Where would I be without Philips Visapure?

Our life is surrounded by personal electrical: electric toothbrush, electric hair remover, hair driver, hair straightener.... and the list goes on. Where would we be if electrical transmission were never invented and electricity became widely available to the masses? Would we all have rotten teeth and hairy legs instead? What I know is we the annual budget personal grooming would be much less, and so would the annual electricity bill. Oh and mother nature would be much happier, of course. 

Anyway, the reality is we are becoming increasingly reliant on electrical items, as generally they are more efficient and convenient than anything manual (perhaps except driving). The latest hot potato is facial brush. As a self-proclaimed beauty junkie who are obsessed with lotions and potions, I was fascinated by this latest beauty gadget and couldn't wait to get my hands on one. The question is, which one? 

RiO, Clinique, Philips, Avon, Olay, Clarisonic.... even Lidl sells one called Sanitas! I was overwhelmed by all these different settings, rotations, speed, shapes etc it took me a long while do shop for the right product that suits my needs. It needs to be waterproof, has a self-timer, not bulky and having a slick design would be a desirable. Yes, it really does help to narrow the gene pool if there is a list of criteria to work with. I spent some time in various shops touching and feeling a variety of (brush) heads and handle the appliance this way and other, just to ensure I find The One.  There is nothing more irritating than purchasing something that 'isn't quite right, wish I've gone for the other one'.

After some research, I've finally settled on Philips Visapure.

Its shape is totally different to any other facial brush, and I find Philips Visapure much easier to clean the T-Zone area properly an to handle.

A full charge allows 30 treatments and I have yet had to recharge it. It also comes with a clear cap which is handy for when staying away from home.

After each use, I would rise, pat dry and leave it to air dry in its silver charging case in the bathroom. It just sits neatly on the windowsill.

Having used it every evening with a foam base cleanser for a month, I can really see and feel the difference. My skin seems to absorb product better and my T-Zone is less shiny during the day. Moreover, my skin tone also looks brighter! I used the normal brush and the bristles were not abrasive or caused any skin irritation. More importantly, I didn't feel the need to visit a beautician for a regular facial since the purchase, as it probably does a better job at deep cleansing than a pair of hands.

For those who have yet tried out an electrical brush and are tempted to purchase one, I would highly recommend this. It is at a mid-range price, more affordable than Clarisonic and better quality than Clinique. By registering the product online Philips will send you a complimentary replacement head (needs to be changed every 3 months for hygiene reason), saving yourself £12.

de Buyer Mineral B Element

Like post household, I've lalways had non-stick frying pan for the obvious reason. Nonetheless, they never last for more than couple of years despite using the correct utensils and following the correct cleaning instruction. The non-stick layer would begin to fade and eventually it goes into the bin. I've tried all the famous and not-so-we'll-known brands but, in my opinion, they are much the same.

When it was time to look for a replacement pan, I wanted to try something different, perhaps an alternative to non-stick. The options are endless: stainless steel, ceramic, copper, you name it. Then I came across de Buyer, a French brand that's has been manufacturing gastronomy cookware since the early 19th century (must say something if they're still standing 2 centuries later?). They have a wide range of product, and after much research, I've finally gone for the Mineral B range. 

The frying pan from this mange is made with 99% pure iron with beeswax finishing, and is Eco and environmental friendly because it has not added chemical. 

The packaging is simple and elegant. 

Apparently the more it is used and the darker the pan becomes, the better it is for the nonstick properties. This range may not be for those who likes to keep their cookware squeaky clean!

"Made in France" - always gives a level of quality reassurance.

A cute engraved bee logo in the centre of the pan.

I really cannot wait to put this frying pan through a good test and see if it lives up to its name! :D

Harvey Nichols Risotto Kit with White Truffle Seasoning

Ah it has been a while since I last updated my blog. In most industry quarter 4 is always the busiest of all, winding down before year end and planning for the next financial year.

Of course no matter how busy one gets, food will always be on ones mind. With less time on hands to prepare delicious homemade dinners, I did result to instant alternatives on a number of occasions.

I have this Harvey Nichols Risotto Kit in the kitchen cupboard for a while but can never find the right moment to consume this. It would seems that I have saved it for just the right occasion!

The kit contained a bag of risotto rice, seasoning and white truffle oil. All I had to do was to boil the kettle, cook the risotto rice and seasoning in boiling hot water until soft. I mixed in some baby spinach leafs and blanched some fine beans to boost up my 5-a-day! Seasoned with black pepper, pour over the  white truffle oil and sprinkled some parmesan on top!

It has a very strong truffle flavor which I love. It must have been a physiological barrier in stopping me to enjoying it fully, knowing it pretty much came out from a packet.... wroth a try thou! 

Shopping Frenzy 2

Another day of money well spent I thought. Whilst waiting for a friend to finish work then head out for dinner, there is no better way to kill time but to browse at some shops. Yes, I had no intention in making any purchase at all but thought 'I would just windowshop', and little did I know my wallet would bleed in the space of 45 minutes...

Mix and match with high end and high street is often the formula I go by: a nice handbag and a smart pair of shoes are the essentials to a chic outfit and can often jazz up high street clothes nicely, and not being misunderstood as a 'Label Queen'. I am quite a sentimental person and have been very loyal to a number of handbags for a while. Or, to put it in another way, I haven't seen one that made me fell 'Wow! This is a MUST have!', until yesterday, this Ralph Lauren bag caught my eyes.

Most would associate Ralph Lauren with its famous and iconic polo shirt of course. The brand has actually updated its image in recent years through its successful marketing campaign, which emphasis the brand's expensive lines more. Their collections are rather comparable to the more established luxury brands, in style and in quality. This Lauren Ralph Lauren horseshoe satchel bag really stands out to me. Simple but yet elegant, and tan is very on trend at the minute and does not usually look out of date anyhow. The strap is adjustable in length, so depending on occasion it can be worn as cross-shoulder if needed, perfect for the smart-casual look I always aim for (and absolutely justify the spending too....)

As mentioned, Ralph Lauren does more than just polo shirts and its homeware is also pretty damn nice. 100% cotton and the sheet is 200 thread count cotton, which would be nice and silky soft! Since we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, it is important to have the finest and niciest bedding one can afford. Afterall it is often skin-to-skin contact so definitely not cutting corner there! Cannot wait to wash, iron, snuggle up and enjoy them, bliss!

Think I have done pretty well this week!

The beginning of a shopping frenzy!

I named this post 'the beginning' because I know I will be looking out for more wonderful items in the coming weeks. We all have treats now and then and my favorite kind of treat is go on a bargain hunt, looking out for that red/ yellow label and pay only fraction of the RRP. Of course there are times where we got to pay the full RRP, but it is exceptionally satisfying when one feels one has outsmarted retailers (well, kind of) by paying as little as 5 - 10% of the RRP.

Wolford produce a variety of garments than just seamless tights. This gorgeous bikini there is to motivate me to get on this 4:3 fasting diet. Well, I do fit in it now but nowhere looking fit and lean. It is never too cold to think about the summer months, the warm wind, sandy beach and amazing sunset!

For those who likes to stump about the countryside must have at least a pair of Hunter wellingtons in the utility room. My navy blue Hunter wellingtons have served me well but unfortunately they no longer fit for purpose - they got holes in them!! Not ideal when going on muddy, wet country walk. This time I have gone for the classic green in the end.

These K2 wintersport socks are in preparation for my snowboarding trip in March. I have heard mix comments regarding specific snowboard/ ski socks. Well I am sure normal socks will do just fine but won't hurt to get these just in case...

Parks London

Earlier this year, I have decided it was time to have my own bachelorette pad at long last. After months of searching, I finally found the perfect flat in the same neighborhood. Some said it is rather snobbish of me only wanting to live in houses within this one particular postcode. Well, I did branch out to other areas but they just did not have the same vibe!

The flat is furnished with modern and unique retro furniture, and is fragranced with my favorite Parks London diffusers & candles (http://www.parkscandles.com/). I have been a loyal customers for many years because the company uses 100% natural wax in their candles; Organic natural alcohol with high levels of essential essential oils used in diffusers - perfect of those who would prefer more natural products. Let's be honest, there is nothing more unappetising than walk into a house that is filled with cheap, synthetic aroma.

I recently purchased a deluxe gift set, as I've decided to give myrth a go (definitely not to do with religious reason!). It is a rather woody, earthy smell which suits whatever mood one is in. Burn time is rather long for these tiny little candles (approximately 8 hour each), just enough to have one in each room to maximise the fragrance around the flat. The diffuser alone is already very aromatic and I only light candles at night to enhance the overall ambiance, so that leave the room spray! I must admit I seldom use it but it does come in handy, especially if I am inviting guests over for dinner and it is fantastic to quickly master the smell of cooking. A couple of squirt will do the job nicely!

Rituals...

I am a proper beauty product junkie who loves to experiment with new brands and products, as well as stocking up on all sorts of goodies, regardless I may already have a dozen of unused body lotion stashed away for rainy days... as they say, 'It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it'!! I first came across this Dutch beauty brand 'Rituals...' a decade ago when I was visiting family in The Netherlands. The shopfront was minimalistic and modern on a busy Amsterdam high street. All their products are inspired by Eastern rituals and there are 5 different rituals, each has its own benefits and properties - Ayurveda, Hammam, Sakura, Tao & Tatsu. The products are made of organic and natural ingredients where possible and safe alternatives are introduced where nature cannot provide. Most importantly, the company does not believe in animal testing but instead, products are tested by volunteers - I'd love to be one! Base on the brand's concepts and ethos, I suppose one can say this is the Dutch version of The Body Shop with a more chic image, marketing towards 20-something onward who shops at certain places, instead of  targeting towards the wider high street audience.

I honestly cannot remembered what were the products I tried on a decade ago, but I do remember my first purchase from 'Rituals...', which was the 'Rice Milk Hand Cream'. The quality was incredible. Lightly scented with a silky smooth texture, only a small amount is enough to rehydrate my hands - not that they were ever awfully dry. It was a 75ml tube size back then, perfect for the handbag (THE most essential item in my handbag after lip balm) and if I remember correctly, it was only €7, very economical for what it was.

'Rituals...' has since spread across the globe, and there are a few shops in the UK, primarily in big cities, and quite a number of counters within big department stores. They used to have a store in Cambridge few years ago and I introduced a friend to the products who has since become a follower of its products. As I have probably vaguely mentioned in a previous post, I visited The Netherlands in early January this year and indeed I did stock up some goodies from its home country. It is true I could have made a purchase in the UK but to me, it feels a little extra special to have bought these from The Netherlands.

From left to right: Infinity Hand Lotion, Mild Eye make-up Remober, Wai Wang Body Exfoliating Cream, Sereni-Tea Foaming Shower Gel and Lip Treat.

This ultra rich hand lotion is scented with refreshing Sweet Orange & Japanese Mint, which is a winter must-have, to protect the hands from the bitterly cold Arctic wind. It has a silky texture so and can be quickly absorbed by the skin, great for those who uses their hands a lot to avoid  leaving grease mark behind on objects or surfaces.

I have used a variety of 2-phase formula eye make-up remover before, and some of them are actually rather greasy and leaves a shine on the eye lids. This eye make-up remover is great, only need a tiny amount to remove eye shadow and eyeliner. I don't wear a lot of make up in general and seldom wear mascara, so I have yet to test this product to the max.

I have used the Wai Wang Body Cream a while ago and I absolutely adore the smell. It is a rich exfoliating cream but when massaging around the body, it feels as light as feather and skin immediately feels smoother (I am quite lazy when it comes to body exfoliation!). It also leaves the skin hydrated enough so I don't necessary feel the need of applying body lotion on after showering.

I have yet started on the shower gel or the lip treat yet, saving them for another time. Nonetheless, I must recommend its other lip treatment - Eve's Kiss. I was given a personalised Rituals... gift set last year and this lip balm was part of it. I carry this wonderful little tube of lip balm everywhere with me, perhaps I should buy one for each of my handbags... The reason why I love this product so much is because it smells (taste!) great (apple and karite), it also works as a lip gloss. It stays on for quite a while and a little amount can go a long way. One stone keeps two birds and a less product having to carry around :)

Ritual... currently have stores in these locations within the UK: Bluewater, Belfast, Brighton, Bromley, Canterbury and Gatwick. It also offers online shopping service for those who doesn't live near these areas, or check and see if there's a counter within your local major department stores.