Managing A Teenager's Acne Issue

Cass has been dealing with stubborn teenage acne on her face for years. I've tried numerous natural remedies but nothing seemed to work.  Cass eats a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies, drinks 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, gets 6-7 hours of sleep each day, exercises, and sweats every day and yet, the acne seemed to be insuppressible. 

Cass used to be unfazed by the acne on her face until early this year when the acne worsened.  That was when she started to want to deal with the acne.

I went to my usual pharmacy with pharmacists whom I am comfortable with and asked for a topical cream for teenage acne and was recommended T3 Mycin Gel 1% (Clindamycin Phosphate).   T3 Mycin Gel contains Clindamycin Phosphate, a lincosamide antibiotic that works by decreasing acne lesions and/or stopping the growth of skin bacteria that cause acne.

At the same time, I started Cass on Eucerin skincare products targeted at acne. I got her Eucerin Pro Acne Solution Super Serum, Pro Acne A.I. Clearing Solution, and the latest that I got is A.I. Matt Fluid (which she hasn't started on it yet).  These products are pretty costly but I was willing to try them as long as Cass can regain her baby-smooth skin again.

After completing a tube with a slight visible improvement, I bought the second tube of T3 Mycin Gel for Cass.   

Within two months, there was a vast improvement on her face. New acne stopped popping up and the old scars were slowly but surely clearing up 🙏

As with all antibiotics, T3 Mycin cannot be used on a long-term basis or the bacteria may be resistant to it. Once she has finished the second tube of T3 Mycin, Cass will have to stop using it for some time and we will monitor the acne condition on her face.

After some price comparisons on Eucerin skin care products with pharmacies, online vs offline, I found CS Pharmacy on Lazada with the best prices and deals. I often get my supplements from this pharmacy as well. I saved more than RM40 on my purchase of A.I Clearing Treatment and A.I. Matt Fluid from Lazada. The pharmacy even gave me two free gifts (nearing their expiration dates) - Spot Corrector and lotion.  I've been using the Spot Corrector on the sun-kissed dark spots on my face. Hopefully, this works in lightening the dark spots.

I'm glad that simple over-the-counter acne products managed to prevent new breakouts, else I would need to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or pediatrician who can prescribe stronger medications and help with treatment options.

My Life In Photos This Week

As Alycia's last night at her grandparents' house in Ipoh approached, my parents decided to treat her to a special dinner at a Korean restaurant.  It was my parents' first time dining in a Korean restaurant in Ipoh as they usually dine at Chinese eateries.  

Alycia Googled Korean restaurants near my parents' house and found Seoul Maru Korean BBQ restaurant.  Alycia is a big fan of Korean food, and my parents knew that this would be a perfect way to end her visit on a high note.

Alycia ordered mostly non-spicy food as my mom can't stomach spicy food.  The ginseng chicken is specially ordered for Mom.

The food at Seoul Maru was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the memories that my parents created with their eldest granddaughter will be cherished for years to come.

A father's love for his children is unconditional, and it never fades away. Such is the love of my papa, who always goes the extra mile to make his children happy. 

He knows that I've been craving ground peanut cookies (aka Kacang Tumbuk) and he went to the confectionery to get them for me before sending Alycia to the train station. He always puts his family's needs before his own and never hesitates to go out of his way to make us happy.

During our growing-up years, papa was as fierce as a tyrant and he mellowed down considerably after my brothers and I left our nest.  Distance does make the heart grow fonder, eh? And age has mellowed him down too.

My favorite ground peanut cookie.

Alycia at the Ipoh train station to catch the ETS back to KL after spending a week in Ipoh at my parents.

While Alycia and her grandparents were enjoying a Korean dinner in Ipoh, we had a second round of Haidilao hotpot for dinner at home! We doggy-bagged quite a bit of leftover soup base along with several plates of unfinished food from Haidilao on Saturday when we were there to celebrate Cass' birthday.

I added lots of radishes, carrots, veggies, Beacon seaweed chicken wanton, crab balls, foo pei, mushrooms, and spinach konjac noodles into our hotpot.  

Our Wednesday brunch - yummy Ipoh Hor Hee, fried turnip cakes, and fried foo pei from Ipoh Sedap

Restoran Wai Kei @ Old Klang Road, KL

*Throwback post

It's been a while since we last dined at Wai Kei.  This is our favorite Hakka eatery and have been patrons for over a decade.  The two women chefs are in their 70s, can you believe it?  At their age where they should be enjoying their sunset years, these two gutsy, strong and capable old ladies are still helming the kitchen.  

If you're looking for an authentic Hakka dining experience in town, Wai Kei should be on your list. Located along Old Klang Road KL, this eatery offers delicious traditional Hakka dishes that are simply irresistible.  The menu is pretty extensive and what they offer is always up to our expectations, thanks to the two grandmothers toiling in the hot kitchen.

The menu is a treasure trove of Hakka delicacies, ranging from juicy steamed farm chicken to Hakka Yong Tau Fu, black vinegar pork trotters, clay pot rice wine chicken, braised 3-layer pork with yam,  braised pork belly with preserved veggie (mui choy), braised Hakka pork, crispy fried fish to spinach soup with homemade fish paste. There are other toothsome dishes but these are always the few dishes that we order each time we dine at the restaurant.  

If you are a fan of steamed farm chicken, Wai Kei has one of the best in town. Their steamed farm chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, with a subtly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the bold spiciness of the homemade chili sauce and minced ginger sauce. The chicken itself is always steamed to perfection, with sublime texture in the meat to create a mouthwatering culinary experience that will make you craving for more.

Steamed farm chicken.

Super crispy fried threadfin fish (Ma Yau).

The delicious assorted 'yong liu' comprising stuffed tofu, brinjal, bitter gourd, puffed tofu, and foo pei are cooked the traditional Hakka style with fermented bean paste sauce.  

Hakka Yong Liu

Black vinegar pig's trotters with a good balance of fats and lean meat.   We could not finish this dish and asked the owner to doggy-bag it for us with additional broth (I love the black vinegar broth!) and he gladly obliged at no extra charge.

Red spinach in superior soup with homemade fish paste/fish balls.

The spinach soup with homemade fish paste is another must-order dish for us. The bouncy fish paste in this veggie dish is simply delightful, with a tender and chewy texture that is incredibly satisfying to bite into. The fish paste is made with fresh, high-quality fish that had been finely ground and mixed with just salt and pepper, giving it a delicious flavor that reminds me of my late grandma's homemade fish balls and fish cakes.

To cap off our meal, everyone had a large refreshing coconut to cool down our body on a hot and humid evening.

Overall, our dinner at Wai Kei has always been a delightful culinary experience that exceeds our expectations. The food is outstanding, the service is top-notch with amicable owners, and the ambiance is cozy and welcoming (not air conditioned though but good ventilation with many ceiling fans). If you're a fan of Hakka cuisine or just looking for delicious traditional Chinese dishes, Wai Kei is definitely worth a visit.

Restoran Wai Kei

2, Jln Klang Lama, 

58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 

Mobile no: 013-391 8269

Shaping Dresses – The Perfect Dress To Enhance Your Natural Silhouette

For many women, finding the perfect dress can be a challenge. It's not just about finding a dress that looks great on you but also finding a dress that fits comfortably and flatters your figure. Fortunately, a new trend in fashion has emerged that makes finding the perfect dress much easier. This trend is dresses with a built-in shapewear and bra called a shaping dress or shapewear dress.  

We've all heard about bra dresses and bra tops but a dress that comes with a built-in shapewear? That's pretty novel and a dream-come-true dress for many women who love wearing bodycon dresses without having to breathe in the entire night to hold the tummy in!

Built-In Shapewear Slip Maxi Lounge Dress

The concept of shapewear is not a new one. Women have been using corsets and girdles for centuries to achieve a slimmer and smoother silhouette. However, the traditional methods of shapewear have been uncomfortable and at times unflattering. But now, with advances in garment technology, designers have been able to create shapewear that is both comfortable and effective. And when it comes to dresses, having built-in shapewear means you can achieve a sleek, streamlined look without any extra layers. It’s a two-in-one essential in a woman’s closet!

Built-In Shapewear Modal Lounge Dresses

Built-In Shapewear Modal Lounge Dresses - how it looks beneath the shapewear dress

Dresses with built-in bras are also becoming increasingly popular. Many women struggle with finding the right bra to wear under their dresses, especially if the dress has a low back or a plunging neckline. But with a built-in bra, you don't have to worry about finding the right bra. The shapewear dress provides the necessary support, and you can feel confident and comfortable all day long.

One of the advantages of dresses with built-in shapewear and bras is that they come in a wide variety of styles, including shaping bodysuits. You can find everything from cocktail dresses to maxi dresses with built-in shapewear and bras. This means that no matter what the occasion, you can find a dress that not only looks great but also feels great to wear.

 

Built-In Shapewear Long Sleeve Maxi Lounge Dress

 Another benefit of dresses with built-in shapewear and bras is that they can help boost your confidence. When you feel good about your appearance, it shows in your demeanor and the way you carry yourself. You can walk into a room with confidence, knowing that you look your best.

 

There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to shaping dresses. Firstly, it's essential to choose a dress that fits properly.  Do not choose a dress that's too tight as the shapewear may be uncomfortable and create unflattering bulges. It's also important not to choose a dress that's too loose as the shapewear may not provide enough support.

 

It's also important to take care of your shaping dress properly. Most shaping dresses, shapewear pieces and wide crotch panties should be hand washed and hung to dry to retain the shape and effectiveness of the support. You should also avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners, as they can damage the shapewear and bra.

 

In conclusion, shaping dresses are a game-changer when it comes to finding the perfect dress that will help you achieve an hourglass figure. They provide a comfortable, flattering fit that can boost your confidence and help you look your best.  The next time you're shopping for a dress, consider looking for one with built-in shapewear and a bra. You won't regret it!

 

Lunch At Chef Hong Kitchen @ Section 19, PJ

Sunday, 9 April 2023

Today is Cass' 15th birthday!  We had a sumptuous hotpot dinner at Haidilao yesterday to celebrate her birthday. 

For lunch today, hubs suggested going to a steak house but I'm not keen, so we had Chinese food and I suggested Chef Hong. Since we'd tried Chef Chew and love the food there and Chef Hong is also owned by the same person but with a different chef, I'd like to give Chef Hong a try.  I was already missing and craving their signature steamed chicken & chicken rice and icy cold sweet and sour pork. 

Chef Chew's restaurants' signature dishes are comforting dishes like steamed farm chicken and minced ginger rice.  The other signature dish is the sweet and sour pork ('koo lo yoke') buried under ice cubes, a presentation method designed to keep the fried batter exterior crunchy.

It's best to make reservations in advance as both Chef Chew and Chew Hong are always fully booked.  We were lucky to be able to get a table the moment we stepped in even though it was an impromptu decision to dine there with no prior reservation made. But we were told by the captain that we only had an hour to eat as the table was already booked in advance by someone at 1pm. We were there at around 11.45 a.m.

Double boiled fish maw soup in thick, creamy and toothsome soup base.

What makes Chef Chew and Chef Hong's steamed chicken and chicken rice so special boils down to the preparation. The chicken is steamed to perfection, with the meat moist and tender. Even the chicken breast is juicy and flavorful.  

The rice is cooked in chicken broth, giving it a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. And the sauce that comes with the dish is the perfect finishing touch - a blend of garlic, ginger,  green onions and salt that adds just the right amount of spice to the dish. 

The chili sauce dip for the chicken is tangy, fresh and not overly spicy. It pairs perfectly with the natural taste of the steamed chicken.

This classic Chinese dish comes with a unique and delicious twist.  The sweet and sour pork slices are buried under ice cubes. This innovative dish gives the traditional Chinese 'tai chow' dish a refreshing twist that's perfect for those hot days.
You might think this sounds strange and not many people will buy this idea, but it's a game-changer. The ice cubes melt slowly, creating a cool, refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with the sweet and sour pork. 

Stir-fried assorted veggies with macadamia nuts - hub's favorite.

This dish features a trio of seafood - prawns, squids, and lala clams.  The sauce is the star of the show, with a piquant and zesty flavor that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and sourness, creating a unique lip-smacking taste that pairs so well with the fresh seafood.

Braised fish maw with tofu and broccoli. 

The bill.

Chef Hong Kitchen - 60, Jln 19/3, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor;
016-282 7948

Chef Chew Kitchen is located just three shop lots away from Chef Hong.

Why A Geeky Person Needs To Wear Geeky Clothes

Geek culture has exploded in popularity in recent years, with many people embracing their inner nerd and proudly displaying their love for all things geeky. From video games to comic books, techie stuff to science fiction, geeky interests have become mainstream and more socially acceptable.

One of the ways that geeks can express their passion for their hobbies is through their fashion choices. Geeky clothes have become a popular way for people to show off their love for their favorite fandoms and to connect with others who share their interests.

Geeky clothes can take many forms, from geeky t-shirts featuring popular video game characters or movie quotes, to cosplay outfits that allow people to dress up as their favorite characters.

Geeky clothes can be found in a variety of places, from specialty shops to online marketplaces like Geeksoutfit, and are often designed by fans who are passionate about their hobbies.

 

I Paused My Game To Be Here T-Shirt

In terms of fashion, each of us have our own personal style and preferences. However, for those who identify themselves as "geeky," there is something special about wearing geeky clothes that reflect their interests. It’s just like a little girl who loves donning on princess dresses and head gears to reflect her love for all things princesses.

 1.  It's a Form of Self-Expression

Wearing geeky clothes is a way for someone to express their personality and interests. When you wear a shirt with a reference to your favorite subject or video game, you're telling the world what you're passionate about. It can be a great conversation starter, as others who share your interests may strike up a conversation with you. Wearing geeky clothes allows you to showcase who you are and what you love in a fun and playful way.

 

2.  It Builds Community

Wearing geeky clothes can be a way to connect with others who share your interests. When you wear a geeky shirt with a reference to a specific fandom, you're signaling to others who also love that fandom that you are part of their community. It can be a way to make new friends or connect with others who share your passions.

 

Newton's First Law Coach Jacket (front)

Newton's First Law Coach Jacket (back)

 

3.  It Can Boost Confidence

Wearing something that makes you feel good can have a positive impact on your confidence. When you wear geeky clothes that you love, you're showing the world that you're proud of who you are and what you love. This can help boost your self-esteem and make you feel more confident in yourself. It can also be a way to overcome social anxiety, as it can give you something to focus on and talk about when meeting new people. Geeky clothes can be purchased from a geek store, online and offline.

 

 4.  It's Fun

There's something playful and light-hearted about showing off your love for a fandom or interest in your clothing. It can be a way to inject some fun and humour into your everyday life.

 

 

Error 404 - Mootivation Not Found Geeky t-shirt

In conclusion, there are many reasons why a geeky person love wearing geeky clothes. It's a way to express yourself, build community, boost confidence, and have fun. So, the next time you shop for clothes, consider adding a tad bit of geekiness to your outfit and find these funny clothes from a geek shop. 

 

Avoid Negativity Washed T-Shirt

 Whether it's a t-shirt featuring a favorite video game character or a geeky cap, geeky clothes and accessories allow people to showcase their passions and to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. The next time you see someone wearing a geeky shirt or costume, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation and connect over your shared love of all things geeky!

Tips On Choosing The Most Comfortable And Stylish Clothes For Your Young Child

Choosing toddler and kids t-shirts and apparels can be a fun and exciting task for parents, but it can also be overwhelming. You want to dress up your little ones in clothes that are not only stylish but also comfortable and safe. 

Here are some tips to help you choose the most comfortable and stylish clothes for your babies and young kids:

1)   Choose Soft and Breathable Fabrics

Babies and young children have delicate skin that can be irritated easily.  Find a baby clothing store that carries a range of soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and organic materials can help prevent skin irritation and keep your child comfortable.

Personalized baby name sleeveless romper

 
 2) Pay Attention to the Fit
Make sure that the clothes fit your baby properly and allow for freedom of movement. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable for your little ones and make it difficult for them to move around.  

3)     Check the Labels
Before purchasing clothes for your child, make sure to check the labels for any potential allergens or irritants, especially if your child has sensitive skin. Look for clothes that are hypoallergenic, and free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.
 

Best Mom Ever Matching Tees For Mom and Son

4)     Consider the Season and Weather

When choosing clothes for your precious one, consider the season and the climate. In colder months, choose clothing that can keep your child warm and cozy, such as jackets, hats, and boots. In warmer months, choose lightweight and breathable clothes, such as shorts, dresses, and t-shirts.
 

5)     Add Some Style
While comfort should always be a priority, it's also important to choose clothes that are stylish and practical. Look for clothes from a kids clothing store that are  easy to put on and remove, yet stylish and versatile enough to be worn in different settings. Choose clothes with colorful fun prints, bright colors, and cute designs. Mix and match clothes to create stylish outfits that reflect your child's personality and sense of style.
 

Baby hooded bunny romper

 

6)     Don't Forget About the Accessories
Accessories can add a touch of style to your child's outfit. Look for hats, shoes, and socks that are comfortable and practical, and that match the overall style of the outfit.  Check out Beepumpkin for a wide inventory of super cute socks for your little ones to match their different OOTD everyday.

Light Grey Lace Baby Socks for 0-7Y

 
 
7)    Opt for Easy-to-Wear Designs
Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off, especially when you're dealing with wriggly babies and toddlers. Clothes with snap closures, elastic waistbands, and stretchy fabrics make dressing and undressing a breeze.

 
8)    Think of Safety
Safety is of utmost importance. Always consider safety when choosing clothes for babies and young kids. Avoid clothes with drawstrings, buttons, or other small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Choose clothes with snaps, zippers, or Velcro closures instead.
  

In conclusion, shopping for comfortable and stylish clothes for your little ones is fun but requires a bit of extra care and attention. By following these tips, you can ensure that your child is not only comfortable and safe but also funky.

 

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Thursday, 6 April 2023

Cass told me yesterday that she won't be needing dinner today as Thursday is her CoCo Day (co-curricular) and she will reach home late, at around 6pm.  The society that she's in will be having a party in the afternoon.

But when she came home today, she told me that the party was cancelled and she needed dinner.  But there was no food prepared for her!

Fortunately my stock of homemade Taiwanese dumplings (kau ji) had just been restocked.  The Taiwanese lady who makes them had just returned to KL from Taiwan and I ordered 10 packs from her.  Her dumplings are the BEST in the world and everyone at home simply hearts these gems. 

I quickly boiled the dumplings with a sachet of vegetable stock from Melaleuca and added veggies and eggs and now our ravenous girl has a big bowl of balanced meal for dinner.  

And fortunately, I marinated some Beacon chicken drummets yesterday, so I could also air-fry some for this hangry girl.

Today is another meat-free day for me and I am loving it and feeling great!

My lunch of fried meehoon with torched ginger flower, with lots of different types of veggies from my favorite vegetarian stall.  The food sold here is cheap and this big pack of vegetarian food only costs RM7.50 and filled me up the whole day.

Gingko nuts, lotus seeds, pumpkin, celery, Chinese cabbage, carrots, braised bitter gourd, broccoli, cauliflower, curry veggies and a fried wallet egg. This is SO yummy. 

My nuts purchased from Ketogenius on Lazada arrived yesterday. This time I bought from another seller and tried their peanuts, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts. The nuts are slow-roasted without any oil, salt or sugar. 

The Best Teachers’ Day Appreciation Gift Ideas 2023

Teachers play an essential role in shaping the minds and lives of their students. They are responsible for imparting knowledge, instilling values, and inspiring young minds to reach their full potential. As we celebrate Teacher’s Day, it is a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for all that they do. One of the best ways to do so is by giving them a thoughtful gift, like some personalized teacher t-shirts or personalized mugs.

Cute t-shirt for teacher

Here are other interesting Teacher’s Day gift ideas for 2023 that are sure to make your teacher feel appreciated.

  

1)  A handwritten thank-you note: A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude and appreciation for your teacher's hard work and dedication can be a meaningful and touching gift, although it is inexpensive.

 

2)  Personalized caricature: You can get a personalized caricature of your teacher that showcases his/her unique personality traits and interests.

 

3)  Digital gift card: Give your teacher a digital gift card that they can use to purchase items they need or want at a teacher store or their favourite stores.

Personalized high quality steel cups

 

4)  Personalized items: You can also give personalized items, like a note book, keychain, costume jewelry, or a pen holder with your teacher's name or a special message.

Personalized mixed color pencils.

 

5)  Plants or flowers: A beautiful plant or bouquet of flowers can brighten up your teacher's classroom or home and show your appreciation.

 

6)  Classroom supplies: Teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies, so consider buying some teacher supplies that they can use in their classroom, such as markers, pens, or sticky notes.

Personalized notebook 

 

7)  A subscription to an educational magazine or online resource: A subscription to a professional development resource or educational magazine can help teachers stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and trends.

 

In conclusion, Teachers' Day is a great time to show your appreciation and gratitude for your teacher's hard work and dedication. Whether you choose a personalized gift from teachergift, a gift card, stationery, books, plants, or a personalized thank-you card, your teacher will appreciate the effort you put into your gift.

The gift you choose should be something that your teacher will appreciate and enjoy.

Remember, it's not about how much you spend, but about the thought and effort you put into your gift.

Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Alycia and Sherilyn took the morning ETS train to Ipoh to visit their grandparents today. 

The ETS departure time was at 8.47 a.m. but someone dilly-dallied as usual and only left the house at 8.15 a.m.  All of us had totally forgotten about the girls having to do a Covid self-test until about 7.45 a.m. when I remembered and quickly rushed them to do a nasal swab test, which is faster than a saliva test.

Their dad Grab-ed them to the KL Sentral station like an F1 driver.

As today is a weekday and school day, there was surely bound to be traffic congestion on the roads, especially on the KL-Seremban highway at that peak hour.  After they left the house, I prayed that they wouldn't miss the train, and thank God they managed to hop onto the train in the nick of time 🙏

I was very surprised that papa brought the girls to Texas Fried Chicken for lunch as my parents don't really fancy fast food and deep-fried foods. 
But seriously girls, eating fast food when you're in Ipoh, a food haven?
I told the girls that they have to eat famous Ipoh food when they're in Ipoh and not fast food.

Cooking for only Cass is such a breeze vs cooking for the whole jing-bang, coz Cass is satisfied pretty easily, unlike someone.

Cass' lunner - air-fried marinated chicken chop, blanched romaine lettuce, curry veggies (stall-bought) hard-boiled chicken egg, and quail egg with black rice + parboiled rice + 10-grain rice.  Chickens from Beacon Mart are free from antibiotics and hormones and are specially catered for cancer patients.  I love their marinated chicken chops that come in a variety of delicious flavors.

I was on a meat-free diet today and this is what I ate today:

Breakfast - fruits, decaf coffee, walnuts, brazil nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, organic dark chocolate almond milk with ground flaxseeds, air-fried sourdough bread with cheese, hard-boiled chicken egg, and quail egg.

Lunch - spinach, curry veggies, and Chinese cabbage from the economy rice stall, a few sticks of Biscotti (homemade by the mil), and a piece of 90% Lindt dark chocolate. I also ate half a piece of Rawa Tosei with dhal and half a piece of vadai which Hubs bought from Brickfields after he sent the girls to KL Sentral.

Dinner - skinny sugar-free yogurt with sunflower seeds, blanched romaine lettuce, and a handful of vegetable chips 

My breakfast - crispy air-fried sourdough cheese + jalapeno bread with a slice of cheese on top.