Citibank Credit Card Perks: Free Flight + Free Luxury Perfumes

We often share with our blog readers the benefits of using the Citibank PremierMiles Card. We've redeemed plane tickets for trips to the US (2016 & 2019) and Europe (2023), opting for Qatar Airways this time for two compelling reasons: they offer great value for our miles and boast the perfect ETA for Zurich.

But the excitement doesn't end with complimentary flights; Qatar Airways surprised us with a generous welcome gift – 45,000 Avios points.

Avios points offer versatile options:
1. Flights and upgrades
2. Hotel bookings
3. Shopping

For this particular trip, we opted to splurge our points at Qatar Duty Free, bidding farewell to Qatar Airways. Stay tuned for our next post detailing why we won't be boarding Qatar Airways again. Plus, with Avios points expiring and no imminent trips planned to the Middle East or Europe, it made sense to indulge.

Citibank Credit Card Perks: Free Flight + Free Luxury Perfumes

Curious about our haul?
Here's what we snagged:
1. Ralph Lauren Polo Sport - 19 QAR
2. Eau des Merveilles Bleue Eau de toilette - 535 QAR
3. Ralph’s Club Elixir - 555 QAR

The grand total? A fantastic sum in 1,109 QAR or SGD408! If Qatar Airways is on your radar, be sure to explore their membership system for added perks! 

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

Skin Saviors: Winter Skincare for Japan & Europe

For those of us from tropical climates, the allure of snowy destinations like Japan and Switzerland comes with a skincare challenge. After an 2016’s unprepared visit to chilly Chicago 2016, we've curated our must-have products to keep your skin happy and moisturized during your winter adventures.

FOR BODY:
Nivea Body Lotion Repair and Care: A non-heavy, non-sticky lotion that works wonders in keeping your skin moisturized.

Swisse Ultraboost High Strength Vitamin C: Ensure your skin stays healthy from the inside out. This Vitamin C not only boosts your immune system but also aids in skin repair.

Skin Saviors: Winter Skincare for Japan & Europe

FOR LIPS:
Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer: Perfect to prevent chapped lips, plus it adds a shimmering touch.

FOR HAIR:
Loreal Elseve Extraordinary Oil Serum: Ideal for locking in moisture, especially when hotels don't provide conditioner, ensuring your hair looks vibrant, not dull.

FOR FACE:
Vichy Intensive Purifying Gel: Keeps your face clear and free from breakouts while washing away impurities.

Vichy Purifying Pore-Tightening Lotion: Paired with the Purifying Gel, this toner is perfect for maintaining clean pores in the cold climates of Japan and Switzerland.

Neutrogena Hydra Boost Hyaluronic Acid: The star in moisturizing your face, providing that much-needed hydration.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400: The best sunscreen for high altitudes, a must when exploring the peaks of Switzerland.

Watsons and MINISO Eye Mask: These eye masks provide a relaxing break, especially during long plane rides.

Hope these recommendations ensure your future winter wonderland travels are as enchanting for your skin as the destinations themselves.

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

PHS HAIRSCIENCE® Singapore🇸🇬 | Scalp and Hair Loss Care and Treatment Review, Promotion & Freebies

ABBEY: I do have a case of thining hair at the crown. Can be hereditary as this was the same with my uncles. The best that I can do is to give more care to it.

We went to PHS Hairscience at Wheelock Place and gave my head the treatment it deserves. I got the Signature renew scalp treatment. My scalp was assessed and it was oily and have patches of dirt. Haha. Next step is shampoo. I can’t believe you can shampoo that many times. You get that cooling effect from the menthol. A serum was jet-sprayed to my scalp for better absorption. On the next visit (yes I came back a second time), a balloon-like contraption was put over my head and the serum is applied this time by steam.

Both sessions are rejuvenating and you can feel that all is clean up there. We bought shampoos and tonic to keep the scalp and hair healthy.

PHS HAIRSCIENCE®  Singapore🇸🇬 | Scalp and Hair Loss Care and Treatment Review, Promotion & Freebies

WILL: If something is hereditary and the signs of those are already manifesting will you wait for it to fully take its course? Well for us, specially me, I want to delay the grey hairs and thankfully PHS is there to help. This will be Abbey’s second year using their products and I was given an anti-ageing treatment.

The anti-ageing scalp treatment only took 1-hour from me. That hour consisted of few times of bubbly-cooling shampoo, head massage, scalp treatment application and blow dry. The PHS HAIRSCIENCE Wheelock is clean, the staffs are lively and you will feel that they really caring about your mane and not just to sell any product. Our hair specialist knew everything about our scalp and its progress. 

Splurging in this kind of treatments is not a waste of time. It is a MUST to take care of yourself. See you again PHS HAIRSCIENCE!

*** 

PHS HAIRSCIENCE 

(W) https://www.phshairscience.com/ 

(H) WEEKDAY 11:00am – 8:30pm | WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10:30am – 7:00pm 

(A) 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, #04-12, 238880 

(T) +65 6220 6948 | +65 6737 6286

Lenskart - Cheap Spectacles in Singapore

ABBEY: Time to have new specs and we went to Lenskart to get them. Max really gave a great customer service from choosing the frames to eye checkup. 

The frame will take more time to be delivered so we were told there will be a delay. We got two pairs for the price of one. Good deal! We also have cashback to purchase our contact lenses. My glasses were not fit to the frame properly though that’s why we went to the closest Lenskart branch and have it fixed. 

My new eyewear really looks good on me.

Lenskart - Cheap Spectacles in Singapore - Trendy Frame

WILL: It’s almost more than 2 years that we didn’t go for eye health check. Sorry eyes! It is not our fault! Taking a new glasses is quite troublesome during pandemic era! 2022, the restrictions are quite loosening up, so we went to Lenskart Vivo City (Biggest Lenskart Store) to see what are the frames they are offering and if we can avail the buy-one-get-one promotion.

Because 2 years passed, of course the eyewear we have is already outdated. Luckily Lenskart have this groovy and professional frames that suits our age and needs.

We had the usual eye exams and because of some specific lenses that Abbey bought, it took our new eyewears for more than 4-weeks.

Please use Fave Pay and register for Lenskart membership. We used our favepay cashback to buy Lenskart clear then we got free colored contact lenses. *Wink-wink* 

***

Lenskart - Singapore 

(W) https://www.lenskart.sg/

(H) 11:00AM to 10:00PM

(A) 1 Harbourfront Walk #02-238 (S) 098585

(T) 6904 2589

2 Day Water Fast and Why We Stopped It Immediately

ABBEY:

WILL: We always do a 24-hour fast. This round I initiated the 2-day fasting to Abbey. 

Fasting is not only good for your body for you to lose weight, balance the sugar and salt and to restart your system but fasting is spiritually good too! In the Bible, every person who has a great request or want to know a divine answer to their queries did fasting with distinctive prayer. 

Since my system is used to a 24-hour fasting, I didn’t feel any dizziness nor weakening of my body when I up out of bed at 9am. I even asked Abbey if we can hit the gym  on 12noon of 21st September. 

3pm my body shut down to a snooze and I woke up soaked on my sweat. That was 6pm. My body is shaking and for the third time in my fasting experience I felt a numbing and tingling sensation on my whole body. And of course, I know what’s next! My body will secrete a green fluid by vomit. 

Last time I had this two incidents and few minutes away in completing the fast, after puking I will feel relieved and in-tuned again. But this time, after secreting the bitter taste green liquid and a very cold sweat, pass half an hour my hands starts to shake, my heart beats frantically and my stomach churning to spew up again! 

I looked to Abbey and asked if I can stop. I am afraid that if I continued the fasting, a serious problem will arise. Abbey agreed for us to stop at our 32nd hour. 

At this moment, I failed in this fasting. I felt sad. My prayer now is for THE ALMIGHTY to forgive me in not completing my fast. 

I am sure to try again sometime. I will sure do it again victoriously! 

10k Steps Challenge - National Steps Challenge Singapore

ABBEY: We registered in Heath Promotions Board's National Steps Challenge. Aside from getting a step tracker, we also want to know if we can meet the 10,000-steps-a-day. 

First two days I'm not able to reach the target. But on the third day I was surprised when I clocked 10k steps. It was an accomplishment for me. Since that day, I was aiming for the goal as I've already did it. I'm hoping and trying my best to be on top of it.

WILL: Singapore never fails to make their health projects a fun thing to do. 

We are very interested on their National Steps Challenge program and we are so glad to know that we can join it. We download the Healthy 356 app, registered, and collected our step tracker for only $5. You can get this tracker here.   

As soon as we  we paired our trackers with our phones, the competition between me and my husband began. Haha. Well, as of now, I already redeemed the first tier. Abbey? Nahh!! Haha.

Thanks Health Promotion Board. We enjoy your program. :)

Wink Optics Singapore - Optometrist, Eyewear (OPTICAL SHOP)

ABBEY: Another year has passed and time for our specs to change again. Since we are getting new every year, we opted for glasses with cheaper prices. 

As long as it protects our eyes from computer radiation, changes the shades when outdoors and of course the right grade or power for eyes, we are ok. We tried Wink Optics (Seletar Mall branch). For a fraction of the cost (178SGD) from our previous purchase, we bought our new set of eyes. And after a week, we are able to use them. 

WILL: Many optical shops are out there offering promotions as part of Great Singapore Sale. And for our annual eye check-up/change specs, it is my duty to scout for great quality for a lower price. Then I saw Wink Optics. 

They are having a 50% off on the second pair and the most nice part is frames+lenses were only $98 and above. 

We headed to their Seletar Mall branch after our hike at MacRitchie Reservoir. Our eyes were checked (nothing changed) and we have some request to the lenses that alters the price a bit. Abbey wants, of course, a transition lenses and I asked for a Hoya brand lenses that will help blocked radiation from computers. 

We were shocked after the computation of the bill. Both of our specs cost almost of only Abbey's spec last year which we got from Owndays. 

Now we're wearing the glasses for more than a week, for me the lightness as a whole is great and the lenses gave me relief on a whole day staring at computer monitors. 

Next time for a cheaper alternative, review all the prices and better get it during Great Singapore Sale time. :)

SilkBath Soothing Balance (Vanilla Botanics)

ABBEY: Coupon promotions are becoming popoular nowadays. Lately, we joined iMob SG. And as a VIP, I got Silkbath body wash 750mL for a dollar. 
The body wash smells very good and leaves your skin soft. It is as if you're being comforted by a very soft blanket upon application. Even though it offers VIP perks seldom on the last few months, I'm still hoping that they will again revive it and give us good discounts.

WILL: This is the second SilkBath product that we will use. First was when Abbey won at SilkPro SG giveaway. He got the SilkBath Extra Lighten (Grape Seed Botanics). Now we are about to review is the SilkBath Soothing Balance (Vanilla Botanics).

Thanks to SilkPro for innovating a fragrance like this. The Soothing Balance variant is really comforting. The sweet smell of vanilla always fills our bathroom. This cream is really bubbly that it will cover your whole body for only one pump. After rinsing it off, it definitely leaves your skin with silky feel.

Thanks to iMob for a $1.00 deal for this 750mL liquid body soap.

Owndays Singapore (OPTICAL SHOP)

ABBEY: It is the time of the year again to change specs. Wilma is insisting on me to wear contact lenses but we ended up on choosing the good old frame.

She checked Owndays and saw that they offer full package (frame and lens) at 98sgd. The best part is that the frames are lightweight.

I chose a rimless frame. I haven't availed the offer as I requested for transition and thinner lens which add up 400sgd. Wilma got hers after 20 minutes while I waited for 3 weeks to get my new pair of additional eyes.

It was worth the wait. It also came with a nice specs case. The new specs is good and fitted me well. I looked more mature but more gwapo :)

WILL: Its a yearly must-do for us as a couple to check our eyes and to change specs. Yes! Every year we just not change lenses but the eyeglasses as a whole. Why? We use it daily..it means, our everday sweat is there and a good home for bacteria even we cleanse it religiously.

The power I need just a little bit higher, but of course I do not want a very heavy burden on my nose and ears. Gladly I found out the MyOwnDays at 313 Sommerset. 

The cheapest you can get is $98 for a glasses and the lenses. Mine was jacked up to the price of $168. I want a nicer half-
rimmed frame and Abbey added around $30 for an added protection on my eyes. 

Frame plus lenses is very light. Sometimes, I forget that I am wearing one.

The Body Shop Passion Fruit Body Scrub

ABBEY: I can say that I'm a fan of body scrub now. A clean body gives me a certain amount of confidence. When I tried this product the fruity scent gave me a refreshing feeling. I felt I'm more alive and energized. The salts leaves my skin soft and smooth.

WILL: Abbey signed-up The Body Shop - Love Your Body membership for me here in Singapore. He is the one who buys lotions for me. He knows when and what to buy. My husband is a really an ideal partner, isn't he? Ha!

      Well, being a member, I have the opportunity to know all the events and special promotions they have. They had this 70% warehouse sale, we bought this and stocked-up. Now is the time to try and test this body scrub. 

     As I open the lid, the sweet aroma of this scrub filled up the air of out bathroom. As I gently massage it on, the seeds from this passion fruit helps to scrape my dead skin off. As I washed, my body seems rejuvenated. Lovely isn't. Perfect for sensitive type of skins. 

    Visit The Body Shop branches and ask for the best body scrub that will suit your needs. 

Ahava Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (Men)

ABBEY: We got this at Ahava in Centerpoint. This works as a facial wash at the same time as a scrub. Tiny beads works on your pores leaving your face clean and smooth. And the smell? Well, you're woman will definitely give you a kiss as you smell very manly. It makes me more handsome in Wilma's eyes :)

WILL: Thanks Ahava for giving away samples of these facial scrubs. We scheduled to redeem this at their outlet at The Centerpoint. 

      As I asked the very pleasant lady behind the counter, she told me that I can use also this as the scrubs are not too strong to dry up a woman face. And then I tried. 

      Darlings, I love it as if I am like having diamond peel feel in my own home. The scent is so manly, but that part I would love to be on my husbands face :) 

      This Cleo's 2012 Beauty Hall of Fame product winner can buy to their website. Click here. Thanks again Ahava! 

Skin Cravings Scrub Me Pretty : Cranberry Yogurt

ABBEY: We saw the ad for this body scrub on one of our flight going back to Philippines. The product is different as it has yogurt in it. The aroma of cranberry fills the bathroom when I use it and the beads really clean my body making it soft and smooth.

WILL:  I saw an ad of this Scrub Me Pretty selections in a magazine rack of Cebu Pacific. As I read it, I blurted to Abbey that add this up in our grocery list, and so he did. For Php350, a bottle of cranberry yogurt covered our 5 weeks of exfoliation. 

      No salt at all and yet the cranberry seeds were there and it does the job that salt must do. Oh, I am so fragrantly delicious. Sweet! Haha! Love the scent and the softness of skin we have. 

Lancome Génifique

ABBEY: This facial serum samples should be used in 7 consecutive days. I didn't complete the cycle :( But the first few days that Wilma put it on me I felt my face refreshed. 

It is translucent, white-colored and odorless. I haven't got any harsh reaction on the application and It made my skin even softer.

WILL: This is the real trial. Of course, you can see some differences for one application but a seven day consecutive facial serum is serious thing.

      

At VivoCity was where we redeemed our sample. The lady behind the counter asked for the SMS confirmation and explicate to us how to use it.

      

Day to day, there is difference, for real :) I can say that one week of applying the serum, it met the things that I expected. Supple, smooth, no blackheads, and so tight skin.

Ace Renewal and Repairing Mask

ABBEY: Another mask? Yes. This was has a lesser scent than the last one I tried but still has the same effect. Once the mask has been applied prickling sensation will be felt. After the application it leaves your face soft and moisturize. Pampa-pogi :)

WILL: SaSa thank you so much for this giveaway! Me and hubby won a mask to try on. :) 
      Mask day again and here are some of the points I observed. 
This is the thinnest mask I used so far and due to its thinnest this mask must be folded between two other sheets to prevent breaking upon spreading up on users' face. It really sticks in and even the corners of nose and eyes were also hit and sucked up the fluid  There is no stingent smell, its like I am putting mask soaked in water only. After 20mins taking it off, I feel the pores is tighter and there is no sticky feeling on my face. On the next day, my T-zone that is usually oily, I saw that as if I am wearing a foundation. Haha. Goodbye oily T-zone. 
      Recommendable. You can buy this at any SaSa branch! :)

Coenzyme q10 Essence Mask

ABBEY: The persuasion of wearing this mask took almost two weeks. Not that I don't want it but I have to give medication first on my skin irritation. After it's been healed, Wilma applied it me. It is cold and refreshing. As the solution in the mask works I felt prickling effect on my face. The mask is to be worn for 20 minutes. After the application my skin is soft and rejuvenated. It is a good experience.

WILL: Actually I do not believe on masks to soothen people's skin. Maybe because I don't get the result that I want to have because I do this masking once every quarter, or should I say, once I get a facial cleaning at Let's face it. Hehe.
      Now, here in Sinagpore, I do not go for some facial cleaning so what will you expect? No masks at all.
But the very friendly people on Facebook send us some of their facial masks to try. Here, my hubby and I got to try this one.
      Mask is not that dripping wet and can apply without messing up with your clothes. :) While on my face, I feel a stingy feel. Maybe the masks starts to penetrate my pores.
      After peeling it off, it leaves a nice feelling. Skin is so soft but hey when I woke up in the morning, pimples starts to get out. I do not fret on this, because this is a great sign for me that the masks do their job. It penetrates in my pores and now taking out all the dirt inside. :) 

Close Up Fire-Freeze

ABBEY: What can I say? So far this is the best Close-Up product that I used. I saw their advertisement when we came back to Philippines and decided to give it a try. 

When I started to use it, it's as if I'm gargling with mouthwash while brushing. The product has intense coolness as you brush and you can feel the fire after.

Try it and experience the fire-freeze.

WILL: Close Up Philippines is making a noise, why? They had given away Blackberry cellphones for those who can creatively describe their new product... The "Fire-Freeze"! Hmmm, and I get curious about it so last December, this toothpaste was on my grocery list. 
      I don't like it, why? It produces a lot of bubbles and made me almost throw up every time I use it. So I stopped. Maybe others want this kind toothpaste. So I went back to my old brand. 

Sunplay Superblock SPF 130PA+++

ABBEY:
We got the sample in time for the airshow. A good opportunity to put the product to the test. Upon application I my skin became dry but I felt I'm really protected under the sun. I enjoyed the show and the UV ray attacks is the least of my worries.

WILL: Sunplay send Abbey a sample of their product. We got it from the Sunplay Facebook fanpage. :)Abbey received a sample before the Singapore Airshow, just in time to check the out this sunscreen with that claims that they have the highest SPF content.
      Ok then, we applied after shower then we travelled around 40 minutes to Airshow. In that 40 minutes, maybe that is enough for it to settle on our skin.
      Good thing, we never get burnt. No sunburn and do not leave our face white as snow. Hehe. But on this, while wearing this sunscreen, it really made me feel my skin is so dry. Anyway, after taking a bath, dryness is gone.
      Thanks Sunplay for protecting us at Singapore Airshow. :) 

Guardian Mouthwash Peppermint with TTO

ABBEY: We got a lot of good products from Guardian and one of them is this mouthwash. This products keeps my breath fresh longer and had a nice taste, not that I drink it. Its alternative when our mouthwash from Pinas is depleted.

WILL: Really want to congratulate guardian for this great idea for incorporating tea tree oil with their mouthwash. 

      Tea tree oil is well know for its antiseptic and anti-bacterial feature. Hehe. When using this mouthwash, the freshness is very admirable and it somewhat leaves my teeth and mouth the feeling of moisturized. There is no stingy thingy on this. Love it a lot! We bought this not more than $6 at Guardian Suntec City Branch. :)

Complete Multi-Purpose Solution

ABBEY: This is better amongst the contact lens solutions I had in the past. It cleans the lenses thoroughly and store them with minimal protein build-up. Rub the contacts with it for 10 seconds and you can feel that its like new again. Unlike with other solutions, the lens are still "slimy" even though you clean it with the recommended method. We got two large bottles for less than 40sgd. Along with it is travel bottle for on-the-go usage.

WILL: Hayyyy sign of ageing. :'(
      I cannot watch a tv without glasses or contacts lenses, poor me :( We try to use this solution. We got this 3 bottles for the price of $27. This seems cleaned the contact lenses a lot. There is no moisturized feeling inside my eyes. Nice one, but I don't know because i got this feeling that this solution is one of reason that gives me a dry eyes. I don't know, maybe I should try another brand for comparison. 

Sephora Douche Wash

ABBEY: Finally I got hold of this product :) The body wash was a bit more expensive than the ones we've tried. The price doesn't come to the picture when I used it the first time. I got the mint one and the smell is good. It leaves your skin with right moisture and clean. It is also mild and gentle to the body. A good buy. Using the chocolate now :)

WILL: I am not into cream wash or douche body wash, why? It is so sticky that it gave me an icky feeling.
      So when Sephora had their 1-for-1 promo for their body wash, we bought this mainly for abbey to use.
      Abbey asked me to try it first before complaining. Haha! So I gave it a shot! The result? Excellent! A small portion can bubble up my whole body! Hmmm, but chocolate douche cream is better, it seems that I am a walking chocolate. Haha! Delicious me!