What Caffeine Does To Your Body Will Shock You

Happy long weekends everyone! Recently I had a discussion with my friend about caffeine. Two of the most-loved beverages that contain caffeine are tea and coffee. Caffeine has both favorable as well as unfavorable effects on our health. I found an article by Dr. Ooi Yau Wei is a cardiologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital who has explained the pros and cons of caffeine in detail. 

Apparently, there exist many adverse effects of caffeine. It disrupts the functioning of body parts like the brain, heart, stomach, and hormones. Adenosine is a hormone present in our body that not only slows down our nervous system but also relaxes our body. Apparently, when there’s an intake of caffeine, the effects of adenosine is blocked, which leads to greater alertness, mental energy, and concentration. 

How caffeine affects your brain 

Research suggests that caffeine influences a perception and the state of mind. However, it all depends on the amount of caffeine and time of consumption. In people who are well rested, caffeine in small and medium doses improves attentiveness. In individuals who haven’t slept enough, caffeine tends to boost up their learning and decision-making skills. People who are addicted to coffee and tea perform better on various tests of cognitive performance such as reaction time and visual-spatial skills. 

Caffeine is known to relieve headache symptoms significantly. It can either be used alone or in combination with other medications for headache treatment. However, regular caffeine consumption isn’t good for health as it can lead to a chronic migraine and analgesic rebound headaches. 

Effects of caffeine on your heart 

Caffeine can protect individuals against heart attacks if taken in a low to a moderate amount (up to 3 cups per day). However, drinking more than 3 cups of caffeine in a day may cause heart artery problems and heart rhythm irregularities, especially in people with underlying heart disease. For people who rarely intake caffeine, one serving of caffeine intake may raise their blood pressure. However, there is little effect on regular coffee drinkers. 

Disadvantages of caffeine 

Apart from having various advantages, caffeine intake has plenty downsides too. The main function of caffeine is to boost mental and physical energy. Apparently, many individuals turn to caffeine to cope up with their active and busy lifestyles. However, high levels of caffeine consumption may lead to symptoms such as a headache, trembling, fast heart rate, and insomnia.

Other long-term effects of caffeine dependence include anxiety disorder nervousness, insomnia, irritability, and panic attacks. Caffeine can also cause a higher risk of osteoporosis. As per research, high coffee intake in women increases the chances of lower bone density and increased fracture risk. However, this can be taken care of by consuming calcium-rich food and drinks. 

What happens when you quit caffeine 

Caffeine can be addictive and gives you side effects when you stop taking it. One can tell that they’re going through caffeine withdrawal if they experience the following symptoms: 

• Headache 
• Tiredness/fatigue 
• Decreased energy 
• Decreased alertness 
• Drowsiness/sleepiness 
• Depressed mood
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Irritability 
• Fuzzy/foggy mind 

How much caffeine is too much? 

For an average adult, consumption of up to 400mg of caffeine a day appears to be safe. Here’s the amount of caffeine present in our common drinks is as follows: 

• Coffee(235ml): 102–200mg 
• Espresso(30ml): 30–90mg 
• Tea(235ml): 40–120mg 
• Coke(355ml): 35–47mg 
• Mountain Dew(355ml): 118mg 

An average US adult consumes 2 cups of coffee per day; this is almost 280 mg of caffeine. Heavy coffee drinkers are the people who consume 4 or more cups of coffee every day. Research proves that the advantages of caffeine outweigh the disadvantages. However, there are a few medical conditions that are made worse with the intake of caffeine. 

Now you have a better reason to get your daily coffee fix!

The inspiration for this article has been taken from Health Plus Section, a source of credible health information by Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, Singapore.

Why do we need to include moisturiser in our daily skin care ritual?

Why do we need to include moisturiser in our daily skin care ritual?

A post shared by Jessying (@jessyings) on Jul 9, 2017 at 11:11pm PDT

Click here to join now https://www.instagram.com/p/BWWwKgNl5JE/

When we are born, our skin automatically makes all the moisturizer it needed to be soft and healthy by creating sebum (combination of oil and waxes). As we age, skin’s natural moisturizing abilities begin to slow, leading to imbalance, causes unable to retain water and create lipids.

More often than not, people often thought that one only need moisturiser when their skin type is dry and people with oily skin can skip it totally. The fact is everyone needs to protect their skin from moisture loss just like our body. You can have oily skin but still lack water. The sun can both dehydrate and damage the skin, causing premature aging. Hence selecting the right moisturiser texture will help supplement your skin’s need.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus skin care range is a hydrating range and it uses pure Roses to hydrate, replenish and protect your skin, leaving it looking fresh, dewy and supply to meet the needs of people with dry and dehydrated skin. It creates occlusive layer on the skin that replaces water and helps retain it. 

Every product in this range is rich in Jurlique unique Rose Complex. This sensuous blend of heritage Rose extracts from their biodynamic†Jurlique Farm, nourishing Rose Hip Oil, and Signature Rose Aroma leaves skin perfectly hydrated and smooth, with a youthful-looking, luminous glow. 

Key ingredients 

• Rose Complex: Made of biodynamic†Rose extract, Rose Hip Oil and their Signature Rose Aroma, to hydrate, enrich and protect skin as it balances and calms the senses. 

• Antioxidant complex: With extracts of Green Tea Leaf, Grape Seed and Turmeric, to sooth and protect the skin, and minimise the signs of ageing How to use : Morning and/or night apply to cleansed skin. Warm a small amount between fingertips and gently press onto face, neck and décolletage. I really love this range scent because it smells like fresh roses petals and this helps me to calm & relax the mind and body while I apply my skincare routine.

There are different hydrating moisturiser texture for your skin types. Find out which skin type are you and use the suitable one to hydrate your skin! 

Characteristics of different skin type: 

•  Dry skin - Appearance of fine lines and wrinkle, feel uncomfortable tightness and sometimes sensitivity. Due to insufficient natural moisturizer production and dehydration within the skin
• Normal / combination skin - Balanced skin on some part of the face and dry or oily on other parts 
• Oily Skin - Excess sebum on skin surface which lead to clogged pores and eventually acne

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream  - For Dry & Dehydrated Skin 

• A lightweight, luxurious moisturising cream that provides the dual benefits of hydration and protection.This high performance formulation is designed to help soften, soothe and rebalance skin dryness. Helps improve skin moisture levels while providing essential protection against environmental aggressors that can lead to premature ageing. Leaves the skin visibly hydrated, supple and smooth.This moisturiser has been formulated to Hydrate, re-balance and replenish skin with natural moisturising ingredients. 

• Provide protection against environmental damage which lead to premature skin ageing. 

• Texture is quite firm, take a little blending to allow penetration. Best to warm up your palm first before applying the moisturiser. This contains highest oil, wax and water content. Create occlusive layer on the skin that replaces water and helps retain it

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion  (Normal/Combination Skin) 

• A lightweight moisturising lotion designed to provide a protective veil for dry skinwith a combination of rich emollients to help address signs of dehydration while protecting against environmental aggressors. Skin feels hydrated, smooth, protected and looks radiant.This moisturising lotion has been formulated to: Deliver the dual benefits of hydration and protection. 

• Soften fine lines and help improve the appearance of the first signs of ageing. Provide protection against environmental damage which leads to premature skin ageing. 

• Texture : Lightweight and fast absorbing lotion that contains higher water content and oil to help skin retain hydration.

By the way, there is also a limited edition packaging for Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion Deluxe Edition! Loving the design on the packaging!

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Gel-Lotion (Oily skin)

• A cooling gel moisturiser designed to address the signs of dehydration with botanicals to help hydrate, smooth and soften, while providing protection against environmental aggressors. Skin is left feeling hydrated, protected and revitalised. This rich, cooling moisturising gel-lotion will: Cool and refresh the skin 

• Help protect against environmental aggressors. Smooths, moisturises and softens the skin.

• Texture : Silky water-gel emulsion texture. This contains lowest concentration of emulsifiers, waxes and oils to avoid sitting heavily on oily skin.

As for myself I'm using two type of moisturiser, lotion for the day and cream for the night time as I sleep in air-conditioning room. Love how my skin wake up feeling hydrated, soft and looking dewy! 

Price list of Jurlique products

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream - RM165/30ml 

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion - RM173/40ml

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Gel-Lotion - RM178/40ml

Courtesy of Jurlique Malaysia I'm giving away ONE Grand prize worth RM371 & TEN Consolation prizes worth RM200 at my Instagram.

Click here to join now https://www.instagram.com/p/BWWwKgNl5JE/

RM100 facial disocunt voucher up for grab! 

Jurlique is also giving a RM 100 facial discount voucher with any purchase of product from Jurlique's hydration range for you guys here when you show my Instagram page or Blog post. 

Jurlique's signature facial priced at RM198 and it offers 4 types : Hydra Quench, Re-balancing, Aromatic Soothing and Brightening Facial treatment. So now you only need to pay RM98 using the RM 100 facial discount voucher. Promo valid till 3 September 2017.

Good luck everyone!

How to travel from Beijing to Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Can't believe I'm standing on staircase made from ice!

I actually wrote a super long post quite some time ago but my browser crashed and everything was gone! So here am I writing again to tell you one of my most unforgettable trip after 2 months missing from my blog. So much things happened and I can't wait to tell you guys more! 

It has been my dream so many many years to go China to see Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. I have always love winter but Harbin's weather is another level! 

I was so happy that I finally made it to the 18th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival Grand Opening on 6 January 2017. The entrance ticket is really expensive. Official selling price is CNY 330 (RM209) and if you buy through any travel agency in Harbin town it's only CNY 310 (RM196) including return transportation. Will share about the details of Harbin-China Ice-Snow World later on in another blog post.

Ways to get to Harbin, China

Most people asked me how do I get to Harbin from Malaysia. There is no direct flight from Malaysia to Harbin. I chose the cheapest way to get to Harbin via Beijing. So I fly in to Beijing and take a train directly to Harbin. The fastest  and most expensive way of course is to fly in to Harbin from Beijing airport.

The fastest train to Harbin from Beijing is about 7 hours but I picked a night train which is 11 hours because I do not want to waste my day time taking train. 

Upon arriving Beijing I went to Beijing Railway Station right away to buy night train ticket to Harbin.

I found out later on, I could book the train ticket in advance via Ctrip app for a small fee. And I have successfully booked a return train ride from Harbin to Beijing via Ctrip where I just need to present the voucher at the counter to redeem my train ticket.

Ctrip is actually an online China based travel services provider (like Agoda) offers accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management. You can use your Visa & MasterCard to purchase. Good news that they have english language on their website : http://english.ctrip.com/

I bought night ticket to Harbin so that I can save one night accommodation. The ticket price is CNY 241.50 (RM153) for one way. 

Finally my train arrived at 8.30 pm. Super punctual! Be sure to be early because there are so many coaches and you will need to take some time for you to look before boarding.

First look at the train. Clean! 

Because of our last minute train ticket purchase and it's super peak season, we can't get sleeper on the train and only managed to Soft Seat.

Actually it's pretty comfortable and feel like our local ETS. There is also WiFi on the train but needed local sim card & WeChat account to login. 

Toilet in train also looks pretty clean. 

After 11 hour train ride, I have arrived in Harbin!

OMG so cold...it's -18 Celsius!!!! 

First look at Harbin city once I get out from train station. Looks like a big city.

In Harbin I booked my hotel via Ctrip and the room rates are cheaper compared to Agoda & Booking.com. 

Was glad the hotel allowed early check in.. Hotel looks really decent and great for the price CNY 178 (RM114). It is located near the Central Street in Harbin where all the shops and restaurants located. Most happening area in Harbin.

It was so cold in Harbin. You have to be properly dressed so that you don't catch the cold ; have to pick a really good gloves to keep your body warm. Probably I will share next time how to dress up for winter in Harbin! 

Was so excited to see ice sculptures everywhere in Central Street, Harbin! Will share more in my next blog post

Hope you love my travel sharing, do leave me a comment if you want to see more of my travel story ya! 

Unboxing Lazada Surprise Box!

I got a big box dropped on my doorstep few days ago! It's the Lazada Surprise Box in conjunction with their 5th anniversary! Scroll down to watch my unboxing video! 

Didn't realised Lazada has been in Malaysia for 5 years, time flies when we are busy shopping right? Lazada as the Southeast Asia’s leading online shopping will bring us a surprise birthday sale from today 22-24 March 2017 at http://www.lazada.com.my/birthday-sale/

Shopping makes me feel happy & accomplished...but with the increase of inflation rate every year and GST charges implementation, I have choose to shop wisely. I would prefer to shop online simply for 3 reasons

1. Better Price & More Varieties of Brands : Shopping online allow me to make price comparison easily. My tip is to look out for sellers that offer special bundle deal

2.Convenient & More Saving : I can do it anytime of the day with fast and reliable delivery to your home or office. Save my petrol, toll & parking!

3. Less compulsive purchase : Usually I put a lot items in the shopping cart when I was browsing online shopping sites, but only a number of things I went ahead to purchase after have a good think about it. Often times when I'm out shopping, I end up buying things compulsively...  that I don't really.

Thanks to Lazada team for spreading the joy by sending me a Surprise Birthday Box with curated contents just for me <3 These items will be on sale too during this Birthday Sale!

First time doing un-box video, pardon me because I can't contain my happiness <3 

A box of item filled with love <3

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband

Saw my friend Fiona has this... and I been checking this out! Yay finally got this <3 This helps to track movement and calories burned, and I can set alarms to remind me to exercise or eat right. This is the first swim-friendly fitness tracker from Fitbit., so I do not need to remove it whenever I need to go swimming :)

This is super light and looks sport to match with any outfit :)  I'm planning to get accessory band on the right....nice right ??  

Hush Puppies Men Wallet 

This is made from Italian Saffiano Calf Leather with 7 credit card slot. This would be a perfect gift to buy for your loved one... With Father's Day just 3 months from now, perhaps you can get this for him :) 

I didn't know Hush Puppies sell Home Fragrance like this! I tried the scent, not bad I would said.

A6 Size Notebook Bottle 

This is small & thin, easy to chuck into my backpag when I go travelling. Shall use this when I go travel next week :)

Nestle Cereal

Contrary to popular belief, Lazada do offer varieties of food on their site and Nestle is one of it! They said meal is the most important meal of the day, so this will be my breakfast for next 2 weeks :) Good Food, Good Life!

Signature Snacks

Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, why not tried these assorted nuts which are made with highest quality non GMO ingredients! 

See anything you like on the above ? All of these items might be having some special deal during Lazada 5th Birthday Surprise Sale! So what are you waiting for..... 

I have started camping on their sites from 12am to see what's are the special offer.. (my motto is Save to Shop More lol!) and looking through their promo that will be available tomorrow...these are the things I'm planing to get....cos their deals are irresistible!

After attending Phillips Cooking Workshop with Amy Beh in Feb, I really really really wanted to get an AirFryer... but cannot justify to pay RM1.3k for Philips Viva Collection Red AirFryer since I don't really cook that often. Now that it's RM699... I am so tempting to get it!! What you all say ....

 Maybelline Magnum Barbie Mascara , RM10.47 ... this is super crazy deal available at 8pm to 9.59pm... unbelievable deal cos their normal price is RM36. I love how Maybelline's mascara able to coat my lashes nicely and affordable to own. Now RM10.47 really no excuse not to get it already....

 On top of that, don't tell me I didn't share with you this Lazada Special Code BDAY30 before checking out to enjoy RM30 off with min purchase of RM300. 

ON top of that, if you are MAYBANK CARDHOLDERS: It's a Special Birthday deal! Get up to 10% OFF* on desktop and 12% OFF* on app on selected items when you shop using your Debit/Credit card. Double happiness eh! #LazadaMY #LazadaSurpri5e

Once again, I would urge to visit http://www.lazada.com.my/birthday-sale/ during 22-24 March 2017, Lazada will be offering lots of amazing sales & promotions await you! 

Happy Shopping people, let us contribute to Malaysian economy! 

Cooking class with Amy Beh using Philips AirFryer TurboStar

 

I always wanted to own a AirFryer and was glad to attend Chef Amy Beh cooking class where she whip Up Some Chinese New Year Delights with the latest Philips Airfryer TurboStar which is the latest in the Philips range of airfryers.

Philips Airfryer TurboStar features a more compact design without compromising on capacity, the latest addition to the Philips Airfryer range continues to offer great tasting fried food cooked with up to 80% less fat. Not only is the new Philips Airfryer space-saving, but it is also time-saving as pre-heating is no longer needed. It comes equipped with Philips TurboStar technology that enables users to fry with little or no oil and produce food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The TurboStar technology also cooks fried food 50% more evenly and faster with no turning needed. 

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Philips has released a limited edition red Philips Airfryer (HD9623/31) to liven up the kitchen with the festive colour. So ONG right!!! I really love this red colour! 

Philips invited a few of us to a CNY cooking workshop organised by Feminine magazine for the readers. So they kinda extended the invite to us.

Well the only reason I agreed to go is because I want to learn cooking from Amy Beh, been seeing her cooking shows on TV since I was young...so kinda excited to see her!

So she will be showing cooking demo using Philips Airfryer TurboStar.

Ingredients prepared to cook 3 dishes

1) TONG KWAI FLAVOUR ROASTED PORK 衣锦还乡

2) GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS 余庆年年

3) TAMARIND HONEY PRAWNS 甜蜜嘻哈

We used Alce Nero products and they are quite nice!

TONG KWAI FLAVOUR ROASTED PORK 衣锦还乡Recipe & how to cook roast pork with Airfryer

Ingredients: 
Main
 550 g Pork belly with skin
1 liter Water

 Marinade (B) – To combined
1 tbsp Oyster sauce
1 tbsp Ng Heong Fen (Chinese Five Spices Powder)
1 tsp Pepper 1 tbsp Salt
8 g Tong Kwai Fen (Chinese Angelica Powder)

 Marinade (C) – To rub on
1 tbsp Organic apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Salt Method:

1) Place the pork belly, skin side up, into a pot of boiling water and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the pork to soak for 6-8 minutes in the pot to allow the shape of the meat to become firm.
2) Remove and pat dry with kitchen paper towels.
3) Prick the skin with a sharp skewer all over to enable the skin to blister evenly and thoroughly during roasting.
4) Score or cut small, uniform gashes in the surface of the meat side and rub combined marinade (B) over the meat and sides.
5) Turn meat over and rub organic apple cider vinegar followed by salt onto the skin. Wipe the skin with kitchen paper towels to remove any excess water or liquid.
6) Place prepared pork piece in a plastic container. Leave the skin side up without covering the container. Keep in the refrigerator overnight to dry the skin.
7) Set the pork belly onto the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket and grill at a temperature of 180°C. Roast for 40-45 minutes or till the skin is evenly blistered and crackling.
8) Remove roast pork from basket. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve at once.

Although it doesn't look that good, it tasted so good! No need oil to roast pork!

GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS 余庆年年Recipe & how to grill fish with Airfryer

Part 1: The Fish 
 Ingredients 
 Main 2 pcs Garoupa fish slices
2 stalks Lemongrass, smashed
2 tbsp Ginger, finely shredded
 Some Curry leaves

For Marinade Paste 
Marinade (A) 
Adequate Salt (To taste)
1 tbsp Curry powder
1 tsp Turmeric powder

 Ingredients (B)
5 no Shallots
4 cloves Garlic

Seasoning (C) 
1 tbsp Organic tomato sauce with basil
1-2 tbsp Kalamansi lime juice
1 tbsp Organic extra virgin olive oil

 Method 
1)Combine ingredients (A) and (B) in a food processor and blend into a fine paste.
2)Mix seasoning (C) into the marinade paste.
3)Lightly season fish slices with marinade paste.
4)Place the fish slices into the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar wire basket and grill at 180° C for 15 minutes or until fish is done.
 5)Remove fish out and set aside.
 6)Place smashed lemongrass and shredded ginger into the PHILIPS AirFryer wire basket. Grill at 160° C for 3 - 4 minutes or until fragrant.
 7)Garnish fish with lemongrass and ginger. (GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS) P

Part 2: The Wonder Mushrooms Ingredients: 
Main 
2 pcs King oyster (Eryngii) mushrooms
55 g Red capsicum
55 g Green capsicum
2 stalks Lemongrass (white portions only), finely sliced
2 tbsp kaffir lime leaves, finely shredded

 Seasoning (To combined) 
2 tbsp Organic extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Organic acacia honey
Adequate Salt (to taste)
A sprinkle Coarse ground black pepper.

Garnishing 
Some Toasted white and black sesame seeds

 Method: 
1)Cut king oyster mushrooms into half then into slices.
2)Mix lemongrass and kafir lime leaves with combined seasoning.
3)Toss mushroom pieces and capsicum pieces with combined seasoning.
 4)Place the mushrooms and capsicum pieces into the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket. Turn temperature to 200° C and set time for 5-6 minutes.
 5)Once done sprinkle over with some toasted sesame seeds before serving with the grilled fish.

Recipe for TAMARIND HONEY PRAWNS 甜蜜嘻哈& how to grill prawn using AirFryer

Ingredients: 
Main 
 8-9 pcs Large tiger prawns, with shells intact
30 g Tamarind pulp
150 ml Water
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Organic Balsamic Vinegar
 2 tbsp Organic Wildflower Honey

 Accompanying ingredients 
3-4 pcs Dried chilies, cut into sections
Some Curry leaves 1 no
Onion, cut into wedges.

Method: 
1)Rinse prawns well, cut off feelers and pat dry.
2)Mix tamarind pulp with 150 ml water. Mix well then strain the tamarind juice.
3)Combine tamarind juice with salt, organic extra virgin olive oil, and organic wildflower honey in a mixing bowl.
4)Put prawns into the mix and set aside to marinate for about 20 minutes.
5)In the meantime, fry dried chilies, curry leaves and onion in hot oil until crispy. Set aside.
6)Add an additional 1 – 2 tbs organic extra virgin olive oil to the marinated prawns.
7)Place marinated prawns onto PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket. Grill at 180° C for 12-15 minutes or until prawns are done.
8) Remove and add accompanying ingredients. Serve at once.

As significant as each dish is, it is also important to remember that cooking methods have health consequences. For example, consuming too much oily fried food is bad for the heart. This Chinese New Year, Philips Malaysia is collaborating with celebrity Chef Amy Beh and Feminine magazine to introduce the healthier versions of several familiar traditional dishes made using the Philips Airfryer with new TurboStar technology.

Unbelievable right, who ever thought these dishes with Philips Airfryer? So fast, healthy and convenience! Anyway there are two digital version of Philips Airfryer TurboStar technology, the price are (HD9640 at RRP RM1,399 and HD9643 at RRP RM1,499). 

For more info visit Philips Official store at www.blip.my or