Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Mac and Cheese from Scratch recipe

 


If I can cook, I'm sure everyone else can too! :D

The weather has been flirting with us lately... it can be 35 degrees (Celcius) a day then it can suddenly drop to just 12 degrees the next day... on colder days, my body craves comfort foods... so this is what I made!... It is a very simple recipe (and like I said... ANYONE can make this)

It took years for me to finally make a decent mac and cheese... Here's what I did! No cooking skills are required. I am terrible at giving measurements... so please adjust the amount according to your taste.

in the process... if you see your mixture looking like this, it is not ready

Ingredient list:

  • water
  • milk
  • dry macaroni
  • starch or flour
  • butter
  • salt
  • powdered/grated parmesan cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese (if you prefer a less cheesy taste, shredded Mozerella cheese will do)

Instructions

1. Boil water and milk (in equal amounts) you can refer to your pasta/macaroni instructions on the box/bag for guidance. For example, if they call for 2 cups of water, then use 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk.

2. When water and milk boil, add in dry macaroni

3. Let simmer and bring to a boil, if you want al dente, then let the macaroni boil for 4-7 minutes, 

4. While boiling, add in more milk, starch or flour, butter, salt, and stir. For this step, go easy on the starch/flour... if you add too much, your sauce will be too thick. (If you are into super thick sauces, then adding more than 2 teaspoons will be more than enough)

5. Once the consistency is creamy, add in powdered/grated parmesan cheese

6. Add in shredded cheddar cheese (or if you are afraid it will be too cheesy, add in a mix of cheddar and white mozzarella cheese). 

7. Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Rimmel Scandal'Eyes 24 hour eyeliner black 001 review

Rimmel's Scandal Eyes eyeliner

 I have been seeing Rimmel's products in drug stores but I have never had a chance to give their products a try, so when I had an emergency (which involves needing an eyeliner) I went ahead and bought this. It cost less than $5 :)... It is a gel pencil that will require sharpening. 



This product claims to be waterproof, lasts for up to 24 hours, its intense colour lasts all day.
This product is made in France.

variation of strokes

impressions:

  • very easy to use
  • needs to be warmed up on the back of your hand before it can glide on your waterline
  • smudges! :( doesn't stay in place
  • not waterproof
  • gave me panda eyes (an hour after applying)
I liked how intense the colour was and even with the intensity, it is buildable. BUT.... the biggest issue I have with it is that it is not waterproof (as in, it is removable with using water), it smudges and the product falls out giving me huge panda eyes!

I thought make up products that are made in France would be better and this one proved me wrong... avoid this at all costs!! 

I decided to go online to see reviews and they were very mixed... in most websites, they were given a 4.5/5... I do not understand how that is possible given the fact that it gives you panda eyes!!! 

People complained about it not being able to sharpen... BUT... it can be... I'm not sure what type of sharpener were they using... 


Score: 0/10

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Nature Republic Snail Solution Mask Sheet review


(I saw this review sitting at the back of my drafts folder and forgot to publish it... this was written 5 years ago, 2016)

I picked up this mask at Nature Republic's store in Hong Kong a while back. I bought them because I heard lots of good things about snail solutions so I decided to give these a try. These were sold in sets of 10 and were wrapped up in a thin resealable bag, but the masks are individually packaged. I think these were around $58 HKD (which is approximately $8 USD for 10 sheet masks) which makes them on a more affordable side.

Each mask contains 20g (which is probably why it is more affordable because masks are usually 28g -30g)
net. wt. 0.71 oz.

This sheet mask contains 2000 ppm of snail mucus filtrated from a clean area, providing excellent moisture and adhesion. 

The brand's motto is Sheet Mask conveyed by the life of nature.

Details of mask:

SNAIL SOLUTION MASK SHEET (NN6202)
Brand: Nature Republic
Made in Korea
It is an ultra-moisturizing sheet mask with snail secretion filtrate. 
It focuses on moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

Ingredients:

I highlighted a few of the noteworthy ingredients

WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENGLYCOL, SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BETAIN, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA(WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARADENSIS LEAF JUICE, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, MYROTHAMNUS FLABELLIFOLIA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-60HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, METHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, ALLANTOIN, TRIETHANOLAMINE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM



details


Directions
1. After applying toner, pull out the mask sheet from the package and unfold it. 
2. Apply the mask sheet onto the face from the lower (chin) part of the mask and upwards to the forehead. 3. Remove mask sheet after 10~15 minutes. 
4. Gently pat any remaining formula into the skin. 

Caution
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rashes appear. 
Keep out of reach of children. 

tried to smile but the mask was falling off

The harsh weather conditions have made my skin very sensitive, red, and extremely dry, so I'm hoping that by using more skincare products, I can nourish my skin back to being moist and healthy. Since I have 10 of these, and I have lots of free time, I decided to try using them for 10 days. I was told that it is better to use the same mask and not switch between different masks during a shorter period of time, so I am committing to using this mask for 10 days.

Here is what I did to get the results (spoiler: my skin felt pretty darn good after this)
  1. apply The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner
  2. apply Nature Republic's Snail Solution Sheet Mask
  3. leave on for 10-15 mins (I usually do 15 mins) 
  4. pat the remaining solution into skin
  5. apply Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (as a moisturizer)

Impressions:

  • sensitivity on the skin the first few times of using it
  • has a nice soft and calming smell (can't pinpoint it since it is very light)
  • the solution has a watery consistency (too watery)
  • the mask had a hard time keeping the solution on my face (it kept dripping)
  • the mask is very thin and lightweight (and a bit flimsy)
  • the mask did not fit my face well (the nose flap was too short and didn't cover my nose properly, it was loose and tight in areas that didn't allow the mask to fully cover the surface of my skin properly.)
  • mask leaves skin feeling very sticky :(

Since I had so many of these masks, I kept one and let it dry out after I used it and discovered that the mask is made out of cotton-like material.

Log
I was a bit unlucky. My skin immediately reacted negatively on the first day. There weren't huge issues, but I felt a slight burning sensation and my skin was a bit irritated.

I decided to attempt the mask again on the second day, there was less sensitivity and less irritation.

On the third day, the third time seems to be the charm. My skin was getting used to the mask, I started noticing how my skin is starting to feel a bit smoother after I removed the mask, I realized that my skin had absorbed a lot of the solution (especially my forehead). 

Fast forward to the fifth day, and it has become a habit. I still struggle with keeping the solution from dripping down my face and neck but my skin has started to appreciate having this mask. My skin feels softer and smoother. There is still a bit of redness on my skin but it feels less "fragile" and more resilient towards dryness (especially when I stand next to air vents). My skin does not immediately need a moisturizer right after this mask treatment. This is an indication that my skin is more nourished.

On the eighth - tenth day, I started noticing my skin becoming plumper. My skin feels even "stronger" (it is especially noticeable when I am standing in front of heaters and my skin is not bothered by the heat and making it feel drier than it usually is). 

I loved the results from using sheet masks and will continue to do so to maintain and even further improve my skin's healthiness. 

Verdict

I'm quite happy with the results of using a mask a day for 10 days. However, I can't say I am in love with this sheet mask. While it has certainly nourished and given enough moisture to my skin, I feel that other sheet masks might be able to achieve these results on the 3rd mask. 

I am glad the irritation stopped at day one and the benefits started kicking in on day 3. But there are other sheet masks that will not cause as much irritation as this one. (Next time, I will try this 10-day mask challenge with a different mask and will share the results).


Score: 7.0/10
Website: https://www.naturerepublicofficial.com/ (the product is no longer on their website)

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Hemeiel Light-water Oxygen Bubble Mask review


I've been seeing these oxygen masks all over social media and was fascinated by how many bubbles they produced. I decided to get some and see for myself. 

I found this on Shein and decided to test it out. This mask is a bit pricier than other masks, it was $9.00 CAD for 5 masks.

This is a light-water oxygen bubble mask with exfoliating effects. 


This mask does not contain any alcohol properties.

What this product does: 
Oil Control, Blackhead Remover, Acne Treatment, Hydrating, Nourishing, Clearing, Brightening, Whitening, and Anti-Aging

It is ideal for those who have dry, normal, combination, and oily skin. 

I want to add that if you have super sensitive skin, be aware that it might be a bit irritating for you. (FYI: I have sensitive skin and it causes slight irritation to my skin)



Ingredients:
WATER,BUTYLENE GLYCOL,DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL,GLYCERIN,GLYCOSYL TREHALOSE,HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE,HINOKITIOL,XANTHAN GUM,DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZINATE,SODIUM HYALURONATE,PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL,CERAMIDE 3,BAMBOO CHARCOAL,HYDROLYZED SODIUM HYALURONATE,DIGLYCEROL,GLUCURONIDE,PHENOXYETHANOL,METHYL PARABEN

how it fits on my face 👍 

impressions:
  • tingly sensation
  • no scent/aroma
  • SO MUCH/MANY FOAM/BUBBLES (see pictures)
  • good fit for the face but due to the foam/bubble production, it is better to lie down
  • causes a slight but noticeable skin irritation after using (but doesn't linger or cause rashes)
  • skin feels SOooOOOOooo smooth! 👍 
  • huge improvements to my skin (moisturizing, smoother texture, healthier... etc)

foam starting to form

I was quite skeptical when I bought this and thought it was only a gimmick, but I was extremely surprised as to how it made my skin feel after the first use.

I was using my hands to remove the foam from my face and when I washed my hands throughout the day, I couldn't help but notice just how much softer and smoother they felt, too!

I didn't enjoy the foaminess on my face, it kept producing more foam even after the 15-20 minutes and continued to produce foam, 30 minutes after I removed the mask. 

overwhelmed and amazed at how many bubbles there are

HOWEVER, despite the foaming and bubbles... I actually *surprise surprise* like this mask! It improved my skin's condition after first use. My skin hasn't felt this clean and moisturized in a very long time! I have noticed that there is a weird "rubbery" after texture (both on my face and hands) but it felt like an improvement more than a weird side effect.

score: 10/10

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Comparison: Korean Facial Mists: InnisFree vs I Dew Care


After writing up my review for I Dew Care's Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask, I thought it would be a good idea to compare it with Innisfree's Olive Real Oil Mist


I Dew Care Innisfree
Containers Fatter, shorter

✓Slicker, thinner, taller, easy to grasp

Spray Quality ✓the spray works really well and the aim is on point.

✓the spray gives a satisfying amount of product depending on how long you press the dispenser

✓the spray also sprays vertically allowing produce to properly disperse over the face

the spray works well, but aiming needs a bit of a learning curve

the spray only dispenses a set amount each time

the spray only sprays in one small spot

Scent very light lemon scent (barely there), doesn't leave any scent on the face

strong lemon, similar to essential oil, but disappears within a few seconds

Consistency very lightweight feels lighter than water
thicker, closer to a serum
Effectiveness leave skin with a plump and moist texture
hydrates skin
Price $28 CAD ✓$16 CAD
Amount of Product 80ml 80ml



Both are very similar and does what it advertises. I was impressed with how I Dew Care instantly made my face feel so plump and moist. Innisfree's is also good as it hydrates the skin but the effects are not as long-lasting as I Dew Care's. 

Innisfree's is almost half the price of I Dew Care's for the same amount. 

Hope this comparison helps you decide on which product is suitable for your needs. 

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Morinaga (杏仁豆腐バー) Almond Tofu Bar short review

杏仁豆腐バー by Morinaga (森永)


I love Almond Tofu (杏仁豆腐) especially when I'm having Japanese-Chinese food (中華料理). It is usually lightly sweetened with a hint of Oriental almond taste. The Tofu is smoother than normal tofu. I was very excited to try this :D. 

Translation for what is written on the box:

It is a chewy, sticky ice cream (もっちりアイス)
Mainly Coconut fruits and Yellow Peach (椰果&黃桃)

Lactic Ice - this product contains milk (ラクトアイス) (this is important to note since a lot of Asians are lactose intolerant)
It contains 3% of fruit flesh (果肉3%)
It contains coconut fruits (the chewy "fruits" derived from coconuts) (コリコリナタデコ)


杏仁豆腐バー

impressions:

  • very sticky
  • has a nice chewy texture (モチ)
  • was surprised they used coconut fruits for the "fruit elements"
  • a bit sweeter than your normal almond tofu
  • it melts but also doesn't melt

 I liked it! I was a bit taken back by the sweetness (compared to normal Almond Tofu), though. I really enjoyed the chewiness of the ice bar and enjoyed munching away at the coconut fruits and yellow peach :)

It was a very chewy experience ;) モチモチ感じ

What I found interesting while eating was the "tofu" elements weren't very cold and weren't melting (they gave in to the warmth of your mouth but not to the warmth of the air), the only part that melted was the icy milk ice cream part. I felt I had enough time to enjoy this and allowed the tofu to melt in my mouth. 

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/products/icecream/natadecoco_in/6771.html

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

McD's Bacon 'N Crispy Onion Quarter Pounder review


Yes! I have finally gotten my hands on this! (I'm not sure why is this image is so small 😟 ) This burger has been heavily advertised across all billboards and on TV in Canada and I am so glad I was finally able to get my hands on it!

McD's Bacon 'N Crispy Onion Quarter Pounder bun

Quarter pounders have always been my favourite go-to item at McDonald's and this is an enhanced version. Aside from being a quarter pounder, this is topped with crispy onions, hickory-smoked bacon strips, and a creamy grilled onion sauce. Other fillings are: two slices of processed cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard and pickles. For this burger, they have chosen to sandwich the filling between a toasted sesame seed bun. 


McD's Bacon 'N Crispy Onion Quarter Pounder box

I love the box design too... it is different from the Quarter Pounder box (which is mainly red and yellow)

impressions:

  • love the grilled onion sauce, it has a very strong grilled taste
  • more substantial than a regular quarter pounder (with added bacon and grilled onion sauce)
  • the combination of flavours work very well together
  • I appreciated the additional slice of cheese
  • crispy onions have already lost their crispyness but contributed to the overall taste of the burger

McD's Bacon 'N Crispy Onion Quarter Pounder

This is after my first bite... it was so good :P unlike most of their quarter pounders which slightly lack sauce, this one was filled with the right amount of sauce because of the extra grilled onion sauce. I really liked this grilled onion sauce because it had a very strong grilled taste to it. 

good ratio for every ingredient

the insides of the burger. You can see most of the ingredients in this shot.

grilled onion sauce had a tendency of falling out like this

I really like this burger! I hope it becomes a permanent menu item. I really REALLY liked the grilled onion sauce and hope to see it in more of their products (as a dip, a sauce... etc). I really 

I felt the crispy onion didn't do much for the burger other than adding an additional because, by the time I was able to eat it, they have already lost their crispiness.

score: 9.1/10
website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/bacon-crispy-onion-quarter-pounder.html

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