I work in an air-conditioned environment, so my skin tend to go very dry to the point that it becomes flaky. But you have to see at a close up point. Not just that, my skin feels tight and when I step outside, my skin turned oily. I've tried numerous skin care range, even those advertised on Facebook, but honestly it doesn't work. I've started using Kiehl's face cream when I purchased the Calendula Toner. Actually it wasn't a whole jar of the cream, it was just a sample pack. But ever since I've start using it, my face became clearer, my skin tone is slightly even now and my face doesn't feel tight when I'm in an air conditioned environment.

I'll definitely use this jar of miracle once my trial pack is finished. Plus, my face don't really break out anymore. I feel moisturize and firmer.

The formula first works to protect and hydrate skin, using antarcticine, a glycoprotein that is sourced – appropriately enough – from glaciers. Next, concentrated potassium helps your face actually suck in moisture throughout the day. Squalane, which is derived from olives, is what makes the cream so buttery and quick-absorbing. 

Well, for those who attended the recent Trop Fest on the 25th Jan, now it's time for you to win great prizes. You can now vote for the Audience Choice Award. Refer the picture below for more details. 

Go here to vote for your favorite short video.

My favorite will be :

Don't know which ring to choose? Wonder why the price of a ring is expensive. Well, here's a few smart tips that you might want to consider. The tips given are based on advise by my dad who used to work in the gemstone industry during his early years and also from a lot of reading.

1. How much am I willing to spend.

When it comes to spending every dime you have in your bank, always look at how much you're willing to spend. Put this as your first point, at least when it comes to hunting for that perfect ring, you have a few options to consider based on your budget. Even if you walk into a jewelry shop, this is the first question they'll ask you. As I mentioned many times before, BE REALISTIC your budget. Don't try to be a snob.

2. White gold or the yellow one

Well, now it comes back to what you like. At the end of the day, you will be the one wearing that ring for the rest of your life. Tips: if you're looking at buying ring with diamonds, best opt for white gold as it will make the diamonds sparkle even more.

3. Should I get a GIA cert?

Yes you should if you plan to change your wedding ring a couple of years later and No if plan to wear it forever. Adding on a GIA cert means it will add on to your cost/budget. Unless if you're planning to get your wife a new set of ring after 3 years of your marriage. A GIA cert is basically an authentication of what is your diamond grade is. If you're looking at trading diamonds, yes, this cert is very important. A diamond ring  purchased with a GIA cert is slightly more expensive compared to those without the cert. But then again, no one is going to look at the inside of your ring. Only you and your partner knows it.

4. Boutique or the old uncle jewelry shops

This is one of the important element when buying a ring.For myself, I opt for old jewelry shops like those situated in Komtar(for Penangite). Sometimes, these old jewelry shops has good quality loose diamonds and they sell them at a lower price compare to those in the high end jewelry boutiques. Do not underestimate these shops. Boutiques like Soo Kee Jewelleries, Habib Jewels are mainly selling their brands as they're already an established companies. Therefore, their products are slightly above the average price. 

5. Ask for the labor cost, if possible.

If you have your own loose diamonds, you'll need the frame of a ring, right? Try to inquire on what is their labor cost like since you're not purchasing any ring frame for your diamonds from their shop (I doubt they'll provide that but just give it a shot). Labor cost can be quite expensive so I advise you to do some survey. But then again, the differences between shops will not be that much. Even if you're purchasing the whole ring with the diamonds, inquire on the labor cost as well. With that you can estimate how much is the hike up price.

6. Pricing and quality of the stone

If you think the price of the ring is pricey, ask what's the quality of the diamond. Go here to see some tips.

There are tonnes of wedding card available out there. Not to mention on the designs and price which is even more. Some even looked weird. Well, everyone loved funky and colorful cards but let's cut to the chase. Be realistic okay. I don't keep my friend's wedding card (a confession). It's going to be someone's rubbish after the wedding.

1. You're not Jovian Mandagie

You don't need a fancy invitation cards that comes in a box with a small perfume bottle beside it. This may cost you more than paying for your catering food.

2. "I can't read it. They're too small"

If I need to use a magnifying glass just to read your invitation card, imagine if an old man having to read it. Most likely, he'll ask someone younger in the family to attend your wedding on his behalf. C'mon, the size of your wording in the card is very important. This is so that everyone can read it instead of misread your card, ending up they're at a different wedding location. Printing is very, very, very important. Make sure the card designer print each and every letters and numbers clearly. This is to make sure that people can read them properly.

3. "Is this a card?"

With a wide variety of card designs to choose from, do choose the simplest one. You're not inviting someone to a party. So you don't need the fancy type card. And like I mentioned in Point 1, unless if you're Jovian Mandagie.

Spend only what's important and value for what you pay. A card is just a piece of information paper for your invitees to refer on the venue, time and date. No matter how fancy your card is, they'll be looking at the 3 main point and at the end of the day, the card is going to the bin.Which also means, you money is being thrown away. So spend wisely for your wedding.

Marigold or more commonly Calendula has been used medicinally for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites. Calendula has a high content of flavonoids, chemicals that act as anti-oxidants in the body. Anti-oxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function.

Calendula has been considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases and has been seen effective in treatment of skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. Improvement has been seen in as little as 3-4 days of treatment according to the Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie.

The first day I started using this toner, my skin felt so fresh and it does not dry out like a normal alcohol based toner does. My breakout even went down and the redness even started to fade away. You don't feel the cut-like sensation when you dab it on your acne/wound. The toner is available in 2 sizes  but I purchased the 125ml, RM80. 

Capturing every moment of your wedding day is never easy. You got to have the right people or team to do it cause you don't want to end up crying when you look at the outcome of you photos. 

I know that there are many photographers around the country, you might find it hard to pick one. Don't worry as we're on the same boat. I started my search like a year ago (even before my dad knew about the date). I had around 3 choices in my hands at that time. I also know the fact that, my hometown have limited photographers with good photography skills, so that is the reason I hired an outstation photographer, therefore I have to take mileage into consideration. There are a few things to take note when choosing your photographer.

1. Budget

Be realistic about this. This is the first thing you SHOULD consider. Not the pretty photos and all. Don't just because it is a once in a lifetime event for you and your partner, that doesn't mean you get to SPLURGE on photography. The after wedding what's important.

2. What do they offer you

Find that offers 1 to 2 albums and perhaps a canvas photo for you to hang in your bedroom, because the more albums you get, the more you have to pay and c'mon, I bet you will only see your photos once, and the rest is history.

3. Between soft copies and hard ones.

Choose a package that offers you unlimited soft copies in a form of cd/dvd or pen drive perhaps. You can keep soft copies forever unlike hard copies which will fade in color. Similar to the film photos that you kept when you were in high school. The good thing of having a lot more soft copy photos is that you get to print yourself whenever and how many copies you like.

4. Ask for samples

Ask for their sample photos that they took in the previous wedding events. See whether you like their style or not. Remember , clients and photographer NEED to work together. Don't let your photographer do all the work. They're not mind reader and they won't know what kind of outcome  you'll like. Assumption is a no-no thing in this case.

5. Outstation photographer.

If you wish to hire a photographer who resides in a different state, ask for their quotation FIRST before looking at their photos. Quotation SHOULD include extra charges like transportation cost, accommodation cost, etc. The final amount that they'll charge. If the cost is not within your budget, skip them and look for other one instead. This will save your time as well as the other party and speed up your process as well.

6. Give examples
As I mentioned in point 4, photographer and you NEED to work together. Not just assuming that they know what you like or what you want. Provide your photographer the style or examples of the photos you like or prefer. There are thousands of sample photos you can pick on the Internet.

Most importantly, set the right EXPECTATIONS between you and your official photographer prior to your wedding. Discuss face-to-face if possible should there be any doubt.

 Don't ask me why we bbqed the banana. It was the weirdest idea from me and Su (Teik Chuan gf)

I have never tried a bbqed marshmallows. I only see it on tv. Coincidently Mazanah have never tried before, so she bought a pcaket of marshmallows to try out. It was sweet and supper delicious.

We had too many chocolate lovers at the bbq event.

We were out of Ribena, so the 2nd round of drink was a mixture of Sunquick cordial and the Ribena leftovers. No one was admitted into the hospital -__-' 

Spotlight and mascot of the night, Teik Chuan's mixed anggora rabbit, Poopy. You won't believe how big his eerrrmm, her. I don't know whether it was a her or his ...I mean her/his poops were!!!!!! It was huge. I was amazed,seriously.

I didn't know what the hell went wrong here. It was already in my memory card when I reviewed all the photos.

Ignore the person behind the pillar. Eerrmm, he's like that. He's too shy, I mean weirdo to be in front of the camera. But the way, his name is Darek Chan. Yes, Darek.

Advocacy: With 39% of Malaysian women estimated to have been abused by their partners, domestic violence is a significant, but often hidden social problem. The 'invisibility' of the problem is largely attributed to the sensitivity of the issues surrounding the problem, especially the traditional belief in the sanctity and privacy of the family and the intimacy of marital relationships. WAO has produced a 45 page Report on "Battered Women in Malaysia: Prevalence, Problems and Public Attitudes", 1995 (available from the WAO office). This report is based on a national research study of Malaysia conducted by WAO between 1990 and 1992. Until then, no national studies on battered women existed in Malaysia. From this national survey, it was estimated that in 1989, 1.8 million or 36% of women over the age 15 were beaten by their husbands or boyfriends. Only 909 women actually reported violence to the police. Many battered women have told WAO their stories of seeking assistance and how they were not listened to, were advised to be more patient, told not to provoke their husbands and to persist with the marriage. 

In conjunction with the International Women's Day, JCI Pearl will be organizing JCI Pearl Women's Run with collaboration of the Penang State Govenmernt. The aim of organizing this run is:

Registration Fee : RM25.00 (For Competitive Run - 6km)

 You know, the last activity like this that I did was back when I was in high school. We would ride in bikes to Gua Kelam and Batu Pahat. These are the hot spots in Perlis back then. So when one of my ex-colleague back in Dell suggested on spending the Saturday in Balik Pulau. So I'd thought why not because many of most have not explore what's there even though you're locals, right? 

So we started our journey at about 10.30. Had our early lunch in Restoran Peladang, Balik Pulau (didn't managed to capture any photos). It was a Malay restaurant with more than 30 varieties of dishes to choose from. From chicken to seafood. They open as early as 10.30 am. 

After that, we headed to the horse ranch which we didn't know operates from 4pm to roughly about 7.30pm daily. The time showed 12pm. So Maznah (the organizer) suggested that why not we head to the beach instead to kill time. She used to study in ICT(Island College of Technology) many years back, so as far as she remembers, there is a beach nearby. So we got some help from the locals to asked for directions on where the beach is situated. It was in Pulau Betong, roughly at the end of Balik Pulau. When we arrived, there were a bunch of students in a school trip were having their lunch. There were some spots left under the shady trees. The scenery was breath taking!. It was much cleaner compared to Monkey Beach in Teluk Bahang. The sands are much cleaner as well as the water. Unfortunately we could not take a dip as we did not bring extra change of clothes as it wasn't a plan trip. Weather was very good at that time and the sea breeze were so cooling. We put on a rattan mat and sat on it. Please note that there is not public toilet provided. Bring your own potty if possible...Hahahhaha

As we sat, we noticed that the water tide was getting closer to our rattan mat and it was only 2.30pm. I advise that if you wish to visit the beach in Pulau Betong, try to get there early in the morning as the tide is lower in the morning and the wave is not agressive as in the afternoon. It'll be just nice to take a sunbath. Absolutely awesome! Since the water tide is getting higher, Nazirul suggested on getting something to munch at any nearby stall. So we found a Thai stall and sat there till about 3.30 then headed to the nearest mosque to have our prayers.

We were just in time to the horse ranch as the time showed 4pm. When we arrived, there were a few visitors which were already there but it wasn't that packed. The host were friendly enough to greet us. The entrance fee do not include the charges for horse/pony rides. Only those with 85kg and below in weight are allowed to ride in order to avoid the backbone of the horse gets injured. The ranch are run by husband and wife which started as a hobby because their 15 years old son represents Penang team in the horse endurance ride and from there the hobby were then turned into a business. The ranch has been operating for the past 1 year. So it wasn't that old. The place also sells snacks and drinks as there are no stalls nearby. So I would suggest if you can bring your own water, that would be great.

Countryside Stables Penang

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Countryside-Stables-Penang/433900663311622?viewer_id=100000475432067

Jalan Hilir Sungai Burung, Kampung Jalan Baharu, 11000 Mukim H Sungai Burung, Penang, Malaysia, 11000 Penang, Malaysia

Then later on, we headed to Bukit Genting Thai restaurant for dinner. Literally uplifting, this hill restaurant could possibly be the gem among a sea of Thai restaurant on the island. Besides having Penang’s panoramic landscape as a plus point, this restaurant is the second reason why Bukit Genting is worthy of an uphill drive. Spicy belacan chicken, stuffed crab shells and Thai green curry are among the speciality you’ll find in the menu. It will be a short hike up by car to the restaurant. So please use low gear.

Address:

Bukit Genting Hill, Bayan Lepas, Penang. 

Tel: +604 629 9801.

Their FB page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bukit-Genting-Hill-Leisure-Park-and-Restaurant/121686754525764

You have sensitive eyes and you're wearing contact lenses. I bet it's not easy to find something which is contact lenses friendly eyeliner. As I mentioned here, I've tried searching everywhere for a suitable eyeliner that will not irritate my eyes. Well, thanks to NYX:-). I'm now a happy girl. 

Well, the tip of the eye pen looked like the usual marker pen that you used on white boards. It doesn't smudge and it stays long on your eyelids. The disadvantage of this marker is that, it's not easy to be wipe off. You need to use a waterproof makeup remover and do a double cleansing. The application of this eye marker is also easy. Believe me, it is not as tough as using liquid eye liner. As for the makeup remover, I've found the right one for it and without alcohol and I just love it. Will blog about it in the next post. 

You can get NYX Fat eye marker in Sephora, Gurney Paragon.