Wednesday 29 May 2013

Review: Essence 24h hand protection balm ~Winter Edition


 

Heya!!!

So, recently Essence AU announced the released of this limited edition "winter scented" hand cream which is good timing since we are going into winter here in Australia.
Of cause being a fan of Essence make up, i went a little crazy and got all three scents.

I have seen essence skincare range back home in Malaysia but unfortunately the shop closed down and Watson which is the only other place i can get essence does not sell the skincare range.

So it came in 3 yummy winter drink scent which are CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE, APPLE CINNAMON PUNCH and GINGERBREAD CHAI LATTE 



CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE

First i'll start with the one i didn't really enjoyed.

The caramel hot chocolates scented lotion have sadly made me discover that i am not a fan of caramel...

When i first smell it i thought is smell sour like yogurt! But when i smell it again there is a scent of cocoa which is slightly nicer to my nose (haha).

Still the "after sour" scent is still there so sadly this was not a nice scent to my nose.

APPLE CINNAMON PUNCH

So this i have nice things to say !

The apple cinnamon punch scent smells downright like an apple pie!

The scent is nostalgic and comforting and just makes me feel at home. I think of being home and waiting for the apple pie my dad or aunt is baking to come out of the oven. (mind my random homesick moments! :'s)

I know this will sound weird but i thought of MacDonald Apple Pie when i first smell this ... and yes i am obsess with this scent as it smell an apple pie!

and a side note i am obsess with the smell of cinnamon and tend to put ALOT of it into my coffee/hot chocolate.

So yah ... if you like to smell like apple and cinnamon GET THIS! :p

GINGERBREAD CHAI LATTE 

THE BEST FOR LAST :D

This is like Christmas in tube! 

The packaging of the gingerbread man in the front of the tube is so cute!

I think of Christmas time of having ginger snaps or a yummy spiced fruit cake.

I am obsess with this scent with the fact the spice and ginger make me feel warm and comfy!


Overall:

This hand creams are quiet good for the price you pay . I still however have to say that Crabtree and Evelyn's hand therepy are still my most favourite hand creams but this i like for the scent! 

I use it not only on my hand but on the dry parts of my body like elbow, knee and feet. 

The Pros
Its not too thick and not greasy .
The Price
The scent (except the Caramel Hot Chocolate)
The Size (good handbag/ travel size)
Cute Packaging 

The Cons
Limited Edition!! noooo!!!!! :"(
I am not a fan of the Caramel Hot Chocolate scent.

They are $1.95 and are available at selected Priceline and Target. 

I have to say since they are limited edition i might be purchasing a back up of the apple and gingerbread ones. I also do recommended if your unsure of the scent then try the testers (there are testers in the stand) to be sure you like the scent.

Other than that essence have once again pleased me with a great collection! 


Have you tried anything from the collection??

What is your favorite Winter Drink?
(ps: mine is skinny latte, green tea latte and hot chocolate with LOTTA cinnamon :P)

till next time! 

~oxox rotan~




Friday 24 May 2013

WOW_HD CDs Haul!!!

Heya!!!

So the other day I placed an order on Wow_HD which is a online site that sells CDs, DVDs, books and more.

I have ordered from this site before and liked the service the first time so that's why i am ordering my CDs from here again as i like the service, shipping and of cause the prices.

On top of that, the site is currently having some really good offers like for the month of May 2013 it is having free shipping (usually $2 per item) and on top of that by the time this post is up from FRIDAY 24 May 2013 till Sunday 27 May 3013 (unless it is extended) the site is having 15% off all its items which i say is a good deal!

This is the second time this month the site is having a sale like this and i am quiet glad as i manage to save alot of money from buying from this site instead of from going to the cd shop as well as there were a few cds that i had on my wish list so now is the time to buy.


So i placed an order for 3 CDs and my total including insurance ( 99 cent per order and its optional) after the discount and free shipping came up to $34.02.



Lawson Chapman Square
So this purchase i blame my brother for it... just kidding :P 

But my brother is a fan of Lawson and thanks to him i am OBSESS with the band! 

Quiet recently they toured Asia and Australia and sadly i didn't get to see them in concert as they weren't in my area. 

This CD i have seen in JB-HI FI but if cost like $20 for the normal edition and $23 for the deluxe edition! freaking expensive!!! 

So when i saw this which is the deluxe edition on the site at $11.01 after the discount i immediately click on the cart button as i have been wanting and have heard and love all the songs on spotify.

What's more my like i say earlier my brother love the band as well and being a nice sister it will be part of his birthday present.

Normal price: $12.95
Discount Price :$11.01

The Polar Express Soundtrack

I love The Polar Express movie! Its probably one of the Christmas movie and any sort of movie in general of all time!

I remember loving the soundtrack of the movie especially "Believe" by Josh Groban and if i were to say my favorite singer for Christmas songs it has to be Josh Groban as his voice suits the feeling for feeling for Christmas... if you know what i meant :P 

So anyways this CD i had my eyes on for a LONG TIME  since the movie came out i wanted it to play in the car during family road trips as my family loves playing Christmas CDs on road trips even if its not Christmas and yes we are one of those people who listen to Christmas songs all year round!  

 Plus the price even before the discount is SO MUCH cheaper than at the CD shop which last time i check a was $40 for this one CD!!! (heck my total order is less than that! haha)

Normal price:$9.95
Discount Price : $8.47


David Arculeta No Matter How Far

Now the MAIN REASON i went on the site was for THIS particular CD which is a David Archuleta CD (haha "surprise" ???)

If you read one of my previous blog post about the album review for David Archuelta's new album No Matter How Far i mention i didn't really need the album as i already purchased 2 new unreleased songs from iTunes and have the other songs from the Asian edition of other albums.

However i caved and got the album as it was at such a great deal and is probably the only way i can get it since (if i am not mistaken) its only available in the USA.

Anyway if you want a in dept review of the album click here to check it out.

Normal Price: $15.95
Discount Price: $13.56

Overview: 

I am really happy with my purchase especially the price I paid I saved a good fraction compared to what if i were to by it in stores here in Australia on normal price. 

The site is really easy to use and with the discount and free shipping for the month of May 2013 its a real steal deal!

Only down side is that because i ordered 3 CDs they came in 3 different weeks which is really weird as i thought it will come all in one go.

Anyway the first CD took about 4 days to arrive, the second was a week and the third was 2 weeks! This i find it really weird.

But other I will still continue shopping from this site as my CDs still arrive and they are all in 1 piece! 

Hope this was helpful :)


Check out WOW_HD site for more offers 


Want a review on the CDs that i have yet to review? Let me know in the comments below.

 ~oxox rotan~








Tuesday 21 May 2013

My chemist haul!!! + update on where i MIA??

Heya!!! 

So its been a while since i last posted a blog post or a video on my youtube video.

Now before i jump into this quick haul i thought i quickly explain where i MIA to.

So in case you don't know i am in uni and lately i have been FLOODED with assignments and mid-term and quiz and life! 

I am almost at the end of the semester and most of my assignments and  essays are done so woot! 

I will try and upload twice or  three times a week on my blog here as i sure have been neglecting both my blog and youtube channle. 

Anyways i miss you guys and i hope you all understand my crazy random life of uni and all :)

Now the haul:D


So my chemist warehouse is currently having a 50% off all revlon, maybeline and rimmel make up so i decided to pick up a few items that i have been eying on for a while

So here is what i got!!!

I know i got more than enough lip crayon shaped lip sticks! Hack! I got more than enough make up that has to do with lips! 

But with a deal like this and out of curious i got one to try and compare in person with my Pop Beauty Pouty crayons.

I got it in the color adore which is a red with gold shimmers.

So far i am loving this lip balms but will give a in dept review somewhere in the future so look out for that!

RRP: AUD17.95
DIS PRICE: $8.95
Next i got are from Maybelline and its the the color tattoo in 35 tough as taupe

I originally wanted bad to the bronze but that was sold out so i MIGHT .... might make another trip to my chemist to get another one of this guys. 

This are basically cream shadows and i have been wanting this since i first heard it but even though they are "reasonable" retailed at $11.95 i am quiet a "chipo" where i don't buy items at full price unless i BADLY want it or i know i can get it on discount. 

What's more although i have alot of eyeshadow i didn't see any point of getting the cream eyeshadow until recently when i started loving benefit's cream eyeshadow which convinced me to get this.

Also with the discount they are almost the same price as the cream eyeshadow from essence! So for the same price i get more product and some warble colors as even though i like the essence cream eyeshadow, its not everyday i am going to wear a sparking silver am i?

So yah that was a little long winded type on why i got the color tattoos.

Like i say i might be heading back to my chemist to get a few more of this guys :P

RRP: AUD11.95
DIS PRICE: AUD5.95



Lastly is a repurchase! Yay! a rear phenomenon as i rarely finish something and repurchase it make up related.

ok so its not a legit make up product but is the Maybelline baby lips in smoothing cherry and I LOVE THIS! (well duh i am re-purchasing it) 

Its one of my favorite lip balms ever so a good reason why i repurchase it.

Whats more i ran out of chap-stick like lip balms and its more sanitize to have this instead of those pot balms on the go.

RRP:AUD3.95
DIS PRICE: AUD1.95 

Hope you guys enjoy this haul! 

I got a review coming up soon and the hints... winter drinks and essence !

Like i say i might take opportunity of the sales and get a few more of the items so...another haul soon??? maybe??? :D


Did you get anything from the My Chemist sales???


Till next time 

~oxox rotan~

Sunday 5 May 2013

Mothers Day Ideas #2 : From A Distance With LOVE

Heya!!

So i posted some ideas on how I'll spend Mothers Day with my dear Mama.

Now in case you don't know i am currently studying abroad and have been living away from my family for over 3 years now so this will be the third Mother's day that i wont be able to spend with mum.

So here are some ideas that i will suggest if you are someone who is can't spend Mother's day with Mama in person but want to spend it from a distance (like me! :P)


MAIL TIME!!!!!

Send mum a Mother's Day Card or a Letter!

It may take a while to get there and it may be a bit old fashion but i like this idea as its something more personal and its from the heart.

If you are willing to spend a bit more money then you can send a little package (a little as shipping is expensive!) to mum with her favorite chocolates or a souvenir!  

Random note: i wanted the pic to be Mailbox form Blues Clues but i thought this was batter ;D



Call / Skype with mum

Its a small world after all

Thank you technology !


So here is a fact about me... i still call my mum at lease 3 times a day while i am here in Uni... and i have been in uni for 3 years...

There is something nice and comforting about hearing my mum's voice and just keeping up to date with her and sharing what's been going on in my life.
Giving a call to mum is something that we should not only do on mothers day but as often as possible as i think a nice way to catch up with mum and also (in my case) assure her that you're doing well.
Also send her a lovely text message first thing in the morning as your message will definitely brighten up her day! 
Now if your mum is tech savvy with the internet i will suggest skype/ video chat with mum as it will be nice to see Mum's face too (that came out wrong but you know what I meant :P).

Video /Slideshow Tribute

Last Year i made a short video tribute for mothers day that was covering Taylor Swift Never Grow Up on the piano for my mum. 

You can make a slideshow with a short message to sent to mum.


This i find this unique as well easy as it does not cost a cent to make! just a bit of time and a lot of Heart and Soul.

It's personal and if you love making vidoe this is the way to go.

Hope this ideas were useful and once again don't just treat mum special on Mother's Day as everyday is Mother's Day.



~oxox rotan~


Saturday 4 May 2013

Morther's Day Ideas: Spend Time with her in a Special Way

Heya!!

Mother's Day is less than a week away and i thought i will make a blogpost of what I will give/do for my dear Mama for Mother's Day!

Sadly this will be the third Mother's day that i will not be home to celebrate with her (*cries) as i am currently studying abroad. But i still call my Mama on the phone to celebrate with her :D

So this post i will just give some suggestion on how to spend time with her in a special way. It's sort of a wish list/ to do list on what i will do with Mum when i get back! 


Breakfast in bed/Make her breakfast

So Mum start her day to a yummy breakfast! 

Make what she like for breakfast but usually don't have the time to make or something that she rarely indulges herself.

For my Mum, whenever i am back in Malaysia i make it a habit to have meals with her as she is usually busy throughout the day with work so breakfast is usually my mama and me time :3


Usually I'll prepare my mum's breakfast which consist of oatmeal, fresh cut fruits, yogurt,a  nice big mug of coffee (not too strong and not too creamy) and occasionally we will finish it off with a pastry that we will share that is a slice of cakes or croissant (yum!).


You can make whatever your mum's loves like pancakes, waffles, french toast or a BIG BREAKFAST style!

If you are not that handy in the kitchen or want to make a quick easy meal i will suggest making some nice toast with her favorite spread to go with along with a big mug of coffee/tea/juice.

Home Made Spa Day


Pamper your mum by making a home made spa day.

It can be making some home made facial mask to treating her skin to a nice luxurious bath (bring out the lush bath bombs!
For my mum, she is not a fan or going to spa as it can be a bit pricy as well as she is one of those who feel weirs on having a random person touch her (yes there are some people like that! even me at times) so at times i will make use of my man power and give her some "karate chop" aka a back massage and this helps with my mum who has the occasional back pain.
 This technique is the easiest i can think of for someone inexperience .

Basically with my hands I am just chopping the back in a fast motion. Now just remember that this is your mum... not a piece of wood so be gentle and don't break her back ! 

 High Tea with Mama

My parents both lives in UK for a few years for uni and both of them love to indulged in a good High Tea

Growing up whenever we go to Singapore one of our must go to places was the Royal Copenhagen tea room in Takashimaya (sadly it closed down a few years ago and now replaced with TWG *cries! )

I remember the open face sandwich, the scones, as i enter there will always be a glass cabinet displaying delicious cakes (*sigh nostalgic moment for me :"D).

So if that place was still open and i was in Singapore that's where i will take my dear Mama (and the family) to for High Tea!

Instead if i were to make this at home i will get some of my mum's favorite cakes and pastry and arrange them on a nice platter with a pot of English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea.

Also just because you are having "high tea" at home do bring out the nice teapot and cups (just don't break them! )

Its as simple as that! ;D

Window Shopping/Shopping

I don't know about you but i love shopping with my Mum (no surprise here )!

Its a rear treat as not only its a bonding time but its also a learning process we learn more of each other and what we loves and don't like!

I miss window shopping with my mum and talking about all the random things in life!

Of cause its a girl nature of window shopping  and literally coming out of the shop with with bags 2 hours later but its a fun and simple way to spend time with mum!

Go for a run

This idea was inspired my my dear second mother and teacher Mrs J

 Back home my family will go for a run at Lake Garden every Saturday.

I  rarely get to workout with my mum as she is usually busy trough out the week so we make it a habit on the weekends to workout early in the morning before breakfast!

What's great is that you have each other to cheer on when running those laps! 


 To admit, I'm a Mummy's girl and as much as I miss my mum i love living abroad and learning to live independently as i learn not to be too dependent on my Mum.

With this ideals I will suggest not only do this on Mother's Day but also to do it anytime when you want to spend time with Mum! 

Mother's day is a special day but remember that everyday is Mother's day so always treat your mum well.


How do you spend Mother's day with your mum???

~oxox rotan~