Backpack Worthy — Gaston Luga Travels

Stylish and Chic, Not For The faint-hearted

 Founder Carl Sundqvist set off with an vision in mind. He wanted to create a backpack that can travel the world with you. To deviate from the traditional backpacks, Carl wanted to create personalized, elegant and multi-functional backpacks that take you from meeting clients in the day, to hiking up the mountains during the weekends. Gaston Luga was born.
 With time comes improvised designs and details which see the adding of elements such as leather, metal and thick cotton. 

I can definitely attest to the intricate detailed designs which has been put into these backpacks. Furthermore, if you are living not in Sweden (origin of the brand), the delivery was definitely fast and smooth, with your pack carefully sealed and wrapped in a dustbag.

Unboxing the Gaston Luga package was exciting. 

Oh Look How Happy You Made Me~

 Gaston Luga backpack makes dressing up classy and effortless. The bag is versatile and aesthetically pleasing with different color combinations to choose from. Looks aside, what keeps me in love with this backpack is how design marries practicality — with lots of user-friendly functionalities.

I took the backpack out on my outings and came back with some happy shots. 

Here are the details of the carrier I chose:

Pråper – Olive and Black series  

30x42x15cm

The Pråper series come in many lovely color combination such as pink and black, navy and brown; black on black. They are all lovely and adds much of a character to anyone carrying these packs. I,on the other hand, prefer to be a bit more subtle and hence, had chosen the Olive and Black version.

Ergonomic Features For Travellers

Passport Holder and Rugged Shoulder Straps

As a travellers' backpack, passport is the number one essential item. At the back of the pack is a pocket especially designed to keep that precious booklet safe and snug, rimmed with elegant leather details. The adjustable shoulder straps are also super secured with rims around the holes which run no risks of  holes enlarging with prolong wear. 
Adjust to a comfortable length so that the weight of the backpack can be distributed evenly on your shoulders and back. 

Expandable Metal Hook Closure

With four levels to clasp on depending on your packing load, the sturdy hooks on each side will keep your items secure.

Leather Details

Real leather details added a touch of elegance.

The thick cotton fabric on the other hand, will keep your valuables protected against impact, much needed for me and my clumsiness. 

Compartments For Storage

With its roomy space, I can pretty much store everything. That includes an inner protective pocket suited for a  13-15" laptop, my wallet, water bottle, mirrorless camera ( super essential on my travels) and phone, which can be stored in one of the four interior pockets for easy access of important items. I have been constantly on the look-out for great backpacks that allows me to stash my stuff while I am on-the-go yet provides superior support and protection. Gaston Luga's Pråper backpack is perfecto~~

 Carrying a backpack can easily be stylish when the pack has a fitted structured design and uses excellent material. Gaston Luga hits all the right places with style and practicality in is available in  2 other different series — Classic and Classy, available in Men and Women’s which makes for ideal couple bags too! 
Don't you think so? 

Enjoy Discounts and Travel Right!

Just for you,

Enjoy 15% off on your purchases when you quote: faithjoyhope15. 

What you can enjoy is free shipping + 20% off as tax rebate (from non-EU country) + 15% off with your unique code on the remaining price after tax rebate .

Below is how the sum will work out to be. 

I would say it is definitely an awesome deal! 

www.gastonluga.com

www.instagram.com/gastonluga 
#GastonLuga, #GLwashere

Share the Love and quote  faithjoyhope15  😜

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Ah Mah Homemade Castella Cake Opens In Singapore

I just love the old-school stuff. Don't you? 

And when it comes to food, nothing beats finding that nostalgic taste back to where it all began. If you haven't already heard Ah Mah Homemade Cake has made quite a name for itself when it established 14 outlets across Malaysia within a short span of two months.

Where It All Began

First launched in Restoran Poh Yap, Kota Kemuning, Malaysia, on 7 April 2017, the brand famed for its delicious Castella cakes is now in Singapore!  The very first Singapore outlet opened at Bukit Panjang Plaza on Friday, 14 July 2017.  From what I know, its official opening day saw waiting time of up to one and a half hour, with 18 trays of cakes sold within two hours! Within a short span of five days,  over 2,000 boxes of Ah Mah Homemade Cake has sold in Singapore.

With such warm response from consumers, Ah Mah Homemade Cake saw its second outlet opening at VivoCity on 20 July 2017 and I was there to share the joy.

Here's the team at Vivocity.

 “Ah Mah Homemade Cake is embarking on its international expansion journey, with new stores opening in China, Thailand and Australia come August. Singapore is the very first overseas outpost for us, and it is our way of thanking the many Singaporeans, our neighbours, who have been supporting our brand,” says Serene Ang, CEO of Ah Mah Homemade Cake. 

Have Your Cake and Eat It

Well, for one, Ah Mah Homemade Cakes are made purely with milk, Grade AA high-quality, Singapore produced eggs, and quality flour, there is no added water, preservative and colouring; with no added butter. The end result? Healthier choice treats for everyone. This is so important especially if you have seniors at home who can't take on much sweet stuff. My parents absolutely love the fluffy sponge and most importantly, because these cakes are not-overly sweet nor loaded with high sugar. 

It made savouring so much easier, does not burden the sugar level and goes on easy on your stomach.

Inspiration

Inspired by the popular egg sponge cakes originating from Tamsui (Danshui), Taiwan, Chef Jim of Ah Mah Homemade Cake adapted the traditional recipe and put a local twist on it. The cakes are freshly made every day at the shopfront. What you see is what you get. 

Each batch (of 8 boxes' worth of quantity) is lovingly baked for 80 minutes and hence the wait in the queue once the order gets huge. To ensure absolute freshness and maintenance of quality, Ah Mah Homemade Cake bakes its cakes daily and discards all cakes after 12 hours if they are not consumed. 

Flavours Oh! 

There are two flavours to choose from Original ($8) and Cheese ($11), the latter of which comes with a blend of mozzarella cheese. My favourite? The Cheese version of course. The sweet-saltiness made a perfect compliment and gives that extra 'Oomph' taste factor. While hot from the oven the cheese was still in semi-molten state and tasted awesome.

Left: Cheese Flavour. Right: Original Flavour

  A Little Tip

 I actually preferred to have the cake as it is without fridging it. I learnt that these cakes can be kept at room temperature 3 to 4 days actually but had put in the whole box in the fridge since day 1.

 Reasons being if you have them hot or kept at room temperature, you will find the cake to be spongy, fluffy and almost bouncy as when it was freshly baked, resulting in a soft melt-in-your-mouth experience. 

However, storing in the fridge will result in the cake (and cheese) hardening and becoming firmer. Of course, it tasted just as good but it really is a personal preference as to weather you prefer it soft or firm.  I suggest you save a portion out and keep it at room temperature with the other portion store in the fridge! Enjoy the best of both worlds. 

Go Get Them

Now if you are all ready, head down to both outlets to can get your hands on Ah Mah Homemade Cakes. Enjoy these castella cakes with tea or milo. You are welcome.

Address:  Bukit Panjang Plaza, 1 Jelebu Road, #01-18, Singapore 677743 

Opening Hours:  10am to 10pm daily

Address:  Vivo City, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-K7, Singapore 098585

Opening Hours:  10am to 10pm daily

facebook.com/iluvahmahsg

About Ah Mah Homemade Cake

Incepted in April 2017 and originating from Malaysia, Ah Mah Homemade Cake is a purveyor of Castella cakes. In just three months, the brand sold 100,000 boxes of its cakes. Its renditions are inspired by the ones from Tamsui (Danshui). The soft, melt-in-your-mouth cakes are made with natural ingredients and baked freshly on the spot every day. 

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Instagrammable Locations In Hong Kong You Have To Know

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 20th Anniversary celebration calls for some 7 Instagrammable hotspots in Hong Kong you didn't know of!

From breathtaking night views to hipster local diners at Sham Shui Po and unique Hong Kong landscapes on the southside. There is always something for everyone to Shop, Eat or Play in Hong Kong!

Here's your insider's guide to some very instagram-envy locations! 

1. Sham Shui Po

One of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is seeing an increasing number of creative youngsters injecting new life into this old neighbourhood. The result: an intriguing district where graffiti art, textile stalls, modern cafés and art spaces thrive alongside traditional eateries and shops.

Best Kept Secret: Nam Shan Estate

There is something mesmerising about Hong Kong-style buildings where the blocks are built symmetrically, forming a spectacular view. Nam Shan Estate emits a haunting yellow-green glow at night, and the grid-like units give the building a highly geometric structure. The estate is also home to some fantastic local restaurants and food stalls, including an egg waffle shop called P76 that sees queues every night. 

Who's up for a night walk?

2. Causeway Bay

Bustling Causeway Bay is the perfect consumer-friendly district for an epic shopping spree. And when you need a break? There is a diverse range of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues to kick back and relax at. Between major shopping centres like Times Square and Hysan Place, and upscale fashion streets like Festival Walk, take your pick from quirky boutiques, celebrity-run restaurants like Jamie Oliver’s, and rooftop bars with spectacular harbour views like Seafood Room and SKYE.

Do You Know?

There is a rooftop bar offering spectacular harbour views.

SKYE Is The Place To Be

Rooftop bars take on a whole new meaning in Hong Kong — and you will see why when you take the elevator up to SKYE, the newly-renovated restaurant and lounge at The Park Lane Hong Kong (a Pullman Hotel). Take your pick of the bar seat or laid-back couch at the outdoor terrace — either way, you will be treated to uninterrupted.

Now you know where to take that enviable Instagram shot, don't you? 

Now, cheers and chill~

3. Food Trucks

How can you claim to have been in Hong Kong without going on a food hunt for Hong Kong delectable cuisines?  Now, for something so Instagrammable, go on a hunt for 14 food trucks, now roving on the streets.

Try your luck and find them at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, The Central Harbourfront Event Space, Ocean Park, Salisbury Garden, Art Square, The Energizing Kowloon East Venue 1, Wong Tai Sin Square and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Pineapple Canteen

Every HongKonger knows and loves a Bo Lo Bao — literally, “pineapple bun” in Cantonese — a sweet pastry bread with a crusty pineapple-patterned sugar top, sold in Hong Kong-style bakeries around the city. Now, this traditional bun takes on a spin by adding actual pineapples!

 Now imagine: Bo Lo Bao stuffed with fresh pineapple chunks and pineapple cream: a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. 

Other fillings available include savoury ham and egg; or a large and simple slab of butter.

I am sold. Just pass me that Bo Lo Po already please~

Princess Kitchen

Dragon fruit bowls are the name of the game at Princess Kitchen, one of the first batches of food trucks to be granted a working license from the Hong Kong government. The vibrantly hued fruit is turned into a sorbet, and then sprinkled with fresh fruits like banana and strawberry slices, blueberries, as well as granola bits on top. 

A refreshing summer treat for the sweltering HongKong heat — and a photogenic one at that.

4. MongKok

Lined with trendy shopping centres like Langham Place during the day, to the clusters of night-time pubs, Mong Kok is vibrant 24 hours a day. Now why not explore the tranquil alleyways and discover  cozy cafes along the way? 

Spot Pretty Stairwells

The Floral Stairs in Yau Ma Tei, close to the Yaumati Kaifong Association School. The concrete steps in this pedestrian corner are painted in beautiful flower motifs, from red roses to sunflowers, tulips and lavenders. 

From afar, the stairs form a coherent and beautifully bright floral-themed mural.

 No wonder it is such a popular photo-taking spot for amateurs and professionals alike!

Don't say I didn't share! 

5. Tsim Sha Tsui

From world-renowned harbour view vantage points at the Star Ferry Pier, to vast shopping complexes, Tsim Sha Tsui has an exciting mix of attractions for locals and visitors alike. In this busy and popular district, you will also be able to find creative shops on smaller streets like Granville Road, as well as charming restaurants and bars that are hidden from the bustling thoroughfares.

Sunset at Harbour City

Hong Kong’s sunsets become dramatically spectacular. For one of the best places to catch a glimpse? Make a trip to the Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, a unique location for a shopping destination — right by the Victoria Harbour. There are many vantage points from Harbour City to capture the approaching dusk.

Zaha Hadid’s Innovation Tower

Fluid lines and soft curves grace the distinctive Innovation Tower at the PolyU School of Design in Hung Hom. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the “tower” is actually a multi-functional academic

6. Sai Wan

Hop on to one of Hong Kong's oldest neighborhoods. Located on the west side of Hong Kong Island, and connected via the West Island MTR stations, Sai Wan has transformed into an up-and-coming hipster hangout. Apart from new craft beer bars like Little Creature and chic restaurants such as Mama Malouf, you will also find many reminders of a classic and traditional Hong Kong.

Forbes Street Wall Trees

Where is this secret hide-out? 

With beautiful banyan trees wrapping their roots around imposing masonry walls are a sight to behold. Stone masonry walls like these were commissioned by the colonial government between the 19th and mid-20th century to prevent landslides. 

Today, we get to appreciate this natural tapestry by Forbes Street.

7. Wan Chai

Wan Chai is characterised by the juxtaposition of the old and new. Stroll along both sides of the tramway and you will find historical East-meets-West architecture, local grocers-turned-specialty stores, and even a bar that was formerly a 19th century pawn shop.

 The fusion of the traditional with the modern has given this old neighbourhood a new charm. 

Find trendy tapas bars on Ship Street and cozy Italian bistros tucked away in St. Francis Yard, to glamorous steakhouses at the top of commercial buildings on Johnston Road.

One of the most famous is the Blue House on Stone Nullah Lane, a four-storey tenement building painted in the same shade as the bright summer sky.

Now, Before Your Flight to Hong Kong...

Get your 20th Anniversary Coupon Booklets from Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor centres and various hotels upon arrival. Collect a copy at the list of participating partners.

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About Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body founded on 1 April 2001 under the HKTB Ordinance. It has 15 branch offices and 5 representative offices around the world, and its primary mission is to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experiences once they have arrived. For more information, please visit:

www.discoverhongkong.com

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Sunshine Salutes Singapore's 52nd Birthday

Our Favourite Bakery Salutes the Nation

Sunshine Bakeries celebrates Singapore’s 52nd birthday with a big bang. Priding its range of Healthier Choice cream buns, Sunshine ups the notch this year by designing its four best-selling variants with graphics of the National Day contingent.  The cartoon graphics comes in the designs of the Singapore Armed Fores (SAF) army, The SAF Band, the SAF Commando Formation and the Singapore Civil Defence troops attached to the four different flavours of Chocolate, Strawberry, Butter Sugar and my favourite and delectable Cookies and Cream. 

If you are at the National Day parade this year, these 150,000 Sunshine cream buns will also greet you as part of the fun pack.

Find these cream buns in store in from July until 31 August! 

Win Cash Prizes

Lots to be excited about as Sunshine kick-started a Facebook photo contest for its National Day inspired packs. Post a creative photo with the pack and you could stand a

chance to win tickets to the National Day parade, cash prizes of $1,000 each or a Singapore

themed caricature of yourself with loved ones! 

Visit sunshine.com.sg for more information.

About Sunshine Bakeries

As the No.1 selling cream bun brand in Singapore, Sunshine has always prided itself for

bringing quality products into the home of Singaporeans. Every cream bun in its range is

Healthier Choice, high in Calcium, enriched with Prebiotics and made with choice ingredients.

Not just that, Sunshine has the widest range of healthier choice bread and buns in this

market.

Supporting the cause of a healthier nation, Sunshine selects premium ingredients such as

sprouted grains, Australian rolled oats and Hokkaido milk to bake its bread. Sunshine’s

bread range consists of low sugar, low fat, high fibre, 100% whole-grain options to cater to

the preferences of a diverse population. A truly beloved brand of Singapore, Sunshine will

continue producing high quality, wholesome and delicious baked goods for the nation.

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Citrus Bistro Brings Dining Comfort In The Heartlands

Start/End Your Day Right.

If you are feeling lazy to dress up and step into town for a casual dining, why not do it in the heartlands, right where you are living? Fast forward to my discovery of the Citrus dining group, with 2 outlets Woodlands and Sengkang respectively. Accredited with Hala-certifications, the Citrus By The Pool is well loved by our muslim friends as I have seen at the Woodlands outlet and was totally packed on a weekday night time. 

Citrus Bistro

However, if you are living in the Sengkang (north east) vicinity or just had a great workout at the gym or swimming pool, Citrus Bistro with its alfresco setting, will set your eyes glistering with the cooling blue waters.  Pocket-friendly prices is the appeal. 

Located within the integrated under- one- roof facility hub consisting of a community centre, sports fitness hub, swimming pool and dining eateries,with ample parking facilities and a five minutes walk from Farmway LRT.

The Signatures.

  We tried the Bistro’s signature which includes the Chicken Sliders with Nachos and Curry Chicken with Rice and lots more!

Chicken Sliders with Nachos $10.90

If you are looking to share the love ( and calories), the sliders ( available in chicken or beef) are a great option. I love the sliders for its fun bite-sized portions. One pop in the mouth for instant gratification! 

The chicken breast patties' juicy tenderness made a perfect balance with the crunchiness of the veggies, cheese, tomatos. Comes with our favourite crisp nacho chips. 

Curry Chicken With Rice/Bread $9.90

This was another of our top favourite. The Penang-inspired curry with 15 spices hit all the right notes with its turmeric spicy gravy sauce, thicken in fragrant creamy coconut milk. The chicken drum is enveloped by the specially tweaked curry recipe and we finished this local favourites in a jiffy accompanied with the fragrant Jasmine Rice.

Catch of The Day $15.90

In the Sengkang outlet, they had their salmon steamed as compared to pan-fried in the Woodland’s outlet for a healthier touch. To enhance the flavouring, the thick fresh slab of salmon is served with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables in homemade cream sauce. The serving flavour is the same in both outlets.

 

Turkey Bacon and Chicken Ham Carbonara $11.90

  If you are a cream based lover, this Carbonara served in rich creamy thicken sauce with spaghetti cooked till al-dente may just do it for you. 

 

Tom Yum Seafood Pasta $12.90

The seafood pasta was more to my taste buds with its spicy-tanginess and more easy to digest with the Tom Yum broth base cooked with clams, squids and prawns in linguine.

I would actually recommend towards this.

How can we not end off in sweet note with desserts?

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake served with vanilla ice-cream $10.90

What’s there not to love with hot molten chocolate core that melts in your mouth with the cake crumble rolling off with the coolingvanilla ice-cream? Sweetness bliss!

 

Signature Waffle in Red Velvet $8.90

Hello Velvet.

I actually adore the Red velvet waffle which has maintained its crispiness on the outside while maintaining its fluffiness in the core. The perfect ending to a meal when accompanied with the ice-cream anytime. You know the combo, don’t you? 
Can’t go wrong with this.

Come On In!

Citrus Bistro also offers kids meal for the young ones. Enjoy natural breeze from the giant pool much akin to the sea breeze blowing in your hair while you enjoy delectable selections from Citrus Bistro. The 55-seater bistro looks really pretty with the fairy lights draping across the ceiling like the Caribbean and is opened for parties’ bookings. Why not? With the increasing family households in the neighbourhood of Sengkang, this integrated family hub can be your next hangout next time round!

Directions:

5-minute drive from Sengkang MRT Station and 8-minute walk from Farmway LRT Station.

^ Entry into the swimming pool is complimentary for dinners. Using of the swimming facilities not inclusive.

57 Anchorvale Road Sengkang Sports Centre #01-10 Singapore 544964

Facebook.com/citrusbistro; Instagram.com/citrusbistro

9am-9pm (closed on Mondays, except on Public Holidays)

Also, visit the sister brunch at Citrus By The Pool in Woodlands if you are residing in the north.

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