Sonia Kashuk's Blending Sponge

At first I thought I found a great dupe for the more expensive Beauty Blender that sells at Sephora for two times the price ($20). Unfortunately, I am sorry to report that this product is definitely not worth the $10 it sells for at Target. It is no good. After several uses and a few cleanings, the point of the sponge started to come apart. Little pieces of the material keep on coming off. Originally I liked this design much better than the pricier Beauty Blender, which is just shaped like and oval egg. The Sonia Kashuk one has more curves and contours better when applying foundation to the face. The coverage looks more even and you can get into the corners or your eyes/nose, etc... BUT, a good design cannot and does not compensate for the cheap material that it is made of.



See the little pieces of sponge particles flaking off? I don't know if I got a defective one or all of them are like that. On target.com, most of the reviews are pretty good, so... I'm just wondering if I got unlucky. However, I believe all the sponges are made with the same material so it wouldn't make sense that only mine would flake off like this. I have no clue.



I am going to bring it back to Target and see if I can get my money back. This is a waste if all of them will end up like this after a few uses. I'm so disappointed. Most likely I will not be repurchasing this product.

Red Heart's POM A DOODLE ~ Berries and Cream kid scarf

I just recently discovered this adorable yarn with little pom poms. They are the Red Hearts Pom A Doodle yarn. So cool!



I knitted this Berries and Cream (a lovely color) for my dear friend's little daughter. I really hope she'll enjoy it while it keeps her warm.



It knitted up fairly quickly. One skein knitted up this scarf that measures approximately 50 inches X 5 inches, using size 9 needles. All I did was "knitted" every row." The trick in knitting with this yarn is never pull the pom pom through a stitch. I will definitely be getting some more of this yarn to play with in the near future. =)

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Why this mascara is called "Great Lash" is beyond me. Why this mascara's got such an over rated rave over the years also amazes me. In my opinion, this mascara sucks. It does not deserve all the attention it's gotten, which I really think is misleading... All the hype about it makes one expect it to perform miracles. It does not.

When I tried it, it made my eyes water like no other mascara. The texture felt like ink (kind of like from a sharpie pen) to me, yet it was not that build-able to create a full volume effect without looking like an old lady with clumps of spider legs lashes. Combing out the lashes is a pain and extremely tedious, that is if you don't yank out your lashes first. You cannot coat your lashes to create more volume with this, but creating thick clumps is definitely not a problem!



In my book, this product by Maybelline gets a big thumbs down. I would never repurchase this no matter how cheap it costs. In fact, I wouldn't even take it if it's free! It is not "Great".

Review from Makeupalley.com says it all: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=897/Great_Lash_Mascara/Maybelline/Mascara

Marie Callender's Fresh Flavor Steamers (Frozen Meals)

A great bargain is what I am looking out for all the time these days. I used to do it only simply for the fun of it, but now... well, let's just say money matters much more now. SO, finding a great deal now is not only fun, but almost necessary!

Last week I bought these Marie Callender's Fresh Flavor Steamers frozen meals at Target for only $0.93 each! Target had a special of these for $1.93 each and I had $1.00 off coupons printed off of Marie Callender's website so they end up to be less than a buck each! All six for less than 6 bucks! I amaze myself sometimes at the stuff I'm able to find these days, haha.



These definitely beat those $1.00 Budget Gourmet meals, both in taste and quantity. The only problem, if any with these meals is the the sodium content. Pretty much all of them have at least 50% of a days worth!


Rigatoni Marinara Classico ~ pretty tasty, but very salty! Drink lots of water with it.


Sesame Chicken (w/ noodles)~ the sauce is much too sweet for me. I think the Asian flavors are not really suitable for Asians, haha.

Maybe I'll go back this week and see if they have any more of these on sale. It's convenient to bring for lunch too. =)

MK sleepy head...

Bratz Babyz " There's something pushing me?"



"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

So grand

Snapped a few photos on the way home from work a few weeks back...





The sky is so grand, isn't it? It's almost scary...



Takes my breath away.

Cover Girl Lipstick Lipgloss

These Cover Girl Lipgloss are really awful. The smell is foul and unbearable. I recall using these when I was in college and they were not this bad! I decided to pick some of these up just for the heck of it, unfortunately I cannot stand these any more.



The finish was not at all shiny (as a gloss should be) nor moisturizing. They are really waxy and give no wash of color at all. The worst part was the smell. Gross. Note to self, never to buy these again.

HUGE Backpack Laundry Bag

This was a great find! I live in an apartment without a washer and dryer in the unit, thus I'd have to haul my dirty laundry down to the laundry room to do the chore. The simple act of doing so has become a nuisance since my left should is still hurt from an accident last year in addition to my laziness, my laundry's been piling up! It's probably not the greatest idea to do 3 loads at a time... but, that's what I've been doing.



This thing is HUGE! I found it at T.J. Maxx for only $3.00 so I couldn't pass it up! Love a great bargain! And, it'll help me haul my clothes downstairs! It's actually pretty well made, measures up to any Jansport regular backpack, but it's at least 5 times bigger!! This backpack is ginormous in real life, much more so than that photo on the packaging. I don't think I'd be able to put it on my back if fully stuffed! I'm happy with it though. =)

Great Espresso made with a Bialetti Percolator

I love a great cup of coffee. I mean, a reeaallly delicious cup! When life gets me down, the aroma of a cup of superb, strong espresso relaxes me. I don't know why, but it does. I just love it immensely. However, if I happen to taste a crappy cup, it will only put me in a foul mood. There is nothing worse than drinking a flavorless cup of black water. Yuck.

On a daily basis, in the mornings when I'm rushing to work, I would use my ceramic French Press to make my coffee. Once brewed, I'd just pour it into my travel mug or thermos and off I go. But, there is nothing compared to using a stove top percolator to make a cup of REEAAALLLLY good coffee/espresso at home. Not that it takes any longer to do... I just enjoy the process of making it, watching it fill up in the little pot when I have more time. On weekday mornings, I'm always in a rush to leave so I can't be watching the fire when using the percolator.

I stayed home this entire weekend and made my good and strong coffee with my Bialetti Percolator. I love how the aroma lingers in the air when I make my coffee this way. It is much stronger and it's so satisfying. The percolator I have is the 6 cup (which is like 1 American cup) Bialetti Break~ Caffettiera (Espresso maker). I love this thing so much!





I use my trusty KitchenAid coffee grinder to grind my coffee beans right before I make my espresso. The texture of the coffee should be like grains of sand. I find that this grind works the best for the percolator.





To make the coffee, just loosely fill the funnel shaped filter with the freshly ground coffee. Fill the little tank with filtered water and screw the top of the coffee pot with the tank together tightly.








Make sure the flame is on low. You don't want the flames to wrap around the coffee maker because it could burn.



After a few minutes, you can hear the coffee start to fill up. The right amount of heat combined with quality coffee will give crema like any good espresso should.



When the coffee is almost filled, it's best to remove the pot from the heat, so the remaining coffee wouldn't be shooting out. I've made a mess quite a few times with out really paying attention. Not good. Also, this way the crema will still be there when you pour the coffee out.



So good!



This is the cheapest way to make real Italian style coffee at home. Just froth some foam as topper and you'll have a nice cup of cappuccino! Yum!



What is life without a delicious cup of espresso! Enjoy!

Weekend movie w/ bratz babyz Cloe

The apartment has been in a big mess for quite a few weeks now. Originally I wanted to use Labor Day weekend to get uncluttered, however there just never seem to be enough time to do what I plan. Normally, I wouldn't let the place get so messy... actually, I have no idea how all the rooms became so disorganized... after all, I am sort of a neat freak, but now I don't feel so good looking at the mess I've managed to create. Oh well... I suppose one can allow some slack once in a while. And, I really need good rest instead of stressing over getting organized again.

So... I end up bumming around all weekend and watched a movie on DVD. And, I watched it twice! It was the move " Valentine's Day". These days, I rarely go watch movies in the theater unless it's a movie that requires the larger than life "movie-going experience" such as the epic movie AVATAR. Anyhow, I never did see Valentine's Day. So, with a bag of chips by my side, I watched it Saturday night and again today, Sunday. That was how much I loved the movie. I just thought each of the stories intertwined in the movie were so well played out. It was so charming and definitely would have made me more emotional if I had watched on Valentine's Day this year. Well, I just enjoyed it very much.



My bratz babyz, Cloe kept me company while vegged out. Sometimes, just really need to relax and do nothing... even if my apartment is a big mess! I had a really stressful work week. I guess I'll plan to clean up next weekend (again).

Rediscovering David Garrett, the Violin Virtuoso

A few years ago, somehow I saw David Garrett playing the violin on TV. I also saw him on Oprah a while back as he played "The flight of the Bumble Bee", showing he is the fastest violinist in the world. Sure I enjoyed watching him a few time but didn't really become a fan... that is...not until almost just 2 weeks ago... Now I can't stop playing his music!

One Saturday evening, about 2 weeks ago, I fell asleep with the TV on. It was supposed to be a nap... so I guess my mind did not want to really go into the rest mode completely, (also being the light sleeper that I am). My eyes were nonetheless tired and so was my body on that particular night. I knew the TV was still on and the TV remote control was right next to me so somehow, I clicked a few buttons on the remote control by accident and changed the channel to KOCE (PBS) and closed my droopy eyes to dozed off again. Next thing I hear was...David Garrett's violin playing! It was the most beautiful music I woke up to. Rock Symphonies~a PBS concert special where David played in Berlin just a few month ago was on! I wanted to watch the entire show, but I couldn't even keep my eyes open, so I listened to the music and opened my eyes here and there to take a glimpse of the show. Ever since that night, I've watched the show on PBS at least 5-6 times, every time it was on again! I cannot get enough of the wonderful, beautiful and passionate sound of David Garrett's violin playing, especially his rendition of Albinoni's Adagio. It is so moving.



So glad that he will tour L.A. next year. I will be at the Wishire Ebell Theatre next February to watch David Garrett live in action! I feel like a teenager all over again... getting so excited and anticipating seeing him play in person!! I just can't wait.

Traffic on Sat. night~ again!

I don't mind traffic when expected, but on a Saturday night, midnight?! Come on! Just my luck... every time when I am exhausted and want to get home in a jiffy, I always end up in a jam. It took forever! The I-10 has been worked on for quite a while now. When will it end?! I hate getting on the I-10 now, both east-bound and west-bound!!


Traffic came to a stand still past midnight!!



So glad when traffic finally eased up!! Cool lights! I just love taking photos while driving (but of course I am very careful). Love the look of lights with longer exposure and the wiggles of the lighting on the images. You never know what you will get!



A Corvette swooshed right past me!!

Do we look alike?

I've been told by some that I look like a cat. So... do I look like MK or MK looks like me? Haha....

Garnier Skin Renew~ Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Garnier claims that rolling this underneath your eyes will diminish puffiness and dark circles and give you brighter, more radiant eyes. Unfortunately, it did nothing for me. Instead, it made the skin under my eyes dryer and sticky. The concept is great, however the ingredient did not seem to agree with me. I did like how the metal roller felt against my skin, but other than that, this thing is good for nothing and was a complete waste of money. Cucumber slices probably works way better.

Would not buy again.

Very Couture Knitting...

Two lovely Knitting books on my wish list. The patterns are so chic in them!!



Borrowed from the local library...



On my wish list...

Up & Up Eye Make Up Remover (Target Brand)

This is a cheap imitation by Up & Up ~ a Target Brand of Clinique's "Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips". Though it's very inexpensive, I would not purchase this again after finishing this bottle.

The liquid is similar to Clinique's. You have to shake it up to mix the oily part with the watery part before use. I find that I'd have to use a lot of it in comparison to Clinique's TTDO one. It is a little greasy which does not bother me since I'd wash off my entire face with facial cleanser any way. But, it does make my eyelids red and irritated, kind of stings a bit. Somehow, it does not break down my waterproof eye makeup that easily. They come off in clumps, unlike Clinique's which just melts it away.

I guess it is true that you get what you pay for. $4.50 per bottle vs. $17.50 for Clinique's Take The Day Off.




$4.50 @ Target. Would not buy again.

Serious Skin Care A Wash - A Defiance

I've tried many things from SSC in the past and most of their skin care items are okay. But this facial wash made me break out! I had this bottle for some time now and it's still pretty full. So, the other night I decided to use it again and I broke out the next day!

The liquid is very thin which doesn't bother me, if it did the job. Unfortunately, it's a terrible product that reminds me of dish detergent. After washing my face, my entire face felt tight and dry. Now I remember why I left it alone unused for some time. The Philosophy still has the best cleanser in my book. I guess I'll use it to wash my feet or something. I would not purchase this again. Thumbs down.



From HSN, 16 oz, $49.95!

A "quiet" Birthday (some celebrations here and there).

I had a pretty quiet birthday this year. Quiet and calm... is the way I like things to be. Not that I've ever had a massive, crazy party for my b-day, but I just kind of wanted to forget I ever had a birthday starting this year. It's the age thing, I suppose or it's just that time passes us by too fast.

Anyhow, I did get to attribute many meals and little celebrations for an entire month towards this birthday, which was kind of cool and special in its own way.

My B-day is on the 29th of May, usually around Memorial weekend. This year it landed on Sat. The day before my birthday (Friday), my new bosses actually surprised me with a little celebration with a yummy cake during lunch! I was touched. It has been quite a while since I've gotten this kind of treatment at a job. The singing and cake-eating was short and sweet, but nonetheless... a wonderful gesture. I was happy and it started off my month of celebrating. For someone who wanted to forget having another birthday, it sure is funny that I'm using it to eat many meals and feel special! What can I say... I'm vain.


Chocolate/Mocha cake. Pretty yummy!


I look like a goldfish!! After my little b-day celebration at work, the same Friday night I had a birthday meal with just Mommy and me. I ate too much cake earlier and didn't really finish all the food we ordered. We decided to go casual and headed over to Stonefire Grill. I like how nice all the servers are there. All the food is so tasty and the atmosphere is warm, cozy and so very casual. We hung out there until closing!


Another lovely gift that came in the mail from my dear friend.



Just what I needed! Can't ever get enough of knitting needles.


More YUMMY meals to celebrate my BIG (quiet) Birthday...


On the way to Little Tokyo for another din din...








I decided to get myself something. Lorac is one of the better brands I like. The texture of their products are amazing.

Lastly, a free burger meal from Ruby Tuesday. Not great, but free. =)



Until next year....