Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Little gift for mommy's girl...
Yes, "VERY IMPORTANT PERSON". Indeed, the "P" is more than just another "PERSON"...
My mommy was so excited when she found this -- "VERY IMPORTANT PRINCESS"~ during our shopping back in the last two weeks. Then she insisted to buy this cosmetic bag for me.
So, okay mommy, I'll bring along this lovely cosmetic bag when I go for business trip.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Naughty princess keychain
Sunday, November 16, 2008
My "Fated-to-Love-You" hairstyle
Right out from the salon after my haircut.
Today after I washed my hair.
I think one month later my hair will look similar to this...IF I trim my fringe.
~WHat yA thInk 'bOut mA HAIR~ Lovely OR Ugly?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Live on a healthy diet with PRUNES
Prune Facts
Prunes are dehydrated plums. The total production of prunes worldwide over the past 3years has averaged around 300,000 tons with California averaging just under 200,000 tons. Per capita consumption of prunes for the world population amounts to ONLY 7 prunes per person per year.
A prune per day surely could improve your health! ...and beauty as well...
Prune Benefits
Prunes are a good source of fiber and have long been recognized as a nutrient-rich fruit with multiple health benefits. But according to a recent study from Tufts University in Boston, prunes may also help slow the aging process in both the body and brain. The study ranked the antioxidant value of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables using an analysis called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity). Prunes topped the list with more than twice the antioxidant capacity as other high-scoring fruits such as blueberries and raisins.
SUNSWEET...my favourite brand~ =) Do you know that prunes can be made breakfast too?
Prunes for breakfast~! Play little tricks and enjoy fabulous breakfast treats...
1. Creamy Chocolate Banana Smoothie
2. Yogurt Nog
3. Purple Power
Or DIY healthy desserts...
4. Warm Apple-Prune Crumbie
5. Elegant Prune Whip with Custard Sauce
Want more recipes? Click on the links below for prune recipes.
LoveToKnow Prune Recipes
FoodDownUnder Prune Recipes
SUNSWEET Recipes
Monday, November 10, 2008
A 100 ways to lose weight
1. Walk to work.
2. Use fat-free milk over whole milk.
3. Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
4. Walk during lunch hour.
5. Drink water before a meal.
6. Eat leaner red meat and poultry.
7. Eat half your dessert.
8. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
9. Take a family walk after dinner.
10. Skate to work instead of driving.
11. Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
12. Mow lawn with push mower.
13. Increase the fiber in your diet.
14. Walk to your place of worship instead of driving.
15. Walk kids to school.
16. Get a dog and walk it.
17. Join an exercise group.
18. Drink diet soda.
19. Replace Sunday drive with Sunday walk.
20. Do yard work.
21. Eat off smaller plates.
22. Get off a stop early and walk.
23. Don't eat late at night.
24. Skip seconds.
25. Work around the house.
26. Skip buffets.
27. Grill, steam or bake instead of frying.
28. Bicycle to the store instead of driving.
29. Take dog to the park.
30. Ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin.
31. Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching TV.
32. Use vegetable oils over solid fats.
33. More carrots, less cake.
34. Fetch the newspaper yourself.
35. Sit up straight at work.
36. Wash the car by hand.
37. Don't skip meals.
38. Eat more celery sticks.
39. Run when running errands.
40. Pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games.
41. Take wheels off luggage.
42. Choose an activity that fits into your daily life.
43. Park further from the store and walk.
44. Ask a friend to exercise with you.
45. Make time in your day for physical activity.
46. Exercise with a video if the weather is bad.
47. Bike to the barbershop or beauty salon instead of driving.
48. Keep to a regular eating schedule.
49. If you find it difficult to be active after work, try it before work.
50. Take a walk or do desk exercises instead of a cigarette or coffee break.
51. Perform gardening or home repair activities.
52. Avoid laborsaving devices.
53. Take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
54. Play with your kids 30 minutes a day.
55. Dance to music.
56. Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office.
57. Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.
58. Walk briskly in the mall.
59. Choose activities you enjoy and you'll be more likely to stick with them.
60. Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake.
61. Take the long way to the water cooler.
62. Explore new physical activities.
63. Vary your activities, for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
64. Reward and acknowledge your efforts.
65. Choose fruit for dessert.
66. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
67. Take stairs instead of the escalator.
68. Conduct an inventory of your meal/snack and physical activity patterns.
69. Share an entree with a friend.
70. Grill fruits or vegetables.
71. Eat before grocery shopping.
72. Choose a checkout line without a candy display.
73. Make a grocery list before you shop.
74. Buy 100 percent fruit juices over soda and sugary drinks.
75. Swim with your kids.
76. Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and other low-fat seasonings.
77. Remove skin from poultry before cooking to lower fat content.
78. Eat before you get too hungry.
79. Don't skip breakfast.
80. Stop eating when you are full.
81. Snack on fruits and vegetables.
82. Top your favorite cereal with apples or bananas.
83. Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.
84. Include several servings of whole grain food daily.
85. When eating out, choose a small or medium portion.
86. If main dishes are too big, choose an appetizer or a side dish instead.
87. Ask for salad dressing "on the side".
88. Don't take seconds.
89. Try your burger with just lettuce, tomato and onion.
90. Try a green salad instead of fries.
91. Bake or broil fish.
92. Walk instead of sitting around.
93. Eat sweet foods in small amounts.
94. Take your dog on longer walks.
95. Drink lots of water.
96. Cut back on added fats or oils in cooking or spreads.
97. Walk the beach instead of sunbathing.
98. Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of emailing or calling them.
99. Carry your groceries instead of pushing a cart.
100. Use a snow shovel instead of a snow blower.
......adapted from eDiets.com
Sunday, November 9, 2008
My collection of earrings
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Eyelash perming...WTF!!
We laid on the salon couch for almost an hour for the perming, it was quite tiring to the eyes because we cannot open our eyes until the whole procedure is completed. I can still feel the stickiness on my eye lids now even after bathing!
This was how I look like during the perming was going on... (only a cut and paste from the internet because we were not allowed to take photos in the salon)
Anyway, the procedure goes like this according to my memory...I cut it from the internet because I was closing my eyes all the way:
- Remove all makeup from eyelashes and lid with oil-free remover. Clean area with warm water, for best results, allow 10 minutes for eye area to completely dry before beginning the perming procedure. Remove contact lenses, if any. Immerse six to eight cotton pads in water and squeeze out the excess water. SEE?? REMOVE CONTACT LENS!! OK THE BEAUTICIAN WAS NOT PROFESSIONAL AT ALL!!
- Use the following guidelines to determine the rod size.a. Smaller rod is best for the short eyelashes or if a tighter curl is desired.b. Medium is the most commonly used for a good all around curl.c. Large rod is best for the longer lash or looser curl (men prefer this size).
- Place a ½ round damp cosmetic pad on the lower lid before beginning the perm to prevent fumes from entering the client’s eyes. I TELL YOU, I DIDN'T FEEL AT ALL THERE WAS ANY COSMETIC PAD PLACED UNDER MY EYES!!
- Remove rod from packaging. Note: The rod is pre-treated with glue. Bend the rod slightly in a “C” curve to fit the shape of the eyelid. May be cut to fit smaller eyes.
- Place the glue that comes with the kit at the base of the lashes; use enough glue to cover an area equal to the length and twice the width of the roller. Do not place on lid without first coating the lid with perm glue because the roller is pretreated with glue and will be difficult to remove fromlid without additional. It is ok if there is excess glue; the permanent lotion will work through it. If the rod does not adhere on the ends, place a small amount of glue on the ends and use a wood applicator (included with the kit) to hold the rod in place.
- After positioning the roller, add more glue on top of the roller. Using the wood applicator, carefully place the lashes on the rod. Make sure the lashes are “straight” and do not overlap.
- Use an orangewood stick or a clean applicator stick to gently dab a small amount of the permanent wave lotion (step 1) on the lashes. Use a cotton pad to wipe off the excess permanent wave lotion and place it over the lashes. Make sure there is enough lotion on the pad to touch the lashes; this will aid in creating heat for perming. If you have a facial steamer, you may use it at this time. SHE TOLD US NOT TO APPLY ANY HEAT FOR 3 DAYS, EVEN DON'T USE THE HAIRDRYER.
- Let the lotion remain on the eyelashes for seven to fifteen minutes (depending on the texture of the lashes). Clean the eyelid skin immediately after applying the lotion to avoid irritation. Do not overuse the perm lotion. Excess permanent wave lotion will be wasted and will not create a better curl. To determine if the perm process is complete, carefully lift one or two lashes away from the rod with a wood applicator and check curl. If necessary leave permanent wave lotion on until desired curl is attained.
- Remover cotton pad. Use a newly moistened cotton pad to remove all traces of permanent wave lotion.
- Follow the same steps used for applying the permanent wave lotion to apply the setting lotion (step 2). Use a new cotton pad every time. Wipe the excess lotion on the pad and place it over the lashes. Let it set for seven to twelve minutes based on the length of time the permanent lotion was left on.
- Remove the cotton pad follow the same steps used for applying the permanent wave lotion to apply the nourishing agent (step 3). Let nourishing set for five minutes.
- Use cleanser (step 4) with another clean cotton pad. Gently clean the upper part of the roller touching the eyelid. Using water damp Q-tip slowly roll downward, freeing the lashes from the rod. Clean lashes with a warm damp cotton pad. Apply hypoallergenic moisturizer to the eyelid (optional) to sooth and re-moisturize the skin. OK, NO MOISTURIZER APPLIED!
Practice of this procedure is highly recommended before servicing clients. SO MAKE SURE YOU ASK THE BEAUTICIAN ABOUT THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE YOU PAY FOR THE SERVICE.
Technicians should wear gloves throughout the procedure. SHE DIDN'T WEAR GLOVES AT ALL!!!
This product is for use by licensed , trained, salon professionals only. BUT I DON'T THINK THE BEAUTICIAN IS PROFESSIONAL.
Eyelash Perm Ingredients:
1. Perm Lotion (step 1) Ammonium Thioglycolate Solution, Ammonia Water 25%, Monoethanolamine, Tomin-A, Perfume, and Distilled Water.
2. Setting Lotion (step 2): Sodium Bromate, Tomin-A, Perfume, and Distilled water.
3. Nourishing Agent (step3):Aloe Extract, Sod PCA, and Distilled Water.
4. Cleanser (step 4): Celquat, Surfactant, and Distilled Water.5. Eyelash Perm Glue: Synthetic Resin Emulsion, Butyl Hydroxy Anisol, and Distilled Water.
I'm damn f*ckup especially after reading this. And my eyelashes...NOPE, OUR EYELASHES look darn funny right now. What to do?? Wait for another month before everything gets back to normal lor.
This is illusion... For ours, if you look from beside, our lashes are standing in an 'L' shape. Ugly enough?
Now I'm thinking of how to make my eyelashes back to normal...I think I'll be the joke of the day when I go back to work on Tuesday. Sucks! I don't even want to post my photos now.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I Love GREEN TEA =我爱绿茶=
Maybe because I love green so much, I fell in love with green tea. Chinese old folks used to drink a lot of tea but I am not familiar with all the Chinese tea names; seriously I am more familiar with black tea. In my uni days I used to drink a lot of black tea, almost every night I drank at least a cup, then mom started nagging me because she thinks that black tea is not good for girls because it is too 'cold' (in Chinese '凉') and it would affect my health if I drank too much. So after I came back from Korea, I slowly changed my habit of drinking black tea to green tea, then I fell in love with it! Partly because of the colour as I mentioned, and partly because of the benefits of green tea.
If you're wondering what am I doing right now, I am sipping my cup of green tea while writing this article. Now that I have put on a little weight after a few luscious buffet meals during my training, I sure need to drink more green tea to slim down. Adapted from Chinesefood.about.com, I would like to share the 7 reasons WHY I love drinking green tea.
7 Reasons to Drink Green Tea
- CUT YOUR CANCER RISK
Several polyphenols - the potent antioxidants green tea's famous for - seem to help keep cancer cells from gaining a foothold in the body, by discouraging their growth and then squelching the creation of new blood vessels that tumors need to thrive. Study after study has found that people who regularly drink green tea reduce their risk of breast, stomach, esophagus, colon, and/or prostate cancer. - SOOTHE YOUR SKIN
Got a cut, scrape, or bite, and a little leftover green tea? Soak a cotton pad in it. The tea is a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling. Try it on inflamed breakouts and blemishes, sunburns, even puffy eyelids. - PROTECT YOUR SKIN
In the lab, green tea applied directly to the skin (or consumed) helps block sun-triggered skin cancer, which is why you're seeing green tea in more and more sunscreens and moisturizers. - STEADY YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Having healthy blood pressure - meaning below 120/80 - is one thing. Keeping it that way is quite another. But people who sip just half a cup a day are almost 50 percent less likely to wind up with hypertension than non-drinkers. Credit goes to the polyphenols again (especially one known as ECGC). They help keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure. - PROTECT YOUR MEMORY, OR YOUR MOM'S
Green tea may also keep the brain from turning fuzzy. Getting-up-there adults who drink at least two cups a day are half as likely to develop cognitive problems as those who drink less. Why? It appears that the tea's big dose of antioxidants fights the free-radical damage to brain nerves seen in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. - STAY YOUNG
The younger and healthier your arteries are, the younger and healthier you are. So fight plaque build-up in your blood vessels, which ups the risk of heart disease and stroke, adds years to your biological age (or RealAge), and saps your energy too. How much green tea does this vital job take? About 10 ounces a day, which also deters your body from absorbing artery-clogging fat and cholesterol. - LOSE WEIGHT
Oh yeah, one more thing. Turns out that green tea speeds up your body's calorie-burning process. In the every-little-bit-counts department, this is good news!
Useful tips - HOW TO BREW A CUP OF GREEN TEA
Producing the perfect cup of green tea is a tricky process. If not handled properly, those same polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea taste "gassy." It's particularly important not to overbrew. While it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each variety of green tea, here are some general instructions:
- Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea,* per cup.
- Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil.
- After unplugging the kettle, allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes.
- Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, remove the bag.
- Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes.
*One to two teaspoons, depending on the variety of green tea you are brewing.
---- More articles on green tea:
The Miracle of Green Tea
How much green tea should you drink?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Starbucks Coffee - Indulgence for dieters
Source: Starbucks.com & Dietbites.com
How many calories in Starbucks coffees? Although plain coffee contains 0 calories, flavored coffees can pack on the pounds when the calories are not included in your daily calorie total. Let's see just how much damage that cup of tasty java can do to our hips - but before you look, keep in mind that if you account for that special cup of coffee or treat throughout the day, then it's totally OKAY.
Diet Tips when visiting Starbucks Coffee:
- The fancier the drink, the fancier the calories - especially when you opt for the whipped topping. On average, the whipped topping will cost about 130 calories.
- Most of Starbucks Coffee 'flavoring' additives contain 70 OR more calories per shot - so go for the sugar free varieties to save calories.
- WHENEVER you are calculating 'milk' calories, remember that skim milk contains about 80 calories per cup, low fat milk contains 120 calories per cup and whole milk contains 160 calories per cup. Each are separated by 40 calories as we move up the scale from skim to whole.
p.s/ I spent quite some time to categorize the per serving calories into 3 categories with the following colour codes:
GREEN - below 200 cal; ORANGE - between 201-400 cal; PINK - above 400 cal
Grande= 16 fl oz; Tall= 12 fl oz
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
สวย - Beautifully Thai
Too bad I was in a rush so I missed it!! D*mn! ...*sob sob*... But I learned one word from my masseur the next day - สวย (sŭay) - pronounced "zu-ai", it means beautiful. In Thailand you get to stay beautiful all the while, yes. indeed.
For the guys, you should learn to say this -- ผม แม่บ้าน สวย (pŏm mâe bâan sŭay). It means "I have a beautiful wife". XD
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Looking for a suitable Sunblock?
For maximal sun protection, get a sunscreen that gives you both UVA and UVB protection. A lotion that offers UVB protection will have an "SPF" rating, while those with UVA protection will have a "PA" rating.
If you want to get a makeup or skincare product that can offer you protection against UVA and UVB rays, ensure you read the labels. There are different types of sunblock ingredients: Some are called physical sunblocks, others are known as chemical sunblocks. These are the ingredients that are commonly added to guard against infrared rays.
- Physical Sunblocks. As the name suggests, physical sunblocks offer protection against the sun's rays by physically blocking out dangerous rays from coming into direct contact with your skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-cote) are examples of physical sunblocks. When applied, they cover the skin thus preventing direct exposure to UV rays.
- Chemical Sunblock. Chemical sunblocks include avobenzone (Parsol 1789) which guard against UVA rays, and octyl salicylate and cinnamates which protect your skin from UVB rays. For chemical sunblocks, you need to apply them at least 30 minutes before stepping out for maximum effectiveness.
- Water-Resistant and Water-Proof Sunblock. If you are heading to the beach or pool for a swim, your best option should be sunblock lotions that are labelled "water-resistant" or "water-proof". These contain ingredients that make them stick on your skin longer, even when you are in water. However, their adherence will weaken when you come into contact with water, so remember to re-apply after swimming.
For more information on suncare products, browse through the following websites:
- Banana Boat (My favourite suncare product, suitable for me because there is no cinnamate ingredient (I think I'm more like a coral...easily damaged by sunscreen...))
- Nivea Sun
- Sunplay
A little more....about...Cinnamates.
Cinnamates are less commonly found in sunscreens but are a common ingredient used as flavorings and fragrances in everything from toothpaste to perfumes. These chemicals are related to Balsam of Peru, cinnamon oils and cinnamic acid and aldehyde, so people allergic to cinnamates may also be allergic to these other chemicals.
Weight loss through eating habits
Counting down on another 7 days before my vacation...so what's the progress of my 2-inch reduction work out?! Yea I've been reading tonnes of articles about calories, weight loss, and eating habits... And I found this. I think it's no harm to follow some really good eating habits for weight loss without having to starve myself.
"The following dining tips are simple and can work for anyone on any diet to drop pounds. "...I hope so, but still I'm following it now....and I feel good about it.
- Hunger Erases Food Sanity
Don't wait until you feel ravenous before sitting down to enjoy a meal. Otherwise, you might mirror the pretty lady who sucked the french fry through her lips. - Take Time to Dine
Take time to savor the meal before diving in. Take in the colors, the textures, the smell and the atmosphere. And once those utensils meet with the hands, take time to eat slowly. - Salt, Sugar, Butter & Dressings
Before grabbing the salt shaker and shaking it over the food take time to taste it first. Use the same technique for foods that are complimented by sugar, butter and dressings. - Taking Bites Down to Size
By simply pausing to cut the food into smaller and/or manageable bites, digestion is made easier, the meal takes longer to complete, and the food is more satisfying. When there are foods such as English peas on the table, rather than grabbing an overloaded spoonful, try eating just a few at a time - and enjoy them before swallowing. - Chew-Chew
Rather than chewing bite-sized food for a second or two, then swallowing - take time to chew food thoroughly. Our bodies naturally require chewing time which is one reason why liquid diets fail. - Dine in Peace
Flip off the tube and/or video games as individuals tend to eat more when their thoughts become preoccupied. When dining, it's time to keep the focus where it belongs - on the meal. - Soup & Salad
When dining out, enjoy a side salad with light dressing or a cup of broth-based soup. A soup or salad before mealtime will help curb appetite. And you'll end up eating far less fat and calories that are packed into the freebies - such as the innocent looking bread and chip baskets. - The Water Trough
Try opting for clear cool water to enjoy with meals rather than sweet tea, sweet sodas or sweet juices. The common serving size for beverages is about 8 ounces which equals a cup. Most individuals end up drinking 3-4 times that amount over the coarse of a meal which adds up to several hundred calories for just the beverage. Rarely do glasses equal one cup. - Desserts for Waist-Watchers
Desserts served in restaurants tend to be on the gigantic size. If you opt for dessert, request a couple of plates and forks and share with someone at your table. Or, request a to-go box and enjoy later.
Alright there's more to talk about....such as combinations of food that will strangle our diet plan to death~ Huh...so much more that I just realized... sh*t! I just swallowed a whole box of POPCORN last night when watching Nuffnang's free premiere screening - Mamma Mia!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Online shopping at THE PRINCESS WARDROBE!
Steps for Order:
Email to cheryltan_11@hotmail.com enquiries with below info:
a) Product Name:
b) Order Quantity:
c) Name:
d) Delivery Address:
e) Contact Number:
Your order/enquiry(s) email will be replied with order confirmation and total amount for payment.
Pre-Order Term and Conditions:
- No cancellation for any confirmed order.
- Pre-order are expected to be arrive 2-4 weeks after order(s) is placed (exclude Saturday & Sunday, and Malaysia public holiday). I will keep you posted if there is any unavoidable delay in shipment of item.
- I will update you once the stock is ready, so be prepared for receiving of item.
- Seller reserved the rights to cancel order(s) if it is out of stock. Buyer will be fully refunded in this case ONLY.
- Any lost/damages during delivering is not under our responsible.
- Stock color might vary with real color. Clothes are imitation edition from magazines. If you are looking for original edition, please DO NOT place your order.
- Good(s) sold is/are not exchangable or refundable.
- Payment shall be made into my account within 3 days after confirmation.
- Price quote does not include postal charge.
- Price of items are not negotiable.
DELIVERY FEE
Any order at RM200 or above, below 1kg free delivery.
For parcel above 1kg, each kg with additional charge RM3.
Order below RM200, below 1kg postal fee charge at RM6, parcel above 1kg, each kg with charges RM3.
西马地区
预购超过RM200,1kg以下,免邮费。
1kg以上每kg需加邮费RM3。
预购低于RM200,1kg斤以下,邮费一律RM6,1kg以上每kg需加邮费RM3。
East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak)
Any order at RM200 or above, first 1kg RM8 (actual charge is RM12).
For parcel above 1kg, each kg with additional charge RM10.
Order below RM200, every 1kg postal fee charge RM12.
东马地区(沙巴,沙朥越)
预购超过RM200,第一公斤RM8(原本邮费RM12)。
1kg以上每公斤需加邮费RM10。
预购低于RM200,每公斤邮费RM12。
**********************************************************
Public Bank Account#: 3143657427
CIMB Account#: 07140111526522
*Name:
*Address:
*Contact No:
*Total Amount:
*Choice of Bank:
*Date of Transaction:
*Email address (if different email):
About THE PRINCESS WARDROBE
Let's see...Items to shop for...
Happy shopping and stay gorgeous always!
Friday, September 19, 2008
I need a slimming cream....any suggestions?
All these days I've done quite a lot of "selective slimming" for my tummy, my hips and my arms...sit ups, cycling, massage.... Well, yes I did lose about 1 or 2 inches but I'm not that satisfied yet...you know, going for vacation in Phuket means most outfits will be sleeveless tops, tube tops, bare back, short pants, swimsuits or even bikini mar... I plan to snap a lot a lot of photos so I gotta look slim instead of looking like a pig... I want to look perfect under sunshine!!!
Anyone can suggest me a really effective product to speed up my slimming regime?? I've tried Shimizu and Loreal before but the effect was only skin tightening I can say... Help help!! Emergency weight loss I need....for a picture perfect vacation!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Enough sun care for your skin?
Spend a 5 minute for this "Sun Safety Quiz" to find out more. I scored 9/10! =) What about you? But if you're too lazy to take the quiz, scroll down for my set of answers....well, I still got one wrong...
Let's start!
Q1: A suntan is fine, as long as you don't burn.
Answer: False
Correct! While even one sunburn may double the chance of eventually developing melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer), you are still at risk even if you never burn. Both burning and tanning damage the DNA of skin cells. This damage sometimes leads to skin cancer. In other words, the more sun you get, the more likely you are to develop certain skin cancers.
Q2: To get sufficient UV protection, you should choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least:
Answer: 15
Correct! Make sure your sunscreen offers at least SPF 15. SPF ratings indicate how much longer you may be protected from sunburn than you would be if no sunscreen were applied.For instance, if your unprotected skin normally starts turning red in 20 minutes, using a product with SPF 15 will theoretically prevent burning 15 times as long — or about five hours.
Q3: If you're planning to spend time outdoors, you should apply sunscreen:
Answer: A half hour before leaving
CorrectSunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin.
Answer: Every 2 hours
Answer: False
Answer: Enough to cover half the palm of your hand
Answer: True
Correct! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 40 percent of the sun's UV rays reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This is the reason people often end up with sunburns on overcast days after spending all day outdoors with no sun protection.
Q8: Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Answer: False
Correct! Although sunlight helps our body make vitamin D, we get plenty of this nutrient through vitamin D-rich foods such as milk and fortified orange juice and everyday sun exposure, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Plus, even if you're wearing sunscreen, small amounts of UV rays still penetrate your skin, and that's more than enough to help your body produce vitamin D.
Q9: When does sunscreen expire?
Answer: After three years
Correct! Unless the expiry date says otherwise, sunscreen lasts for up to three years. If, however, you keep the bottle in your car on hot summer days, the heat will cause the sunscreen compounds to break down, which means your sunscreen won't last as long.
Answer: False
Correct! The shade of the lens doesn't tell you whether it protects your eyes from the sun's rays. In fact, you won't be able to see any difference between lenses that block the ultraviolet rays and those that don't. Look for a manufacturer's label that says the sunglasses block 99 percent or 100 percent of all ultraviolet light. To be even more effective, choose sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames that block sunlight from all angles.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Moonlight beneath my eyes
After choosing and picking up cosmetics from a few beauty shops, I finally got myself these - most importantly, BRIGHTENING EYE ZONE TREATMENT PATCH!! Yes I definitely need this to lighten my dark circles.
Alright I just finished gobbling 2 mooncakes. Gosh...another few more hundreds of calories to reduce!! So while doing some simple workouts to burn calories while blogging now, I'm patching my eyes as well. A 3-step-routine to brighter eye zone, I can't wait to see the effect.
Looks like 2 half-moons on my face yea? Happy Mooncake Festival!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Puffy face Q & As
Q: What are the causes to puffiness on the cheeks?
A: There are plenty of different causes of puffy cheeks: 1. fat in the cheeks, 2. flabby muscles, 3. smoking and drinking, 4. stress and tension, 5. lack of rest, 6. genetics, 7. quick weight loss, 8. baby fat
Q: Why do I get puffy eyes?
A: Puffy eyes is also known as eye "bags". Some people rarely experience puffy eyes while some seem to get them easily. Common causes can be as simple as staying up too late at night, drink too much water before bedtime, eat too much salty food and wake up with a bloated face, allergies, or even hormonal issues. And, people with big eyes usually have eye bags.
Q: How can I get rid of puffy eyes in the morning?
A: Apply a cool, damp face cloth to your eyes, the coolness can reduce the swelling. Some people use cucumbers, try slice it smaller, half-slices and apply one half to each eyelid. Some people like to use a cold wet teabag, as tea is a useful topical anti-inflammatory because it has tannins, which can reduce swelling.
Q: If the attempts to reduce the puffiness as above failed, what else can I do?! I'm in a hurry to go out...
A: For those extra rushed morning when you wake up with puffy eyes, there is option of using make up to hide the puffiness.
Q: I hate the "chipmunky" look... How to slim down my face?
A: In order to give your face a nice trim shape, you must begin by changing your habits in everyday life: drink a lot of water, get adequate sleep, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and massage your face often. Recommended read: Lose weight in your face - The Seven-Steps Plan.
Q: Why facial massage?
A: Massaging helps increase the metabolic rate and improve blood circulation, and not only does it slim the face - it also improves your skin. Try massaging your face with your favourite skin care products, as this will help your skin absorb them better. Massage your face every evening to help tone facial muscles and slim your face.
Q: How to massage my face at home?
A: Massage Techniques for the Face
Using the middle part of your middle fingers, press on different parts of your face. Press each part 20 times. Start from the bridge of your nose, pressing upwards to your eyebrows and outwards to your forehead. Then start from the corners of your mouth and press towards the inner corners of your eyes. Finally, press from your chin to the sides of your face all the way to your ears. Use the back of your hand and rapidly pat your chin 30 times. This helps to firm the chin. Use your middle finger and massage your face starting from the bridge of your nose, tracing the eyebrows and then tracing back to your nose. Repeat 10 times. Next, place your middle fingers onto the bridge of your nose, and slide vertically to your forehead. Place all fingers onto your forehead, and massage gently outwards to your temples, then stop and apply light pressure. Next, massage down the sides of your face, and trace back to your nose. Repeat 10 times. Lean back and use your palm or fingertips to press on the middle of your eyebrows and push upwards. At the same time, use your tongue to press against your upper jaw, pressing your molars together. Remain in this position and count to 10. Gradually relax. After several repetitions, count to 20 instead of 10.
Bye bye "chipmunky" face
1. Drink at least nine 8-ounce glasses of water a day. 2. Eat at least three servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables every day. 3. Just say no to alcohol. 4. Increase your intake of calcium. 5. Hold the salt. 6. Everyday, cut 250 calories and burn 250 calories. 7. Do strength training.
Adapted from - http://www.goodhousekeeping.com
Friday, September 12, 2008
I want a slimmer face!
Take Jolin Tsai as an example, she once had a chubby face too in 6 to 7 years back, but now she has a gorgeous and sexy jaw line. In one of her previous interviews, she said she dare not take direct angle photos last time when she looked chubby.
And Song Hye Kyo, she was once a chubby looking girl too. Now that she had transformed into a slim beauty, not thin, but slim. Slim in both face and body. Enough to said she's not just sweet but sexy as well.
There are different causes of puffiness alright, and I believe mine is baby fat plus genetics. That's why I tend to look a lot puffier whenever I put on a little weight.. So, I did some 'own research' and hooked on to my face slimming regime for months before my plan really worked. And the result...
Well ok, do I look have the brilliant look now compare to years back? ...tak tau malu~ *."
Here I present you 6 tips of getting a slimmer face, good stuffs are meant to be shared. However, it is not necessary that any of the following 6 methods might suit you, but generally these are the most common ways to slim your face.
1. Diet
One of the keys to getting a slimmer face is diet. You can find hundreds of them on the internet. Ediets.com is one place to start. Avoid those claiming for miracle overnight weight loss. Avoid those which claim you can lose weight without ever exercising. Study the diets carefully and then decide which one to follow. Only sensible dieting along with a regular cardiovascular workout will burn fat. You should consult with a physician before beginning any diet program.
There are so many arguments for low/no fat versus low/no carbohydrate diets that they could fill volumes. You will find that most diet plans fit into either category. Whichever you chose, understand that the more fat or carbohydrate you drastically cut from your diet, the harder it will be on you to not have them. Find a diet plan that has an online support system to help you through these rough times until you become accustomed to your new diet.
2. Diet Supplements
There are dozens of diet supplements on the market today. New ones appear every day. Alli (Myalli.com) is a good starting point. Many claim that they can make your face thinner at the same time that your body becomes thinner. Read all disclaimers very carefully. If you find: (The company) makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy or completeness of this site's content or of the content of any site or sites linked to this site, don’t waste your money.
3. Facial Exercises
The simplest and most cost efficient method of getting a thinner face is facial exercise. It requires no trips to the gym, physical exertion or sweating. If you want to improve the area around your eyes, try raising and lowering your eyebrows. Close your eyes. Raise and lower your eyebrows 10 times. Open your eyes and repeat. Repeat, looking to the right and then left. That’s it. You can get rid of frown lines by alternately smiling and frowning while raising or lowering your eyebrows. Repeat 5 times. You can exercise your cheeks by sucking them in and trying to touch your nose with your tongue.
No, we’re not talking about something out of Monty Python. This really works because you are strenuously working your face muscles. When you do that, you burn calories and fat.
4. Drink More Water
You can slim your face by drinking more water. Your fat or puffy looking face may be caused by bloating. If the body does not get enough water, it will retain water. To ensure that your body is properly hydrated, you should drink eight glasses (64 ounces) of water a day. As a bonus, you will be less hungry and that will aid in weight loss.
5. Make up, Hairstyles and Clothing
Women have the advantage over men when it comes to reducing cheek size. There are make ups which can be applied to the cheek bones, cheeks and neck which make a woman’s face appear to be more attractive and slender. Women can wear hairstyles which draw less attention to the face. They can also wear clothing that hides the fullness of the neck and makes the face appear thinner.
6. Facial Liposuction
When most people hear the word liposuction, they think of a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from the stomach, legs, buttocks, arms and breasts. Facial liposuction can give you a thinner face because it removes fat in the neck, chin and neck. Fat is removed from under the skin by a device known as a vacuum-suction canula. Fat can also be broken up and removed by suction with an ultrasonic probe.
Facial liposuction is one way of obtaining a thin face. It may not, however, be right for everybody. There are risks of complications, especially if you have a disease or take medications that affect blood clotting or the healing of wounds. It can be an expensive procedure. It is cosmetic and not recommended for weight loss. Finally, your skin must be elastic enough to shrink after the procedure. If it is not, your skin will become baggy after the procedure. You should consult with a physician(s) before undertaking this procedure.
So what did I do out of the 6 above~??
1. Diet - might work, but I need to control by eating the right stuffs
2. Diet Suppliment - nope, no $$
3. Facial Exercise - yes, as easy as ABC
4. Drink More Water - yes, coffee and barley helps
5. Make up, Hairstyle and Clothing - sometimes yes, when I have enough $$
6. Facial Liposuction - NO THANKS, I always prefer the "surgery-free" way
Which one are you going to try? Well actually, there are plenty of causes for a puffy face... Till then, catch up with my upcoming post on make up skills to get a slimmer face, I mean, look slimmer without exercise. =)
Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. Please refer to your doctor or dermatologist if allergy or irritation persists.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A little more about yOgurt
- Millions and millions of beneficial bacteria in yogurt that can boost one's immune system have made it one of the healthiest food and the best natural remedies.
- Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillis have been proven effective in relieving digestive issues, while the active culture Lactobacillus casei fortifies one's immune system.
- A daily dose of just 3 ounces can lower your cholesterol, and because calcium-rich diets have been linked to fat loss, may actually help you slim down faster. One cup of organic, fat-free yogurt (plain) has 110 calories, 9 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
- Plain yogurt is good enough to provide a thorough cleansing that also moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Click here for homemade yogurt facial mask.
- The lactic acid in yogurt soothes, softens and tightens the skin and refines the pores. Its high nutrient content and natural antibacterial and antifungal properties also get rid of germs and other bacteria.
- Yogurt is a natural meat tenderizer, and it's even healthier and cheaper! So start using yogurt as your meat tenderizer today.
The benefits of plain yogurt as compare to fruit added preparation:
- Plain yogurt contains around half of the calories of the same amount of fruit adder yogurt.
- Plain yogurt contains almost twice the amount of protein.
- Plain yogurt contains fewer filler.
- Plain yogurt contains more calcium.
- Plain yogurt contains no added sugar.
Yogurt's healthful properties:
- Yogurt Help Prevent Osteoporosis: Studies show calcium rich yogurt can help slow bone loss, thereby preserving bone mass and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Yogurt May Reduce the Risk of Hypertension: Eating low fat yogurt contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium - three nutrients that have been shown to reduce hypertension.
- Yogurt Help Prevent Colon Cancer: Yogurt contains lacto bacteria that foster a healthy colon, and lower the risk of colon cancer. Yogurt is a rich source of calcium that contributes to colon health.
- Yogurt May Discourage Yeast Infections: Research suggests that when eaten regularly, yogurt-containing L. acidophilus may decrease vaginal infection in certain individuals.
- Yogurt May Enhance Immune System: Studies suggest that live and active culture yogurt may enhance the immune systems of certain individuals by boosting certain markers associated with a healthy immune system.
- Yogurt can lower cholesterol: Studies have shown that yogurt can reduce the blood cholesterol, may be because the live cultures in yogurt can assimilate the cholesterol or yogurt binds bile acids.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
DIY yogurt facial masks
During the weekends, you may wanna try making one of these while lazing around the living room reading magazines, or when enjoy watching your favourite drama~ I used to spend my weekend afternoon feeding nutrients to my face.
For lazy babes-
- Honey Yogurt Face Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 ½ tablespoons of honey
Mix the yogurt (plain) with honey. Rub it onto your face, neck and décolletage. Wash off well with warm water after about five minutes. - Orange Yogurt Face Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt
- juice of 1/4 of an orange
Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. Yogurt will cleanse and nourish, the orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's.
- Buttermilk Yogurt Face Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1/3 cup of skim or normal milk
- 2 tsp. of oatmeal
- 1 inch slice of a mashed cucumber
- 1/4 cup of yogurt
- 1 tsp. of honey
- 2 tsp. of naturally squeezed lemon
Mix and blend all these ingredients together until it has become a liquid. Then apply it to your face in a circular motion. Wash it off then in 15 minutes. It helps with getting rid of blackheads and cleaning your pores. After your face will be very soft, fresh and shiny. You'll see a new you! - Oatmeal Scrub
Ingredients you need:
- 2 tablespoons regular oatmeal (instant is fine)
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until a paste is formed. Massage it onto cleansed skin and leave on 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. This is for oily or irritated skin, or skin that has broken out with a few pimples.
- Fruity Face Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 6 or 8 ounces of plain yogurt
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 peach (fresh, not canned)
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled
Chop the carrot, peach, and cucumber into small pieces. Put it in a food processor (or your handy little chopper). Mix it until it becomes a paste. If it turns runny, don't sweat it, it's still fine. Apply the mask to your face and forehead and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with water.
The mask itself is for deep cleansing and unclogging the pores. The carrots are a natural anti-inflammatory which is good if you have breakouts. Carrots have a soothing property in them. The cucumbers are a softening agent for skin. It refreshes and moisturizes the skin. The peaches have emollient properties, and also soothe inflamed (or not) skin. - Face Food Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon oatmeal
Mash banana. Blend ingredients together (you may need to add a bit more oatmeal to get the mixture into a nice paste). Smear over face. Leave for 15 minutes. Wash face and rinse well. Store the remaining portion in fridge. - Re-hydrating Avocado Mask
Ingredients you need:
- 2 teaspoons mashed avocado
- 1 teaspoon plain live yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey (liquid)
Blend ingredients. Spread mask over your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow with moisturizer.
Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. If you have severe skin issues, please discuss with your dermatologist.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The story of yogurt and I
Yogurt... lassi, yogurt ice-cream, yogurt bar, yogurt drink, yogurt cheese cake....everything that goes with yogurt is irresistable! And oh...I lost 5kg last time with just a daily dose of 2 cups of yogurt in 2 months without exercise.... I tell you Yogurt is pretty kick-ass!
So why yogurt? Because it is natural, it's easy to get, and the most important thing - it's cHeAp~ I always opted for simple ways to do my skin care routine, and I seldom spend $$ on expensive deals because $$ not enough. But of course, if you have lotsa $$$$ to spend, go for SKII. With just less than RM2, everyone gets to replenish and enhance your face complexion, SO WHY NOT? I enjoyed eating yogurt while doing my DIY yogurt mask in my university days, it has been the savior to my skin especially when I lived in a city like KL for 4 years....a place so dusty and its water quality is also questionable.
I started to get blemishes a week after the uni orientation because the tap water was yellowish! I didn't even dare to boil it and drink, so I bought RO water from the water vendor machine for drinking. But what about bathing?! I can't afford to bathe with RO water...broke... As of what a poor student can afford, I use plain yogurt to calm my skin by spreading it over my face like a clay mask after washing my face. Then I wiped off with tissue/facial cotton before rinsing with RO water. As easy as ABC. And besides facial purpose, I add 2 teaspoon of honey and ate the remaining cup of yogurt. 1 and a half tablespoon is already more than enough to cover a face. So I killed 2 birds with one stone with just RM2 - facial and slimming. But when I'm lazy to buy yogurt, I would just apply honey (those raw honey with minimum artificial sugar) without yogurt. It helps to kill bacteria.
As read in other articles, yogurt can be used topically for dry skin treatment, all you need to do is just slather it on your face every morning, then wash it off with cold water. I've tried that a few times for the last minute make up S.O.S before attending a ball or dinner. If my skin is too dry or flaky to apply the foundation, I usually do this yogurt mask 1 or 2 hours before I start applying make up base. After rinse off the mask, make sure you apply your moisturizer/emulsion as per normal routine to keep the moisture locked in, and also to prevent the make up elements from clogging your pores.
Ok I know I look freaking tired in this photo...that's why I do facial!
Keep your health and skin care regime simple, and one of the best steps that you can take to a healthier body and better skin care is eating yogurt every day. I love to travel thus natural ingredients I could easily get (you can get from the convenient store) is perfect for my skincare regime. I could still survive my skin through the worst weathers with a simple cup of plain yogurt! Or...I bring along this -- my favourite fruity tutty yogurt pack, it's only RM15.90/4 packs and I could use up to 8 times. But it is not meant for eating purpose. Everytime I go travel or vacation, I'll just throw 1 or 2 packs into my suitcase then done!
Grapefruit yogurt mask pack
Strawberry yogurt mask pack
Well here's an interesting post about how yogurt can help to fight HIV! And if you would like to learn how to make your own yogurt at home, read this.
Let's go yO yO yO...with yOgurt today~
Disclaimer: This post is meant for sharing purpose. If you have severe skin issues, please discuss with your dermatologist.
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