Victorian Cosmetic Institute: Part of my journey to flawless skin

The following is a non-food post.


In case you've been missing out on the story, here's a nice recap:



Year 2010, August: I had the best skin ever. There was not a single comedone on my face. And no, I don't use Photoshop or what not. I think it's like lying to yourself...




Year 2011 June: This is me now. My skin has gone haywire for some not so strange reasons (stress, hormones etc.). I just took this picture a few minutes ago. A week ago, it was worse. I had four large, pus-filled, inflamed pimple on my cheeks and forehead and three blind pimples on my cheeks. It hurt so badly when I washed my face.

I've been battling skin problems since the end of last year. Initially, it was kept under control thanks to photofacials and extractions (I often way lyrical about extractions on my twitter). Extractions are not the nicest things to have but they yield the best results. When I came to Melbourne, I had no place to go. I randomly hop from one beauty salon to another. After a series of bad experiences, unprofessional settings and pushy sales people, I nearly gave up seeking treatments and trying new products. In fact, I felt kinda sick of getting any new ones.

Until a phone call from Rationale came in, reminding me that I MUST try my samples because they wanted to know how did the products went. So, I decided to use the samples. I was given the Night Repair Kit which contained the Prep Cleanser, the Skin Refining Serum (An AHA-BHA exfoliant) and Retinaldehyde Serum (A step down from Retin-A but superior than retinols).

And I did. On the first day, my face looked perfect and never felt so comfortable. I found no need to use a moisturizer at night because of the products, except when my skin feels slightly dry from the heater. A few days later, I noticed that something weird is happening. My "constipated" skin is purging the contents out. Every single whitehead became engorged and screaming to be extracted. Some turned into really huge acne. I was freaking out. So I started googling for reviews for Rationale. I was quite surprised by how little exposure this product has because I felt that, in spite of the purge, my skin looks dewier than ever!

Then, I came across this blog called "You've Got Nail". It's basically a beauty blog and I rarely go through beauty blogs. She wrote about how Rationale products transformed her bad skin into better than normal skin. Not only that, she wrote about the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. Initially, I wanted to get a consultation from the VCI instead of the places I went before but decided not to because the VCI is quite far from where I live (judging based on public transport). I basically had to take the tram down to the city and take a 908 or 308 bus to get my arse to Templestowe Lower. I thought it was pretty far and went someplace else. Since I lost hope, I decided to take a gamble on the VCI. Plus, the blogger of You've Got Nail had a positive opinion towards the VCI.

So, I took the tram and the bus. It took me an hour to get to the Templestowe Lower branch. I can assure you t! hat Temp lestowe Lower looks nothing like where I live. It's like a completely different world. And there's no Melbourne CBD skyline. Yet, to regain my complexion, I can do anything. And my parents think that I should do something in case it gets worse and I get scarring.

When I first stepped into the place, I thought that it looked normal. Nothing fancy. But what I noticed is that unlike most places, they did not display products at their counters like most places. For me, that's a good sign. Also, the receptionist is very friendly. Did I mention they use Ipads to get you to fill up client forms?




And their waiting room is awesome. There's a Mac, Foxtel and Coffee Table Books. I attempted to grab the Chanel volume from the books but I just could not. There were just too many books!

After a few minutes of waiting, I was guided into the room by Dr. Natasha. She's very friendly and she pointed out that I had nice skin in spite of the congestion. She addressed all of my questions and provided me different options to battling acne. She was not pushy with products and let me do try outs on my skin. She even gave me lots and lots of samples! How I can not be happy?

She also recommended me to do Lactic Acid Peels instead of Salicylic peels so she could combine them with extractions. Moreover, she referred me to aestheticians who are very experienced with extractions. I was quite happy with the amount of detail given. I was also told to stop using a moisturizer if not necessary because a moisturizer does nothing but to seal your skin. Basically, it would be counter-productive to my current condition...

Price wise, I think it's reasonable. I paid 150 AUD for an 80 minute consultation. If you have a Medicare card, you basic! ally pay about 50 or 70 AUD I think.


Oh, I also got myself some products. I was very happy with the Rationale samples and decided to buy them in large bottles to help my skin crisis.


ProductsI tried so many products. From the cheapest to the most expensive. I was going to give up and then, Rationale rescued me. I found that Rationale works best to address my skin problems yet maintain the integrity of my skin. So far, the products have been doing a good job in getting rid of the gunk from my face without drying or irritating it. Of course, I started real slow. From one to two drops, I now use two to three drops. They may appear pricey but I can assure you, the 5ml samples that I have are not finished up yet and I've used them for a week now. They last really long.


Skin Refining Serum, Benzoyl Peroxide + Niacinamide solution, Retinaldehyde solution,
Prep Cleanser, Moisture Plus (Free)
My skin regime is now as follows:

Day:
-One pea size amount of prep cleanser
-One-two drops of benzoyl peroxide + niacinamide (This stuff is pretty potent so it's unwise to use too much)
-My current sunblock (Reflect RX) -> I wanted to try the Rationale Sunblock with 20 percent Zinc Oxide. I had pretty good experience with Zinc Oxide products. So, I'm looking forward for my sunblock to run out.

Night:
-One pea size amount of prep cleanser
-Three drops of Skin Refining Serum (18 % AHA + 5% BHA)
-One to two drops of retinaldehyde
-Optional moisturizer

Yes, I did get samples. I will be getting another one from the mail soon.
I will update you guys on my skin condition when I go for my peel.


Basically, to date, I did many procedures on my face. I don't know if teenagers of my age will go to such lengths... You see, I just can't stand looking at my face filled with blemishes. It makes me feel dirty. And I hate being dirty-looking. I hate dirty things in general. That's why my house is kept neat and proper. My writing is as straight as a ruler. I'm just prim and proper like that. I want to keep it that way.

Of course, not to the point of irrationality.



Disclaimer: Once again, I used my dad's wallet to pay for the products and treatments.


RM 15 for 3 Full Pints of Guinness Draught!!??

exclusively at Finnegans Desa Sri Hartamas!

brought to you by Milkadeal!
IMG_7584
Yes, you heard it right! Now for only RM 15, one is entitled for 3 full pints of Guineess Draught at Finneagans Desa Sri Hartamas! You cant even get 1 full pint with RM 15 without the deal!

Voted the Best Pub Grub in Time Out KLs Food Awards in 2009, Finnegans has got a great vibe, lovely staff, good music and most importantly great beer selection. Grab the deal before its too late! Limited to 400 vouchers only!

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Good Malay Food @ Sri Ayu Seafood @ Sri Gombak, Kuala Lumpur

Lets go to Taman Sri Gombak for a new discovery of good Malay food. And this is the warong where Sri Ayu is found with plenty and plenty of dishes for you to choose.

The crowd was encouraging the food must be good and we went grabbing for ours. Truly a Malaysian paradise for food is found here in Taman Sri Gombak. Most importantly the pricing is reasonable and making Sri Ayu so popular and will come back for more.

It was only for lunch and the choice is magnificent from appetizer, starter etc etc to dessert they have it all.

The deep fried chicken at the entrance with boiling oil in a big wok welcoming you into the paradise of Malay food.

My associates were busy helping themselves with the variety of food, some from the wok itself. And Nazar was at Ulam (Malaysian salad) corner and at the wok for chicken gizzard).
Fish delicacies of so many types just pick the one you like best.
You can complete your meal with fresh Malaysia mixed fruit called Rojak and some sweet dessert. Its simply a wonderful place to have lunch here in Sri Gombak.

Medan Selera Taman Sri Gombak,
Jalan Makmur
Taman Sri Gombak
Next to Esso, & BHP Petrol Station
GPS : 3.240607,101.704408

The Season of Cherries



I came back from BlogHer Food in Atlanta Sunday afternoon. I wish I had a detailed report for you guys, but the truth is that I really was unable to attend most events and festivities. It was great to catch up with friends and also finally meet those who I have come to know through blogging.

Tami, Stephanie and I spoke in the visuals panel where we discussed our own evolutions and philosophy when finding our voices and styles. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I think we could have gone on for another few hours had we been given the time. There were lots of questions and positive feedback and I happened to learn lots myself.



As soon as I walked in the door, I remembered the large bowl of cherries I left in the refrigerator before I left. I was in desperate need of something refreshing and light. I dropped my bags and started slicing fennel, cucumber and spring onions. Also added some pitted cherries and made a quick vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar.

It hit the spot.

"Where are you guys?" I texted C. "Still swimming" he replied.

Then I knew I would have time for a quick dessert for dinner and perhaps, even a nap.



I turned to this gluten and dairy free cherry and cardamom custard I had made a few days before. Somewhere in between a clafoutis and a flan, this custard is made with coconut and almond milk that are flavored with vanilla bean, lemon zest, and cardamom. I loved it the first time I made it and I knew everyone would enjoy it again.

Once it came out of the oven, I took Miren to my bed and whispered "We are going lo-lo". She understood and immediately closed her eyes.

I needed that.



Jon was excited to have his sister back. "I missed her amatxu!" he acknowledged. He picked up a bowl of the cherry cardamom custard and proceeded to tell me all about his weekend.

There are never enough words when you are 4.

Almost 5.



Cherry and Cardamom Custard

1 pound (450 g) bing cherries, pitted
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) coc! onut mil k
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) almond milk
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
4 cardamom pods, cracked
4 eggs
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs (125 g) natural cane sugar
1/2 cup (70 g) superfine brown rice flour
1/4 cup (40 g) potato starch
2 Tbs (12 g) almond flour
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 425F. Grease a 9" pie or cake pan. Pit the cherries and arrange them in the pan.

In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, vanilla bean and seeds, and cardamom pods. Bring to a light simmer, turn heat off, and let it steep for 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown rice flour, potato starch, almond flour, and salt. Place a fine sieve on top of the bowl. Pour the warm milk mixture over the eggs so that the strainer catches the pods and vanilla bean. Whisk all ingredients together. Skim any foam that might have formed on the surface and pour the custard over the cherries.

Bake at 425F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F and bake another 25-30 minutes until center set.


Hagen Bake & Brew

Bake bread, brew beer: that sums up this cafe's philosophy, though we were equally intrigued by the Japanese skewers that accompanied our booze.

Pork bacon wrapped around asparagus. As all-out addictive as food can possibly get. Since more than 90 percent of Mont Kiara's eateries are pork-free, this place is a welcome entry to the neighborhood.

Teriyaki pork. The next best thing to Malaccan pork satay.

Lady's fingers. Respectably healthy, but basically bland.

Here comes the bread: Broetchen _ savory German rolls, baked in-house _ with roasted onions in front & poppy seeds in the background. Fresh-tasting, with a pleasantly chewy bite.

Two types of tarts: hazelnut & almond. Alas, too hard and dried-out to recommend.

Crack open the beer: Hopf Ice Wheat, crisp and easy to drink.

111 Zwickl, sparkling and flavorsome. OK, so Hagen doesn't exactly brew its own beer, but we won't hold it against them.

For the teetotaler: hot chocolate, the ideal nightcap.

The outlet opens bright and early in the morning, so be prudent (unlike us) and head here before the sun sets, in order to secure a fuller selection of bread.

Alfresco and air-conditioned dining are both available.


Hagen Bake & Brew,
Mont Kiara Shoplex, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6201-1628