2014-04-10

Orro - The Name That Changed Diamond Simulants Forever

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 I have to say this is one of my FAVOURITE advertorials ever.

How can it not be? It's about DIAMONDS!!!

Or rather, diamond stimulants... But I don't care if a diamond is lab grown or mined somewhere - as long as it is sparkly and super shiny!!

Before I start I want to talk about how I feel about jewellery. Why is there such a huge price difference between costume jewellery and fine jewellery?

Don't get me wrong, I love costume jewellery. But they come with problems:

  • 1) I have a nickel allergy, so wearing costume jewellery earrings and rings are a problem for me. I get really itchy. Necklaces and bracelets are ok, but even so...
  • 2) They can never last, usually they rust or break easily. They cannot be worn daily.
  • 3) I can't custom make costume jewellery.


After I got my wedding ring I wear it every single day and I love it!! I don't ever take it off.

I've always wanted to buy another diamond ring to wear daily on my right hand middle finger, but I cannot bear the idea of spending $10,000 on a diamond ring (I wanted a big bling diamond of course), so this just never came into fruition. WTF seriously I can think of so many better things to spend $10,000 on.


Besides, if I spend $10,000 on a ring I'd be so afraid of losing it or damaging it that I will never wear it out! It will just sit in my safe except I don't have a safe coz I don't have a $10,000 diamond ring. Honestly, I've heard of so many people who keep their expensive engagement rings in safes all the time. It's the lamest thing ever! Why have it if you can't wear it?


I wish there was something that was actually affordable (perhaps in low thousands or below a thousand), as sparkly as a real diamond, and is long lasting and durable!

I didn't know that ORRO provides exactly that!!!



I went down to ORRO's store at Pacific Plaza for the first time and I felt like I WAS IN HEAVEN.

The whole store was full of rainbow fire facets from the hundreds if not thousands of diamond simulants displayed in delicate glass drawers.

Rings, bracelets, necklaces, ears in every design imaginable.

And best of all? Their price tags - ALL AFFORDABLE.



Check my the biggest rings at ORRO! Now I too can haz a 5 carat ring? :D


A little more about ORRO, from their website:

ORRO embodies elegance, timelessness and practical wearability. Our designs are renditions of enduring sophistication and everyday wearability while our motto is that fine jewelry should be worn, enjoyed and NOT locked up in a safe. We believe that the universal allure of fine jewelry deserves a pragmatic option - whereby stress-free prices, superior quality and excellent workmanship can be enjoyed by all. ORRO Private Collection brings you exquisite fine jewelry you can have fun wearing, without breaking the bank.


ORRO does fine jewellery, but instead of naturally mined diamonds, with lab grown diamonds.

There are two types of diamond simulants they provide:


ORRO’s Premium Master Cut Diamond Simulants – a hand-cut and hand polished lab-grown diamond simulant that is painstakingly cut and polished to precision by their master cutters in their in-house workshop facility.

Master Cut Diamond Simulants are set with solid 18K gold and solid pure platinum. Price ranges from (Insert number from sherman)

ORRO’s Superior Cut Diamond Simulants – a machine-cut and hand polished lab-grown diamond simulant.

Superior Cut Diamond Simulants are set with platinum vermeil (silver). Price ranges from (Insert number from Sherman)



Both types are scientifically grown using state-of-the-art and proprietary science before being hand cut (or machine cut) and hand polished in line with stringent global grading benchmarks used in the genuine diamond industry. Each and every facet follows a mathematical formula and is placed at precise angles in relation to each other - the result is what many consider the world’s best diamond simulants. After all, every one of their very own master stone cutters has over fifteen years of experience cutting and faceting naturally mined diamonds.


"EWWW... IT WILL LOOK SO FAKE!"


That's how some people react to diamond simulants. This is nonsense. Scientifically it's the same thing, so how can you tell? Provided both a real diamond and a diamond simulant is the same cut, carat and colour, the only way one can tell is with a microscopic loupe to examine the natural flaws a mined diamond has.

Orro's diamonds are cut according to GIA standards and a computer model based on GIA data confirms that an ORRO certified diamond simulant offers the same brightness as a Tolkowsky Diamond.

In fact, so confident was the boss in his diamonds that he asked to see mine and put it side to side with an ORRO ring of the same design.





FML.

My ring at the bottom is obviously more lacklustre. -_-

I know your reaction: My ring is coated with a thick layer of grime.

Nope, ORRO actually put it for ultrasonic cleaning and polished it before the photo.

Nope, that rainbow sparkle was not added in with photoshop. I saw it with my own eyes when the photo was taken. I demanded that the photographer also angled my ring in a way it also sparkled, but somehow it couldn't happen wtf.

My only consolation is that my ring is very old and very worn, abused daily for 4 years, so it has to have lost some of its shine. Besides, the ORRO ring it's being compared to is 1 carat while mine is only 0.73, so that isn't fair, right?

But in any case you can see that ORRO diamonds' fire don't lose to the naturally mined ones.


I guess to cheer me up, ORRO told me I can go ahead and pick a design to customise that middle finger ring that I've wanted for ages!! :DDDD

OMG YES!!!


I fluttered around the shop examining their designs to get inspiration, and I'm ashamed to say I actually took about 3 whole hours wtf. I finally saw a ring that had HEART SHAPED PRONGS around a round diamond! I fell in love with the design!

For the band, I wanted diamonds all around it too!


Even after I got my ring design settled, I kept flitting around the shop sighing and saying I love so many of the pieces that ORRO decided to also give me a pair of Bejewelled Heart Earrings ($335) and Raised Heart Necklace ($388). :D


This is so simple and pretty!

With matching earrings! I actually have not taken them off till today wtf.


Pictures can't really capture how shiny and gorgeous they are in real life.



Meanwhile, my ring was being crafted:



Look at the cute little heart prongs!


Painstakingly put in

Over a hundred side stones

Finally for the 1 carat star


Super gorgeous!!


I am so in love with my ring!!!

The workmanship is EXCELLENT. And it is a completely unique ring, designed by me! Plus, the ring is customized for me so it fits me exactly right and is so comfortable to wear.

All ORRO jewellery can be custom made to your own design and size too!!



Anyway, as I said, pictures don't do the sparkle justice. Here's a short video:



Very very pretty right??

More camwhoring pics:



(The tragus gem is a lousy earring I got from JB long ago wtf)





I'm a happy girl!!

Sorry the photos made the diamond simulants look so dull but in real life they are VERY sparkly!




Want to kinda rant: It's funny that when I posted about my ORRO jewellery, people left some nasty comments, mostly about how they look down on "fake" diamonds. I don't know what kind of narrow mindset that is. I'm sorry but it's true that most of us cannot afford real diamonds! A 3 carat heart diamond necklace like the one I'm wearing will cost MILLIONS!


What's so wrong about buying diamond simulants if I want a bit of bling on me? It's not like I'm going around lying my jewellery are all real.

I personally do think for an engagement ring the diamond should be real, because that should be the price of getting my hand in marriage, haha. But otherwise, I just don't feel its necessary!

Besides, there are many good reasons to buy diamond simulants!!

There are perhaps people who wish to propose but can't afford the real thing? Doesn't mean they should break the bank to get a tiny diamond ring yeah? May as well get a 1 carat one and still have money left over!

There are also people who HAVE the real thing, but they are too scared to wear it out, so they make a replica of it with diamond simulants.

Or perhaps people are also concerned with naturally mined diamond controversies, so a diamond simulant solves that.


I'm such a huge fan of ORRO that for my mother's birthday I got her a ring from there wtf. I find that their Platinum Vermeil price range (low hundreds) is an excellent amount for a birthday gift.



You can find out more about ORRO and buy their jewellery at HTTP://ORRO.COM! Private sales go on daily, so remember to sign up!

Their facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ORRO.Online.

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2014-02-24

Datsumo Labo - Part II

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I'm back with my second Datsumo Labo post!!!

Apparently many of you must have liked my first post for them and decided to go to Datsumo Labo, because they are doing very well!!!!

So well, that they opened their third branch and are planning on more! :D

Well I guess I can't really claim credit because what they are offering almost seems too good to be true wtf, it is no wonder that they are doing well!

In case you didn't read my first Datsumo Labo post and can't be bothered to, Datsumo Labo is the fast growing hair removal salon with over 50 outlets in Japan! IMHO, they have completely revolutionalized permanent hair removal!

How is Datsumo Labo different?

1) It is very very affordable. 

IPL service have always been expensive. Even though Datsumo Labo's machines are VERY expensive at roughly $75,000 a piece, they make hair removal very affordable for everyone by scrimping on things like renovation.

HOW AFFORDABLE IS IT? How does a 4 area hair removal for only $69 sound? If you consider just waxing off your brazilian area is already $50++, this is permanent and covers FOUR areas... so yes, VERY affordable!


2) It is painless! 

More about this later.

3) There are no hidden fees..

No accosting customers to sign dodgy packages from spas that shut down a few months later. Everything is written very clearly so you totally understand what you are paying for and how much.

4) Datsumo Labo, unlike other places that provide permanent hair removal, ONLY DOES PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL AND NOTHING ELSE. They are specialists, so don't expect to get a pedicure, a facial, or a massage from them.

5) FULL REFUND if there are no results.


Datsumo Labo's third branch opened in Adelphi Mall... It is directly opposite Funan IT mall, very conveniently located next to City Hall MRT.

I give it a visit!

The last time I went to Datsumo Labo, I was still breastfeeding and wasn't a suitable candidate for permanent hair removal. This time round I'm done with breastfeeding and am 100% READY TO GET MY SMOOTH HAIRLESS SKIN!!!!!!!!!! AND FAIRER TOO!!


OMGOMGOMG!!!!!!


When I arrived I saw loads of life sized and larger than life posters of me!!! I was printed all over the storefront!!!! SO AWESOME, I LOVE!!!!!!!



Must take photo with self and self.


Hello double me!!



HEHEHE cheap thrill!!


I love Datsumo Labo's salons... The colours are always pink and white, so pretty!



Here's the team of aestheticians, trained to battle against your unsightly body hair. Haha!

Bloggers who go to Datsumo Labo!


I do another round of consultation with my aesthetician. I'm too hairy everywhere so I decided to just do a full body hair removal!


Just like the branch at Tanjong Pagar, the Adelphi branch is also extremely minimalist with no fancy decorations at all. Just a basic bed, and all the other necessities.


The famous DEKA machine from Italy will remove my unwanted hairs...


With my glasses camwhoring with DEKA, who is the superstar in the room.


Changed into my comfy robe...


This is the "beans" gel that will be applied on my whole body later. It not only moisturizes your skin and is really expensive, it will also make your skin fairer!!!




AND SO WE START!!!

For the full body removal, I start by lying on my front, completely naked.

I felt very self conscious about my nether regions being exposed to all, but I barely had any time to panic. I had 3 aestheticians working on me at once so that I can be done in less than one hour, and they all worked so well with one another!!!


While a person is shaving, another is applying gel and another is shooting laser beams at me. With so many things going on at once, my skin couldn't even understand what exactly was going on where.

I FELT NO PAIN AT ALL. NONE.


In fact, I actually LIKED it when the machine goes off because it makes my skin feel a little warm, and I felt quite cold!!


And suddenly, my back was done so I flipped over.


When they say "full body hair removal", they REALLY mean full body. I had my ENTIRE body shaved and lasered, including my breasts!!! It felt quite weird to be honest lol

When it was time to do the brazilian area, I panicked.

Even though the rest of the body felt really painless so far, I IPL-ed the brazilian area before at other salons and it hurt so much I almost screamed!!! It felt like someone was stabbing me down there with a hot long needle! I suddenly recalled that unpleasant sensation and wondered if Datsumo Labo will be the same.

I clenched my teeth as my aesthetician nonchalantly went on with that area as she did everywhere else. I waited for the pain to come.


NOTHING.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!! HOW CAN IT BE??


And just like that, my whole body was done.


My whole body felt so soft and smooth thanks to the beans gel too. There was absolutely no sign that I went through permanent hair removal, which was supposed to hurt and be unpleasant. In fact, I felt pampered and cozy.



I LOVE IT!!

All's great, Datsumo is affordable and all... BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION ON EVERYONE'S MIND...

DOES IT WORK??


Here's a BEFORE picture of my arm hairs... Told you arm hairy!!! (LOL I'm sounds like arm, geddit hehehehe)

During the treatment they shaved me. Afterwards, the hairs grow out and those that got lasered will fall off by themselves.

Hairs have cycles - they grow, reach their maximum length, then fall off naturally. So at any point, some follicles on our skin do not have hair in them, and that's because they fell out and are growing back again.

These empty follicles cannot be IPL-ed because light therapy works via the contrast of dark hair against fair skin. To not be too technical, this means IPL works via doing it several rounds so you manage to shut all the follicles down!


One month after my session, my arm has lost almost 70% of hair:


In fact, the hairs remaining are so fine and sparse that they can hardly be seen!!!!!!!!

My arms look so smooth and fairer too!

This is my disgusting leg:


After two sessions, I've lost about 80% of my leg hair. See the hairs near my ankles? If I never went for treatment, my leg hair is even denser than what you see near the ankles!!

YES I KNOW IT'S SUPER DISGUSTING!!! That's why I love Datsumo Labo coz I'm finally solving this hair problem of mine!!

I HATE my leg hair! They always need to be shaved and I always forget, getting reminded only when I'm already out of the house and feeling extremely self conscious afterwards. :(



With Datsumo Labo, all of us can finally get the baby smooth skin we want!


OMG is it possible? Datsumo Labo just got EVEN MORE AFFORDABLE!!! 



Yes 15% off for my readers, only until March 31st. (coincidentally Dash's birthday lol)


FASTER BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW!!! Go to http://datsumo-labo.com/booking and you can get a booking done in just 40 seconds!

Here are the three convenient locations:

City Hall Branch:
1 Coleman Street #03-34 The Adelphi Singapore 179803

Orchard Branch:
#01-13 International Building 360 Orchard Road, Singapore 238869

Tanjong Pagar Branch:
1 Tras Link #02-02, Singapore 078867


Remember to like Datsumo Labo's facebook page to get the best promotions!


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2014-01-14

Furby Boom

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This is my second Furby post, and I am because a new Generation is Hatching!!!


Introducing FURBY BOOM!!!


So cute!!

I attended the Furby Boom launch event with Yutaki, Qiuqiu and Velda!



This pic stolen from Qiu's blog.

I was so amazed, coz the previous Furby that I got was already really "smart"... It can react to music, talk to other Furbies, learn how you speak and imitate it, develop different personalities etc...

And now Furby Boom has 5 brand new personalities, two times the content of Furby 2012... It has a "brain" and can recognise his own name and remember other Furbies' names! WOAH!!!

Just like Furby 2012, you also can have tons of fun with Furby Boom via their ipad app!!

You can give your Furby Boom a shower and adjust the water to very hot, very cold (Furby goes brrr, it's funny) or just right and your Furby Boom will be all clean after!

You can also feed your Furby Boom all sorts of weird food like a live pufferfish or homework or even old underwear....


 LOL I did that and my Furby Boom vomited a hair ball out.


There are also so many cute colours to choose from!! I picked the turquoise with pink eyes. Qiu got the pink with white polka dots! Which do you like?


But the most special thing about Furby Boom is...



FURBLINGS!!!!!!!!!


Yes your Furby Boom can lay eggs and hatch a baby Furbling!!!!!!!!!


WHY SO CUTE!!!!!!

After you play with you Furby Boom, it lays an egg and you get to hatch it. Your Furby Boom will be just as excited as you when the egg is hatching, dancing and talking nonstop!!



OOOH IT'S HATCHING!!!!


AHHHHHHHHH!!!

SO CUTE CAN DIE!!!!


Adorable max....!!!

After my Furbling came out my Furby Boom kept going "Awesome!" like he is so proud to be a daddy. Hahaha!


I name you Rainbow Maker!!! :D

The best thing is... You can hatch up to FIFTY Furblings!! There are many ways to get new eggs, and apparently you can even get a special GOLDEN one! I wonder how that looks like!!



After you play with your Furbling, you can earn Furbucks to decorate his or her room too! :D

There is an endless amount of ways to play with Furby Boom and Furblings, be it virtually or real life interactions. You can also play Furball with your Furby/Furblings, bring him for a checkup, let him go poop in a super cute toilet bowl... It's hours of entertainment for any child or young at heart. :)

I show Dash my Furby Boom and ask what he thinks:




Dash seems to approve of Furby Boom!!

If you want to get a Furby Boom, they are available at $119.90!

It's available at all Toys’R’Us, major department stores (Takashimaya, OG, Metro) and major electronic stores (Epicentre, Nubox, Harvey Norman, etc)!


Also check out Furby.com here and 

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