3.21.2014

Shiesedo Perfect UV Protector Spf 50+ PA++++ ( my favorite sunscreen)

Hello Dolls,
We all know that applying sunscreen on everyday basis can prevent skin cancers but do you know that a good sunscreen can help prevent premature aging? Yups, It's crucial to apply sunscreen with high SPF. A 2013 study concluded that the diligent, everyday application of sunscreen can slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.The SPF (sun protection factor) is the amount of UV radiation required to cause sunburn on skin with the sunscreen on, as a multiple of the amount required without the sunscreen during 1 hour.For example, if you usually get a sunburn in 10 minutes when outside unprotected, you should not burn for 150 minutes if you are wearing an SPF15 product.However, we should know about the differences between UV A and UV B. UV B rays are short waves and it can cause sunburns. It is basically can damage your outer layers of your skin. On the other hand,UV A rays  are long waves that are less intense than UV B rays, but more powerful and can penetrate through clouds and glass windows.It penetrates to your deeper layers of your skin. It  is most likely the cause of premature aging and wrinkles.

The The SPF rating system was developed back in 1962 by Franz Greiter to measure the capacity of a sunscreen to block UVB radiation. The current SPF rating system applies to UVB rays only, since those are the rays that cause sunburn.

SPF-15-30-50 Guide:
 •15- 1/15 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 93%.
•30- 1/30 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 97%.
•50- 1/50 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 98%.


In the USA,broad spectrum means you'll be protected from UVA and UVB rays. UVAs are the culprits of aging and skin cancer, while UVBs are the ones that lead to sunburn. Sunblock is not sunscreen, though, so make sure you buy a product with broad-spectrum protection.
 
So what does PA+++ mean? PA is a Japanese rating system in place before the new regulations that was a way to show how much protection you are receiving from UVA rays. You will see either PA+, PA++, or PA+++ on the label, with more + signs meaning a higher level of UVA protection.


Now, I will give some thoughts about my favorite sunscreen Shiseido Perfect UV protector SPF 50+PA++++ very water resistant. I am in love with this product because of its benefits.
SPF50+・PA++++

Texture:
A very water-resistant sun protection lotion that provides reliable defense against UV rays while offering advanced skincare benefits. Ideal for face and body, and especially formulated for strong sunlight conditions. It is not sticky or oily when you apply to your skin. It is also a very good base make up. I apply this sunblock before applying my make up. Compared to Diorshow White Reveal UV Shield Spf 50, this sunscreen does no wrong.Dior's  texture is more dense and it is too sticky for my oily skin.

Benefits/Pros:
・Protects skin from UVA/UVB rays and helps reduce signs of photo-aging with exclusive SuperVeil-UV 360 technology.
・Formulated with Profense CEL, a complex of ingredients that inhibits enzyme activity* and damage to cells and DNA*— factors linked to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.
・Contains Thiotaurine and Rose Apple Leaf Extract, proven to counteract oxidation.*
・Absorbs quickly and feels comfortable on skin.
・Promotes a smoother application of foundation and a lasting makeup finish.
・Removes easily with basic cleansers.
・Very water-resistant.
・Perspiration-resistant.
・NON-COMEDOGENIC.
・DERMATOLOGIST AND OPHTHALMOLOGIST-TESTED.
 
 How to use:
・Shake well before use.
・Before sun exposure, apply a generous amount of lotion evenly to face and body.
・When using on face, apply following skincare.
・To remove, rinse off thoroughly using daily cleanser.

Verdict:
It is definitely my holy grail product. I am very happy with it. It doesn't cause breakouts on my acne-prone skin. Its price is a little bit hefty, it cost me SGD 59.00 ( I believe you can find cheaper ones somewhere) but I will repurchase because its benefits and It is so hard for me to find a product that is suitable for my sensitive oily skin. 



Oral Hygiene Is Very Important and You Don't Want to Miss it....

Just wanted to share my thoughts on random topic. Well, it is not a regular random thought but it is a reminder for me. I have been very a hygienic person ( a little bit obsessive ), I wash my hand after I touch some things that I think they are dirty. I take my shower thrice a day (especially when I exercise or I feel hot), I brush my teeth at least 3 times a day (I have changed my toothpaste to the one with enamel protection). I floss and use mouthwash along with it. I carry a hand sanitizer bottle in my purse. In short, I will do whatever it takes to make myself bacteria-free. However, I was still clueless about the importance of oral hygiene to my overall health. 



One day, I was watching a news and there was a feature talking about oral hygienic and its relation to throat cancer. It stated that some research proves that people with poor oral hygiene are likely to suffer from a throat cancer. Well, It makes sense because your mouth is a place where you can find bacteria around. The remains of food consumed and residue from your cigarettes ( if you smoke) inside your mouth bring some bacteria and other harmful chemical in contact to your body. Therefore, some other things might tag along when you don't brush your teeth regularly. Most people think that brushing their teeth alone is enough but it's not enough. Your brush cannot reach the hidden place in your mouth and it cannot reach the gaps between two teeth. You need to floss and use mouthwash every day. The remains of your food can lead to bad breath, teeth decay, gums infections, tartar and even cancer. The gums infections can make your teeth loose. Oh my, I couldn't imagine if I was a toothless woman. Oh, before I forget, you need to choose no alcohol mouthwash. Products with alcohol might give you an instant freshness but it will dry your mouth and it makes you have a bad breath and worsen the problem if you already have the bad breath problem.
My favorite products are Colgate Slim Soft Charcoal toothbrush,Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste, Oral B Complete Satinfloss and  Freshmint Colgate Plax Mouthwash.

Anyway, don't be lazy to floss and brush your teeth on daily basis. Cheers!



 

3.01.2014

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering

You desire to know the art of living, my friend? It is contained in one phase: make use of suffering.

-Henri Frederic Amie


                                                                                                             

I have been searching for this kind of book for quite some time. As a flawed human being, I have very limited understandings to comprehend my pain, my agony and my sorrow. I kept asking God, " why me?" " why this happened to me?" when something bad happened to me. I merely blamed God or other people to unfortunate moments in my life. I was so clueless and naive. I have learned that my life is not as smooth as other people's lives but I also have a wonderful life that is far better than some people's. It makes me very grateful. As a Christian, I understand that there is God to rely on and God's plans to me.  However, a true comprehension toward what suffering is, the reasons behind it and how to cope with it, is still a vague concept to me. I told myself I needed something that could help me understand. One day, I went to a book store, I was hoping to get a recipe book and I bumped to a book with a very interesting tittle "Walking with God through Pain and Suffering" (2013)by Timothy Keller.Suddenly, I thought " this is it!", this book was something that could help me answer my shallowness ( well, I used to be so anxious about many things). I think God has answered me through this book.

I found this book very practical and helpful. It has been arranged to chapters that  help readers to find the answers of their problems. In the prolog, the author helps to specify the readers' urgency. For example, when the readers have a specific urgency to cope with their problems immediately they can just skip the first chapter and go straight to chapter 2/3. I decided to read this book from the first chapter. Basically, this book is a guide-book to help people overcome and comprehend their suffering and pain.How cool is that?

I recommend the book to anyone who is questioning, doubting and searching for answers of their sufferings. This book explains deeply about sufferings, so the readers can comprehend fully and take some reasoning to it. It will shed some light to very difficult yet common questions in human's lives, the questions about sufferings. I presume when people understand the reasons  behind their sufferings and the form of sufferings they will be able to move forward to cope and to endure the sufferings. You know, the confusion and not knowing how sufferings operate and take form make us in a dark place. It makes us bitter and sometimes some people even abandon their faith.
The book also gives solutions and practical steps to handle and endure our sufferings. It is like making a cake where you can follow step by step. I know, some people might find it ridiculous when you can formulate ways to deal with your sufferings. However, this kind of book is needed when you feel  alone or  hopeless. Sometimes, speaking out about our pains and sufferings is not enough. We need something more personal and practical to guide us through our difficult times. This book not only gives systematical ways to handle our sufferings but also it gives real-life testimonies of people who have been through difficult times. I think those examples are beyond my so-called difficult miserable life, I am grateful that God has touched me with their life stories and I am grateful for who I am. All in all, don't lose our hopes when we encounter adversities and difficult times, let be grateful and rethink what God has done for us. His blessings have been given to us since we were born. Remember, there are people who endure more difficult adversities than ours. I remember, a priest once said," As long as we are healthy and alive, we can still make some efforts but when we are terribly sick we are restricted".



My rating is 5/5


2.07.2014

How to Recover Deleted Posts in Blogger

Arrrrgh,,,,You accidentally pressed a wrong button on your computer after writing a long post on your blog.And, your new post was deleted. Don't be panicked.
If you are using Blogger like my blog. You can go to this website, this is the link (I am glad that I found it):

http://www.mybloggerlab.com/2013/02/how-to-restore-recover-your-deleted-post-in-blogger.html

Good Luck! next time don't forget to save your posts before you publish it :):):)



Killing Jesus ( The Nazarene's History)

Hi Everybody,
I hope you have a wonderful day!
I bought myself another book to accompany my last vacation in Indonesia. Yes, I went to my beloved country for Christmas holiday, I was happy to meet my parents and my little brother. I met some friends as well. Anyway, I downloaded my Killing Jesus to my kindle before heading home. I was reluctant to read it in full version. Before I decided to download it, I had tried to read the sample version. I was like " oh Gosh, I can't handle this, this too heartbreaking". Killing Jesus is a history book based on Jesus Christ's life. The fact that it is a history book with historical facts make me gloomy. Well, I am a sensitive person so what I can say. The book is written by Bill O'Reilly and his friend, Martin Dugard. They are very inseparable apparently, they have been teamed for many publications. I heard that they are going to make another history book about WWII, I can't wait to read it.Killing Jesus has been in the  New York Times Best Seller list. This book has the same title as Stephen Masfield's  "Killing Jesus", same title but different content... maybe ( I haven't read the book yet). Killing Jesus is a famous book because it causes some controversies among its readers.  For instance, some  people think it is a blasphemy because you can't explore God by depicting historical facts. God is holy so you can't give your thoughts which are not based on biblical matters.I mean, Bible is also a series of historical events and it was written by chosen people which had personal thoughts of Jesus Christ and His teaching. I don't try to defend the authors but I think they merely try to give a new perspective about Jesus Christ. Jesus is a very influential  historical figure after all.Even, according to a new internet research Jesus is the most important person in history that ranks Napoleon second and Muhammad third.  I think the authors expected the controversies to happen. Controversies are good publications, aren't they? Okay then, I will give you my short review about . It will not be a long review because I am not a spoiler.

Killing Jesus

The book is written  to show the historical background during Jesus' life. The authors want to give factual descriptions about Jesus' life , it is to show the readers that Jesus' lived in a very difficult period under Roman empire and the corrupt lives of Jewish leaders who played a important role in Jewish society at that time. Shortly, Jesus lived in a period of crisis that led unfortunate Jewish people to suffer and to be oppressed. They lived under constant fear of an unjust system and ruler. It made them fragile and didn't have a refuge. Their souls longed for a savior that gave them a genuine freedom from their fears. The authors address Jesus as an earthly figure not Jesus as God. They don't mention Jesus as Jesus Christ but Jesus as the Nazarene. I think it is a good way to keep factual accuracies. Although, the author tries to delineate the factual matters of Jesus' life, they don't neglect biblical matters in the book. It seems they want to incorporate every fact that they have found to support biblical verses and vice versa. Jesus was a figure that brought a new hope to an oppressed society where the adversities seemed to be eternal.

Jesus, the Nazarene in this book is depicted as a person who is very normal as a human being. He can express his sadness, anguish and anger. However, he has characteristics that make people want to listen and follow his teachings. He is a very special person with a serene charisma yet his words are firm and powerful. His words and figure are consolations for dejected people. People who are outcasts to the society like  a prostitute or tax collectors. The Nazarene comes to give them a new hope and break down boundaries. He doesn't alienate them but embrace them with compassion.

The book recounts the life of Jesus  from his birth to his early death in crucifixion. The fact that this is a history book makes the depiction more vivid. The authors narrates the events through depictions of characters involved in and influence  Jesus' life. For example, they describe vividly  a depraved life of Tiberius , a Roman Emperor during Jesus' life. They also give generous parts to describe other characters like John the Baptist, Peter, and more. It is a brilliant effort to take the readers into  a deep comprehension of Jesus' life. I like how it narrates because it is not only give me a new knowledge about the events but also it give me a new threshold to understand the difficulties that Jesus had during his life. The authors are successfully bring the historical events to the readers' minds using sharp and dramatic details. Concisely, the book brings new details which the readers can't find only from reading the Bible. The end of the book provides short details after Jesus' death. It is stated that there are no evidences that point where Jesus' body was buried, it was simply an empty tomb. The details also mention the characters involved in the Jesus' life.

My verdict to this book is I really enjoyed reading it but it makes me contemplate about the whole story. It makes me grateful about my life and I feel blessed to have Jesus Christ in my life. I think if you want to understand about Jesus as a historical figure you can read this book. It is a neutral book that can be read by anybody, it is not a Christian themed book. It is like other history books that you can find in Amazon or book stores. The fact that I am a Christian made me more sentimental after I finished the book. My rating for this book is 5/5 because the details in this book are refreshing and novel.

2.06.2014

How about Baking?






I am a very luke warm person when it comes to my ultimate hobby or passion or interest....
I have been searching my real passion, it seems that I have a lot of interests that keep me busy and occupied. I like various things. So, here is the story. I want to have a new hobby that can make happy ( financially) hehehe....
I like cooking and I don't really have a formal education of cooking. Never do I take cooking classes, I learn to cook from cooking shows and random food blogs. My favorite tv channel is Food Network. I created and improvised my own dishes according to my healthy meal plans. I don't eat certain foods and I am very concerned about they way I cook my food. I don't fry my food. I am a simple yet picky cook and eater.I like to eat cakes moderately because I don't have  a sweet tooth problem. I also enjoy making my own cakes. The problem is to bake is to infuse science into your food. It needs right measurement and  methods to create a delicious and attractive cake. All those things, need to be learned in a culinary school. I believe some people are talented cooks, I met some of them. However, baking is another level of cooking, it is more difficult
. I am still thinking about taking a formal course on baking. I hope someday I can make it a reality. Cheeers!!!

1.24.2014

Killing Kennedy :The End of Camelot





Hi everyone,
I am going to write a review on Killing Kennedy (2012) written by the famous  Bill O'Reilly and his author friend, Martin Dugard. My interest in reading fictional books is now declining. I am more into history books because I find that some fictions are alike these days, they have similar themes. In short, I am a bored reader. I need a new threshold to the world where I can not find in fictional works. Killing Kennedy is the first history book that I write a review on. People have raved about this book since it was first published. Even, it is filmed by National Geographic Channel. I was kind of late to jump on the bandwagon. The book made its place on New York Times' best sellers list. I was enticed because I was curious about the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) since it was a very shocking moment for Americans those days and one of the biggest mysteries in the history. Many theories of his assassination have emerged since the day he was murdered.I believe the speculations will still be  going on.

JFK's life and his family have been a center of attention for so long even after his murder. He was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald at 12:30 p.m,on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas. It was a very terrible news for Americans who were under constant fear of Cold War and other foreign threats. The domestic commotions also serious threats for the USA during JFK's presidency. Shortly, those were tumultuous moments for Americans. 

Back to my review, Killing Kennedy is one of the books which talk about JFK's assassination. You may find different books which have the same core. You may think that history books are boring to read and maybe you feel intimidated by history books. You can give this book a try because the authors deliver the history in fictional-like narration which makes it easy and smooth to read and to comprehend fully. As a new reader of history you may need to consider it. The authors try to convey the story from two point of views, the first one is from JFK's point of view and the other is from his assassin,Lee Harvey Oswald. This gives readers a closer and personal glimpse on the tragic event.
I like how the authors deliver the events to their readers. 

The facts are very important matters in history books, the authors have gone to deep investigations to shed some light on the murder. They have made some efforts to investigate and interview some people who were related to the event. You can see the list of some reliable sources in the end of the book. Personally, I like this book and it has fulfilled my expectations. It's a worth reading book, you might find  some new information  about JFK's life when you read this book even if you have read about his assassination. I will not mention those details because I want you to enjoy the book and I don't want to ruin your curiosity.

Rate:
4/5 stars.