Etude House & The Face Shop Haul

Here are some of the products I had asked my sister to get me from the Philippines. I love Korean  skin care products and I think that they must work, seeing that most Korean women have such lovely skin. I'm not necessarily after white skin, but bright, fresh and flawless skin will do me just fine ;)

Etude House: Collagen Moistfull First Essence

 

Etude House: Total Age Repair Royal Essence

The Face Shop: Special Zone Care Neck Firming Patch; Lifting & Redefining

The Face Shop: "Real Nature Mask Rice" (Real Natural Rice Mask) Cotton Mask

&

Chia Seed Watery Toner and Lotion Kit (Sample)

 

The Face Shop: Essential Masksheet CO-Q10 For Supple Skin Cotton Mask

 

The Face Shop: Baby Face Hydrogel Mask; Hyaluronic Acid Cotton Mask

&

Etude House: Happy Essential Foam Hyaluronic Acid

I have a post with my review on these products coming up and I'll give you my opinion on the results from using these.

Till Next Time =)

Guilty

I know, I know, I know... I haven't posted a new blog entry in a while now, I'm really sorry, but I'm working on a few entries that are long overdue. I have been preoccupied with a few other things, but I will get back to you with posts regarding Fashion, Skincare and Cooking. Watch this space >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Till next time =)

Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Bibimbap, which translates to mixed rice, is a traditional Korean dish that consists of steamed white rice, an assortment of mixed vegetables, gochujang sauce/paste (a sweet, salty and chilli paste), sliced meat typically beef, and an egg.

I have made three attempts at doing this dish and each time I would say it has improved a lot due to the praises I get from my diners (family). 

 

It was very obvious that this was my first attempt. The vegetable and meat slices were large and the arrangement was haphazardly done. In this 1st dish I used:

Cucumber & lettuce (for that fresh crunch)

Spring onion

Button mushrooms

Nori seaweed

Carrots

Paprika chicken breast

and a raw egg (don't worry it gets cooked by the steamed white rice underneath)

 

My 2nd attempt was arranged better and this time I sprinkled on some sesame seeds

The 3rd time's a charm. I arranged it so that the green vegetables were separated by other ingredients to create a colourful wheel. In this dish I used:

Carrots

Spring onion

Shiitake mushrooms (had a better flavour than button mushrooms)

Nori seaweed

Tofu

Cucumber

Beansprouts

Spinach

Strips of beef (rump)

Three egg yolks

Gochujang (substitute) 

& a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds

Recipe:

Prep

• Marinate the beef strips in light soy sauce and sesame oil and set aside for half an hour
• Wash and drain the spinach and bean sprouts
• Slice the following into strips:

> Cucumber
> Carrots
> Spring onion
> Shiitake mushrooms

• Cut the nori seaweed into thin strips
• Cube the tofu as it's mostly impossible to have them sliced thinly as it will crumble
• Toast the sesame seeds

Cooking

1. Once you have all the ingredients prepared, cook the rice, as the 20 minutes to cook the rice is the same amount of time you'll need to cook the vegetables and beef.
2. Use a good cooking sesame oil to cook each ingredient separately and season each ingredient with a little salt/soy sauce and pepper
3. Start by cooking the vegetables with the spinach first and the carrots last (don't cook the cucumber)
4. Then cook the beef last and add a tablespoon of sugar to caramelise the beef slightly.
5. Arrange all ingredients on top of the steaming hot rice. Put the green ingredients at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 points first and fill in the gaps with the remaining vegetables. 
6. Place the beef in the centre with the three egg yolks on top, dollop the Gochujang paste around and sprinkle on the the toasted sesame seeds.
7. Viola! Done =D

 

Notes:

• The cooking time for this dish isn't very long, it's mostly the preparation that takes a fair amount of time
• Make sure you have a sharp knife when you attempt this
• Cook the carrots last as they tend to stain the other vegetables orange, you want to keep all the colours separate
• You don't have to use raw eggs, you could do a sunny side-up or eggs over easy! 
• No gochujang? Make a substitute

Gochujang substitute recipe:

• Miso paste
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Chilli powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Honey
• White wine

Mix the ingredients to taste

(nothing like the real deal, but a great alternative if you don't have any available options)

After you've taken your pictures of your artwork..... uhmmm food. The only thing left to do is mix it well and eat!

Till Next Time =D

Review of L'Oreal Products

So it's been a month since I starting using the L'Oreal products. Before I give you a review I'll just remind you about my skin type and condition. 

I have combination to dry skin, that suffers most especially in the cold weather (I wish the sun would come back so badly). I also have eczema, around my eyes (and hands), that is exacerbated during winter. So my skin is in major need of hydrating and softening products, that will leave it soft and supple. I also wanted products that would brighten my complexion since it was so dull and dry.

L'Oréal Paris Triple Active Fresh Ultra-hydrating Gel-cream for dry and sensitive skin (Day cream)

Texture & Appearance: Just as it suggests, a creamy soft gel like texture, non-sticky and non-greasy and absorbs will into the skin upon application; and slightly peach tinged in colour.

Fragrance: A light refreshing scent, which kind of reminds me of the pond's cold cream.

Product: There is a generous amount of product in the jar and after one month of use, I have half a jar still filled. I use the product generously on my face and neck, so I estimate a jar if good for two months.

Results: My skin feels supple and refreshed throughout the day and there is minimal shine.

L'Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Collagen Filler Eye (Eye cream)

Texture & Appearance: The product has a light cream texture, with a pearlescent shimmer (maybe for temporarily brightening the eye contour area).

Frangrance: No distinct scent just a generic cream smell.

Product: Since product in is an opaque tube, you can't really gauge the amount of product left. I estimate about 1/3 of the product remains.

Result: After two weeks of use I stopped using the product due to the eczema around my eyes. The product stung like crazy upon initial application and subsided after a while, but was like this every application.

L'Oréal Paris Youth Code - youth boosting night cream

Texture & Appearance: The cream is  soft and smooth and it applies on thicker than the day cream, but just as breathable on the skin. It is lilac in colour, which reminds me of the Olay Regenerist Night Firming Cream.

Fragrance: Lightly fragranced, almost lavender like, which I personally find soothing and relaxing when applying this creamy product.

Product: Just like the day cream, I would say this product is good for up to two months use for a person who uses it generously on the face and neck

Result: My skin feels protected at night and soft and hydrated in the morning.

 

L'Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Youth Code Luminize (Serum)

Texture and Appearance: A thin slightly watery white product the spreads onto the skin well and is quickly absorbed.

Fragrance: The scent isn't all to pleasant as it reminds me of soapy washing up liquid.

Product: I used the recommended 2-3 pumps daily, but even applied it during my night routine. I used the entire bottle within a span of 3 weeks.

Results: My skins complexion does seem to be brighter and more even. But I wouldn't buy it again as the scent is just to over powering.

So there you have my review for these products. Overall they are quality products and I would definitely continue to use the day and night creams in my skin care routine.

Till next time =)

My First Attempt: Leche Flan

Here I am, proud and smug to show you my first time making this delicious Filipino party dessert staple.

After much prodding from my dad, who was reminiscing about his childhood, I decided to make Leche Flan for the first time. 

Leche Flan is known around the world by many names, but it's basically Creme Caramel. When Filipinos make it, they don't usually include the whites of the egg, but use the yolk (Pula) for a creamer smoother texture. My dad also told me that using the whites of the egg would make the flan taste raw, So I was like, hmmmmm.... yeah, I don't want that. Haha! 

So here is the recipe:

 For the Caramel topping

• White Sugar 50g
• Water 3 tablespoons, enough to cover sugar

Custard mix

• 6 duck egg yolks (don't discard the egg white, maybe used for a meringue or an all white omelette or fritatta)
• Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon
• Condensed milk 397g can x 1
• Evaporated milk 170g can x 1
• Zest of 1 Lime

Equipment

•  Large pot and lid OR Steamer
•  Small pot or saucepan
•  Clean cloth
•  Bamboo skewer or  sharp knife
•  Loaf tin container 
•  Foil 
•  Mixing bowl
•  Can opener
•  Sieve
•  Grater
•  Fork/Whisk/Chopsticks

Procedure:

1. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks and place in different bowls (set the egg whites aside)
2. Beat the egg yolks slightly to mix, avoid creating bubbles.
3. Put in the condensed milk followed by the evaporated milk and mix each time.
4. Add the vanilla extract and the zest of one lime, mix and set aside.
5. For the caramel topping, Place the sugar and water in a small pot and heat over medium heat, stir with a metal spoon to dissolve the  sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, do not stir, wait for the sugar's colour to turn amber, then caramel.
6. Place caramel at the bottom of  a buttered loaf tin and allow to set and harden. This way, when you pour in the custard mixture, there will be a solid clean layer of caramel on the bottom.
7. Sieve the custard mixture before placing into the loaf tin to ensure the mixture is as smooth as possible and remove the lime zest and any other impurities.
8. Cover with foil and place in the steamer and let steam for about an hour. Use the bamboo skewer to test, if it is clean, it's done.
9. Allow to cool and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
10. Turn upside down on a place and serve =)

Serve in nice generous thick slices =D

 

My Slice of Leche Flan

 

No bubbles, just smooth and creamy, through and through

So there you have it, my version of Filipino Leche Flan. I hope yours turns out as well as mine did. Oww and don't forget to cook the egg white omelette.

Till next time =)

Fluffy

Fluffy by francesca008tagle featuring brown boots

River island
$24 - riverisland.com

The Row skinny pants
net-a-porter.com

Gucci brown boots
$1,710 - profilefashion.com

METEO BY YVES SALOMON Rabbit fur gilet
$1,105 - farfetch.com

Hair Extension - Long & Wavy
yesstyle.com

L'Oréal products

Recently I went shopping for new facial products to supplement my new skincare routine that I'm doing during these cold months, while I wait for my sister to arrive with some Asian products from Philippines.

My skin type is combination to dry, during summer it's oily and during winter it's dry, and because of that my skin appears dull. So right now I'm interested in hydrating and brightening products with a thicker formula, but with a light-weight feel.

I went to Superdrug and bought a selection of L'Oréal products:

• L'Oréal Paris Triple Active Fresh Ultra-hydrating Gel-cream for dry and sensitive skin (Day cream)
• L'Oréal Paris Youth Code - youth boosting night cream
• L'Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Collagen Filler Eye (Eye cream)
• L'Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Youth Code Luminize (Serum)

I've been using these products for over a week now and I can't state any significant differences yet, but every time I do my skincare routine, my skin does feel much more supple and hydrated.

I'll be doing an upcoming post on these products to tell you how I found them and what the results were for my skin.

Till next time =)

Life Hacks:Part 1

"Life Hacks": The term life hack refers to any productivity trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method to increase productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life.

If there are ways to make life simplified and less time consuming, then I'm all for it. Here a few Life Hacks that I consider useful and interesting to use in everyday situations.

You Snooze, You Loose

To wake yourself up and stay awake you need to stimulate your mind and get those cogs in motion.

• Getting straight out of bed and do 10 jumping jacks
• Play a game either on your computer or mobile phone like an arcade or action game (Angry Birds or Diamond Dash come to mind)
• Turn on your radio and wake up with the morning show

"I'm late, I'm late, For a very important date"...

This is one that I should practice more often =D

• Make a playlist on your phone or computer that is just as long as you need to get ready. You can track how well you're doing with time by the song you are listening to. I find 4 songs or less are sufficient for a shower, longer than that and you're a fish. =p
• Make a habit to be at school, work or an appointment 10 minute before the actual time you have to be there. Practice doing this and you'll hardly be late.
• If you live close to school or work, you are more likely to be late, true story. So allow yourself a deadline of half an hour, before the time you are suppose to be there, to be ready.
• If you live near a bus stop or train station and it's the route you will be taking, find out the time intervals between each one so you won't miss your ride. You can check the times for buses on mobile : http://m.countdown.tfl.gov.uk/

Cooking Help

Not too great in the kitchen? Here are some tips and tricks

• How to tell if an egg is fresh? Immerse the egg in water. If it floats it's fresh. If it sinks, best to throw it away.
• Is it cooked or not? 

1. For eggs - Spin it around. If it spins fast it is cooked. Uncooked eggs don't spin well due to the yolks weight moving around inside.
2. For roast chicken - Poke a knife into the thickest part of the thigh, if the juices run clear the bird is done.

• Onion tears:

1. Try chewing gum while chopping them
2. Put them in the freezer 15 minutes before you need them
3. Try not to cut the bottom end of the onion till last
4. Cut the ends of the onion then wash in running water before slicing

• Put a wooden spoon across a pot to prevent it from over-boiling

Drinks anyone?

• Make frozen cubes of the drinks you want iced, like coffee and juices to avoid having watery beverages
• Fill a water bottle half way and freeze it on it's side. When you need it, fill with water and you'll have a refreshing cold bottle
• Warm beer? Wrap a wet kitchen paper towel around the bottle and leave in the freezer for 15 minutes OR in a bucket of beers fill it half way with ice, a good measure of salt and top up with water. It should be ice cold in no time

Watch out for my part two of Life Hacks

Till next time =)

Images from: http://past1978.deviantart.com/

                     http://www2.macleans.ca/

Steamed Chicken in Oyster Mushroom Broth

I love cooking and I love to share it with people. This week I have been spoiling my family with Asian dishes and for dinner I cooked a dish similar to Hainese Chicken. Here is my recipe for Steamed chicken in Oyster Mushroom Sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken thighs or legs
• 1 knob of ginger, the size of your thumb
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 white onion roughly chopped
• 6 Large button mushrooms sliced thickly
• 1 Chinese napa cabbage, hard end chopped off, washed and sliced down the middle
• 3 tbsps oyster sauce
• 2 tsps cornstrach dissolved in a little warm water
• Spring onions for garnish
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

For the broth/stock:

• 1 star anise
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1- 2 cups hot water
• A pinch of red chili flakes
• 1 chicken stock cube
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 red onion roughly chopped
• 1 clove of garlic crushed
• 1 knob of ginger sliced

Equipment:

• Bamboo steamer
• A Wok, that will allow the steamer to rest on it with out touching the bottom and had a good seal
• Oven mittens for safely moving steamer
• Mesh sieve

Procedure

1. Put all ingredients for the broth into the wok, with 1 cup of water. Turn the heat up high until it starts to boil
2. Make a bed of napa cabbage for the chicken in the steamer (This will prevent the chicken from sticking and is great for the person who has to wash up later =D). Place chicken skin side up
3. When broth starts to boil, turn down to medium high heat and place the steamer on top (with the kilo of chicken you may have to stack another steamer on top of the first one just as I did). Cover and let the chicken steam for 1 hour. Top up the broth with the remaining water every 20 mins or when necessary, if needed
4. Half way through the cooking time you should alternate the steamers to cook the chicken evenly. CAREFUL! use the oven mitts to do this safely. You may also want to brush the chicken with some soy sauce to give it a little colour
5. Set the bamboo steamer aside and sieve the stock into a bowl
6. With a clean wok on high heat put in the oil, ginger, onion and garlic
7. When the onions have become translucent add the mushrooms
8. Add a ladle of the stock into the wok ( be prepared for it it sizzle)
9. When the mushrooms are soft and browned add the oyster sauce and half of the broth
10. Add the rest of the napa cabbage
11. When the cabbage has softened add the cornstarch and stir in till the sauce has reached desired consistency
12. Place vegetable and broth in a serving dish with the chicken on top and garnish with spring onion and more red chilli flakes if you wish. Serve with steamed white rice.

Serves 4-6

It's not as complicated as my step by step guide makes it out to be LOL.. Give it a try and tell me what you think.

Till next time =)

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil : Skin Perfector

Recently being back in London, having spent many years in the Philippines, my skin has gone through many changes due to the weather. My skin is far from perfect and I have eczema on my hands and around my eyes, Epp! I know, not a pretty thing. So during these cold months, moisturised and nourished skin is a must, and you need very good body lotions and even oils to help you maintain great skin.

For a couple of years now, I have been using St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter as a hand lotion to combat the itching and flare ups along with a topical steroid from my doctor. It just works wonders to soothe my skin, but having only brought four 750ml bottles of this product with me from the Philippines (£3.75 per 750ml bottle in Philippines), I'm rationing it to be exclusively for my hands ( My sister will bring me another 6 bottles in April, it's cheaper than buying it here online).

Garnier Body Intensive 7 days gel cream

During the summer months I don't like heavy creamy lotions on my skin, cause I just hate that sticky, greasy feeling, so I was using a Garnier product. The gel like texture just left my skin feeling fresh and cool, with no sticky feeling, it absorbed really well into my skin. Due to the weather change I started to use a baby oil to moisturise my skin. Straight after a shower I would apply it to my wet skin then pat down with a towel, I always left the bathroom warm and my skin was supple. I was running out of the oil, so I popped down to my nearest Superdrug to get some, when I came across Garnier's 'Ultimate Beauty Oil : Skin Perfector'.

 

At Superdrug I bought it for £5.49, other bloggers I have seen review this product bought it from Boots for £7.99, so this was a total bargain with a £2.50 difference. It's a 150ml bottle of body oil enriched with Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose oil. The packaging is a beautiful sleek, tear-drop shaped bottle with a golden tint making the product resemble a liquid gold potion. The scent is light and very soothing, a warm slightly musky sweet smell, the scent tends to linger on the skin because of body heat. If you were to apply any perfumes, I recommend sticking to something similar like a vanilla or musky type of undertone, or wear no perfume at all to not overwhelm yourself with different scents.

The bottle has a spray nozzle, which allows you to apply the product to the desired areas directly or into your hands. I love that it comes with a spray nozzle because it allows you to control the amount of product that you dispense. The oil formula is light and thin, that is easily spread and absorbed into the skin, leaving skin soft and glowing. 

I really like this product so far, no cons about it except maybe when I put my St. Ives lotion on my hands, the two products mix and make my hands super slippery, which can easily be corrected by washing my hands after application before putting the lotion on. 

I'd give this product a 9 out of 10, that 10% being my margin of error.

I'll be doing an up coming post on the eye cream I use on my eyes

Till next time =)