Sunday, August 19, 2012

Antipodes: Product Review


I have been using Antipodes after discovering it at their boutique shop at Wellington Airport two weeks ago and I am loving it!

The products that I purchased were:


Grapeseed Butter Cleanser
Ananda Antioxidant Rich Gentle Toner
Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip
Hosanna H2O Skin Plumping Serum
Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream


Grapeseed Butter Cleanser

The Grapeseed butter cleaner is my favourite product among the lot. Did not think that an oil cleanser would be able to clean my skin so thoroughly. The texture, although solid at first, becomes silky as it warms to my skin and then melts right in. After wiping it off with a warm wet face cloth (which helps exfoliate too), my skin feels supple and refreshingly clean! I love how it does not leave my skin dried out like most cleansers do. Helps that it smells like you're in a spa too!

Ananda Antioxidant Rich Gentle Toner

This product works great to calm my irritated skin. After using this for a week, I have not had any breakouts =D I have to tell you that I have the most annoying skin type. Although it is smooth and looks great in photos, it is very sensitive, and things like late nights, stress and even travelling causes it to break out. This toner has really helped minimize this :)

Hosanna H2O Skin Pumping Serum

This product is good, but for me, was nothing to call home about, which is surprising, given all the raving reviews it has received in magazines. 

Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip

Oil loves oil. Interesting concept for me. I've always stayed away from oil based products because I thought that they would make me break out. The avocado oil works great though, and only three or four drops is enough for my face. The oil keeps my skin moisturized throughout the night and I wake up with dewy and supple skin. Antipodes has made me a Face Oil convert!

Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream

A little goes a long way with the Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream. A pea-sized amount can keep my skin moisturized all day. It has a very matte feel, and does not get greasy at the end of the day. 

Final thoughts
Price-wise, I would say that Antipodes is affordable, given that my old skincare costs 3 times more. After using it for a week, the surface of my skin is stronger, calmer and I have not had a breakout yet! I love that something so natural can clean my skin so well and smell so good. Also love that it is New Zealand skincare, with ingredients sourced locally and products made here as well. Would recommend Antipodes to anyone with sensitive skin like mine :)

I'd really like to try their eye cream next! 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

 Fishermen selling fish fresh off the boat at the Wellington Harbour on Sunday Morning.. I see they need their coffee too =)




Cuba Street

My first attempt at street photography was at Cuba Street, Wellington. I have to say, people get really hostile the moment you pull your camera out! I love this photo, the expression on her face, and  the way her hair is flowing. She really grabs attention.  Glad I included the 'no entry' sign because it complements the photo in a sense that it adds to the hostility. 


Yea. That's just my 2 cents. 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Makara Beach

Some photos taken at Makara Beach near Wellington city few weeks ago.. 


It's a really rough and rugged beach.. Not to mention windy! Apparently the landscapes changes really often, so if I went there again in a few weeks I might get totally different photos!








What do you think?

David Guetta - Titanium ft. Sia

I will get through this.

Friday, March 2, 2012

I made my first bag (!) and other slightly more important things..

Being in a transition period between study and work does not have to be torturous and depressing (But I do hope it ends soon!)

I'm taking this time to learn something I always wanted to learn ie Dressmaking (yes! I have added SEWIST to my list of skills!) and also refine skills that I already have such as photography and graphic design.

I've also started volunteering at a large not-for-profit organization as an interviewer and writer! I think last year I was so caught up in school, work and the internship that I did not take enough time to serve others. Now that I am super free, I get to do it =)

See? Being a graduate is not so bad. I mean. If you don't think of the constant outflow of money from your already diminished bank account..

Friday, February 17, 2012

Hot Chocolate @ Scopa, Wellington

I might have had the best hot chocolate ever! Well, in Wellington at least.

This one has a velvety, almostttt custard like texture, and is so smooth in your mouth. Did they put egg in there? It's not too sweet at well, which makes you want more. To me it has a faint taste of coconut cream.. I hope I'm not imagining things..(I prolly am)

I have to admit, I almost ordered a second cup but didn't want my day's worth of exercise to go to waste!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

It doesn't matter what day it is


I always love Malaysian independent films.. They always manage to capture so much beauty and meaning in the unspoken. Valentine's day is not just about couples or flowers or expensive candle light dinners, it's about loving others and giving care to those who need it.



Friday, February 10, 2012

Nutella Truffles

"I don't know whether to love you or hate you for this"

"You're the devil!"

These are the kind of reactions I got for sharing my Nutella Truffles!
I guess you could call them evil, seeing that they go straight to your hips. Which reminds me, need to hit the gym tomorrow! It seems like all I do these days is exercise to stuff my face with sweets!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

While exploring Newtown,

I found the cutest little French cafe!
French Cancan in Newtown
(taken with my shitty phone camera)
Having a millefeuille (finding that hard to pronounce even though the lady told me twice!).. There were so many delicious pastries to choose from that I had a hard time deciding!

I love that this cafe is slightly hidden and it was so comfortable just to sit there by myself and enjoy some alone time. With my millefeuille. =P

Also, the fact that everything is so pink here makes me happy =D Although I wouldn't say the coffee is great, I will definitely be back to try other pastries some day =)


Monday, February 6, 2012

Miramar in film..

Miramar peninsula seems like a small island of quiet, sleepy towns, lined with cute little op shops and cafes. This photo set was a test run there using an old Olympus OM10 film camera that I just bought. It was a pretty gloomy day, and I think it shows in the photos.. Slowly getting the hang of using a film dslr, and might take it out more often to practise!




Saturday, January 28, 2012

Young's Double Chocolate Stout Brownies

With tonnes of time on my hands, I decided to try baking with alcohol. The first thing that peaked my interest was *this recipe* for Young's Double Chocolate Stout Brownies.

I'm not a huge beer drinker, but definitely do love the taste of it, and this one is like smooth, dark chocolate in a beer! =D

They turned out more like fudge brownies though. When topped with vanilla ice cream, the chocolate stout taste became clearer in contrast to the sweetness. Delish! This is definitely a recipe to keep!

I also made red wine berry pudding, and that's coming up soon!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Cure - The Last Day of Summer

Chilling to the beautiful sounds of The Cure this morning.. Feel like I can just get lost in this..

PS: Don't listen if you have tendency towards depression.

Monday, January 9, 2012

First impressions..

I have to admit, when I first moved to this neighbourhood, I was thinking "Wow. I moved from one ghetto to another."

After exploring the town a little today, I realised there are so many things to see, quirky little shops, cool cafes, and it's actually really cool! =D

Friday, January 6, 2012

Officially graduated!

I'm in a new city, about to face a new chapter in life. Can't wait! =)

Oh, and I promise, new photos and recipe, once I get my mother freaking oven to work. It smoked out my whole house the first time I turned it on!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Today I found out an old friend from high school has passed away.. R.I.P. Tshing Loong.. I remember you as the funny, friendly boy who sat beside me in class and used to tease me endlessly.. I have to admit I had a little crush on you back then.. Can't believe it has been 9 years..It's hard to believe you are gone.. My only regret is that we did not keep in touch all these years, but I know you are in a place of peace and joy now.. You will be remembered always..

Thursday, October 20, 2011

=D

My first attempt at scripting, voicing and editing an entire news clip! =)(Clicking the pic leads you to the link at C9 =))

Friday, October 7, 2011

One of the things I have been up to...

A news collage I made for the TV station I intern at, called The Week That Was =)

PS: Picture opens the video at their website!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Peach Banana Tofu Pudding!

I'm going through a tofu phase. Bear with me =P

Came up with this dessert today because I was craving peaches. The outcome was pretty delicious. Because of the natural sweetness of the banana, this dessert does not need any extra sweetener at all.

Ingredients
1 package of soft tofu (I used Morinaga, and one pack is 290g)
1 medium sized banana
1 can of peaches (in juice)
Optional: Vanilla extract (few drops)

Blend the tofu, then throw in the can of peaches and the banana. Add vanilla extract if desired. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving. Garnish with extra peach slices if you want, then nom!
Make sure you use soft tofu or else all you'll get is a grainy lump of shit. Yeap, I found out the hard way that firm tofu is better off in stir fries!

Go ahead, make yourself this healthy, easy, feel-good dessert!