Monday, August 31, 2009

Johnson&Johnson 24 Hour Moisture Lotion

I
I am not a big fan of lotion because most of them leaves a very greasy feeling on my hand. I regret using it especially in rainy days when they run on my hands and there is that icky feeling. Due to frequent washing, my hands feels a little dry even if I use Dove soap. I tried every lotion available in the market that is just perfect for my needs, I even tried the non-greasy type but it did little justice to my close to aging hands. I feel a little agitated, my hands is starting to flake.

Lo and Behold, I saw a commercial of Johnson&Johnson 24 Hour Moisture Lotion with Body Wash and I tried it. I am a big fan of their products since I can't remember when, I'm sure my Mom could have use their baby powder on me when I was a baby. The bottle can be turn upside down so you can use what's left of it. Until now, I am loyal to their baby powders ( I use the pink one, it smells great) even if some is a bit apprehensive with talc. This lotion, especially when use sparingly will give that enough moisture to your hands. Not greasy but not light enough as if you did not use anything at all. The smell of it reminds me of my high school because of it's mild baby powder and sweet scent combination that my cologne use to smell back then. I use it twice a day, at night, I lather some on my feet and the next morning, my feet is moisturize and my heels little cracks are gone. Now, I can say that I found the right lotion suited just for me. I am going to purchase the bigger bottle next time.

Céleteque Facial Wash





It took me quite a long time to find a facial wash that is gentle and effective with a friendly price tag. I search high and low, patch test and ask friends for that perfect brand that will make your skin healthy. I was taught in high school that bar soaps are skin friendly until Dove soap came up with an advertisement about the residue that common bar soaps leave on skin. I was a bit shocked, all along I thought that I was doing a right thing, it answered my question as to why my skin feels so tight after I wash my face.

Celeteque Facial Wash has NFM Natural Moisturizing Factor. Friendly to sensitive skin, hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. I love the fact that there is a Pro-vitamin B5 or D-Panthenol included that prevents the dryness of the skin and glycerin which binds water to the skin so your skin will not loss it's moisture. It is fragrance-free unlike most high-end brand facial wash that smells like an old woman's perfume, plus it contains anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients such as alpha bisabol and chamomile extract.

It is so recommended by a lot of dermatologist aside from Cetaphil and I find Celeteque much cheaper. It is for all skin types actually so try it now and see for yourself.

Japanese Fast Food Treat





from thirstyblogger.com



When I saw Japanese food being featured on TV, I initially got curious about the taste so I googled my way to find how to cook some of it. Though it is not that hard, but the authenticity of the ingredients is a must to create that taste that every one will surely love.

I have known even before that Japanese food is not cheap, so for me to sample some of it, I need to stretch my two weeks allowance back in college. Back then, when I found out about this fast food chain that caters to Japanese food lovers, I went and try it out. When I thought about fast food chain I know it is much affordable and it's taste is just right.

Tokyo Tokyo is my grown up fast food, aside from the well love chicken fast food chain which is my favorite too, I love to frequent Tokyo Tokyo the most and got tired of the hamburger fast food chains. Until now, whenever I got hungry shopping or just crave for some delicious treat, I ate at Tokyo Tokyo.

They use to have free rice before so guys and gals who have big appetite will surely like. I love their Red Ice Tea so much that I always order the sumo size, it is not that sweet and I finish the lime on it too. The Best Chicken Teriyaki is really the best with my well love sauce that is a little sweet and salty with that smokey flavor. Even the vegetables that comes with it taste the good too. I tried their California Maki too but I guess I am not a fan of that so I don't order for it anymore while Tempura became my added favorite. Tokyo Tokyo taught me how to use chopsticks too. Great right?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Love for Vanilla

I love the scent of vanilla, the innocent and sweet smell that it brings. So whenever I see vanilla candle products or room sprays,I buy it. Here are some of my favorite vanilla product and goodies that I bake.




Vanilla Cupcake

INGREDIENTS
  • 2/3 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup superfine sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper baking cups.
  2. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar with an electric mix er until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each one. Sti r in the vanilla and flour just until mixed. Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly p ressed, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. Wh en cool, arrange t he cupcakes on a serving platter.
Sometimes I put buttercream icing on top.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in t he milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.

allrecipes.com


The Classic Vanilla Ice Cream - I use the Nestle ice cream and I add Hershey's Chocolate Syrup or Strawberry Syrup. Add some sprinkle candies or nuts.


Coffeemate French Vanilla This creamer makes my decaffeinated coffee very special. I love to wake up in the wee hours of the day and smell the aroma and my breakfast is just perfect.




Homemade Vanilla Body Scrub

As I love Vanilla, so as skin care products. Luckily, I can combine my two favorites. I found a homemade recipe in e.how.com that is effective, chemical-free and safe vanilla body scrub.

You'll need:

  • A small/medium sized container with a lid that's no more than 3" tall.
  • Sugar [how much depends on the amount of scrub you want]
  • Olive Oil [ Just a enough to lightly coat all the sugar]
  • Honey[about 3-6 spoonfuls, depending on container size]
  • A large Fork
  • A few drops of vanilla extract
  1. Sit your container on a stable surface and fill with sugar, stopping at least a half an inch from the top. Make sure there is enough room to add the other ingredients.
  2. Take your olive oil and add it to the sugar, a little at a time. You'll know you have enough when all of the sugar is completely coated and the mixture appears creamy.
  3. Add the honey. Start with about 3 spoonfuls and add more if necessary. This is where the fork comes in. Blend the honey in with the olive oil and sugar mixture until it becomes slightly thick. It will probably remind you of a paste. Keep in mind it's only 3-4 ingredients and you can work with it as much as you'd like. If you want it thinner add less honey and more oil. If you want it thicker and more sugar and honey.
  4. Add the vanilla extract. Blend well.





Alice Blue's Vanilla Sugar - a rich, creamy and sweet vanilla I love to sniff; it makes me calm and sleepy. I just love smelling my room after I lit it. The scent is still their plus it does not have that burn smell most candles possess.
































♥♥♥

Friday, August 28, 2009

Like A Queen In J&J Milk Bath


Historians believe that Cleopatra love to bathe with milk and combines it with honey, rose petals and lavender. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, is most remembered to be the most beautiful queen in history. When I had learned this in my high school's history class, I got curious. Since then, I became a fanatic of drinking milk. As I grew older and became skin care know-it-all :), I have fallen in love with anything that has milk in it. When I tried Johnson&Johnson Milk Bath that has been in the market for quite some time with a lot of rave reviews in the top glossy magazines, I got hook. The scent alone makes me want it more, it is mildly sweet and calming. Taking bath with it and having sponge to lather it makes your bath more special. I use it at night before bedtime to take off the dirt I had accumulated outside with all the pollution. With vitamins A and E makes it more worthwhile because your skin is nourish.

Intimissimi Sexy

Italian women are one of the sexiest in the world and their new lingerie line just proves it. It is exclusively distributed by Victoria Secret  in the US so it's not available in our market. It's simplicity is very conventional yet attractive and it caters to every likeness.

Here are some of my picks that will surely make you feel sexy, confident and alluring.



If you love that fresh and carefree vibe, go for this lovely white push-up bra with microsmooth fabrics for that seamless look.


This purple piece is very regal and sexy. I love the color purple and I guess this color will complement warm to golden undertone skin. The bonus is the pockets inside cups that can hold gel inserts for that boosts which I love dearly.



The details of this plunge demi bra makes is alluring with a feminine touch of a center bow and detailed lace that also have pockets for gel inserts.


This is my favorite. Nothing beats skin tone undergarments for that sexy aura as if you're not wearing anything at all; like your second skin as what they say. The lace also adds that air of romance with pockets inside cups that can hold gel inserts for extra enhancement. Who does not want that! 

♥♥♥

Friday, August 14, 2009

Thanks Bees!



Just Recently, I googled the word honey. A lot of people swears by it's benefits from health, beauty and even weight loss. Some of my friends substitute honey for sugar, they said is much better. Honey is an ancient medicinal cure from the Greeks to the Egyptians, even Cleopatra love her honey and milk bath. So, it is not that bad to try it, especially when the honey is made organic like New Zealand's Manuka Organic Honey which is making raves in the reviews.

Weight Loss

1 tsp raw honey
2 tsp lemon juice
a glass of lukewarm water

Mix them all and take it once in the morning on an empty stomach.
This is usually taken after a big and oily meal, a simple delicious detox.

Good Digestion

a glass of non-fat of low fat milk OR 1 cup yogurt
1 tsp of honey


Yogurt is good for digestion. Honey is made up of fructose sugar molecules linked together in long chains -- fructooligosaccharide (FOS). Benefits of FOS are numerous one is: they help carry moisture through the digestive system and therefore promoting healthy bowel movements.


Anti-Blemish Mask


3 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients together.

Wash your face with a mild, non-comedogenic facial wash and pat your face dry. Then apply a thin layer of the mix to your face in the same way you'd put on a facial mask. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash your face. Apply toner and moisturizer.Try it 3 times a week. Some would want to spot treat and leave the honey mixture to a blemish overnight.

The cinnamon has anti-bacterial benefits and lemon can lighten your dark spots.


Hand Mask

1/2 Avocado

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey


Combine all three.

Apply the mixture to the back of your clean hands.

Leave for 20 minutes and wash with water.

I use this twice a week and my hands remains soft and because of the lemon juice it lightens a bit.


Hair Treatment

3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
add some dried rosemary leaves if you want

*If your hair is thicker or much longer, add another tbsp. of honey and oil to the ingredients.

- Mix the honey with the olive oil.
- Make sure the oil and honey are thoroughly mixed.
- Wash hair in the normal way and towel dry.
- Massage the mixture thoroughly into the hair and wrap head in a warm towel, or use a hair dryer for 20 mins.
- Rinse hair with warm water and wash it with a good shampoo.
- This treatment is good for dry or damaged hair.

My colored treated hair became shiny and vibrant and because of the oil, it is soft to touch.


I am also trying what they called the Hibernation Honey Diet. You just drink 2 to 3 tbsp of raw honey 1 hour before you sleep. I guess the darker the honey the more antioxidant it has. It promises to help you sleep and lose weight at the same time. Well, any diet can be effective if you have an active lifestyle and you eat in moderation. But I am so hook to honey right now, I am beginning to indulge on organics.

Thank God for the Bees!



A lot of people also said that even though honey is raw or organic, you may still be allergic to it like most organic substances so try to patch test first. Put the honey or the mixture inside of your arm and see after 48 hours, if your skin reacts to it better not use it.















































Saturday, August 1, 2009

Celebrity Jetsetters




Chic and Sophisticated




We surely all know how glamorous Angelina is when she walks the red carpet, but her style does not end there. Strutting the airport jet way in her signature black and gray ensemble is her thing too.

Free-Spirit


If you are the laid-back type of chick, well you can mostly can relate to Cameron Diaz. Tagging along a $1,600 Marni purse through LAX, Cameron is wearing a comfortable outfit.

Uber Sexy

So if your going to be in the fashion capital-Milan, wearing drab outfit is a big no. That is why bootylicious beyonce work on a dress and the Christian Lamboutin shoes to make that perfect entrance.


Boho Chick



Coming out of the Heathrow airport is the controversial Sienna Miller, who apparently loves fedora hats.


Androgynous




Katie Holmes tries a lot of look; from girl-next door type to sophisticated. She mostly enjoys wearing boyfriend jackets and loose pants these days. ♥♥♥