10 Beauty Myths That You Should Know

Myth One: Pores open and close

Your pores are not doors. A pore is an opening in the skin that allows sebum to flow to the surface in order to keep skin supple and from cracking. It your pores appear larger, it is most likely due to dead skin cells have already built up on the pore. Hence, exfoliation is very important.

Myth Two: Plucking white hairs yields more white hairs

Our hair whitens as part of the natural process of aging. It appears that we are having more and more gray hairs after we see our first strand of white because our mind is now trained to look for them.

Myth Three: Applying beer on the skin before going for a sun tan results in a golden glow

In fact, sun tanning should be avoided altogether, unless a self-tanner is being used. Applying beer to the skin does not do anything for the skin and you end up with totally no protection at all. It is a matter of genetics while some people gets a golden tan and others turn red as a lobster.

Myth Four: Oily skin should be dried out

Oil production is vital for the maintenanace of our skin. If you are truly an oily skin, it is very important not to dry out the skin. Instead, you should keep it balanced and clean. If our skin is dehydrated, we often begin producing more oil as our skin tries to compensate. This will cause a skin breakout.

Myth Five: Applying ice to the skin makes the pores smaller.

Nothing can make the pores smaller. The size of our pores is the result of genetics.

Myth Six: Toothpaste can cure pimples.

In a way, it is true. Toothpaste has menthol and other ingredients that can dry up a pimple and make it heal much quicker than if left alond. However, the very same ingredients can also dry up and irritate your skin. It is definitely recommended to use a pimple cream instead.

Myth Seven: Shaving the hair makes it grow back thicker

It may appear that your hair has grown back thicker, but that is because you cut the hair at a sharp angle.

Myth Eight: Split ends can be repaired

The only way you can get rid of those split ends is to cut them off. You can prevent split ends from happening by hydrating your hair.

Myth Nine: Brushing your hair 100 times a day will make it shine

This will cause breakage. The more you tug on it, the more it breaks. Gentle brushing will make it shine.

Myth Ten: Drinking lots of water keeps skin youthful looking

Water does help to clean the kidneys and can act as an appetite suppressant. Drinking lots of water does not really do a whole lot for the skin except making you feel bloated and temporarily getting rid of some wrinkling.

Blackhead Trouble??? 5 Effective Natural Remedies To Counter It

Blackheads are so common, yet many of us do not know what they are. We know even less about dealing with them. These black plugs of dry sebum are usually a common problem for those with oily skins. Blackheads not only appear on the face, but on the back, chest and other areas that are rich in sebaceous glands.

Beauty products for blackhead removal are constantly introduced in the market. Are they really effective? Will regular home remedies for blackheads keep most skin problems at bay?

Here are some effective home remedies for removing blackheads:

1. Use an oatmeal or almond mask to clean your face thoroughly. Mix either oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water to make a soft paste. Rub it on your skin, whilst paying special attention to the problem areas. Leave it to dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.

2. Apply undiluted lemon juice two to three times a day on the affected areas.

3. Mix half a tablespoon of boric powder with one and a half cut of hot water. Saturate a face napkin in this solution and press onto the skin. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cotton wool.

4. Warm a little honey and apply on the trouble spots. Wash off after 10-15 minutes.

5. Combine 1/4 cup of boiling water with one teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops of iodine. Let mixture cool until its comfortable to the touch. Saturate a cotton ball with this mixture and dab on the troubled spots. This will allow them to loosen so they can be easily squeezed.

On The First Beat (TVB)

Synopsis

As the sequel to one of TVB's most successful dramas in 2005, The Academy, the story surrounds around the leading characters portrayed by Ron Ng and Sammul Chan, who both this time will be applying for the PTU (Police Tactical Unit).

Starring

Ron Ng

Sammul Chan

Joey Yung

Sonija Kwok

Kate Tsui

Fiona Sit

Michael Tao

Florence Kwok

Chan Hoi Yee

Chin Ka Lok

Felix Lok

Kenny Kwan

Winnie Shum

Charles Szeto

Selena Li

Gordan Liu

Tavia Yeung

Credits

• Synopsis: DramaWiki

Download

On The First Beat

I would highly recommend using UTorrent to download the dramas.

Samsung Ultra Edition (SGH-Z370)

It is sleek and slim and it definitely suitable to be a girl's best friend. Positioned as the slimmest candy bar phone in the world at a mere 71g. Its probably lighter than your makeup compact.

There is about 20MB for data and applications, which allows the user to store tons of information. It encompasses an integrated video recording function and allows the you to capture your friend's kawaii moments.

It's 2-mega pixel camera is suitable for trigger happy folks. This 3G phone is certainly a power packed pocket dynamo.


Credits

• Picture: Mobile88

SK II Essential Care - Facial Treatment Essence

The facial treatment essence is one of SK-II's most celebrated product. It is nicknamed, "The Miracle Water". This product is said to contain 90% Pitera, a substance found in sake. It comes in 2 sizes namely 75ml and 105ml.

For those of you looking for a radiant skin, this product will come in very useful. Most of my friends feedbacked that it really does wonders to their skin and increase the radiance dramatically. I have tested this product personally and though it works wonders, it is overly priced. Nevertheless, it is definitely money well spent if you're looking to improve your skin.



Credits

• Picture: http://sk2.com.sg/html/prod_ec_essence.html

Nakji Bokom

Nakji Bokum is a very spicy octopus dish enjoyed by many Koreans. Octopus tentacles are cut into bite-sized pieces then pan stir-fried with spicy gojujang paste along with chili powder, sesame oil, red or green chili peppers, green onions, carrots and onions. Different variation of this dish do exist as the octopus can be substituted with squid for less chewy texture and taste. Non-Koreans may find this dish too spicy even diluted with rice that accompanies this dish.

Ingredients

300g octopus

300g dried wheat noodles (somyeon)

1.5 tbsp oil

10 fresh or canned button mushrooms, halved

1 green onion , cut into short lengths

1 red chili pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips

1 onion, thinly sliced

Sauce

2 tbsp gojujang

2 tbsp Korean chili powder

1 tbsp crushed garlic paste

1 tbsp minced green onion

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp sesame oil

2 tsp sesame paste

Directions

1. Clean the octopus by removing the eyes, mouth area, viscera and ink sac. Rinse the octopus well, rub thoroughly with salt, then rinse again. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, immerse the octopus in the boiling water and simmer until it begins to curl, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain well. Slice the body and tentacles into 1x2.5 inch strips. Set aside.

2. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and blanch the noodles, stirring to prevent the noodles from sticking together, until soft, 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat, rinse in cold water and drain well. Divide the noodles equally among 4 serving platters.

3. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.

4. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat and stir-fry the vegetables for about 1 minute. Add the sauce, mix well and bring to a boil. Add the octopus and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and spread equally over the noodles. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Hana Kimi (Taiwan)

Synopsis

Three years prior, a girl named Lu Rui Xi saw high jumper Zuo Yi Quan on television and was inspired by him. She decides to transfer to his school, E.K., and become his friend, even though the particular school he attends is strictly boys-only. After a shaky start, including a rude collision with Quan outside of the classroom, Rui Xi is able to settle in at the school. By a stroke of luck, she has been assigned to be Quan's room mate.

Soon, she is accepted as a normal student, but after sustaining an injury to the head, her gender is discovered by Mei Tian - the gay school health official - and Quan (whom she does not realise knows her secret). Mei Tian becomes her confidant, but Quan keeps Rui Xi's secret to himself in order to protect her identity and keep her by his side. Jin Xiu Yi begins to question his own sexuality when he finds himself attracted to this new student, whom he believes to be male.

They all become great friends and overcome many obstacles along the way, such as the interschool competition where Rui Xi was harassed by fellow students in the No. 1 dormitory, Xiu Yi's accustion of cheating and several other times when Rui Xi's identity was at stake. The main couple, Rui Xi and Quan, fall deeper into love without noticing over the course of the series.

Starring

Ella Chen as Lu Rui Xi
Wu Zun as Zuo Yi Quan
Jiro Wang as Jin Xiu Yi
Tang Zhi Ping as Mei Tian
Tang Yu Zhe as Liang Si Nan
Chen Wen Xiang as Jiang Ye Shen
Xie Zheng Hao as Guan Ri Hui

Credits

• Synopsis: DramaWiki

Download Drama

Hana Kimi

I would highly recommend using UTorrent to download the dramas.

Heart of Greed (TVB)

Synopsis

It is a story of a renowned sea-products retailer and a big traditional family, in which there are those who manage to endure to the end, those who consider themselves superior to everyone else, those who love and respect their brothers, those who seek every opportunity to fulfill their ambition, those who stay loyal to their beloved, and those who remain grateful for whatever they get.

Starring

Moses Chan as Tong Chi On

Linda Chung as Sheung Zhoi Sum
Ha Yu as Tong Yan Kai
Lee Sze Kei as Ling Hau
Susanna Kwan as Frances Wong Sau Kam
Bosco Wong as Gilbert Tong Chi Yat
Chris Lai as Tong Chi Foon
Raymond Lam as Alfred Ching Leung
Tavia Yeung as Jackie Cheuk Man Lai
Michelle Yim as Ling Lei
Louis Yuen as Ling Bo
Yoyo Mung as Sui Ming Ha
Fala Chen as Tong Chi Yan
Lei Seng Cheung as Sheung Joi Duk
Carrie Lam as Cho Bang

Credits

• Synopsis: DramaWiki

Download

Heart of Greed

I would highly recommend using UTorrent to download the dramas.

Birth Control and Contraception

'Birth control' is a term that describes things that stop a woman or girl from becoming pregnant, or giving birth. Birth control can mean a wide range of things – from 'contraceptives' (used to reduce the chances of a woman becoming pregnant) to other ways of avoiding pregnancy, like not having sex.

If you don’t want to have a baby, there are two main options – either don’t have sex, or if you are going to have sex, use contraception.

Contraception is a must-have preventive measure for the woman who's in control of her life and knows what she wants and how to get it. Minor accidents can hinder our plans, and serious ones, such as unplanned pregnancies can lead to an avalanche of events that we're not prepared for.

Contraceptive Options

1. Sterilisation

This option is suitable for the woman who is dead sure she never wants to have kids. This procedure is permanent and irreversible.

2. Contraceptive Injections

This option is definitely not for those with a mortal fear of needles. You will need to pay the doctor a visit every one to three months to get your jab and this is depending on the type of contraceptive injection that you chose.

3. Implants and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

This option is for those with an elephant memory. Upon insertion into your body, these forms of contraception can buy you three to ten years of protection, depending on which form you choose. However, it is mandatory for you to remember to remove them after their expiry date.

4. The Pill and condoms

This option is for the disciplined woman. You will need to take the pill everyday at approximately the same time. The good thing is that it is an oral contraceptive, so its relatively fuss-free. However, forgetting to take the Pill can have detrimental effects. If you choose the condom, you will have to remember to use it every time you have sex.

5. The Patch

This option is suitable for the woman who is constantly on the move and who likes everything to be hassle free. This form of contraception works like the pill, minus the weight gain and unsightly facial breakouts.

Being a modern young woman, you need a form of contraception which is flexible, easy to use, reversible and does not interfere with your busy schedule. Ultimately, you need to choose one that you are comfortable with. Consult your doctor or gynaecologist for more detailed information.

Dark Eye Circles

Dark Eye Circles is the No. 1 eye problem in women across Asia. Dark circles under the eyes are also the most common non-hormonal skin problem.

Causes

1. Tiredness or lack of sleep
2. Inherited condition having a family with the kind of skins that make dark circles more likely
3. Fluid retention which causes puffiness that may cast shadows
4. Aging which thins and relaxes the skin around the eyes
5. Nasal congestion
6. Sun exposure
7. Rubbing of eyes
8. Medication

Solutions

1. Relaxing eye massages
2. More sleep
3. Eye protection
4. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
5. Drink as much water as you can
6. Avoid reading late at night lying down on the bed
7. Natural remedies such as:

a. Dip cottonballs in chilled water and keep for 5-10 minutes on the eyes
b. Apply peeled and grated potato overnight at least 3 times a week
c. Make cotton pads, dip them in cucumber juice and place on the eyes for 15 minutes
d. Massaging the eyes with almond oil at bedtime
daily

Online Income Generators - Part Two

During the last week or so, I've tried and tested more PTC sites. To be honest, I'm still pretty attached to Clix n Cash. Anyhow, there are 3 sites which I have been actively participating and I would like to share it with everyone.

Sites

1. Bux.To
a. Earn money clicking on Ads
b. Minimum payout of US$10
c. Pays with Paypal

I have not received any payout yet but I would like to recommend it as it has quite a considerable number of ADS for clicking each day as compared to other similar websites such as Adbuddy, Adbux, etc. Everyday, you have to log in to the account and view the ADS for 30 seconds and they will credit you with one cent. In addition, you get one cent for each AD your downline views.

2. MyClix
a. Earn money clicking on Ads
b. Minimum payout of US$0.15 via Paypal / US$1.10 via Alertpay / US$5.00 via EGold
c. Pays with Paypal / Alertpay / EGold



I have received my first payout and is about to apply for my second. This site is very similar to Clix n Cash and I would recommend it as it provides a considerable number of ADS for clicking on a daily basis.

3. PTCBux
a. Earn money clicking on Ads
b. Minimum payout of US$0.01 via Funeral Donations/ US$0.20 via EGold / US$0.50 via Paypal / US$0.76 via Dr-Surf.com Transfer
c. Pays with Funeral Donations / EGold / Paypal / Dr-Surf.com Transfer



No payouts received yet as I have just reached the minimum amount. The number of ADS available for clicking is not as much as Clix n Cash and MyClix. Nevertheless, in comparison to other PTC websites, I still prefer PTCBux as they offer 100% Referral Earnings.

Till my next installment of Online Income Generators - Part Three!!!

Food Myths and Facts

Myth: Processed foods are not as nutritious as fresh foods.
Fact: Many processed foods are just as nutritious or in some cases even more nutritious than fresh foods depending on the manner in which they are processed. For example, frozen vegetables are usually processed within hours of harvest. There is little nutrient loss in the freezing process so they retain their high vitamin and mineral content. In contrast, fresh vegetables are picked and transported to market. It can take days or even weeks before they reach the dinner table and vitamins are gradually lost over time.

Myth: Eating most of your calories in the evening promotes weight gain.
Fact: Irregardless of when the food is being eaten, weight will be gained when one eats more calories than one burns off.

Myth: Fat free is calorie free.
Fact: Never indulge in extra large servings of fat-free foods without realizing that these foods may contain the same amount or even more calories than regular versions. Do check the food labels and get the facts on fat free products. In order to make such foods taste better, extra sugar, floor or starch thickeners may be added, which will result in high calories and eventually lead to weight gain.

Myth: Carbohydrates cause weight gain.
Fact: Carbohydrates do not cause weight gain unless they contrinute to excess calorie intake. The same holds true for protein and fat. Some people who eat a diet that is extremely high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat will get hungry faster, which may trigger overeating.

Myth: Yoghurt is the perfect diet food.
Fact: Yoghurt is good for people of all ages and are important for those wanting to lose weight. It is naturally rich in calcium and research does shows that calcium helps reduce weight gain. Avoid yoghurt that contains added sugars or sweetened fruit.

Myth: High protein diets cause ketosis, which reduces hunger.
Fact: Ketosis occurs when fat is used as an energy source instead of carbohydrate during a high protein diet. Ketone bodies do not reduce appetite, however, eating sufficient protein for your body type can help reduce hunger and support weight loss. However, most of these weight loss would constitute water weight and lean muscle weight instead of fat. The best way to lose weight and keep it off without harming your body is by following a reduced calorie diet that is well balanced between carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Myth: Excercise makes you eat more.
Fact: Research has shown that after 20 minutes of excercise, people ate no more than those who had nothing.

Myth: Extra protein makes you strong.
Fact: The body has tremendous reserves and is very adaptive. There is no need to starve yourself to lose weight. When we are active, our body uses its own fat and carbohydrate for fuel. High protein diet often lack key nutrients found in carhobydrate foods. We need every kind of food. Avoiding any kind of food is just as wrong as ingesting food supplements.

Myth: Lettuce makes your figure slim
Fact: Lettuce leaves practically do not contain calories. A tablespoon of butter has the same number of calories as 10 cups of leaf lettuce. Generally, lettuces are not eaten alone and most lettuce sauces are high in fat.

Myth: Fat can be burned if we eat certain foods, like grapefruit and cabbage soup.
Fact: The grapefruit diet require one to eat half a grapefruit before every meal to reap the benefits of the fruit's so called fat burning enzymes. Grapefruit has no fat, is low in calories and sodium and is packed with vitamin C. Similarly, the cabbage soup diet could make one feel light headed and weak because the diet is too low in protein, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. Weight may be lost. The best way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories you eat and increase your physical activities.

Texting The Ex...

It could be really tempting to send a text message to the ex just to find out his reaction. We could end up being totally embarassed and wished that we'd just keep our fingers to ourselves.

Do not ever end up texting your ex when you've just finished clubbing!!! Chances are that you will turn into a sobbing mess when you're all drunk and lonely. He could be spreading this juicy news to his pals whom may be your friends as well. Then, you'll be left high and dry.

Its just concern I'm showing... Don't bother. Leave him alone to live his life. To send him messagfes about how you are concerned about his life is just going to scare him away or give him false hope. True, you've an empty space in your life right now but that doesn't mean you should use him fill it up. Live a life of your own as well.

Online Income Generators - Part One

Welcome to my first topic "Online Money Generator". Sounds good? Well, after a week of trials and searching on the Internet, I get a little disappointed.

I guess there are indeed websites that do pay pennies for a few minutes of your time. Well, it's extra income ain't it.

If you are interested in gathering pennies to make dollars, here are some tips and sites that you may wish to participate. Don't worry... they aren't scams.

Tips

1. Subscribe a new email address
These sites do regularly send you emails. Subscribe to a new email address in order not to clog up your regular mails.

2. Subscribe to Paypal
Most sites payout using Paypal and they are quite popular.

Sites

1. Clixncash
a. Earn money clicking on Ads
b. Minimum payout of US$0.05
c. Pays with Paypal, Moneybookers, E-gold



2. Mylot
a. Earn money by posting on forums
b. Minimum payout of US$10
c. Pays with Paypal, Moneybookers




These 2 sites has been tried and tested personally by me. There are many other similar sites but after testing some of them, I am not pleased with the results.

I will continue to try and will update my post should I discover other sites that I'm satisfied with.

List of Abbreviations

1. PTC = Paid to click
2. PTS = Paid to sign up / Paid to surf
3. PTR = Paid to read
4. PTP = Paid to post

Till then...Ciao!