Swisspers Soothing Cucumber Eye and Face Pads

Whenever I see those eye pads that look like cucumber slices I wondered whether they work better than real cucumber as sometimes I used cold cucumber slices to soothe my tired eyes. So I tried Swisspers Soothing Cucumber Eye and Face Pads, a product from an Australian brand that's made in Korea (according to the packaging).

Swisspers claims that the pads are "Perfect for soothing tired eyes... Providing a no-fuss way to revitalise your eyes, simply place the pads on your eyelids for 10-15 minutes while you relax and enjoy the natural aroma of cucumber."

They soothed my tired eyes a tiny winy bit, without any noticeable difference on the puffiness. I've tried to treat them like I would treat cucumbers: chill them in the fridge before using them on my eyes. It didn't seem to change the temperature of the pad though. I didn't try putting them on my whole face though. In general, it's a so-so product, I think they're a little frivolous...

Verdict: I wish they could feel cooler (temperature wise) on my eyes!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana), Gourd (Cucurbitaceae), Chamomile Extract (Anthemis Nobilis), Cucumber Extract (Cucumis Sativus), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polysorbate 80, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum).

Bicycles, Being Chic, and My Photo

When I was very young I had a tricycle. The rainbow coloured ribbons on the handlebars used to fly wildly whenever I terrorized Micie, our poor dog. Naturally when I got older my parents bought me "proper" bicycle: a red BMX (the most coveted brand in Asia at that time). I thought everyone in the neighbourhood would envy me once I was on that bike! :)

The euphoria didn't last long though. An accident happened not long after. I remember practicing cycling on an empty car-racing track with my cousins. I don't remember exactly what happened next. I probably ventured out of the ground to the nearby street when a motorbike knocked me over. My bicycle turned into a heap of mess, I was in a mess, and that was the last time I rode a bicycle...

Fast forward to the present. Last month I was on the train back from London when a newspaper article caught my attention. It was about different companies that sell interesting cycling accessories. There was also a competition on the same page. The main prezzie was a bicycle with accessories included. I couldn't decide whether I'd like to take up cycling again, in case I win, so I kept the newspaper for my reference.

The following evening I still thought about the bicycle. My heart told me that I should submit my details on internet. So I did. I told hubby, if I happen to win, it would mean that God wants me to take up cycling again.

Guess what, I actually won!! I received the good news when I was down with swine flu. Imagine that! Isn't that strange how things turn out sometimes... After all I've been through recently, chicken pox and all, the news came like some sort of "reward" for my "sufferings". Perhaps it's restitution from God? Whatever that is, I'm not complaining, a happy Music I still am! :)

Anyway, the bicycle is absolutely stunning, miles better than the red BMX I had! It's a Velorbis Danneborg with 3 gears, in fire engine red, of course! It has a beautiful leather seat and pretty white wheels. I'm not really bicycle-savvy, but I think I know a good thing when I see one. :)

I met the gorgeous Caz from Cyclechic when I picked it up. She kindly let me choose the helmet and the colour of Knog Frog lights. I love black, so I chose a black Yakkay helmet that comes with herringbone patterned cover. As for the lights, I chose one black (for the rear) and one white (for the front). I'm also a proud owner of a cream coloured Satchel Pannier. A fantastic and generous collection of prezzies, don't you think?! :)

If you love cycling but "refuse to be another Lycra clad anorak", check out the trendy stuffs available at Cyclechic and read Caz' blog here. Even if you don't like cycling but just want to see more picture of moi, head straight to her blog! :)

P.S. Someone has promised to get me this chic Yakkay Tokyo helmet cover once I'm up and about with the bike again! ^.^

India: Taj Mahal

I've been thinking about India recently. Perhaps cooking and eating Indian food had something to do with it. :) And yes, some years ago hubby and I went to there to visit the "Golden Triangle" (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur). It was their summer, on some days the temperature hit 40 Celcius. Thank God for air-conditioning system!

Obviously we visited the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. I've never seen anything like it before. The architecture, the craftsmanship, the intricate details of everything, the whole experience was quite mind-blowing. It's truly a magnificent example of what humans can do, the building really deserves it's fame as one of the seven wonders of the world. Photos alone can't do it justice, you have to be there to experience it. It still is one of the most romantic places I've been to.

Gorgeous, isn't it?!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream

Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream isn't the kind of hand cream that I normally go for. I received two 20ml size as part of the GWPs after an "Elemis spending spree" in Perth (yup, I was too excited because they weren't available there before. The Eye Serum is amongst my favourites).

According to the webpage:

"This anti-ageing hand and nail cream is designed to:
Target age spots and sun damage
Reduce skin crepiness
Strengthen and condition cuticles and nails
Re-establish the skin's moisture barrier
Leave hands beautifully smooth and youthful looking."

I'm finishing up my second tube now and I can honestly say that personally I find the claims to be overrated. It does nothing for my cuticle and nails. My hands feel like they've been coated in thin rubber gloves everytime I used it, for lacking of better terms. It's a strange feeling that I don't like. The scent is also a constant reminder of rubber erasers I had as a child. A little clinical, reminds me of hospitals, if it makes sense...

Now that I'm putting thoughts into words, I noticed that the word "rubber" kept on creeping up here. I think it's the only Elemis product I've tried that doesn't smell good. Quite surprising coming from one of my favourite brands. Sometimes it aggravated the excema spot on my finger, too.

Verdict: an average hand cream that's a bit overpriced. I'm not so keen on the scent either.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Lauryl Laurate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Glycerin, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Malachite Extract, Rhodochrosite Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Tromethamine, Sodium PCA, Citronellol, Geraniol, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Linalool, Disodium Rutinyl Disulfate, Citral, Sodium Benzoate.

An Adventure in London

Just a quick post for today. I'm very tired as I went to London to collect something that I'm really excited about.

Clues:

1. It's beautiful.

2. It's red, fire engine red!

3. It has a leather seat.

4. It has really cool accessories to go with it. Including:

and

Right, time to sleep now. I'll leave you to ponder about it. :)

Edit: read here for the full story. :)