Thursday, September 27, 2018

Nufael goat's supermilk for the whole family


Yummy. More milk for baby Bing! Being fully breastfed for more than a year, he's still very big time into drinking milk. The amount that he eats and drinks can be more than an average adult. But the options are limited because he's a very picky eater. So we are always on the lookout for nutritious formula milk.

We have been trying out Nufael goat's milk for a while already. Not only is this suitable for the growing baby Bing, it's also great for the rest of the family. My pregnant self will benefit from the extra calcium and nutrition. What I consume will then be channeled to my flourishing second boy in the womb. Breastfeeding mothers can also consume this. Hubby can also use this to make his cup of coffee or tea extra delicious, as well as to provide more energy to go through a busy day.

Besides goat's milk powder, it also contains real extract of red dates, honey, raisins, manna, Arabic gum and pomegranate. A wonderful combination of vitamins and minerals to improve general well-being such as iron, omega 3 fatty acids and prebiotics. As for my fellow Muslim friends, these are important food ingredients called Makanan Sunnah. And of course it's sources are halal (because it's new, still pending Jakim approval) The goat's milk is imported from Netherlands.

As there's no added sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring, it's a healthy choice. The alkaline nature of the milk makes it suitable for those who have sensitive stomach as well. It's also easily digested in order to prevent bloating and constipation which is commonly faced in pregnancy. And many anecdotal evidence that those with allergy to cow's milk. Can consume goat's milk safely. Don't worry about any goaty smell because there's none (In fact Nufael promises 100 % refund if you find it unpalatable).

Now if you look at the packaging carefully, Nufael is actually a product of Feedmilk! Remember these lovely nursing clothes you often see on Facebook? And Femilac milk boosters?The founders undoubtedly support breastfeeding. Therefore they only recommend starting Nufael in toddlers older than 2 years old. Because no milk is better for your children before that.

Sharing our own experience trying out Nufael.

Mommy of 1.5 boys aka myself

I don't usually like milk powder because of the smell or the taste. But I do need it because breastfeeding and being pregnant means that I need a lot more nutrients to provide for both my babies and myself. I find that Nufael has a really mild flavour and it's not sweet. Loving it!

Baby Bing

A growing toddler, but he's also a picky eater. Sometimes we worry that he doesn't get enough nutrients because he only eats rice/noodles, eggs, tofu, fish/chicken on and off, sweet corns and carrots. Lol. We are so glad that he accepts Nufael milk and are hopeful that this will help to supplement his diet.

Daddy

Being a big time coffee lover, he can easily have 2-3 cups of cappuccino in a day. Besides using fresh milk, we have also started using Nufael in his coffee. And he said his coffee still tasted awesome. As there's iron in Nufael and coffee decreases iron absorption, mommy hopes that daddy will be able to get more iron from his diet.

Besides our own positive feedbacks, many other Nufael users have also enjoyed the benefit of drinking Nufael.

Some affirmed my taste about Nufael which is not goaty at all.

Others think that it's value for money and can stave off hunger.

Some also takes it to supplement calcium intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding for stronger bone and teeth.

These are the various websites for Nufael.

Facebook page : Nufael Susu Kambing HQ

Official Website

Landing Page for purchase and search for distributor

Instagram of Nufael's Founder Anys Paloma

Instagram for Nufael's HQ

Official Instagram for Nufael Susu kambing HQ

No HP 0168404932
HQ Address :
No 9, Jalan Keluli, AK7/AK, Seksyen 7, 40000, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Last but not least, if you really fall in love with Nufael and would like to become a distributor/dropship agent, please register here

Landing page for Nufael distributor

Friday, September 21, 2018

Swanicoco lipstick review x 50 Gram - Natural cosmetics safe in pregnancy



I'm so excited to receive my Swanicoco lipstick in the mail! Hailing from Korea, it has a range of natural bio cosmetics. And I'm proudly to announce that 50gram is the first to sell this in Malaysia! Being pregnant, I'm extremely careful with both what I consume and apply on the skin. Swanicoco is a cosmetic brand that I trust in this respect.

Story about Swanicoco

Swanicoco started off by creating naturally fermented soaps in Korea. They use the best medicinal herbs, boil them, and then ferment them. The company is all about good quality biotechnology research and creates products safe for everyone's use. The concept of bio fermentation is the gist of their natural products.

What is bio fermentation?

Swanicoco produces fermented cosmetics. During the fermentation process, particles become smaller. Therefore, absorption rate into the skin is much better. Fermented extracts account for 80% of Swanicoco cosmetics.

Fermentation also releases active ingredients such as antioxidants and amino acids which are the holy grail for anti ageing skincare.

The goodies I received in the mail. Juliet Red lipstick, acne clear serum, day cream with SPF50+ and ampoule. So far I also tried the day cream, it's non greasy and lightens the skin instantly. Love it!

What's the ingredients?

High quality grains, fruits, vegetables, and Korean medicinal herbs are used. These natural ingredients do not irritate the skin and is great for those who have sensitive skin like me. They also source patented ingredients from Europe, including France, which leads the global cosmetics ingredients market; as well as organically certified ingredients from the United States and Australia. All these are FDA approved!

Swanicoco does not use ingredients that are harmful to the skin such as dyes, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, steroids, alcohol, mineral oil, parabens, and benzophenones.

These make Swanicoco products safe, hypoallergenic, mild, and ideal for all skin types, as well as eco-friendly.

For the animal lovers , be rest assured that Swanicoco fully prohibits the unnecessary sacrifice of animals and have consolidated over 10 alternative methods of testing.

Besides this, there are added goodies in their cosmetics such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and protein peptides . These are essential ingredients in repairing skin and assisting in healing.

Swanicoco boasts great coverage, long-lasting effects, and UV protection.  Let's put it to test! To begin with, I got this vividly red Juliet Red lipstick! The colour is so fiery.

As I don't usually put on makeup that's too showy while I'm at work, I only applied it in a thin layer. This is the effect- a nice tint of pink that's pleasing to the eye and not too flaunting. It brightens the whole face.

Or else, one can also try applying to it's actual color. This creates a more glamourous look that is more suitable for a night's out. It will go better with a little black dress. And perhaps if my skin is fairer.

Besides providing an attractive color, this lipstick also moisturises because it contains shea butter and avocado oil. I can't wait to try out more shades and share it with everyone.

One more essential ingredient is candelilla wax which is also vegan friendly and hypoallergenic comparing to traditionally used bee wax.

Last but not least, this is why you keep reading this post. A referral link to win free lipsticks and perhaps even a free villa stay! They are also lovely enough to provide the first few buyers with the skincare sample products I took a photo of.  Get it now because this Juliet Red is a limited edition. Remember 50Gram delivers nationwide :)

A long footnote: 

More info about the skin care samples you may receive with the purchase of the lipstick

GF PURE AMPOULE  

• Contains Silk Amino Acids and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate to improve skin firmness & hydrate skin• FGF promotes healing and tissue regeneration & EGF promotes epidermal cell renewal • Improves skin texture while strengthening skin's natural barrier• Penetrates deep into skin to promote cell growth and obtain optimum hydration within 

How to use:After using toner, tear off the aluminum cap and put conical cap on the vial. Spread evenly to entire face. Follow with moisturizer.(Store in a cool area or keep in the cosmetic fridge) 

UV shield perfect sunblock cream

• A high protection facial sunscreen enriched with Camellia Sinensis(Green Tea) Leaf Water• Blended with Herbal & Botanical Extract to help soothe & moisturize skin• Contains Niacinamide & Adeosine to improve skin tone and reduce fine lines & wrinkles• Shields skin against harmful UVA+UVB with SPF50+/PA+++• Suitable for daily use & under makeup and provides intense moisture• Perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin 

How to use: Apply after basic skincare & before outdoor activities. Reapply whenever necessary. 

AC Control skin toner & emulsion 

Tea tree leaf water and various herb extracts (jojoba seed, artemisia annua, calendula, and comfrey leaf) in the AC Control Care Skintoner help to soothe irritation and protect skin from harmful environmental factors.

This Swanicoco toner also contains hydrolized algin, a submarine plant, which is chock full of mineral and fatty acids that gently exfoliates for smoother skin. Ceramide, another key ingredient, infuses the skin with long-lasting moisture that strengthens the skin’s elasticity. Living up to its name, this skintoner helps control easily irritated, sensitive skin and effectively controls sebum.

HOW TO USE:After cleansing, pump a moderate amount into the palm of your hands and gently apply evenly over your face. Pat gently to promote full absorption.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Home chemical peeling treatment featuring Derca


Can't go for regular facial treatment? No worries, now we can safely do it at home. All it needs is 15 minutes every 2-4 weeks. I have previously written about suitable facial treatment in pregnancy especially regarding safe chemical peeling. This is because breakouts and scarring and be particularly troublesome for certain expecting mothers due to hormonal changes.

I have been given the chance to try out Derca BioSculptivate AT-resurface/peel. And I'm excited to show you how well it works! My breakouts have improved significantly in the second trimester but there are still lots of blocked pores and closed comedones. And the scarring is unfortunately very visible.

Background of Derca range products

Founded by Lurinda who is a somatologist. Somatology is a study about holistic care of human health and well-being, particularly in the area of aesthetics. To know more about this field, refer to this page.


The main ingredients used in the this home peel kit are

Hydroxy acid (HA) like beta HA (salicylate) and alpha HA (glycolic acid) are found. They are very useful for exfoliation and clearing up the clogged pores as well as reducing inflammation. They have been studied and found to be safe when used on the skin in pregnancy because absorption into the blood stream is negligible.

Aloe leaf extract provides a much needed soothing effect for the acid peeled skin and hydrates the skin.


Bisabolol is an active ingredient found in chamomile. It is an anti-inflammatory that calms and soothes the skin. It also helps other active ingredients to penetrate into the skin.

Those who are interested in knowing other potential toxins to avoid in pregnancy please refer to this article on webMD.


Watch my YouTube video to see how to use this kit.


Just like conventional chemical peeling, I felt a slight sting on my face after the mask was applied. But it's much milder than my facial treatments at the clinic. It's normal to feel so because the acid used irritates the skin. After the first use, I have noticed much less acne and much easier to extract my comedones.


This home peel kit is only at RM180. It can provide 10 sessions of peeling if only used on the face (5ml), 5 if used for both face and neck (10ml). Comparing with those performed at aesthetic clinics, it's only RM18 each facial treatment! Of course the strength of the acid used in the product is less than those applied by aesthetic doctors to ensure safety. In certain cases, if the effect is less than perfect, I would advice you to head to an aesthetic clinic because some scars and severe acne needs to be managed with stronger peels and maybe laser treatment.

Official website for Derca Range
https://www.dercarange.com

Malaysian distributor Bellagio Wellness Artistry
www.bellagiowellness.com
WhatsApp 0122492488

Monday, September 3, 2018

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) food trail- dinner (part 3)

Finally gotten around to write about our adventurous dinners at Saigon!

Ramen Bar Suzuki HCMC

8/5 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
093 781 45 69

https://g.co/kgs/pCRT6k


Very flavoursome ramen with thick soup. But the flavours are heavier comparing to those in Japan. Go early to try out their limited edition ramens at only 10 servings per day.

ASIANA FOOD TOWN

tầng hầm khu B, công viên 23/9, 4 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
090 377 08 36

https://g.co/kgs/5ZK8sZ


Great for big groups because it's a big food court. Price is pretty average and taste was the more internationally acceptable.

5KU Station

29 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
090 777 54 87

https://g.co/kgs/8tZZYx


Great BBQ selection, marinated well and DIY using a cute charcoal grill! Be there early before 7pm because people literally queue for a table. But everything there was spicy, including their fried noodles.

Lý Club Saigon

143 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3930 5588

https://g.co/kgs/KyrL4f


Where we enjoyed the evening during Victor and Shin Yi's wedding dinner. Fine dining concept with fresh ingredients. Great atmosphere and children friendly too.

Ốc Oanh
534 Vĩnh Khánh, Phường 8, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 98 399 49 39

https://goo.gl/maps/rLkNi8gjeZR2


Very local seafood eatery. Will advise to come in slightly big groups because it's a fairly chaotic area. Cheap though. Eat seafood only and don't order anything else.


This is how local it gets. Everyone sits on low chairs.

Bep Me In

136/9 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
+84 28 3824 4666

https://g.co/kgs/Wj5y7V


Authentic Vietnamese dishes. Serving is not huge and their fish soup really gave a big kick of flavors. Very different from Chinese cooking. And siew mai at Saigon is not a type of dimsum! It's a flour/meat ball cooked in tomato based gravy and taken with steamed French baguette.

Saigon has such a great variety of cuisine to suit every traveler's taste buds. Hope my posts have given you some guide as to what to try out during your trip. Bon appetit!

Friday, August 24, 2018

Should one invest in maternity panties? Featuring Mamaway



Baby bumps come in all sizes and shapes. By the third or fourth month of pregnancy, the precious bump would have outgrown your usual jeans. It's always good to wear loose clothes and leave plenty of room for the growing belly and bub.

But that doesn't mean boring shapeless look! It spells shopping for more clothes that show off the awesome baby bump! Not only do you need to look good outside but it's even more than important to make your lingerie as comfortable as possible.

I have recently talked about maternity bra. 

Of course good things must come in pairs. Here you go, reasons why maternity panties are essential. Afterall, the bump starts growing from down below.

I have started wearing Mamaway Antibacterial Maternity Panties at my fourth month of pregnancy. These are the reasons why I love them.


Maternity panties are more stretchy. As the bump is growing, the first pair of panty to go will be the non elastic ones. Maternity panties can often stretch to more than double their original size so you don't have to keep buying new panties as your pregnancy progresses. The stretchability also makes it more comfortable.

As with your normal panties, it can come in medium rise or high rise varieties.

The medium rise ones sit just below the bump. And is suitable for those who still like their low rise pants. But from experience I can easily let you know that you can probably keep your low rise aside for 4-6 months.

 But the medium waist variety is also good for those who has itchy bumps and need a scratch or two on and off. This is very common and is due to stretching of the skin as the belly grows, as well as the hormonal changes. This is harmless unless if you also have yellowish skin and eyes. Then it's time to seek advice from healthcare professionals.

After delivery, one can choose the high rise variety so that it covers the caeserean scar without exposing it to irritation from the outer clothing.

Mamaway panties are made of antibacterial material called Heiq pure. It's a technique originated from Switzerland by blending pure silver into the fabric which has antibacterial properties. This prevents odour causing bacteria from colouring the panties. Exactly what I need!

Sweating a lot is also a part of pregnancy and post partum period that I really hates. Mamaway panties absorb these excessive moisture well and make me feel fresh after a whole day at work. The material is also cooling.

So mothers and mother-to-bes, take this chance to pamper yourself and get a few pairs of good maternity panties :)

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) food trail- lunch/teatime

Here comes the second part of our non ending eating trip at Saigon.

Bếp Thuần Chay - Vegan Kitchen

23B Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh, Phường 22, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3510 6698

https://g.co/kgs/fJPb94


I'm not a vegetarian and don't think I can ever manage without meat.lol. But this place is worth going. I didn't even feel like I was having all vegetables! It didn't feel like all gluten. Instead we really enjoyed the fresh produce used and the refreshing pho broth. 

Món Huế
10 Ba Tháng Hai, Phường 12, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 28 7106 6633

https://goo.gl/maps/PXLNWJqfxrC2
A fairly popular franchised eatery in Vietnam, it has everything that you absolutely must try in Vietnamese cuisine. The taste is more internationally acceptable. But I must say the lotus leaf wrapped rice was kind of undercooked and a letdown. But the entree platter was up to their usual standard . 

Most of the dishes we ordered were on this lunch menu list. Just for your reference :)


MÂM

193 Hai Ba Trung Street, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3939 3888
 https://g.co/kgs/8vVnw1


This is a more high-end restaurant. Expect the waiter to peel prawns and crack crabs for you. So the bill was automatically double at around RM50 per pax. We had stir fry pumpkin flower, bamboo beef, coconut prawn, beef stir fry noodles, seafood stir fry noodles, steamed banana cakes, smoked duck salad and chilli tofu.

Chi Hoa Vietnamese Cuisine

31A Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3827 3155
https://g.co/kgs/jexjiM


A splendid spread of stir fry pork, tofu, spring rolls and seafood fried rice (we tend to order this because baby Bing can be quite choosy). Interesting seafood hotpot with a broth that probably had bean paste added. Besides slices of fish, prawns and squid. The selection of vegetables were amazing. We still don't know how to name many of them. But we just experimented one by one and found them palatable. 


Royal Saigon Restaurant Bui Vien

201 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 96 292 17 73 


A very homey setup. Cheap lunch set- rice, stir fry, salad and soup. Great for the office workers. Must try their kebab set-juicy meat kebab, grilled vegetable kebab, spring rolls and also a cute meat kebab fried with noodle strands wrapped on the outside. Rice lovers should also try their broken rice set. And of course, the super creamy avocado smoothie. 

Tokyo Deli Restaurant

Ward 5, District 3, 425 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 5, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3818 1177
https://g.co/kgs/gatP4x

Surprisingly, Saigon has fairly authentic Japanese food. From sushi, sahimi, okonomiyaki to karatge. It's slightly heavier in flavors than what's found in Japan though.


My Banh Mi

57 Nguyễn Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000
028 3827 2145
https://g.co/kgs/7gik7f


These banh mi were more Western in flavour. No wonder their client profile is also more international than local. Nevertheless, equally charming and delicious.


Pizza 4P's Ben Thanh

8 Thủ Khoa Huân, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3622 0500

https://g.co/kgs/BPJ2pP

These were perhaps the best pizzas we have ever had out of Italy. Despite being thin crust, the base was soft and made perfect by the fresh and generous amount of toppings. One surprise ingredient was seaweed strips with Hawaiian chicken pizza.


Coffee

Trung Nguyen Café Legend

87A Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000
091 528 99 35
https://g.co/kgs/6RykgT
Drip coffee priced at 170k VND (about RM30+), it better be good. Luckily it didn't disappoint. The thickness of a single cup of coffee could easily feed a few. The aroma was so strong and irresistible.



Highlands Coffee

187 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3838 9523
https://g.co/kgs/dDL8WB

Ubiquitous branches scattered around the city, it provides a quick caffeine fix Vietnamese and Western fusion style at affordable price tags.

Phuc Long Coffee & Tea Express

325 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3822 0166

https://g.co/kgs/omzDTB

To be honest, not so much of a fan because the coffee could be thicker.

Maison Marou Saigon
169 Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bìn, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 28 7300 5010
https://goo.gl/maps/V8KJHUB6YxC2


Last but not least, chocolates! The dark chocolate drink was the thickest I gave ever tried and the place is always roasting cocoa beans. Tiramisu and rum cake were things that I could only appreciate the sight because it's a 0 alcohol policy for me the pregnant Mama. 

Hopefully that's a list long enough to fill up your whole lunch week in Saigon!

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) food trail- breakfast

Vietnam is a Haven for food lovers, even more so for Saigon. From the diverse street food culture to high end restaurants, it has something to offer to everyone. This is a list of places where we enjoyed dining so much during our one week stay.

Breakfast

Street food here is not for the faint hearted. For one, the stalls can be located in pretty eerie looking back alleys. Or try having coffee at a busy crossroad with non ending traffic and beeping of motorcycle horns. Literally risking our lives for a good cuppa.

Nevertheless they smell amazingly good and is worth trying. The common ones include

Banh Mi- motorcyclers can literally drive through and get a quick bite on the bike. A cripsy French loaf sandwiching various preserved and fresh meat as well as fresh salad.


Xoi ga man- fried chicken with glutinous rice ( the rice can come in a great variety of rainbow colors)

Assorted roast pork kebab



Hu Tieu Mi- clear soup noodles with pork. Vietnamese simply loves pork slices and pork internals ( liver, heart, intestines and sometimes curdled blood in cubes)

Bun Rieu- rice vermicelli in tomato and crab based broth with shrimp paste aka belacan, crab cakes, congealed pig's blood

This roadside stall has been cooking for the past 40 years! And it's just at the beginning of the street that our Airbnb was. 

Address
327 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen

175 Cô Giang, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
090 853 80 79
https://g.co/kgs/GNHLAH

This is a popular spot to get cheap breakfast. Dry vermicelli that goes very well with fried spring rolls and roasted pork, sprinkled with peanuts and herbs as well as salad. The special fish sauce just brings all the flavors together.


Banh Mi Hoa Ma
53 Cao Thắng, Phường 3, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.
https://goo.gl/maps/cxdKGMSoUTT2
People literally queue up at this extremely small stall and sit by the road. Because the toasted French baguette is that good. We had sunny side up egg with luncheon meat and various deli meat slices, as well as preserved radish and carrot. One has to assemble your own banh mi here. 

Vietcetera Cafe

290 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh
0126 411 4084
https://g.co/kgs/13owUr

A lovely Western/Asian fusion cafe located in the suburb. Great affogato that's so rich in flavour and the ice cream is smooth. Perfectly done scrambled egg that Bing devoured with a slice of crispy toast. The teriyaki chicken with spaghetti is sweet to taste and made fragrant by the roasted sesame seeds. 

Bánh cuốn Hải Nam

11A Cao Thắng, Phường 2, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
028 3839 3394
https://g.co/kgs/F2kPhW

Absolutely in love with the cheong fun aka rice noodle rolls that's smooth and just thick enough to contain the generous portion of minced pork and dried shrimps inside. A similar variety to the Chinese chwee kueh is also available here with the same pork and dried shrimp toppings. Not to forget the stir fry noodles that's so similar to what we can get in malaysia. The crab rolls came a bit late but were nevertheless bursting in flavours and went so well with the fresh salad and vermicelli. 

That's for our breakfast experience in Saigon. Stay tuned for our list of great lunch and dinner in Saigon! 

MISMIS: EMBRACE NATURE, NURTURE YOUR SMILE

 Good oral health is the basis of general well-being. It ensures a healthy smile. This boosts self confidence and leaves a lasting impressio...