GRABCAR: Book Your Ride!

Now that you've learned a little more about GrabCar and it's benefits and convenience, let's do a walkthrough of how to make a booking. Actually it couldn't be easier: 

First of all, if you haven't already done so, you'll have to download the free GrabTaxi app onto your mobile phone. The App is available on all platforms.

After you've installed and started up the app, you simply have to enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, and then select the GrabCar service you'd like.

Once a booking is confirmed, passengers will receive their assigned driver’s details – name, mobile number, vehicle registration number and also his photo. They'll also be able to track the driver’s movements as he moves towards them.

Here's the breakdown of the GrabCar fares:

• Based on distance, time, location and demand.Your fare will be shown on the app once you enter the pick-up point, drop-off point, and pick up time (for advanced bookings). Where applicable, surcharges apply to this fare for ERP, additional stops, and additional waiting time.
• Additional stops are chargeable at S$5 per stop if the additional distance travelled is less than 5 km. For distances equal to 5km and above, passengers will have to create a new booking. Maximum no. of additional stops is 3.
• Additional waiting time: S$5 per 10 mins.
• The fare is calculated by the app according to the following formula:
• Base Fare S$3 + S$0.70 Per KM + Advanced Booking Fee $5 (if applicable) + Surcharge
• (if applicable) Surcharges are dependent on time, location and demand.
• Hourly hire is available at S$35 per hour (min 2 hours). Simply key in "SG GC ECONOMY" into the drop off location and select the relevant option to book. 

As previously stated, the great thing is even if we do get caught in a jam or the driver has to take a massive detour for some reason, the fare remains fixed* once you make the booking.

(*ERP not included. Additional stops are chargeable at S$5 per stop. Additional waiting time: S$5 per 10 mins).

You can read more about the GrabCar service via http://grabtaxi.com/grabcar/.

So now, why not experience the convenience and comfort of a GrabCar ride for yourself!

GRABCAR/LXG PROMOTION TIME! 

As part of the launch of GrabCar (Economy), get 10 x $5 off GrabCar Economy rides from today 'til 3rd May 2015 by entering “TRYGC” into the promo code box to enjoy this great offer!

And ESPECIALLY for LXG readers: MORE EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS! 
Enter “GRABLEAGUE” into the promo code from 28th April to 12th May 2015 and enjoy $8 off your first 2 GrabCar rides!

Terms and Conditions: 
“TRYGC” promo code is available for a maximum of 10 rides only
“GRABLEAGUE” promo code is available for a maximum of 2 rides only from 28th April to 12th May 2015.
These two promo codes cannot be used at the same time.
The “GRABLEAGUE” promo code is applicable to all GrabCar categories.

Visit the LXGers' Facebook Page to find out more!

GRABCAR: The New Way to Travel!

People are always saying that there are just way too many taxis on the road in Singapore – and it does seem that way doesn't it – especially when you're stuck in a traffic jam during rush hour.

But I'll bet that just like me, you'd be questioning that statement when you've been hanging on the phone for over an hour on a Monday morning, getting late for an important meeting!

During peak hours, its a minor miracle to actually book a taxi on time; even though we have six different cab companies to choose from in Singapore - comprising as of January 2015, over 28,500 taxis!

Of course the recent GrabTaxi service has eased that burden considerably, but there are still certain times during the day when you can't avoid having to hang on the line.

In an ideal world, where money was no obstacle, I'd just click my fingers and my personal chauffeur would be at my beck and call, complete with a sparkly set of wheels. But unfortunately, this is the real world, and I'm not made of money! But as of April 2015, the dream and luxury of an affordable chauffeur-driven ride has become that more accessible...

The same people that brought you GrabTaxi have now launched GrabCar, and I've been itching to try it! GrabCar complements the GrabTaxi service – and it just might be the answer to our prayers - balancing the vehicle-to-passenger supply and demand situation during critical periods such as peak hours.

In July 2014, GrabCar was launched to complement GrabTaxi’s taxi booking services, offering premium 4-seaters for those who like to travel in style, as well as 6- and 13- seaters for commuters travelling in groups or with luggage. However during peak hours taxi demand still exceeds supply, therefore in April 2015, a fourth option GrabCar (Economy) was officially launched in Singapore to provide commuters with another option to get a ride.

Started in Malaysia, it is now available in Thailand, Philippines and Singapore. The App has been downloaded on more than 3.8 million mobile devices to date.

And this is how it works: Just like GrabTaxi, GrabCar is an on-demand, private hire vehicle service which is booked via the existing GrabTaxi mobile app. Users can select the type of GrabCar service that they require, for example, GrabCar (Economy), to make a booking.

(There are now 4 tiers to GrabCar: GrabCar (Economy), GrabCar+ (Premium), GrabCar 6- seater and GrabCar 13-seater. Each category is designed to suit the different needs and budget of commuters).

Once a booking is confirmed, passengers will receive their assigned driver’s details – name, mobile number, vehicle registration number and also his photo. Passengers will also be able to track the driver’s movements as he moves towards them.

Pretty straightforward right? So this weekend, we put the updated app to action for ourselves and took our first GrabCar ride!

GrabCar driver Mohamad: on time and ready to go!

Our driver Mohamad arrived right on time and even waited for us for a few minutes longer as we were running a little late. Smartly dressed and very polite, Mohammad made us relax immediately - and in fact that was the most refreshing thing about the entire ride; he was calm and friendly, not in the typical mad rush that most taxi 'uncles' are in, as they fight to get in as many bookings as possible during their daily shifts. The great thing is even if we do get caught in a jam or the driver has to take a massive detour for some reason, the fare remains fixed* once you make the booking.

(*ERP not included. Additional stops are chargeable at S$5 per stop. Additional waiting time: S$5 per 10 mins).

Our ride was a spotless champagne-gold Toyota Corolla. As GrabCar (Economy) is catered towards the everyday taxi user seeking an affordable alternative to cabs, vehicles used are usually Toyota Corolla, Toyota Wish and Honda Civic, with fares comparable to taxis.

If you happen to be more adventurous and want to leave an impression, GrabCar+ Premium offers a more premium range of vehicle models, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series, with correspondingly higher fares.

We had a pleasant chat with Mohamad during the course of our journey, and he was very happy working with GrabCar, already taking on average at least ten rides a day. In no time we had reached our destination, and even a couple of traffic jams on the way did nothing to spoil the ride!

The convenience and comfort of a GrabCar ride has made it an instant hit with me, and I can see myself making use of this service many, many times in the near future!

Destination Reached: A pair of happy travellers!

You can read more about the GrabCar service via http://grabtaxi.com/grabcar/.

Stay tuned for our next post - where we'll show you how to make a booking with GrabTaxi, and show you how easy and convenient it is!

GRABCAR/LXG PROMOTION TIME! 

As part of the launch of GrabCar (Economy), get 10 x $5 off GrabCar Economy rides from today 'til 3rd May 2015 by entering “TRYGC” into the promo code box to enjoy this great offer!

And ESPECIALLY for LXG readers: MORE EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS! 
Enter “GRABLEAGUE” into the promo code from 28th April to 12th May 2015 and enjoy $8 off your first 2 GrabCar rides!

Terms and Conditions: 

“TRYGC” promo code is available for a maximum of 10 rides only
“GRABLEAGUE” promo code is available for a maximum of 2 rides only from 28th April to 12th May 2015.
These two promo codes cannot be used at the same time.
The “GRABLEAGUE” promo code is applicable to all GrabCar categories.

Visit the LXGers' Facebook Page to find out more!

LADY@LXG: I 'HEART' my Neostrata Bionic Serum!

Ok this is a quick shout out about an amazing product that I just have to share with the world!

As you know, for the past 12-months or so, I have been plagued by a bout of itchy, unsightly eczema on my face, hands and neck, that just won't go away, no matter how many courses of oral steroids I take.

I was totally at the end of my tether, because not only was I growing older, I was unable to use any of my awesome skin care products and had to instead, use eczema-safe products like Cetaphil and Physiogel, which while being awesome in their own right, are just not enough to keep my fast forming wrinkles at bay.

So anyway, before I digress further, the whole point of this post is to talk about this super product that I heard about and managed to get my itchy red hands on; Neostrata's Bionic Serum.

This scentless, light serum melts into the skin and literally helps heal my eczema, while hydrating my skin. In fact, it has now become my "must-have" skin care product that I use before my moisturiser. 

Formulated with 10% Lactobionic Acid, this concentrated daily-use serum helps restore the skin's radiance amplifying the benefits of your other antiaging products. Lactobionic Acid, a potent antioxidant, builds skin’s support structure and protects it by inhibiting MMP, the enzyme that breaks down collagen and GAGs, skin’s support structure. Together with Pro-Vitamins A, C and E, Lactobionic Acid also provides intense moisturization and reduction in the appearance of fine lines, pore size, laxity and mottled hyperpigmentation. 

So if you have ageing, sensitive or eczema or an itchy rash prone skin, this serum is a MUST for you!!! I absolutely love it. You can find more information here: NEOSTRATA

LADY@LXG: Turn back the hands of time with Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream

“Using patented NeoCitrate and NeoGlucosamine, this neck cream promotes collagen and hyaluronic acid production, plumping and lifting the skin around the neck”.

As a beauty editor, I have always believed that our face ends at our chest, which is why I have always slathered on the same pricey boosters, serums and lotions that I use on my face, onto my neck. In fact, I won't even dare to draw my blackout curtains in the morning until I have a layer of sunscreen 'tapped' onto my face, neck and décolletage. 

However, no matter how dedicated I have been, I feel that my neck seems to have aged faster than it should have, especially for my age. And to rub this fact in further, I get tut-tutted at by my facial therapist every month when she catches sight of my lined neck (sigh).

Because my skin is super-sensitive and prone to break out in raised patches of eczema for no rhyme or reason, I was a bit wary about using anything new, but since it was a product by Neostrata, I figured it should be safe! 

This cream smells really fresh and clean and does not leave a sticky after-feel, unlike a lot of other moisturisers and neck creams. Instead, this cream absorbs fast, and leaves skin feeling silky, smooth and delicately scented.

Because I have only recently started using the cream, I can’t tell you if I have noticed any improvements (yet), although I do expect to see some after a month of using this product, twice a day.

The Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream is a special anti-ageing cream designed for the  delicate and often neglected neck area and decollete. The strong firming and exfoliating action is said to improve all the signs of premature ageing and is formulated with a powerful blend of NeoStrata proprietary and other selectively sourced ingredients.

Based on three components, this cream tightens, increases volume and addresses sagging skin in the neck area. If this truly works, it is indeed a godsend, as I seem to have a lot of lines on my neck. Far more than I should for my age. 

Pro-peptides stimulate the production rate of collagen in the deeper layers of skin; NeoCitriate™ helps to produce new collagen to lift and firm; and clinically proven NeoGlucosamine® helps increase hyaluronic acid and evens pigmentation, while helping to create a supportive skin structure. The strong effect of this cream is further reinforced by the Apple Stem Cell Extract which helps to maintain cells and gives the skin a younger, tighter appearance by creating a powerful invisible mesh support to restore and maintain the shape of the neck.

For more information, check out Neostrata's website: www.neostrata.com.sg

Lifestyle@LXG: EHA Skincare opens its first store at Shaw Centre!

Fans of EHA Skincare will be ecstatic to know that this cult skincare brand has finally opened its very own stand-alone store at Shaw Centre in Orchard. With products from Japan, US and France, this comprehensive range of skincare is specially formulated for the humidity of Asia and sensitive Asian skin.



As most of our regular readers would know, LXG is a blog made up of a number of writers and contributors from the media industry and most of us religiously use products from EHA Skincare.

Their range of Japan-made skincare is our favourite. The range is super light-weight and perfectly suited for Singapore's humid weather.

EHA Skincare is also the only brand that carries a 24-Hr sunscreen that keeps skin protected the whole day long, making no need for reapplication and is a 'can't leave home without it' product of LADY@LXG.





The official opening of the Skincare centre which was last Friday on the 6th of February, was amazing! It was like a big party full of happy and beautiful people. Imagine lots of laughter, great company, great food and amazing products to play with.

The staff were super-knowledgable and helped each guest select the right products for their skin type and condition. Oh, did we mention that we each got $150 EHA Skincare dollars to spend at the store? Oh yeah we did! After much dithering, we finally settled on their collagen pills which we had never tried before and were curious to give a go.



If you are looking for a range of skincare that is light and suitable for our humid weather, visit EHA Skincare. The staff are super lovely and will help you find the right product for your skin type and need.

EHA Skincare products are available exclusively at EHA Skincare, which is located at 1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre # 03-28. Singapore 228208

LIFESTYLE@LXG: It's Pure Hair Indulgence when Kishani Discovers the Creambath!

The Hair Creambath treatment at Immortelle Atelier was pure bliss for me the exhausted traveller, having spent two days back to back taking in the sights, sounds and shopping of Singapore; you could say I was rather exhausted, when my friend raved about their Hair Creambath, I just had to give it a go (its only $55!!!) and OMG it was a pleasurable moment that allowed me to survive the rest of my holiday! 

John the head stylist started my treatment off by washing my hair with a caviar based shampoo, which smelled ever so good. Btw ever heard of water conservation while shampooing, well i don’t think he used more than three squirts of water on my head to lather the shampoo, quite a fascinating tactic, recommended to all stylists! From there I was treated to a divine head massage while he washed away the shampoo. There after John’s magic hands worked-in a cooling menthol Creambath with a thirty-minute head massage, at the end of which he had to wake me up, that’s how calming it was (thank goodness I managed to snap at least one photo before I nodded off).



I was informed by John that the most effective way to maintain the good health of your hair and scalp was to schedule in a Creambath as often as possible.

I totally swear that if I lived in Singapore, I would have one at least once a week! Fun fact did you know that the scalp determines how great your hair looks!

Note this treatment will definitely leave your hair shiny, healthy and easy to manage and ONLY costs $55!



Post the indulgent massage my hair was wrapped for a few further minutes where the product is allowed to penetrate into the scalp, and then he continued with a relaxing shoulder and neck massage which was performed while the treatment took effect. OMG this was amaaaazing! The man has magical hands or something. He kneaded away all my stress and knots and left me wobbly as a Jello!

While my scalp was being pampered, my tired from shopping hands were being moisturized and massaged and then they were put into a pair of gloves filled Maria Galland Cocoon mask and left to absorb for about ten minutes and then washed off, leaving me with baby-soft hands!



After about forty minutes of the cooling mint Creambath that had been absorbed into my tired head my hair was rinsed and conditioned with a Caviar conditioner, where again i was spoilt with a short but ever so loved massage, after which my hair was blown and styled into a swishy do that left me looking and smelling so awesome!



The Cream Bath at Immortelle Atelier is a definite cost effective spoiler for anyone looking for some timeout in the hustle and bustle of Singapore holiday.

Priced between S$55 and S$60 it is affordable and definitely a highlight of my holiday. I love you Immortelle Atelier and will be back again soon!

THELADY@LXG: The LADY tries her first meal replacement!

 Day 1 - Weight: 56 kg
Because this is my first time taking a meal replacement of any sort, I sort of didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t expect it to be so delicious! It comes in four flavours and I was given seven days worth of a mix of them to try.

Today I had strawberry with half a glass of full cream milk (sorry but skim milk just tastes so yucky) and half a glass of iced water and oooh it was so delicious that I could have a few more.


The strawberry flavor is formulated with freeze-dried Korean Strawberry extract, naturally sourced Korean rice and soy based and is suitable for lactose intolerant and vegetarians. It also has some bits of dried strawberry and a few seeds and I drank/ate them all. Its 6.30PM now, lets see how long I can last before getting hungry. Super excited to see the results of this one week trial/challenge!

Ok by 8PM I was quite hungry so I ate a persimmon and a handful of almonds, pecans and wall nuts. By 9PM I needed more food, so I had a boiled egg and a half glass of milk after which I was satiated until bed time which was at 1AM. Each sachet has only 150 calories, so I don’t blame it for not keeping me full until bed time. To be fair, it must be said that I took the sachet post workout, so I had already worked up quite a hunger, plus I am used to consuming many, many (think at least 800 to a 1000) more calories per meal.

Day 2 - Weight: 55 kg
I am super happy to have lost one-kilo. I know its most likely water weight, but it made me smile nonetheless. Today I had the chocolate flavor and tried to drink it a bit later in the day, so instead of 6.30, I stuffed my face with nuts and a banana and guzzled it at 7.30PM.  By 9PM I felt a bit faint so had another boiled egg (yes I have a thing for boiled eggs). The chocolate flavour is made using the best Valrhona Chocolate extract, filled with yummy chocolate bits and US milk protein. I decided to make it with with full cream milk and it was so tasty but strawberry is still my current favourite!

Day 3 - Weight: 55 kg
Today I had the Grains Flavor, which is formulated with grains, chia seeds, spirulina extract, naturally sourced Korean rice and US milk protein. and it was really tasty.

I decided to use full cream milk instead of the half water / half milk mixture of day 1 and 2.

But I still got hungry after a couple of hours and had to eat two boiled eggs, almonds and some yoghurt and another glass of milk.


Day 4 - Weight: 55 kg
I decided to go with the Matcha flavour today, and to be quite frank, expected it to be my least favourite, so I was quite surprise by the fact that it was really yummy! Matcha Flavor is formulated with Japanese Green Tea extract, naturally sourced Korean rice and soy based is suitable for lactose intolerant and vegetarians. This basically means, that every single flavour is delicious, although Strawberry is still my favourite. Today I decided to use it as a pre-workout drink and it did a fabulous job keeping me focussed on my workout and not on what I would eat next. It also stopped me from gorging as soon as I walked through my door and actually helped keep me satiated until dinner.

Days 5, 6 and 7 - Weight: 55 kg
I have now decided to use this as a pre-workout drink and it seriously helps keep me energized and focused and being only 150 calories, it is easily burned in under an hour.

Its been about a month since I took the meal replacement and I must say that after just seven days and eating almost as much as normal, and basically using Ulti Trim as more of a pre-work out drink, I still not just managed to lose a kilo, but actually maintain the loss, which is absolutely fabulous! Does this work? I think it does. And if I had a stronger will and stuck to a strict diet, I could have lost so much more.

Ulti Trim™ is formulated and recommended as a meal replacement to be used at the very most twice a day.  As delish as it is, Ulti Trim™ should not be taken as a sole source of nutrition to replace all three daily meals and if you want to lose weight healthily, it is still important to consume at least one well-balanced solid meal and shift your butt and exercise for at least 30-45 minutes a day.

For people on long-term medication / diet allergies / pregnant / on lactation; please seek proper medical advice before taking any meal replacement / supplements.

Each box of Ulti Trim™ contains 7 sachets for one week’s consumption, and retails
For $48 a box and is available at:

Nishino Pharmacy Outlets
Shaw House| Liang Court | Takashimaya
Robinsons
The Centrepoint | Raffles City | Orchard | Jurong East Mall
John Little  
Marina Square | Plaza Singapura | Tiong Bahru Plaza | Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Pan Derma Clinique 
Great World City Level 2
Phillip Wain
Mandarin Gallery
Selected TCM and medical clinics