Dr. Organic: 100% Organic Aloe Vera Body Wash

i know i know… wat’s up with the purple background, right… LOL

 

 

Sometime ago, I bought this whole range on promotion!

=)  <– cheapskate smile

They have got the Body Wash (as shown here), the Deodorant & the soap bar (which I will post up later).  Berry Mii is berry busy with her new job now.  *sad puppy dog face that resembles Hush Puppies*

I read up on “Polysaccharide Rich”.  And seems that when it is used on skin, it acts like an antioxident & is a good water-binding agent.

 

 

The scent doesn’t really appeal to me.  i thought aloe vera is kind of scentless, but this has a ‘grassy’ scent.  A little like freshly cut grass but holding back on the ‘fresh’.

I also did not like the texture.  It is very… glue-like.  The shower gel is very thick & doesn’t dilute well with water.  It took me a few splashes of water & a lot of rubbing/scrubbing to get it to foam nicely.

Good thing is that it doesn’t leave my skin feel too tight or dry.  But I still need to slap on body moisturizer to make my skin feel great.

Ingredient wise, they look… okay.  Not exactly chemical-free, but I’m not THAT fussy.  I love the fact that the aloe leaf juice is ranked at the top, but then aqua is right beside it.  hmm… oh well. 

 

 

I will not be getting this next time…  unless it’s on a ridiculously cheap promotion again.

=p

Nature’s Farm: Pycnogenol (The Review)

I am such a procrastinator.  But thank you for reminding me that I should be doing an update on the Pycnogenol RX GOLD Super Strength which I have bought awhile ago (ok, not really AWHILE… actually quite some time back).

I have already finished the 2 bottles which I bought during a promotion at Nature’s Farm.  I took it regularly, one tablet a day.  After about 1 week, my bowel movements seem more regular… managed to poop everyday.  But then after a few weeks, it became irregular again, so I’m not sure if it’s the Pycnogenol or my diet that helped with the regular bowel movements before.  LOL… ok a bit gross to talk about bowels.  Let’s move on.

For the hefty price tag at SGD$323 a bottle (for regular price without promotion), I honestly do not think it had showed that much of a result.  I mean, for that kind of price, I would expect to have at least 2 of the following improvements:

1)  Soft dewy glowing skin that even babies will envy it

2)  Strong healthy eyes that won’t get tired even after watching 12 hours of tv

3)  Not have any other aged spots on my body

4)  Regular periods that are pain-free

… but sad to say, I didn’t see any visible improvements.

It could be that the 2 bottles of Pycnogenol are not enough for it to work, but come on… … … the price is heavy, so I would expect it to give me some good results even after ONE bottle, rightttttttt.  Besides, it’s RX GOLD Super Strength lehhhhh~~~~~ and it costs $323 a bottle at regular price… so it better be good.

Well, I guess the Pycnogenol has been very hyped up by advertisements & the internet, etc.  Just becuz some random French maritime pine bark extract got scrutinized by some researchers doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone.  And so wat if it has some kind of international patent… … *moody moody*… (ok, getting a bit sour here becuz I spent over 300 dollars & did not get supermodel-worthy glowing skin or have pain-free regular periods).

After I finished the 2 bottles of Pycnogenol, I had very disgruntedly decided to try out other kinds of supplements… like Aloe Vera Gel, Flaxseed Oil, Vitamin C, Cranberries, etc etc.

And you know what???  They are CHEAPER & more effective!  Plus, I can purchase like… 5 bottles of other supplements with the 300 dollars.  LOL  (sounds so cheapskate, but for a better cause)

I’m also wondering if any of you have tried this Pycnogenol as well?  If so, did it give you any results?  Or am I the only unlucky one.

So for those of you who have been curious about this product, at least now you know that it did not work for one person in this world.  Me.

*gravitates into a dark corner to emo a bit*

disturbing…
that tuff of hair looks like it’s coming out from his nostrils…

The Much Talked About: Oil-Cleansing Method

I think this is a gorgeous photo, but don’t know why they uploaded it so small.  =(

 

 

The OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) was probably invented a few years back.  The oldest source that I could trace was published back in year 2007, but I’m pretty sure it was invented during the caveman era.  JUST KIDDING.

I did a lot of research on this, mainly reading on what are the results that others have achieved.  Most of them have nice things to say, but a handful of them did not like the OCM.

I have tried sort of an OCM myself when I bought the Carrot Butter Cleanser from The Organic Pharmacy.  It was a small tub of cleanser but it lasted me about 2 weeks.  Read about my review HERE.  I don’t mind getting a full-size, but it’s way too expensive to get it in Singapore.  So I am hoping that my friend will be able to buy it for me when he goes over the London this March.  *prays hard*

 

I learnt that the carrier oil used is to dissolve impurities that are embedded in our pores.  Then when you use a hot towel to remove the oil, the heat/steam will open your pores & cleanse your skin at the same time.  I read online that the feedback received was that they experience fewer blackheads, clogged pores & clearer skin!

I never had the guts to use oil on my skin, but recently, I decided to just go for it.  So I tried using Extra Virgin Olive Oil for OCM, but it broke me out in cystic acne around my temples.  T.T  *cries hard*

 

… I was sooooooooooooo sad!!!  I should have stayed cautious & avoid OCM altogether!

But not to be defeated by the 1st attempt, I switched to Jojoba Oil & I achieved slightly better results with that.  Though I do not see any reduction in blackheads or clogged pores, my face does felt slightly moisturized after cleansing.  Not so tight & dry compared to regular cleansers.  But perhaps I have not used it long enough to see a HUGE major difference.  I’ll continue, though.  But I still prefer the Carrot Butter Cleanser from The Organic Pharmacy.

This is how I do it:

1)  Put about 5 drops of oil on my palm & rub my palms together to warm up the oil.  I know some people put like… 10-15 drops.  I dunno if it’s because more oil = higher efficiency… or maybe they just have a big face.

2)  Massage my face for about 1-2 minutes.  I concentrate more on the problem areas that has blackheads, whiteheads & congested skin.

3)  I use runny hot water from the shower to dampen my face towel.  Then I put it over my face for a couple of seconds until it starts to cool, then I wipe off in a circular motion.  Then repeat until all traces of oil are removed.

4)  I sometimes double-cleanse with a cleanser.

5)  Proceed with the rest of my skincare regime.

I guess the important thing is to do enough research to see which oil suits your skin most & try the OCM.  I initially thought that EVOO would be good, but then it broke me out. (argh… bad memories)   T.T  *wails hard*

 

So I did a little more research & found that Jojoba oil is an array of liquid wax ester which is similar to human sebum.  It also has this substance that is similar to collagen.  Awesome.  The oil is said to be suitable for almost all skin types.  I read that people usually use it as a moisturizer to prevent dryness, improve skin elasticity and suppleness.

As much as I would like to rave about the OCM, but it didn’t give an extremely positive result after almost 1 month.  But I will definitely still use this as a facial moisturizer.  And sometimes, I also mix a little of Jojoba oil with Rosehip oil for my body.  =D

I’ll sit on this one for a little bit.  No Berry Mii stamp of approval yet.

Will Products Go Bad on Our Skins???

And I mean skincare products that are made from natural ingredients that do not use parabens.

I do see some products that say on their label, “to be used within 6 months of opening“.  Or keep in a “cool, dark place“.  This is to ensure that you use the products when it is at its freshest & before it starts to turn rancid or sprout a little mold (does it even bred mold? hmm).

Then I read this blog post by Vivawoman (link is HERE) & she blogged about Storage Tips for Sunscreen.  Good tips, by the way.

However, as I read her post, somehow my brain were extracting ideas & thoughts from all over the maps of my mind.  Finally, all the puzzles pieced together & came out as, “hmmm I wonder about the natural skincare products that we slap on our faces?  I’m sure not ALL of the products are absorbed into the skin.  Perhaps some residues are left behind on the surface on our skins.  So… … … in other words, that’s going to turn bad in a few hours, right???????”

 

*HORRORS*

(O_O) !!!!!!!!!

So…………………………… seriously, the question is: would that skincare ‘residue’ turn bad???

I will not believe it if anyone told me that the products are going to get 100% absorbed into my skin.  Cannot be.  Surely there will be residue left behind.  Even if it’s a little bit.  And don’t tell me you don’t mind a LITTLE BIT OF MOLD.  Mold is still mold.  Rancid will still be rancid.  If you don’t mind, then it’s as good as saying “oh i touched a little bit of pee, but THAT’S OKAY.  It’s only A LITTLE BIT“…….. then proceeds to eat KFC original 2-piece chicken.

(-_-) <-- the look of despise.  you filthy little thing.

 

ANYWAY, back to the topic.

With those natural skincare products that we put on our faces, we then walk around (introduce air)… and we sweat (introduce water)… and then stroll under the sun (expose to heat).  Won’t that make the natural skincare turn bad even quicker than we keep it in the humid bathroom?

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME ANSWER THIS QUESTION???????????

I’M DYING FROM CURIOUSITY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmm… perhaps we apply an extremely thin layer & just massage/pat/slap our faces till it either gets absorbed by either our faces or it gets absorbed by our fingers.  hahaha… that is one method.

I might be just over-thinking this.  But it’s a thought, a possible thought.  hahahaa

Peace.

A Whole Bunch of Skin/Hair Rediscovery

No blog post done for the past 2 weeks.  hahaha…  again, the same excuse – I have been busy.  With both work & KAW.

For this Chinese New Year, I am excited!  Nothing to do with CNY though.  I hardly celebrate CNY anyway.

I am excited due to a rediscovery of my problematic sensitive-prone skin.  I’m still using the BSY soap as a cleanser, though I have to learnt to rotate it with the 100% Pure cleanser which I bought during my visit to the seller’s place.  Why do I have to rotate?  It is for the following reasons:

1)  The question would be… if I don’t rotate with the 100% Pure cleanser, then who is going to finish up that cleanser for me?  LOL.  I can’t just let the 100% Pure cleanser sit in my cupboard.  It just looks… … lonely.  Also, I would want to use that up before it goes rancid.

2)  A reader who has dry & pimply skin told me that she rotates the BSY soap with her own cleanser.  Her feedback was that the BSY soap made her skin drier.  So by rotating, her skin was not that dry & her pimples started to clear up.  What she did was to use her own cleanser in the morning, then the BSY soap in the night.  Thus, I decided to copy her method.  LOL.

3)  Because of Points 1 & 2 above, I accidentally also found out that my skin likes the rotating method.

…

Another thing is that I have to update my review on the GoW products (which I had given a review previously HERE), specifically the hydrating mists & the vinegar toner.

I had recently switched it up a bit with the following routine:

1)  After cleansing face, spritz with Avene Thermal Water.

2)  Allow it to air dry just a little bit, then spritz with the Clarifying Toner.

3)  Allow it to air dry just a little bit again, then spritz with the hydrating mist (currently I’m using the honey one).

4)  Allow it to air dry just a little bit again, then spritz again with Avene Thermal Water.

5)  Allow it to air dry completely.  Put nothing else after that or just 1 drop of Rosehip Oil.

LOL.

I know it sounds like a lot of spritzing & air drying, but if you stand around a ceiling face, I assure you that it takes no more than 3 mins.

My skin seems to love it for now.  It’s like… nicely hydrated, so my face does not feel ‘oily’ or ‘sticky’ or ‘blocked’.

I’m just going to try this for some time & see if my skin continues to relish it.

I dunno if all of you are the same, but for me, when I use a product over a period of time, my skin will at first seem to like it, but after awhile, it doesn’t seem to work anymore.  I read from the GoW website that this is a normal thing because your skin may become ‘complacent’ over time.  So what you can do is to switch your products or change your skincare routine a bit.

hmmmm… worth a thought.

…

I ordered a bottle of Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil from Milagro Trading recently.

I dropped a few drops into a bowl of hot water & use that to steam my face with.

Then when I was going thru some hormonal changes during that…. ‘MONTHLY’ thing, my skin broke out with a few zits around the face.  So I tried to dot a little TTO on the spots with a carrier oil like jojoba, but… … oh. my. god.

It was not good.  Not good at all.  In fact, it was close to being horrifying.  It made my zits even ANGRIER and pus-sier (if there’s such a word, which means more pus LOL!!!).

The surrounding skin around that zit had also broke out with 1 cystic acne.  =\

And I thought TTO was supposed to be like the mother of all zit-busters.  I’ve read so many reviews how great TTO is for their acne & whatever spotty skin they have, but it didn’t work for me at all.

I think I’m just going to just stick to using TTO in a steaming session & not to be applied directly on my skin.

Not sure if it’s due to the quality of the TTO or if my skin hates TTO.

I will probably finish up this current bottle, then get the TTO from another source to test it out again.

God bless my face.

Orh mi tuo fuo.

…

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse for Hair.

I tried that the past month.  Once a week.  I chose Friday because I am worried that the ACV stench will remain in my hair & my colleagues might think that I don’t like to take showers.

I have to say that my favorite shampoo so far is still the Asience Nature Smooth Shampoo which I had posted a review HERE.  It is not a natural shampoo, but my hair likes this.  I haven’t had any luck finding a natural shampoo that pleases my hair & scalp yet.

I’ve tried Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Shampoo, Phyto shampoo for oily scalp & the shampoo bars from Chagrin Valley which I have reviewed HERE.  None of them gives me the results like the Asience one.  =(

So, using the ACV rinse would help to get rid of any chemical build up & balance out the pH levels of my hair/scalp.

I use 1 part ACV to 5 parts water & leave the mixture in my hair without rinsing it off.  Then I wrap my hair up in a towel till it is semi-dry.  After that, I let it air dry.

…

I am a big fan of air dry.

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Question:

Please share your views & opinions!!!  I desperately need help in this area.

How would you like to celebrate your wedding????

Option 1:  Register your marriage (ROM), take wedding photos, then go for a 2 weeks overseas honeymoon.  Forget about the wedding dinner & all those traditional formalities.

Option 2:  ROM, take wedding photos, do the whole shebang with the wedding dinner & the traditional tea ceremony.  Go on a short overseas honeymoon (not 2 weeks, or maybe 2 weeks if you can still afford it after spending a bomb on the wedding dinner).

Option 3:  Friggin just ROM & get on with your goddamn life.

Option 4:  Get pregnant, ROM & get on with your miserable goddamn life.

Important Note – I am JUST KIDDING on Option 3 & 4.  I realized that people always think I am being serious when I am telling a joke.  *poker face*

Ok, so between Option 1 & 2, which would you pick?

…

Peace.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.

And may all of those who read my blog win BIG MONEY in 4D / Toto / CNY gambling!

(^_^)v

Promotion: BSY Noni Facial Soap Bar

As mentioned in my previous blog posts, I first discovered the BSY facial soap at my bf’s house.  They were having  house gathering & at the end of the night, my face was feeling so icky that I was willing to grab just about anything to wash my face.  Usually after cleansing my face, my skin would feel so dry & tight around the mouth area PLUS the corner of my lips would keep peeling off & a few red weird bumps would appear… … BUT this soap did not do anything weird to my face.  So I continued to use this & on the 4th day, my complexion cleared.

My 1st BSY soap…
It’s a miracle!!!

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…

So then began the search for this BSY soap, but somehow it was not being publicly marketed so I didn’t know where to get it.  Until a reader found a local store selling the BSY soap at SGD$20, but after corresponding with this lady via email, she told me that she doesn’t have a store.  Hmm.. maybe she had asked the store to put her contact alongside their office address.  But anyway, she could not really help me with my questions, so I thought of looking for other sellers.

Then another reader knew someone who sells the soap as well & got that seller to contact me.  This lady also doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar store so she also thought that it would be a good idea to sell the soaps thru Berry Mii.  And of course I suggested for her to offer it to me (or us) at a lower price.

So here it is!

The 2nd seller told me that the profit margin for this soap is already very low, so she could not really offer such a huge discount, but BETTER THAN NOTHING, right????????

Here’s the final deal and this will end on 31 Dec 2010:

First, I have to let you know that 1 bar of soap can last about 6 months.  So if you divide the cost of the soap over 6 months based on SGD$18.50, it is only like SGD$3.08 per month.  I think it freakin worth it lah.

*jumps for joy*… YIPPEEEEEE!!!

I have received some email enquiries from readers about the ingredients of the soap.  I have asked the lady but she also has limited information from the distributor, but she tried her best to find out for me.

I was told the the soap “contains Noni & is made of natural ingredients, no harmful ingredients like SLS“.  I am pretty ok with this because my ultra-sensitive skin didn’t have any negative reaction unlike other cleansers.

And that is why…. I took advantage of the 1 box promotion at SGD$105.  There are 6 bars of soap in 1 box.  So divide the cost out again, each bar of soap costs only SGD$17.50 for me.  Tee Hee!

And because 1 bar of soap can last so long, I don’t want to hold on to all the soaps or else they will be very close to expiry date.  Therefore, I am giving 1 to Gigi because she has young acne skin that is prone to oiliness.  1 to my bf so he can use it for face & body.  1 to a friend who has eczema, hoping that the soap can help her too.

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*Fresh out of the oven!*

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…

Am I bothered by the limited information on ingredients?  Honestly, I am a tiny bit curious.  Partly because I have already developed the habit of looking at a product’s ingredient list.  But on the other hand, it is scentless & gentle on my face, so at least I know that this BSY soap does not contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate my skin.  On top of that, this soap really did improve my complexion.

So, my decision is that I will still use it.

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*Just rub the soap between your palm to create a rich lather then wash face with the foam!*

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*individually packed with plastic cling wrap*

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What is Noni & how is it good for us???

I did some research over Google & this is what it has to say about the magic of Noni.

The Noni plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal components which may assist the body in the restoration of healthy skin cells.  The fruit has been shown to cleanse the body & eliminate toxins, increase cellular repair and regeneration.  All these are to promote healthy skin cells!

Research has shown that its seeds are rich in linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for skin hydration and health.  This is important to prevent dry skin, ease skin trauma & allows the skin to rejuvenate.  Mixing the fruit & seed together can improve skin health if you suffer from skin eruptions and rough, irritated skin.  This essential fatty acid is also vital for the healthy functioning of the body’s cell membranes, and to boost healthy nerve cells.

…

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Here are my Before & After photos.

I am truly pleased with this soap because it delivered its results to me & I am taking out my time to introduce this soap to you because I hope that it can help you like how it helped me.  =)

But first, let’s take a trip down memory lane.  When I first started out this blog, I was plagued with cold sores & eczema + some kind of weird red rashes around my mouth area.  And yes, I was depressed for a long long long long long time.  See photo below:

SEE THOSE UGLY COLD SORES + ECZEMA + WEIRD RASH?!?!?!?!?!
Oily shiny skin…
Bumpy spots around the sides of the nose & chin…

…

…

Then I discovered natural/organic skincare & it improved my skin condition, but there were still moments when it will relapse.  Still, it was much much better than before.  See post HERE on the post about my 2 cyborg eyes.  Or you can just see photo below:

Ignore the PMS acne breakouts, you can tell my complexion cleared out by switching to natural/organic skincare.
But still has a tiny bit of skin problems left behind & sometimes will still relapse.
Not so oily & this was taken in the middle of the day without cleansing face.

…

…

Now the following photos are the results of the BSY Noni Soap.

I have kept the external conditions the same while taking these photos, such as:

–  taken by the same camera: Sony Ericsson Satio hp (sorry lah, that time I don’t have a good camera yet)

–  taken in the same room with the same lighting

–  taken after I get home from work without cleansing face

–  no photoshop or anything, photos are posted in raw form.  Anyway, my photoshop skills are crap.  LOL.  That’s why I always post photos which I find from the internet instead of making my own.  hahaha!

…

…

The following photos are all close up shots.  Ugh.

The Before photos were taken AFTER the use of natural/organic skincare, but BEFORE the use of BSY soap.

The After photos were all taken about 1 week AFTER the use of BSY soap.  You can judge the results for yourself.

Less oily on my T-zone.
Reduction in bumpy spots.
I think skin redness has gone down a little as well.
Awesome.

…

…

Yay!  Weird rash around my mouth has subsided after 1 week!
Actually the skin around that area started to peel off a little, then it slowly started to regenerate skin & now I am enjoying smooth skin.  Awesome x 2.

…

…

T-zone definitely reduced oiliness.
Lesser bumpy spots.
Another thing that improved was the reduction in blackheads!  You can’t tell from the photos because I’m not using a super duper powerful camera.  My skin started to flake slightly around my face & at first I thought that it was getting dry.  However, it doesn’t feel dry at all.  After a few days of flaking, my complexion just miraculously became better.  It seems like the soap was getting rid of dead skin.  Awesome x 3.

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Awesome x 4.

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Pretty amazing, huh.

Recently, I even persuaded my bf to use the soap on his back because it was full of rashes & weird red spots (i dunno what they are called).

I took a photo before he used the soap on his back, then took another photo 5 days after.  See below photos:

Can’t believe that is the same back, but it is!
Awesome x 5.

…

…

ok, it’s like 1:59am & I am super sleepy now.  Please pardon any typos or grammar mistakes because I am too tired to vet thru my own work.

To end this post, please let me know if you are interested in getting this soap & send me an email at berrymii@hotmail.com by 31 December 2010.  Please also read HERE for more information on the payment / delivery / collection / any other stuff.

And of course, a big ass Berry Mii stamp for the BSY Noni Facial Soap!

Busy Bee Busy Mii

I haven’t been updating my blog as you know… … year-end… … super busy at work.

I should be freed up after Christmas.  omg CHIRSTMAS!  I am so happy!

This post is going to be short & sweet.

First of all, thank you to those who have emailed me regarding the BSY soap.  I have gotten the promotional price from the BSY lady, but I shall post it up in my next post over this weekend.

And no, I am not the one selling it.  I am a consumer just like you.  I am just being kind-hearted & generous & offering a lower price to the world since we are buying in a larger quantity.

But who knows, if this is a lucrative business, then I might take over & do it as freelance.  Then everybody will enjoy great discounts for every purchase from Berry Mii!!!  hahahaha!!  omg just thinking about it makes me feel tired.  I can foresee a lot of work in being a seller & I am so lazy.

Secondly, a lot of you have asked how to transfer money to me.  Well, I am not running a business so I’m sorry but I can’t accept payment thru Paypal because I will be charged a fee (if I’m not wrong).

So, please kindly do an ATM transfer to me.  I have various bank accounts & bank details will be given via email after you place your orders.

If you want to suggest any other payment options, please feel free to email me about it at berrymii@hotmail.com

Lastly, I can send the products to you via registered mail but you’ll have to bear the postage charges (don’t complain or bargain ok because I have to take out my personal time to go to the posting for you & I’m not earning a single cent from you leh!!! LOL!).

I can send via normal mail, but… … … what if the mail gets lost?  Then how?  =\  hahaha.  Berry Mii cannot send you another soap as replacement because she is already a very kind person who has done everything else for free.

Another option is to meet up with me – Suntec area (during office hours), Hougang Mall (during weekends or after work) or Outram MRT (but subject to availability).  Don’t be shy / scared, I am very small & twiggy.  It might be awkward during our 1st meeting, but it will definitely not be scary.  Come on, don’t be shy.  There’s always a 1st time.  p.s – you can tell that I prefer meeting up so that I don’t have to go down to the post office.  LOL!  Ok but seriously, I don’t mind posting to you.  I do prefer meeting up though.  haha!

Final Lastly, some of you are worried that after paying, I will run away without sending the products, but seriously why would you think that???????????????? x 10000000 more ???s.

I am so hurt that people will think that I will run away with that little money.

Besides, I have a bf who can take care of me financially so I can just sponge off him.  WHY WOULD I RUN AWAY WITH JUST A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS????????  ARE YOU MAD.  hahahaha!!!

Jail time is definitely not for me.  How to take care of my complexion if I’m behind bars???????  Confirm my eczema & cold sores will come back one lor.  If you’re talking about a few billion dollars, then maybe I will run away lah.

You all very cute one lor… … can think of this kind of things.

…

Ok!  I have to get back to work.  Lunch time is almost up.

Peace.

p.s – why am I so Singlish today… must be because Christmas is coming.  Tee Hee!

Quick Update on BSY soap

Hellew!

Regarding the mysterious BSY soap, a reader – CaramelPretzels – has left a comment under that post & told me where to find the soap!  Thanks for the tip!  *BIG HUGZ*  It IS the same soap selling for SGD$20.

The other good news is another blog reader saw my blog post on the mysterious soap & she happen to know this lady who sells BSY products!!!  This lady then contacted me & we are now in the midst of discussing for a lower price.

I am so excited!  My complexion has improved leaps & bounds from that BSY soap.  I no longer feel self-conscious now.  And now, I even get to buy it at a discounted price.  This is… … … … so good.  so so good.  *wipes a happy tear away*

The internet is a marvelous creation.  It is an amazing tool.  How can this be happening.  It’s like I strike Toto twice.  LOL!

UNLIMITED CYBER POWER!!!!!
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

 

p.s – i WILL let you know what the outcome is with that BSY lady… before Christmas, so if you’re interested, watch out for it here!  Or drop me an email at  berrymii@hotmail.com if you are interested in getting the soap, so I can place an order & we all can get a better discount.  =p

By the way, I know I told some of you that I will be posting up Before & After photos after using the BSY soap last weekend, but things happened… … like, weekend shopping & then my period came which gave me a badass cramp.  I bled so much I felt so lethargic the whole day, so I laid in bed watching TV & did not move except for food & water.

I will still be doing it!!!  Please give me a little more time & I will post it up by this week.

Peace.

Top 10 Benefits of Honey & many more

Photo Source: HERE
p.s – very useful to click on the link above as there are more tips inside on how to use honey

 

 

This is going to be like… my favorite’est topic EVER.

I love honey.  I’m a honey person.  And I can’t live without honey.  I have been using honey for years!  In the past, I just consume honey because it is so yummy, but the last couple of months, I learnt to use honey on my skin! 

I came across THIS article on the 9 benefits of honey, but I have the secret to a 10th benefit.  Tee hee!  Read on!

I’m just going to go thru quickly on some points & elaborate on others, especially on how to use honey on your skin.  They are not in any particular order.

Oh wait, before I go on, I should tell you that I use Organic Manuka Honey UMF+25.  If you want to use other honey, it is still good but make sure they are unprocessed & raw because heat destroys nutrients.  However, I read that Manuka Honey is the most effective in skin treatments.

Also, the store assistant told me not to use a metal spoon to scoop the honey out & to store the honey at room temperature.  I did a check over the internet & it states that honey is slightly acidic in nature & might corrode the metal spoon.  (O_O)   Okay, I didn’t know that but now I do.  Honey will crystalize if you put it in the fridge, so it is okay to place it in a dark cool cabinet.

…

#1 – Natural Sweetener
Honey can be used to replace sugar in foods & drinks.

Also, if you want to have good clear skin, you SHOULD be avoiding processed sugar.  I myself have cut down on drinking sodas.  I drink fruit juice / water / green tea instead of gulping down a Coke.  And man, do I love Coke… especially when I add a little salt into it.  Oh man, I love salty too.  But yes, I have cut down on all unhealthy stuff.  ALL FOR BEAUTY’S SAKE!!!  (who’s Beauty?)

#2 – Aids in Weight Loss
Honey can burn fats while we sleep!  Not that I need it because I’m already twiggy, but it is good to know that it can help keep me slim if I ever grow fat.

#3 – Helps Digestion
The enzymes that are present in honey can break down raw sugars & starch.

#4 – Nutrition & Antioxidants
Honey is enriched with vitamins, mineral and complex carbohydrates, sugars & antioxidants!  They can help fight free radicals & cancer!

#5 – Beautifies Skin
This is my favorite’est of them all because I have deep hard love for using honey in this way.  So this Point #5 deserves a photo from Google:

Photo Source: HERE
p.s – also useful to click on above link on how to treat acne with honey!

 

You can use honey as a hair conditioner or a face mask as it is rich in vitamins, minerals & amino acids!

For me, I use it 3 times a week as a facial mask after my facial scrub / exfoliation!   I also use it as a spot treatment for my acne.

As a mask, I use the honey on its own 2 times a week.  And I do a hardcore masking with honey + rhassoul clay 1 time a week.  This is how Berry Mii does it:

2 times a week after facial scrub/exfoliation
1)  Spread the honey all over face.  I even apply it over my eyelids & lips.  You won’t have to worry about eating it because it tastes so good & you won’t die from it.  In fact, you will even benefit from eating the honey that drips into your mouth as per Point #1 – #4 above.  haha!

2)  Massage for a few minutes.

3)  This is optional, but this is what I sometimes do when I have the time.  I boil a little water & put my face over the steam for just 2 – 3 minutes.  This helps my pores to open & allow the nutrients from the honey to be absorbed better into my skin.  Some people might say that steaming the face can cause dryness, so do not over-steam your face if you feel that it will dry out your skin.  Recommended steaming session is once a week only.

4)  Leave it on for another 20mins.  I heard that some people leave honey on their faces overnight!  But I can imagine that it would be so messy on your pillow.  What if you wake up with ants on your face?  Or worse, realizing that the commando cockroach is having a feast over your lips?!?!  eww.

5)  Massage for another few minutes.

6)  Rinse off with cold water to close back the pores.

7)  Follow up with the usual skincare routine of toning, moisturizing & whatever other stuff you do to your face.

My face always feels so smooth & moisturized right after!  I find that the use of honey is healthier & more efficient than using any other types of facial masks.

Hardcore masking 1 time a week after facial scrub/exfoliation
My bf always calls me a Mad Scientist whenever I start preparing this.  hahaha… he calls this my ‘Magic Potion‘.

1)  Boil some water.  While waiting for water to boil, prepare your DIY Honey Facial Mask!

2)  Mix 1 to 1½ teaspoon of rhassoul clay with just enough liquid to get a semi-thick paste like mud, or if you prefer something more watery then just add more liquid.  The liquid can be distilled water, hydrosol or even green tea.  For me, I usually use either Avene Thermal Water or hydrosols.

3)  Mix ¾ teaspoon of honey into the rhassoul clay & stir well.

4)  You may even add whatever you want to it.  I sometimes will add 1-2 drops of essential oil or a little bit of serum or a few drops of Vitamin E to the DIY facial mask.  If you have acne skin, you can even add a tiny dash of cinnamon powder.  If you desire some whitening, then add a few drops of lemon juice.  Or whatever you can find in your kitchen or your cabinet.  Just make sure you do the appropriate research on what is suitable for your skin type.  And… … PATCH TEST, people!!!  Do a patch test!!!

5)  By now, water should already be boiled.  I pour the hot water into a bowl & put 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil into it.  Then I put a towel over my head & steam my face for 5 mins.  The steam will open up my pores & the Tea Tree can cleanse my skin at the same time.  p.s – I have learnt not to open my eyes while doing this because the Tea Tree essential oil freakin stings!!!  haha!  wait a minute, why am I laughing at my own pain.  I am so SM.

6)  After 5 mins, pat dry with towel & now I can apply my Magic Potion!  EXCITED’NESS x 100000000!!!!

7)  If after applying the Magic Potion to my face & there is still some leftover, I’ll spread the remainder on my neck & chest.  Those areas need some TLC (Tender Loving Care) too, you know.

8)  This is optional.  As the bowl of hot water still has a little bit of heat, I put my face over it again to gently steam it for 1-2 minutes.  OH FOR THE LOVE OF ALL MOTHER NATURE, MAY ALL THE NUTRIENTS FROM THE MAGIC POTION BE SUCKED DIRECTLY INTO MY SKIN, YO!!!

9)  Lie back in bed & think of the beautiful coast of Hawaii.  Wait for 15 – 20 mins (or more if you have the time).

10)  When it’s time to wash off the Magic Potion, I will always pat some warm water over the mask until it is soft enough to be massaged away.  Then gently massage in circular motions until the mask is gently rubbed off (note the emphasis on GENTLY).

11)  Rinse face thoroughly with cold water to close back the pores.

12)  Pat dry & apply 1 drop of rosehip oil as a facial moisturizer.

This hardcore masking really really really cleans my skin super well.  It clears up my blackheads, gets rid of facial bumps & dead skin, tightens my enlarged pores & brightens up my whole entire face.  Each time I do this masking, I will always be amazed at how my skin will look right after.  When I touch my skin, it is… … ohhhhhhhhhh so supple, soft, moisturized & super dupey smooth.  Love it love it love it.

By the way, this DIY Honey Facial Mask was the one that helped me clear up my 2 huge Cyborg Eyes that I blogged about a few weeks ago.  The 2 gigantic acne cleared up pretty fast & without much scarring or darkened spots.  I also dab the honey directly on the spots & leave it on for a few hours, just like a pimple cream.  It really helped to properly heal the unsightly monsters.

#6 – Good for Eyes
According to the article in the link above, it even states that honey is a “cure for eye infections for many years. It helps to treat the infection because it is has antibacterial properties and kills germs. It numbs pain, attracts water and therefore sucks bacteria dry, activates immune response, reduces inflammation and speeds healing“.

Really?????  This is the 1st time I’m hearing this, but I guess it would make sense as honey does have antibacterial properties.  That is why I use it to treat my acne.

Hmm.. but how to use it for the eyes?  Do they mean absorbing the nutrients by eating honey or applying it directly onto the eyes?  *curious curious*

#7 – Medicinal Benefits
Honey can be used to soothe sore throats, stimulate the heart, act as a natural sedative & even relive constipation!

#8 – Helps Healing
The article also went on to say that honey is an “antiseptic and disinfectant.  It has the ability to kill germs and helps to cure.  It is also good for treating wounds because it contains antimicrobial agents which kill bacteria, therefore preventing infection“.

This is true for me because each time I pop a zit (very very guilty about it, I know I should actually leave the zits alone), I dab honey direct on that injured spot & the inflammation goes down.  It is actually pretty soothing.

I have also read about how doctors use honey to treat open wounds & injuries.

#9 – Allergies
Honey can prevent & relive your seasonal allergies!  How great is that!

#10 – Honey
Ok, as per promised, I will give you the secret to the #10 way of using honey.

This is by far the MOST IMPORTANT way of using honey.  You can forget about the above 9 points but you must make sure that you remember this last point.

Some people actually already use honey in this way, but they might not even be aware of its benefit.

Are you ready?

The secret of using honey in its most powerful, most potent, most influential way… … … … is… … … …

TO CALL YOUR PARTNER, “HONEY”.

It can make people very very happy & can even foster good loving relationships.

omg i just made a lame joke & it’s not funny at all.

*silently gravitates into a dark corner to hide in embarrassment*

…

Big Berry Mii stamp of approval for HONEY!!!

Do you love honey too?  You should!

Deodorants & Breast Cancer – is there a link?

Photo Source: Unknown

 

I stumbled upon this gossip article at xin.msn on Celebrity Health Issues (click link for article).  Then at page 10 on Anastacia, it states that she suffered from breast cancer.

This made me recall that I read somewhere that our underarm deodorants contain ingredients that may lead to breast cancer / tumors.  Is it true?  Is this supported by any actual studies?

I myself have had 2 separate occasions where I had developed breast lumps.  Thank god they were benign & I am still able to sit here & type out this blog post with both my breasts intact.  I had the lumps removed thru 2 separate surgeries within a 3-year period, but the scars still remain after so many years has passed.  Woe is me.

I have been using deodorant ever since I reached puberty.  yeah yeah my armpits can get really stinky at times.  I used to get mine from the supermarket or the pharmacy.  Never really thought about checking the ingredients at that time.

Until one day, I was scratching this itchy spot on my left boob, then only I realized that omg there is something underneath.  It felt like the size of a green pea.  I immediately wasted no time in having it checked out.

After an uncomfortable mammogram, the doctor told me that there IS a tiny lump growing in my left boob & told me that it SHOULD be benign.  SHOULD be???  The doctor said that she THINKS that it would be ok to leave it there.  THINKS???  (-_-)  yeah right… she thinks, he thought, then who confirm?  I was given the option of leaving it there or removing it thru surgery.  Of course I chose to remove it.  What if it turns into cancer?

I am NOT being paranoid.  I have a friend who had a small 1cm radius lump in her right breast & the doctor said that it was most probably benign, so she left it alone.  After a year, it became cancerous & she had to remove her whole right breast.  She totally hates the doctor now.  *cross my heart*  True story.

After removing that 1st lump, I started to do regular checks on my own breasts.  3 years later, I discovered another lump closer to the armpit.  Also on the left breast.  =|  So again, I had to undergo surgery to remove it.

Oh, you want to hear something funny & gross at the same time?

…

WARNING:
If you have a wild imagination & will be easily traumatised, please DO NOT read any further!!!  Just scroll right down to the part where I have announced that it is safe to continue reading.  It is highlighted in blue.

Both lumps felt like the size of a green pea when I discovered them.  During the 1st surgery, they put me on local anesthesia.  So yeah, I was wide awake as I felt them tug & pull & slice into my left boob.  I think the surgery lasted about 30 mins.  At the end of the surgery, one of the doctors asked me, “Girl… you want to see the lump?“.  Of course I wanted to see it.  It’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing, you know.

When I saw the lump, the first thing that came to my mind was… … …

…

…

…

“Wow, that’s not the size of a green pea…  looks more like the oyster in *orh lua (oyster omelette).”

…yummy…

 

 

Amazing.  The lump was so smooth & round.

The 2nd surgery they knocked me out completely & did not show me the lump.  But I bet it looked the same as the 1st one.

… … ok, even I am feeling a little grossed out now.

I will never look at oysters the same way again.

…

Safe for Reading from here onwards:

ANYWAY, as I was saying, deodorants & breast cancer, are they linked somehow?

To have smelly armpits but healthy breasts?
Or to risk breast tumors but have armpits that smell of roses?

 

 

I visited the National Cancer Institute website on the association between deodorants & breast cancer.  Read the full article HERE.

To give a short summary, they are basically claiming that scientists came to the conclusion that aluminum & parabens that are found in underarm deodorants may be absorbed by the skin & cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.  This estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells.  A study was done in year 2004, which found parabens present in tissue samples from human breast tumors.  However, the article went on to say that this study did not prove that the parabens are the cause of breast tumors & did not identify the source of parabens if it is due to the use of deodorants.

Just for your information:
Parabens can be identified by names, such as methylparaben / propylparaben / butylparaben / benzylparaben.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t parabens also part of the ingredients in our cosmetics & skincare products???

Hmmm…

Parabens are used as preservatives so that our products do not go bad & can remain safe for our usage.  But then again, studies have shown that it can mimic estrogen in human bodies that may lead to cancer.

So… … should we be cautious about this?

Based on my own personal opinion, I feel that too much of a good thing is also not good.  It’s like, water is good for our bodies, but there are also news reports that state that drinking TOO MUCH can lead to water intoxication.

So the deal with parabens is that they are added into our products to prevent spoilage or fungal growth or other nasty stuff, but at the same time, it might be harmful to our bodies. 

Again, based on my own personal opinion, if I do use a product that contains parabens, I guess I will not mind if it is listed at the last of the ingredients.  And only if it is meant to be washed off immediately, like shampoos or cleansers.  Just not something that I will apply on my armpits as it will be left there for HOURS & I am already paranoid about breast lumps for now.  =\

I noticed that more & more natural/organic skincare products in our market are starting to replace parabens with natural preservatives, but there is also that question on whether these natural preservatives have a broad-spectrum coverage of microbes.

Sigh.  It’s always a double-edged sword in everything we choose to do (or use, in this matter).

Ever since my 2nd surgery & I started to do a little research on breast lumps which eventually led me to learn that there might be a link between deodorants & breast tumors, I have not been using a deodorant with parabens in it for a long time now.  And so far, no more breast lumps appeared.  *yay! touch wood*

In fact, a few years ago, I even attempted to make my own stick deodorant using shea butter, baking soda, cornstarch, vitamin E & some essential oils, etc.  hehehe…  It was rather effective & fun to make, but a little troublesome.  Perhaps I should start to DIY my own deodorant again?

I know I’m being a little too *kiasu (translated: overly cautious), but after undergoing 2 surgeries, I don’t think I want to take any more risks.

I mean, how much left boob am I left with if I were to go for a 3 rd surgery?

=(