Category: Uniquely Singapore

Finding The Perfect Perfume Is Tough, So I Crafted My Own At This Workshop

It’s kind of crazy how certain scents can instantly evoke memories you’d completely forgotten about.

The smell of warm chocolate cookies can transport you to that night you slept underneath the Christmas tree because your dad told you Santa and his reindeers will show up. Sunscreen and coconut oil can remind you of sunny days in Bali. And Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin cologne might make you recall your ex-boyfriend’s….mom?

There is a plethora of brands out there offering fragrances but the downside is there’s always the chance you may end up wearing the same scent as someone else–especially if you wear a classic fragrance like Chanel No. 5.

This is where Oo La Lab comes in. Established in 2016, this fragrance lab allows you to customise your fragrance with a mixologist to come up with your ideal perfume – from picking all the notes to choosing a name.

Craft Your Own Scent

You’ll smell it before you see Oo La Lab’s workshop, their counters are lined with bottles of essential oils and perfumes. Located in Delta House, Oo La Lab lets you customise your own fragrance in a 60-minute perfume making session ($88/pax, $176/two pax).

Starting with a quick theory lesson on the Oo Fragrance Table which has a total of 25 core scent and 2 complex scent available, we set out to start our perfume making process.

The first step required us to take a whiff of every scent and narrow down our favourite ones. The scents were split up to 3 different categories (bottom, middle, top notes).

Now, if you’re like me and you suffer from the butter finger syndrome, you’ll find yourself fumbling with the glass beakers, funnels and the bottles.

Please don’t break anything. Please don’t break anything. PLEASE don’t break anything.

The entire set up felt like a complete throwback to chemistry lessons in secondary school. All that’s left was a lab coat, goggles and gloves to complete my look.

While I was halfway through smelling the different scents, I started getting a little giddy or perhaps high from all the different smells. The lab also carries “edible” scents such as Vanilla and Gourmande which honestly got my tummy rumbling. The aromas were so sweet that I was almost tempted to taste them. They also carry a limited edition synthetic scent called “Chocolate” which will remind you of a chocolate fondue.

From Fresh and Floral notes to deeper Oriental and Wood fragrances, I had a tough time picking out the scents that would fit my personality.

Once I’ve decided on my scents, it was time to do the math.

I was allowed a total of 20 drops for each round (there are 2 rounds), which must include 10 drops of bottom and 10 drops of middle and top notes (5 from middle, 5 from top).

Here’s the slightly tedious part: Mark down the scents that you want to combine and decide how many drops of each scent will go into your trial mixture.

This requires quite a bit of trial and error because you don’t want to leave the workshop smelling like a Funfetti Cake or the Amazon Rainforest.

Now here’s where you get to feel like a chemist.

Based on your prior selection, it was time to translate 20 drops into 20ml which is the amount needed to fill your perfume bottles! This step was important because an extra drop might change the entire formula of your perfume.

The mixture in the bottle will then be iodised and topped up with alcohol, before being professionally sealed with a spray nozzle and cap. To make it even more personalised, you can name your perfume.

Once that’s done, you’ll receive your 20ml eau de parfum packaged nicely in plastic wrappers with a card indicating your mixture so you can re-order on the website if you ever run out!

If you’re ever looking at doing something out of the ordinary in Singapore, this workshop is perfect for a date or even as a birthday gift. You’d be surprised to find out how everyone’s preferences are so different. Who knows, you might just be able to recreate a perfume you love.

Oo La Lab
Address: The Lab, ​DELTA HOUSE #02-04 2 Alexandra Road 159919 Singapore
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $88/pax
Book your workshop here
Website

Also Read I Paid $400 To Make My Own Watch From Scratch – And It Was Totally Worth The Price Tag

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Want To Feel Like You’re In Mission Impossible? You Can Now Abseil Off A HDB Block

What if we tell you that you could abseil off a block of HDB flats safely and without breaking any laws?

Don’t believe? Come, we show you.

https://www.facebook.com/PAFrenz/videos/10156256711493766/

Abseiling In The Heartlands

Abseiling off a block of HDB flats is a real thing in Singapore. Gone were those days where bungee jumping and bar top dancing weren’t allowed in Singapore as authorities, who for years have kept a tight rein on fun, show gradual signs of loosening up.

Not for the faint hearted, this newfangled activity is organised by the abseiling interest group at West Coast CC Youth Club.

They folks at West Coast CC Youth Club are bringing abseiling to the residents instead of you coming to them. The abseiling activities are held every second Sunday of the month. Best part, you get to abseil off a different HDB block every month.

If you’re thinking, “Siao ah?!”

This activity is completely safe and fun for all ages. If you’re deathly afraid of heights, rest assured that you’ll be in the safe hands of professionals.

If you’re looking forward to some butt-clenching excitement, all you have to do is sign up and all equipments will be provided by the West Coast CC Youth Club themselves.

Who knows, you might just overcome your fear of heights after attending their abseiling sessions! Keep a look out on their Facebook page for their next event.

Urban Abseiling By West Coast CC Youth Club
When: Every Second Sunday of the month
Sign up: 
Facebook

Also Read Get Boozy With Fellow Singaporeans While Watching NDP Live At The Projector

(Header Image Source: West Coast CC Youth Club)

Is Everything Really Better With Chilli? We Tried Krispy Kreme’s New Chilli Donuts And Found Out

Krispy Kreme Singapore has unveiled 2 new flavours in their range of donuts, for National Day.

Introducing the White Chocolate Chilli Donut and the Caramel Chilli Donut.

While it’s new in Singapore, it’s not the first time Krispy Kreme has released chilli-flavoured donuts. Back in April, Krispy Kreme Malaysia released Caramel Chilli Donut as an April Fool’s joke.

However, the question here is, “is EVERYTHING really better with chilli?”

So, we bought and tried it.

Chilli On Donuts

The donuts might seem intimidating for those of you who cannot handle your spice, but they’re actually quite decent.

The White Chocolate Chilli Donut ($2.95) is basically a standard white chocolate donut with dried chilli flakes (like the ones you get at Pizza Hut).

We can barely taste the chilli, though the warmth of the spice does show up in the aftertaste.

The Caramel Chilli Donut ($2.95) was less sweet, compared to the White Chocolate variant, and had a stronger chilli taste.

Of the 2 chilli flavours, White Chocolate Chilli was the crowd favourite.

These 2 chilli donuts are available from now till 31 August 2018 at all Krispy Kreme outlets islandwide.

There’s another SG Donut ($3.30) that’s also a National Day special.

It’s a dense custard donut with frosting on the top. It tastes good and they’re very generous with the custard. However, it is quite saccharine after a few bites.

All in all, these new flavours aren’t as bad as we thought they’d be. But if you’re intent on trying the chilli ones, go for the White Chocolate Chilli.

Turns out, most things are really better with chilli, donuts included. Just maybe not caramel.

Find your nearest Krispy Kreme outlet Aqua S Brings Their Famous Sea Salt Soft Serve To S’pore This Aug, And It Looks Like A Dream!

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

When You’re Broke But Still Want To Shop – Here Are 6 Of Our Favourite Thrift Shops In S’pore

Thanks to Macklemore, thrift shops got a boost in publicity and popularity.

I used to avoid thrift shop because I never understood why anyone would want to buy pre-owned items. After all, the thrill of shopping comes from obtaining new stuff.

But after I went to my first thrift store, my eyes are now open to the wonders of thrift shopping. It’s the same feeling as opening a blind packaged item. You never know what you’re going to find and it’s thrilling.

So here’re some of my favourite thrift shops around Singapore so you can have your very own thrift shop moment.

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

1. Shop@REDCROSS

The Red Cross Foundation has their very own thrift shops that you can visit at the Red Cross House or at the Red Cross Campsite.

With a wide range of pre-loved items, you can even find collectibles and electronic devices such as e-scooters, Samsung phones, and iPad Pro amongst other things!

If both of the outlets are out of the way or if your schedule doesn’t coincide with their opening hours, you can also find them on Carousell.

Red Cross Training Campsite
Address: 62 Jalan Khairuddin (Opera Estate), Singapore 457524
Opening Hours: Fri: 10.30am – 3.30pm

Red Cross House
Address: 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
Opening Hours: Wed: 11am – 4pm
Website

2. Song & Song

Song & Song doesn’t exist. On the Internet, that is. They’re completely offline and the truth is, they don’t really need to be on social media.

Song & Song sells clothing for as low as $5.

Most of the clothes here are brandless, though if you spend enough time searching, you might find some gems from certain brands. These are usually rejected pieces due to slight defects that are usually negligible.

They even have baby clothes!

From coats and vests to tops and workout clothing, Song & Song is a fun place to trawl if you’re on a budget.

Song & Song
Address: Find your nearest outlet here

3. MINDS Shop

The Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) organisation runs 4 thrift shops across the island.

Each thrift shop carries a range of carefully-selected apparel, furniture, house wares, and other collectibles.

The items are affordable and value-for-money. And don’t worry, the inventory is constantly updated.

With a bit of time, who knows what you’ll find?

MINDS Shop
Address: Find your nearest store 4. Praisehaven Mega Family Store

From books and electronics to art pieces, antiques and even wedding dresses, the Praisehaven Mega Family Store is basically a department store for pre-loved items.

Anyone down for some thrift shopping?

Praisehaven Mega Family Store
Address: 500 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678106
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 6pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 9pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6349 5312
Website

5. New2U Thrift Shop

New2U Thrift Shop opened during the millennium selling pre-loved clothing, accessories, household goods, decorative ornaments, books and more.

You might even find branded goods at New2U! The best part? The prices start from as low as a dollar.

And they even have promotions! Every Tuesday is Student Half Price day and all items (except books, toys and jewellery) will go for half price on the last 2 working days of every month.

Do check their Instagram page for regular updates on upcoming promotions!

New2U Thrift Shop
Address: 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 2.30pm, Sat – Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6837 0611
Website

6. Something Old, Something New

Something Old, Something New thrift shop started back in 1997, founded by 2 volunteers at the Singapore Anglican Community Services, Ms Anna Tsang and Ms Felicia Teo.

You can find a ton of apparel, from clothes, shoes and bags and many more.

If you’re lucky, you might even find some items from brands like adidas.

They also hold flea markets every now and then so keep checking their Facebook page to stay up-to-date!

Something Old, Something New
Address: Find your nearest outlet Also read Carouselland Is Back With Over 400 Popular Sellers, Entrepreneurship Talks, And An IG Photography Trail

(Header Image Source: Something Old, Something New and Red Shield Industries)

Takagi Ramen Now Offers Delivery For Under $10 A Bowl: But Is Dabao-ed Ramen Any Good?

When you’ve worked for more than a year in Tai Seng, lunch options quickly run out and nothing seems more appealing for lunch than a nap.

But today, the office decided to order in. We were sick of fast food options so we decided to get ourselves some ramen.

Enter Takagi Ramen.

https://www.facebook.com/TakagiRamenShop/videos/10160524102020317/

They’ve recently started offering islandwide delivery for their ramen, which is great news because Tai Seng is a ghost town and the queues at Takagi Ramen outlets are always long.

I managed to find 6 other like-minded colleagues who thought ramen makes for great comfort food on a rainy day.

Send Nood(le)s

Unlike food delivery services, what you find on the menu at Takagi Ramen outlets, is what you’ll find on their delivery menu as well.

And the thing about Takagi Ramen is that it’s really affordable, with their base ramen all below $10. You can check out their full delivery menu here.

We ordered a Miso Ramen, a Mazemen, a Takagi Ramen, 2 Karaka Ramen, and 2 Black Tonkotsu Ramen. The total came up to $63.60 with a delivery fee of $20.

The delivery fee wasn’t explicitly stated on their delivery site, so it was a bit of a shock. They do have free delivery for orders above $100 though.

Good luck trying to scrounge up enough orders to hit $100 with such affordable prices.

Ramen Reviews

Our ramen arrived in neat little tubs that resembled upsized ice cream tubs. Also, Takagi Ramen switched to this current all-paper, 100% biodegradable packaging since last year so, kudos to them.

They may seem small but they’re really not. Here’s a hand for comparison.

If you’re wondering why some orders have a ramen egg, it’s an add-on for $1.50 per egg.

Here’s a closer look at the different ramen.

What you’re looking at is the signature Takagi Ramen ($7.90), which is their most basic and standard ramen.

The tonkotsu broth here is surprisingly light, and not too rich, making it easier to finish. We’ve had broth that’s too rich and by the time we finish the noodles, more than half the soup remains. The noodles were clumped together even when it was placed into the broth.

We had to microwave the tub so the noodles would split. Thankfully, the taste remained the same.

This was by far the crowd favourite out of all the orders.

Verdict: 4/5

Up next is the Miso Ramen ($8.50).

The Miso Ramen didn’t fare as well as the Takagi Ramen. It’s pretty normal, with a light broth. If you prefer lighter broths for your ramen, then you might like this.

But the miso flavour wasn’t very prominent and we would prefer it to be a little stronger.

Verdict: 2.5/5

For the spice lovers, there’s the Karaka Ramen ($8.50).

The Karaka Ramen is great because the spice doesn’t overpower the tonkotsu broth, so you can still the underlying broth.

And it’s not too spicy either, so it’s great for those of you who like to add shichimi (chilli powder) to your ramen.

Verdict: 3/5

Next is the only dry ramen order we had – the Mazemen ($7.90).

The dry ramen is served with sweet corn, roasted nori strips, scallions, and sweet ginger-braised pulled pork.

While it sounds good, the flavours did not really translate properly, and the rest of ramen came across as a little bland. The only real flavour came from the ginger-braised pulled pork, and even that was relatively mild.

If you’re looking for something extremely light on the palate, get this.

Verdict: 2.5/5

Now, for my order, the Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.90).

The Black Tonkotsu Ramen comes with slow-roasted black garlic-infused tonkotsu broth and comes with menma (bamboo shoots) and black fungus strips for added crunch.

I like ramen with black garlic oil and it’s my usual order at my go-to ramen restaurants. So I decided to give this one a try.

Right off the bat, the noodles were surprisingly springy even after I microwaved it. The black garlic-infused broth wasn’t too salty, which is good for me I guess, though I personally prefer stronger flavour.

I felt that there wasn’t enough black garlic oil, so an option to ask for more black garlic oil would be good.

The lean chashu was a little tough, which is to be expected since it’s been left out of the broth for quite a while.

It wasn’t as shiok as other Black Tonkotsu ramen I’ve had, but it still does the job. Plus it’s affordable, so that’s a plus point.

Verdict: 3/5

Overall Verdict

Takagi Ramen markets themselves as “Ramen For The Average Singaporean”, and they stay true to that motto.

Their ramen, while it’s nothing to shout about, does its job and is incredibly affordable. Plus, now that they deliver islandwide, getting your hands on a comforting bowl of ramen is much easier than before.

But if you’re going for quality, you might fare better if you visit any of their outlets. After all, ramen was never meant to be a takeaway dish.

Also 8 Hawker Food Haunts That Are Tried, Tasted, And Recommended By True Blue S’poreans

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Sip But Don’t Spill – Enjoy Blends From Local And International Brands At Singapore Tea Festival 2018

For all you tea lovers out there, I suggest you take a sip of that chamomile for your nerves and grab on to something because we’ve got news.

Following its popularity when it debuted last year, the Singapore Tea Festival is back for its 2nd edition this coming 21 to 23 September 2018!

Tea Bazaar By teapasar

Organised by teapasar, the Singapore Tea Festival 2018 will be held at the ION Orchard’s Basement 4.

For those of you wondering, teapasar is the first global marketplace that features both local and international tea brands, and even rare teas direct from tea farms. Talk about exclusivity.

This year’s Singapore Tea Festival will be bigger than before, with 28 tea and tea-related brands all under one roof!

A Fes-Tea-val For Everyone

You can find single-origin tea merchants in the Timeless Classics section.

With vendors such as Tea Chapter, experts of the art of Chinese Tea and Chinese Tea appreciation, and Parchmen Academy, a school dedicated to the art of tea appreciation.

The Modern Blends section will feature Singapore’s own local tea brands. You can expect to find unique tea blends inspired by local flavours, such as Durian Tea from SUCRE, and Nyonya Kaya tea from The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.

You can also get your hands on Botanically Cold Brewed Sparkling Teas from Gryphon Tea and even 100% compostable tea pods from A.muse Projects, that are compatible with Nespresso machines!

For those of you with more sophisticated tastebuds, the International Flavours section has got you covered with selections from Matchaya, Ito En, and Bali Organic Tea.

To go along with your tea purchases, you can also get tea-related items at the Lifestyle section, such as tea illustrations from Troops On Print and handcrafted ceramics from &Natural and Euphoramics!

If you love your tea as much as we do here at DiscoverSG, then you should head down to the Singapore Tea Festival 2018, happening from 21 to 23 September 2018!

Singapore Tea Festival 2018
Venue: ION Orchard Basement 4 Atrium, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Date: 21 – 23 Sep 2018
Website

Also read Carouselland Is Back With Over 500 Popular Sellers, Entrepreneurship Talks, And An IG Photography Trail

(Header Image Source: Singapore Tea Festival)