O'Sulloc Jeju Island Green Tea Chocolate Bar

Just looking at all these items in O'Sulloc shop and the Tea House menu makes me want to be there! Even though I don't fancy going back to Jeju as I have been there in 2009, but I still hope to visit O'Sulloc somehow.

The Green Tea Chocolate Bar is pretty good, the mixture of the green tea and chocolate blend makes it such an enjoyable dessert.

Where To Purchase : Amazon |  Shopee

Bokumjari Earl Grey Milk Spread

Feliz Green Tea Spread

O'Sulloc Jeju Green Tea

O'sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread ( Shopee )

O'sulloc Green Tea Langue De Chat ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Green tea Wafer Cubes ( Shopee ) 

O'Sulloc Matcha Powder Green Tea ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Premium Matcha Powder ( Shopee )

Chateraise Japanese Sponge Cake Matcha

Chateraise, a popular patisserie from the Yamanashi prefecture, Japan, has been expanding rapidly in Singapore with stores opening in prominent areas one after another. Their prices are kept reasonable, considering that they are flown directly from Japan. Other than cakes which are a hit with the masses, their ice-creams are also pretty popular with the OLs ( office ladies ) working nearby.

The Japanese Matcha Sponge Cake caught my eye so into my basket, it goes. Still have so many snacks in the store for me to try. :P

The packaging looks great and polished. Open up to reveal a very simple looking sponge cake with the green to remind you that its matcha. Being a matchaholic, I will prefer the matcha taste to be stronger and bitter, however this simple matcha sponge cake is still a delight during a tea break.


Some alternatives from Amazon
100% Pure Matcha Green Tea Powder
Matcha Azuki Green tea Castella Cake
Japanese Mochi Rice Cake

Matcha Swiss Roll at The Plain Jane

After hearing much hype about their swiss rolls online, I decided to try the Matcha Swiss Roll at The Plain Jane for myself. Unfortunately, it did not sit too well with my taste buds. It is decent but not WOW for me.

The matcha swiss roll has a soft and fluffy texture but not as moist as I expected. Its matcha flavour is more to the milky side than to the matcha bitterness taste preferred.

At $5.90 and located in a neighbourhood area, I thought the prices can be kept slightly lower to cater to the neighbourhood folks.

Matcha + Houjicha Soft Serve at Tsujiri Singapore

It is always difficult to reject a soft serve, especially when it comes with 2 of my favourite flavours.
The matcha flavour is pretty subtle while the houjicha is much better and is my preferred choice.

SHUU ( Choux Puffs ) By Koki Tamagoyaki

So in love with the matcha choux puffs, priced at $4.30.

The exterior has a crumbly texture, but it was soft when I had it the following day as breakfast. It probably may be crispy if I had it on the same day though. 

I am definitely impressed with the overflowing Gyomuyo Maccha filling enveloped within a thin layer of croquant that its so satisfying with each bite. There is a slight bitterness to the smooth creamy custard and is perfect the way I like it. 

DIY Corsage

Swirl, a vintage-inspired shop in Singapore, have shared on how to DIY fabric corsages.

Its also ideal to get your scraps of material to do this corsage.

What is exactly a corsage?

It is a single flower or several small flowers, worn pinned.

A corsage is generally worn on the left side, just under the shoulder. It should be pinned with the stem down, the same way it would be planted in the ground.

I was crazy on corsages some time back because I thought it was just so pretty to add colour to an oh-so-boring top but everywhere I look, the corsages seems almost similar everywhere or even overpriced. I did eventually buy some to jazz up my outfit or a bag though but from Bangkok. The same piece was way overpriced in Singapore.

It can be worn at the shoulder, over the shoulder, in the hair, on the wrist, at the waist, hem line, on a hat, or even on an evening bag. Etiquette indicates that no matter how it is worn, it is most always worn on the left side.

Here are some ideas

(1) Paper Corsage

(2) DIY Fabric Corsage

Easy DIY Ways To Reuse and Upcycle Your Empty Perfume Bottles

Binning those pretty perfume bottles seem like such a waste when they can be upcycle to be something more useful. Put on your creativity cap and lets get going!

1. Keep old perfume bottles for decoration

• Stuff your bottle with glitter to make it a desktop-worthy decoration. Achieve the effect through glitter, glue and water as shown by Pinterest user Anina Tardif-Douglin. Hmm, that kinda reminded me of the DIY Christmas snow globe which I have done 4 years ago. 
• Floral perfume bottle is another alternative. Just insert fake flowers and gold flakes as shown here. 
• How about using it as a mini flower bud vase and placing it on your office table, with just hot glue gun and fake flowers? Check out the pretty illustration here and here.

2. DIY Reed Diffuser

• Awww..how brilliant! You can topped off with fragrance refills or create your own using a blend of essential oils mixed in sweet almond oil. Get your inspiration from here

Source : Bureka

REUSE YOUR CHRISTMAS GREETING CARDS

1) Christmas Tags - Cut those pretty pictures from your old greeting cards and recycled them into gift tags.Write your wishes on them and tag it to your Christmas gifts

2) Make new greeting cards out of the old ones - Cut the picture or scene from a used greeting card. Glue the picture onto the front of the folded piece of construction paper and write a verse inside.

3) Make a great bookmark - Cut a strip from the posterboard or thin cardboard and glue the picture from an old Christmas card onto the strip. Write a Christmas message on your strip.

4) Use it as a postcard - Cut the front picture off the used greeting card and use it as a postcard. Draw a line down the blank back, write a message on the left-hand side, and address it on the right-hand side.

5) Christmas Card Wreath - For this project you will need an embroidery hoop, a glue gun with glue sticks and at least a dozen Christmas cards. Cut the backs off the Christmas cards and lay out the cards on the embroidery hoop in a fan pattern, circling all around the hoop. Once you have found a design that you like, glue them to the embroidery hoop. Glue gun a small piece of ribbon on the back of the hoop as a hook to hang the wreath.

6) Coasters - You will need some plain wooden coasters, decoupage glue for outdoor projects and foam brushes. Cut your Christmas cards to show the designs and patterns you like the best, measuring so they fit on the coasters. Glue them down using the decoupage glue, with the foam brushes. The outdoor decoupage glue is stronger and will help protect it from liquid.

7) Christmas Tree Ornaments - You will need white glue, scissors, hole punch and ribbon. Match Christmas cards up so you have pairs of cards that you like. Decide on a shape to cut them in - stars, hearts or even just leaving them as rectangles. Glue the cards together and allow the glue to set. Once the glue has set, cut the desired shape. Punch a hole at the top of the ornament and put a ribbon through to hang it on the tree.

REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE AT THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Reduce :

Purchase things with less packaging.
Bring a shopping bag while shopping instead of requesting for plastic or paper bags.
Use cloth instead of paper tissue for cleaning.
Minimise the use of disposable items such as disposable crockery, non-rechargeable batteries etc.
Switch off lights and electronic appliances when not in use.
Close the refrigerator door immediately after taking out necessary food, fruits or drinks etc.
Use the fan instead of air-conditioning if possible.
Turn off the water tap promptly.
Use a tumbler of water when you brush your teeth.

Reuse :

Use unwanted plastic bags to bag garbage.
Use old clothing as rags for cleaning.
Convert scrap paper into memo pads.
Pass old textbooks, story books, and toys to others.
Pass smaller size but good quality clothing to others.
Donate good quality but unwanted items to old folks' homes, charitable organisations etc.

Recycle :

Participate in recycling programme/s and deposit recyclable items into designated recycling bins.
Purchase recycled products.

Market O Real Brownie Matcha

Hailing from Korea, this box of Market O Real Brownie Matcha is totally addictive and very good. The original version - the real brownie is already pretty good in its own rights, now with this new flavour where matcha is added, it will bring new fans.

On the back of the box, the recipe is written as What Flour, 2.5% Matcha and 14% Pure Milk Chocolate Chunk. This brownie with matcha flavour is crumbly in texture and with a subtle matcha taste, however you can't really compare it to a real intense brownie because it isn't really so.

You can check out the calories information on My Fitness Pal.

Get your Market O Real Brownie Matcha fix here or try the Real Brownie.
If you are not a matcha fan like me, try their bestselling Market O Real Chocolate Brownie here.
 

Check out other varieties on Amazon 

Sheila G's Brownie Brittle Snack

Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies

Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa

Want to know more about matcha snacks around the world? Then subscribe to MatchaMusings for Free – you can subscribe in 2 ways : 

1) Matcha Musings RSS feed

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Lotte Choco Pie Green Tea

Lotte Choco Pie Green Tea is a limited edition flavour, released as part of the Lotte's 30th anniversary celebrations. Consisting of chocolate exterior, green tea sponge cake and a marshmallow filling, the big size snack is just perfect for that rumbling tummy during tea-break.

While it doesn't have a distinct matcha flavour, it is a nice distraction from the usual choco pies. Knowing that I am a matcha fan, my dear hubby has gotten a box from the Lotte Mart in Beijing.

Where to get them?
Lotte Choco Pie Green Tea
Orion Choco Pie Green Tea Matcha Latte 
Bestselling Orion Choco Pie with Marshmallow Cream
Matcha Sweets in 5

Want to know more about matcha snacks around the world? Then subscribe to MatchaMusings for Free – you can subscribe in 2 ways : 

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O'sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread

I received a bottle of O'sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread from my aunt after her Korea vacation. My initial impression wasn't that great as I found it to be too sweet for my liking but I soon adjusted to its taste and rather enjoyed it on my bread in the morning.

Being a matcha lover and having a matcha spread on my bread can be one of the perks in the mornings, just before I start my day.

The texture is smooth and creamy but the sweetness overpowered the matcha taste although it is still pretty nice, just not a perfect one for the matchaholics.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee
O'sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread ( Shopee )

O'sulloc Green Tea Langue De Chat ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Green tea Wafer Cubes ( Shopee ) 

O'Sulloc Matcha Powder Green Tea ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Premium Matcha Powder ( Shopee )

Haagen Dazs Green Tea Ice Cream

Haagen Dazs uses high quality matcha grown in the hills of Kagoshima prefecture to make their popular Haagen Dazs Green Tea Ice Cream.

I am also pretty happy that there are only 5 ingredients used in this green tea flavour, however, the green tea powder is just 1% which is pretty little. 

A simple matcha ice-cream with a hint of the bitter matcha taste. It fits my taste buds very well and I like it! 

Want to know more about matcha snacks around the world? Then subscribe to MatchaMusings for Free – you can subscribe in 2 ways : 

1) Matcha Musings RSS feed

2) Bloglovin

Innocent Defendant

Park Jung-woo is a prosecutor at Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. One day, he wakes up and finds himself a convict on death row. Suffering from temporary amnesia, Jung-woo has no idea what transpired to land him in prison. He struggles to recover his memory and clear his name.

For someone who is into mystery and thrillers when it comes to books, I have never come across a drama as exciting as Innocent Defendant. Adrenaline pumps through my blood whenever I am watching it. The show simply surpassed all my expectations beautifully with well-executed takes. 

Ji Sung puts in a stellar performance as the male lead, who lost his memories while fighting to get his charges off. Every action and gesture is executed perfectly, from his original sunny deposition who used to have everything to the haggard guy with a steel focus to bring the killer to justice. 
Battling his wits against the evil lead, Um Ki Joon, ( who also portrays as 2 leads with convincing evil-ness that you can't wait to banish him to the end of the world ) Innocent Defendant is a gripping thriller which puts me at the edge of my seat with a nail-bitting syndrome as I secretly root behind Ji Sung in front of the television screen.  

Every episode brings one more clue and one more step nearer to the truth.Who to believe? What is the truth? A good show makes one look forward to the next episode and this is what Innocent Defendant does best. 

Also loves Shin Rin Ah as Ji Sung's daughter who looks so sweet with her innocent smile ( simply melts my heart ), although at times I do find it amusing as to why she don't really ask questions when Kim Ming Seok as Lee Sung Gyu moves and changes house so frequently, while bringing her around. 

The friendly banter between the prison cell mates is yet another fun factor that was brought in to lighten the whole story. 

Innocent Defendant is a drama which will stays in my heart like a lover. Hoping Jo Young Kwang and Choi Su Jin will team up again for yet another drama with the same level of anticipation. A must-watch, don't miss it!

Purchase the DVD here. You will not regret watching this show!

Legend Of The Blue Sea

Inspired by a classic Joseon legend from Korea's first collection of unofficial historical tales, about a fisherman who capture and kidnapped a mermaid, this drama tells the love story between the son of a Joseon noble family named Kim Dam-ryeong (Lee Min-ho) and a mermaid he named Se-hwa (Jun Ji-hyun).When Dam-ryeong was a kid, he almost drowned but was saved by a mermaid. Following the incident, they became friends and Dam-ryeong named her Se-hwa, after his younger sister. They ended up falling in love, but one day Dam-ryeong was forced by his family to marry another girl. Devastated by the news, Se-hwa decides to leave Dam-ryeong forever and erased all his memories of her and their love. However, fate brings them back together and they tried to escape from humans who were going to separate them. Fearing that the same ill-fate that afflicts himself and Se-hwa will replay itself, Dam-ryeong sends an artifact to be discovered in the future to try and warn his future self.

The fates of Dam-ryeong and Se-hwa become entwined with their modern-day incarnations. Dam-ryeong was reborn as Heo Joon-jae, a charming con-artist. He meets a mermaid who looks like Se-hwa (whom he later named Shim Cheong) in Spain, and she was quickly besotted by him. Linked by dreams and mysterious artifacts, Joon-jae learns of Dam-ryeong's world and his own fate, as he tries to prevent the same tragedy from befalling.

The hottest drama to hit the TV screen in direct competition with Goblin, is The Legend Of The Blue Sea. Strangely I have 2 groups of friends - one group who rooted for Goblin and the other group rooted for The Legend Of The Blue Sea.

And well, I rooted for the latter - its just more hilarious than Goblin. I found myself to be laughing more often than when I watched Goblin. I also enjoyed it much better than Descendants of The Sun. 

Despite the show having a sinister part, the whole story is just beautiful - started off with a mysterious past from the Joseon era, to how both the leads met with hilarious results because innocent Jun Ji-hyun is a mermaid who didn't know how the world works, moving to all those sweet cutesy thoughts from her with Lee Min Ho pretending not to know and in the midst of it all, is the sinister plot by Lee Min Ho's stepmother. The ending was a quiet but happy-ever-after intimate affair. I was expecting something more but I am not complaining. 

I enjoyed every episode of the show thoroughly. A fun and bittersweet plot with a hint of sinister evil going-ons however its the lovable characters who made the story shine.  A must-watch, in my honest opinion, despite not being a Lee Min Ho's fan.

I couldn't stand Lee Min Ho in his previous dramas like City Hunter ( the perfect male lead who never die ), The Heirs ( cringe-worthy and exaggerated actions with a boring plot ), etc - it always made me feel that he's just a pretty boy included in the show to pull up the ratings but in Legend of The Blue Sea, his character was natural and very real.

Similar to other Korean dramas, Legend of The Blue Sea brings hope to the females out there. Is there The One for us, whom we can't escape even if we start our 2nd life? I love how Lee Min Ho kept a journal in memory of their love story because I am someone who enjoys "journaling" my life. Reading through them brings back sweet memories.

Presenting my favourite song from the OST

Upcycle : No Crochet Braided T-Shirt Rug

Get tips from these talented crafters...on using old T-shirts to braid into an useful rug.

Source : Sewbliss713

Source : Mypoppet

Upcycle : Sew Denim Rosette Brooch

Stumbled upon Craftpassion while I was searching for some upcycling projects.

Savaged from a denim dress

Materials:

1. Hem (Double roll type) from denim clothing.
2. Strong thread (closest color to the denim)
3. Strong needle for hand sewing
4. Brooch pin

Tools:
1. Scissors

You can refer to the website above for the full pictures.

Step 1 : Cut the seam of the sleeve. We don’t need that thick seam, you can throw away or keep it for other purpose.

Step 2 : Cut along the hem line of the sleeve. Retain the sleeve, don’t throw.

Step 3 : Roll 2 rounds on the hem to make the center of the denim rosette.

Step 4 : Make a few stitches at the bottom to secure it. Use leather scrap and pliers if you find it is difficult to push and pull the needle through.

Step 5 : To make the “petals” of the rosette, simply pull the “fold” edge of the hem down to the bottom by making a stitch on it.

Step 6 : Keep pulling and stitching to create more petals as you roll the hem. Make sure you also make some stitches to the inner round of the rosette to secure all the rollings. Loosen the gripping tension of the hem a little as the denim rosette gets bigger so that the petals at the outer layer look bigger too. Continue rolling and stitching until you reach about 1″ from the end.

Step 7 : Bend the hem end away from the denim rosette and under it, sew at the bottom.

Step 8 : To make the denim rosette into a brooch, you need 2 denim leafs and a brooch pin.

Step 9 : Draw and cut 2 leafs from the balance denim fabric of the sleeve. Overlap the leafs and sew the brooch pin on them

Step 10 : Place the leafs+pin combo on the back of the rosette, stitch them to the denim rosette. Only sew on the circumference of the leaf.

Check out another upcycling project like
- DIY Fabric Storage Box using A4 print paper boxes

Donate Your Newspapers, Towels and Blankets to SPCA

DONATE YOUR OLD NEWSPAPERS, TOWELS AND BLANKETS

When you’re done with your newspapers, towels and blankets, you usually throw them away or recycle them, right?

You could help the animals at our shelter by bringing the above items down to SPCA at 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012 and depositing them with our Reception.

Newspapers, towels and blankets are used to line the bottom of enclosures and play areas. Animals like to curl up so the towels and blankets will not only keep them warm, it will also provide them comfort.

The towels and blankets do not have to be brand new or in perfect condition. Our animals won’t mind, so long as they are clean.

Address : 50 Sungei Tengah Road

Source : SPCA

Post CNY : Donate Your Empty Red Containers

Donate Your Used Spectacles

Do you have a used pair of working spectacles around? Why not do a  good deed and donate to Third World Countries?

Singapore Medical Group (SMG) launched its Campaign Against Poor Vision in 2008. The campaign's objective is to collect used spectacles from the public to help children and adults in Third World countries achieve clearer vision. Last year, doctors and staff from SMG made a trip to Laos' Luang Prabang province to equip the people there with glasses. This month, it will make a trip to Cambodia to do the same.

To date, the healthcare service provider has helped to channel over 13,050 pairs of used glasses, valued at more than $500,000, to less fortunate people in the region. It hopes to eventually collect one million used glasses and is appealing to the public to donate their old spectacles.

All types of plastic- and metal-framed spectacles – including sunglasses – are accepted, such as those for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. All donated spectacles will be cleaned and classified according to prescription before being distributed to the needy.

Read more on Asiaone or get updates from their facebook group. 

Members of the public may donate their used spectacles at the following offices and clinics which are part of SMG:

Singapore Medical Group
290 Orchard Road #13-01 Paragon Singapore 238859

The Lasik Surgery Clinic
290 Orchard Road #13-01/06 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6836 1000

The Lasik Surgery Clinic
501 Orchard Road #04-11 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880
Tel: 6735 3000

The Dental Studio
290 Orchard Road #13-01/06 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6836 0050

Singapore Vision Centre
290 Orchard Road #13-01/06 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6836 1000

Singapore Aesthetic Centre
10 Sinaran Drive #08-12/13 Novena Medical Centre Singapore 307506
Tel: 6837 1000

The Cancer Centre
290 Orchard Road Paragon #17-05/06 Singapore 238859
Tel: 6835 1000

The Cancer Centre
3 Mt Elizabeth #07-09 Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 228510
Tel: 6835 1000

Premium Lasik Surgery Clinic
290 Orchard Road #17-03/04 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6838 1000

The Eye & Cornea Transplant Centre
290 Orchard Road #17-03/04 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6838 1000

Singapore Lipo, Body & Face Centre
10 Sinaran Drive #08-05/06 Novena Medical Center Singapore 307506
Tel: 6736 1000

Singapore Sports Orthopaedic Surgery Centre
290 Orchard Road #09-09/10 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6836 8000

The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre
290 Orchard Road #16-07/08 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6238 1000

The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place #02-06 Parkway East Medical Centre Singapore 427989
Tel: 6346 3000

Centre for Eye Surgery
501 Orchard Road #04-11 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880
Tel: 6735 3000

Centre for Joint & Cartilage Surgery
290 Orchard Road #09-09/10 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6836 8000

Centre for Spine and Scoliosis Surgery
290 Orchard Road #09-09/10 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6887 5000

SMG Orthopaedic Group
290 Orchard Road #09-09/10 Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: 6887 5000

Alternatively, Visio Optical also collects working spectacles for charity purposes. 

No Sew T-Shirt Pillow

Here's a creative yet simple way on upcycling your cushion covers without spending a dime!

Alternatively, this website explains more with pictures and text. Enjoy!