Visit to the dentist: Audrey & Alexander

After a really long time (to which I am also ashamed to say how long), I finally got round to visiting the dentist to do some scaling and polishing on my pearly (not-so) whites.

A fellow colleague recommended this new place she was also visiting: Audrey & Alexander at Novena Specialist Center. Apparently, they opened in early 2013 and charge a cheaper-than-market rate for dental services. I had been visiting a neighbourhood dental clinic in Bedok - really far from where I live. After checking out Audrey & Alexander's website, they looked not too bad and was charging the same rate as the neighbourhood clinic for scaling and polishing ($50-$60 nett!) so I thought, no harm giving them a shot.

I had initially called to book an appointment on a weekend, but there were fully booked on all weekends up to 2 months after! Insanely popular. So I settled on a Friday evening instead.

The land area of the clinic is small and cosy. The reception & waiting area, accompanied by 2 prep rooms & the main dental surgery room. A very minimalist design.

Their full price list displayed at their reception counter.

Cute decor by the reception counter! It even has a little bear dentist, complete with his worktools.

Dr Alexander was really courteous and polite. For the first time in my life, I did not feel bothered by the 'drilling' feeling and scaling. The way he worked was really gentle - he was either really skilled, or I even began to think that the cleaning was not effective since there was no uncomfortable feeling haha. I choose to believe the former as I don't really like visiting the dentist.

The entire process of scaling & polishing was really quick. It took approximately 25 minutes - Timmy didn't have to wait for long. :D

After which, we went to eat pork knuckle at Paulaner Brauhaus at Millenia Walk, and I probably undid all the scaling work from before hahaha.

Audrey & Alexander is conveniently located at Novena Specialist Center, and their treatment fees are very friendly on your wallet!

Audrey & Alexander
8 Sinaran Drive #05-17
Singapore 307470
Novena Specialist Center (next to Tan Tock Seng Hospital)
+65 6684 1744

Website: http://audrey-alexander.sg/

The Art of Snuggling

One of my favourite fantasy in the world is undoubtedly coming home to my boyfriend and cuddling with him.

I adore that feeling so much, I always feel forlorn when I think about how I'm not able to have it.

Even before I started work and had the luxury of time, I loved every single moment of it.

Currently, especially since I'm overwhelmed with my new job, this little activity is a rarity. It instantly makes my day better! Aaand, of course I eventually end up not doing any of the work I brought home but hey - my life before work, right?

Now, I also think there is an art to snuggling. Snuggling requires proactive action from both parties.

Awwww...

NO.

This is not the right way to snuggle. The bear is barely even doing anything. Look at him! He's just lying there, looking all smug.

Sure, I understand some people might get a little sweaty from sharing body heat and you might want to stop cuddling after a while. But tell me, how hard can it be to simply drape your arm over your beloved?

It's a splendid bonding activity with only benefits to offer!

1. Hugging can heal feelings of loneliness and elevate one's mood.

Self-explanatory. Unless you're hugging your nemesis, in which case this situation will never arise so this point is not valid.

2. Hugging boosts self-esteem. 

From birth, the cuddles we receive from Mom and Dad is imprinted into our memory and conjures associations of self-worth, telling us that we're loved and special. (So that's why the bear is so smug)

3. Hugging offers health benefits.

Hugs releases the stress-reducing hormone, oxytocin. With regular hugs and conversely lower stress, it can lower the risk of heart disease, boost the immune system and fight infections. 

You, the non-snuggler. You need to stop being selfish.

We give and we receive, and there is value in snuggling and cuddling - we learn how love flows both ways.

Snuggling is an investment into the relationship.

"Maybe if I hold her tight enough, she'll fuse into me and we'll always be together."

Anyway, sleep time.

Alone.

Gotta go get Mr. Bear.