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I hardly ever blog about food. But knowing how my body burns carbs better in the first week of the cycle (day 1 to 7), I HAD TO PIG OUT! With the stress accumulated previously, it was the perfect time to stuff myself with endorphins and not worry about the additional pounds going anywhere else.

Unlike that first week when you should truly be happy it’s here, the post-ovulation stage again changes your body in subtle ways preparing it for the arrival of your period.

My tummy’s starting to bloat a little and I am a little frazzled this week. Counting from day 1 of my period, I realise I’m entering the post-ovulation stage of the cycle. And here I thought my bloat was due to the overwhelming number of cakes and macarons I had those first couple of days. Haha!

Starting day 14 onwards the first signs of PMS appears! The mood swings havent hit me, but I’m sure I can combat it by letting off the extra energy by working out tomorrow! Doesnt help that this week is crazy week for me too. Meetings, excursions and finals this Thurs! But a nice relaxing shower and scrub in between the madness will do the trick to unwind those tense muscles.

The increase in oestrogen at this stage is the main cause for the classic symptoms of PMS. Oh how I miss the first 2 stages of the cycle! The better articulation, the more efficient burning of carbs and of course, the better hair days! Wheeeee!

So to cheer myself up and let loose a tad from this intense week, ima gonna show you the foods you can enjoy whilst having your period. Guess what, chocolate is always a good option!

I swear after tasting the macarons from Canele I got from the Whisper dialogue session, I’m hooked on them. I’ve tasted macarons from Canele, Bakerzin and now Obolo but still find that Canele’s taste the best. It’s texture is consistent and the shells are crisp regardless of which flavour you pick. Call me Macaron Monster if you must! I am thoroughly guilty.

The macarons from Obolo come in a box of 8, perfect for indulging when you feel a need for a chocolate pick-me-up. I chose raspberry, hazelnut-chocolate, rose, ruby, macha, mango-passion AND FINISHED OFF 5 at one go! Haha. The flavours are very unique and fragrant I must admit. However, I did wish the shells were a little more crisp.

What you REALLLLYYY have to try is the Dome Amore made of dark chocolate-raspberry mousee with a core of white chocolate creme and raspberries, Valrhona crunchy chocolate pearls and chocolate genoisse.

Smooth creamy mousse with a zesty raspberry twist, accompanied by the crunchy bits of chocolate pearls make for a very appetising and flavourful experience.

If you’re lucky and are currently experiencing day 1 to 7 of your cycle, give yourself a chocolatey treat! You deserve it.

Where?
Obolo
452 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427665

As for me, I probably will release my pent-up frustrations by cleaning out my room! Haha.

With the advent of gel nails, talons have gotten longer and designs more elaborate. Gel nails are probably the hardest of all the nail extensions available, but I honestly cannot fathom how some people live in them.

I think the question on most people’s minds is: how on earth do you pick your nose?!?!!

I don’t have an answer to that but do have a method of imitating a gel nail manicure for a fraction of the price. One set from the manicurist’s, on the average, costs anywhere from $70 to $150. Depending on the design, prices might sky rocket beyond the said price range.

Surprised by my friend’s set that wasn’t exaggeratedly long, I decided to embark on replicating a set of my own, at the same time, putting my enhanced creative skills to work; all thanks to the increased oestrogen levels during pre-ovulation (days 8 – 14 of the cycle).

Psssst! Increased oestrogen levels during this period gives you better looking hair, heightened verbal fluency skills and increased memory! I think the heightened verbal fluency must have helped me during my QnA segment last Saturday! Wahahaha! Perfect timing.

Things you need for your DIY:
- clear base coat
- 2 of your favourite glitter nail polishes

I chose a gold glitter polish from The Face Shop and some random cheapo blue glitter polish that costs $1.
- top coat

To fully recreate the effect of gel nails, it would be best if your nails were a leeeetle long say about 0.5cm long, but that’s not a definite requirement.

The How-to:
1) Apply base coat to clean nails.

2) Starting from the edge of the nail, apply the first coloured glitter until the middle of the nail. The glitter goes on thick near the tips and slowly decreases in intensity. Use a dabbing method to achieve desired effect. The best part about using glitter is you dont have to be neat about it!

3) Following that, when the first coat is almost dry, apply the second colour only to the tips of your nails. Again dabbing it on until desired intensity.

4) Finally, paint on the top coat and wait for your nails to dry fully!

The result

Ahhhhhhh!

My complexion is a little oilier than usual. I can see the tiny oil bumps on my face and pimples have appeared in the weirdest of places like behind my ear. Haha. However, when that happens, I usually know my period is coming in the next week or so.

I checked the seekrit sheet Whisper provided and it says I’m spotty thanks to the higher level of progesterone. But I wouldnt worry too much about it because from personal experience, it goes away soon enough.

It does makes me GREEN thinking about my will-be glowy skin once this pre-menstrual stage clears. So, in the mean time, to help combat the spotty complexion, I’m going to follow in the footsteps of The Hulk and enjoy a mint mask which helps calm my skin and absorb the excess oil while surfing the Facebook page for more seekrits of the cycle.

RAWR! =D

I’m happy today’s here!

Why? Because I’ve got the secrets of the cycle in my hands! Wahahahaha.

It came at a great time too because Im due to have my period.

When I was approached to join the “Happy It’s Here” initiative by Whisper I immediately thought YES! It was a wonderful opportunity to better educate myself about my body. Knowing is half the battle won! Im such an information junkie like that. Heehee.

Something like this happens once every month and why not see what it’s really about. I mean, when we first got our periods we were ecstatic and so were the people around us.

It was the first step into womanhood.

But now after so long, I have to admit to not keeping a good track record of when my period is because I can honestly tell by the signs my body gives. I have to admit at this point I cannot remember when the last time my period was. *guilty face* However, I’d say Im pretty good at telling when my period is coming. Yes, we complain about how it makes us feel bloated but then there are times when I do feel SKINNIER after my period. True fact!

So this is my attempt to track the various stages of my cycle and share its secrets with you so we can appreciate the little things that make us women.

I am woman, hear me ROAR!

I am currently in the pre-menstrual stage (Day 21-28) of the cycle and experiencing bloatedness/water retention. Eep! But it gives me the excuse to dress up in them sweet babydolls. Yay! Oh and definitely have to cut down on consuming too much coffee. Had too much last week, explains my water retention. Gonna be a good girl and drink more water instead of dehydrating fluids.

Short note: Pictures from the official photographer of the night. Post-processing credits to ME! =D

I’m happy thanks to Whisper.

Check out what they included in their goodie bags for the recent Blogger Dialogue I attended.

MACAROONS by Canele!

THESE THINGS ARE THE BEST THINGS EVER! Especially the chocolate one at the top right corner. The shells were crisp on the outside which contrasted very nicely with the creamy, chocolatey and very gooey inside. Oooo… Thinking about it makes me salivate again. It was absolute bliss and orgasmic. There were other delish flavours like lychee strawberry, coffee and hazelnut, but the chocolate one was a clear winner in my books.

I’ve had other macaroons from different places before, but this wins hands down and is by far the yummiest I’ve tasted to date. I’m sure the other girls were equally thrilled by the awesome find in their goodie bags too.

Ransacking our goodie bags as we get a neck and shoulder massage to relive tension.

But we were there for more than just massages and goodie bags. These, nonetheless, are always a perk to attending events because the element of surprise in finding out what they put inside is sooo thrilling. Haha.

Anyway, back to my point. The cozy discussion at House was facilitated by both Whisper’s Brand Manager and Assistant Brand Manager, Cynthia and Cherisse respectively.

No we were not there to discuss the latest technology on absorption but instead, were there to find out and discuss women’s attitudes and mindsets towards “that time of the month”. Unfortunately, majority of girls aged 18-24 polled have negative attitudes towards their periods, but did you know there’s more to your period than just those few days? Cherisse and Cynthia thus proceeded to share some seekrits with us about the cycle.

Also as part of learning to cope with our periods, we were taught some simple massage techniques that can help alleviate pain.

Eileen and Jan practising hugging themselves while Nadia meditates
“Ommmmmm……”

I, on the other hand, try my hand at weaning my head off from my shoulders.

Jan gets some help from the professionals with the same task.

At the same time Esther and I quality control previous camwhore moments.

Esther: “Ehh! I see PIMPLE! *scrutinizes*
Val: Where? *kaypoh*

I look chio here!

Beautiful Cherisse telling us about the microsite and Facebook page that will launch in conjunction with their campaign on August 19th. You too can learn the seeekrits of the cycle then. So make sure you stay tuned cause I’ll also be bringing you updates!

Final pictures before we leave.

With all the bloggers present that day – Belle, Jan, Nadia, Diana, Eileen, Esther, Kaihui and me. Inside joke: Can you guess who’s dressed as the pad, the blood and the packaging? Lol.

And finally, with the crew.