Tag Game Part 2

Thank you everyone who tagged me! I feel so loved and honored... hehe~ :)

My first tag is "Friendship Award The Best Blogger" for 2009. I got tagged by Blair, Caroline :], and Jian.
The Rules are:
1. Take your award
2. Put the logo on your post
3. Link the person who awarded you
4. Nominate at least 7 other bloggers
5. Add the links of those bloggers on yours
6. Leave a message for your nominees


The second tag is to post a picture of yourself. I got tagged by Blair. I'm going to skip this tag since I stopped posting my pictures, and I'm going to post a picture of Tobey... lol~ :X
The Rules are:
Take a picture of yourself RIGHT now. No primping or preparing. Just snap a picture. Load the picture onto your blog. Tag some people to play.


The third tag is the "Neno's Award." I got tagged by Blair.
The Rules are:
1. Paste the Award Logo in your blog
2. Give out the award to 10 Blogs that you feels the most inspired and most friendly.
3. Make sure you back linked the recipient's blogs to your blog.
4. Inform the recipients about the award by leaving them comments on their blog.
5. Give some love to the person who gave you this award.


The fourth tag is "One Lovely Blog Award." I got tagged by Caroline :].


The fifth tag is to write a letter to your 16 year old self. I got tagged by Yinnie.

Dear Aly,

There is more to life than high school. The one thing I want you to learn now is to appreciate the ones around you. There will be a day they will not be around. They will go to a better place where they will not feel pain. Now that you have the time, tell them in daily basis how much you care and love them. I know it's hard to believe and it will be tough, but tell them because you might regret it.

The future Aly


I think that's all the tags I got and who nominated me. If you nominated me or there is more tags, PLEASE tell me. I have a very short-term... hehe~ :X

I nominate EVERYONE who reads my blog. Yeah you who's reading right now to do all the tags above... hehe~ :P


I'm going to end with some of the things I got this week. I usually don't post things I got as gifts unless it's beauty related. I thought this is perfect since I've been posting headbands... hehe~ :X
My friend Katzz, who I know in real life, bought me this headband from Icing. By the way, check out her blog. She just started blogging... wheee~ ;) I thought it was so sweet of her to remember how much I wanted this headband. About a month ago or more, we checked out Icing. I couldn't decide between this or another headband. I ended up getting the other headband (click here to see the post). The sweet part is she kept reading my blog to see if I went back and bought this headband... hehe~ I was going to when it goes on sale, but it never did. Now I don't need too... yippie~
She also got me this cute necklace by Glitz. The picture doesn't do justice. It's much better in person! :)

Thank you Katzz!!! :)

My makeup buddy got me something too.
A cute bag from LeSportsac! The best part it's in blue and I love the design... hehe~
It also comes with a small bag. How cute is that! I already put my makeup in there to carry with me... hehe~ ;)

Thank you Makeup Buddy!!! :)

Seaweed Soup (mi-yuk gook)

Thank you everyone who wished me a happy birthday either early or belated!!! It was really sweet... hehe~ :)

Anyways, I made this soup long time ago. I think 2 months ago or so. I'm not too sure... lol~ :X In the Korean culture, you make this soup for health since seaweed is good for you. We eat this soup during birthdays, as well as, for someone who just came out of the hospital either from giving birth or sickness. I need to make this soon for myself. ;)

If you need some guidance with the ingredients, you can check my Korean Cooking 101. ;)

Ingredients:
water
beef
garlic
ginger
dried seaweed
1 spoonful of sesame oil
chopped garlic
salt
black pepper

Step 1:
Grab a pot and add water, beef, garlic, and ginger. Cook the broth until the beef is done. While it's cooking, the fat will float to the top. Take it out with a spoon. I'm sure you don't want to eat the fat... hehe~ ;)
Once the beef is done, let it cool and then cut it into small pieces.

Step 2:
Get a bowl and add water to the dried seaweed. Let it soak for 30 minutes maximum. If you soak the dried seaweed for too long, it will be very soft. I usually like it crunchy that's why I only soak it for 30 minutes.
Since I like my seaweed a little bit crunchier, I fry it in a pan. I squeeze out the water with my hand and cut it into smaller pieces. Once the water is squeeze out, I fry it in sesame oil and chopped garlic for about 5 minutes.
I take out the garlic and ginger from the broth. Then I add the fried seaweed and chopped beef. Cook for about 30 minutes and seasoned it to your taste. I usually just added salt and black pepper.
Now you can eat with rice and kim-chi! :)


Yesterday, I checked out this small shop owned by a Korean. I really need help... lol~ :P I bought another headband with a ribbon *sigh*!!! :X
The best part is that it only cost $1.99!!! I got such a good deal or at least I think so... hehe~
Then I checked out Forever 21. I've been wanting to get this hair pin for a month now. They finally carry it... wheee~ It's kind of funny because I wanted the blue one, but I ended up getting the cream one. I thought the cream looked better on my hair than the blue. :)


I'm also going to end this post with the last Hello Kitty doll I made or at least for some time (need to make one more for my niece who's birthday is in September).
Here's a picture of all the Hello Kitty dolls I made for my nieces (click here and here to see the first two).
These dolls are for my oldest brother's children (he has 3 daughters only). They're birthdays are in April, May, and this coming June. The only reason why they haven't received their gifts yet is because I haven't seen them yet. They're coming to visit this coming weekend which I'm excited!!!... wheee~ I hope they like it!!! :/

I tried to make different colored dresses because the dresses has buttons on the back. I thought it'll be fun if they switch the outfits or maybe that's the child in me... lol~ :P The only thing I tried to do is adjust to their favorite color with the ribbon by the ear. The two oldest like blue and the youngest like purple. Excuse me I meant lavendar or that's what she says to me... lol~ They're too cute! :)

NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme and Laneige Water Essence_EX

Sorry for the lack of updates these past days! I've been busy going to the hospital and back. I didn't think I'll be that tired but once I get home, I'm knocked out... lol~ For the people who are curious why I'm going to the hospital it's because of good news not bad. My first and probably only nephew decided to come visit earlier than expected (not bad about two weeks early)... hehe~ He looks like my brother... lol~ :X

Anyways, I wanted to review two products I've been using. During this tough winter/spring weather, my face skin has been extremely dry! Nothing was working for me (not even Clinique Moisture Surge), until these two products. Now you know what I think of them... hehe~ ;)
Product Review: NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme

Where can you purchase this: drugstores
Price: $4-7, I can't remember how much I paid for mine

Made in Mexico

Description on the back: Enjoy the soft, refreshing sensation of NIVEA Soft. As the tips of your fingers scoop out the surprisingly light, whipped texture, you will feel an incredibly soft sensation. Enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba oil, it smoothes on easily and is quickly absorbed for reshingly soft and supple skin all day long.

My thoughts: Anything that helps my dry skin during this horrible weather, I'm happy with... lol~ I think as I age each year during the winter/spring weather, it gets drier or maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. :X I've been using samples and non-stop different products, and nothing was working for me. Thank goodness for this one!!! :)
It's also very creamy and cooling to the skin. I love that feeling... hehe~

Pros:
* Moisturizes your skin even dry ones.
* Contains Jojoba oil and Vitamin E.
* Creamy texture.
* Cooling sensation.
* Smells fine.

Cons:
* Have to scoop it out with your hand.

Would I buy this again? Yes, yes, and yes! :)

Rating: 4.5/5 Tobey's Paws


I also was given a chance to try this product since a sales lady gave me samples.
Product Review: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX

Where can you purchase this: Korean beauty stores that sells Laneige products
Price: in the $30's depending on the store

Made in Korea

Description on the back: Nano liposome supplying essence that offers consistent water deeply into dry skin.

How to use: Well, the sales lady told me to use it after I moisturize my face. I've been doing it ever night after I clean my face and mositurize. You just need 3-4 drops of it.

My thoughts: It's really refreshing especially waking up in the morning with smooth, moisturized face!... wheee~ :)
This is the sample I got.

Pros:
* It's really refreshing and cooling to the skin.
* It isn't harsh on the skin.
* Moisturizes the skin.
* A little goes a long way.
* Purchase online.
* Costly.

Cons:
* Hard to find depending on where you live.
* Purchase online.
* Costly.

Would I buy this again? Yes! :)

Rating: 4.5/5 Tobey's Paws


To be honest, I wasn't going to post this because I'm not the type who goes around saying "it's my birthday or my birthday is coming up." I'm the type who believes if other people want to celebrate your birthday, they will remember... lol~ Maybe that's why a lot of my friends don't remember my birthday... lol~ :X
Anyways, the reason why I'm posting this is because I had to ask questions because I didn't know how this work (first time getting this from Sephora). I want to tell the people whose in the same shoes as I how this work.

* I was told by beauty bloggers you get an e-mail the first of the month of your birthday. That wasn't true for my case. I got it around 4th or 5th, can't remember the exact date.
* Of course, you need to be a member of the Beauty Insider. It's free at Sephora so go sign up... hehe~
* You cannot get this at the Sephora inside JCPenny. It only works at the Sephora stores and you don't need to purchase anything.
* You can get this online, but you need to purchase something.
* It's only valid 14 days around your birthday.
* You don't need to print out anything. You just give them your Beauty Insider card and they will give you their gift for your birthday.
* The lipgloss set is only for this year I believe, 2009. I believe they change every year but I could be wrong on that.

I hope that helps for people who doesn't know how this work like me... hehe~ ;)


While at the mall, I decided to check out Forever 21. I'm telling you it's the biggest mistake because I bought another headband. I swear I need to be banned from buying headbands!!! :X
I know I know and PLEASE don't remind me I have too many headbands. I know that already!... lol~ :P

credit: Walgreens, YesStyle

Mario Badescu and Looks with Majolica Marjorca

I got samples of Mario Badescu end of last year and I'm finally going to review it... lol~ I know I'm slow. :P
(T-B, L-R: Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Aloe Lotion, Apricot Super Rich Body Lotion, Summer Shine Body Lotion, Seaweed Night Cream, Strawberry Face Scrub, Frust and Vitamin A & D Hand Cream, Buttermilk Moisturizer, and Product Guide)

Product Review: Mario Badescu Skin Care

Where can you purchase this: http://mariobadescu.com

How do you get samples: I tried looking on their web page but I can't find it anymore. They have a questionnaire you answer about your skin care, and then they send you some samples to try. I'm sure if you look around, you will find it. :) Anyways with my luck, I had to answer the questionnaire three times and finally contacting them worked. :X

My thoughts: I had some good experience and average experience. Some products are definitely worth trying out and some aren't, but that's usually the case with many brands or at least for me... hehe~

Enzyme Cleansing Gel:

What the product guide says: This non-foaming, gel cleanser thoroughly removes the day's make-up, dirt, and oil without drying the skin. Papaya Extracts are exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help break down dulling build-up, leaving skin fresh and healthy.

Price: $12 for 8 oz. and $20 for 16 oz.

My thoughts: It felt weird using this cleanser because I'm use to foamy cleansers. It just felt like I was splashing water on my face... lol~ This is psychological more than anything. :P Other than feeling like it didn't wash my face, it smelled kind of waxy. Of course the smell goes away, but I didn't like the initial smell.

Aloe Lotion:

What the product guide says: Soothing Aloe and 2% alcohol make this mild astringent effective for deep cleaning combination skin. Disinfects skin's surface and removes residue that can clog pores.

Price: $15 for 8 oz., $26 for 16 oz. and $45 for 32 oz.

My thoughts: I wasn't too keen about this product when I received it, because I saw white precipation on the bottom of the container. Anything that isn't mixed in makes me a little wishy washy... hehe~ I tried it though to see if I would change my mind. Let's just say my initial reaction was right... hehe~ ;) For only 2% alcohol, it sure didn't smell that way to me.

Apricot Super Rich Body Lotion:

What the product guide says: Our delicately scented, non-greasy body lotion moisturizes dry skin and leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft while leaving behind a luscious Apricto scent.

Price: $10 for 6 oz. and $14 for 16 oz.

My thoughts: The lotion smelled delicious, very fruity which I love in moisturizers and perfumes. It's also very creamy and moisturizering to my dry skin especially during this winter months. This product was a good one! :)

Summer Shine Body Lotion:

What the product guide says: Enriched with Vitamin A, this greaseless body lotion softly shimmers to give a radiant glow while nourishing and moisturizing the skin. Reduces the appearache of dull, dry skin.

Price: $10 for 6 oz. and $22 for 16 oz.

My thoughts: This is definitely something you use in the summer not during the winter weather like I did... lol~ It wasn't moisturizing to my skin during this tough, winter weather and I was so sparkly. The bad part was everywhere I touched after using this lotion, I saw glitters... eek~ If you don't mind glitters, then this one is fine for you. It'll definitely be perfect for the night out.

Seaweed Night Cream:

What the product guide says: A non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with Vitamin A and Collagen that reduce the effects of aging. A high concentration of emollients along with Collagen help to preserve elasticity.

Price: $20 for 1 oz.

My thoughts: My initial reaction was it smelled bad. I guess you can say it smelled like seaweed... hehe~ The shocking thing was how moisturizing this product is especially during this tough, dry skin, winter weather I was having. The concept little goes a long way was definitely true for this moisturizer!!! It's also an interesting product. It felt like paste on my face instead of a creamy texture most moisturizer has.

Strawberry Face Scrub:

What the product guide says: Made with real Strawberry seeds that gently buff away flaky skin while natural AHA's breakdown dull build-up to unclog pores. It improves overall texture to the skin by revealing healthy, glowing skin while preventing blackheads.

Price: $15 for 4 oz.

My thoughts: You can see the seeds inside the scrub. I've heard great things about the strawberry seeds from whitening your teeth (grab a strawberry and brush it against your teeth) to exfoliating. I didn't noticed any exfoliating on my face, as well as, my nose pores getting smaller.

Fruit and Vitamin A & D Hand Cream:

What the product guide says: Vitamin-rich Fruit Extracts smoothes and softens skin while providing protection from harmful sun damage. Made with Orange Extract to rejuvenate dull skin.

Price: $10 for 4 oz.

My thoughts: It definitely healed my dry hand skin, but the weird thing is it didn't heal my chapped, cracked hands. Yes, my hands crack from doing the dishes. I have very weird hand skin during the winter weather... lol~ :P It felt very oily, was very creamy, and it smelled waxy.

Buttermilk Moisturizer:

What the product guide says: Lactic Acid is the rejuvenating AHA in this absorbent and soothing daily moisturizer for combination skin. Formulated with non-pore clogging Carnation Oil and Allantoin, an anti-inflammatory, botanical ingredient.

Price: $18 for 2 oz.

My thoughts: It didn't help my dry skin during this winter weather. I recommend it during the summer weather for combination to dry skin people like me. It also smelled waxy and I never seen a blue product before. I love blue (my favorite color) but not in my products... hehe~

What I recommend:
* Apricot Super Rich Body Lotion
* Seaweed Night Cream

What I don't recommend:
* Enzyme Cleansing Gel
* Aloe Lotion
* Summer Shine Body Lotion
* Strawberry Face Scrub
* Fruit and Vitamin A & D Hand Cream
* Buttermilk Moisturizer

Would I buy these again? To be honest, no. Even the ones I recommend, I think there's better products out there.

Rating: 2.5/5 Tobey's Paws


Couple of weeks ago, I posted my swap with Miracle (click here to see the post). One of the things I swapped with was a Majolica Marjorca eyeshadow palette in BR751.
Here's a picture of the palette just in case you guys can't remember... hehe~ :P When I received comments of people requesting looks with this palette, I was exstatic!!! :) The reason why I was so estatic is because I hardly have people requesting looks from me. I just assumed you guys didn't like my looks... lol~ :X Anyways, I did three looks with this palette.

Look #1:

What I used:
* UDPP
* MAC Paint Pot in Cash Flow (I put it in the Benefit container since I got a sample of it)
* Majolica Marjorca palette in BR751:
- gold color (top left) in inner, upper 2/3 and inner, bottom 1/3
- brown color (bottom left) on the outer "V", crease, and outer, bottom 2/3
* CG Sugar Rush as highlight
* L'oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black
* Smashbox Cream Eye Liner Duo in Smashing Beacon on the inner corner and inner, bottom 1/3
* CG LastBlast Luxe mascara

Look #2

What I used:
* UDPP
* NYX Jumbo Pencil in Strawberry Milk
* Majolica Marjorca palette in BR751:
- pink color (bottom right) in inner, upper 2/3 and inner, bottom 1/3
- purple color (top right) on the outer "V", crease, and outer, bottom 2/3
* CG Sugar Rush as highlight
* L'oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black
* Smashbox Cream Eye Liner Duo in Smashing Beacon on the inner corner and inner, bottom 1/3
* CG LastBlast Luxe mascara

Look #3:

What I used:
* UDPP
* MAC Paint Pot in Cash Flow (I put it in the Benefit container since I got a sample of it) in inner, upper 1/3
* NYX Jumbo Pencil in Strawberry Milk in outer, upper 2/3
* Majolica Marjorca palette in BR751:
- pink color (bottom right) in inner, upper 1/3 and inner, bottom 1/3
- gold color (top left) in outer, upper 2/3 and middle, bottom
- purple color (top right) on the crease
- brown color (bottom left) on the outer "V"and outer, bottom 1/3
* CG Sugar Rush as highlight
* L'oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black
* Smashbox Cream Eye Liner Duo in Smashing Beacon on the inner corner and inner, bottom 1/3
* CG LastBlast Luxe mascara

Thank you Miracle!!! :)

I had fun playing around with the MJ palettes... wheee~ This isn't actually my first MJ palette. I actually own two more which I never posted or mentioned about... hehe~ I bought two end of last year at Adam Beauty. I got them in BR788 and BR799.

BR788:

BR799:
I just thought I'll post about these now since I did looks with the other one... hehe~ :)

Tag Game Part 1

I got tagged by PA, EbeautyBlog.

~~~~~~~~Rules~~~~~~~~~~
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What is your current obsession?
- Taking Tobey to the dog park... lol~ I want him to socialize with other dogs, but he's a big wuss. He's still scared after going for 2 weeks straight. :/ I hope one day he will get use to it... hehe~

What are you wearing today?
- Jean and a shirt.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
- Sandwich

What would make today special?
- If my life gets better by a miracle... lol~

What would you like to learn to do?
- I wish I was more fluent in Korean.

What’s the last thing you bought?
- Gas this morning. Why is gas going up again!?!?

What are you listening to right now?
- Listening to daytime soap opera, Days of Our Lives.

What is your favorite weather?
- I love cool to rainy weather.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
- Just bettering my life.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
- She's one of the few people I got to know beyond blogging. :)

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- Anywhere, I'll just be happy having my own place... lol~

What would you like to have in your hands at right now?
- Money of course.

If you could swap lives with anyone for one day who would it be & why?
- A celebrity, I think it'll be cool to live in their life for a day. I would like to see how different it is from normal people's lives.

If you would go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
- Korea. I want to go shopping... lol~

Which language do you wanna learn?
- I've always wanted to learn Japanese.

What do you look for in a friend?
- Down-to-earth, trust worthy, and basically someone who respects me.

Who do you want to meet in person?
- I don't know. :/

What’s your favorite type of music?
- Korean at the moment. I'm really digging 2 p.m. right now especially the part that goes "Again and again..."

What’s your dream job?
- A job that makes me happy in all aspects of life.

Any favorite model?
- I don't have one because it'll make me sad to know I'm ugly compared to them... lol~ :X

If you had $100 now what would you spend on it?
- Save it to pay bills.

Things you wish you could change in the past?
- Too many to list. I try not to think of the past but try to move on.

Fashion Pet Peeve?
- I hate seeing bulge sticking out of clothes. I don't need to see butt cleavage shown because your pants is too small. :X

Do you admire anyone’s style?
- Celebrities.

Describe your personal style.
- I wear comfortable clothes.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
- Strawberry.

What’s your favorite T.V. show?
- American Idol

Do you get enough beauty sleep? yes or no? why?
- Yes, because I enjoy it too much.

If you can take away one thing that you have to go through as a woman, what would it be?
- I agree with Auntie Flow.

I'm tagging (alphabet order):
Blair
Kasumi
KC
Lily
Miracle
Rasilla
Sandy
Yinnie


Since I'm almost done with my Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover, I been wanting to get the Neutrogena for some time. I've heard good stuff about it but we'll see... hehe~
I bought it at Walgreens for $5.99 for both. I think they made a mistake at my Walgreens, but I could be wrong... hehe~ In the ad, it says BOGO sale and other Neutrogena for $5.99. I think it's suppose to be only BOGO sale. I don't know so go check out your Walgreens if you're in the need of this product. ;)


This past week I got a mail from Dove.
I got a full size deodorant, as well as, coupons for $2 off. I should say a lot of coupons... lol~ I think there's like 15 or around there.


I'm going to end with my prize I won from Masque Magazine.
I won two M2M nail polishes.
Hot Girls
Platinum Plus

Thank you Masque Magazine!!! :)