Raves 'N Reviews

Instant noodles

2010-12-15T12:37:00.006-06:00

As usual, we have our pantry full of stuffs just in case we need a quick food fix but are too lazy to cook or go out, or even call for delivery. =)

This time it's instant noodles straight from Taiwan, which my ever dependable hubby got from his recent trip. Instant noodles are called 泡麵 (pronounced as 'phao-mien' in Mandarin and 'phao-mi' in Taiwanese dialect) in Taiwan or 公仔麵 (pronounced 'kong-chai-min' in Cantonese and 'kong-tzai-mien' in Mandarin) in Hong Kong.

It's made by a famous Taiwanese company under the brand name 康師傅 (pronounced 'khang-zhi-fu'). This one particular flavor is also for vegetarians and without msg added. It's 當歸藥膳麵線 (pronounced 'dang-kwuei-yao-shan-mien-sien'), where I added some mushrooms and an egg. Doesn't do much for the looking but tastes really good, specially added with a taste of sesame oil.

Hotpot @Yu's Bistro

2010-12-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

This is an eat all you can hotpot meal @Yu's Bistro. It cost approx USD14 + tax per person, coz it doesn't come with seafood. The added seafood varieties will cost approx. USD17 + tax.

They call this the Yin-Yang Hotpot (鴛鴦鍋)

This is the soup broth base for a hotpot meal, where one side is the mega-hot broth and the other side mild.

Then, what follows are all put inside the soup broth to boil. We like the veggies boiled till soft while the meat just right. =)

What should always be remembered in each hotpot meal is the concoction of sauce mixture where we dip the meat & veggies before devouring them. Above are the selection of Yu's hotpot sauce mixture (from upper left to lower right): sa-cha paste, sesame paste, chopped string onions, chopped garlic. Not shown is the soy sauce which I added for taste.

I was not able to show what Yu's Bistro looks like before. So, I took a quick shot before we stepped in this time around:

Brunch @Yu's Bistro

2010-12-12T01:32:00.000-06:00

We have been to this restaurant 1.5 years ago and was very disappointed with the food quality as its tasted blah. A big embarrassment as we brought the take out to a friend's potluck party. =(

A few days ago, hubby and I decided to give their dinner meal another try. We were surprised as there was a big difference. It's way better. Apparently, it is now under new management. The lady owner told us that her hubby is the chief cook so kitchen quality is well monitored. That's good to hear.

So we went there today to try their brunch. It actually tastes good enough to be added on our regular to-go places. These are the yummy food we had:

soy milk (豆漿)

I had the sweetened soy milk but I think it should taste better if they lessened the sugar a teeny weeny bit. Also, I prefer it served in a glass. It also tastes better than the one sold in Westmont, IL. Sigh, that's what happens when you get used to the great food sold everywhere in Taiwan.

Dan-Dan Noodle (担担麵)

This one comes spicy and a bit salty, so be mindful for those who can't take spicy food. As with typical Szechuan dishes, they added pericarpium zanthoxyli (花椒) as with most of their spicy dishes. This leaves your lips a bit numb afterwards. Don't worry as it lasts for only a few seconds. If it's just a bit less salty, I would highly recommend this dish.

Pan friend bun w/meat stuffing (生煎包)

I guess the strong taste left by the dan-dan noodle has made this one bland. So, I should try this one again the next time we go back to be able to give a fair comment on whether it's good enough to be recommended or a definite blah. =)

Crab Rangoon (酥炸蟹角)

I think I should emphasize that crab rangoon is not a typical chinese dim-sum at all in Asia. I have not seen it in HK, China or Taiwan. In fact, it is only here in US dim-sum restaurants that I have encountered the crab rangoon dish. They are said to be one of the favorites of non-chinese (usually westerners) who frequent the dim-sum restaurants. So far, I can say that Yu's Bistro can be said to serve the best tasting crab rangoon yet. They come with a substantial filling of crab meat w/ saucy fillings (which we usually call crab meat salad) wrapped in those wonton wrappers and deep fried. They are served with honey mustard and/or a kind of sweet sauce (this is not the typical sweet and sour sauce but tastes like the so-called duck sauce that's popular only in US chinese restaurants). The other crab rangoons that I've tried usually have so little fillings that I can't even taste what's in it. You know, like huge fried wrappers with barely anything in the filling. Yu's crab rangoon is best served with dippings of honey mustard and that other sweet sauce. yummy. thumbs up.

Chinese Cruller (油條)

I personally find their chinese cruller too oily. I know they are supposed to be deep fried, but when you tear open the cruller and find the oil almost dripping... it's simply yuck. The ones sold in Westmont, IL by a Taiwanese fast food stand is way better, no oil drips.

Chinese Chives Pie (韭菜合子)

This is my first time to have chinese chives pie and it tastes- wondeful! As usual, I think that this would have been perfect if its a bit less salty and I don't see the oil dripping. Can you see the oil on the skin? A piece of clean tissue dabbed over it should do the trick. I guess I have been used to food in Taiwan, which means that food aren't too salty, sweet or oily. I guess Taiwanese are just too health conscious.

I took photo shots of their brunch menu for those that are curious how much these dishes costs:

As I usually appreciate knowing where we can find good food and new places to dine, I am including their contact information below for reference, hoping that it makes life a bit easier for others:

Yu's Bistro (七星椒)

658 S. IL-59, Naperville, IL60540

Phone- 1.630.8486998

They claim to serve authentic Szechuan, Cantonese, and Taiwanes cuisines.

Regular freebies from Victoria Secret

2010-12-08T23:53:00.002-06:00

I receive these mail ads from Victoria Secret regularly. They usually give away free undies with no purchase required! You can't help loving them!!!

Steamed fish for dinner

2010-12-07T01:57:00.001-06:00

Wet markets don't seem to be very popular here in Illinois. The only places where we can buy live or fresh fishes are usually those sold in asian stores. Yes, I mean those fishes that are still swimming around before you got your eyes on them and they got wacked on their head to get cleaned up for your next meal.

Among asians, I bet the chinese people are the most hard to please when it comes to fresh seafood. That means that go where the most chinese live and you should be able to find live seafood.

So off to chinatown I went and got my live fish for tonight's meal. I forgot what fish specie it is. They used a net to catch the fish from the aquarium and confirm with you before wacking it to sleep, remove the scales, etc. Poor fish, but since it's not my pet, I didn't feel really sad. It's the smallest fish in the tank and just good for two people. It cost me approx USD7.

I cleaned it again before steaming it. It's yummy and this is what it looked like:

Cotton Candy

2010-12-07T00:50:00.001-06:00

I just purchased this unit and isn't it the cutest cotton candy making machine? It brings back childhood memories where we line up waiting infront of the cotton candy man waiting for our turn to buy a pink or blue cotton candy. Now, I can just pop 2 candies to turn it into a cotton candy! Right at home, without having to go outside looking for the cotton candy man...

Weekend Dining @Great Steak

2010-12-05T23:32:00.003-06:00

The bread at Great Steak Premium Outlet used to be so yummy, coz they toast the bread a bit which they don't now. So, it's not as good as before anymore. But that doesn't mean it doesn't taste good. I'm sharing photos of their 'super steak' meal:

And, this is how the fast food court at Premium Outlet looks like:

Hello Kitty Slipper Boots

2010-11-22T23:19:00.000-06:00

Don't you think these are just the cutest thing to keep your feet warm this coming white christmas?? All three are such fun colors, which one do you think is the best one to own??? HELP!

* ribbon detail
* side pom poms
* polyester
* machine wash, dry flat

Chinese Postpartum Care: 3- Recommended Menu 3

2010-11-22T21:27:00.001-06:00

3rd Week (Day 15 ~ 21)

Meal: Chicken in sesame oil (麻油雞), Chicken w/chestnut(栗子雞), Chicken w/dang-gui astragalus soup (當歸黃耆雞), Chicken w/lotus seeds & poria soup (茯苓連子雞), Pig tripe w/ spare ribs stew (豬肚燉排骨), Mullet in sesame oil(麻油烏魚), Lamb w/prepared rehmanniae root soup(熟地羊肉湯), Shrimp in sesame oil (麻油蝦)
Black-boned chicken in sesame oil (麻油烏骨雞)- helps the body recuperate, restores vigor
Main ingredients: black sesame oil, old ginger, (taiwan) rice wine, black-boned chicken

Herbals: [生津安神 + 排除脹氣 + 補中益氣] for postpartum care herbal formula
Main ingredients: Radix Rehmanniae Preparata or Prepared rehmannia root(熟地), Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae or achyranthes root(淮七), Ligustici Wa Llichi Rhizoma(川芎), Zizyphi Sativae Fructus or red dates(大棗), Lycii Fructus(枸杞)

To Induce Lactation: Yellow bean papaya w/carp soup (黃豆木瓜鯽魚湯), Stewed Pork feet w/peanuts & mushrooms (香菇花生燉豬腳), lactation herbals

Drinks: Refreshing herbal drink

Chinese Postpartum Care: 3- Recommended Menu 2

2010-11-21T23:16:00.001-06:00

2nd Week (Day 8 ~ 14)

Meal: Pork kidney in sesame oil (麻油腰花), Pork kidney w/Eucommiae Cortex (杜仲腰花), Papaya w/ pork tail-bone soup (木瓜尾椎骨湯), Shi-Quan-Tai-Po w/pork tail-bone soup (十全大埔尾椎骨湯)
*VEGETARIANS: Eucommiae vegetarian pork kidney(杜仲素腰花)
Pork kidney in sesame oil- promotes metabolism, restores vital energy, minimizes against postpartum backpains
Main ingredients: black sesame oil, old ginger, (taiwan) rice wine, pork kidney

Herbals: [(liver & kidney supplement)補肝腎 + (bone strengthening)強化筋骨 + (waist & knee strengthening)強壯腰膝] for postpartum care herbal formula
Main ingredients: Ligustri Lucidi Fructus(女貞子), Cuscutae Semen(菟絲子), Cistanchis Herba(肉從容), Eucommiae Cortex(杜仲), Polygoni Multiflori Radix(首烏)

To Induce Lactation: Yellow bean papaya w/carp soup (黃豆木瓜鯽魚湯), Stewed Pork feet w/peanuts & mushrooms (香菇花生燉豬腳), lactation herbals

Drinks:
Traditional postpartum drink & Red date tea (NOT for labor or vaginal delivery; for caesarian delivery, drink until 12th day)
Refreshing herbal drink (for labor or vaginal delivery; for caesarian delivery, start drinking on the 13th day only)

Chinese Postpartum Care: 3- Recommended Menu 1

2010-11-20T23:19:00.003-06:00

1st Week   (Day 1 ~ 7)
Meal:     Pork liver in sesame oil (麻油豬肝), Stir-fried Pork liver w/spinach (波菜炒豬肝), Pork heart in sesame oil (麻油豬心), Bass ginger soup (老薑鱸魚湯)
Pork liver in sesame oil- improves lochia discharge off the body, norishes and restores vital energy, protects the liver and eyesight
Main ingredients:    black sesame oil, old ginger, (taiwan) rice wine, pork liver

Herbals:     [補血養神 + 利水消腫 + 消除疲勞] for postpartum care herbal formula
Main ingredients:     Codonopsis pilosulae Radix (黨蔘), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (當歸), Astragali Radix (黃耆), Pearl barley (薏仁), Poria (茯苓)

To Induce Lactation:     Yellow bean papaya w/carp soup (黃豆木瓜鯽魚湯), Stewed Pork feet w/peanuts (花生燉豬腳), lactation herbals

Drinks:    Traditional postpartum drink (生化湯), Red date tea

Chinese Postpartum Care. 2-Diet Taboo (Don'ts)

2010-11-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

1. Avoid drinking water, vinegar or anything sour, rice porridge or congee, including milk, as these are said to easily bring about the sagging of the breasts, skin and internal organs, including protruding tummy, etc.
*In lieu of drinking water, intake of chinese herbal drinks such as sheng-hua soup (生化湯), sesame pork liver soup, etc. during the 1st week is adviced. By the 2nd week, monitored volume of water intake is suggested: weigh body weight daily, such that drink only 10-16cc of water for every kilogram (kg) of body weight, taking small sips.

2. Avoid salt or salty food. Light diet void of saltiness is strongly recommended because it slows down blood flow and is unfavorable to lochia discharge (means post-partum vaginal discharge which contains blood, mucus and placenta tissue. This is very similar to the bleeding experienced during menstrual period, but much heavier.) Salty food may result in thirstiness thereby increasing unnecessary water intake which could cause excess water retention inside the body. This is said to hinder the recovery of the body or physical figure, or cause the tummy to look bloated.

3. Avoid oily food. Postpartum diet is supposed to observe light diet, avoiding oily and fatty food intake. This is said to slow down physical metabolism, causes arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, neuralgia.

4. Avoid raw, cold and spicy food. Breast feeding mothers should avoid these food as they are said to easily cause infant diarrhea. The maternal physique veers toward to a cold nature, causing the hands and feet to easily feel cold during fall winter.

5. Avoid fried, stir-fry or barbeque food, including solid food such as peanuts, (melon) seeds, beans, beef tendon, beef, etc., because they easily result in thirstiness and constipation.

Chinese Postpartum Care, 1-Why is it important?

2010-11-19T00:36:00.000-06:00

The modern women has learned to love herself more than ever. She diligently attends her yoga and aerobics classes, a regular patron at spas and beauty salon, goes shopping when she can, the list is endless. All these in the name of health & beauty.

With health comes beauty. Some people turned into vegetarians in pursue of 'detoxing' the body. Chinese medical practice states that a woman undergoes exteme inner physical changes during menarche, postpartum, and menopause. That these stages in her life are the best time to improve (or revamp) her health or well-being through certain practices, which includes intake of certain chinese herbs specifically formulated for each of these stages.

A lot of blood loss happen during delivery or miscarriage, hence the stress on intake of chinese herbals in enriching the blood (補血), norishing one's vitality (補氣), balancing of the yin-yang (補陰,補陽), diuresis (利水), improve blood circulation (活血), etc., to help the body recuperate better.

It is said that the practice of chinese postpartum care actually helps minimize certain ailments such as back pains, rheumatisms, etc., in later years. A friend said she stayed in a postpartum care center in Taiwan for a month after giving birth. She spent a whooping NTD60-70,000 which is about USD2000! She said that there were no visual difference between herself and another friend who didn't practice 'ge-lai'. A few months later, her friend would complain that she easily feels cold, whereas she didn't feel that way prior to giving birth. My friend said that she didn't feel any of those negative issues. My thought? Better safe than sorry.

For those that has no access to chinese postpartum care centers, there are DIY methods available.  Finding a chinese herbal store is a must to get the needed chinese herbs.

These herbs should generally concentrate on:
1st week-   Detox (排賭淨化, 平補)
2nd week-   Activates (調整活化, 溫補)
3rd week-   Revitalizes (濕補理氣, 大補)
4th week-   Anti-aging (預防老化, 大補)

Postpartum Care: Chinese Style, intro.

2010-11-18T23:04:00.004-06:00

I tried to surf the net for informations about chinese postpartum care and found limited resources in english. And, they mostly introduced why the chinese (race) practice this kind of postpartum care. The more "beefy" information such as do's & don'ts, how-to, what-to-eat, etc., were mostly in blogs that contain chinese characters. Hence, I've thought of researching and sharing these information to those who are interested about this topic but has limited access in understanding chinese characters.

Let's start with the common terms used for chinese postpartum care: "坐月子" read as "zuo-yue-zi" in mandarin chinese (literally means 'sitting the month'), "cho-yut" in cantonese chinese, and called "ge-lai" in taiwanese/min-nan/fookien chinese dialect.

Generally, the chinese postpartum care calls for a 30-45 days 'confinement' of the mother and newborn within the house. There is a also a long list of traditional practices such as no shower or strenuous exercise, shouldn't drink water, etc. Plus, strict menu! These are the traditional or ancient ways.

There were modern twists on these practices, which I hope to share in my blogs lateron. I believe that some of these modern twists will be more acceptable and make better sense to our modern women of today.

Breakfast @IHOP

2010-10-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

Weekends usually means breakfast out at a chinese restaurant. Today, we opt for pancakes coz I kept wanting different stuffs since getting pregnant. haaa....

IHOP is a pancake house serving mostly pancakes and omelettes.

The hubby ordered pancakes with sausages and bacon, with a pot of hot coffee.

Above is my fresh garden omelette with pancakes, plus a glass of OJ. Preggies are entitled to more food. haaa... ^,^
The omelette's super yummy!!!!!!!!

Take home dinner from Portillo's

2010-10-12T14:01:00.004-05:00

Portillo's is the place to be when you are in dire search of great burgers and fries!!! These are what we usually order:

Below is my favorite combination platter: a third of a burger, some salad and fries (the rest goes to hubby's tummy) ^,^

BrUnch @Shui Wah Restaurant

2010-10-09T20:26:00.011-05:00

We went for dimsum at Shui Wah Restaurant. This is what the store front looks like:

It was the day before October 10, 2010, Taiwan's 10-10 holiday. These scenes greeted us at Chicago Chinatown.

And, these are what we had for brunch:

They taste good, but the chicken feet is just so-so. Yum-yum-yum....

Dining @Joy Yee Noodle House, Naperville

2010-07-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

Tonight, we had dinner at Joy Yee Noodle House in Naperville.

While checking out their new menu cover, it says that they have branches at Chinatown Square, Evanston, Naperville, and University Village. We found that interesting because we usually just frequent Chinatown Square and Naperville. ^,^ This is what their front and back menu cover looks like, left to right, respectively:

This time , we ordered these:

Mango Tapioca Drink

This Mango Tapioca Drink is quick becoming our basic staple during each visit to Joy Yee. The mango quality they serve is different and better than those sold elsewhere. We're guessing where they order their mangoes... Anyone out there who can tell us?

泰式香葉燉飯

Thai Basil Baked Rice (scallops, calamari & chicken)

越式牛粒紅飯

Beef Cubes in Tomato Sauce Rice

I saw the table beside ours already dining on this one and the girls said it was highly recommended by a friend of theirs. They said it tastes good. So, I decided to try it out. It turned out really good and I just love it. Then, half way through our meal, I saw the table beside ours ordered exactly this same dish! wah!!!! Did they order it because they saw us with this order? My, that means 3 tables side by side ordered this same dish!!! Is it yummy or not????

Weekend Dining @Lao Sze Chuan

2010-07-05T23:32:00.000-05:00

Our usual weekend activities would mostly include dining at chinese restaurants in the area. And, Lao Sze Chuan is one of our favorites. They are a must-go if you love spicy Chinese Sze-Chuan Cuisine.

These are some of the displays that grace their walls to greet your entrance:

We decided to have the following dishes and they taste really good... yummy~~~

夫妻肺片

(directly translated as "Couple's Lung Pieces" LOL~ includes pork lungs and some sort of beef internals)

魚香豆乾 (fish and dried bean curd)

潑辣豆花魚 (Spicy Tofu Fish)

Naperville Ribfest 2010 Celebrating US Independence Day at Knoch Park

2010-07-05T18:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was July 4th, US Independence Day, and we attended the Naperville Ribfest 2010 at Knoch Park. It was super warm during the day so we waited until about 7PM before heading out. You see, entrance fee of US$12 is also being waved after 7:30PM depending on the volume of crowd attending the event.
As we neared Knoch Park, the sky suddenly turned cloudy and drizzled a bit. This is one of the scenes of the crowd waiting for the firework display sponsored by Meijer at 9:00PM. (I just realized that I have set the dates on the photos incorrectly. sigh~)

There is a random inspection at the entrance of Knoch Park. Perhaps they want to make sure there will be no bomb threats or stuffs that could compromise public safety.

These are the signs we saw outside and inside the park:

There were indeed several rows of public toilets and we didn't see people rushing around to relieve nature's call. The organizers did a great job!

Below are some more scenes inside Knoch Park:

LOTS OF FOOD! ^,^

One of the sponsors of this event: US Cellular.

And, the fireworks!!! ^,^

Estee Lauder Cosmetic Set - Part 2 Of 2

2010-05-25T13:15:00.052-05:00

This is not good blogging practice to make reviews every once in a blue moon, so I need to try to shape up.
Anyway, I mentioned on the Part 1 of this series that I will be doing a review and description on the contents of the items included in my Estee Lauder Cosmetic Set which I have already used. So, here goes:

1. Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette
This color collection would look pale when compared side by side with the UD BOS3 Alice In Wonderland palette. The UD BOS3 colors are vibrant and bold, while the Estee Lauder shades are tame and cool. A soft professional look will definitely call for this Estee Lauder shades. =)
Below is the list of shades included in this palette:
-Pure Color 13 Eyeshadows:
     #10 Ivory Box
     #13 Pale Moon
     #30 Sugar Cube
     #35 Cinnamon
     #38 Chocolate
     #47 Honey Drop
     #54 Copper Penny
     #60 Tea Biscuit
     #63 Mocha Cup
     #78 Mulberry
     #81 Lavender
     #82 Apricot
     #85 Petal
-Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo
      #04 Sage

2. Deluxe All-Over Face Compact
-Estee Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush
     #13 Rose Wood
     #11 Nude Rose
-Bronze Goddess
     #01 Soft Matte Bronzer

3. Long lasting lipstick/rouge

4. Artist's Eye Pencil Crayon Design
Pretty easy to apply but not as "glidy" as UD's. I think I prefer UD's~
     #01 Softsmudge Black
     #02 Softsmudge Brown
     #08 Slate Writer (this is silvery in color)

5. Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara
I love this item and its really one of the best by far. Applies to each eyelash with almost exact amount needed, neither too thick or too watery. Just right~ To anyone looking for a good quality mascara, this one is worth your bucks! My favorite.

6. Lash Primer Plus Full Treatment Formula
This one is the best buddy of Projectionist HD Volume Mascara. I use this primer before I put on the mascara and the result is really really good. Great result in half the time.

7. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
This one works for me as its not too greasy and easily removes any makeup or mascara in a single wipe or two. Thumbs up for this one.

8. Mirror
Nothing much to say except it does look pretty chic and functional. =)

9. Makeup brush set (4)
Haven't used the set yet but I touched the brushes, and I think the brush quality is quite comparable to Kirkland's. I have to say though that Kirkland's brushes are thicker than Estee Lauder's.

10. Cosmetic case (1) 100% polyester with pvc trim, Made in China
The cosmetic case is in gold which looks really chic and fab.

11. Cosmetic box (1) 100% pvc, Made in China
The red cosmetic box is really really oh-so-cool and I love it love it love it. When we are rushing out and I don't have enough time to get ready, I just grab this one and do my stuffs in transit. Very convenient and looks pretty too with its gold zipper with Estee Lauder logo on the ziphead.

Vegetarian Dining @Thai Lotus Restaurant

2010-04-30T15:59:00.005-05:00

We got curious enough to try it once but we are not going back again. There were barely any food selection and they were either super oily or they taste yucky. Mind you, it has nothing to do with my not being vegetarian but that the food just simply tastes blah. I would be better off cooking at home. I've tried several vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan, any any one of them is easily better off than this one.

I'm posting the photos so that you can see just how many food selection there were that's supposed to be called a vegetarian lunch buffet. grrrr...

It was such a disappointment and we are not going back anymore.

Estee Lauder Cosmetic Set - Part 1 Of 2

2010-03-11T11:33:00.005-06:00

I got this gorgeous Estee Lauder kit on a weekend shopping at Macy's last christmas. Well, I had to purchase the perfume to avail special discounts. It's alright since I love wonderful fruity scents so it's a good time as any to start.

The photo below is the complete photo shoot of the Estee Lauder kit:

I fell inlove with the red bag and gold zipper with Estee Lauder logo zip-pull.

Let's list down what the Estee Lauder kit inclues:

1. Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette (1)

-Pure Color 13 eyeshadows, contents Made in Italy
-Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo, contents Made in Italy

2. Deluxe All-Over Face Compact (1)

-Estee Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush (2), contents Made in USA
-Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick (4), contents Made in Belgium

3. Long lasting lipstick/rouge (4)
4. Artist’s Eye Pencil (3), contents Made in Italy

5. Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara, contents Made in Canada

6. Lash Primer Plus Full Treatment Formula, contents Made in Canada

7. Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (1)- for all skin types contents Made in USA

8. Mirror (1), Made in China
9. Makeup brush set (4), Made in China
10. Cosmetic case (1) 100% polyester with pvc trim, Made in China
11. Cosmetic box (1) 100% pvc, Made in China
12. Estee Lauder Color Spectacular Look Book (1)

I will be doing a review and description on the contents of the above listed items during the Part 2 of Estee Lauder Cosmetic Set blog. ...don't want this to turn into a never ending list... ^.^

What's for lunch today?

2010-03-07T08:04:00.025-06:00

Let's take a look at Joy Yee's menu book, interestingly antique, eh:

Want to see what we ordered?

Kirkland Signature by Borghese 15-pc Brush Collection

2010-03-05T09:44:00.012-06:00

I suddenly had the urge to type most of the information contained in the Application Brochure that came with my set of newly acquired Kirkland Signature by Borghese cosmetic brush collection. This set is my Nth set of brushes and definitely not really the best, but what the heck, its cheap and the brush bristle quality is pretty good. ^.^

Kirkland Signature by Borghese

15-pc Premium Cosmetic Brush Collection Including a Travel Brush Set

Includes the following:
~~FACE~~

- Large Powder Brush is ideal to use with (translucent) finishing powder. It dusts just the right amount of powder on the skin for an even, polished, natural look. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: Dip brush into the finishing powder. Tap to remove excess. Sweep finishing powder over the face.
- Flat-Top Bronzer Brush is a full circular face brush used for the precise application of bronzer and cheek color. The flat, circular top of the sweeps color effortlessly onto the cheekbone. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: Using the Flat-Top Bronzer Brush, apply bronzer or blush with a circular, sweeping motions to create a smooth finish and a natural glow
- Angled Foundation Brush is used to achieve flawless foundation or concealer application on your face, specially hard-to-reach areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth. This brush can be used with all types of foundation formulas. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: Dot the foundation with fingertips to the face, and use the Foundation Brush to blend.

~~FACE/EYES~~

- Eyeshadow Brush applies just the right amount of eyeshadow to the lid. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.

Usage: Sweep up the lightest shade from the eyeshadow palette with the Eye Shadow Brush and apply to the lower lid up to the brow bone. Pick up the medium-tone shade from the palette and tap off the excess and sweep over the lower lid, from lashline to crease.

- Eye Blending Brush expertly applies eyeshadow within the eye crease to add depth and blends to soften any harsh lines or edges. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: Apply eyeshadow with the sides of the Eye Blending Brush. Tap off the excess and stroke over lid and crease for a wash of color. Use a light, sweeping motion to soften edges and blend shadows together.
- Flat Eyeliner Brush is perfect for the darker palette shades. The brush is shaped to create a bolder, precise and even line. It also can be used dry or wet with the shadow. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: DRY- Pick up eyeshadow with brush and tap off excess. Apply shadow to lash line, going from the inner to the outer eye corner. WET- Dampen brush and dip in eyeshadow Use smooth strokes to define lash line, going from the inner to the outer eye corner.

~~EYES~~
- Eye Smudger is ideal for creating beautiful, smoky eyes. Made from professional quality synthetic rubber sponge.Usage: Pick up the darker palette shade with the Eye Smudger. Apply shadow close to lashline, extending slightly at the outer corner.

- Brow Brush and Spooley Duo has an angled Brow Brush on one end to expertly fill in brows with color. This brush also can be used to softly line eyes with gel or powder. The Spooley on the other end is used to groom and brush brows into shape for a natural, finished look. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.
Usage: Start by using the Spooley to groom brows into shape. Using the angled Brow Brush, gently sweep brow powder in the direction of the hair growth using short, quick, brush strokes from the inner brow to the outer brow. Build color to areas of the brow where hair is thin by applying several light layers. Use the Spooley to brush through brows with an upward, outward motion to pull excess color through the brow for a natural look.

~~EYES/TRAVEL~~
- Eyelash Curler made from professional-grade, precision Eyelash Curler gently and effectively curls lashes. The curved angle of the eyelash curler suits all eye shapes without pinching or crimping.
Usage: Open the curler, gently clamp lashes near the roots. Hold in place for a few seconds and then release. Use on clean eyelashes and never use after you apply mascara as the lashes stick to the curler and become torn.

~~Travel Cosmetic Brush Set is the miniature version of the full-size cosmetic brushes. The set includes 4 essential travel-size cosmetic brushes that allow you precise makeup application for the face and eyes when you are on-the-go. This mini-brush set includes:

- Travel-Sized Powder Brush is used for a quick application or touch-up of the face and cheek powders. Use as you would with a full-sized Powder Brush for a polished look. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.

- Travel-Sized Concealer Brush applies concealer or foundation to the tiniest corners and creases around the eyes, nose and mouth. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.

- Travel-Sized Blending Brush is convenient for on-the-go eyeshadow applications. Use as you would our full-sized Eye Blending Brush. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.

- Travel-Sized Flat Eyeliner Brush is the perfect version of the full-sized brush. It is precisely shaped to create an even line of colour along the eyelids. Made from professional quality premium synthetic bristles.

-Cosmetic Brush Case. This stylish and fashion-forward Cosmetic Brush Case is crafted of luxurious quilted faux leather. It is designed specially to house all Kirkland Signature by Borghese professional brushes.

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Claims that:
***Kirkland Signature by Borghese premium cosmetic brushes are made with anti-microbial and synthetic, cruely-free bristles. The high-quality synthetic bristles are treated with an anti-microbial formula that helps prevent harmful bacteria and mold growth that can easily gather on brushes. It promotes glowing, healthy, protected skin.

#Cleaning Brushes:
Clean brushes once a week with warm water and mild soap or a cosmetic brush cleaner to keep them in pristine condition. Let them air-dry before using.

The Kirkland Signature by Borghese 15-pc. brush collection comes in this beautiful box packaging that I can't help but put it up here for display. =)