Let's go on a shopping spree with Mall Dash

Shopping now is easier than ever! If you don't enjoy online shopping and still love to walk around the shopping mall, Mall Dash is definitely a great app to have.

I downloaded the MallDash app using Google Play. Within a few seconds, I logged on using my Facebook account and tada the information about 50odd shopping malls all across Malaysia is within my fingers' reach.

Even for Kuantan town itself, the East Coast Mall is listed! I can browse for all the available discounts and all the available stores with a few clicks.

What's more interesting is that I can even 'dash' to from one point of the mall to another using directions provided on the app. Great for someone like me who just can't remember my way around the place.

In the Klang valley, one can also browse through the many shopping sites to get information about opening hours, parking rates and available brands.

Planning to eat out? Many stores also have their menus included in the app so one can even plan for the dishes and budget early on.

What are you waiting for? Get your own MallDash app using my referral code AngelHo338

Sign up now to get RM25 shopping vouchers at a few outlets of your choice.

Skintelligence skincare products review- hydraderm deep cleansing emulsion and facial firming masque

Skintelligence is a US company that produces skincare products that are based on plant extracts. Now that I'm expecting our second child, the hormonal imbalance and chronic sleep deprivation has wreaked havoc causing a massive breakout. I'm hoping skintelligence will calm my irritated skin down. The two products that I'm going to share are suitable for expecting mothers and I'm going to analyse the ingredients in detail.

Skintelligence hydraderm deep cleansing emulsion

This emulsion is gentle on the skin but cleanses the skin effectively from impurities and makeup without clogging the pores. I love the hint of floral scent which also helps to soothe my nausea. The smell of lavender is not too overpowering either. It's like a daily cleansing milk that doesn't rip moisture from the skin.

The important ingredients are:

Aloe Vera

It helps to keep the skin moisturized, rejuvenates the skin and makes it smooth and firm.

Allantoin

This has anti-irritant properties, which soothe the sensitive and inflamed skin.

Chamomile Extract

This is a great anti-oxidant which brings anti ageing properties, as well as calming the skin.

Lavender Extract

Lavender has soothing benefits for the skin. These benefits help cleanse and protect the skin, while also helping to support normal skin tone and balance.

Geranium Extract
In addition to its cleansing action, geranium helps to maintain the balance between dry and oily skin, also helps to soothe skin, leaving your skin feeling invigorated.

If you squeeze your eyes, parabens are the last two ingredients that came on the list! Didn't I warn you all about paraben? So why am I using and reviewing a product with paraben?

Actually paraben is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products. There are worries about it causing cancer but there's no definite proof. Some maybe allergic to paraben so those with ezcema should be cautious about this. Having said that, Mr husband has eczema but can use Simple face wash that has paraben in it. Find out now about paraben here (in Mandarin though).

Skintelligence facial firming masque

This is a special mask and can be used once or twice per week. 12 to 15 minutes each time. A very small price and little time to pay to get clean and youthful skin. After cleansing and a warm bath to open up the pores, I massaged the masque in circular motions evenly across the face. After 5 minutes or so, the masque dried up and the whole face felt tighten.

Remember not to talk or smile during this time. It rinsed off easily with water. Unlike other masque which needs to be peeled off (and it's messy because it doesn't come off in a piece). My face instantly felt firmer and soother after a single use. It even removed my blackheads.

Most of the ingredients are similar to the cleansing emulsion.

Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract

Rich in enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and natural plant compounds, aloe vera keeps the skin moisturized, soothes and rejuvenates the skin.

Geranium Extract

Geranium cleanses and helps to maintain the balance between dry and oily skin. Geranium extract also helps to soothe irritated skin leaving your skin feeling invigorated.

Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

Lavender extracts are good sources of antioxidant phenolic acids and flavonoids that soothes the skin. These maintain normal skin tone and balance.

Humulus lupulus (Hops) Extract

Hops extracts contain a number of flavonoid antioxidant compounds including xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, quercetin, and rutin. These support the skin’s extracellular matrix, thus maintaining the skin’s natural firmness and elasticity.

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract

Acts as a soothing, skin-conditioning agent. It also helps to maintain the skin’s normal oil balance.

Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract

Witch hazel is a natural cleansing agent that helps to sanitize and invigorate your skin. Additionally, witch hazel can help support the skin’s natural barrier function to keep the skin hydrated.

Those interested in purchasing these product please get it from here. New customers can get great discounts using code 20OFFMA by 31 July.

Pentaxyl the stretch mark and wrinkle buster

I'm quite lucky that I recovered fast from my first pregnancy. I was walking around like a normal person a few days after delivery. I didn't have pain at all after the second degree tear. And I was busy bringing baby Bing to and from his checkup/hospitalisation for jaundice. All these exercise made my baby belly disappeared within a month. Not even a single stretch mark!

This time round I'm not so confident about this anymore. Starting to show my baby belly at 9 weeks of pregnancy, I'm already looking more plump and some could spot it easily. I'm happy to be able to try Pentaxyl to prevent the formation of stretch marks.

Pentaxyl

Pentaxyl has harnessed the age-fighting power of "bio-peptide" technology, with three age-fighting bio-peptides (1) Pamitoyl-Pentapeptide-3 (Matrixyl) (2) Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (3) Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline). Peptides are building blocks of proteins that make up plants and animals. And this product is FDA approved. 

The main ingredients

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 is a unique blend of three amino acids reported to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead and eyes caused by facial expression muscles

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide 

Palmitoyl oligopeptide, a fragment of collagen, can promote normal collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans production in the skin, providing the skin with a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.

Bearberry Extracts 

Bearberry contains arbutin. These ingredients are responsible for the ability of Bearberry extracts to brighten the skin and help maintain healthy skin coloration.

Licorice 

Promotes brightening of the skin to reduce the appearance of blotchy skin and hyper-pigmentation. It also helps soothe dry and irritated skin.

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant that helps to maintain healthy collagen in your skin and protect your skin from free radicals, giving your skin a supple, healthy and more youthful appearance.

Vitamin C & E

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is essential for maintaining the skin’s natural collagen. 

Matrixyl® 

Matrixyl is the trademark name for palmitoyl pentapeptide-3. This breakthrough ingredient supports healthy collagen in the skin. Matrixyl becomes even more effective when combined with other peptides.

This is a short video of me applying Pentaxyl on my belly. It's not oily nor greasy. It also doesn't have any smell and become absorbed easily onto the skin. One can start applying as soon as the belly starts showing until the end or pregnancy to prevent stretch mark from forming. 

Besides stretch marks, Pentaxyl can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It needs to be applied around the bony part of the eye instead of just around the eyes. 

Hailing from the US, there are a lot more testimonies across the web about Pentaxyl. Feel free to read.

https://blog.unfranchise.com/blog/did-you-know-all-about-pentaxyl
http://infotouchonline.blogspot.my/2014/12/pentaxyl.html
https://stenoodie.com/2015/05/06/product-review-pentaxyl/

Get it at 
https://bit.ly/2ISCRz1

Quote 20OFFMA for discount until 31/7/18

Star city street kopitiam Kuantan food review

The weather had been so incredibly hot that people look for air conditioned dining areas. There are so many choices around my part of the town and Star City Street Kopitiam is definitely one of the top choices. The first branch was of course opened in Star City along Jalan Beserah but the new branch just opened in the past year.

Star City Street Kopitiam
Opens 10am to 10pm daily
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/starcitykopitiambranch/
A137, GF, Bangunan Sri Prima, Jalan Abdul Aziz

Terengganu mini bun

Imported from Terengganu, these mini buns are baked with so much butter that it's fragrant and soft and the same time. Dipped in peanut butter or Kaya, it's an appetizing snack. We highly recommend this.

Prawn dumpling

I have not noticed their dim sum selections before this. Because there are 400 over choices in the menu! But this proves to be a good choice as the skin of the dumpling is just the right thickness and the prawns fresh.

Black pepper beef rice

This is one of the favorite dishes, especially the Malay patrons. We love how the black pepper is not too overpowering but just enough to cover the aftertaste of the beef which some don't like. The portion is generous with enough beef slices to feed two even. The beef is also tender and not chewy.

Kopitiam tomyum seafood soup

Being another popular dish, especially among the ladies, we have to give it a try. The Tom Yum here is mild to taste and not too spicy. One can choose from noodles, meehoon and rice noodles. The portion is equally generous. The ingredients includes squid, prawns, enoki mushrooms，fishball and fish cake.

Kid's meal

Spaghetti carbonara set

Even though it's advertised as such, it can easily feed an adult! The carbonara is so creamy and the sauce is thick, just the way I like it. Sprinkled with some black pepper corns, cooked with chicken ham and mushroom. This is definitely children's favorite. The sides are french fries, salad with cherry tomato, as well as finger food like sausage and chicken nugget. Not to forget the popular yakult drink.

Honey Mint Lemonade

As I haven't been feeling so well, this drink provides a great refreshing taste that relieves nausea and giddiness. The taste is heavier on the honey side with a hint of lemon and a free sprigs of mint that is bursting in flavor when bitten.

Signature Mango Milk

Being a huge fan of mango, Mr husband will grab any chances at trying out a mango beverage. This is a mango slushie with added pearls. We love how the mango tasted like real mango not just cordial.

The conclusion is 7.5/10! There are so many other dishes to try from that you will definitely see us posting about them from time to time. 

Nivea Pearl White cleanser review

Nivea is such a household name and one of my favorite skincare range since my teenage years. From cleanser, moisturizer to deodorant, I have tried so many of their products. And I'm glad to introduce you all to the Nivea Pearl White cleansers. There are two cleansers that I have tried. Nivea Pearl White caring whip facial cleanser and super mousse facial cleanser.

What's common between the two cleansers are the use of pearl extract. Pearl has been used in Asia for centuries in skincare products. It's touted to be the panacea to many skin problems that some ladies even add pearl powder into their beverage. Not only is it a strong antioxidant, it also brightens complexion, fades uneven pigmentation, lightens acne scar and treats acne. The polyacrylic acid found in pearls nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Read more about pearl here.


Photo from annmariegianni.com

Reading between the fine lines revealed another crucial ingredient used in this cleanser- glycyrrhiza glabra root extract aka liquorice. Glabridin helps to diminish the appearance of under eye circles and uneven pigmentation. Licochalcone, on the other hand, maintains the oil balance on our skin.

Pearl White caring whip facial cleanser

This is in the form of the usual foaming cream cleanser. So I shouldn't need to explain how to use it. Troubled by my recent acne breakout (the reason I'll let you all know in due time), I'm looking for something exactly like this. Containing 0% alcohol, it cleanses effectively and fast while moisturizing the skin. Am hoping to show you all results of my clear skin soon!

Pearl White super mousse facial cleanser

Watch my short video at the end about how to use the mousse. Love how soft and fluffy it felt on my skin. I actually put the mousse to some test because it's stated to be able to deeply cleanse even makeup residues with micro cottony rich foam. The dense foam is all what's counts!

Even after applying layers of eyeliner, brow pencil and lipstick onto the back of my hand, the mousse cleared it off effectively in less than a minute. And it's also suitable for those with eczema because it contains no alcohol, soap, colorants, mineral oil, silicon or paraben.

And what's more! It doesn't have a hefty price tag. So I can go away and introduce this to all my friends and tell them that good skincare doesn't have to be expensive.

Eatea Thai Malaysia fusion cafe Kuantan food review

This is our second time doing food review at Eatea. Love how much the owner adapt these delicious Thai food into Malaysian style. Sam is a foodie himself who is very much into Thai food. So he decides to bring it near him and everyone else in kuantan. Read my previous review here.


EATEA cafe
B1679 Lorong Air Putih 2 kuantan
0122021994
Opens daily 11.30am to 10pm
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/eatea.kuantan/

This time round Sam also extended the invitation to Jack Chan, my colleague and fellow blogger at http://www.wljack.com/
So glad to have him on board!

And we were there to witness the unveiling of the new luxurious seafood platter! At the NP price of RM118, the introductory price is only RM99 now. And you hear me, June birthday boy/girl gets another 10% off!

Seafood platter

Tada, the glorious seafood platter. It's a selection of fresh mini lobsters, squid, clams, mussels, bamboo clams, homemade fishballs, half boiled eggs, braised eggplants and rice noodles all placed elegantly on this lovely platter cooked in the sauce of your choice.

The classic pee sat (Thai laksa) has this soury flavor stemming from the freshly preserved asam juice, as well as the slight spiciness from the chilli. Sam told us that the Thai asam is 5 times more pricey than our local asam because it's so fresh and minimally processed. It's very appetizing and really brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood well. Besides that, one can also choose the popular Tom Yum flavor.

Thai fish- sweet and sour

The other great dish to try is their fish. Instead of the widely available steam fish with lime and garlic (Pla Neung Manao), Eatea serves this grouper fish fried into golden crispiness then cooked in this sweet and sour sauce (which leans more on the sour side) with cauliflower, carrot, cabbage and long beans. Even though the whole dish looks so orangey, it's only mildly hot to taste.


Kung Pao Chicken wings

Chicken drummets marinated in this sticky caramel sauce that's sweet in flavor. Stir fried in spring onion and onions, it's different from the usual Kung Pao which has a lot of dried chilli.

Fried kangkung/water spinach

Kangkung is one of Thai favorite vegetables. Instead of the classic kangkung belacan, this is simply kangkung stir fried over high heat with garlic and chilli called 'Fai Daeng'. This leaves the vegetables still crunchy and fresh infused with the fragrance of garlic.

For baby Bing, we ordered a rice noodle cooked in clear soup. The soup is sweet and made of radish, one of my favorite soup! Combined with springy fish balls, fish cake and iceberg lettuce, baby Bing easily ate half of the bowl. But I prefer to add in the chilli flakes provided for an extra punch.

The list of Thai beverage here is fairly comprehensive. It's also very colorful and suits the sweet tooth. Most of the beverages are added with evaporated milk and condensed milk.

Nom Keaw- This drink has a fruity taste similar to melon juice.

Nom Yean (Thai Bandung)- It tastes just like our syrup drink, only that it's sweetened by honey!

Cha Yan (Thai milk tea)- besides the obvious taste of black tea, Thai milk tea has its own unique fragrant smell that really is hard to describe so I suggest you to try it out!

3 layer Cha Keaw (Green tea)- besides the really strong kick of green tea, it also has a hint of Jasmine. Be rest assured that only actual Gula Melaka/palm sugar is used at Eatea.

3 layer Cha Yan- I would say this is our favorite. Concentrated milk tea with the fragrance of palm sugar well infused throughout. Just our cup of tea!

This video summed up our dining experience. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more updates about great food and products!

We rate our dining experience at Eatea 8/10! Can't wait to try their Thai Western menu soon.

辣妹子湘菜馆Kuantan food review

Fancy for something really spicy and Chinese? Now one can have it in kuantan! It's been opened for quite some time but we just have gotten the chance to try it out.

辣妹子湘菜馆
10, Lorong Air Putih 54, Taman Indera, 25300 Kuantan
Opens daily 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm
Phone number 0 11-1581 7777
https://www.facebook.com/lameizi.ktn/

Love how grand the restaurant is decorated as. Walking through the heavy wooden door into a stately interior.

As there were 7 of us, we went for both steamboat  and a la carte dishes. Even though the sitting is air-conditioned, we can still feel the heat of the steamboat.

As usual we went for half a pot of clear soup and half spicy soup. The clear soup is sweet to taste and full of the fragrance of Chinese herbs such as Dang Gui. The spicy soup, on the other hand, is really fiery with lots of Sze Chuan pepper, dried chilli and chilli oil. Not for the faint hearted.

There's a wide range of raw ingredients available for the steamboat. We order Xiao Bai Cai, oyster mushroom, tofu, bean curd skin, chicken cubes, prawns, thin pork belly slices, quail eggs, Chinese noodles and chive pork dumplings.

Pork belly slices should be held by chopsticks and briefly blanched in the soup so that it's just cooked in the center.

These dumplings are indeed full of ingredients with thin skin. Chive is unique as it's an acquired taste but it goes really really well with pork and dumplings.

Bean curd skin that actually looks like noodles. It differs much with the local bean curd skin which is either in huge flat pieces or fried to create the extra crisp and texture.

Our extra orders include this spicy chicken 辣子鸡。The free-range chicken is deep fried until it's slightly hard and crispy. It's then stir fried with lots of dried chilli cut into small cubes, Szechuan pepper and peanuts. It requires a lot of runny nose to finish the dish :p

Brinjal pot. Eggplants always taste better cooked in lots of oil with a touch of chili. The chef also adds a generous amount of garlic mince and spring onions together to create this pot of goodness in thickened broth.

Our verdict is 7.5/10! Price is fairly average but taste and quality of food is fairly good. Just the we do not really endorse the behavior of one elderly lady whom we believe is either the owner or major shareholder because she can be quite intrusive and kind of destroy the mood.