Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Puddle Jumping! {Wordless Wednesday 6/1}





Early Saturday evening, we had some storms blow through that sent us into the basement for about 1/2 hour. I have never seen a downpour quite like the one we experienced - there was so much rain that you couldn't see 2 feet in front of you. Well, after a downpour like that, you just know that there had to be really good puddles to jump in! So, Little Guy and I ventured out into mosquito-filled the evening and went searching...






JUMP!





SPLASH!



Soldiers & Sailors Park memorial to all of those from our county lost in every war, all the way back to the Indian Wars.





"Splish, splash, sploosh!"







Thanks to the storm, we got to see a BEAUTIFUL sunset! (Sorry about the focus - no time with a little one running around loose)


This last one is to highlight the Muddy Butt (Little Guy's newest nickname.) As we looked for puddles, I kept steering him away from the deer and/or muddy ones. Well, he decided he was done listening to Mommy because HE could do it himself. Just as I said, "NOooooooo...", he jumped with all of his might into a puddle that I knew was going to be extra deep & especially muddy - it was from a truck tire that has gotten stuck in the mud a week before and we'd walked past it often. Before he knew it, he was up to his waist in this puddle, his feet stuck in the thick mud at the bottom. After I finished laughing at the astonished face he made, I fished him out. The rest of the way home, he kept saying how, "Mommy saved me in puddle, " and, "I listen Mommy next time!" Well, I hope the lesson was learned (though, I doubt it.)











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WINNER Laugh Rabbit Jr (Finally!)

So sorry - it's been nuts around here. I plan on writing a post about it tonight if I can keep my eyes open long enough. Anyway, I finally managed to do all of that hard work of picking a winner for the last handmade giveaway!



Congrats go to #49 Gianna, who won the incredibly cute and genius Tooth Fairy Pillow from Laugh Rabbit Jr!



Gianna said... 49 Reply to comment

I subscribed by email.




A special Thanks to Delma, who offered this prize at absolutely no charge! Hope karma catches up with you soon! And, if you saw anything you liked at either of her Etsy shops, Laugh Rabbit Jr or Laugh Rabbit Designs, don't forget to go order it!

CLOSED - Giveaway: Voda Swim Envy Push Up Swimsuit



If you have enjoyed my review on Voda Swim Envy Push Up String Bikini, now here's your chance to win the swimsuit of your choice!

The prize: any swimsuit from Voda Swim

Rules:
  • This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (sorry!)
  • You have to be a follower of Gaby's Beauty Blog
  • Blogs made solely for giveaways will be disqualified
  • This giveaway ends on June 14 at midnight 

To enter (mandatory):
  • Fill out the Google document form at the bottom of this post

Extra entries (optional):

  • Post my giveaway on your blog, either in a blog post or in your sidebar, and include the picture above and the link to my giveaway +5
  • "Like" Gaby's Beauty Blog on Facebook +2
  • "Like" Voda Swim on Facebook +2
  • Follow me on Twitter and tweet about my giveaway (be sure to include @GabyFauchon and the link to my giveaway) +2
  • Follow Voda Swim on Twitter +2

Possible entries total: 14

Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Voda Swim.

Rice Dumpling Festivals at West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant in Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa


A while ago, I was invited to join the Media Preview on Rice Dumpling at West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant in Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa in conjunction with the coming Rice Dumpling Festival early next month.



The furnishing in this restaurant comes in red colour , which is one of the favourite colours in olden Chinese days.



It was located at the Lobby level of Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa that comes with a stunning view of Sunway Lagoon . Unfortunately we cant able to see much of the view during the time when we were there for the review.



Other than the main hall, the Restaurant has eight private dining rooms that can accommodate between 10-20 guests respectively.

I was told that all the rice dumplings here are prepared using the traditional method that is to boil the dumpling with hot water.

And when I was told that this is a pork-free restaurant, I was a little bit disappointed when I heard about that. However after this the dumpling rice here I could tell you that I did not miss the porky part at all... surprisingly!!



A table full of dumplings for few of us !!!

First time for me to try so many types of different rice dumpling at one go !

A total of 5 unique flavours of rice dumplings were served that night!


Link

Happy Rebecca has the honour of open-ceremony-ing all the rice dumplings that night!



Master Chef Chan Choo Kean presenting his masterpiece "Superior Giant Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Assorted Meat and Chef's Special Savoury Sauce".



1) Superior Giant Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Assorted Meat
comes packed with an equal spread of dried scallop, dried oyster, barbequed chicken, lotus seed, chestnut, 20 salted egg yolk, dried shrimp and yellow pea. And this dumpling comes with Master Chef's special savoury sauce which is a mixture of spicy seafood concocted out of chopped dried seafood with chilli, onion, garlic and oil. All was wrapped in bamboo leaf and left to steam for a good for 6 hours!

Priced only at Rm188 +++ each , this 3kg dumpling that shaped like a giant bamboo can feed up to 10-12 people!!!

YES 3kg of heavy stuffed rectangular dumpling !!

And what you see from the picture above, is ONLY half of the original size !

Perfect for family's gathering!



Even though the dumpling was steamed instead of being boiled using the traditional method because of the size, nevertheless the dumpling rice was soft and not oily. I love every bite I take, i get a mouthful of yummylicious ingredients at one go!

And best of all, this giant dumpling are selling by slices too if you don't have a big family to enjoy this !

One slice at RM28++ (approximately 400g per slice)



2) Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Yam and Lamb

This is Master Chef's new creation for this year, rice dumpling that are stuffed with yam, dried shrimp, mushroom, chesnut and specially seasoned lamb meat.



Yes lamb, how often do we hear lamb meat to be used in rice dumplings? I was hesitate to try first , because I always do not like the lamb's gamey smell . Surprisingly the lamb meat was amazing packed with and has nice aroma. One of my favourite here!

Priced at RM23+++ each



3) Hong Kong-Style Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling is a traditional and authentic dumpling generously filled with dried scallop, barbeque chicken, salted egg yolk, black mushroom, chesnut, dried shrimp and yellow pea.



.This dumpling's taste are not that strong like the usual dumpling but it has the light tea-fragrance smell because lotus leaf was used to wrap the dumpling instead of the usual bamboo leaf. And if you like lots of yellow pea in your rice dumpling, this is for you!

Priced at RM28+++ each



4) Steamed Vegetarian Glutinous Rice Dumpling
combines three varieties of mushrooms; enoki mushroom, abalone mushroom and black mushroom.



From the picture, the dumpling may look plain but this dumpling is so refreshing and chewy because of the amount of different types of mushroom being stuffed into one dumpling. One of the best dumplings I have ever tried, beat the rest meat based dumplings in my opinion!

A Must Try in my opinion!

Priced at RM18++ each



5) Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Sweet Red Bean features creamy bits of red bean for your sweet tooth.



For me this dumpling is like a dessert, as we suppose to dip the rice dumpling into the honey before tasting it. A quite unique taste that some of us will like !

Priced at RM12++ each




-Aftermath-

We finished almost everything that were served.

We are feeling full - very very full.

However there are still room for DESSERT!!!

We ordered a few different types to share here :)



Almond soup with glutinous rice balls was freshly made-in-house has smooth texture and was heavenly for Almond lover.



Inside the glutinous rice ball is black sesame . Perfect combination with almond soup.

Priced at RM12++ each bowl



Double Boiled Fresh Ginseng with Sea Coconut was ordered by Evelyn has heavy Ginseng aroma smell. Unfortunately I'm not a Ginseng's lover so just take a little sip, but according to the rest of the them, this was good.

Priced at RM12++ each



One of the favourite dessert for everyone that night after Rebecca ordered it was this Mango Puree and Vanilla Ice Cream which comes with Tempura Durian Puff.



The highlight was the Tempura Durian Puff. The fresh D24 Durian filling was heavenly for durian lover.

Priced at RM12++


I was glad that all the dumplings & desserts that we tried are awesome!

For your information, the dumplings will be available from 25 May 2011 to 6 June 2011 in conjunction with the annual Rice Dumpling Festival which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (i.e Chinese Calendar). They are served a la carte for lunch and dinner, and takeaway are available too. You are advisable to make a 3 days advance request for orders beyond 15 pieces.


For more information , please call West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant at 03-7495 1888.


West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant are located at Lobby Level of Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa is opened daily from 12pm-2.30pm for lunch (Mondays to Saturdays) and 10am-2.30pm (Sundays and Public Holidays) and 6.30-10.30pm for dinner everyday.

p/s: West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant are pork-free establishment.

Remedial Massage: A winner over medicinal science

People usually do not want to take their body seriously, unless it is required. But, this is not correct. Human body also needs rest. It is true that time does not wait for anyone. People usually wake up with lots of work in their mind. But, everyone needs some time to relax their body. Relaxation is really necessary for a body to move ahead. At times, things go beyond control and hence, people put themselves in excessive stress. Furthermore, this stress deteriorates human body functionality and hence, various diseases start staying inside the body. Thus, in order to avoid this problem, people need to respect their body and spend some time with it. Remedial massage is one of the best solutions to each and every bodily problem.

However, this is also true that common people are not very familiar to what is remedial massage therapy. It is basically a type of therapy which involves a variety of techniques that deal with definite areas in the body which need consideration. Tendon, muscles as well as ligament are some of the few regions which need therapy in a broader way. This Relaxing Massage Sydney helps to lessen the pain as well as promote proper blood circulation thereby, facilitating the body to cure naturally. It also reduces mental stress as it clears out all the worries and tension from the head and makes its tension-free. This Remedial Massage Sydney also helps regaining the body strength. Relaxing Massage Sydney helps people suffering from illness such as headache, shoulder as well as neck tension, migraine, sciatica, injury recovery, insomnia, whiplash as well as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Relaxing Massage Sydney is done using proper technique. Few of the well-known techniques are relaxation massage, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue technique, Day spa massage Sydney, Massage therapy Sydney, action potential accelerator as well as trigger point treatment. However, proper consultation with physiotherapist is a must before going for any of these treatments. Doctor or physiotherapist knows the exact ailment and can suggest proper massage therapy based on that. Hence, no hiding is allowed from the doctor or physiotherapist otherwise, this treatment can defeat the progress as well. One more important thing about this Massage therapy Sydney is that initially, it increases the body pain. Therefore, patience is really needed. It should be kept in mind that no ailment can be cured in a day. Each and every treatment requires time and for this reason, tolerance is really prudent.

A good quality Couples Massage Sydney is also necessary to lessen the swelling as well as inflammation in joints, exclusive support of any drug. Furthermore, this therapy is also needed to assist rectifying various joint troubles by providing comfort to the muscles near by the joints which are either injured or else, dislocated. A good quality massage therapist should also be capable of strengthening various muscles of the body and hence, helps essentially in order to put off further repetition of the same problem.


In today’s time, a lot of places are offering various Remedial Massage Sydney treatments because of the growing demand for the same. Patient is only needed to check whether the clinic is certified or not and well-trained therapist are available or not.

Author Detail:
More information on Remedial Massage Sydney can be found at http://ayurvespa.com.au/treatment/remedial_massage/. Call or contact us for an appointment for a Remedial Massage Sydney and Couples Massage Sydney – www.ayurvespa.com.au.

One Dollar Wonder: ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Hi everyone,

In the land of budget makeup, E.L.F rules. I mean, who else can make decent $1 products like they do? When I discovered something I like from E.L.F, I tend to stock up just to give them away to friends. When they have sales, it's even more awesome. I used to get a whole bunch of things I need and then some. During this vicious cycle (ha!) I discovered the Waterproof Eyeliner Pen and I have never been happier. At $1, it is the blackest eyeliner pen out there. I'm so glad I put my money down and got the first one at Target. I've tried so many eyeliners before and this one is very easy to use.

E.L.F Waterproof Eyeliner Pen ($1)
Wanna know why I love it so much? Jump!

First of all, this product comes in a shape of a pen. For those who have been using liquid eyeliners in the bottle form, you know how hard it is to hold the cap. However, with the pen form, you hold the liner the same way you hold your pen or pencil. Easy peasy!


Secondly, the tip is long and fine, but not too flimpsy.


I can draw thin lines with it. I even wrote my name and drew a flower, haha! Also, look how black and glossy this liner is. It feels like a calligraphy pen to me.


While I love how dark and glossy it is, the ELF waterproof eyeliner pen has a tiny glitch: it does not dry so fast. I have to hold my eyelid down and wait for it to dry. Otherwise, my whole eyelid would be smeared. The lasting power is decent. With a primer, it can last for 4-6 hours if I am not sweating so hard. It does not smudge but slowly flake away. After a long day, I saw myself with no eyeliner left.

Ingredients
This waterproof eyeliner pen is indeed very dark. It also holds a decent amount of liquid inside. If the tip feels dry, just put the cap on and tip it upside down before giving it a few shakes. That would distribute the liquid to the cap.

For $1, I can't complain. I have tried eyeliners that are more expensive but failed to last. Yet, this dollar product has intense pigmentation, looks glossy, and lasts decently. If you need a black liquid eyeliner pen, I highly suggest this product. I love it very much and hope you are going to enjoy it, too.

Disclaimer: I bought this product.

So, what do you think about the ELF waterproof eyeliner pen? Have you tried it yet? Please let me know what you think.

P.S: Tomorrow is first day of June. When did the time go?
Photobucket
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Monday, May 30, 2011

Voda Swim Envy Push Up String Bikini

1 to 2 Cup Sizes Bigger!  
  • Looks just like a regular bikini
  • Gives breasts amazing cleavage, lift and support
  • Very low water absorbency
  • No sagging when wet
  • No under wiring
  • Patent pending    
Be Envied and let that amazing cleavage you have always desired! 
Voda Swim's patent pending Envy Push Up® bikini top is a marvel of engineering and design. It is made to maximize the subtle curves of a smaller bosom, creating a natural looking cleavage, and making breasts look up to two cup sizes larger. There's no stiff padding and no underwire but there is more going on than meets the eye. 
A unique material that doesn't absorb a lot of water helps the Envy Push Up® bikini top retain it's extraordinary fit even when wet. Other bikini tops loose shape, swell up like airline flotation devices, and look like sagging water balloons after the briefest immersion in water. 
The Envy Push Up® bikini top is also designed for action, and Voda Swim urges its wearers to do more than sunbathe. Voda Swim promises that women will get their share of admiring glances whether they're surfing, swimming or sailing.


I wouldn't say I'm complexed by my average breast size (I wear A and B cups, depending on the model of bras), but I do wear padded and push-up bras often. I think it just makes my boobs look prettier, and it's always nice to show a little cleavage.

I've never been concerned by the look of my breasts in a swimsuit, but when I first heard about padded bikinis, of course I was curious... and sceptical. When I was kindly given the opportunity to try Voda Swim Envy Push Up Bikini, I jumped at the chance without hesitation!


Pearl Envy Push Up® String Bikini
$110.00 
Crave sexy? Skin is in with this sexy string bikini! Voda Swim's original and still #1 Most Popular bikini style.

  • End caps are 14K gold plated and chlorine and salt water resistant
  • Body: nylon/spandex, lining: polyester/spandex
  • Fully lined
  • Top: ties at neck and back
  • Bottom: low coverage, classic cut or Brazilian cut
  • Made in USA


I chose their original String Bikini, but Voda Swim also carries lots of other styles such as One Piece, Tankini and Monokini.

The bikini came wrapped in a pretty purple silk paper

Here's a comparison of the claims from the Voda Swim website, along with my results:

Claims from the website

My results


As you can see, the results are pretty amazing! I still can't believe it!


There's something I must say though, I think I should have ordered a slightly larger size, but looking at their fit guide, I wasn't sure if Small or Medium would suit better as I wear almost all of those bra sizes. Well, as it's a swimsuit, I thought it would be better too small than too large, so I ordered it in Small, but sometimes I feel my boobs are a little squeezed in the cups. Nothing major, it's my mistake anyway, but I just thought I would warn you if you plan to order a Voda Swim swimsuit.


The end caps are 14K gold plated, which adds a touch of luxury to the bikini. They are also chlorine and salt water resistant.

However, I have only one bad thing to say about this swimsuit...


I found three little defects, one on each cup and another one on the bottom of the swimsuit. They aren't that apparent, but still, for $110.00, I guess I wasn't expecting that. The good thing is that Voda Swim immediately offered me an exchange for that! Talk about great customer service (:

Overall, I'm amazingly pleased with this bikini and I would recommend it to everyone! I'm pretty impressed at how well it gives a natural lift without stiff padding or uncomfortable underwire. Shh, it's a secret, but I even wear it as a push-up bra sometimes =P

Available colors:


For retail locations, click here.

Here's my little gift to you: 

Discount code for 10% off:
Gaby

Want to try a Voda Swim swimsuit of your choice for FREE? Stay tuned for my giveaway tomorrow!

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.