Campbell's Cheddar Cheese canned soup short review

This pandemic and mandatory self-quarantine has caused me to explore canned food options. I love canned soups (specifically Campbell's canned soups).

I have always loved Campbell's soups and cheddar cheese... so I was very excited to find this in the grocery store!

the lighting makes it less orange than how it actually is

it isn't exactly rich cheddar like what is in Mac and Cheese. The soup is much more watered down than I thought it would be. The taste is also not as cheesy as I thought it would be, either... it was a bit of a mix between celery, some soup stock, and cheddar. It was very thin (even thinner than their Cream of Mushroom soup).

It is a decent soup, but if you are looking for a cheesy cheddary soup, then this won't satisfy that craving.

Score: 6.5/10
Website: https://www.campbellsoup.ca/product/campbells-condensed-cheddar-cheese/

tip: Frozen Yakult for skin relief

frozen Yakult bottles (in this case, Maeil Biofeel bottles)

How is everyone holding up during this pandemic? I'm in my 6th week of self-quarantine and counting. 

This trick is so good I had to post it to both my blogs... (the one in https://cutiepiestephanie.blogspot.com/ will come out in a few days)

The Story

I woke up one day and noticed my skin dry, red and swollen. Small bumps were formed on my skin and I panicked. 

I knew my skin wanted something cold so I checked my freezer. The moment I opened the freezer door, two frozen Yakult bottles caught my attention.

I decided to roll them across my face and my skin loved it. 

The redness slowly disappeared, the small bumps flattened and my swelling slowly went away. Although it did not help with my dryness (other than putting the moisture from the bottles against my face) it did help prepare my skin to absorb products!

Instructions:

Freeze two Yakult bottles (make sure it is 100% frozen) and roll them up and down on your face. The cold surface will help get rid of redness, swelling and relax your skin. It only takes a minute to see results!

I usually use two hands but I had to use one of them to hold my phone and take the picture

I've been doing this for a few days now, and my skin feels amazing :D

Self-Quarantine thoughts

How is everyone holding up during this challenging season? I hope you are staying at home and being safe. I'm currently on self-quarantine and enjoying quiet time with family. I get worried (and it is ok to be worried or scared) over the growing number of cases per day... but I know this too shall pass.

things we have survived

Look at this list of accomplishments! We will make it through!

 Here is Japan's Quaran-chan to help you make it through and encourage you to stay home :)

with love,

Steph

Cerave Moisturizing Cream review (Winter)

If you have been a reader for some time, you will know that I am not a huge fan of drug store skin care.

This was an exception because almost EVERYONE is talking about Cerave. Go on youtube and you will see dermatologists, skincare professionals, consumers are all raving about the brand.

I went to my local drug store and got myself one of their more popular items to give it a try.

This formula contains: 

• Ceramides: Essential for healthy skin, ceramides help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier 
• Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient helps attracts hydration to the skin’s surface and helps the skin retain moisture 
• MVE Technology: This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all-day hydration.

Winter Edition:
I am using this in the middle of winter, which possibly is the driest season of the year (with the heaters on full blast). I have a feeling my review would be much different during the rainy season or any other season that has more humidity in the air (I will do a follow-up review once a more humid season arrives.

pros:

• hardly any scent
• moisturizes very well
• nonsticky but thick
• works with my super sensitive skin
• works on the face, body (and hands)
• works great with other lotions

cons:

• not long-lasting
• need to slab on a thick layer and even then it only lasts for 8 hours or less
• uses up quickly(because a generous amount is needed)
• needs to be used with other lotions (I use additional lotions to enhance and prolong the moisturizing effects)

Cerave pump version

I found the jar to be a bit unhygienic so I opted for the pump version (which costs a few dollars more). The pump is incredibly nice to use and I don't have to contaminate the unused products.

Verdict:

I like it but I am a bit disappointed with how it does not lasts as most body lotions (Crabtree and Evelyn). For the price of $24.99 Canadian (or $20 USD), it is very affordable for 456g of product.

I like how it does not agitate my super sensitive skin at all (even Keri lotion irritates my skin) and that it is almost completely scentless.

I can feel my skin instantly absorbs the cream once I apply it and no matter how many layers I add, my skin manages to absorb it all up.

When I apply it at night after my shower, my skin feels content, but the moment I wake up, I can feel my skin itching because the moisturizing effect is not long-lasting.

Since I am in the middle of winter, I will try to give another review during a more humid/less harsh season.

What I found most useful is pairing this with another drug store cream (I currently use Vaseline's Dry Skin Repair)

Score: 7.8/10
Website: https://www.cerave.ca/our-products/moisturizers/moisturizing-cream?gclid=CjwKCAiA1rPyBRAREiwA1UIy8AOJATe_e2AfHKDoujTItx83kMs-Jy221UpHfzugLswFad0G5xEU9RoCm44QAvD_BwE

Thai Crispy Monthong King Durian short review

I highly recommend these if you are a durian fan! 

These are freeze-dried durian bites that give you a full blast of durian once it melts in your mouth! (I am not sponsored... I just really like them! :P) There is a reason why Monthong King (type of Durian which is one of the best in the world) is so premium.

The only con is if you buy them online, they are quite pricey. I got this small packet for $7.95 USD.

It means it costs almost $1 USD for a piece.

But, if you are a huge durian fan and know the difference between good/premium durian and average durian, this will be a great treat!

score: 8/10

website: no website

eBay link (Canada eBay): https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Freeze-Dried-DURIAN-Monthong-Thai-King-Fruit-Naturally-Snack-30g-1-06oz/272666127915?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Hong Tra Hoa Hong Rose Black Tea mini review

a friend got a pack of this rose black tea from Vietnam

the instructions are very simple

impressions:

• tastes exactly like rose tea
• it was a bit "rough" (not smooth... if you drink tea, you will know what I mean)

score: 6.5/10

website: no website

Eveline Cosmetics Slim Extreme review

I bought this in HK's Sasa a while back for $115 HKD ($14.80 USD).

Claims:

Firmer and tighter looking skin Slims the silhouette, effective on waist, buttocks and thighs 

Warming up effect ensures maximum results

Product Description:

The first Thermo Active Cellulite Serum developed in the laboratory of Eveline Cosmetics visibly reduces the appearance of cellulite by treating the affected area, and smoothing the skin's surface. Thanks to the technologically advanced Thermo Active formula, it delicately warms up the skin, enabling instant penetration of active substances in to the epidermis, assuring maximum results. 

Instructions:

Use regularly to make skin smooth, and reduce cellulite appearance. 

Ingredients: 

Aqua/Water, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth-20, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Petrolatum / Cholesterol / Cetearyl Alcohol , Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol , Octyldodecanol, Caffeine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caffeine/ Sodium Salicylate/ Lecithin/ Silica, Centella Asiatica, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Water / Butylene Glycol / Laminaria, Hyperborea Extract , Hyaluronic Acid, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol / Methylparaben / Butylparaben / Ethylparaben / Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth-20, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Petrolatum / Cholesterol / Cetearyl Alcohol , Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol , Octyldodecanol, Caffeine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caffeine/ Sodium Salicylate/ Lecithin/ Silica, Centella Asiatica, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Water / Butylene Glycol / Laminaria, Hyperborea Extract , Hyaluronic Acid, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol / Methylparaben / Butylparaben / Ethylparaben / Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA

I can't say I'm surprised to see the number of ingredients listed as the scent is quite overwhelming.

For the past month, I have been using this 3-4 times a week. I use a liberal amount each time and started seeing results in 2 weeks.

I recorded the pros and cons I observed during the month

pros:

• works, it made my body feel much firmer. I started feeling and seeing the results after 2 weeks
  
• while I wasn't a fan of the scent, it did not linger on my body
  
• it works particularly well on my legs and thighs
  
• it got rid of some of the cellulite on my butt
  
• the lotion/cream felt very light on my skin

cons:

• be very aware if you have sensitive skin. Towards my second week, Eczema which has disappeared from my body for over 10 years started re-appearing. While it works and does an amazing job firming up your skin, know the consequences... my advice is to use it once a week on areas that are more sensitive.
  
• more does not mean better. I find the more I try to layer on, the more watery it becomes... literally like water
  
• I didn't feel any warming effect

Verdict:

While it certainly works on my legs and thigh and got rid of some of the cellulite on my butt, it didn't do much for other parts of the body (arms, waist, etc). It is a good price for something that can be used temporarily if you were to attend a certain event and needed some firming in a short time but wouldn't suggest long term as it isn't good for people with sensitive skin.


Score: 7.8/10
Website: https://www.evelinecosmeticsusa.com/collections/eveline-cosmetics/products/cellulite-cream-fat-burner-thermo-active