Monday, 16 November 2015

Taking Online Shopping to a Whole New Level

Well I am a avid online shopper. My entire wardrobe...yes even down to lingerie are all bought online and all purchases are from overseas - US and UK. 

Many of my friends or colleagues are surprised that I can purchase a dress (and many other dresses) and they fit perfectly. Well I do not have a slim and slender body shape where most of people can just purchase their clothings on blogshops. Brands in US & UK suit me better in terms of sizing and of course, most importantly their style and of course, they are much cheaper than in Singapore. 

I use a US address provided by comGateway for most of my US purchases. Yes, shipping is a little costly but be rest assure that your package will definitely reach you in no time. 
The more you ship, the more benefits you can get. First and foremost, every 3 shipments you made will entitle you to be upgraded to comGateway Prime membership.

Benefits of comGateway Prime members

  1. Express shipping at an affordable rate (I mean its like 3 to 5 days and all the packages will reach)
  2. Minimum of 60 days free storage
  3. Be able to track your package 

Register a US address with comGateway.

While using comGateway, I was introduced to "Earn Cashback on your Shopping". 
This is the beginning of an addiction - Ebates Singapore

In this site, you will find almost all brands that you know of and earn rebates while shopping. Note to remember, you don't have to ship your purchases through comGateway. You can ship direct to Singapore or any US address you have. 

How does it work?

  1. Create a Ebates account and browse all the merchants that allows you to earn cashback. The list of merchants in Ebates covers in US and some in Singapore as well. 
  2. Search for the online shop you wish to shop at. It will show you the percentage of rebates you can earn. 
  3. Click on the merchant's link on Ebates Singapore and start your shopping spree. 
  4. Remember to checkout your purchase in the browser that is launched from Ebates. This will ensure the rebates will be credited to your account. 
  5. The cashback will be credited into your Ebates account in 3 to 5 days time. 
  6. All the purchases that are entitled to the cashback will be reflected in your Ebates account.

How do you get back your Cash Back?
  1. First select Payment Method. Ebates Singapore has 3 methods of payment:
    • Cheque
    • Paypal
    • Credit and Debit Card
  2. Cash Back are all in US dollars and prevailing exchange rate applies. 
  3. Cash Back will be automatically be credited to your mode of payment for cashback in a quarterly basis. 
I have just received one cash back payment on 15 November. It is already credited in my credit card account. This just shows how fast Ebates works in crediting the rebates to the credit card account. Of course, I lost out in the exchange rate. But still I get cashback from my shopping. What more can I ask for.

Well you can also earn cash back by referral when you make a purchase, which is what I am going to post next. Visit and register your account at Ebates Singapore.




Sunday, 1 November 2015

Il Cielo Hilton Singapore

This is a small restaurant per se, overseeing the bustling Orchard road. With the sunset, the evening became beautiful and it just felt that we are off on a holiday.
Serenity

I have been to this Italian restaurant a couple of times for lunch and dinner. I am always impressed with their service and food. Thus I have decided to take advantage of this Restaurant Week to invite my aunt and cousin for dinner.

After seeing the reviews on the overcooked fish/prawns, I became skeptical. As this is the first visit for my aunt & cousin, I would prefer them to enjoy their evening as we always say first impression counts.

Surprisingly, this evening turned out to be pretty perfect, from the antipasto to the desserts. I have ordered one additional antipasto to share - Capesante MSC and a bottle of red wine.

We were served with the Calamari salad, orange dressing, mango gel and cherry tomatoes. The first look at it, I love it. Why? The rich colours of this dish is enticing enough.
Calamari Salad
The dressing complements the calamari and the calamari complements the freshness of the vegetables. *Do note that the calamari is not deep fried.

The Capesante MSC was served next. Nothing spectacular about this dish. Oh, by the way Capesante MSC is Scallop creation with grilled pineapple & caviar. Perhaps it is not to my liking.
Fantasia Di Capesante

After the antipasto, we were served with our selection of main course - Sea Bass with potato crust, asparagus and roasted pepper.
SeaBass with Potato Crust, Asparagus and Roasted Pepper 
This is the dish that concerns me. Reviews on restaurant week have been pretty negative on the main course - undercooked or overcooked seabass. But the sea bass we ordered was neither. The fish was cooked to perfection. My cousin complained that the asparagus was too hard for her, but my aunt and I find that the asparagus were just right. For me, it is the way asparagus should be done.

And lastly, the dessert for the evening was red velvet mascarpone, raspberry micro, chocolate truffle, sweet pesto.
Red Velvet Mascarpone
The dessert was alright and I have to disagree with the sweet pesto. It is a weird combination.

As it is also an early birthday celebration for my aunt, I have informed the restaurant and they served up an additional slice of cheesecake. This is thoughtful of them.
Hilton Cheesecake
Aside with the food, the service provided by the staff is impeccable. I won't complain in any ways. But if I am to nitpick, olive oil was spilled onto the table and they did not wipe it. Nonetheless, this is minute.

I must say Il Cielo is a place to unwind and relax, and they never fail to impress me, even on Restaurant Week.

Il Cielo, Hilton Singapore
Website : http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/singapore/hilton-singapore-SINHITW/dining/il-cielo.html
Address :
Hilton Singapore
Level 24
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
For reservation : +65 6730 3395
Email : ilcielo@hilton.com