Monday, May 31, 2010

Easy cheesecake


Found this recipe from the internet & have tried baking, is quite easy & delicious too!

Ingredients
15 graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1& 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press onto bottom of springform pan.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Blend in milk, and then mix in the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in sour cream, vanilla and flour until smooth. Pour filling into prepared crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn the oven off, and let cake cool in oven with the door closed for 5 to 6 hours; this prevents cracking. Chill in refrigerator until serving.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Oil control


Haba Spot Repair
This is a beauty serum for acne care. It cares acne from fundamental and also works on blemishes. It was developed to help women who have skin problems such as oily skin and pimples. It contains an abundance of the ingredients that make skin beautiful including oil-soluble Vitamin C. You will notice an amazingly smooth, silky feel from the moment you apply this serum. Not only Vitamin C, it contains ingredients that would make skin beautiful such as Vitamin A, B5, E, liquorice extract and tea tree extract.

Price: S$75

Bioderma Sébium Mat, with its high matifying capacity, treats all the causes of shiny skin immediately and durably, neutralises reflection through the unique action of original microparticles (silica and microspearls). The skin reflects less light (optical correction).
regulates sebum secretion, thanks to seboregulating agents (zinc gluconate, vitamin B6) working in synergy.
improves skin texture. Its exclusive patented Fluidactiv® complex maintains sebum quality, thereby preventing the pores from becoming blocked. Keratoregulating agents (AHA esters) speed up cellular renewal and tighten the pores.
 Non-comedogenic, its cream-gel texture is quickly absorbed, and ensures make-up holds well. Sébium Mat does not flake off.


Price: S$36

Kose Junkisui Refreshing Spots Serum (25ml):
Contains several Chinese herbal extracts, such as Moutan Bark Extract, Peony Root Extract, Fennel Extract, Coix Seed Water, Soapberry Extract and Salicylic Acid for smoothing, tightening and refreshing the skin with excess sebum and concerned pores. Skin becomes smooth and comfortable with cooling sensation.

Oil-free, colorant-free and non-comedogenic
For normal to oily and oily skin

How to use?
Use every morning and night after cleansing. Dab the sponge tip on concerned area (such as t-zone and spots) directly to blend into the skin.

Price: S$37

Medicated Acne Sebum Off Kit
Blackheads and whiteheads caught in pores disappear! In two steps, area around the nose becomes smooth and clear!
How it Works:
Designed for acne troubled skin, this 2-step mask provides deep cleansing for the skin to thoroughly remove blackheads. It also controls sebum secretion and reduces shine.
Price: S$34

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Special Birdies Story!


DAD' S STORY

On July 22nd I was enroute to Washington , DC , for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead locker, an announcement was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately.

I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk.

When I got off the plane, a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, "Mr.Glenn, there is an emergency at your home. I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital."

My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over.
Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital . My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital.

By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness.

The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage.

Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before.

Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken.. He said, "Daddy hold me" and he reached for me with his little arms.

By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, when we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely.

In the days that followed, there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family. Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound.

The story is not over (smile)!

Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, "Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you." At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story.

"Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you but you couldn't hear me. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the ' birdies ' came."

"The birdies?" my wife asked puzzled.
"Yes," he replied. "The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me."

"They did?"

"Yes," he said. "One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you "I got stuck under the door." A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as "birdies" because they were up in the air like birds that fly. "What did the birdies look like?" she asked.

Brian answered, "They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white."

"Did they say anything?"

"Yes," he answered. "They told me the baby would be all right."

"The baby?" my wife asked confused.

Brian answered. "The baby laying on the garage floor." He went on, "You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave."

My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, "Don't leave us Brian, please stay if you can." As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left his body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form. "Then what happened?" she asked.

"We went on a trip," he said, "far, far away." He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult.

"We flew so fast up in the air. They're so pretty Mommy," he added. "And there are lots and lots of birdies." My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the "birdies" had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the "birdies." He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour.

He taught us that "birdies" were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, "I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much."

In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies.

Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the "birdies." Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be.

You have just been sent an Angel to watch over you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay a while...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! Live and savour every moment...this is not a dress rehearsal!
THIS IS A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hokkaido sea angel - Clione




Spotted in the murky depths of Tokyo's Asakusa district: a life-support system for clione
What's a clione? they're "gelatinous, mostly transparent pteropods." Hungry yet? In layman's terms, they're a tiny, obscure species of cold-water marine invertebrate. They also happen to be the subject of a national obsession in Japan, where they've been elevated to the status of "angels of the sea." These specimens were on display at a shop specializing in Hokkaido foods and other northern souvenirs.
Clione are a staple of Japanese nature documentaries and trivia shows. Which would be intriguing enough, given the unassuming nature of the little beasts, but there's actually a surprisingly robust market for clione-related merchanidse here as well.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Beautiful flowers from Hokkaido!

We're so lucky that this mid may the weather in Hokkaido still quite cooling with sun shine, thus the most of the beautiful flowers starting to bloom!








Beautiful Tulips
Lavender & Tulips
Suzuran

Sakura

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Hokkaido Pure Horse Oil Cream


Saw this oil cream when I'm in Hokkaido & have try the tester when I'm there. Heard it can be found in Isetan Scotts, basement pharmacy (the japanese drugstore). its for multi purpose, like for dry hair ends, body moisturizing..........
Hokkaido Pure Horse Oil Cream is known for its natural moisturizing quality for the dry climate in Hokkaido. Horse oil has been used as a 'folk medicine' for skin problems, burns and insect bites for centuries. The fatty acid composition of horse oil is similar to that of human sebum. Sebum has skin barrier systems that can protect your skin from bacteria,harmful substances and outside stimuli. Strongly recommended for people of all ages who have dry skin. Use it in all seasons.
The price of 70 ml is about 1050 Jap Yen, not sure how much does it cost in sg?

Monday, May 24, 2010

Yummy foods from Hokkaido!

Just came back from Hokkaido! This is my second trip & I still enjoy very much, especially all the great Japanese seafood, Kobe beef & yummy ice creams!!! OMG! Have put on so much weight! Hehehe....

Freshly seafood set meals

Top grade Kobe beef

Yummy medium well cook Kobe beef

A must try special soft ice cream when you're in Otaru

Fried salmon with vegetable set lunch with snow crab soup

Salmon hot pot set dinner with fresh sashimi & Tempura
Salmon & Scallop hot pot
Scallop with braised vegetable
BBQ beef

Monday, May 17, 2010

stay don't stray by Benefit


This dual-action power primer works 360° around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
The best way to dispense stay don't stray is to lightly tap the airless pump using your index finger until the product comes out.
Selling at Tangs S$47.00

Sunday, May 16, 2010

北海道 出发!!!:)

K-Palette 24H Waterproof Eyeliner

Already hugely popular in Japan and Singapore, K-Palette's One Day Tattoo Real Lasting 24 Hour Eyeliner has already sold 1 billion pieces since it hit the markets three years ago, and is consistently ranked one of the top-three selling eyeliners in Japan.
I would always go back to this after playing around with so many other eyeliners.


K-Palette 24H Waterproof Eyeliner
Designed to stay smudge-proof and tear-resistant throughout busy days and nights, this cutting edge formula applies smoothly and dries quickly, producing a weightless, lasting finish that is predictably worry-free.
Packaged with K-Palette's patented micro-fibre brush for precise application.
Selling at Watson, retail price S$18.90

Saturday, May 15, 2010

KissMe Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara




Contains Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract and Camellia Japonica Seed Oil. Retail price S$21.90.
You can find KissMe products at most Watson, Sasa, John Little, Robinsons, Basic Beauty, Guardian & Nishino.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Cleansing Express

Cleansing Express

A series of water base cleansers that are gentle but powerful, lifting makeup and impurities all at once, quickly and efficiently!

Japan’s most trusted eye makeup remover! Awarded no.3 in makeup remover category by @cosme’s prestigious Best Cosme Awards 2009.

Easily removes waterproof mascara without rubbing or tugging. Contains deep sea water and Vitamin B & E.

Retail price S$16.90 at Sasa

Thursday, May 13, 2010

MOLTON BROWN


The year was 1973. Molton Brown opened at 58 South Molton Street in London's Mayfair as a hair salon.
By the 1980s the salon had evolved into the Molton Brown emporium where Dale's plant-based make-up, hair, body, skin and grooming products were sold to those in the know. This was just the beginning and from here we were approached to supply top-end stores, airlines and hotels in cities around the world.
Each exciting new product captures the potent energy within flowers, plants and marine extracts to deliver long lasting benefits. The fusion of these natural resources with scientifically advanced ingredients is our take on 'Yin and Yang', which results in the advanced formulations for which Molton Brown has become renowned. Molton Brown is more than a product or philosophy, it is a unique experience. A brand that transcends the merely functional, stimulating a physical and emotional response. They create holistic products for both the mind and body.


Lots of reviews about this "Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath & Shower"
The perfect way to start the day: use the body wash either as bath foam or as shower gel, the Brazilian suma ginseng helps boost circulation and stimulates the energy banks.
Essential oils of juniper berry, cinnamon, oakmoss, armoise and geranium revitalise the senses and makes this invigorating suma ginseng bath & shower something special.
Leaving you feeling refreshed, full of energy and wanting more.

You can find Molton Brown at Level 2 Tangs Orchard

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Clinique Youth Surge!


Unless you're in a hurry to look your age!
New patent-pending science creates Youth Surge SPF15, an age decelerating moisturizer.
Leveraging Sirtuin technology, Clinique science uses youth-extending agents to create a daily moisturizer quite like a fountain of youth. Lines and wrinkles seem to evaporate, replaced by plump, vibrant skin alive with collagen and elastin. Skin gains strength over environmental agers. Looks younger, longer.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Loreal Lash Boosting Serum





Now there's no need to fake a fabulous fringe with lash extensions or clumpy mascara. L'Oréal Lash Boosting Technology will transform your natural lashes in just 4 weeks of use. With daily application of Lash Boosting Serum and Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara lashes appear fuller, thicker, and multiplied with less fall-out when removing makeup.

After 4 weeks of Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara and Lash Boosting Serum use, women comment on their bare lashes : ** 71% say it seems I have more lashes, 75% My lashes seem thicker, 78% say I have less lash loss during makeup removal, 81% say My lashes seem to be in better condition ** Consumer findings in a 4-week daily product usage test of Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara and twice daily usage of Lash Boosting Serum.

Lashes are faily fragile. Everytime you remove eye makeup, they can easily break or fall out. Lash Boosting Technology will strenghten every lash, building resilience. The formula contains a fortifying complez of Centella Asiatica (a conditioning plant extract) and Arginine, one of the principle amino acids found in Keratin (the main component of hair and lashes) to reinforce, protect, and boost lash condition.

For around-the-clock boosting benefits, apply Lash Boosting Serum during the day under the mascara and at night to bare lashes.

Blog Archive