Sponsored: Physiogel products with GIVEAWAY [Updated]

My skin became a lot more sensitive since I started my house renovation, and the recent haze hasn't been helpful at all. Therefore I gladly accepted when the Physiogel team approached for me to review their products. :D

The team provided me with their cream, lotion and cleanser to review, and I have been using them for about a month. I am very pleased with them.

AT FIRST GLANCE

If you place the Physiogel products next to those prettily-packaged Korean or Japanese skincare/cosmetic products, you may miss their existence completely. And as much as I know the value of a product should be based on how it works, I'm a sucker for packaging. This means that if I was not approached, I would not have given it a chance.

That being said, it is understood why they have chosen to give the product packaging a modest look, since Physiogel is a brand providing dermatologist-prescribed products over-the-counter.

You would probably stare skeptically at your dermatologist if he had prescribed a product that look anything like what you see in Etude House. (hur hur hur...)

PHYSIOGEL LOTION (Usual selling price: 200ml - $33.90)

***

Physiogel Lotion is a hypoallergenic moisturising lotion that provides physiological lipids in the Derma Membrane Structure (DMS)―a structure similar to the skin, hence, revitalising dry skin.

Physiological lipids are natural and essential components of normal healthy skin.

• With physiological lipids to protect and restore healthy skin
• Non-comedogenic.
• Contains no colourants, perfume and preservatives.
• Hypoallergenic.
• For the daily care of dry and sensitive skin conditions.

***

As compared to my face care routines, I must say I am pretty lazy with those bodycare products. I purchased different brands of body butter (e.g. Bodyshop) and lotions (e.g. L'occitane) but gave up using them after awhile. I do not know if you face the same problem as I, but whenever I apply the body lotion after showering, I would perspire profusely once I step out of the bathroom. Could it be caused by slow absorption? I'm not sure. 

However, whenever I apply the Physiogel lotion over my body, it feels very light, making it easy to apply. I feel that it gets absorbed into the skin quickly too. I don't get the greasy feeling after application and I hardly perspire the way I would with those other lotions. 

One of it's selling point is it being hypoallergic, which means it's suitable for the entire family, from the young to old. Elric has sensitive skin. I guess he inherited it from Alphonse and gets skin irritations easily. I took the courage to apply the lotion on Elric for the passed two weeks and it has been pretty encouraging. He hasn't had problem with his eczema since I starting using the lotion on him.

Best of all, it is pretty affordable if you want to get a bottle just to try if it works for you.

PHYSIOGEL CREAM (Usual selling price: 75ml - $22.85 / 150ml - $42.10) 

***

Physiogel Cream is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, high lipid moisturising cream. It uses
Derma Membrane Structure (DMS) to help repair the skin and lock in moisture for up to 3 days for longer lasting hydration.

***

The Physiogel Cream, compared to the lotion, is thicker and is useful for drier parts of the skin such as your elbow and knees. If you tend to have drier skin, you may prefer this option. I personally prefers the Physiogel lotion. :D

However, I was told that this cream is a good option for pregnant ladies who wants to keep the skin at their baby bum moisturised.
Hmmm... Nope. It probably does not prevent stretchmarks, but will most likely stop the itch.

PHYSIOGEL CLEANSER (Usual selling price: 900ml - $29.90)

***

Physiogel Cleanser is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic soap-free cleanser that cleanses, soothes and softens without drying the skin. Its non-greasy formula does not contain animal fats, providing a gentle cleansing and maintenance of the skin's natural pH balance.

 ***

The Physiogel cleanser is what I'm be giving away in this post.
I was a little paranoid with washing my face with a soap-free cleanser. How would I know if my face is clean? I managed to convince myself to give it a try since they gave me the product . I guess it's really about getting used to it.

I first thought it didn't clean my face well enough, but as I gave it a few more tries, I noticed my skin feels more supple. Using a soap-free cleanser has also made me mindful that I must massage my skin thoroughly while cleansing.

I will continue using this product, but I will use it only as my morning cleanser because I am still unwilling to part with other of my cleansers which provide functions such as anti-aging, whitening and collagen. I am sorry. I just can't give them up!

By the way, it is so gentle you can use it to clean your baby. I'm going to try this on Elric too! (heh heh heh...)
I believe it is also a good product for pregnant and lactating mummies since your skin tends to be more sensitive when hormones go crazy.

Ah yes... I must not forget. You can use it with or without rinsing! You can choose to wipe the cleanser away with cotton pad!

HERE COMES THE GIVEAWAY!

I have 3 bottles of Physiogel Cleanser (300ml) to giveaway.

Simply leave a comment below with your name and contact details (email) by 6 July 2013. 

*Please note that this giveaway is valid only for those residing in Singapore only.*

A random draw will be done on 7 July 2013. 

Name of winners will be announced in this post and I will contact your through email to arrange for the cleanser to be sent to you! :) 

Looking forward to your participation!

Love, 

Mummy Kaye


 ~~~~~
  Thank you all for your participation in this giveaway!

I did a mini lucky draw using a mobile app.

Here are the four of you who left a comment:

1. Kylie T
2. Cen-Lin Ting
3. Agy
4. Happy Teo Family 

 Here are the three of you who won a bottle of Physiogel Cleanser!

1. Happy Teo Family
2. Cen-Lin Ting 
3. Kylie T

I will be getting in touch with you soon for your mailing addresses. 

Thank you very much!

The mother and the sghaze

Being a mother has changed my life perspective. Pretty drastically, I must say. Maybe some will call that "Kiasi" aka fearing death.

If I were to face the situation of the haze as a single, I would probably play down everything that is happening and deem those people who are queuing up for n95 mask as over-reacting. PSI to me would be just a number game. Maybe I would be more worried about my skin conditions rather than my lungs. Maybe I would wash my face more often so that the particles wouldn't rest on my skin and clog my pores.

As much as I still worry about my skin, I have no time for to attend to it. While I wasn't one of those who queued up at the pharmacies or hospitals to purchase the n95 masks, I did purchase masks online. The normal respirators as well as the 8110 mask for Elric.

You see, protecting the well-being of my family members is now my priority.

In fact, when the haze hit PSI 187 on Wednesday, I went to a pharmacy to get eye-drop, eye wash, lozenges, cough syrup, Vicks chest rub, Vitamin C and a first-aid kit. I even asked Alphonse if it was possible to purchase an inhaler in case anyone get an asthma attack. No. We are not asthmatic. Of course the pharmacist wouldn't allow us to purchase. :P

I did a thorough cleaning of the house, turned on the air-con and cleaned the air of the house with my vacuum cleaner at least twice a day - my vacuum cleaner has an air-wash function. The vacuum cleaner proved my fear was valid. No doubt the air-con is switched on, the air quality is bad. I could see lots of PM10 particles floating in the water container of my vacuum cleaner. I have never seen those before the haze came.

Again, I wouldn't have been bothered if I were a single. But now, I do not want all these particles to enter my son's little pair of lungs. Elric has been coughing and sneezing badly. He hasn't been able to sleep well at night and I am pretty sure that's the result of the haze.



I'm also worried because the childcare centre he attends is not air-conditioned. All that the teachers could do, is to shut the windows and doors, and blast the fan through out the day.

It's during such times when I wished someone could stay home to take care of Elric. If only Alphonse didn't have to attend his course these few weeks. If only his grannies could be around. If only...

While I believe the teachers are well-trained and responsible in caring for the children, I am not too sure if the haze will be that forgiving in the next couple of days.

I can only pray that God will deliver us from the haze and this little boy's cough will recover quickly. Oh yes... And pray that my n95 masks will be delivered on me as soon as possible! (muahahaha...)

To all of you reading, please take care of yourself and your loved ones!
Ahh... yes. Your lungs are more important than your skin lah. :P 

Love,
Mummy Kaye



 

Making simple herbal tea

Hello again!  

 

Have you read the news about the haze? It's back and has been really bad today. Read the news earlier that the PSI went all the way to 155! This is the highest record since 1997!

This was the view outside my home at about 7PM. 

Please take care of yourselves and your children these few weeks to prevent falling ill.

1. You can try rinsing your eyes daily with eye wash
2. Put on a mask if you have sensitive nose
3. Stay hydrated and stay indoor as much as possible

I thought of sharing with you how to make a simple herbal drink you can make for your family. 

It can't go any simplier lah. 

If I can do it, I'm sure you can too.

Luo Han Guo Tea

I know many of us have the habit of purchasing Luo Han Guo so other 'liang teh' (herbal tea) such as Chrysanthemum tea from medical halls. Each bottle of 500ml would cost you about $1.50

Why not purchase the fruit and make them by yourself? 

~~~ 

Luo Han Guo is beneficial for the immune system (anti-oxidant) and respiratory system. 

This is probably why mummy always asked us to drink the Luo Han Guo tea when we are down with cough or sore throat.

 ~~~

Alright. Here's how you make the tea! 

INGREDIENTS

1. Luo Han Guo (Big x2)

2. 2.5L of water

Luo Han Guo is usually sold at $0.30-$0.50 each

I usually go for the bigger ones because they are sweeter. 

How  to choose a Luo Han Guo? 

Always shake the fruit to test if you can hear any sound. 

If the fruit is too dry, it means that 

 

Just TWO simple ingredients.

STEP 1

The type of Luo Han Guo we purchase from the medical hall are dried produce.

Hence it is very important to wash them before use. Done soak. Just rinse thorough and give is a scrub if you fear the dirt. 

 

STEP 2

Crack the Luo Han Guo. 

* Luo Han Guo is a very sweet fruit. In fact, just Google it and you will find out that they are about few hundred times sweeter than simple sugar. 

Cracking open the fruit will help to release the sweetness from the flesh. 
This will speed up the cooking process.

STEP 3

Pour 2.5L of water into your pot and bring to boil. Once the water is boiled, drop the Luo Han Guo into the water.

 

STEP 4

Cover the lid and let it boil for another 30-45min. 

I personally prefer it to have a stronger taste, hence I let it boil for 40min. 

 

 Times up!

Turn off the heat and your Luo Han Guo tea is ready to be served.

Some people like it warm while others prefer it cold.
You can choose to store in the fridge and drink within 2 days. 

 Other ingredients which you can add into the drink

Depending on your likings and needs, you can include other ingredients. 

To expell heatiness: Add a handful of Chrysanthemum to boil 
To ease cough: Add Mandarin orange peel, Nan(2) Xing(4) and Bei(3) Xing(4)

Hope these information is helpful for you! 

Take Care you all!!

Cheers,

Mummy Kaye

My Super Dad

  

Happy Father's Day to all Daddies!

from: Papa Lee, Mama Lee and Junior Lee

We, the Lee Family, have a special Papa who has been a Stay-At-Home-Dad (SAHD) for 2.5 years. 

Any SAHM will how difficult it is to take care of a kids through the day. 

In fact, many mummies can't wait for their maternity leave to end and return to work. 

Alphonse has been a special Dad. A SUPER Dad who bore the difficulties of caring for a baby and also the prejudice from some people. 

While Elric is too young to understand all that, I am sure he will grow to understand what his dad has given up to ensure he was well taken off during his infancy.

"Papa is the wind beneath my wings!"

We just returned home from dinner.

Just a simple celebration.

Managed to capture this cute clip. 

Ah yes. Papa is Elric's super dad who teaches him how to manage his super power!

Enjoy!

Elric, "Papa, I Love You!" 

Alp, "Of course you do." 

:P 

XOXO, 

 Mummy Kaye

  

Shopping on taobao.com: Receiving the goods! (Part 1)

 I celebrated my 21st birthday with my friends and family members at a chalet. For the first time in my life, I had a "gift pile".

I was very thrilled that night and had fun unwrapping the presents.

Imagine me going, 'awwww... awwwwww... AWWWW......' at each one I unwrapped.

I had that exact feeling when the delivery man came with my shipment from taobao.

You might have seen some of my Instagram pictures on what I got.
I received a total of 31 boxes and more than 100 items from taobao, delivered by Peeka.

~~~
Taobao is like an online shopping mall, similar to Gmarket.
Peeka.sg on the other hand, is the agent who assisted us with the purchase, shipment and delivery.
This is because taobao does not have overseas shipment. 

~~~

Look! Here are some of the boxes...

Technically, Alphonse and I shouldn't be intimidated by the amount of goods since we ordered them but the bulk was really quite scary.

When I saw all these boxes, I was thinking, 'GOSH... What have I done?! That's a lot of online shopping!'

There was, however, an weird sense of excitement. Like opening presents! 

I must say that most of these we bought were very good buys. 

They are a lot cheaper than if you should buy them locally. 

I shall list some of the items in this post and probably in subsequent posts. 

I will also set aside a separate post to teach you how to make use of Peeka for online shopping at taobao.

You will find the hyperlinks to the item and I will also indicate the pricing of each product after tax and shipment fees.

NOTE:
Shipment fee will differ depending on the bulk of your goods. You should also consider buying insurance if you are getting pricier items.  

***

Item no. 1: Penguin Backpack (approx S$17)

This is the Penguin backpack which I was raving about in my previous blog post. 

It's super cute and I am very surprised that it's very lightweight!

The quality is pretty good and I believe it's durable. The seller has kindly given some gifts like pencil, eraser, sharpener and pencil case. Not anything expensive but I enjoy seeing freebies! 

Yesh...That's the auntie in me. 

Item No.2 Rilakkuma laundry basket (approx S$1)

All because it's cute and it's Rilakkuma, Elric has claimed this laundary basket as his own and kept his toys inside!

I will need to 'reclaim' it back very soon. :P

Item no 3: The GARDEN bench!! (approx S$85)

These is one of the most amazing buys. hahaha!

If you buy a wooden bench from Ikea, it will cost you about $160 (excluding delivery). So I was willing to risk it.

  

As we have a nice wide corridor, Alp wanted a garden bench for us to relax and enjoy the breeze.

Peeka has nicely wrapped up the item in this way. I was worried that the wooden planks would break but all came in good condition.

Alp and I spent quite a bit of time fixing this up!
I guess you will have to fix even if you buy it from Ikea.

See? James (LINE app) is relaxing on the bench at my corridor!!
(WHAHHAHAHA...)

Item no 4: Three-layer shoe rack (abt S$18)

An Ikea shoe rack to place 15 pairs of shoes,will likely cost you $50-$129.

I like this as it's space saving and has a unique design. :)

Item no 5: Kettle with wooden handle (abt S$20)

Have you seen the cheap, cheap Ikea kettle? It is $25. 

I have used it. It's not lasting. 

This kettle (3L),  has a wooden handle and whistling spout cap. 

You can simply push the trigger to open the spout, and press the button at the handle to close.
No worries about getting scalded.

Alp likes this kettle a lot and I am very impressed by it too!

Item no 6:  Thermo Flask  (abt S$45)

It's pretty isn't it? Seller promised that it is able to keep the water warm at above 75C after 24hrs!

I tested. The water is indeed very warm even after a day.  

Worth the buy!

Item no 7: toilet roll holder. (abt S$7) 

Alp and I use toilet tissues to save on expenses for tissue.

This toilet roll holder is very stylish, making the toilet roll look classy!

It's this design sleek? It's in the shape of a bomb!

Item no 8: Rocking chair (abt S$20)

I mentioned this rocking chair in my previous post! It's reasonably priced and simple to fix! 

Elric likes it too! :D

See Elric is enjoying himself!

:)

Item no 9: Plastic scissors for cutting food (abt S$13)

Mummies out there would know the importance of a good scissors.

This particular type is very child friendly. There is no blades hence you don't have to worry about hurting your child.

Unlike conventional scissors, you each time you cut, you are actually making three cuts!

Time saving too!

Item no 10: 3 HTMI cables (abt S$8 each)

GUYS! Aren't you familiar with this? 

We bought 3 two-metre long cables.  

The price is certain lower than if you buy them locally.

I will have to test if they work. :p

Item no 11: USB drive 128GB X 2 (abt S$20 each)

If you were to buy this locally, an 8GB USB will cost minimally S$25. 

16GB USD will about S$40and so on.

MINE IS 128GB!!!!!!!

Pretty isn't it? It's in the shape of a violin!

 

This is Alp's Momo bear 128 GB USB

Item no 12: Chinese Zodiac plastic cups! (abt $1 each)

Needless to explain. It's cute and child-friendly.

The first thing Elric said when he saw the cups was, "PIG!"

Item no 13: Custom-made door plate (abt S$20)

This is a custom-made, dual side door plate

We chose the words on the plate too!

I will take some pictures once it's installed!

English

The Chinese words on the flip side carries the same meaning.
I am not really happy with the fonts printed, but I think that is really cause by miscommunication.
It's not easy to explain what we wanted when typing in Chinese. 

Item no 14: Computer chair (abt S$95 each)  

Similar to the bench, we had to fix this by ourselves. 

Still, it's completely worthwhile. 

I study chair from Ikea or V.Hive would cost at least S$150, excluding delivery.

Item no 15: Kendo Swords (abt S$5 each)

I was asked why I bought Kendo swords!

Can I just say that I like them? Just like some of you like figurines or paintings?
I like swords and I know I won't be able to import the real blades, so I got the wooden ones. 

With Elric around, even if I want to purchase license to own the blades, I won't. It's too dangerous. 

:( 

Item no 16: Night Light (abt S$10)


Got this light for Elric. Love that it has a gentle lighting.

Although plain looking, this night light is solar powered!
 Just turn it upside down to charge the solar panel.

It's cute in the way that it looks like a pot of plant when you turn it around!

Item no 17: Wooden cross wind chimes (abt S$20)

Those two keychains are freebies too!

This is how it will look like when installed! Pretty ya?

http://buy4u.peeka.sg/featured/product/365017

Item no 18: Wooden cross (abt S$14)

This cross will be installed onto my door. :) 

Sleek and simple. I like!

Item no 19: Footprint Cross (abt S$12)

As this cross is fragile, The seller/Peeka wrapped it up very nicely with Styrofoam boards and even labeled the box as fragile.
I was truly impressed by how the items were neatly boxed up.

Item no 20: Kwiyomi Coasters (abt $0.70 each) 

Drinking water is sweeter with cute coasters! HAHAHA...

Alright. I'm gonna end here. It's just 20 items but the post is already very lengthy .
As you can see, most of the goods are for my new home and for Elric.
Please don't imagine me as a crazy shopaholic. :P

I'll update you with the rest of the items SOOOOOON!

XOXO, 

Mummy Kaye