Well, as usual, I was overreacting again. Ben, you have all the rights in the world to tell me to STFU the next time I keep harping over the same thing over and over again. 
I crept into the office super early so that I could ambush my boss and do some “damage control”. In the end, there wasn’t even any damage for me to control. -___-” I felt so loved and touched by all my bosses and seniors.
Sometimes when you’ve done something bad and someone shows you love and understanding, it makes you cry harder than if they scolded you like mad. Not that I cried, mind you. I’m just super emotional again, as per usual.
Anyway, since my brain is no longer clouded by black clouds, let me tell you about some MATERIAL stuff that makes me happy.
Skincare Love
Not really about skincare since I have no preferences, but here’s my chance to rant about taking care of your skin. These are things that I wish I knew way back when I was in high school. You know how most skincare companies tout the so-called biblical truth of “cleanse-tone-moisturise” as all you need for good skin? Well, I don’t stand by that cos I think they missed out the most important one of all – EXFOLIATE! Perhaps it can still be correct if the cleanser has exfoliating beads or something, but nothing can be quite as effective as a good exfoliating scrub at least once a week. Without exfoliation, can you imagine the build up of dead skin cells? Can you say “ew”?
Since I’m an avid reader + fan of RiceBunny, I really have to say that her tips on skin care are ace. I’ve only tried the aspirin mask and the Olay Microdermabrasion products, but they’re both really good. For the aspirin mask, I didn’t mix the aspirin with honey or any other imaginative thing. Just good ol water. The first time I used it, it stung like mad (acids), but once the mask was off, the change in the texture of my skin was humongous. It was soooooo soft, with pinkish undertones. I must’ve been a leathery hag before that!
The Olay Microdermabrasion is pretty pricey and they don’t have it in Malaysia (I got it in US last year and it was so expensive that they even locked the goods up in case and you had to get staff to take it out for you and directly to the cashier). The stuff is effective, nice smelling and easy to use. However, in terms of results, I would say that it is comparable to the aspirin mask, so why waste your $$?
So remember people, exfoliation is the BEST thing you can do for your face.
If you’re loaded with pocket change and you have a Lush shop near you, you should try their ice-cream masks as well. Super luxurious. So far, I’ve only gotten free samples with my purchases, but they are good for at least 3-4 uses. I’ve tried Mask of Magnaminty with Pauline while I was in Macau. We were at the Macau Fisherman Wharf when I bought the Lush stuff. Ice cream masks are supposed to be kept refrigerated at least within 3 hours from purchase. We both knew then and there that we couldn’t ferry the stuff back to Malaysia, so we crept into the Babylon Casino toilet and used up the mask then and there:
Yes, the mask was green in color. A woman from China came into the toilet (while we were waiting for the mask to set) and said (what I later found out), “Scared people to death!”
The mask was soothing and smelled reallllly good. After washing off, our skin felt soft and we enjoyed the cooling sensation after walking around in the sun for so many days. However, it did leave behind this rather “oily”/”filmy” feeling on my face which was rather discomfitting. The one that I *really* like is the BB Seaweed ice-cream mask that I got after Lush shopping in California. Again – it’s cooling, doesn’t smell as unpleasant as you would imagine a seaweed mask to smell like, and omg – after washing off the mask, your skin is baby bottom soft. =) Also, skin feels “tighter” due to kaolin used in the mask. Basically, a mask to use just to pamper your skin as it isn’t as intensive as others produced by Lush.
How I entertain myself when my boyfriend gets his daily fix of WoW. -___-
The only deterrent from me getting a big tub of this goodness is the refrigeration needed. 
Plus, due to the natural ingredients used, generally recommended to finish off the mask within 2 weeks time. Simon didn’t want to use the seaweed mask so I polished off as much as I could (even using the face mask as a body mask!) and even then I had to throw away 1/3 of it.
Bath Goodies Love
I’m just going on and on about Lush, aren’t I? It’s seriously one of my favorite new products to play around with. My only gripe is that I got to know about it so late in life. I’m a sucker for pretty packaging, good smells and a great write up. I love Lush’s newsletters! Way to brainwash me into buying more than I can afford. All companies should think about releasing newsletters ala Lush. Aside from that, if you’re into handmade, fresh & natural products which are not animal-tested stuff, Lush is all that and more. They have some of the wackiest combinations I’ve read on a label, but they all come together so well…
First got to know about this brand ages ago… back when I was in college / late high school. Of course, couldn’t buy anything as they don’t have Lush shops around here. The nearest would be HK, I think. Which was where I first fell in love with the stuff. I’m going to be honest here and say that I’m not blown away by everything that they stock up on, but there are some things that I’ve grown to be unable to live without.
My loot from my trip in HK :
My loot from my trip to California:
So here’s my rundown & thoughts on the products that I have used thus far:
[1] Bath Bombs It’s a fun way to infuse your bath water with yummy smelling fragrances. As Lush puts it – with the world facing a water shortage, why spoil your occasional luxurious bath by putting crappy things into it? For those expecting an explosion of sorts when you dump in the bath bomb, don’t be silly. These things just fizzle a whole lot and get a little bubbly, but that’s generally it. Kinda anti-climatic when you think about it. If you’re in it for the bubbles, try the Bubble Melts instead.
I have only tried one bath bomb so far – the Sakura Bath Bomb! It was a very pretty bath bomb, but had a very slight fragrance and the water turned a little blue but that was it. I would love to try another one next time, but at USD6+ per bath bomb, it’s a bit of an unnecessary luxury, really. Here’s the bombing experience:
For the bubble melts, I got a free Gold Star one, part of their Halloween giveaway. I didn’t get to try it as I went to Lush just a day before I went home, and there’s always such a thing as overindulging in baths. 
Simon, you have my permission to treat yourself to a gold star bubble bath if you do some gold star good deeds. 
Meanwhile I’m looking forward to trying Humango and the Sex Bath Bomb (very Tom Jones, hehe).
[2] Shower Gels Their best-sellers are supposed to be the Happy Hippy, Flying Fox and Sonic Death Monkey (I know, the names are so cute, right?). However, I wasn’t too impressed by the scents, so I went for The Olive Branch and later, Rub Rub Rub. The Olive Branch has a very mild scent, the texture is a little bit oily, but no worries, you aren’t lathering up with something you can fry nuggets in. After showering with The Olive Branch, you’ll find that your skin is much softer, always a good thing. It also has a soothing and relaxing scent, good for night showers before bed time. The Rub Rub Rub scent is not that enticing, but I love the after effects. Your entire being is refreshed after being exfoliated (my favorite activity – hah!) by the gel and perked up by the fragrance of lemon and mimosa.
Again – being honest here – based on smell alone, the Body Shop definitely beats Lush. But in terms of results, Lush wins hands down. If you want to smell sweet & perfumed, continue with Body Shop. If you want to smell refreshed, but have totally squeaky-clean and rejuvenatedskin that also feels soft and supple, I’ll go with Lush.
[3] Bottled Shampoos I have only tried one and only one so far, and it’s Rehab. I’ve currently got two bottles stocked up in my cupboard because I’m afraid that I’m going to run out of it soon. Especially when I shampoo my hair so much (every other day). The first time I tried the shampoo, it was in Macau. I was using crap shampoo in the hotel while I was in Hong Kong, and it made my hair completely fizzy, dry and damaged. Once I got to Macau and I bought Rehab, it was really like my hair went to Rehab. Just one wash after, my hair instantly went back to it’s regular self before crap-shampoo washings. I fell in love instantly.
Aside from doing wonders for your hair, it also leaves this pleasantly tingly sensation on your scalp thanks to the rosemary-mint in the shampoo.
I sniffed the rest of the shampoos and this one smells the best. The salesgirl said that Cynthia Sylvia Stout was more suitable for my hair type (which at that moment was dry, damaged and fizzy), but Rehab is kind of general and good for all types.
P.S : My boyfriend hates the smell of my shampoo though. T____T
[4] Conditioners The best Lush products ever! All the results from famous brands, but smells much better and I biasly think that it FEELS softer too. Before I started using Lush, my conditioner of choice was one from Pantene, but I really did not enjoy using it because it smelled really chemical-ly, thus making my hair smell chemical-ly too. It is also hell to rinse off.
I’m now alternating between two favorites (can’t make up my mind over which one is better) – American Cream and Retread. Retread is the more intensive conditioner (“Triple Action!” says the sales assistant) and smells a little neutral to me (reminds me of fresh vegetables at the market). American Cream is only “double strength” conditioner, but smells absolutely lovely. You can’t help sniffing at your own hair after using it. Both have lovely textures that aren’t sticky or icky to wash off. Both leave your hair shiny silky smooth and tangle free.
Love it! As usual, I sniffed around the other conditioners and I’m beginning to think that Lush can’t go wrong with their conditioners. Amazing how delicious natural ingredients like strawberries, oranges, honey, vanilla, cantaloupe, yogurt or jojoba can be used to make your hair feel so strong and soft at the same time. =)
[5] Cleansers I felt a little tricked into buying this because the one that I got – Angels on Bare Skin – was said to be “the most awesome cleanser in the world” by one user. It has to be said that it does leave your face feeling softer and is probably one of the most gentle products you would ever use. There are little bits of almond for exfoliating purposes, but it doesn’t really do the trick. Again, it leaves this slightly annoying oily / filmy feeling on your face. I’m also ridiculously demanding when it comes to cleansers because I expect it to strip off all traces of my make-up, but is still kind on the skin. So this doesn’t really do it for me. Really gentle stuff though. :\
I’m currently loving this cheapo cleanser from Clean & Clear that I double up as a cleanser and make-up remover. Supposedly everyone who wears make-up HAS TO USE MAKE-UP REMOVER but if my cleanser does the trick (it really does, even removing all traces of eyeliner), then why bother? Humm…
[6] Foot Care Again, was a little tricked into adding more onto my credit card bill because I was feeling oh-so-tired after walking all the time in Hong Kong. The minty freshness offered by the Running to the Embassy Body Butter seemed too tempting to resist. Undeniably leaves the feet feeling silky smooth, pampered and smelling strongly of mint, but how often do we need to give our feet a rub anyway? I have only used it twice since Hong Kong… what a waste. :\
[7] Dusting Powders Okay, the texture of the dusting powders will make you feel like you are slapping corn flour onto your pits, but they smell reallllllllly good. I currently have Candy Fluff, a very girly and sweet scent which also has some sparkly stuff inside for you to SHIMMER. I felt like buying Silky Underwear when I was in California, but it felt like a darn pity to get yet another box when I barely used Candy Fluff. And why I haven’t been using it? Because I keep wanting to save it for “special occasions”. -____-”
[8] Moisturizers Only bought one because I still think that for my face, Dermalogica has really good moisturizers (ie : easy to absorb, doesn’t leave sticky feeling on face, actually WORKS). For body moisturisers, I’m a fan of Nivea… cheap. What I got from Lush was Mirror Mirror Moisturizer which is for firm neck and cleavage hahaha! Yeah, now that I’ve written it out it seems so odd. I have 3 different moisturizers on me. When I first used it, I thought the fragrance was a bit strong (supposed to be 1950s French perfume), but now I’ve gotten used to it. Yes, it smells absolutely sexeh. ;P
And yes, please please please moisturize your neck. If not, you’ll see these deep lines there which are very unattractive. I saw pictures of this girl who had deeeeeeep lines on her neck, it made her look like she had some triple/quadruple chin action going on, and she’s not even fat.
In conclusion – there are loads of delightful sounding products for you to try at Lush, but my personal favorites will always be the shampoos & conditioners, shower gels and dusting powders. They also have fragrances (solid perfumes) and lip balm, but I really can’t stand the smell of their signature perfume – “Karma”. Too oriental for me. (I know, that sounds REALLY ironic). I’m dying to try their body butters, massage bars, shower jellies, soap and hair treatments (it’s like super expensive for one jar, and they recommend you finish the entire thing in 3-4 uses!). Sigh… I want to go back to Hong Kong now. I can’t believe that they even have this brand in Sri Lanka and they don’t have it here… or at the very least, Singapore.
By the way, I love how apt the name “Lush” is for this brand. It can mean bountiful, like bountiful & luxuriant reaps of vegetation / produce that goes into their products. Or it can mean “sensual” and “pleasing”, like how one will be after using their products. =)
Diet Food Love
I always have oats or some form of cereal bar that contains oats for my breakfast. Great source of fiber and way to lose weight (because it regulates your erm… bowel movements). I’m a big fan of Quaker Oats, and I usually take my oats with milk, simple, delicious and nutritious. I’ve tried some of the flavored oats in Malaysia, and they were quite simply – the yuck. The apple / strawberry flavored oats taste so artificial, why bother. You’re trying to promote healthy livin’ with oats, but then put in artificial flavoring?
I was very doubtful when my boyfriend suggested that I get some flavored oats while I was at Safeway. However, since I was dying for some fiber and he was paying for it (the latter reason was VERY convincing), I decided to just go ahead. OH MY GOD. Most delicious oats ever!
When they say “apples & cinnamon oats”, they aren’t just apple FLAVORED. There’s REAL bits of apple mixed in. It tastes like freshly cooked oats, not some artificial crap. I was instantly hooked. When I went back to US again, I got a HUGE box of Quaker oats from Costco. This actually made my carry on weigh 10kg (the limit is 7kg), zomg. But it’s worth it because now I can eat delicious oats every day at the office!
And believe me, starting your day with yummy breakfast just makes the rest of the day go by smoothly. You’ll become Superwoman / Superman at work!
Travelling Pants Love
I just read finish all 4 books in the The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants series. Best series for young female adults EVER. If you’re a girl, read it and learn to appreciate your galpals more. If you’re a guy, read it to understand female teenagers better.
You’re sure to be able to identify with Lena, Carmen, Bridget or Tibby, or a little of each of them. Reading this book made me ponder over my own friendships. I’m ashamed to say that things did not go as well as the Sisterhood. However, I hope I’ve learned my lesson. I definitely appreciate the people around me more. Glad that I have such forgiving friends, people who are willing to keep giving me chances. Glad that there were those who didn’t think that the things I did made me a completely rotten person. Glad that I have friends that loved me as much as the Sisters loved each other.
Haih, why so emo. Anyway, read the books. I’m going to continue with my Good Omens after this. By the way, remember that Pants = Love, haha. Oh yeah, I want to find the Travelling Pants movies! Anyone watched ‘em before?
Bebe Love
Actually, I didn’t buy anything from this brand this time round, so I don’t even know why I’m putting it up here. It always kills me how dollar-for-dollar, some clothes are so cheap in US, but dead expensive and supposedly “high class” in Malaysia. One GREAT example is Bebe. I really really LOVE the clothes there because they are well-made, comes in really funky colors and are feminine and utterly sexy. One top in US is about USD69-USD79. Yeah, converted, it’s pretty expensive. They’re selling the same top in Malaysia for over RM500. It’s so inflated, and not worth it.
Plus, did you know that there’s actually a Bebe Outlet store in US as well? It’s called 2b, and when I was there, I saw tonnes of “last season” (could be as recent as one season ago) stuff there going for about a quarter of the price. O_O Of course, there’s a reason why the clothes are so cheap – the sizes are a bit wonky, or the fit isn’t as gorgeous on the average sized person. There are a still lot more pretty stuff for you to go through though.
They also have buy 2 free 1 deals in the US… all making it a pretty affordable brand there. The sales assistants do not trail you like you are going to steal GOLD from them. Strangely, I found out about the new Bebe store opening in 1U when I was in the US. Was scouting the website for the nearest 2b store in San Jose (it’s in Great Mall), and then randomly did a search in Malaysia. =) Oh, what’s the point anyway, the stuff is ridiculously priced here. Can’t wait to start earning in a currency 3x of MYR.
Oh, to make myself happy, I have to announce that I got a Guess dress in US for USD20. And it’s damn nice okay! Going to wear it to Jo Wee’s wedding. 
*yay… got invited, even though I was emo and panicky when I thought I wasn’t invited*
Best Place To Eat In The US Love
Okay, I ate at this place a few times… guess where this :
Best salad that I’ve eaten, and really affordable to. About USD2.50 for this huge bowl, loads of lettuce, baby spinach leaves, cranberries, blueberries, cheese and croutons. I forgot if this was French or Italian dressing…
Huge chunk of steak with garlic mashed potatoes and mac & cheese sides.
Ooh… looks nice eh? Here’s what we had at the same place, different day:
Spagghetti with cheesy marinara sauce, with a side of spicy homemade meatballs.
Vegetable side is just broccoli and carrot stir-fry.
Frozen strawberries with pink lemonade.
Anyway the above is just “home cooking” in Simon’s house. I told you we ate in more often, didn’t I? But we always had really delish stuff because we kept buying ready-made stuff from Safeway. HAHAHA. Okay, I really think that Safeway stocks the best side dishes ever. However, the spagghetti sauce and steak was made by Simon… if you thought that the pictures above were from a restaurant then please tell him so that he can gloat. Oh, and the “homemade” meatballs are frozen “homemade” meatballs from Harry & David. That place sells the most delicious looking gourmet food… damn expensive. Damnit, why did I have to get addicted to Moose Munch? (For those who don’t know, Moose Munch is chocolate covered popcorn. Does that sound awesome or what?)
More stuff we ate at home :
This is a bad picture of Tuna Helper Cheesy Pasta, but I swear, it’s another thing that I wish I had more of. I bought one packet back to Malaysia and finished it within two days. :O
Tonnes of hot wings. I think the both of us needed 3 days altogether to polish the entire thing of.
Then again I was really sick and had very little appetite the first few days I was there… Looking at this picture, I think I could eat the whole thing by myself. O___O
Meatloaf. And unlike the one in Malaysia, it doesn’t look like a huge slab of luncheon meat when served.
Campbell’s Italian Wedding Soup. It’s alright, not something I loveeeee.
In fact I got quite sick of it when Simon forced me to drink the entire thing by myself.
I realise how much like an advertorial this post was, but I really couldn’t help talking about them because I love them so much and I’ve really been resisting for more than a year (for some of these items) because I really wanted to take that much time to try out the products. Anyway, I’ll talk about something else next time, I am really just syiok sendiri by writing all this out.
Make-up less (hence uneven skintone) but happy with Simon at Target, haha.
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