Sweet Festive Joy With Janice Wong This Jolly Season

Hi Huneybees,

This festive season is sweeter with Singapore’s culinary artist and multi-award-winning pastry chef - Janice Wong. Her latest collection - Christmas with Janice Wong features an exciting array of edible creations, including cakes, cookies, box sets, and hampers, just in time for the season of sharing and gifting.

(Left:Box of 25 Advent Calendar | Right: Bean to Bar Advent Calendar)

The new Bean to Bar Advent Calendar (S$98), features 12 different Pure Imagination single-origin chocolate bars and the Box of 25 Advent Calendar (S$107) containing 25 pieces of chocolate Bon Bons in an assortment of divine flavours from the Christmas, Signature Singapore Series and Classic collections. 

Breaking through traditions, Janice Wong’s rendition of Christmas cakes breaks the mold in every detail, bringing a surprise to your Christmas gatherings. There's the white beret-inspired Santa Pom Pom Celebration Cake (S$88) is filled with cherry compote, cherry curd, vanilla chantilly mousse, cherry Champagne mousse, and Champagne mousse in a beetroot sponge. 

The eye-catching 3D Christmas Tree Praline Chocolate (S$228) consists of chocolate balls infused with praline, bringing joy to every bite. The little wrapped presents make it so precious to even bite into!

(From left to right: Pine Cone, Starry Night, Christmas Wreath, Santa Hat)

Of course, for those who want a little of everything, there are also miniature cakes - Pine Cone, Starry Night, Christmas Wreath, and Santa Hat (S$12 each).

Pine Cone is a deliciously chocolatey experience with just a little hint of Christmas spices, featuring layers of Chocolate Cake, Coffee Cremeux, Caramel Bavarois, and Gingerbread Chocolate Mousse. Starry Night is mousse cake with Pistachio sponge, Strawberry Mousse, White Wine Mousse, Raspberry Pink Pepperccorn Jelly and Vanilla Mousse. Christmas Wreath is a Double Chocolate Sponge cake, filled with Vanilla Ganache, Red Current Compote and Bailey's Mousse; whilst Santa Hat is a Pistachio sponge cake with Bergamot marcarpone, Mango Coulis, Raspberry Ruby Chocolate Mousse and Marshmallow.

Perfect for pick-me-up treats are the Christmas Edition Expression Series Pure Imagination Bean to Bar Chocolates (S$12 each) in seven flavours, such as 49% Laksa Leaf Lemongrass Milk Chocolate and 68% Peppermint.

(Left: Chocolate Bon Bons Boxes | Right: Pine Nut Chocolate Cookies & Caramelized Pecan Nut Cookies)

There's also the Chocolate Bon Bons packed in Chocolate Boxes (from S$26 for 5 – 25 pieces) in decadent flavours and the mouth-watering seasonal flavours of the Pine Nut Chocolate Cookies and Caramelized Pecan Nut Cookies (S$28 each).

 

Alternatively, pick a hamper (from S$80) filled with premium champagne and an assortment of her Christmas confections lovingly packed in limited edition festive boxes. 

Visit https://janicewong.online/collections/christmas-2022 for more information and to purchase items from the Christmas collection, or visit her Singapore stores at Great World, i12 Katong, and Paragon, or purchase from Grabmart. Outside of Singapore, Janice Wong’s newly opened stand at Selfridges in London is selling Christmas chocolate bars and advent calendars too. 

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Christmas Comes Early This Year With Starbucks' Latest Christmas Drinks & Merchandise

Hi Huneybees,

Have yourself an early start to a merry little Christmas! As of yesterday, we can already start sipping our favourite Starbucks holiday beverages as Singapore is the first to launch Starbucks' Christmas menu globally. We have the returning favourites as well as new offerings, accompanied by an array of gift possibilities and festive treats that will warm your hearts this holiday season!

New & Returning Favourites

Aside from the holiday drinks, here are some other things to look forward to until the end of Christmas season...

Exclusive Merchandise & Special Discount

From 25th October 2017, look forward to a new surprise of exciting special buys and exclusive merchandise each week with Starbucks’ Gift of the Week! For starters on week 1, treat your loved ones to a pair of Christmas Bearista Key Chains and a limited-edition Starbucks Christmas Cup Card at $19.90 a set, available while stocks last. 

For the latest updates, be sure to stay tuned to Starbucks Singapore’s official Facebook page – www.facebook.com/StarbucksSingapore, as we unveil each week’s festive treat!

For the first time, Starbucks Rewards™ Gold and Green Members are invited to celebrate the season with storewide discounts of 15% – applicable from 25th to 27th October. Enjoy first dibs on those Christmas goodies and more. Go all out and treat yourself, even in this season of giving!

STARBUCKS® Christmas Blend

This year’s Christmas Blend lineup includes: Starbucks Christmas Blend, Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast and Starbucks Christmas Blonde Roast.

Starbucks Christmas Blend's distinct, cedary, spicy layers balanced by a sweet, rich smoothness. It is available in a variety of formats, including whole bean, Starbucks Origami pre-portioned ground coffee with single-use filters and Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, an instant Christmas solution for coffee lovers on the go.

Inspired by the tradition of Christmas Blend, Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast adds an intense caramelly sweetness that complements the herbal spiciness, perfect with a slice of gingerbread while Starbucks Christmas Blonde Roast is lightly roasted to bring out warm woodsy aromas, with hints of brown sugar, sweet orange and all spice notes. All these Christmas blends are good to go with rich, sweet desserts like the Merry Treats below.

Merry Treats

This Christmas, delight in sweet and savory treats at Starbucks that is sure to satiate your cravings. Tingle your taste buds with the delicious pudding cups – a first for Singapore! Available in chocolate and milk flavors, these mini pudding cups are luxuriously rich, perfect whenever, wherever. 

Some festive food highlights include:

Starbucks Pudding Cups: Rejoice! Starbucks beautiful pudding cups are coming to Singapore for the first time! In chocolate and milk flavors, these mini pudding cups are luxuriously rich, perfect for any time of the day. Starbucks Christmas puddings are available in two exclusive, holiday inspired designs. In the spirit of Give Good, grab one for your loved one and for yourself, and reuse the packaging to create a sweet gift for each other. 

Christmas Tree Brownie Pop: Save a spot on your dining table for these wonderfully moist and chocolatey festive trees.

Mac and Cheese Pie: A crowd favorite that never fails to delight. Turkey bacon and a glorious union of oozy cheeses are housed within a puff pastry. It is then finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese

Go ahead and check out the other yummy Merry Treats Starbucks have whipped up - http://www.starbucks.com.sg/menu/food/Merry-Bites-FY18Christmas?utm_source=Homepage&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=FY18%20Christmas

Christmas Merchandise

Get ahead of the crowds and show how well you know your loved ones with gifts from the heart at Starbucks. In celebration of the season of Giving Good, Starbucks introduces an extra-special collection of holiday merchandise. Whether you are looking for a last-minute gift or the perfect stocking filler, you will be sure to find the most thoughtful, adorable options from this season’s Starbucks holiday collection that will be rolled out periodically in the leadup to Christmas!  

From Bearista Bear™ to tumblers and festive mugs, this season’s merchandise is available in two collections: “Night Forest” – featuring whimsical woodland creatures paired with traditional winter patterns, dressed up in rich jewel tones and opulent metallics – and “Holiday Luxe” which come in traditional festive colors and a fun pop of pattern. 

Otherwise, simply give the gift of Starbucks with the limited-edition Starbucks Cards that come in a myriad of designs! A must-have for Starbucks Card collectors and a fuss-free, practical gift for your loved ones. 

So there you have it, the lowdown on Starbucks Christmas treats. Do share which is your favourite beverage and don't forget to check out http://www.starbucks.com.sg/ for the weekly "Gift of the Week". Ho Ho Ho!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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A 360° View Of The Christmas Wonderland 2016 @ Gardens By The Bay

Hi Huneybees,

Singapore's largest yuletide fair - The Christmas Wonderland 2016 was officially open last night by Minister for National Development & Second Minister for Finance - Mr Lawrence Wong.

Knowing that this year, for its third edition, the fairground has expanded twice the size, I brought along my LG 360 CAM to capture all the beautiful insta-worthy shots. I've fallen in love with the 360 Virtual Reality as I can always immerse myself at that moment and relive that precious memory over and over again. ⇑⇑⇑ Check out the opening video above and you'll know what I mean. ⇑⇑⇑

Click on pic to see the 360 action.

The highlight of the Christmas Wonderland has got to be the Spalliera Castel del Monte, the largest and highest Luminarie ever built in Southeast Asia at 19.8 metre tall and 24 metre wide.

Stepping inside this 13th century Italian-castle-inspired-structure (one of Italy’s most striking UNESCO site) and going under the snowy fray, you can't help feeling like a princess, this will be the best time to have your loved ones join in for a selfie shot.

Click on pic to see the 360 action.

The Blizzard Time @ The Spalliera happens everyday at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. There's gona be a crowd, so better be there early to stand by if you want a better spot. =)

Another highlight would be the Ice Palace. Go ahead and live out your 'Frozen' dreams in there as you skate around the 400sqm Ice Skating Rink, an all new Ice Slide and a 96 sqm Snow Playground for the kids to experience snow land!

Click on pic to see the 360 action.

Boyfriends can take the chance to hold your girlfriends hands or try building a "snowtrain" with your friends. It's a cold winter wonderland for everyone, but be sure to bring a jacket a long as it can get very cold in there, especially when you are walking in from the hot weather outside. 

Click on pic to see the 360 action.

*Do note that the Ice Palace is a ticketed area, you can pre-book your preferred sessions online at www.christmaswonderland.sg to avoid disappointment. Tickets must be purchased for the attractions in the Ice Palace - Snow Playground, Ice Slide and Ice Skating Rink. Tickets to the Ice Palace attractions must be used with a valid general admission ticket.

Snow Playground – S$16.00 per child, for one 20-minute session (includes rental of snow boots)

Santa’s Snow Playground Special (5 - 8 Dec, 12 - 15 Dec) - $12.00 per child, for one 20-minute session (includes rental of snow boots)

This Attraction is only for children between 2-12 years of age.

Ice Skating Rink – S$18.00 per child/adult, for one 45-minute session (includes rental of ice skates)

This Attraction is for patrons aged 4 and above. Children who are of height 0.9m and below must be accompanied in the Ice Skating Rink by a parent/guardian at all times. The parent/guardian must purchase a separate ticket for entry to the Ice Skating Rink.

Ice Slide – S$4.00/slide

This Attraction is for all patrons. Patrons of height 0.9m and below must be accompanied by an adult. Both must have a valid ticket to enjoy the Attraction.

Tickets are sold on event grounds only.

Click on pic to see the 360 action.

Next to the Ice Palace, you will also find a Magical Forest of over 80 Christmas trees. This is a very beautiful spot for tons of photography, it's as though you are transported to North Pole and what's fun is at the end of the "maze", you can find Santa's Cottage, where you can get to meet Santa! You can take a photo with him and bring home an exclusive Christmas Wonderland memento from $20. 

So, there you have it, The Christmas Wonderland through the 360 lens. Of course that doesn't beat being there in person, so be sure to head on over to soak up the festive mood. If you get tired of walking, you can also pause at the Festive Market for food and drinks or check out the Game Stalls to win home some adorable plushies! More details in my previous article here - http://huneyzworld.blogspot.sg/2016/11/christmas-wonderland-2016-is-back-at.html.

The Christmas Wonderland is open from 2 December 2016 to 1 January 2017, from 3.30pm to 11pm daily. Unlike from the past 2 years, this year there will be an admission fee starting from $4, $6 and $8 into Christmas Wonderland. 

Admission into Christmas Wonderland 2016:
$4 (2 to 8 December 2016)
$6 (9 to 15 December 2016)
$8 (16 December 2016 to 1 January 2017)

For more information, please visit:
Official website: www.christmaswonderland.sg
Facebook: Christmas Wonderland Singapore
Instagram: @ChristmasWonderlandSG

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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Christmas Wonderland 2016 Is Back At Gardens By The Bay This December

Hi Huneybees,

Christmas is gonna get brightly fun at Gardens by the Bay again as it transforms into Singapore's biggest yuletide playground for Christmas Wonderland 2016.

If you were there for the past 2 years, this 3rd edition is bigger and promises more fun events for the whole family to enjoy in this magical forest. Organised by Blue Sky Events and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Christmas Wonderland 2016 takes place from 2 December to 1 January 2017, from 3.30pm to 11pm daily.

Preparations are in the midst and you can definitely look forward to embark on a festive journey. Marvel at the Italian luminarie - Sculptures of Light illuminating the fairground, which has been expanded to 57,000sqm together with experiences for all ages, from wintry fun at the Ice Palace, to the local debut of the Hi-5 Funtastic House to a magical forest of Christmas trees. Visitors can also look forward to a bigger festive shopping and dining experience, more carnival games and curated festive performances for a celebration at home like no other.

There's tons to see and tons to do for friends and families to be merry this festive season. Here's a few highlights...

Step into a wonderland of festive sights and sounds

More regal luminarie – Sculptures of Light imported from Italy, the main attraction of Christmas Wonderland, will illuminate the fairground and have visitors mesmerised this year. Featuring a distinctive 17th and 18th century Baroque architectural style, some 240,000 multi-hued bulbs will light up the 67 hand-sculpted luminarie.

This year's Spalliera Castel del Monte in preparation...

The 19.7m tall Spalliera Castel del Monte is Southeast Asia’s highest and largest luminarie. Its design is largely inspired by its namesake – a 13th century castle and one of Italy’s most striking UNESCO site. Here, visitors can also look forward to experiencing ‘snow’ in the tropics with the daily Blizzard Time.

Making its debut at Christmas Wonderland near the Meadow Bridge is the enchanting Magical Forest. Santa’s Cottage awaits amongst a forest of pine trees adorned with festive baubles, where visitors can meet Santa and bring home a memorable photo.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Christmas Wonderland also presents a complimentary showcase of yuletide parades, choral performances as well as curated singer-songwriter collaboration sessions amongst local artistes such as The Next Movement and Hidhir. Please refer to Annex 1 for the entertainment line-up.

‘Tis the season to play

Step into an upsized Ice Palace to enjoy ‘winter’ in our sunny island – skate at the 400sqm ice skating rink, enjoy an all-new 25m long Ice Slide or make a ‘snow’ angel at the 96sqm (double the size of last year's) Snow Playground.

The Hi-5 Funtastic House will make its Singapore debut at Christmas Wonderland is sure to delight little ones with a host of fun activities. Fans of the hit Australian musical group can have a time of their lives at the ‘Ready, Set, Bounce!’ bouncy castle, groove along to their favourite Hi-5 songs and ‘Style It Up’ for the camera in Hi-5 costumes and bring home a memento. Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their preferred sessions online to avoid disappointment.

Visitors can expect more carnival attractions at Christmas Wonderland this year. They can look forward to new carnival rides such as bumper cars, a mini ferris wheel and motorised Bug Car rides. Visitors can also take in the sights and sounds of the fairground at a more leisurely pace on the Christmas trains.

The ever popular carnival games return with more stalls including ‘Fishy Fishy’, ‘Lobster Pot’, ‘Can Toss’, ‘Ring Toss’ and ‘Hi Striker’ where participants stand to bring home Disney soft toys.

Shop, eat, drink and be merry

Visitors can enjoy an immersive dining experience at an all-new two-storey Glass House nestled amidst the Supertree Grove. Featuring a festive menu specially curated by Harry’s, diners can look forward to festive signature dishes while taking in beautiful views of the spectacular luminarie light sculptures within an air-conditioned indoor setting. The Glass House is also available for private events.

Explore the unique food, drink and shopping offerings at the European-style Festive Market featuring traditional wooden huts specially brought in from the United Kingdom. More details on the offerings at the Festive Market will be available at a later date.

Festive Promotions

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their tickets early due to the event’s capacity limit. Christmas Wonderland has partnered VISA to offer 25% off the first 1,000 tickets daily. Cardholders will need to purchase their tickets using VISA Checkout and a valid promotional code.

Visitors with tickets to Christmas Wonderland can also enjoy $4 off Gardens by the Bay’s local resident Double Conservatories tickets, and experience the festive season in the crisp climate of the Flower Dome.

Admission tickets starts from S$4 and can only be purchased online at www.christmaswonderland.sg from 28 October 2016. Each paying adult can bring in up to three children under 0.9m free of charge. A child above 0.9m requires a ticket. Visitors must purchase their tickets prior to visiting the event, as tickets will not be available for sale on-site.

Additional charges for some attractions within the event grounds as well as to the conservatories apply. Selected capacity-controlled attractions will be available for pre-bookings online.

For more information on and to book tickets for Christmas Wonderland, visit www.christmaswonderland.sg.

 

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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