Monthly Topic #22: Do You Fix Your Mood With Food?

~Image Source: Wellness for Successful Women | Femanna~

There's a good reason you might have the urge to scarf an entire tub of ice-cream when you’re feeling down: certain foods can temporarily boost your mood. That's because your body and brain are ruled by a complex group of chemicals and hormones, many of which influence appetite, emotions and energy levels, according to research scientists. Natural fluctuations of these compounds - like those that occur during the week before your period - can make you feel anxious, annoyed or blah. Similarly, when you're upset, say because some loser guy dumps you, those feelings can trigger changes in those same body chemicals. Enter yummy food. Some research shows that certain foods - particularly high-fat goodies such as cheese, ice-cream and chocolate - stimulate your body to produce endorphins, magical mood boosters that give you an instant high. If you're anxious, for instance, you may crave carbs such as bread, potato chips, pasta and soft drinks. These contain ingredients that trigger your brain to release serotonin, which has an uplifting, yet calming effect. High-protein foods, including peanut butter, yoghurt and chicken, do the opposite: they release a chemical that pumps up mental alertness. That may explain why you're more likely to grab a handful of peanuts when you're up studying late at night. As for those cravings many girls get before their periods, there's biology behind those too.

During this time, the chemical that regulates your desire for fat surges and levels of happiness-producing serotonin are super-low. Voila! You're suddenly hungrier, and cravings for foods such as chocolates, muffins and biscuits may feel stronger than usual. That's because your body is trying to prepare for a baby, which would need lots of fatty nourishment to grow. Because these foods are so good at lifting your spirits, you get hooked on treating yourself with them. And the very next time you need a pick-me-up, you may crave those self-same snacks. But if you're chowing down when you're not hungry - and eating fattening stuff - you could pack on pounds. Plus, the food makes you feel better only for a short while; once the cake is gone, the problems or bad feelings remain. Of course, there's nothing wrong with an occasional treat if you're feeling blue. Eating only becomes a problem when you "swallow" painful feelings instead of facing them.

What's Your Food Attitude?

Answer true or false to the questions, then read on for the scoop on your gut reactions.

1. I often munch on junk to help me get through studying or work I've taken home from the office. (True / False)

2. Sometimes I find my hand at the bottom of a family-sized bag of chips, or see that I've eaten a whole packet of biscuits, and I don't know how it happened - it's like I totally zone out or something. (True / False)

3. When I get great results on an exam or kick butt at the gym, I indulge in my favorite treats. I deserve it after all the hard work! (True / False)

4. When I'm a bit down, I tend to think about or plan out what a great meal I'll have next - it really gives me something to look forward to. (True / False)

5. Whenever I have my friends over to chat, I make sure there are plenty of snacks on hand. Gossip's just not as fun without plenty of munchies! (True / False)

6. If I get into a fight with my parents or a guy breaks my heart, the first thing I do is grab a bag of sweets or an extra-large serving of French fries. (True / False)

7. In between all my stressful activities - for example, going right from work to the gym, then rushing home to clean the house and crash - I sometimes scarf something to calm myself down. (True / False)

8. When I'm depressed, I eat - even if it's my weight that's making me depressed. (True / False)

Fixing feelings with food, unfortunately, is mainly a girl thing. Many of us are taught to smile and not to complain, and we learn not to express negative feelings. Instead, we drown our sorrows in a slice of cheesecake or leftover noodles. The food comforts us, and will never think we're whiners.

So how do you break that feeding of frenzy/feelings cycle? If you're upset, before you reach for eats, find a way to vent. Try talking things through with a friend or parent, or try keeping track of your eating patterns in a diary. You may think you're bugging people by spilling your guts, but in fact, confiding in others makes them feel needed. Expressing yourself is like anything else - you get better with practice. Try to label your feelings and be direct.

It's also key to tune in to your tummy as well as your mind before you munch. Next time you find yourself marching zombie-like towards the fridge, ask yourself, "Am I really hungry?" Do this out loud, which may knock you out of that snack stupor. If the answer is no (and you've got to be honest!), there's a good chance something's bugging you, even if it's not at the front of your mind.

Try jotting down your feelings in a notebook. Once you start seeing trends in your diary (are you a total sucker for ice-cream at deadline time?), you can learn to stop eating for the wrong reasons - and find non-food ways to satisfy your emotional needs.

Cure Your Mood Munchies!

Instead of pigging out when cravings hit, try these healthy alternatives to alter your body chemistry and lift your mood even better than food.

When you're sad or depressed

You might crave: cake, biscuits, muffins Instead, try: working out - with headphones on. Both exercise and music increase levels of the same happy chemicals that these foods trigger. In fact, studies show that 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise, performed three times a week, can actually make people who are mildly depressed feel better.

When you're broken-hearted

You might crave: chocolate Instead, try: calling a funny friend or inviting your friends over to watch your favorite comedy movie. Just like eating chocolate, laughing releases endorphins, body chemicals which instantly lift our spirits. Curiously, having a good cry on a friend's shoulder can do the trick as well, since sobbing also releases endorphins.

When you're stressed, angry or anxious

You might crave: loads of pasta, noodles, bagels, pretzels, crackers, potato chips Instead, try: taking a warm bath. Carbohydrates like these encourage your brain to release serotonin, which helps to reduce the levels of the chemicals your body produces under stress. A hot soak can work the same magic by encouraging your muscles to relax. Also calming is meditation, which can convert stress hormones into feel-good endorphins. Studies also show that prayer - or just thinking good thoughts for 15 minutes - can reverse levels of stress hormones.

When you're feeling tired, blah or unable to concentrate

You might crave: jelly beans, hard candy, sugary drinks Instead, try: eating an apple, an orange, a banana or some grapes. Experts say that candy and soft drinks that are high in sugar make you tired, since they spark a sharp rise in blood-sugar levels and then make you crash. Fruit also gives you a boost, but the effects last longer thanks to nutrients and fibre, which help keep blood-sugar levels steady.

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John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Purifying Serum Giveaway [Non-Sponsored]

Hi all and welcome to the 7th giveaway on my blog~

As most of you regular readers might have noticed on most of my reviews regarding hair and scalp products, I've always have this issue with dandruff and flaky scalp and hence, I began on a journey to find that one product that actually does work not just from the first usage, but every single time as well. And luckily for my, I've found it in the form of this product called the John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Purifying Serum, which can be purchased via any Sephora outlets in Singapore.

Here's a little more information about this product that I am giving away to 1 lucky winner :D

John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Purifying Serum is a salon-grade scalp nourishing serum that uses a variety of extracts and oils to treat and soothe damaged scalp while removing excess sebum and oily buildup. This works great and a really effective treat for scalp massages and note that, right from the first time I used it, I can feel it's effectiveness firsthand. That constant itching instantly went away right as soon as my hair dried after a satisfying shower and a well-deserved scalp massage with this John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Purifying Serum.

It provides:

• clean and refreshed scalp
• better blood circulation in the scalp
• stronger, fuller and more manageable hair

It helps to:

• to alleviate scalp irritation
• bring scalp back to its natural pH
• to prevent hair loss
• stimulate hair growth

The best way to use this is to apply 2-4 drops (more if needed) to scalp, massage evenly into scalp and leave in.

It's that easy to use and it also leaves a cooling and tingling sensation on the scalp, similar to when you are using a mentholated hair shampoo. And it doesn't even feel greasy when your hair dries up and best of all, it doesn't even feel as if you have applied anything onto your scalp once you massaged it in :D

I'll just keep this part here short and sweet and skip right to the important bits needed for a giveaway. And nope, Bun & Skip + flowers are not included, unfortunately xD

Rules of the Giveaway

Note: This giveaway starts exactly at midnight on 31 October 2014 and ends on 22 November 2013 at midnight. Entries later than this stipulated date and time will be ignored. Although I might extend the deadline by another week, depending on the outcome of the entries. This giveaway is open to anyone who either be Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR) residing in Singapore or at least have a valid mailing address in Singapore. And comment on this blog post by leaving your valid Singapore mailing address so your entries can be verified by me, the human :D All steps, except for #3 (in the event you do not have a Blogger/Google+ account) are compulsory to be qualified for this blog contest/giveaway. Note that if you complete all 3 steps, you have 3 chances. If you completed only 2, then you have 2 chances to winning the prize :)

An example would be something like this (do not leave your unit number as I will be asking you for it if you are the winner and also because it's the world wide net and it's not safe):

Name: Riih Pu Niao
FB Name: Riih Pu Niao
Mailing Address: Bllk 115 Tartarus Road Singapore 670115

Copy below to paste it into the comment box :)

Name:
FB Name:
Mailing Address:

• Like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews
• Like, Share and Tag at least 1 friend who is not a fan of my page, to join the contest. You may tag as many friends as you like, as long as the comment box on my FB page allows :)
• Any entries not fulfilling the above rules will not be honored
• There will be 1 winner for this giveaway, decision is final
• Winner will be announced on the 25 November 2014 after contest ends, and will be contacted via PM on Facebook. If there is no reply within 1 week, a new winner will be picked once again
• In the event the winner has un-Like my FB page before the contest is over, it will be auto-disqualification. Hence, I will need at least a day or 2 to ensure all participants follow the rules stated, so as to be fair to everyone who joined. Note that the winner will have to submit a screenshot showing that they have Liked my page
• This is not a sponsored giveaway by John Masters Organics, I am doing this to reward readers and fans of my blog and Facebook page
• Once winner have been contacted, the earliest mailing date will be within the last week of November, presuming the previous winner is un-contactable and a new winner is picked instead. If not, once winner's mailing address has been received, item(s) will be mailed out within the week

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Monthly Topic #21: c

How do one classify virginity? Is it a matter of a few drops of blood or is it a state of mind that refuses to be corrupted? Can we claim back what's been lost? Here's a careful consideration of ongoing trends of "revirginisation" and what exactly it involves.

~Image Source: The Redwood Bark~

A Spiritual Restart

For many, the significance of virginity is far greater than a simple loss of naivety. It is a physical state of purity and moral righteousness. Following an existing but hush-hush trend, a number of women feel that virginity, both the physical and mental states, can be reclaimed and have gone to great lengths to do so.

Across cultures and countries, the concept of virginity as something scared that should be maintained till that fateful wedding night is prevalent. Not all women may subscribe to the concept and there are those who feel that in the event they do not have their virginity intact when they meet that right person, they should be allowed a 'do-over'.

The trend in seeking this sexual restart really started to kick off in the early 90s when women sought the spiritual path to reclamining their virginity. By taking a vow of abstinence till marriage, they believed that at least mentally and spiritually, they were recovering that state of purity which should only be shared with their future spouse.

Some even practised this when married with kids with certain Christian followers believing that refraining from sex after being married and having children will allow them a form of spiritual virginity.

Rewrapping a Gift

These days, plastic surgery has become more and more accessible and radical, prompting women ro consider a more extreme method of recovering their virginity. The Hymenoplasty (the surgical reconstruction of the hymen) has become a popular request for those seeking to improve the cosmetics of their vaginas.

This procedure started gaining steam amongst those who come from strict religious backgrounds and are worried that not being intact on their wedding nights will get them into serious trouble among their religious communities. To many, the lack of bloodstained sheets on the first wedding night is a case of serious shame and can even lead to a situation where their lives may be at stake. It is a popular procedure amongst the conservative communities in India and gaining notoriety with Muslim women the world over.

However, the trend isn't confined to those from morally strict or religious backgrounds. More and more women are looking into 'revirginisation' surgery as a form of enhancing the sexual experience. Married woman or women with children see this as a form of 'sprucing up' and giving their partners (and themselves) more sexual gratification. It won't come as a surprise that there are women who decide to go under the knife just to present their husbands with an anniversary gift.

A Real Deal

Whether you choose to undergo such drastic measures, for the sake of regaining something most would say isn't reclaimable, is really a question of how you view the concept of virginity itself. It can be disputed that virginity is something sacred and the whole point in its significance is that it isn't something that can be 'put together' again. However, the concept of virginity isn't as black and white as we may think it is. Perhaps it is simply a state where purity of mind and body are apparent. If so, why not recapture the essence of purity instead?

Whatever the case, we should consider how worthwhile a few drops of blood or the recreation of the mark of sexual awakening is. Is it worth it if it could save your life (in the case of girls who face the threat of honour killings should they not be virgins when they marry)? Can you put a price on recreating that first sexual experience? If there are those willing to go through mental and physical trauma for the sake of that all-encompassing concept, then perhaps we never put enough weight into the true value of virginity in the first place.

Like a Virgin?

What does revirginisation really entail? Here's the bare details on the surgery that makes you a "virgin" again.

Hymenoplasty: This is the surgical repair of the hymen (a thin layer of tissue covering the entrance of the vagina). Whilst the hymen can tear due to any number of reasons, many believed that a woman is not a virgin unless her hymen is intact. There are 2 popular types of this surgery.

Basic Hymenoplasty: The surgery involves piecing together the remnants of the original hymen to recreate it. The edges are brought together so to form a 'ring' as it was prior to the tear. It is a simple procedure that can be done under local anesthetic and with either no or minimal hospitalization.

Hymen Implant: This surgery is for hymens that cannot be restored. A biomaterial can be inserted to act as your hymen. Tissue can also be used from other parts of your body. In this case, the surgery can be done under local anesthetic and takes 1 to 2 days for recovery.

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Ma Cherie Moisture Treatment Champagne Honey Gelee Review

WHAT IS IT: Ma Cherie Moisture Treatment Champagne Honey Gelee

THE PRODUCT(S):

Ma Cherie Moisture Treatment Champagne Honey Gelee: A sweet licious hair care product which formulated with Honey Gelee that allows your fingers to glide through smooth silky hair. Moisture range leaves hair feeling soft, tame and smooth even after air dying. It is specially designed to remove frizz whilst nourishing hair. Tame Unmanageable Frizzy Hair!

It comes with a flip-top lid, making it easier to carry on should my face feels really dirty and I need it cleansed on the spot. Easy to use inside the bathroom too :D

The texture and consistency is rather similar to

Despite the product looking quick thick in the photo above, I assure you that this product spreads really well on wet hair like how normal conditioner and hair treatment products do. It's practically the same way you would use hair conditioners, just let it sit in your wet hair for at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

VERDICT: First off, the scent. it smells so heavenly with a fresh and sweet scent, akin to fresh fruits in a shower. The scent itself is actually long-lasting, and the good thing about it is that, it doesn't make you feel nauseous after a while. The initial scent dissipates and it won't be that strong, but when the wind blows or if there's a light breeze, you can catch a refreshing sweet and fruit scent that just instantly wakes up your senses.

The texture and consistency of this treatment product is actually similar to normal conditioner, with the exception that it looks a little more jelly-like. Despite the product itself looking all hard and stiff from first glance, I find that it spreads really well and decently on wet hair without any troubles or effort needed. It just glides onto wet hair although there is this really slight slick sensation on my back near my hairline. But it's easily take care of by rinsing and massaging the skin area with tap water and the slick sensation is gone, no need for shower gels at all.

What I did noticed that using this product for a few weeks is that, there's no more split ends on my hair. Funny that I still get split ends on my hair despite my hair being short now. I thought it would only happen when you have long hair and not enough nutrients are getting to the ends of the hair. Best of all, I find no curled up ends, which unfortunately always happens to my hair no matter how much I tried, for example, wearing a beanie on my head before I go to bed. And also, no flyaway stray hairs that looks like it's reaching out to E.T. too xD

And when my hair is all dry and nice, it still feel smooth to the touch and I can actually run my fingers through my hair, even while in the shower already. It washes off easily without any hint of leftover residue on my hair or scalp too. Although I did noticed a little something different with regards to the scent after my hair is all dried up. Before using this product, I took a sniff test and instantly like the scent it has. While using it in the bathroom, the scent is still consistent with the scent prior to using it. But when my hair is all dried, I noticed the scent that lingers in my hair is a little musky than before. Hmm.. My hair still smells nice though, so I'm not going to linger on this topic any longer. Most importantly, my hair must feel like virgin hair but smells like roses and flowers in the end xD

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: I seldom color my hair, mostly it's because my previous hair coloring job leaves my hair looking half black and half brown, hence the re-coloring to turn the brown back to black at least. But then, too much coloring still damages hair. But this product does it's job well and at the end of the day, my hair smells nice too.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No sample for redemption. And I don't recall seeing a travel-sized version for this product either, but then, you can still try your luck at Watsons and see if there is.

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Samples Received & Redeemed: September 2014

September just passed by, it makes you wonder how on earth did a month flew by so fast? Even though we live on a day-by-day basis, but before we even realize, October is coming soon. And when it comes to October, it's all about prepping for Halloween and getting psyched for my post-Halloween giveaway, coming up towards the end of October. But anyway, let's focus on September for now in this much awaited post.

For the month of September, I would say it's a really good month. Samples that I thought would take ages to arrive show up at least 1.5 weeks before the month ends. Although sad to say, BreadTalk as usual is just plain taking their own sweet time to follow up on some "issues". In short, BreadTalk successfully ruined 2 Singaporeans Mid-Autumn Festival due to human error. And I say human error, since I doubt BreadTalk is so advanced that they can invent a machine or a bot that knows how to send out emails. (They should just demote the human to office boy or office girl rank if he or she is so incapable of checking and re-checking emails prior to sending them out. I know nothing about the finer art of computer programming, but I at least knew that not everything is a technical glitch and that the "CC" space in email inboxes are good for hiding email addresses if you are mass-sending emails out.)

Initially, I didn't want to chase after BreadTalk, but after a serious discussion with my mother who raised the issue of responsibility and integrity. I decided to pursue BreadTalk, also partly because Yi Teng was also a victim of BreadTalk's "technical glitch". Let's face it, you make a mistake, you own up to it and settle it as soon as you humanely possibly can. It goes to show that you care for your customers. But noooo, when Yi Teng first emailed BreadTalk, they tried to shake her off with "It's a technical glitch issue". Like seriously, there has to be a someone manning the corporate email. How can a person's carelessness become a technical glitch when the person involved doesn't even know a single thing called "checking" or "proof-reading"?

Anyways, they tried to stall Yi Teng to the point where she almost gave up. And that's when I took over the "I'mma chase you and hunt you down to the ends of this planet until I get my prize". Besides, BreadTalk claimed that me and Yi Teng won, therefore they should have the courtesy of replacing the mooncakes with vouchers, without even having us nag at them. Current status? Still awaiting the marketing-in-charge dude to get back to me and Yi Teng with regards to our vouchers.

Anyhow, let's just stick to happier things such as sample collecting for the month of September. In case of any miscommunication, I can still carry on shaming BreadTalk in this space here. Hmph!

I was browsing around 7-Eleven after paying my phone and credit card bills when I chanced upon a copy of Simply Her and they had a Shokubutsu Body foam sample giveaway. The magazine wasn't even expensive in the first month and since it's only that 1 magazine I would buy just for the sake of the sample. I got a copy. I've seen Shokubutsu shower foams from when I was a teenager, but my mother disallowed me from buying a bottle because she heard from her friends what it doesn't seem to wash off thoroughly. The truth is that, it's because your skin is moisturized from the shower foam, hence it feels as if it cannot be washed off thoroughly.

This is the Shokubutsu Gentle Care Body Foam with Chamomile & Peace Leaf scent, at 40ml from the "Soothe & Rejuvenate" series :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Old issues have been recalled back, you might have to get back to Singapore Press Holdings for back/old issues and check if the samples are still available.

The Sample Store previously had a Nivea sample up for grabs, but when I tried to redeem it, it claimed that I had redeemed it before. Which I probably did and forgot about it LOL Anyways, I got a nice surprise when I received the sample despite the website not allowing me to, alongside with an additional Hada Labo sample.

• Nivea Body Intensive Moisture Serum SPF 25PA+++ @ 30ml
• Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion @ 20ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Stocks are fully redeemed.

Brand's Innershine was previously hosting a sampling giveaway for their Collagen500 Powder. I initially wanted it, but then they wanted us to follow them on Instagram and I only follow Instagram accounts that featured bentos mostly. So, yeah, I cheated and didn't follow them :/ I mean, they already asked for my personal details, like mailing address, email address and phone number and yet they still want you to follow them on Instagram. It's a bit too much though :(

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over.

My Beauty Diary has previously hosting a sampling activity for their newest and latest Mask range. It's the Aroma Series Mask, fancy that! Anyways, I requested for mine and got this in return:

• My Beauty Diary Vanilla Moisturizing Aroma Mask @ 23ml
• White Formula Super Moist Light Toner with Hyaluronic Acid @ 3ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I'm not sure if the link is still working as successful redemption meant that you cannot see whether the sample is still available for redemption unless you have another secondary FB account that has not done any sample redemption at all. But to try your luck, go over to My Beauty Diary Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MyBeautyDiarySg, Like their FB page as a fan first. Next, click on the link that says REDEEM FREE SAMPLE. Just fill in your details and wait for the sample to arrive in your mailbox :D

Went to JEM Sephora to stock up on my foundation powder, but they were sold out :( They are always sold out whenever I have to get a new foundation, why oh why? Anyway, I browsed around the hair section as I know they have one there. And stood in front of the John Masters products for a good 30 minutes. Seems too good to be true and on-the-spot product reviews I pulled from the Internet seemed to suggest that it's a product that really works, so I grabbed a stimulating shampoo and the purifying serum as well. Along the way, if you have a membership with JEM and spend at least $80 or $90 on the day itself, you can redeem a box of Organic Tea (which was redeemable from Marks & Spencers LOL).

I love to grab my noms at JEM, so it wasn't that hard to hit the required amount, along with the John Masters purchases LOL Although the M&S staff was a little, erm, excited when I told him I would like to grab the Organic Green Tea xD

• John Masters Organics Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating shampoo @ 236ml
• John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Purifying Serum @ 59ml
• Marks & Spencer Organic Pure Green Tea @ 20 teabags

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Not sure if there's anymore "minimum" spending rewards are still available on the last day of September though. You might want to check beforehand before spending.

After I had my new haircut, I was trying my hardest to maintain the bob-like look for my new haircut since I know my hair tend to have the tendency to "curl" in weird directions after I stepped out of the shower. I read about this product in a magazine and finally managed to see it after realizing I was standing in front of the wrong products at Watsons LOL

Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist @ 75ml. I have a hair dryer, but I don't have any products that I can use to protect my hair prior to blowing dry it, hence the desperate hunt for this little bottle xD

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples for redemption.

My previous Chia Seed Boosting Essence was running dangerously low and it was time to replenish my stock. Along the way, I realized that with a minimum amount of spending, I get to redeem a travel-sized product to try out. Anyway, I got:

• Clean Face Anti-Trouble Spot @ 10ml
• New Zealand Volcanic Clay Black Head Heating Gel Mask @ 50ml
• Chia Seed Boosting Essence @ 80ml

For the Gift-with-Purchase, I chose the Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask @ 30ml and got some more of the same product sample sachets. Kinda been eyeing this little gem for a while now but not sure if it's effective for me. So, I was rather glad I got to redeem this travel-sized tube to try out before getting the actual retail-sized version :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can try out the pre-opened sample bottles and tubes at any The Face Shop outlets in Singapore :D

Gerber's was hosting a sampling activity, and sometimes, I just love trying kiddie food. Simple and fuss-free, yep, I am lazy when it comes to eating too ^^; I got the Gerber Graduates Grabbers Apple, Manga & Strawberry flavour @ 120g.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Unable to find redemption link :(

Working in air-conditioned environments meant dry and easily irritable eyes. I've been longing to buy a decent brand for a while now, but I always gave up. There's just too much choices, with each one touting to be better than the previous one. Since The Sample Store has giving out this sample, I just grabbed it and give it a try first. Besides, I'm a regular sufferer of red, sore eyes and the last time it happened, I was unable to work at least 2 weeks since my eyes totally turned all red with the blood veins showing really drastically on the whites of my eyes D:

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: There are still stocks left for redemption over at The Sample Store.

John Frieda Facebook page was previously hosting a sampling activity. I redeemed a John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum @ 5ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to John Frieda Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/johnfrieda.sg, Like the page as a fan first. Next, click on the Redeem a Sample link. Simply fill up your particulars, answer some simple questions and they will mail the samples to your mailbox.

Metro Singapore was previously encouraging new signups for their membership card. As I wear out my work shoes very often, around 6-8 months before holes of varying shapes show up on the sides of my leather loafers. I decided to just get the card for discounts and privileges when I need to get a new pair of work shoes. Let's just say, I need not have to spend $300 just to get the card, it's free when I sign-up for it :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I'm not sure if the membership page is still working, but you can head on over to https://apps.facebook.com/faims_formc_a/?pid=173432955334

Vichy from L'Oreal Paris was having a sampling activity. I redeemed:

• Vichy Normaderm Tri-activ anti-imperfection hydrating care @ 1.5ml x 2 sample sachets
• Vichy Normaderm Night Detox @ 1.5ml x 2 sample sachets

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sample Redemption is over.

SilkPro Silkbath was previously hosting a sampling activity. I redeemed a SilkPro SilkBath Soothing Balance Vanilla & Blue Daisy sample sachet @ 10ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to https://uvaquawhite.typeform.com/to/txVjmP and fill in your details + a really short survery/questionnaire. Wait for the sample to arrive in your mailbox.

I was one of the lucky winners for the Laneige Birthday wish contest on FB. After a few emails confirming with Laneige on my real name, IC number and whatnots for easier identification as I'm using an online alias. Collecting my prize was a breeze. Although unfortunately, I managed to arrive really close to lunch-time, so, going up was a breeze but leaving the building was really mind-boggling. So many people in the lift!!

Here's a look at the back of the product won.

The product case actually looks like a flat pencil-box :D

Everything looks so colorful xD The scents are (from left to right):

• Soap Powdery
• Aqua Fresh
• Lavender
• Musk
• Wine
• Jasmine & Bergamot
• Mandarin

Each tube is 10ml and there's 7 different scents to it ❤❤❤

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples for redemption.

I joined and won the ezyhealth promo contest. My prize consists of:

• Vitabiotics Osteocare Calcium x 8 tablets @ 2 sample packs
• Vitabiotics Osteocare Liquid Calcium x 2 bottles @ 200ml each

Recommended servings as stated on the back.

As usual, the receptionist is a biatch. As soon as I walked into the reception area, wheezing and out-of-breath, the first words out of her month wasn't a "Are you alright?". It's a "It's lunch time, there's no one here." Like wow, aren't you a human? Isn't there another human standing in front of your face, sending a parcel to your office? <_< And she next proceeded to punctuate and end her every sentence with "Please take note of the time" repeatedly. I know I'm at least 30 minutes past the first collection time, but their place is so ulu that it's impossible to show up just seconds or even minutes before anyone goes out for lunch. It's either squeeze with the morning office crowd and reach there looking like a disheveled being or going home with the office crowd that happened to be able to leave their office before 5pm...

Besides, who the hell goes for a 2.5 hours lunch break? My lunch/dinner break is only 45 minutes. I just felt like answering her with "Please take note of your ulu location next time" every time she end her sentence with "Please take note of the time". Even if there's only 1 person in-charge of the prizes, the person-in-charge should at least delegate someone else to take over in the event of a lunch-break, isn't it?

It's always an unpleasant and unhappy experience when it comes to redeeming my prize from ezyhealth. But for the sake of trying out new calcium and health products for my weak bones and health, I'll just suck it up with the receptionist's attitude for now.. (T_T)

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: There's always new contests for different health products on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Dove was previously hosting a sampling activity for their latest and newest released hair product. I redeemed a Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-Oil Serum with Nutri-Oil Essence @ 40ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sample Redemption is over.

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Celilux Deep Sea Secret Glacial Mineral Gel Review

WHAT IS IT: Celilux Deep Sea Secret Glacial Mineral Gel

THE PRODUCT(S):

Celilux Deep Sea Secret Glacial Mineral Gel: Cellilux provides an alternative to acids and damaging chemicals that rule the world of skincare and beauty treatments. Their Glacial Mask is a truly groundbreaking treatment that provides multiple benefits in one application. Four major technological skincare methods are at work each time you use the mask. First, a specially structured water deeply penetrates your skin for intense hydration not found in any other product on the market. Second, special minerals detoxify your skin by bringing all of the impurities to its surface. Third, those same minerals actually work with your DNA, instructing your skin to activate youth-bringing processes such as collagen production. Your skin is revitalized like never before.

Finally, the mask works as an exfoliator to lift away the detritus that's been cleansed from deep within for skin that glows with the health of youth and is devoid of clogged pores. With technology that harnesses mother nature to provide a natural alternative, the Glacial Mask must be used to be believed! Cellilux contains natural catalytic molecules that are negatively charged. These negatively charged ions are able to draw positively charged bacteria and impurities lodged deep within the skin as well as neutralizing free radicals. Due to the reaction between these ions, you might experience a slight tingling sensation when the mask is applied. This sensation should fade away in a few minutes.

The product actually looks a little clumpy like clay when I first squeezed it out of the satchet itself.

And believe it or not, it actually does spread decently well despite the clumpy clay-like consistency and texture.

Here's how it looks like when applied to my face. Note that I accidentally applied on a generous layer, and for a moment, I was re-enacting the Home Alone scene when Kevin applied shaving lotion to his face, minus the scream LOL

VERDICT: The scent of this product is actually a little earthy, like good earthy. Not that deep in the volcanic weird smelly kind of earthy, mind you. The scent literally transports me to an underground glacier, although personally, I have no idea what a real underground glacier cave would look like. But I imagined it to be serene, peaceful and everywhere I touched, I instantly can grabbed a handful of glacier mud for on-the-spot mask treatment whenever I want :D

Despite the initial first look at the product itself looking so clumpy and clay-like, or should I say cement-like, I find that it's really easy to apply and it spreads evenly on my face efficiently without having to break into a sweat. It just so unfortunate it looks like clumpy cement, but the spreadability is just so awesome that I was really surprised when I tried to spread it evenly on my face the first time. The gel/mask literally glides onto your skin right as soon as you spread it out and it gives out this cooling sensation during the application process.

Immediately after applying a layer on my face (Since I accidentally applied a not so thick, but still a thick layer on my face the first time round, let's just call it "a layer on my face" for the duration of the post), I got this warming sensation. As I've used quite a generous amount on my face the first time round, it was more like a burning sensation that slowly subsides. But the 2nd time, I applied a really thin layer instead and it was actually a comfortable warming sensation. It felt as if my pores were opening up and all that gunk in my pores are being cleansed thoroughly. Oh yes, that elusive comfortable warming sensation really gives you that impression even though you might not be aware of how it's doing what it does.

Most clay masks feel pretty much the same, a warming or burning sensation when applied onto the skin. But depending on the type and how thick or thin the layer is, it can either be a really comfortable warming sensation or an intense burning sensation. So, tread with caution with applying clay masks even if the packaging never states that there will be a tingling and/or warming sensation. I've tried so many clay masks way before this blog existed that I can't name them all, I would bore everyone to death somehow. And most clay masks starts with a tingling sensation before moving onto the really heaty sensation that is close to burning. But this product when applied correctly just simply gives that warm, comfortable warming sensation that almost lulls me to sleep without me knowing.

When the mask is all dried up, it feels tight and a little wetting of the mask ensures it can get washed off much more easily than just splashing and directly trying to rinse it off. And as soon as the gel/mask is washed off, I immediately noticed that my skin looks so clean and clear. I can't say about glowing complexions as I go to bed with my head on the pillow only to wake up with the pillow resting on my face instead. God knows what happened when I was sleeping? However, I can say that facial products I applied on my face immediately after rinsing off this gel/mask, such as moisturizer for example, seems better absorbed than usual. There wasn't this oily and glossy looking skin 30 minutes after the moisturizer application. And it did help to lighten up some of my old acne scars and blemish marks too!

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Despite the hefty price tag, I think this product actually does work on the first time round. It's like having an expensive facial, but in the comfort of your own home. Definitely worth it!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I won this satchet from ilovepeppersung's Facebook giveaway some time back. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide a link to the actual website as all links kept re-directing me to a hentai page. The site probably got hacked or something as I've tried links that beauty bloggers have put up :(

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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