Penned Down #25: His 33rd Birthdate

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

My days have been quite frantic albeit I am just a staying-at-home wife. Well I had three job interviews in a day and other butt-in stuffs earlier this week which explains a slight negligence in my blog recently. However life goes on, so I'm just gonna do some short-ramblings if you must read this.

Today marks The Hubster's 33rd so yeah, he turns another year older but wiser (yeah, right)! Frankly I did forget to wish him until this afternoon. Not quite myself to forget such important dates so to lessen the guilty feeling, I whipped up an almond chocolate cake (see the recipe here) for his birthday treat this evening.

Unfortunately I did over-beat the meringue so my cake turned out quite flat like brownies. Pfft! So peeps, always remember not to mess up when dealing with meringue batter. Still I forced The Hubster to eat a quarter from his whole deflated cake which of course he could not object at all. Teehee!

To sum up about my birthday boy, one huge thing I always feel grateful to Allah SWT that he is the kind of guy who goes for extra miles just to make me happy. Well of course it comes together with periodically mood swings but hey, I am not complaining. He is the jewel to my plain ring. Bahaha!

'The Hubster before he went out for Charity Run last year (which explained those new shoes worn inside the house). I had to snap this pic at very early morning, though'

Happy Birthday, my Birthday Boy! XOXO

Faith Friday #7: Surah Al-Hujurat [49:12]

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

'Original Photo Courtesy of GrumpyCats.com'

“O you who have attained to faith! Avoid most guesswork (about one another) - for behold, some of (such) guesswork is (in itself) a sin; and do not spy upon one another, and neither allow yourselves to speak ill of one another behind your backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would loathe it! And be conscious of God. Verily, God is an acceptor of repentance, a dispenser of grace!” Surah Al-Hujurat [49:12]

Another beautiful reminder for us, people!

Penned Down #24: The Ugly Duckling

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

If you browse through my family photo albums, you would definitely see that I am the only daughter who was born with slightly darker skin color tone compared to my other sisters. I don't know why but I guess that's what we mean for diversity in human creations. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself just so to calm my aching heart. Phew.

Still, I could not help but wonder why my other sisters were born fairer than me. When I was at child's age, I always bothered Mom with never-ending questions; which of course included of this one.

"Why am I having dark skin tone than them (sisters)" 

 or maybe this,

"Why I was not born fairer like them (sisters)?"

And Mom would go like, 

"It's okay. You were born darker than them (sisters) because you follow my trait".

 

I swear she would come out with the same relieving line for as often as I could remember. As a child myself, I was quite pleased to have heard Mom's answer. I mean, what kind of little girls who do not wish to partner-up with their mothers in the family? It was more like, 'I am on Mom's team, mind you'. Pfft. So that's what I keep bearing in mind for quite some times.

'Yours Truly with much fairer Annie'

Remember the famous story by Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling? I did really growing up with a thought that I would be having the ugly duckling syndrome. At school, I knew I was not that pretty so I had to rely solely upon my personality and brain (for exactly) just because they were all I could afford to have for being unattractive. Well, what a misleading thought at that time. 

I was kinda nerdy in school, anyway. Just when I finished up my high school, I started to dress up and concentrate on more pleasant image. I knew I was not amongst the hot girls so I took hold of my own social life. I did not wait for guys to ask me out like my other friends. So that explains why most of the guys I dated were good-looking included The Hubster. Bahaha! (Okay, kidding).

I always knew what I wanted and I would go to the extends needed as long as it was not immoral. What happens now is that strong will I once hold had lost in between times. I had somehow turned lazy in dressing up or paid attention to what I put on my face. Well yes, being overweight and acne-prone are contributing factors but hey, I hate to be a typical married lady who cares only house chores but herself.

I love The Hubster, and I know he loves me just the way I am. But I refuse to turn into a different person compared to whom he met five years ago. I guess I should relive back the ugly duckling syndrome all over again so I can overcome the unattractive duckling traits now. Only this time I am doing it to regain my once strong-will headed and a bit of my daring confidence which I missed terribly. Let's hope.

Anyone could really turn into a beautiful swan, people!

Penned Down #23: A Skewed View

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

It has been a while since I last penned down a thought. I guess I got too worked up about my skin concern and those reviews lately, hence I was all consumed by just that for the last few weeks. Well everything needs some little time so I hope my skin is, too. I also heard that time heals almost everything thus I am gonna let it heals my skin from now. Teehee.

Peeps, there is simply one thing I want to point out here; which is, do not judge. You might have heard the phrase of 'Do not judge something you do not know' but to me, do not ever judge anything or anyone which either you do not know or you know of. So let's say you claim to know the person or situation very well, but still your view is limited by your own perception.

It is a skewed view anyway. And it is pretty unfair to anyone if I must say. Judging is one of the shallowest ideas that you are superior to another. Truly, only God knows who is superior and who isn't. And who are we to put our judgmental scores on other people when we ourselves are the sinned, humble servants to Allah SWT. Are we brave enough to say that we belong to sin-free groups of people, then?

When we are judging somebody, we are simply judging them based upon what is easy for us and what is difficult for them. We judge based on our perception solely thus it causing us to get a skewed view instead. Every story has its two sides so we might not know the other story involved. This habit of guesswork about another is just pathetic. No?

'Yours Truly with one of our old cars'

Well yes, I used to judge people in all my life and how I regret about it now. Here's a story for example. When I was younger, I used to hear other people despised this one guy for being a bad son to his parents. These people claimed that he did a lot of wrongdoings to his parents and he preferred his wife more than his mom. So then I too, started to despise him and his wife based on what I had listened.

Today, I noticed only one major thing about him. He, who was claimed to be ungrateful (and all that bad traits for a son) is now the one who brings take-away meals for his parents in between his working's lunch hour almost everyday. I am not sure if other people could have seen that but to have judged him based on what I was fed with is simply humiliating. I myself feel ashamed.

Do you notice that when we judge people, we tend to determine ourselves of who deserve our respect and who don't? We simply put our judgment for this or that person is sinned based on the surface evidence but what we don’t see is their efforts to repent. Who allows us to look down on somebody who sinned when we are no different to them? We are also amongst the sinners. Astaghfirullahalazim.

 

When we judge, we ignore our own faults. For if we acknowledged our sins and truly repented for them, we would be silent when another person is mentioned unless it is to say a good thing. And to speak ill behind someone's back is way too shame. We have no idea what their journey is all about. What goes around comes around. Today we blindly judge somebody, later it will be us who get judged.

So I was told that life is karma, people!

Reviews From Heart #3: MooGoo's Acne Cleansing Cream

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. Everything is based on my honest and personal experience in using the reviewed product with no influences of any third party. Opinion may change from time to time depending on future event.

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

Do you remember how I was in euphoria to have found out MooGoo for my ever so sensitive skin? I really thought I have finally met the Holy Grail for my troubled skin (like, really really). But to my disappointment, my skin has managed to disagree as it always does. It seems like my skin is happy with every other MooGoo's product except the Acne Cleansing Cream. And the most sad part here? Acne is my major skin problem, Mr Moo. Sigh.

'Presenting; MooGoo's Acne Cleansing Cream. Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What it Claims (taken from website):

Almost all Acne Creams use Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach. This is why hair will bleach to an orange colour when in contact with most Acne creams. Bleaches are cheap but not the first choice in keeping skin looking young and healthy. Acne is usually around for a short time, but the skin on our face is forever. So we need to take care of it.

Acne has a number of causes, including sebum (skin's oil) becoming rancid as well as bacteria on the skin. This is why an effective cleansing cream, that targets both contributors to Acne using natural ingredients is so much better than bleach in our opinion. That is why we set to work trying to find a solution that was good for the skin.

MooGoo's Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser takes a new approach. It is a cleansing cream that also works as a leave on moisturiser.  This keeps skin healthy and young looking by using a high quality natural cream packed full of anti-oxidants, rather than chemicals. Other parts of the formulation help prevent excess oils on the skin becoming rancid which can be a cause of Acne as well as cleanse the skin of bacteria.

Here's to the No Gimmick Ingredient (taken from website):

  

Water (Purified), Squalene (Olive), Cetearyl Alcohol, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Standardized Green Tea ECGC), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut), Dimethyl sulfone (MSM Organic Sulphur), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60 (Food Grade Emulsifier), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Japanese Knotweed), Piroctone Olamine, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Allantoin (Comfrey Extract), Whey Protein, Coconut Acid, Palm Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Stabilised Vitamin C), Tocopheol (Natural Vitamin E), Citric Acid (Fruit Based pH Balancer), Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract. 

'Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What I Personally Think:

After experiencing pretty good results with previous MooGoo's MSM Soothing Cream and Milk Wash, I was pretty confident to try its Acne Cleansing Cream which was raved on by lots of beauty bloggers. One thing I was sure; this cream might at least does the same justice to my sensitive skin just like the other two previous products. So I bought with a happy-singing-heart and tried it on undoubtedly.

The first morning after I left applied it overnight, I could definitely see most of new pustules were greatly reduced and some were gone! I was beaming with joy as I thought, I finally got to control my acne issue right now.

So I went on with the cream until the third morning when I suddenly spotted new cystic acne along with rashes all over my forehead and both cheeks. I bit my lip in vexation. Well yeah, my skin was rejecting all over again. Just like what it has done with the rest, which are idling under my bed now.

So you see, this cream really wowed me at first just like what it claimed to be. It is just that my skin is super sensitive as always; rejecting almost everything albeit the product is as mild as for a baby. I do really want to love this Acne Cleansing Cream but I guess this cream is just not meant for me but other people. Sorry MooGoo, but I really love your other products. Teehee.

• Texture & Smell: Pale brownish and rich creamy liquid with typical makeup foundation smell. 
• Absorption Level: Pretty good.
• Moisturizing Level: Pretty good.
• Greasiness Level: Minimal.
• Irritation Level: Above average. It caused my skin to break out in rashes; for my case.
• Visible Result: Pustules are greatly reduced. Skin feels much hydrated than usual.
• Acne Reduction: Yes. But later it caused new cystic acne; for my case.
• Overuse Effect: Might cause more irritation; for my case.
• Retail Price: RM69.00
• Content: 75g
• Where To Purchase: All leading pharmacies (Watsons, Caring etc.)
• Online Purchase: Available Here 
• Repeat Purchase: Will consider.
• Rating: ★★☆☆☆

MooGoo is still the safest choice for sensitive skin, people!

Faith Friday #6: Surah Al-Ankaboot [29:2-3]

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

'Original Photo Courtesy of GrumpyCats.com'

"Do men think that they will be left alone saying, 'We believe', and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false." Surah Al-Ankaboot [29:2-3]

Another beautiful reminder for us, people!

Reviews From Heart #2: MooGoo's MSM Soothing Cream

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. Everything is based on my honest and personal experience in using the reviewed product with no influences of any third party. Opinion may change from time to time depending on future event.

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

As you have been promised, this is another review for MooGoo which I am so delighted to do it anyway! First thing first, I shall list out my skin conditions here so you will understand that I am doing this review based on my own skin tolerance level. Mine is combination skin type: with super sensitive skin and high intolerance to almost everything related to chemical based ingredients. So let the review begins.

'Presenting; MooGoo's MSM Soothing Cream. Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What it Claims (taken from website):

This cream is made using the moisturizing base of our Full Cream with the addition 10% MSM (Organic Sulfur) and the removal of Milk Protein. This is the maximum amount of MSM we could add to the cream. Just mention MSM and watch the Naturopaths go nuts about its skin calming properties. 

The cream uses Sweet Almond Oil which is one of the best moisturizing oils for irritated skin due to its essential fatty acid profile. The cream is also fully loaded with other natural skin healing ingredients. These include Allantoin (Comfrey Root Active), Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Honey.

This soothing moisturizer is intended to calm irritated skin and help return it to a healthy condition. MSM is a natural organosulphur suitable for children and adults and is used for its inflammation reducing properties. MSM has also proved to be a great skin softener and used in anti-aging preparations. The cream is paraffin free.

Here's to the No Gimmick Ingredient (taken from website):

Water (Purified), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Squalene (Olive), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM or Organic Sulfur), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Allantoin, Piroctone Olamine, Polysorbate 60 (Food Grade Emulsifier), Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract. 

'Also available in 270g jar with extra RM40.00 added. Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What I Personally Think:

This is the second product I have bought under MooGoo brand and I am loving it, like a lot! I was actually eying more on its famous Acne Cleansing Cream but then I thought I should first sooth my irritated skin before applying anything on. 

I once read that its Full Cream is great for its high soothing properties for troubled skin. But then it was not available at Watsons so I grabbed this one instead which was another version of Full Cream with addition of MSM and removal of Milk Protein. Unbelievably this cream really does what it talks!

Once I was having seafood allergy reaction and the outbreak left my underarm area so itchy and red skin so inflamed that I was about to cry from feeling too discomfort. I suddenly remember about this cream and its soothing claim so I simply applied it to the affected area. To my relief, the itchiness was gone and the skin redness was greatly reduced in less than half an hour! It was sure not a miracle but I felt like I got one.

• Texture & Smell: White and rich creamy liquid with barely any smell. 
• Absorption Level: Good.
• Moisturizing Level: Pretty good.
• Greasiness Level: Minimal.
• Irritation Level: Minimal.
• Visible Result: Itching and redness in skin are greatly reduced. Skin feels much softer and hydrated than usual.
• Acne Reduction: Minimal. This cream is not an anti-acne cream, mind you.
• Overuse Effect: Minimal. I applied this cream on face continuously during all day. It gave me no outbreaks or cause my skin to be more oily. Just don't overdo the amount when applying it.
• Retail Price: RM59.00
• Content: 75g
• Where To Purchase: All leading pharmacies (Watsons, Caring etc.)
• Online Purchase: Available Here 
• Repeat Purchase: Definitely.
• Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Next review will be on MooGoo's Acne Cleansing Cream, people!

Reviews From Heart #1: MooGoo's Milk Wash

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. Everything is based on my honest and personal experience in using the reviewed product with no influences of any third party. Opinion may change from time to time depending on future event.

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

Whoa! My first review ever. Finally I have something good to say about when it comes to skincare choices. If any of you are new here, let me rephrase my current skin condition. I am a woman in my late 20s who have been developing some super sensitive skin with high intolerance to almost everything related to chemical based ingredients. And my skin is combination type. So I have opted for organic skincare lately and this is what I found out during the so-called journey (yeah, right)!

 

'Presenting; MooGoo's Milk Wash. Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What it Claims (taken from website):

MooGoo Milk Wash uses a combination of 6 different natural cleansers. A small amount of many different cleansers can be less irritating than using one. We also add other ingredients to help skin conditioning. Initially formulated as a face cleanser, we put it in a larger bottle as why should the rest of the body be forced to use something not as good.

We added genuine ingredients (not gimmicks) to prevent drying of the skin. Milk Protein (Casein) is similar to the skin's own protein and helps maintain elasticity.  The natural ester Glycerol Oleate prevents skin water loss and leaves the skin smoother.

Our body wash does not create big bubbles like a synthetic detergent. It washes gently and without drying of the skin. Because it is so gentle it is also a no tears formulation in children's eyes. The milk wash is SLS free.

Here's to the No Gimmick Ingredient (taken from website):

Aqua, Decyl Glucoside (Glucose Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Canola Based Detangler), Lauryl Glucoside (Glucose Based Cleanser), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Based Emulsifying Wax), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut Derived Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Skin Conditioner), Coco-Glucoside (Glucose Based Cleanser), Allantoin, Piroctone Olamine, Hydrolysed Milk Protein, Parfum (Phthlate Free). 

'Courtesy of MooGoo.my'

Here's to What I Personally Think:

Do not freak out for this is what I use to carry out my twice-daily face wash routine. It is actually a body wash but it can also be used as a face cleanser in the most gentle way. For your information, MooGoo has its own face cleanser range based on the oil cleansing method. But it was not available in Watsons at that time so I grabbed this one instead. It turned out to be one of my favorite cleansers today. Teehee.

• Texture & Smell: Pearly-white and creamy liquid with barely baby talcum smell. A very gentle cleanser yet.
• Foaming Level: Moderate. 
• Moisturizing Level: Moderate.
• Irritation Level: Minimal.
• Visible Result: Itching skin is gone in instant. Skin feels much softer than usual.
• Acne Reduction: Minimal. This cleanser is not an anti-acne cleanser, mind you.
• Cleansing Effect: Good for light makeup.
• Overuse Effect: Might dry out skin a little bit. Remember to wash your face not more than three times a day.
• Retail Price: RM59.00
• Content: 500ml
• Where To Purchase: All leading pharmacies (Watsons, Caring etc.)
• Online Purchase: Available Here 
• Repeat Purchase: Definitely.
• Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Next review will be on MooGoo's MSM Soothing Cream, people! 

Penned Down #22: Hoarding Habit

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

No, no. Don't get me wrong here. It is never about clutter or such stuffs featured in Clean House TV program (by the way, I'm a hugeee fan of that series). Well my hoarding habit practically involves in lots of bottle and jars with different label of skincare lines. Since I am too desperate in getting decent skin, I had been trialling with many unalike products. When I said 'many', I do really mean it.

You might say I have somehow turned into one of skincare junkies out there; except that all of them never really worked with my skin tolerance. If you ever have the opportunity to bend down and look under my bed, you would see one huge plastic bag contains random skincare stuffs which services were unfortunately terminated. Actually there were two but I gave away one of them so that The Hubster won't be nagging.

Do not judge, however. If you are like me who happens to suffer from sensitive skin and adult acne, then you know how tempted (or desperate) we are to keep trying out diferent products with hopes that they will be the awaited solution to our problems. Like recently, I have decided to change my usual habit preference into organic. I mean, we can never go wrong with natural products. No?

So I bought a few bottles from Botani's combination skin range with a huge hope that they would give my skin any miracle. Bear in mind, this is my first time in trying out organic products so I never really knew what to expect. Unfortunately, they too caused my skin to break out in rashes just like the rest. I was buried in deep frustration but I still took an effort to email Botani Australia to seek for their assistance.

'Items bought or something like these. Courtesy of Nature in a Box.com'

I was glad for their customer service's people is by far the best customer service I have ever dealt with. The lady, named Jenna answered to every question of mine with detailed explanation and honest suggestions. It turned out that my skin might have reacted to lemon scented tea tree oil that were found in the whole set. Thus she suggested me to first change into sensitive skin product range in order to minimize the irritations.

But being me, I would never have the patience to wait for another week to order the suggested products through online store. So I headed to Watsons in Aeon Seri Manjung and grabbed myself another organic skincare line which I have been eying a few months before. It was MooGoo, peeps! MooGoo itself is claimed to be made especially for sensitive skin just like Botani. So a plus point there for me.

The best thing? Finally I could see some positive short term result although it was not really that much (but hey, other products did not deliver any result at all). So yeah, I will come out with reviews about MooGoo so that I can share how happy my skin is now. However let's hope that MooGoo won't be sharing the same bunks with others under my bed, though.

Still hoping for a lasting miracle, people!

Faith Friday #5: Surah Yusuf [9:87]

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

'Original Photo Courtesy of GrumpyCats.com'

"And never give up hope of Allah's Soothing Mercy; truly No one despairs of Allah's Soothing Mercy. except Those who have no faith." Surah Yusuf [9:87]

Another beautiful reminder for us, people!

Penned Down #21: Unfortunate & Fortunate Events

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

Two major things happened in a week. First thing first, Mom got struck by mild stroke on Wednesday. It was a shocking thing for I would never have imagined it would happen to her. Mom complained about a sudden numbness through out her left part of body but I really thought it was just because she had too much attention on her crochet knitting activity for the past few days.

But we still rushed to Manjung's emergency room in the evening and boy, we gasped upon hearing that Mom could be possibly struck by minor stroke. Mom was warded that night for observation but the next day, she had to undergo the CAT Scan in Ipoh General Hospital to confirm the doctor's assumption. Unfortunately it was the Thursday's morning when Mom suddenly had a series of serious stroke attack.

'Stroke Signs. Courtesy of Women's Health.gov'

Her left part of mouth was somehow unaligned with the right part and her speech slurred. Mom started to whimper on how her left arm was causing her a great deal of pain. Fortunately The Hubster called for an emergency leave that day so we followed the ambulance to Ipoh to accompany Mom. 

I remember how my hand felt as cold as ice for I was quite panic so I called Yong and Annie to see if they could come home as soon as possible. Nyah on the other hand was immobile; she was counting hours for her labor. So Yong and her family got home with Annie in the evening.

The after result of CAT Scan confirmed that Mom was struck with second level of stroke. We were not sure what caused the attacks but Mom was advised to start eating as healthy as it can be. Her previous medications were also changed according to new prescription. Praise be to Allah SWT for she is finally discharged today. What a hectic week but we caught the good news, though!

'Presenting Umar Nafis Saiful Azri. Born 3.2kg at 2001hr'

We have another addition to the family now. My second sis, Nyah has safely delivered a baby boy yesterday of November 1st, 2013. It seems like the baby will be sharing the same birthday month with The Hubster who was born on November 27th. However I think they won't have a similar zodiac sign though (I think but not really sure, quite lazy to Google up).

So yes, my family is currently having more grandsons instead of granddaughter. One from Yong and two from Nyah. But that's alright peeps. The Hubster and I have already planned to get pregnant with twin daughters to get it balanced one fine day! Bahaha. Soon baby, soon.

'A pair of cute kids from Nyah'

'One good looking son from Yong. Teehee'

Anyhow please keep my mom in your prayers, dear people!

Faith Friday #4: Surah Al-Anfal [8:30]

Dear Earthlings (and disguised Spacelings),

'Original Photo Courtesy of GrumpyCats.com'

"And (remember, O Muhammad), when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you (from Makkah). But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners." Surah Al-Anfal [8:30]

Another beautiful reminder for us, people!