Best Buy: Toyomi Spot and Stain Deep Cleaner

My kids love plushies and it is such a headache for me. Especially when they spill beverages/puke/sneeze on their toys, it is extremely difficult to clean up. I have tried throwing some toys into the washing machine. But maybe because I am not that great a homemaker, most of their toys never survived the wash. They would come out distorted. :'(

The husband came across the Toyomi Spot and Stain Deep Cleaner and I have to say this is one life changer which I would encourage every household to have. Basically it works like those deep cleaner firms that charge exorbitantly. Just that you can do it yourself at home. 

We really love this because it is quite portable and does what it promises. Just using water alone, we managed to suck out so much gunk. We used it on our sofa, mattresses as well. It is quite therapeutic working the machine so my husband has gotten addicted to cleaning all things fabric in our house! Great for me. :)

My only grouse is that the machine can be quite noisy when it is activated. But it can be overcome, my husband puts on noise cancelling headbuds when using the machine. I would either bring the kids out or keep them in the room. So far, I have read the reviews and most users share my opinion as me too. :)

New Personality Test - Cake Resume

Honestly, this personality test didn't take off like the last personality test I shared. It is definitely not as interesting in its questions and the outcome were pretty limited. But it is still fun to share around and compare accuracy. It is related to career preferences and working styles so I think there is a tendency for the boomers to get the same result. 

Link is here. I am a lazy roll cake who does not believe in working outside working hours. :P

Garden by the Bay - Dahlias and Dragons

Usually, Garden by the Bay domes has always been a highlight for me. But this time round, the Dahlias  and Dragons exhibition is quite a disappointment. If there was one thing I left with, it was tons of photos of my little ones' unimpressed face. In photos, the place does look pretty impressive. But I credit this to my photography skills (unedited by the way) and the vibrant pop of colours that does most of the work. 

It doesn't help that my child (a toddler by the way) was told off by a staff for standing too close to the flowers. Mind you, she was just harmlessly staring at some flowers, not plucking. It wasn't even that crowded too so I don't really know what the staff's problem was. 

My shortest stay ever because this little toddler was absolutely unimpressed. I tried to do a second round so that I could enjoy the aircon longer, but she was adamant to leave. Many has asked me what is wrong, I guess maybe we are Chinese. So the layout of lots of "Chinese elements" deco is possibly just an everyday affair in our brains already. 

In comparison, my #2 isn't much of a nature person when it comes to curated gardens. Twice, we have been to GBTB, and she doesn't feel it as much as the Botanic Gardens - sweat and flora go better for her. Tried to snag home a flower band souvenir, but my kids said "No". :'(

Food Tour 42: More food reviews

It is not just date nights. My line of work also allow me to enjoy good food, so I thought why not do a review on them as well. I hate bad calories and I definitely do not want anyone of you to have to go through those. Ewwww. Some of the food places we go to is definitely because it is more interesting, but sometimes interesting doesn't mean good. :'(

1. Ms. Durian

This place for me was truly disappointing. I googled on the place before going and I was so impressed with the exterior and interior of the place. Plus the fusion durians treats did look impressive. I even set aside money to buy extra sets home for my family and friends. I believe what I had that day was the afternoon tea set ($39 for 2 pax). 

The snacks were not nice at all even though the display sure was pretty. I left the place without buying anything extra. Maybe they are more famous for their durian cakes and I was just there for the wrong thing. Or perhaps my expectations were set too high. In any case, I probably won't be going back again. There is just that much heartbreak I can take when it comes to the king of fruits. 

2. Cou Cou

I did quite a bit of research on this one and it had rather good reviews. Just a caveat, I have no idea how Swiss food is supposed to taste like. We literally went there because we were extremely curious. This was the set meal and it is not cheap. To be honest, I don't like the food at all. It just taste odd and doesn't go well with my Singaporean taste buds. Is Swiss food an acquired taste? I can tell they use pretty exquisite ingredients and did not shortchange it that aspect.

3. Elemen

I thought I will take the opportunity to talk about my favourite Vegetarian restaurant yet again. (You can read my other review on them here.) But this time round, I wanted to highlight their special menu. I sign up as a member so I can get them at a preferential rate. Generally, if any friends or colleagues is open to vegetarian food, I will bring them there because it is served on a course basis and each dish is so exquisitely executed. You won't even feel like you are taking a Vegetarian meal. 

In my photos, this was the the 6-Course Peranakan Set ($38.80). It includes:

• Trio Peranakan Appetiser 娘惹开胃三拼
• Winged Bean Salad 四棱豆沙拉
• Shroom Ball Soup 菌菇丸子汤
• Golden Ngoh Hiang 金黄五香
• Curry Rendang Monkey Head Mushroom w/ Turmeric Rice 咖喱猴头菇姜黄饭
• Classic Chendol 经典煎蕊

As usual, it was super satisfying.