Robert & Louise, Marais Nord, Paris

One of the greatest part of travelling is trying out different restaurants that's more than your weeknight takeouts or all the pretentious restaurants I (unfortunately) enjoy. Introduced by my Parisian friend, I had lunch in Marais last time I was in Paris for - and it was just parfait. 

Robert & Louise can be found on the main road of Marais and is a well known place for perfectly grilled entrecote. After googling to get their address, I now realize there are numerous praises and candid reviews on Tripadvisor as well. It was the flawless encounter for my experience while resting my tired shopping feet. (Wow, I sounds so spoiled!) 

Quick and Easy Breakfast Smoothie for Busy Mornings

Hello, my name is Alexa. I am the newest contributor to Natalie's Kira-Kira blog. Few days ago, I was contacted by Vivian and Natalie asking me to join them as one of the authors for this wonderful blog. When I got the offer, I accepted it without hesitation because I, myself, was considering creating a blog to document my life and share with others. The timing could not be more perfect. So, here is my first post which is about how to make breakfast smoothie to get you going in busy mornings.

I personally believe breakfast is the most important meal of a day. I try to eat breakfast every morning to my best ability. However, there are days when you just do not feel like making an effort to get up few minutes early to make a proper breakfast. I recently got into having smoothies as breakfast in morning. They are quick and surprisingly filling. Here is an easy breakfast smoothie recipe that will get your morning started!

DIY Room & Linen Aromatherapy Spray

It's about time for me to mention my friend Sylvia. We easily go back a decade and longer and she's always full of interesting conversation and ideas. I initially became interested in the natural products and essential oil soy candles with her introduction. She recently brought me a house warming gift that she made herself and I am going to share this with my readers today.

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream Review

A few weeks ago, sephora had a VIB sale offering 20% off all products. Luckly, I had my skin care products run out by the time so I could enjoy the perks of being a VIB member(Finally!)- I don't like stocking up on cosmetic products since they have expiry dates. Trying to stay within the budget while buying so many skincare products I ran out of, I had to find an eye cream that is relatively on the affordable side.

While researching for an eye cream, I came across First Aid Beauty (FAB), which was launched in 2009. They claim to be free of harsh chemicals thus is healthier for your skin. 

Their 5 in 1 Eye Cream seemed to fall in all the categories of what I was looking for: affordable, effective, and no parabens (which can possibly be carcinogenic), sulfates, and synthetic dyes or sparkles that would trick me to think my eyes look instantly brighter (and there is no such thing as instant improvement!)

Jang Mo Jib Burnaby Review

Opened their doors in 1995, Jang Mo Jib is a franchised traditional Korean cuisine restaurant you can find in different cities of lower mainland. I prefer to visit the Burnaby location although I always expect it be crazy busy.

The name Jang Mo Jib means "Mother-in-law's house."  In South Korea, there is a saying that the Son-in-law is any Mom's favorite person. Visiting Mother-in-law's house is an exciting event for the husband as he can be spoiled and feasted with variety of Korean dishes. You will also find their servings quite large and will sufficiently fatten their diners up. 

Banana Upside-Down Cake

Have you heard of the banana horror story? An article from New Scientist had claimed bananas will be extinct in 10 years from 2013 due to various fungi and panama diseases. Blessed we are for we still have bananas around them and the claim was disputed ever since. I love banana and I believe most of you love banana too. Let's all hope that bananas will stay around forever and ever.

Anyways, since we still have plenty of delicious bananas in our kitchens, I thought it would be great to introduce you to "Banana Upside-down Cake" which is our family's all time favorite.

DIY Needle Felting 2

Needle felting is a great & (what's even better?) easy way to express your creativity with crafts! As I had broken my needle last time (please refer to my previous posting on needle felting: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.com/2014/11/diy-needle-felting.html?m=1), I made a visit to Michaels to buy a felting needle. The funny looking Mr. Broccoli is from Ikea by the way. I came up with the idea to make a mini broccoli from it - not that creative afteral I guess...tee hee!

Joey's Tomatoes Coquitlam

Joey's Tomatoes Coquitlam is a special place to my husband and I because it is where we first met! I don't know if it was the lighting, but he looked extremely handsome. LOL (I told Nat first time we met for tea about how I thought Ryan looked like a famous actor in Korea and her politeness vanished in that instant. Tee hee!)

For that reason, whenever we have a special occasion, such as our anniversary or birthdays, we go to Joey's to remember the first dinner we had together. We also enjoy this place because as a casual dinning restaurant, the price is not too expensive for the quality and amount of food, and of course the service is pretty good too. 

Their menu. They also have a wine list and cocktails. 

Fresh Skincare Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream Review

Pro: fresh products have never let me down! Every one of their item's I've tried so far has worked out perfectly as if customized clinic care. Their website kindly outlines all the ingredients used and are of natural ingredients like sugar.

Con: a bit expensive compared to other options available. I've heard the strong floral fragrance is not for everyone.

I have just an average skin type: bit oily around T-zone, dry elsewhere, lately (in my late 20s now) concerning for appearance of wrinkles around eyes and mouth, etc etc. It's not super sensitive other than the blemishes I get after playing with my cat.




Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

It hasn't been very long I have started using the fresh lotus face cream ($42). In fact I'm just going through the second jar. However I'm already a fan of this fresh product and you will be too once you've tried. Unlike Vivian, my nightly skincare routine is very simple (if any). I have to confess that I may not remove my makeup off my face before passing out once-in-a-quite-often-while. Other nights, I do what the other least human beings do: wash & apply moisturizer!

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is very easy to spread. I do my usual 5 dots on a face and just spread them out. It has this distinct but very subtle lotus smell that's similar to cool cucumber and I love it. Sitting in room temperature, the cool cream has a calming effect to it, too.  Fresh website states that their formula is "proprietary Super 7 that provides 24 hours of moisture."

(Fresh.com)

The above photo is before the cream set into my skin yet. It has no artificial chemicals to trick my eyes. And the below is after the cream has been well absorbed into my skin. It is really soft and evened out when you feel it with your fingertips. And definitely more moisturized! 

It isn't whole lot oily either. And when I test the test with another piece of oil control film some time after the application (10 minutes?) you get minimal darkened area. 

I do agree for the long lasting moisture. It might be the brisk weather too but I find my skin condition being the same hours after having washed my face & applying my cream immediately. Of course I can no longer smell the fresh cucumbery scent that excites me anymore though. It is not heavy on your skin and never oily at all. I alternate evening application between this and another balm type cream for more stickiness to tighten my skin. Fresh cream is perfect for morning application before makeups! Personally it is hard to tell of enhanced radiance but I do admit I have no complaints on my conditions of my skin ever since I started using Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream (phew, such a long name!). I do get comments on the brightness of my face but I....think it's more my foundation. :-P) Vivian has also bought a jar recently, so you'd be able to make a direct comparison very soon! *Hint: Viv has more dry skin.

Thanks for reading! :-)

Christmas Tree

It is December now - so I think I'm allowed to bring out my tree and other decorations. Condos don't provide much opportunities to decorate nor do we have a front yard for lit up rain deer, which I'm more relieved with anyways.