-fuss girl like me, and hasn’t really done much skincare research, this is probably a good start.

Opening of Candylicious at Resorts World Singapore, Sentosa in September 2010.

With 5000 kinds of sweets and chocolates to choose from it’s every kid’s candy dream and every parent’s nightmare! Imagine the sugar high after effects.

By recommendation from Jie Jie.

Great ‘pick me up song’ for today! Hur hur hur punny….

Watched this movie about 3 weeks ago. Just felt like a rom-com to cheer me up abit, and of course it did anything but.

I guess it’s hard to see people deliriously happy and in love when you yourself have fallen hard OUT of love, and that was a couple of years ago? How time flies. Fairytale endings are like it is, fairytales. It’s funny how friends and family thought I was the one getting hitched first, and now, I’m seeing everyone else tie the knot and have babies.

This has been the ‘top played’ song on my playlist for weeks… you’ll love it.

We’ve all been go-karting before, but have you ever thought of joining a team? With the F1 fever hot on our tails, lots of kids and adults are getting into the action. One local team which have been doing really well in the racing circuit is Drakar Racing Team. It was really nice of them to invite me to give it a go recently at their home track at Kartright Speedway in Jurong.

I’m one who loves the adrenalin rush from sports, and this was an opportunity I could not pass.

Jon, who is part of the Drakar racing team gave me a quick run down on what a normal weekend meet up would be like and the race circuit they take part in. I had no idea a community existed nor did I know there was a racing circuit locally and with neighbouring countries. If you were ever going to be a serious race driver, you’d always start with karting.

About the Drakar Racing Team
Founded by entrepreneurs Jonathan Tay, Raymond Low and Edwin Seah, Drakar Racing Team was set up with the purpose of allowing Singaporeans a chance to race in go-karts and grooming potential local talents. Started by Singaporeans for Singaporeans, Drakar Racing was set up last year and has 12 drivers on the team now – the youngest being nine-year-old Jordan Tay and the oldest driver being Rick Chiam who is in his 50s. Serving as a platform for drivers to race, they will be managed properly, including sourcing of sponsorships and data analysis to improve racing techniques.

This thrill ain’t cheap, but I guess everyone has their passion. Mountain bikers can easily spend 3k on a bike, and $90+ a month on service and parts.

Full Equipped Kart (new) – S$10,000 – S$15,000
Race Wear & Helmet – S$1500
New Tyres (per set of 4) – S$300
Basic Engine Rebuild – S$300
Kart Storage (per month) – S$150
Transport (per outing) – S$120 (with petrol and kart preparation)
Track Fee – S$60

BUT, having said that, items above can be bought in the marketplace 2nd hand. So if you’re really keen on the hobby, don’t be discouraged. Perhaps try fun karting first and speak to the Drakar Team.

I got introduced to Nasir aka Opai, who is one of, if not THE top kart driver in Singapore. For safety reasons, was required to wear a racing suit, so he kindly lent me his.

Lovin the race suit look.

Nasir gave me the lo-down on track rules and safety and before you know it I was on my way.

With every loop, I got a bit more confident and a bit more daring. But there was one hairpin turn which I was cautioned about and slowed down substantially for.

After the first 5 rounds around the circuit, you start to realise why F1 drivers have to be extremely physically fit. My arms were really getting a work out from all the steering and by the end of 15mins or driving, I was dripping with sweat! Didn’t help that I was driving in mid afternoon heat.

I’ve always enjoyed go-karting. Got my advance card in Perth while I was there, it just meant you were allowed to drive the faster karts. But Jon’s go-kart was crazy fast! Small tap on the throttle and you lunge forward. fun! Here’s a short video compilation of that afternoon.

Here’s a Drakar Racing Team video I found on YouTube on a recent Endurance race in Singapore.

Karting in Singapore

To find out more about the Drakar Racing Team, racer profiles, racing circuit and how to join them, visit their website at: www.drakarracing.com/

New shoes have come my way and I’m really excited to blog about this pair. It’s ANOTHER PURPLE PAIR OF PUMPS! Adidas unveils this bright and energetic range for fall/winter 2010.

Funny how purple seems to be popping into my life a lot as of late. Or maybe it’s just a natural inclination. Laws of attraction. Not just any purple, but more towards the fuchsia colour palate.

Going to show you two shoes under the Adidas Fluid range, the one pictured in this post is the Adidas Fluid Trainer light.

First impressions
Design and Colours: The shoe comes in 8 colour combinations for the female version and 7 for the guy’s model. The one that really stood out for me was the purple one.

Material: I love the mesh material at the front and sides, it makes the shoe smaller and a lot cooler!

Function: sole with deep grooves means I get a better grip. And midsole flexibility makes it comfortable to walk with. And what I love most about the shoe is the multi-functionality. It may not be a half-marathon running shoe, but it’s good for the gym, dance and casual attire. Which means essentially I can just wear one shoe on gym days!

Price: The Fluid Trainer Light retails at S$119 which is pretty affordable for a dual purpose shoe.

Final verdict: I guess one word to sum it up is flexibility in terms of shoe design, technology as well as usage! To be honest, one side of the shoe was giving me heel blisters at first. But after the second time, it was okay. I think it needed to be worn in a bit. I especially think it’s a freakin fantastic shoe for travelling! I’m definitely taking this for my next holiday!

The collection is available at adidas Sport Performance stores, the adidas online store, leading e-retailers and selected sports retailers all around the world.

I like to pair it with my jeans rolled up 3/4, purple nail polish, and a purple top. Here are some en route shots to date.

By the way… Haven’t blog about it yet, but my hair is purple too! Muahahaha

Attended Dex & Pat’s wedding dinner at the Shang earlier this year. Didn’t get a chance to take a picture with the beautiful couple. Plus me and Ja were in a rush to get to the Sundown Marathon as well.

Was a beautiful wedding filled with so much love. Loved the proposal video which was played during dinner.

Bride and groom also came in the ballroom in the second half of the night in a harley!

Wish I had more photos of the evening, but camera battery died. Fail.

Congratulations Dex & Pat. Or should I say now Dex & Pat+1

I was given a pair of vouchers for my birthday last year to attend a morning gourmet session at-Sunrice Academy Fort Canning, and hadn’t redeemed until recently. There were different cuisines to choose from on different dates.

But the only cuisine which I was interested in was Thai food. Mumsy and Jie jie couldn’t make it, and Danli was busy that weekend. The next best person I thought of was a friend who was part thai and likes to cook! (My sister nicknamed him “PartPad-thai” hur hur hur)

We rocked up to the 10mins late, and the class was already mid-way through the first demonstration. We quickly wore our aprons and sat ourselves down.

The first two dishes were just Chef demonstrations:
- Deep-friend Fishcake Served with Sweet & Sour Cucumber Sauce (Thod Man Plaa)
- Thai Shrimp Paste Dip (Naam Prik Kapi)

The next 3 dishes were hands on demonstrations. First dish we prepared was the Steamed Banana Pudding (Khanom Kluay). We had to start on dessert first because it will be placed in the steamer while we ate our mains.

The second hands-on dish was a Stir-fried Chicken with Holy Basil (Phad Ka-prow Gai). Those who have worked me with me at ICON and Convertium would know I absolutely love the Basil Chicken at Senat Thai store at Maxwell Food Centre. Without doubt, the best Holy Basil chicken in Singapore!

I remembered Dougie saying his mum picked him some Holy Basil to take home to Singapore, so this dish was came at a good time for him too!

I was quite surprised at how simple it was to cook this dish. I reckon we did pretty well in terms of plating and presentation. Chef did say it was a bit salty (what we didn’t mention was the mix up in quantities of the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Ooops!)

Last dish that morning was the Savoury Chicken Soup in Coconut Milk (Tom Khaa Gai). This was also fairly easy to prepare and extremely tasty. We got props for this dish from Chef, with praise that the heat and sourness is just the way he would have prepared it. It tasted rather like a green curry, but less heavy.

At the end of all that cooking, we took our dishes to the veranda outside where we ate our food for lunch with Chef and the other students.

Minus the rain, the morning gourmet sessions was really enjoyable. I love trying out new recipes, and if I had the opportunity to do cooking sessions again, without a doubt, YES! And these recipes I just learnt? I’m definitely cooking this up for my next house dinner party with friends. Who’s in!

If you’d like to spend a morning learning a new cuisine, check out their website at www.at-sunrice.com for more details.

*I didn’t post the ingredients and instructions on the blog because it was just far too lengthy. But if you’d like a copy, email me at contactATangelaleowgrayDOTcom and I’ll send you a copy by email.

Already set my eyes on the next rom-com. Easy A starring my fav Penn badgley. yummy.

…he makes a mess with this dinner.

Love how he says “肮脏!” and “Oh no!”

Really dislike anything with no legs or more than 4 legs. This lil fella made me jump and scream in Perth while I was tendering to my herb pots on the balcony. Can’t deal with it…

That’s why I don’t like butterfly farms. Where there are butterflies, there are CATERPILLARS!!

Urgh, reminds me of leeches and how they’d reach out to try cling on to you.

Brunch today with Mumsy, Jie Jie, Kevin and Jules at Picotin, where Jules shared with us his 1st 3-syllable word. Not sure why he likes that place, because apparently all he ever eats there is bread and juice.

Was a lovely way to start the day. Spent the time rambling on about bad renovations,baby names and feeding the rabbits.

Baked this cake some time in May, and shared the photos on Facebook. Lots of friends loved the photos, and I assure you it tasted as good as it looks.

I’ve heard a lot about Red Velvet cake. But it seems very much like an American favourite, we don’t hear much about it here in Asia. It’s only recently starting to surface in cupcake shops. I wonder why it’s not popular, because it tastes heavenly. I know why… maybe it’s because there is a ridonkulous amount of red food colouring in it, I won’t be surprised if your entire oesophagus, stomach and intestines are lined red after eating it.

I got this recipe from Martha Stewart’s website, so credit goes all there.

Montclair Martha’s Red Velvet Cake
Makes one 8-inch cake

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted, plus more for pans
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 one-ounce bottles liquid red food coloring
• 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, and butter again. Dust with flour, and tap out the excess; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa, and baking powder; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, food coloring, and water; beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until well combined. Add reserved dry ingredients in additions, alternating with the buttermilk; beat on low speed until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, stir together baking soda and vinegar; add to batter. Beat on medium speed for 10 seconds. Be sure not to over beat. Divide batter between prepared pans, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pans from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool.

Cream Cheese frosting
Makes 2 cups

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 (8-ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese, and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in walnuts.

Final Touches

1. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level (I just trimmed 1 top, so the other was still round).
2. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round, and spread about 1/3 of the frosting over top.
3. Place the second layer on top, and spread with the remaining frosting over the tops and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill until ready to serve.

The cakes were amazing, just check out that rich red colour when it was cut open. For those who have never tried it before? It tastes a bit like a chocolate cake with the cream cheese frosting from a carrot cake.

Had it for afternoon tea with the family on the patio with a hot cup of English breakfast tea. They loved it. Probably won’t love it so much after I tell them they might be pooping a rainbow.

♪♬ She’s all kinds of awesomeness, lovin’ the vibe. ♬♪

Don’t try to hide it, I see you tapping your feet and bobbing your head to the choon!

Am reviewing the NEW Reebok ZigTech shoes which claims to reduce wear and tear in key leg muscles.

When I first picked up the shoes, first thoughts were “Wow, I’m loving the colour!”. I’m quite tired of the usual white runners with small highlights of colours. I was ready for something unusual. The second thought was, “Mel would love these purple shoes!”. True enough when I tweeted about it, Mel was the first few to @reply.

Reebok has been bubbling under other major sport shoe brands, and I sometimes wonder if it’s really because of the quality or just brand perception. I’m quite brand loyal, but it’s good to see what’s out there too.

The Shoe:

So these ZigTech shoes are Reebok’s most advance running and training show to date. It’s designed to “conserve and return energy back to the runner”. .

The unique zig-zag shaped sole absorbs the impact of heel strike. The technology results in up to 20% less wear and tear on key leg muscles, shins and hamstrings

I’m a perfect candidate for shoe tests and reviews, because I currently have 2 bad knees. With Chondromalacia patella and Tendonitis caused by either over-pronation of the feet and impact sports like running. So I’m always on the look out for shoes that support my arches or in this case reduces impact on the knees.

Verdict:

To be honest, I was unconvinced. Again, perception. If it’s not a adidas, Nike or Asics, it can’t be good for me right? Well…I’ve been wearing it to the gym lately and skeptical as I was at first, it seemed pretty good on my knees so far. The only thing that I would have liked is more support for my arches.

But it’s definitely got a 10/10 in the looks department. I like the combination of the faux leather and polkadots on the shoe. It’s a multi-purpose shoe for gym, court or track, so not just a running shoe.

Been loving the splashes of colours I’ve been adding to my wardrobe lately, and this shoe has been a great addition.

Regular retail price: S$149
Available at Stadium, Royal Sporting House stores, Sports Station and selected authorised dealers.

Did a little Googling to find some additional multimedia on the shoe.

ZigTech microsite <– microsite is pretty cool I must say. Wasn’t expecting it to be so interactive and fun! Try the game