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Friday, May 31, 2013

Random Thoughts: May RAK Wrap-Up & June Sign-Up

So in May, I did as promised and sent out some RAKs! To 2 lucky bday ladies living in the US. And they got their pressies just in time too. I am so so happy about it.

Cutting to the chase, I sent out:




I hope they enjoy their new books!!


As for June, I still want the same books. I really really want them actually. But of course anything from my Wishlist is equally loved. Can you believe it's the middle of the year! OMGosh where did it go so quickly??

Book Soulmates

Let's keep on RAKing!

And before we get TOO excited at the prospect of more wonderful books, please remember to read the rules deemed worthy by our lovely hosts at Book Soulmates and Sign Up to take part!
COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all the rules!  Thank you!
  • Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
  • Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
  • Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
  • Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
  • E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
  • At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post.  This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)
OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!
Remember, there's always the The Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!
Here's my Wishlist if you wanna send me anything.Thanks loads in advance.

 Links you will need:

Sign up for June 2013 [HERE]
See who else is participating [HERE]

If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact us via the following:
rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com


Tips:
1. When talking about RAK on Twitter, please use the hashtag: #RAK. It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back! =)
2. When submitting your wish list, please make sure that it is set to PUBLIC viewing. Some people have had trouble with wish lists that were set to private. We want to be sure that no one is left out of getting great RAKs.
3. Some of you have gotten frustrated because you can't get your links to appear active. This is a very easy fix :) Just make sure that when you enter your link, do NOT hit the Enter key. Instead, hit the TAB key which will send you to the next field on the form. Additional spaces entered after the link will leave the link inactive.  However, if this does happen to you, no worries, we'll fix it for you.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Must Go's: The Butterfly Project's June Social Butterfly Event ~ SPA PARTY!

BE WARNED
I just got back from a personal trip so this post is coming at the last minute!

 
Have YOU heard of the Butterfly Project? If you haven't, keep reading on! It's a Malaysian beauty & lifestyle blogging community started by one of Malaysia's most famous and wonderful bloggers Tammy @ Plus Size Kitten! With her focus and perseverance, The Butterfly Project that started as a cocoon idea has blossomed into a beautiful butterfly full of lovely bloggers from all walk of life, blogging about everything under the sun. The Butterfly Project runs monthly gatherings for bloggers to come together and discuss ideas and opportunities and most of all, make new friends and contacts.

Now onto The Butterfly Project's June social butterfly event, a SPA PARTY!! It's being sponsored by an  amazing group of companies. Thank you for all the hard work! 


Check out the fabness that will be this Spa Party!!

mood board for the Spa Party

Posh! Nail Spa, bridal showers & parties


catering by Idea Food Solution (IFS)

fotobox for weddings & events

Farah Tres Chic next top party planner

The Body Shop Malaysia our fave vegetarian

so Soft. so JOHNSON'S® for softer lovelier skin

Pink N' Proper the trendiest items from UK

TT Mask Malaysia from France, then Taiwan & now Msia!

OnlyBeauty freebies to your doorstep


The Butterfly Project's June Campaign: Spa Party is a time to primp and paint and picture-take. 50 lucky ladies will get to parade around on the 29th June, 2013 at Posh! Nail Spa, TTDI. I just hope I am one of them.
 It's going to be fun, fun, FUN!

My THREE Reasons Why I NEED This Party!

* These past two months have been some of the most stressful of my life! ARGH!!
~ I've had to turn down events due to horrible family matters and health problems. I really need a pick-me-up, if only for one day.

* To Get Back In The Game With A BANG
~ I've been pretty much MIA in the blogging community, too many wonderful events have passed by without me. It's time I make another entrance and reconnect with those lovely blogging buddies I've missed for so long. And this time, maybe with a BIG BANG!!
~ I want to luxuriate in a high-backed chair, with my nails tended to and my feet pampered. I want to eat cute snacks that looks too-good-to-be-eaten. I want a mask on my face, and my skin smothered in lotions and potions galore. I want to be enveloped in the best wardrobe UK has to offer. I want my picture taken, from a good angle this time and to not only use high quality products but also promote eco-friendliness at the same time. I want balloons and pretty and colourful streamers! I want, to be treated like a PRINCESS, if only for a day.

* Maybe I'll Get To Show Off Some New Duds!?
~ I'm having a yukata tailor-made so here's hoping it gets back in time! *crosses fingers* And IF I get an invite of course. And maybe, maybe....a new pair of Havaianas to go with my pretty new nails?? *wink wink*

* Okay, okay maybe a mini fourth reason? Pretty please?

If you want me looking like this, but BETTER, I need to be at the Spa Party! Stat!

So, if you want to try your hand at scoring a precious ticket, go to Tammy's blog for more details and to enter your raffle! Who knows, you might become to butterfly of the party!
May the odds be forever in your favour!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Must Go's: Blogelina's FREE 4-week Online Blogging Class & 1-year FREE Web Hosting Special!

Have you ever heard of Blogelina? She is a blogging maven that has helped a lot of bloggers grow from tiny young things to profitable blogs. She posts on really great topics related to blogging and can also help you transition from Blogger to Wordpress if you so desire.

But the real reason I am telling you about her is because she is having a Special Offer right now! Take The Blogelina 4-Week Online Blogging Class for FREE {$100 USD value}! PLUS, you get web hosting for FREE for a year if you sign up in time ($84 USD value). Yes, you read correctly, you don't have to spend a cent or sen at all to sign up for it!

But HURRY! It's ending this Friday so go sign up now!! What are you waiting for??

Here's a summary of what you'll learn in your 4 week lessons.

Take Your Blog to The Next Level

During the 4-week online class, you’ll gain access to:

  • The Class Manual – packed with 60 pages of information that will help take the overwhelming out of starting your own blog
  • 4 weekly online class sessions where you can ask your questions and get personalized feedback
  • A FREE Year of Web hosting! I’m also pleased to announce that Blogelina is able to provide each person who registers for Blogelina’s Online Class complimentary year of web hosting ($84 value)! That’s right – no strings attached, no hidden requirements… Just register for the class through the button below and start building your profitable blog today – on us! (Wondering why paid web hosting is so important for your blog? Oh, and did I mention that the pros recommend it?)
  • Save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and money – learn from my own experiences what to do and not to do!

What You’ll Learn

  • How to Get Your Blog Started on the Right FootQuestions to ask as you begin blogging
  • How to Choose a Web Host for Your Blog
  • Why Your Blog Design is So Important
  • 9 Different Ways to Easily Monetize Your Blog
  • How to Draw Visitors to Your Blog

So if you're new to blogging or just want a refresher course like me, sign up for it today and join me in getting those handy tips to better your blog. I've sure signed up! 

{FREE} 4-Week Profitable Blogging For Beginners Class

Monday, May 20, 2013

Face It: Nature Republic Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil

Recently, I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen to review a product as part of  a collaboration between OnlyBeauty.com.my and Nature Republic for OnlyBeauty fans and bloggers. I am really excited to try out Nature Republic's Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil! Quite a mouthful though, so it will be called Cleansing Oil in this review for convenience sake.


Before reading on, you should know that I have dry and sensitive skin. Not exactly the best skin type to try out a lot of new products but when it comes to Korean products and the very popular Nature Republic, I didn't give it a second thought. Plus, when I went to pick it up, I was given this chamomile one which is suitable for sensitive skin! OMG, how perfect for me, it's as though they knew.

 A look at the back of the box

I am always on the lookout for products, and especially cleansing products, that won't dry out my skin. As they say, the foundation is the most important thing. If I can't even cleanse my face properly, there's no point spending hundreds on the rest of your skincare regime. 


The first thing I noticed about this product was the chamomile in it. I love chamomile in teas and other skincare products so it made me more interested in it. Then came the pretty yellow bottle! Now the cleansing oil is not particularly yellow in colour. The colour comes from the bottle. It has a very subtle scent, none of that cloyingly strong scents but a lovely one that smells sweet and calms you as you start your cleansing process.  

 Back of the bottle is yellow

 
 I also love that the box is printed with soy ink on eco-friendly paper and therefore can be recycled.

Even better, the box has Braille lettering to help blind consumers read the products

When it comes to Cleansing Oil reviews, I know most people would try it out on cosmetics. So as a bit of a rebel, I tried it on something else! Something more...permanent.

Instead of using cosmetics as an example, I tested it out on my stamp!


Going, going....see how it's gotten lighter

Almost gone!


Recommended Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Apply a few drops of Cleansing Oil on dry face with dry hands and massage it all over the face.

Step 2Wet hands slightly and massage face again in a circular motion, Cleansing Oil should turn milky when combined with water.

Step 3: Wash off with warm water


I think it worked pretty darn well considering I tested it on an ink stamp instead of cosmetics. And I am sure that it would work as well, if not better, on cosmetics since it is an oil-based cleansing oil! I also love how it is not as oily as compared to some other popular cleansing oil brands. I don't like it when I feel that oily coating after washing off so thankfully, this cleansing oil did the trick!

It's also a good size, 200ml, to ensure freshness. As someone who doesn't wear a lot of makeup everyday, this is important as I wouldn't want to waste a big full-sized bottle just because I couldn't finish it before the expiry date.

This is actually my first time trying out a Nature Republic product but based on my experience with this one, I'll definitely go back and try out more!


For more information, do check out the links below.

Nature Republic Malaysia 

OnlyBeauty Malaysia 
Nature Republic's Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil consists of 200ml and retails at RM 94.90


Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the OnlyBeauty fans and bloggers collaboration with Nature Republic but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

The Bookworm: Book Blast & Giveaway - Mother Sea Turtles Month featuring Turtle Book by Stephanie Lisa Tara


Stephanie Lisa Tara presents Mother Sea Turtle month!  Mothers need to stick together; whether scaly, feathered, furry or skinned! And to celebrate this Mother's Day and the release of her newest turtle book, Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book—which is the companion follow-up to her first international bestseller, I'll Follow the Moon—Stephanie Lisa Tara is giving away 2 gorgeous, large plush sea turtles (26"L x 8"H x 16"W) to reviewers!




Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people would often stare at my bright red hair, which was very, very bright indeed.

Unfortunately, I developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them, and they soon became funny characters. I didn't have much time to think about being different; fanciful lyricisms danced in my head, and no one was safe!


Since then, I've come to believe that storytelling has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults that stick to your thoughts like taffy-- those are the things that stay forever in the mind.


I've lived in many special places: on a farm, in a city skyscraper, on a tropical beach, and in the beautiful country of France. Now I live in northern California, between the redwood forests and the sea. Even though I'm an adult, I'm still as silly as ever.


Many nice words have been used to describe my books, such as fun, engaging, delightful, and whimsical. Some folks say that I deliver timeless messages of love for kids and parents to share again and again; this makes me very happy. I hope that you'll enjoy my stories, too. Captivating children with language is something that I believe in, and I strive to live my life with this always.
--Stephanie Lisa Tara

www.StephanieLisaTara.com
stephanielisatarabooks@gmail.com



Cause pages (each supports a book's vision):
Stephanie Lisa Tara's Personal Sites:

Giveaway:

15 lucky people will win a copy of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book. You must be 13 or older to enter. Open to US addresses only.  Giveaway runs from May 12th to June 12, 2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two lucky reviewers will win a Melissa and Doug Giant Plush Stuffed Sea Turtle that retails at $34.99 and measures 26"L x 8"H x 16"W.  You must review Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book on Amazon to enter.  This giveaway runs from Mothers Day, May 12th to June 12th, 2013.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
And you can still enter to win a Kindle Fire! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Face It: Nature & Co Pure White Milky Lotion Light

As per the picture below, I received a joint sample of Nature & Co Pure White Milky Lotion Light along with its non-milky version, which I reviewed yesterday. This was thanks to HiShop's April Beauty Ambassador Programme.


Yesterday was the normal toner most people associate facial toners with, and today, it's the milky version's turn!


This sample consisted of 3ml, more than enough for the whole face. Too much for one usage really as it spreads easily and I had enough to apply to my neck as well! So just a little is enough, very economical.


A picture of the back of the sample for those of you who read Japanese. I can't so I had to get more info from the website, as shown below.
Again, I must say I love the packaging of Nature & Co's samples! So easy to tear open! No fuss, no spillage, no wastage!


Description:
  • Goes on with a fresh texture and blends delectably into skin. Whitening lotion that leaves skin moist, creamy, and exceedingly soft to the touch.
  • A whitening lotion that wraps skin with dry tendencies in a solid veil of moisture, leaving skin noticeably plump and firm.
  • Vitamin C derivative (base compound) suppresses melanin generation and wards off spots and freckles.
  • It has a lush, moist texture that won't feel sticky on the skin. Delivers a pleasant sensation with rich moisture you can feel.
  • It has a scent of fresh herbs that will make you want to breathe in deeply.
  • No artificial coloring.
  • Dermatologically  tested (Caution: this does not mean that the product is guaranteed non-allergenic for all users.)
Ingredients:
  • Organic marigold extract  (moisturizing)
  • Organic rosemary extract (moisturizing) 
  • Vitamin C derivative (whitening) 
  • Spring water (moisturizing) 

If you read yesterday's post, click here if you haven't and want a comparison, you'd have read that I did not like that lotion/toner very much. But this one is the exact opposite! I really like this one! It's quite thick so you really don't need very much. Absolutely no allergic reaction against my sensitive skin, smells less herbal than the other lotion, much more pleasant really, and didn't sting my eyes at all. I was left with moisturized and supple skin instead!

And best of all, I used this right after washing off the Nature & Co Vital Purity Lift Mask I reviewed earlier here. This made my skin feel even better after the tightened skin. I recommend this lotion for those who, like me, have dry and sensitive skin. I like it so much that I may just pick this one up once my current lotion/toner runs out! I am THAT happy with it.
Nature & Co Pure White Milky Lotion Light consists of 130ml and costs RM 58.90

Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the Beauty Ambassador Programme but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Face It: Nature & Co Vital Purity Lift Mask

I got a third Nature & Co sample sachet in my HiShop Box o' Goodies for participating in their April Beauty Ambassador Programme, This time it's a mask! I love masks! But this one is unlike any I have ever tried. Read on to know why!


This sample consisted of a generous 13ml! I didn't use very much as it was my first time trying on a clay mask and I didn't know how my skin would react to it. I believe this sample can actually last me 2 more times, that big!



A picture of the back of the sample for those of you who read Japanese. I can't so I had to get more info from the website, as shown below.

Description:
  • Tightens pores and smoothens skin texture
  • This cool-feeling lift mask smoothens out sagging skin
  • The natural clay ingredients banish dullness to produce soft, smooth skin
  • No artificial coloring
Ingredients:
Beauty Formulation:
  • Organic plant extract essence (moisturizing)
  • Organic lavender extract essence
  • Organic chamomile extract essence
Ingredients for healthy, firm, and lustrous skin:
  • Natural Vitamin E (emollient)
  • Collagen (moisturizing)
  • GABA (moisturizing)
  • Hot spring water
How to use:
Apply once or twice a week after washing your face. Spread an amount about the size of four cherries evenly over your face so that the skin is covered and rinse off after approximately 5 minutes. Apply skin lotion/toner to complete the skin treatment.


No expensive facial mud spas for me, just an at-home clay mask!

I really didn't know what I was expecting in this mask. But I'd guessed that it was a clay or some sort of deep-cleansing masks due to the 'Purity' word in the product title. And I was right, it is indeed a clay mask! And my first no less. I don't usually use or bother with clay masks as I have sensitive and already dry skin. And you'd think that deep-cleansing your skin would make it even drier. Right? Or is that just me?

Anyway, the mask is very thick texture-wise so start with a little bit and pile it on bit-by-bit. I think I only managed 1/3 of the sample sachet. Be warned: I do not recommend smiling, laughing, or even crying during the masking process, unless you're asking for trouble as it tugs on the skin pretty tightly! And since I used it while lounging in an air-conditioned room, I think it sort of sped up the process and made it even drier? If it's even possible?

After the allotted time, I went to take it off. I recommend wetting the now-dried mask with lots of water first, then only proceed to rubbing it off in a circular motion. I was pretty surprised at what I saw in the mirror afterwards! Not only did my skin look lighter and brighter, I think my pores actually shrank a size! No kidding! Very impressive. No tingly feelings, no redness, no allergic reactions. I can't say anything about the 'Lifting' bit as I believe (or don't want to believe rather) that I have saggy skin at my age? Just clean, smooth skin! I am a happy girl!

I also took the website's advice and used the Nature & Co Pure White Milky Lotion Light, reviewed here, after removing this mask for best results. And I was rewarded for it! And as I still have quite a bit of the mask leftover, I'm going to give it another go sometime this week! Unless it has completely dried up by then which would be a shame. And if the results are similar, am hoping for even more shrunken pores ya hear(!), I might consider getting me a tub!
Nature & Co Vital Purity Lift Mask consists of 140ml and is priced at RM 88.90.

Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the Beauty Ambassador Programme but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Face It: Nature & Co Pure White Lotion Light

As part of the HiShop's April Beauty Ambassador Programme, part of my care package, if you will, contained some samples from Nature & Co. Now I've seen this brand in my local pharmacies but have never really thought much about trying them. I am happy to have been given the chance to do so without having to take the plunge and buy a full-sized product before testing it out.

 

The one I am reviewing today is the Nature & Co Pure White Lotion Light. This is like your normal toner, just a transparent liquid formula. If you don't already know, the word 'Lotion' in Asian culture tends toward toners rather than the usual Western term for moisturizer. In that sense you could say that is why Asians put an emphasis on the usage of facial lotions, with it being a moisturizing toner. 


This sample consisted of 3ml, more than enough for the whole face.


A picture of the back of the sample for those of you who read Japanese. I can't so I had to get more info from the website, as shown below.

I love the packaging of Nature & Co's samples. I know I know, how hard can it be right? But you know that they actually care when it is easy to open up a sample sachet. This one is the easiest by far that I have come across. Leave it to the Japanese to perfect even the tiniest of details!


Description:
  • Whitening skin toner that penetrates easily into the skin to fill the skin with moisture and make your wish for pure and transparent skin come true.
  • Softens skin and boosts its ability to soak up nutrients, while at the same time delivering whitening ingredients deep inside the skin. It leaves skin healthy and teeming with pure translucence. Vitamin C derivative (base compound) suppresses melanin generation and wards off spots and freckles.
  • It has a lush, moist texture that won't feel sticky on the skin.
  • Delivers a pleasant sensation with rich moisture you can feel.
  • It has a scent of fresh herbs that will make you want to breathe in deeply.
  • No artificial coloring
  • Dermatologically tested (Caution: this does not mean that the product is guaranteed non-allergenic for all users.)

Ingredients:
  • Organic marigold extract (moisturizing)
  • Organic rosemary extract (moisturizing)
  • Vitamin C derivative (whitening)
  • Spring water (moisturizing)


I must admit I didn't quite like this one. I have very sensitive skin and although I did not develop any allergies after using this product, I felt it was a little too strong for my skin. The scent was also a bit strong for my taste, unless you really like herbal scents. Also, it may contain a bit more alcohol than my usual toners. I know when a lotion/toner is too strong for me when my eyes start to sting, that's one tell-tale sign for me. But of course, you should be aware that this might not happen to others so don't count it out just yet.


Nature & Co Pure White Lotion Light consists of 180ml and costs RM 58.90.

Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the Beauty Ambassador Programme but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.