Best Acar Recipe!

My mum raves about my auntie's acar recipe. And now her son-in-law has put it up!


http://unclephilipsg.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-mother-in-laws-nonya-acar-recipe.html

And while you're at Uncle Phil's blog, check out his other posts. He himself is a really good cook, so it's worth checking out his various recipes as well!

Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park

"Bunga Rampai" is given as souvenirs to guests at traditional Malay weddings in Singapore. To make "bunga rampai", "sireh" (betel) leaves are filled with finely shredded "pandan" (Pandanus amaryllifolius) leaves, fragrant flowers (for example, "cempaka" flowers), and sprinkled with rosewater. These souvenirs symbolise wishes of beauty and well-being to the newlyweds. (Picture taken during walking visit around the Spice Garden organised by Fort Canning Park.)


I wrote a few weeks ago about a walk around the Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park, where participants had the opportunity to find out about some of the plants, herbs and spices used in traditional Malay cuisine. I enjoyed the Spice Garden so much that I thought it deserved a more complete write-up:
The-Spice-Garden-at-Fort-Canning-Park

Spa Infinity at Far East Shopping Centre (Singapore)

My friend gave me a great treat recently -- a session at Spa Infinity (this spa is in a building next to Wheelock Place) - since she got hold of a very good trial package. Imagine, $15 + GST per person for use of spa facilities, a 30-minute massage session, and some light snacks at their cafe. Good value, and though they do try to sell you additional items when you get there (we were asked if we were interested in using special essential oils blends for our massage, for an extra amount of money, of course), they're polite and pleasant even if you say no.

The spa opened its doors about half a year ago, so no signs of wear and tear in the facilities yet:
- separate locker room facilities for men and women. I of course didn't go into the male locker room, but I assume it's the same as the one for women, with a glass-walled steam bath, a jacuzzi hot pool, showers, toilets, changing booths, lockers.
- a cafe where they serve light snacks and drinks.
- a lounge with comfortable sofa seating and television area to relax in; also serves as a place where you can wait in comfort till you're called for your treatment.
- treatment rooms.

Verdict: This place is worth checking out. Relaxing ambience, above-average massage service, and with the economic downturn, you may just be able to get yourself a value-for-money package. What I also like: they use a credit point system, so even if you initially signed up for a package of massage sessions, you have the flexibility of using your points for a variety of other services (facials, hair removal, pedicure, manicure, etc.).

What wasn't so hot: The hot pool was too hot the day we went, but we were assured that they would monitor the water temperature more carefully in the future. And note that the cafeteria menu is basic, and the food is also average.

Prices start from $75 for a 45-minute massage. If you're game to sign up for a package, the price per session could go down quite considerably.

Tips:
(1) When choosing a spa, look at spas at locations most convenient to you (no point stressing yourself out getting there each time you want to de-stress!); and ask or watch out for trial packages.
(2) If you find yourself satisfied with your trial, don't be afraid to negotiate a package suited to your needs:
- you may want to ask for a smaller trial package, so that you can try a few more times to see if the services are consistently good, and if the spa really suits you.
- ask for better prices, and more extras.
(3) If there's something you don't want to make use of, do speak up. They may adjust the price accordingly, For example, at Spa Infinity, it may suit you better to opt for a package without the free-flow cafeteria food option.

Istana Open House, May 1 2009

The Istana (official residence of the President of Singapore) grounds are worth a visit. Lovely trees, flowers, and well-kept lawns make the Istana grounds a very relaxing day out for groups of friends or for families. My friends and I went last year, and loved exploring the grounds.

There's another open house is just a couple of days away, on Friday 1 May 2009.

Opening hours: 8.30 am - 6.00 pm
Admission to grounds is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Others pay $1 per person.

For more on the Open House (and other dates this year), check out the official Istana website:

http://www.istana.gov.sg/IstanaGrounds/OpenHouse/index.htm

Avocado Beauty Tip

So you've cut up the avocado to make your favourite sandwich or salad, do you throw the skin away? Don't!

Try rubbing the inside of the skin over your face and/or hands. Don't be surprised to find your skin smoother and more glowing :)

25 and 26 April 2009: Traditional Secrets to Well-Being

Last week, my friend and I ventured to Fort Canning Park for a guided walk through its Spice Gardens, and it was fascinating! They have such a wide variety of herbs and plants at the Spice Garden, with informative labels which explains more about the uses of the plant.

This coming weekend, there's another related workshop that's well worth going to, I think. A workshop where they will demonstrate some of the concoctions traditionally used by Malays to attain better health.

Traditional Secrets to Well-Being

Date & Time:
Saturday 25 Apr 09 (12.45pm) OR
Sunday 26 Apr 09 (1.30pm)

Venue:
Blackbox Theatre & Spice Garden, Fort Canning Park

Fee: Adults $5; Senior citizens and Students $2

For registration and more information,
email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg
or call 63321200/ 63321302

*Participants are advised to be dressed comfortably and to note that there will be a fair amount of walking

More details at:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=30649

A couple of interesting FREE NParks Events on 18 April 2009

D.I.Y Vertical Garden
Date: Saturday 18 Apr 09
Time: 3 pm – 4pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room

For more information and registration:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=28417


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Jemput! Rediscovering Plants in Malay Cuisine & Culture.

Date: Saturday 18 Apr 09
Time: 4pm (lasts approximately 1.5 hours)
Venue: Fort Canning Park

For more information and registration:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=28557