Medieval times

I got some Corporate discount for Medieval times from work.  The past sunday I went to Medieval times with my hubby and friends. We went there around 2:10 p.m. and waited the door opened at 2:30 p.m. To my surprise, I wasn't checked for my name. The only questions being asked, "Are you coming in group?" and "How many people?" Then, we would be let go into the main building. It's a totally honest system. I am sure that a lot of people would think of getting more friends/family members to get in without paid.

Once we got in, there was a big bar right at the center of the building. Stables on the right. Gift stores are on the way to the dining place where the stores are selling the swords, shield,cups, etc.

The audience seats/tables might be about 8 feets higher than the performance ground. Even though we were sitting very close (the 2nd rows) to the performance stage, I don't smell any stinky horse smell. It was a eye-widening experiences. The show was great and it was happening the whole time during the meal. The food menu has garlic bread, tomato bisque, half chicken, ribs, potato, apple pie and 2 non-alcoholic beverages. It was quite hard to eat with the steaming hot half chicken with bare hands. As the theme is medieval times, no utensils are provided. The regular ticket is $69.99 CAN+ tax+tip. I got the discounted ticket through my company. $30 CAN including tax & tips is totally a steal.






I can't take any more pictures after that because my hands are so dirty and greasy.

First time skincare purchase from eSkinCareStore

This is the first skincare purchase I made on eSkinCareStore website. Here are the items that I bought:

-DDF Erase eye gel $39 CAN (reg:$60)
-FFD protective eye cream SPF 15 $40.30 CAN (reg: $62), exp:03/2010
With $10 special discount, $6.99 for shipping and total comes to $70.76 CAN.

This is totally a steal with 15% off for the products and another $10 special discount. Free shipping is free for order over $200.

I also got 2 free samples to try:
-Freeze 24-7 Instant smoother & brightener (0.5ml)
-Jurlique Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel (3ml)

The website also has a forum that beauty addicts can share their opinions about skincare/cosmetics tips. You would get another 5% discount if you have more than 50 posts on the forum.

The package was shipped on June 8, 2009 and I received on June 15, 2009. It took 5 business days for delivery which is not bad. Since the location of the company is in Vancouver, I don't have to worry about the unexpected custom fee. The company also has a U.S. location as well.

Overall, the purchase transaction on eSkinCareStore is very smooth. The price is a good steal. I would definitely come back.

Sewame Pore-refining extract vs. Loreal Skin Genesis Pore minimizing serum

Recently, I realized that my nose pores are getting more noticeable. I don't have pores any other areas except my nose. I guess that the pores are the results of squeezing the whiteheads/dirt continuously. So, I bought two pore -refining serums to give them a try and also I will try to just use the mud mask to clean the nose area.

Sewame Pore-refining Extract, 75 mL, $17.99 CAN ($0.24/ml)
Distributor: Hong Kong

Product Description
The advanced Sewame Pore-refining Extract combine the most updated technology from Paris Sewame Perfect Skin Care Research Center, contain Biowhite and unique pore refine compound, noticeably refine skin pore, smoothen skin and whiten complexion.

Purpose: Whiten complexion and refine skin pore, promote oil excretion adjustmen, prevent pore becoming larger.

To use: Apply evenly on face and neck on cleansed skin, massage the fluid for skin absorption.

Comments:
This brand sponsored their products to Miss Hong Kong in 2007. I have heard about this brand but I haven't never tried any of product from this brand until now. Paris Sewame is originated from Paris, France.

I got this product from Chinese skincare/cosmetics store.

Pros: The texture looks pretty viscous when applying. After massaging it to the skin, the product is totally absorbed into the skin. I feel that my skin is much hydrated and smoother the next morning even after cleansing my face. The effects make the pores look smoother/smaller.

Cons:
-The package doesn't state out the ingredients in formulation. The description of ingredients is too vague.
-The material of the plastic container looks quite cheap. The plastic cap couldn't fit very well back to the container once I removed it for the first use. I need to give quite a bit force to put the plastic cap to the container, and the when I tried to pull the cap out the next time, it's very difficult to remove the cap and at the end, I pulled the whole cap and pump out, that let the fluid leaking out. The packaging is definitely disappointing.





The other product that I tried is L’Oréal Paris Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Skin Re-Smoother 30ml, $17.49 CAN +tax. ($0.67/ml) I got this product at superstore.



This product claims for pore-minimizing, skin re-smoother.

Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Cyclohexasilocane, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Silica Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Methylsilanol, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolyer, Ammonium Polyacryladimethyltauramide, Carpyloylsalicylicacid, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, Disodium EDTA, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica Dimethylsilylate, Algae, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum
Made in U.S.A.

The texture of this product is very light weight. It is easily to be absorbed and gives a smooth look on my face.

I love the design of the container. It is very hygiene. Simply turn the cap anticlockwise 30 degree, and then press on the pump, the fluid would be let out. Close the cap by turning the cap clockwise. This is definitely a good product to travel.

If you have sensitive skin, I don't recommend Loreal for you because it has alcohol.

Overall, both products give similar results for minimizing the pores and smoothing the skin. Personally, I would prefer the texture of Sewame pore-refining serum because this serum can also acts as a hydrating serum. Sewame is much cheaper compared to Loreal. I would suggest Loreal for people who have oily skin, you would love this product because it is very light weight and you don't feel anything. As for those of you that have combination to dry skin, you might want to try Sewame. Sewame doesn't list out the ingredients. So, if your skin is sensitive, try the product on your lower jaw/neck first.

Cosline Pomegrante Whitening Mask

I bought a small pouch for $1 from Sasa. This product claims for whitened and brighten the skin after use. Efficient for getting rid of the "yellowish" tone of Asian skin. The ingredients are not listed on the packaging. Even though the ingredients are listed, I won't understand Korean Language.  

Evaluation: 

Type of mask: Wash-off

Scent: Very good. The scent is like as much as the real Pomegranate fruit scent.

Texutre:  Gel-like texture that easily blend on skin.  I think that I use half of the pouch to cover my face and neck.

Results:
1st time use:
The skin looks smoother. But that's about it. No whitening effect at all. Will I repurchase? Definitely not even though it's for a dollar.
A buyer from Sasa mentioned that the white heads would be easily squeezed out after using this mask. I will try it next time since I already put moisturizer on my face. Actually, I tried not to squeeze any dirt from my face. I didn't have any pores before; however, I noticed that my nose pores become noticible as I started to squeeze the white heads out of my nose.