Author Archive

26
Nov

One a Day

posted by:
fefe

Aloha! It’s been a while :) How have you all been?

I thought as a come-back post, I would like to share some good stuff with you all, the wonderful, fabulous babes out there :)

Not a lot to ask, just One a Day.

This is the US version.

I bought the one in pink bottle and it was through a young pharmacist at Guardians/Watsons (I can’t remember now) who recommended this. At that time, there was no huge banners of display or any mega advertisements going on for this brand. She said this would be good.

Now before going further, let me share with you why I needed her advice and why this was recommended.

I did some readings and wanted to look for the right supplements for myself.

Not a big secret to reveal, I am not a very disciplined person. All I need is something easy, just one type of supplement so I don’t have to curse and swear if I forget to take one other supplement. I learn about other brands but I wasn’t convinced because I needed something for women. Something that is catered for women, to help me with my PMS, my hormones, my bones, hair, etc.

My aim at that point of time was to find something of high calcium, but not so much of just Calcium supplement. Read here. But my time at the racks of multivitamins, I just couldn’t decide what would be good for me. Then I met her, the pharmacist. I asked for her advice and she directed me to this One a Day (Women). She grabbed it from the lowest shelf and handed that over to me. I took a look at it, dubious at its reliability but upon reading what was on the label, I decided to give it a shot!

And since then, I have no regrets.

To be frank, I have pretty bad PMS symptoms. I’m sure many women experience this and it varies to a great degree. On a personal experience, I had days when I felt so depressed with lots of crying spells over any reasons I could pick on.  On some days, I would have huge appetite, craving for food with high sodium such as instant noodles. Not forgetting severe backache that I had to lie in bed for 2-3 days, swollen or sore breasts, bloated, sluggish, oily skin, sleepless nights or never-enough sleep. Oh my! The list can go on. Sometimes these days (a combination of symptoms) would last up to 2 weeks! Yes 14 days! Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!

So can you imagine my relief after consuming One a Day?

The first month was great. I didn’t have any of those symptoms, maybe too minor that I didn’t even realize they exist. And I definitely feel better. It was good for my emotional health too! I have not stopped taking One a Day and I hope you will start if you haven’t.

I bought a bottle each for my sister, my brother’s girlfriend and my mom. And I decided to buy this for my other girlfriends as Christmas gifts :) What’s better than living healthily and feeling good about oneself?

Disclaimer: This entry is purported to share the benefits of One a Day without carrying any intentions or whatsoever to promote for sales or to rank it as the best multivitamins in the market. The knowledge and understanding of this product are solely the author’s personal experience and blabbering. If One a Day would like her to be the Ambassador for well being, you would hear her screaming YES!


CATEGORIES: Beauty, General, Health, Uplifting

COMMENTS: 6 Comments »

5
Feb

O my Valentine!

posted by:
fefe

Now, 14th February is approaching. I mean those who are in a relationship and do care about what to do on that ‘romantic’ day might be perplexing, biting the fingernails, pulling hair, or wait…do I hear the clicky keyboard sounds and do I see google as one of the main websites with the keywords – valentine’s gifts?

You see the single ladies and men might be snorting at the thought and trying really hard to emphatise with people who are desperately looking for something new this year to surprise the girlfriend or boyfriend, wife or husband. Frankly, this is also one of the best time of the year for the singles to hang out a group of single and hot friends while the couples can only watch the fun that you will be having. Ah! Sceptical.

Anyway, I should stop being bitchy about this topic. In fact, I am writing today to suggest some good stuff for men especially. Well these are some suggestions on what you can do on the 14th of Feb. Girlfriends, if you read this and love some of my ideas, you can pretend to leave this page on his laptop so he can have a good read ;) Just ensure he doesn’t see this paragraph of my sly, cunning move ;)

Well…Valentine O Valentine! Women are creatures who couldn’t make up their mind, not all but most of us especially when it is for pleasure. I mean why do we need to crack our brains for something that is meant to be pleasureable? We just want to be pampered, need the attention, want some good laugh – not old, lame jokes though. So, although this Valentine is not really in a good time with the impact of the economic crisis – it’s good to just make it simple yet astonishingly romantic.

However, for those who are not affected by the economic crisis and are still doing very well, in fact a lot better, you can do the following:

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A first class holiday to any first class destination ….

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Hot Air Balloon with a bottle of champagne Bollinger…

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An.. all-you-can-shop-or-spend day with your cards or cash – whichever you prefer..

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A day of spa and beauty treatments for her and her girlfriends ;) Well if you would like to be pampered, you can have a couple session too…even better!

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A star-gazing experience with your coolest gadget or in your convertible sports car…both are equally fine…

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Or engage a small airplane to write these words to express your extravagant love for her….
Well well….for you who prefer a simpler version of Valentine’s and wouldn’t want to donate any unnecessary extra coins to the marketers, here’s what you can consider…

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A good body massage….if you have coarse skin, slap on more moisturiser on your hands a couple of nights before the massage night…it works wonders :)
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Or whip up a good meal…..time to check the recipe book…

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Make your own cocktails ..the easiest is vodka+cranberry juice – slurpilicious…

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No, no…I’m not suggesting you to engage Mr Buble for a night melodic performance but well you can interpret it as —- to get ready with such pose..who wouldn’t fall for such a hug? I know I definitely will…

Or you can turn on some good romantic or jazzy music to heighten the romance of the night…have a good slow dance and spend a lovely evening together…

Valentine’s Day is just another day and it is important to have romance and sparks every now and then, not just once a year otherwise, the relationship is just mundane, dreadful and boring until someone appears…a dinkum advice ;)

Wishing everyone a lovely day every day…have a good Valentine’s too ….

signing off..

LOL – I mean Lots Of Love…. :)


CATEGORIES: Relationships

COMMENTS: 16 Comments »

5
Feb

Beauty tips: Fact or Fiction?

posted by:
fefe

I chanced upon this article from the online news website of The Age. I thought this will be a good read for us. Enjoy reading :)
January 13, 2009 – 11:46AM

Angela Cuming and Kristie Lau report.

Lemon juice gets rid of freckles

Mums do know what they are on about, sometimes. Applying lemon juice to your freckles does act as a bleaching agent. However, dermatologist Dr JoAnn See says you have to keep going to maintain the faded affect. “Lemon juice offers an optical lightening, yes, but it won’t get rid of freckles altogether. It’s like putting lemon juice in your hair in summer – that works as a temporary method, too,” she says.

Verdict: Fair dinkum

Brush your hair 100 times a day

Well, if it was good enough for Marcia Brady it should be for us, right? Wrong, says hair stylist George Wilson. “You should try (to) brush your hair as little as possible, especially when it’s long, because brushing causes split ends,” he says. “And if you do have to brush dry hair, do it from underneath to avoid all those flyaways on the top of your head.”

Verdict: Give it the brush-off

Don’t go to bed with wet hair

This beauty no-no does not just leave you with a stiff neck and a bad case of the sniffles the next morning. “If the scalp is moist for a long period of time it can aggravate the small amounts of bacteria found on the skin’s surface, which will cause flakiness and irritation and itching,” Wilson says.

Verdict: Right on

Cucumber alleviates puffy eyes

While at face value it appears that mum just invented this to stop teenage daughters wasting their pocket money on expensive eye creams, there actually is some truth to it. Sydney make-up artist Anya Fransman says turning to the vegie crisper can work wonders.

“Cold cucumber slices placed over the eyes can help to alleviate puffiness simply because the coolness of them helps to constrict blood vessels, aiding in slowing down fluid retention,” she says.

Verdict: Yes

Using toothpaste on pimples makes them go away

If your spots are looking particularly red and nasty, you can dab on a smidgen of toothpaste – but don’t expect long-lasting results. JoAnn See says toothpaste should only be used as a temporary treatment. “It will dry your pimples out because toothpaste is an anti-inflammatory agent. It can reduce the redness if left on overnight and the results are usually evident within 24 hours,” she says. “But it’s not designed to stay on your face as a cream; it’s supposed to be washed off, even on your teeth.”

Verdict: Quick fix

Never wash your face with soap

Soap can not only strip away all the natural good oils and sebum that keeps your skin healthy, it can disrupt the skin’s pH balance. “Instead, choose a soap-free, gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, normal, combination), making sure that you use it in the morning and in the evening and massage it into the skin for up to 30 seconds or until all the impurities have dissolved,” Fransman says.

Verdict: You heard right


CATEGORIES: General

COMMENTS: 15 Comments »

3
Jan

A wardrobe of men

posted by:
fefe

The name of this blog site is named after the word fashion. Fashion is defined a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.: the latest fashion in dresses. Or it can also mean the conventional usage in dress, manners, etc., especially of polite society, or conformity to it; the dictates of fashion; to be out of fashion. The definitions are direct quotations from the online dictionary but when it comes to men as fashion, the definition will be this whole entry. Read it only if you are game for some controversial thoughts! No, if you are not open to having wild random thoughts, this is probably not a very good entry for you ;)

Now, how do we look at the whole situation where men become items or some form of dresses that we can pick and use according to whichever function or events that we intend to attend. When it comes to men-fashion, there should not be any rule or dictation that constraint what we want to put on for the day and how we want to dress them. No one could say this is right or wrong, no one could rule out with the tapestry and announce how this piece of jewelery can be worn.

Isn’t it liberating to wake up every morning, and knowing you can open up the wardrobe and make the best selection for the day, sometimes more than a selection in a day; say a sundress for the afternoon and an evening gown for a ball or dance event. No matter how fine certain material is, sometimes we just prefer to put on baggy clothes and stay put at home. Not enough! When we get sick of thinking what to wear, we can always go for our birthday suit when we sleep or walk around in the house. This is truly a no-string-attached business. Again, who would care or to be more precise, who could actually care?

We bid them in e-bay, we buy them from boutiques, we exchanged with our girlfriends and sometimes, we get them for free. When we get tired of them, we donate them to The Salvation Army or we leave them outside our house and see who would pick them. If we are the sentimental ones, we then keep them in our wardrobe, far end or in a box that is sealed and kept in a store room, probably in the basement, a place where we don’t normally hang out.

Now, you must be frowning as you read this entry and probably are thinking what the **** fefe is doing with this entry. No respect at all towards men and values system. Now what I can say is this is just an entry of how men can become a form of fashion in our lives; just as how we allow our fantasy to hover around celebrities’ shoes or dresses. Some are within our reach, but some will always remain as a form of fashion fantasy with some minor realization that can be reflected with some adaptations or changes done to our dresses or wardrobe. This explains why some articles offer views for female readers to dress up like a celebrity under RM100 for example.

I gather men-fashion wardrobe is probably one of the million items that women would want to have in our life, but how many can actually afford such fashionable lifestyle?


CATEGORIES: Fashion and Style, General, Life

COMMENTS: 22 Comments »

29
Sep

Have you got sunscreen?

posted by:
fefe

Did you know that exposure to sunlight for a long period of time actually promote more wrinkles to your skin? Besides wrinkles, we have high risk of getting skin cancer if this goes on without proper use of sun protection or sunscreen in our daily beauty regime. I choose to present this important information in the format of a table, for an easier read.

What is sun protection?

It is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging.

What is sunscreen?

 

Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

What is meant by SPF?

 

SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates how long a topical sunscreen remains effective on the skin. A user can determine the duration of effectiveness simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen.

What is the best sunscreen?

Overall, the safest and most effective sun-protection products are pure zinc and/or titanium-based sunblocks. These two ingredients have been around a long time and boast great safety data. The ideal sunscreen blocks both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, is stable, doesn’t break down in the sun, and doesn’t get absorbed through the skin.

Is there any difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are sunblocks; they physically (like a brick wall) block both UVA and UVB rays. Besides these two, all other sunscreens are chemical-based sunscreens. Not all sunscreens effectively block UVA as well as UVB rays. The chemical sunscreens break down with sun exposure and may need more frequent application.

When should I use a sunscreen?

Dermatologists recommend that everyone use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater every day, year-round. If you plan to be in the sun more than 20-30 minutes a day, you should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Even on cloudy days, about 80% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds. Nowadays, so many moisturizers, lotions, and makeups have sunscreen built in that it doesn’t make sense to use any products that don’t contain sunscreen. It just makes it so mush easier. I recommend, for example, if you wear any foundation, that there be at least an SPF 15 built in. If not, you may want to change brands.

What about sensitive skin? I break out with almost all kinds of creams. What can I use?

Sunblocks with pure zinc or titanium are the best choices for sensitive skin. (Remember that zinc oxide is actually safely used on a baby’s skin for diaper rashes.) Wash off the sunscreen as soon as you get home in the evening.

Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation?

 

No. Some sunscreens protect against only one type of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet-B (UVB). Others protect against both types of ultraviolet radiation that reach earth’s atmosphere from the sun: ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A (UVA).

Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB, and are thus classified as “broad spectrum,” are recommended for everyone

 

Should everyone use sunscreen protection?

 

As a general rule, babies 6 months of age or younger should not have sunscreen applied to their skin because their bodies may not be capable of tolerating the chemicals in sunscreens. Instead, they should be kept away from sun exposure.

Everyone over 6 months of age should use a sunscreen regularly unless they and their doctors decide it would be better to protect the skin in other ways.

 

Do all tanning products contain sunscreens?

 

No, some don’t. Tanning products that don’t contain sunscreen will be required by the FDA to carry a warning label alerting consumers to the dangers of unprotected sunbathing.

Is sunscreen protection necessary in the winter / cloudy day?

 

Yes, UV radiation, though not as intense in the winter / cloudy day, still poses a threat, especially when rays reflect off snow. There is no safe time of year when it comes to UV radiation.

What general skin care tips do you give your patients?

The sun is not your friend! Our main prevention measures are aimed at sun avoidance and sun protection. These include

1. using zinc sunscreens with at least SPF 30,

2. using wide-brimmed hats (6 inches),

3. using physical barriers when possible like sun-protective clothing and sunglasses – denim jacket / white t-shirt

4. avoiding the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and

5.seeking shade and staying indoors.

 

My favourite sunscreen pick

Neutrogena SPF 50+ Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

Information gathered from:

Sun Protection and Sunscreen

Truths, Lies and Sunscreens


CATEGORIES: General, Health, Skin Care

COMMENTS: 5 Comments »

25
Sep

Sandals never go wrong :)

posted by:
fefe

Bright colours and go strappy. The Gladiator sandals are a hit! The strappy boots are irresistable.
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The last pair is mine :) My very own Grendha sandals for this season; Spring / Summer.


CATEGORIES: Accessories, General

COMMENTS: 3 Comments »

11
Sep

Hand Therapy

posted by:
fefe

It’s always a guess or two when you needed good hand lotion yet no one could give you precise solution. Most people tell you, just buy and try. Or when you walk into a shop, you try out the product, you feel that’s the best ever but soon after you purchase that, you realise it isn’t really the one you are looking for.

The place where I used to work, I had to stay in the office most of the time. The dryness in an air-conditioned room can really wrinkle your skin. I was given a tube to try, it’s from Crabtree & Evelyn; The Gardeners Hand Therapy. The wonders that work after applying it. Well you don’t have to wear a lot, just slap some and the moisturising effect from the cream; voila! To all who are seeking smooth and silky hands, try this…I swear by it!

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CATEGORIES: General, Skin Care

COMMENTS: 1 Comment »

22
Jul

Are Breasts Pornography?

posted by:
fefe

What is classified under this term pornography? Well as I have understood from the e-dictionary, it basically means drawings, photographs or writings that suggest obscenity or having no artistic value.

For years, men and women are so obsessed with breasts, two extra lumps of fats that can drive us crazy, crazy to look beautiful with push up bras, crazy to cover them up with cloths and pads so the men don’t see them. Or to put it into a more extreme illustration here, some even strip to make money and that two amazing lumps of fats can actually make the men go wild, drooling or even self pleasuring.  So what are these two lumps actually?

I remembered visiting musuems and arts exhibitions where there were paintings, sculptures and statues with bare breasts, may it be male or female figure; all bare breasts. And don’t these arouse the men? Don’t these drive them go ga-ga? Are we misled or something?

Readers, what would be your vote? Is it or is it not? I am puzzled!


CATEGORIES: General

COMMENTS: 12 Comments »

20
Jul

It’s the Pink World

posted by:
fefe

Pink is girlish, pink is gentle but pink is never outdated.

To align with the theme colour in both myb forum and blog, I have decided to search for some compact cameras which are pink in colour and finally I will select which of these is my favourite. Oops, as for the detailed specifications or comparisons with other cameras, you may have to visit their website for more details. Price is quoted from their website although not all are shown. These are the top four of my favourites.
Nikon Coolpix S510 Nikon Coolpix, Price unavailable
Sony CybershotSony Cybershot DSC T70 RM1,099.00

z5fd_image.jpg Fuji Finepix Z5fd, price unavailable
canon-ixus-80is.jpg Canon Ixus 80IS, RM999.00

I am a sucker for chic and sleek design, so obviously out of these top 4, my vote naturally went out to Sony Cybershot. What about you? ;)


CATEGORIES: Gadgets, General

COMMENTS: No Comments »

19
Jul

To Oblige or To Refuse

posted by:
fefe

In our society in a developing country, how open are we towards certain changes in our lives? I refer to the female community in our country on how much we have evolved. Are we as submissive as what is deemed or we have un-shelled and are now moving on to a new era of becoming braver and stronger in fighting for ourselves?

Sometimes I wonder if this plays a direct change in shaping the way we think and therefore the way we behave or react in particularly dire situation like foreseeing or more accurately, experiencing a crack in our relationship. It was quite an interesting find to see how the babes in the forum debated about whether to allow the husbands to take in a second wife. And so when we assume that the female group in Malaysia are still quite conservative about family values, it is more astounding to observe such big number of women who are against the idea of having a second wife with no acceptance of any reasons or pleas behind that move. Some popped very realistic questions like having children in that picture, drawing further that it is all the more difficult for the first wife to react to what the majority voted for, which is to file for a divorce.

Being caught in such situation, should we play up to our maternal instinct which is to sacrifice in order to provide the children with a complete family, i.e.: a dad, a mom and the children or to fight against all odds to preserve the final dignity for ourselves and the children. Well, I don’t deny that the reason to take in a second wife could derived from many other unspoken tales or obligations, but to take into the extreme account of this situation, how would you react? Don’t forget that Florence Nightingale fought against all odds to do something for the society despite being pressured due to her gender status at that time. So will such change in a family bring better life and hope for the future? Join the debate or discussion here.


CATEGORIES: General, Relationships

COMMENTS: No Comments »

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