[GIVEAWAY] Smoothie King @ Centrepoint

Sponsored + giveaway

Updates: 

The giveaway is now closed as all 10 vouchers are fully redeemed! :) 

Thank you for your participation! :) 

In line with my recent consideration of doing fitness blog posts, I was coincidentally invited to the launch of Smoothie King, located right at the entrance of Centrepoint. Just in case you are wondering where Centrepoint is, it's directly opposite Orchard Central at Somerset MRT station. If I'm not wrong, Smoothie King has successfully claimed the store location of Haagan daz. Awesome change it is, to have a health-conscious store replacing a fats-inducing one. 

Just a little more about the concept of this healthy store:

Smoothie King smoothies are custom-blended with all natural ingredients, including real fruits and juices, making them a nutritious and convenient alternative to fast food! This is the FIRST outlet of Smoothie King in Singapore despite their history of about 40 years in New Orleans and other countries. The genuine originator of all healthy smoothies was Steve Kahnau who set up his first health food store in 1973 and sold the brand franchise with the vision of educating the public about health and nutrition.

Now, my opinion: :D

I'm sure all of us have noticed that I've been growing fatter :/ and that people around us are eating "better" food which are oilier and more unhealthy too. People conveniently use the excuse of their laziness to cook and prepare healthy food and succumb to fast food in restaurants that are just a stone's throw away from one's house. I am definitely guilty of that. Ironically, I'm also someone who would put aside some time to exercise and watch my diet and weight especially during post-exam periods/term breaks. The conception of Smoothie King is definitely an awesome news that I would rejoice about. You will find out why if you keep reading. ;D

OH YEA, DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST AND TAKE PART IN THE VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY! :) I'M GIVING AWAY 10 DISCOUNT VOUCHERS TO 10 QUICKEST FRIENDS AND READERS WHO RT MY TWEET OR SHARE MY BLOGPOST ON FB/TWITTER. Very easy to win one. You gotta thank me for influencing you to eat and drink healthy at a discounted price. :p

The organizer of the pre-launch event was quite wise to place a mascot of Smoothie King right at the entrance to attract passers-by's attention and especially for the blogger-attendees to camwhore with. Poor guy inside, I wonder if it feels claustrophobic within the mascot. 

Snacks and dried bites found at the counter, tempting for any buyer to pick 1 or 2 energy bars or healthy snacks to ration for work or tv time with the loved ones on the couch. ;) You always have a choice to choose what snacks to indulge in.

Personally, I think the price is pretty reasonable, knowing that the healthy bites from other brands can be as pricey as 8-9 bucks. $4 for a recealable packet of nut mix. 

Havent tried the protein bars before, but they do look yummy from their packaging. These protein bars are not only appetising, you can simply consume them to replace a proper meal. Best way to consume them is of course to go with their signature smoothie. ;) 

Supplements found at the drinks blending section. If you're keen to add a spoonful of these supplements into your drink, you can request for it at the cashier counter with a small additional cost. :)

Amiable stuff flashing their contagious smiles at us. :)

Neatly dressed up angmoh lady mixing the appetizer dish for us - SALAD.

CEO of Smoothie King, Asia's branch, is a Korean gentleman, Mr Wan Kim. 

His speech to us was filled with sincerity and he made his intention clear about Smoothie King's expansion across Asia. Yay to healthier living among Asians!

First up, we were served with Strawberry Xtreme which contains a mix of fresh strawbie and papaya juice. 

I don't taste the papaya at all actually, but i'm sure all strawbie lovers will love it! Very fruity and slightly sourish cos of the strong strawbie taste. Surge of youth will rush back to you at the first mouthful. K la, not so kua zhang. hahaha.

Next up, we had the Citrus Walnut Salad. 

Simple appetizer with healthy greens and its fusion of the refreshing sour citrus fruit bit and satisfying walnut crunch definitely made it a perfect starter. This is not the actual serving of course. Just a sample plate per pax during the event. 

Who can resist wraps?! I love wraps, both by my boyfriend's arms and the food itself! :p

Presenting to you the Tomatoes and Mozzarella taco wrap. ;)

Guess you can easily tell from its colour what flavour this cup is ya!

Yeap, it's Mango Festival! :D

I love the strong burst of chilled and fresh mango flavour that overwhelms the taste buds from this drink! It's one of the best sellers in America! :)

Taking a break from food, the model-like angmoh lady took the chance to introduce to us the drinks with we had consumed. The calories were soooooo little as compared to eating fast food!! 

WRAP AGAIN! ;D Favourite and filling Grilled Teriyaki Chicken breast wrap. 

Juicy and savory chicken breast wrapped with lettuce and onions, soaked with the fragrant teriyaki sauce. Definitely a contented meal with you pair it with an .....

Angel food! 

Yups, it's the correct picture even though it's a beverage not a food per se. 

This heavenly smoothie is a perfect mix of 2 of my favourite fruits, namely strawberry and banana! 

The texture of the drink is creamy but not too extreme. There's a stronger banana taste in it though, but the mild sour tinge of strawberry adds lightness to the wholesome fruity and healthy sensation. It's almost indescribable :p so you gotta try it if you happen to feel tired from all the shopping at Orchard road. 

The last drink served was the high protein almond smoothie. 

I am sure guys who gym a great deal and are on the mission to bulk up would prefer this drink since it's loaded with protein supplement. Unfortunately, i'm not very attracted to the taste of protein powder, so it's a no from me. I've a sweet tooth ma.... 

Towards the end of the informative food tasting session, there was a lucky draw to pick a blogger who would get to enjoy a 20-pax party at Smoothie King fully sponsored. 

Unfortunately, she wasn't any of us at our table. 

BUT, we are still lucky ladies cos I made friends with another blogger Justine (and the mascot of course) and managed to catch up with  fellow bloggers I met at the Genting trip and Bintan trip such as Stephanie, Mindy and Jaslin. :D The dine-in area is pretty conducive for a teabreak chitchat or for tired shoppers to sit around to enjoy a guilt-free snack or smoothie. :) 

FYI, I HAVE SECRETLY (NOT SO) KEPT SOME COUPONS FOR MYSELF TO HEAD BACK THERE TO TRY THE OTHER SMOOTHIE FLAVOURS! So hoping that they would open up a few more stores in the West! 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Fastest fingers first! 

I'll be mailing 10 Smoothie King vouchers to the 1st 10 fastest fingers who

 RT my tweet 

OR 

share this post on Facebook and tag @ZiweiSandy 

OR 

share this post on twitter and tag @ZiweiSandy

(only limited to Singapore addressees)

This Smoothie King voucher would entitle you a 1-for-1 promotion whereby

you get another free awesome healthy smoothie if you purchase one cup of smoothie. :)

In other words, YOU and your shopping buddy/gym mate/honey/sweetheart 

get a Smoothie drink each at half price! Good deal must share, esp healthy ones ;)

No deadlne to this giveaway. The first 10 to pledge interest by sharing will definitely get it indisciminate of your race, language, gender, religion or sexual orientation. <3 

WINNERS will be contacted via twitter or facebook. 

(Remember to tag me @Ziweisandy if not I wouldn't know if you've shared)

Some camwhore action before I end off! :D

I shall repeat: Simply RT or share on fb and tag @ziweisandy or share on twitter and tag @ziweisandy to win the 1-for-1 vouchers! Will either pass it to you if you're my personal friend or mail it to your residence and become friends. :p WAY TO HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WHOOSH!!

Remember to like my Fb page too :D

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[Show review] Incanto @ RWS

Show review

Hello. It's the first time I'm blogging with my iPad using the app Blogsy.

I bought this app since months ago, but didn't bother to use it cos I don't like typing on the screen.

But anyway, I'm going to review about my first magic show in Singapore (since i'm free now and it's worth blogging about :)). In fact, my first illusionist show was in Genting many many years ago sponsored by my aunt. This time round, Leo' mummy paid for both of our tickets and she was so excited that she reserved seats from the forth row from the front. Lol.

I never really had any special craze for magics and all. But, I do always wonder if I could figure out the tricks behind the magic, so of course I was extremely anticipating it, especially with the awesome view at the front row. :)

Having said that, the magic show was held at Resorts World Sentosa, Festive Grand.

Eh, personally I think that the theatre is quite small as compared to the one at MBS. Yet, it does not compromise on the stage setup and backdrop presentation of the show. I swear when Leo and I walked into the corridor outside the theatre, we felt like VIPs immediately with the grand maroon carpeting, dim lights and high ceilings. Can't wait till I have the purchasing power to buy RWS or MBS show tickets at the frequency of buying movie tickets. O.O

The prologue of the show was introduced by the Jester, a clown who didn't speak a single word and couldn't stop making funny noises as a form of communication with the audience. He successfully broke the ice between the audience and the performers by engaging the participation of some lucky/unlucky members of the audience. To be frank, I wasn't keen at all to be picked by the clown and illusionist for any of the tricks as i was wearing a bandage skirt. Would be unglam if i zhaogeng right. Thank god most of the chosen ones were males. Well, Leo's mum got lucky that night though. ;) Given her personality, her immediate reaction was a clear and loud OH MY GOD and magician didn't give her anymore time to react any further by just pulling her gently straight onto the stage. This definitely made Leo and my experience of the magic show even more enjoyable and memorable. HAHA.

The show consists of 3 to 4 main characters and 50 over other performers. 

Joe Labero, a three-time recipient of the Merlin Award whose shows have reached worldwide audiences of more than 100 million, had the limelight among the rest as he was the relatively least fictional character, the Sorcerer (and he's a magician). He performed ALL the tricks that I had never expected myself to witness live in Singapore. Magic such as appearing in a supposed empty transparent container from within thin air, disappearing from the stage and appearing from behind the audience seats, as well as suspending himself and his female partner 10 metres from the ground against gravity took my breath away as they were performed right before my very eyes. Watching one of the top 5 magicians in the world is definitely a privilege. :)

The Asian lady in red was the only female lead throughout and she took the role of the Seeker who did the lead singing in the musical-and-dance style. Oon Shu An's voice is so low and powerful and i can tell that her techniques are really firm and stable. Best of all, she could dance and sing at the same time. What I researched about her is that she's actually a Singaporean, Laselle's graduate, frequent theatrical performer and a web tv host for Clicknetwork's Tried and Tested! Talent talent. 

The Dungeon Master was played by Chad O'Brien. He made his first appearance quite late in the show as he was the jealous enemy of the Sorcerer who wanted to snatch some magic tricks off the Sorcerer. Well, I'd say his job isn't easy, as he had to infect the crowd with his fearsome aura from all the growling and roaring. Even though we noticed that he wore an outer layer of "muscle vest", I could tell that his physiques are really buffed and big to pull off the intimidating look. 

The Jester was introduced earlier in this post. :) 

The Guards was made up by the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe. I respect them the most honestly as they were literally risking their lives everytime they appear on stage.

(Photo credits: http://www.alldealsasia.com)

The most impressive performance by them was the Wheel of death whereby 4 guards, without any safety lines to support, performed the spinning of the gigantic structure with only their body weight and movement momentum. You have to head down to watch this. Every single round was like a close shave for them of falling off the rapidly-spinning structure. I couldn't stop exclaiming OMG to Leonard who sat tight, jaws wide open. They seemed to have endless stunts to make their performance even more dangerous, for example blindfolding themselves and skipping on skipping ropes. I was quite relieved when this particular performance was over, but it was definitely an incredible performance that left the deepest impression of all. I mean, yes they have succeeded in trying to get such shocked responses from the audience, but personally I don't think I can take such a highly intense showcase on a regular basis. My heart cannot tank. 

(Photo credits: http://www.rwsentosablog.com)

Here's Leo's mummy and aunty Rebecca sneakily posing for a photo with the stage as backdrop.  

The X'mas tree at the forum was so pretty we couldn't resist.

Cu(te)rious boy. :3

Blur photo here with the boy. Happy with our formal look. :)

Here are the details if you're interested in watching it too. :)

Shows are performed from Thursdays to Mondays. 

Ticket prices range from $48 to $148. (Get the expensive ones for better view)

Tickets available for booking on Sistic website and outlet, Festive Grand ticketing and RWSentosa website.

Just some snippets on that day. :)

Dinner at Asian's Kitchen at Vivocity. Might do up a review if i'm free. 

Toastbox for supper. No review cos food sucked. 

Shiny pointy shoe of the proud boy and my first Pedro nude heels. Love it cos it's extremely stable and doesn't leave my feet with blisters after an entire day. 

Ootd:

 

Golden-black bling peplum top from Cotton On

Bandage skirt from Forever 21

Apricot handbag from Rubi

Nude bandage heels from Pedro. 

Thanks for reading! :) 

Give me a hit on the like button for my fb page if you find this review useful! 

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[Food review] Saveur @ Purvis Street

[Food review]

Hello! I'm back with another food review.
Recently, my life is tooo awesome. And tiring. 

Enjoyed the most memorable staycation at MBS with the Reelity Showdown girls, met some of my Powerpsych girls up for multicoloured xlb to celebrate Siyi aunty's birthday, watched an illusionist show at RWS (Festive hotel) for the first time, attended a smoothie store launch at CentrePoint and was shortlisted to go for a Swarovski workshop with Xiaxue. :) Recently, I've just been too lazy and busy to update because of the hectic rushing and traveling from places to places. Of course, I had been exercising between 2-4 times a week and just kickstarted my first 2013 tuition all over again. In the midst of figuring out how to get a life. ;)

Anyway, let me start proper. :)

It was during the reading week period in Nov when I got recommendation from Sikai, my freshie about this casual and economical restaurant that sells French cuisine and FOIE GRAS!!!! Actually, it's quite heartwarming to know that the owners of Saveur are young Singapore entrepreneurs and their concept is to provide top quality French cuisine at an affordable price to cater to the preference of Singaporeans. You know, Sg'eans are more often than not quite cheapo, but would still go for good food. So, I'm fully supportive of such food and beverage businesses! :D I bet it's every Singaporeans' wish that our favourite dishes could be pocket-friendly and so yummilicious at the same time. 

Before I forget, expect to see a long queue outside the restaurant if you're heading over during peak meal hours. What the receptionist do is he/she will issue a queue number and ring you up as soon as a table is ready. :) Something like billiard/pool room and karaoke places. Leonard and I waited for about 20min. Quite draggy, but the wait was worth it. :)

My date: Dora the explorer :3 

(Note the hair) 

OMG!!! I'M SO EXCITED TO WRITE ABOUT WHAT'S BELOW! <3 FOOOOOODDDDDD!!!

First up, the appetizers: FOIE GRAS 

Pan-seared duck liver served with apple-infused port wine and vanilla bean ($9.90 w/o GST)

I love this over the one below because it's oilier and way more sinful. Slightly crispy on the top outer coat + an extremely heavenly full flavour bursting from within. 

Pan-seared duck liver served with creamy lentils and pickled pearl onion ($7.90 w/o GST)

The taste is milder and the pearl onions makes it slightly more refreshing than the above. But i think all foie gras rock! I would love to share both of them with me, myself and I. 2 dishes as appetizers i also don't mind. 

MAIN COURSE

Angel hair pasta with tiger prawns and lumpfish caviar ($6.90 w/o GST)

I am really unsure how they do it. Every strand of angel hair is firmly entwined with one another, all evenly soaked with the savory seasoning. Juicy tiger prawns and OMG the caviar goes so well with the pasta! It's a pretty puny portion, about the right serving for a lady's main course probably. Leo and i shared it, as well as the next main course. 

Duck confit with orange segment and saute shitake ($9.90 w/o GST)

Crispy-cracker duck skin wrapped round a fatty juicy layer with a whole tender duck leg meat underneath. The duck confit sits gently on top of the buttery mashed potatoes with some delightful sweet-sourish orange slices and tasty shitake mushrooms decorating the circumference of the quacky dish. Best of all, it's only freaking $9.90!!!

DESSERT 

Chocolate & Hazelnut ($7.90 w/o GST)

So, what is the first thought that came to your mind when you see the pics of the dessert above? 

Leo confessed, "S**t". I've never encountered a dessert that could make me stop and stare in wonder for a relatively long period of time. This special one isn't presented at the core of the serving dish, but at the side of the plate. Rich chocolate mousse sprinkled and covered with rice puff crisps and sweet cranberry bits. Erected right in the centre is an innocent-looking piece of chocolate. It kinda surprised me when i bit into it because the milk chocolate has got crushed hazelnut bits mixed within it!! 

Ok, here's a new system I'm introducing into food reviews. :p

Overall, my rating for it: 

Food 8.5/10

Ambience 6.5/10

Service 7/10 

Total 73.33%

5 Purvis Street

Talib Court #01-04

Singapore 188584

6333 3121

Ending off with Dora and i! :D

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[Food review] Bai Mi Fen @ Sembawang

Food review

I bet I have got many friends who reside along the North-South line (Red line) of Sg! I stay in Jurong and have always been deprived of the awesome food in the other areas of Singapore. Would love to take part in the next food hunt organized by NUS next year! Anyway, a few weeks ago, the Reelity Showdown girls met up for dinner and KTV and Amanda recommended that we try this foodie place called 白米粉, Bai Mi Fen (Translated as White Beehoon) located at Sembawang. Of course I was elated because it's such a rare opportunity to come across famous, cheap and tasty food in a coffee shop setting. Omnomnommmm.. :3

How to get there: 

Take a shuttle bus from Yishun MRT station to Sembawang Shopping Centre. Cross the road at the traffic light. Turn right and walk into the lane called Jalan Tampang. Head straight ahead and you'll see a huge signboard that says Bai Mi Fen on the right side of the road! :)

The girls and I reached the eatery at about 8-9pm for late dinner. With the warning given in advance by Amanda, we expected and encountered a queue which we waited in for about 20min. In fact, the queue was just right beside the dining tables where the already seated down diners enjoyed their meals while we stared at their satisfied faces and food, drooling. Well, it wasn't so bad actually, cos we utilized that waiting time to decide for ourselves what we should order. 

So first up, we got the Iced Jelly Lime juice for our drinks. There's a fusion of sweet and sour taste amidst the chilled jelly. Initially, I thought it's a dessert which should be served last after the meal, but no, you can actually enjoy the refreshing mocktail-like drink together with your main course. ONLY $2! :) Quite worth it for a homemade dessert-drink.

This is the legendary BAI MI FEN with a generous serving of seafood (cuttlefish, squid, prawns), eggs and vegetable!!! You got to finish this dish while it's still warm before all the savoury gravy gets all absorbed up by the beehoon. In our opinion, the beehoon tastes just slightly above average upon our first mouthful. But, it gets more and more yummy the more you feed yourself. The texture of it is very springy and even though the dish is flooded with gravy, the beehoon itself doesn't taste too soggy or disgusting for consumption. The gravy simply acted as the seasoning for the beehoon and doesn't get all sticky on them. Of course, if your preference is inclined towards watery beehoon, you can always scoop the gravy up and eat it with the beehoon on a spoon. How awesome is that! 

Omelette with sausage - 

Slightly oily and sinful but I LOVE IT cos it was freshly served and slightly crispy to the perfect extent. :3

Lala -  

Spicy dish which I didn't really take a lot but I could tell that the clams were quite fresh. :)

Kangkong -

Morning glory is like the universal all-time favourite vegetable dish. All of us agreed in unison that we should order it as our veg course. We felt that the stalks were just slightly a little bit too tough because coincidentally all of us are more used to having the veg cooked to perfect sogginess. 

Chicken wings - 

Crispy of course!!

Best part of it all! Less than $10 per person for a very filling and sumptuous meal! :D

Besides all the abovementioned which we ordered, other recommended dishes are the prawn fritters, ngo hiang and calamari. If you've gone there before and have better recommendation, don't mind leave me a comment and let me know which are your favourite dishes? I'd love to bring my bf there one day. :)

Just some happy pictures to make your day and mine! ^^

22 Jalan Lampang,

Singapore 758966

(Opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre)

Tel: 98434699

Opening hours: Daily (except Wed) 11.30am to 10.30pm 

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