Women's body changes by time. Some will look pretty old for their age especially after you have had your first child. That's what I heard from experienced mothers. It scares me honestly. I didn't want to look like a 80 year old ah ma after giving birth to my first kid.

I've been pretty strict when it comes to taking care of my skin except for the past few months, I've been lacking of that discipline until I found myself carrying Gajah Jr. I knew that from that moment on, I can't be lazy. This mama gotta step up to her skin care routine.

I basically uses the same toner for day and night and Thayers has been my 2nd bottle. Each bottle could last me a year, usage of twice a week. It comes in a 375ml and I got them mostly from Lazada. This toner is great cause it's alcohol-free so it doesn't leave harsh effect on my skin. As for the serum, I have just started being a loyal customer to it. Serum is THE most important part of your skin care. As you grow older, your skin start to sag. Depending on your specific skincare concerns, you may need higher amounts of these valuable skincare ingredients with anti-aging benefits.

Serums shouldn’t contain sunscreen actives like a daytime moisturizer would or the emollients or light, texture-enhancing ingredients your nighttime moisturizer should have. Instead, serums use that extra space to pack in other beneficial ingredients such as more antioxidants or skin restoring ingredients—and these complement the other products in your routine.

A serum won’t replace your daytime moisturizer with SPF or your nighttime moisturizer, but they WILL boost your overall anti-aging results and overall healthy appearance when used morning and evening.

The Innisfree No Sebum loose powder is also something that I've been using constantly. It is a sebum control powder that allows for non-greasy, downy baby skin, Sebum absorption powder and mineral sebum control powder absorb excess sebum for a bright, downy skin as if presently putting on makeup.

It also contains Jeju natural minerals and mint for refreshing control of oil and moisture. Jeju natural minerals and mint restores an unhealthy balance of oil and moisture, leaving a refreshing finish. Absorbing excess sebum and oil for downy makeup and an even skin tone. This powder also absorbs excess sebum and oil to prevent makeup from becoming patchy, while correcting dull skin tone to keep the skin bright and radiant all day.

Day routine:


As I have been applying makeups a lot throughout my pregnancy, I had to get myself a good makeup remover which also a contact lenses friendly one. I found the Garnier during my trip back to Singapore last year. You see, when you're pregnant, not all pregnant women will have that glow you've always dream of. I didn't have that but I develop slightly dark circle. So I will pack my face with a thin layer of concealer or medium coverage foundation before applying my eye liner and blusher. Those are my go-to regime before heading out. I don't like heavy makeup but I would love to look presentable whenever I'm out. It makes me feel confident.

For night cream, I opt for the gel type which doesn't leave my skin oily especially on my T-zone. It feels light and absorb instantly into my skin. My skin doesn't feel dry the next morning and I love the scent too. Lightly scented.

Night routine:

I read somewhere from an online article that pregnant ladies will develop this 'glow' in their 2nd or perhaps 3rd trimester. I doubt it but one thing I'm glad that my hair fall problem is not severe like some mother-to-be. My hair is already thin since born, so I don't need those extra shedding.

I didn't really grow much except for my cheeks and my boobies (obviously it is due to milk production for the baby). I had to change my outfit size from S to M which for me, is still acceptable. I developed pimples especially on the chin during my 1st trimester but it wasn't that bad and soon it diminishes when I enter my 2nd and 3rd stage of pregnancy.

So far it has been a smooth ride, alhamdulillah. Except some slight discomfort at the abdomen, constipation problem (major!), slightly back pain, peeing more often than before (sometimes it's only a 5 minutes gap), trouble in sleeping cause the baby keeps kicking. Yeap, that's all I guess. And I noticed that I walked like a snail. I mean snail could be faster than me.

I've seen some pregnant women who's stomach is as big as a giant egg walk as though they're competing in a marathon. How do you ladies did that? I'm halfway panting here within a few steps from my car door. I wish I'd have requested for a maternity parking at the office. Okay, that part. The reason why didn't I get myself a maternity parking. I hate exercising which I know that is important for mother-to-be cause I love to sleep. So the only solution I can think of is walking to and fro from my car to my cube, twice a day. Or perhaps a brisk walk to our in-house mini mart. While weekends, instead of spending my time walking at the park, I'd rather walk at the mall, doing some window shopping or perhaps get myself 1 or 2 unnecessary stuff. Hahaha. Brilliant idea isn't it.

When I got married, I've always wanted to be one of those hot mama-to-be when I'm pregnant. I didn't want to be a pregnant lady who wears only baggy clothes, slippers and carry nothing on her hands. Let's use Marion Counter as our benchmark. Minus the Louis Vuitton bag, Chanel purse, Louboutin shoes that she always wear for her family outing. Can't afford those although I work my entire life.

So when I got into my 2nd trimester, the urge of beautifying myself was so intense that I started to purchase myself new makeup stuff. One of them is this Maybelline V face duo stick. It works wonder. Not only they practical but also easy to pack in my handbag. It is not oily and lasted the whole day unless you wipe them off.

Features one contouring shade on one end and a shimmering highlighting shade on the other, these retractable “bullets” are angled for precise application and the cream base delivers a natural, blendable finish. This product gives a precise contoured look fit for daily wear.

It comes in 2 colors. medium or light. You can purchase it via Hermo Malaysia.

With our all year round hot weather in Malaysia, a good sunscreen is important in our daily skin care regime. Not just that, make sure that most of the products you used are made from natural ingredient. Zaman sekarang, everyone is so health conscious. So semua orang nak beli produk yang natural.

Suncreen is important because it protects your skin from the harmful rays of UVA and UVB that could lead to skin cancer, freckles, sunburn, over a time period due to long exposure to this elements.

I have sensitive skin and prone to breakouts if I use the wrong skin care. But surprisingly, this sunscreen doesn't give me all that. Instead it helps make my skin more refine and my pores are getting smaller. My skin doesn't feel sticky or oily after application. So I don't need to apply any foundation, just some dash of blusher and lipstick. It also doesn't leave this off white effect on your skin. Unlike certain sunscreen, after application, you can see that you skin tone is 1 or 2 tone lighter than the original.

What's good about Koqipop sunscreen?
1. It moisturizes your skin
2. Instant whitening and glowing effect
3. Covers up scars and freckles
4. Contains SPF 50++ that will protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB

I've been using it only a week plus yet I've seen some slight improvement on my skin. Imagine if continuous usage. I love the small packaging that could fit in your handbag. Light enough to put in your pocket too. Easy to carry around and it smells so good too.

For more info, visit byalexablue_instantshawl page today.

*Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

When I found out that I was pregnant at 6 weeks, the first thing that came to my mind was 'Okay, who's gonna take care of this kid when I'm away at work?' Yeap, even as early as 6 weeks, this question came to my mind. I hate last minute planning because I prefer a Plan A that comes with Plan B and Plan C. Call me psycho but that's how I am. Planning revolves around me.

Getting a REALLY GOOD child care center today are hard, let alone a nanny itself. Getting an old aunty to take care of an infant, you worry that they might be too old to attend to your child (although they have more experience in handling a baby). If you find the younger ones with a 2 year old kid to take of your baby, your child might not get the attention needed. Taking care of an infant requires a lot of your time because feeding time can be very often compare to a child who is on solid food.



Secondly, not everyone has the patience to take care of a baby. Even if you send to a professional child care center, an employee will need to attend to at least 3 babies per individual. It might sound reasonable. But the cost of a child care center is also not cheap. You want a good one, then you need to forget about the monthly allowance you kept to buy the latest Chanel handbag. I'm talking about the medium income wage earner here.

Thirdly, when the kid is big enough to feed himself, sit, walk all by himself, it gives you some slight sense of relieve because you know that they know when they're hungry or when they're full. Slightly independent stage. Unlike babies, they don't know how to hold their own milk bottle which sometimes can cause choke and death. Nanny or caretaker can't watch them 24/7 can they?


So I spoke to my mum on this and she suggested that she'll take care of the baby until he's like 1 year old, then we'll send to a nursery where the cost is slightly cheaper compare to the cost of an infant. They varies according to age. Plus I wanted to send my kid to a good nursery where I know he will not just sleep and eat. At least, there are some activities for his motor skills, learning other languages, learning about basic courtesy or perhaps a swimming class would be great. I'm a kiasu mother-to-be, yes, I am.

I've never really agree to send my kid to their grand parents as we know they can be spoil in certain ways but when I access the pros and the cons of sending my kid to a child care center at a very young age, it's better for the baby to be at stage where he can be slightly independent. Plus, I've witness how my parents took care of my sister, I know that my kid can be discipline from young. I want my kid to have a good foundation like sleeping time, potty trained, disciplined eating time, someone to read bedtime stories, someone to teach basic courtesy. A more systematic kind of discipline.

With both husband and wife working and with the ever demanding increase in cost of living, we can no longer rely on single income. The basic needs of a household can only be fulfilled with both spouse working. You no longer have the privilege to let your spouse be the only sole bread winner.

So sometimes, it's okay to get help from your parents or family members, if they don't mind. Discuss and get their consent before agreeing to anything.At least you know your kid is in a good hands.

You can pretty much relate pregnancy with wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles and what comes with it. You don't have to wait after giving birth to your baby. Getting sleepless night during pregnancy is enough to make sure look like someone has punched you in the face the night before.

2nd trimester is definitely a slight challenging phase. Your baby starts to learn how to do somersault routine and other acrobatic moves in your belly. Not knowing when is daylight and night, they think your bedtime is their sunrise. Can't blame them cause it's always 'night time' in their world.

I've always been conscious about the way I look especially my skin. I hate plain H2O, hence my skin has that uneven tone, freckles built over time, dull skin, breakouts. Let alone fruits. I started to eat healthily, like really healthy, as I enter my 2nd trimester. I had to cause my blood count went lower every time during check ups, I have bad constipation problem for the past few weeks. So I changed my routine and it works. I can now poo happily but still, my skin needs the extra nutrient from a good skin care apart from the food I consume.

I waited patiently to invest in a good serum cause I know serum plays an important role in prepping your skin before applying your moisturiser or make ups. I have never spent more than a RM100 on skin care except for this time around.

Been eyeing on this brand for the longest time ever since I was in college but never had the $$$ to get it. But since I have a generous husband who spoil me on certain things in life, I can't say no. Hahaha.

It was on 50% discount during the MyCyberSale, I can't resist but to get it!. I love the texture that doesn't leave oily and sticky feeling. My skin is definitely smoother but it doesn't help to tackle the freckles much. But I know it's not easy to remove freckles permanently.

So what is this product all about?
Elixir 7.9, with 7 plants and 9 anti-aging patents, delivers all its concentrated power to your skin with one single drop. To be used every day, morning and evening, under your usual day cream to greatly increase its rejuvenating effectiveness or, as a 1-month intensive treatment 2 to 3 times per year, when your skin needs it.

Paraben-free formula, tested under dermatological supervision.
Suitable for all women and all skin types.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE

Elixir 7.9 has been tested and approved by nearly 200 women during 1 month.
They noted visible rejuvenating effects on their skin:
- Smooths wrinkles,
- Refined skin texture,
- Boosted radiance,
- Intensified and revitalized skin.

Further details of this product on Hermo Malaysia

*Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

Recently my interest in grooming myself came back.

I started to put on makeups on a daily basis. Even to the office. Knowing me as someone who don't bothers to put on even a simple lip tint or lipstick, let alone putting on foundations, I made it. WITH medium coverage foundation TOO. Surprised myself too.

So I took the advantage of the recent Malaysia Cyber Sale to get myself a bottle of good serum. I'm turning 32 this year, so my obvious concern are wrinkles. Not that I have them yet. While searching for one, I kind of stumbled accross this foundation from Innisfree. I'm crazy over this brand, not sure why. I've purchased a few range of their skin care product and I kind of like them. I don't buy foundations online because the risk of purchasing the wrong shade of your skin is high but I gambled it anyway.

I don't have fair skin anymore like I used to back when I was in my 20s. Mainly because I was exposed to outdoor activities a lot during those time and not bother to apply sunblocks. Cause I though being tan was cool. I developed freckles on my cheek bones as a result of that.

This foundation comes in 3 shades.Light Beige, True Beige and Natural Beige. I took the True Beige one. This version is recommended to those who has oily skin and if your skin texture is thin and sensitive. It's not a full coverage foundation. If you love natural makeup and want to keep the flaws and freckles on your face medium covered, then go for this. I love the fact that it didn't leave my skin oily after a few hours of application. But it comes ONLY in 15ml tube so it won't be enough for hardcore makeup users. I use them mainly to cover my dark circles (pregnancy makes you develop dark circles -__-). I didn't notice my dark circles until a colleague of mine pointed them out. Uurrgghh.

Innisfree Smart Foundation Water Balancing SPF30 PA++ contains Jeju mineral and green tea ingredients that makes the skin look healthy and alive. Get them today from Hermo Malaysia

**Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

So where did we stay in Taiping?

Juan been telling me about this hotel that we should stay. Which is by the lake with 2 views you can choose, the back lane view or the lake view. If it's peak season and with luck, you might get the lake view. We got ourselves a housing estate view. Boleh la kan.

It was supposed to be a surprise for Juan but knowing me who can't keep surprises to herself, I had to tell him 2 days before. Nak rahsiakan nama hotel pun tak jadi.

I booked through Bookings.com and it was on promo, RM168 inc 6% tax and breakfast for 2.

What I expected? By the name itself, I expected that the hotel will be as exclusive as Gurney Hotel but in reality, it looks more of a 3 star rated hotel but t's clean and quite spacious. But the walkway to our room were not well lit with only wall lights instead of ceiling lights. Breakfast was good (because they served real Koko Krunch, not those bought from food supplier). I tend to go for cereal first every time during my hotel stay. I just love cereals. My favorite part of this hotel is the bathroom. It has this retro touch with black and white tiles. It looked more of a 70s and 80s kind of bathroom. The bed was spacious but there were no closet. It's just a railing with hangers for you to hang your clothes.