Aveeno- the power of oats

What is better than nature? Nature balanced with science. To help women around the world discover a naturally beautiful life, Aveeno® is a brand that offers a complete line of comprehensive skincare solutions featuring the Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal. 

The brand has unlocked the power of a natural ingredient – oat – through scientific advances, and discovered ways to nurture and transform the skin to an enhanced state of health and beauty. 

Why oat? Colloidal oat – which means ground oatmeal suspended in liquid medium for better application and absorption into the skin – has been a prized ingredient in skincare since ancient times. This is supported by over 60 years of clinical evidence indicating that colloidal oat formulas are effective in soothing dry, irritated skin. 

Each Aveeno® Active Naturals product is uniquely formulated and scientifically proven to harness the power of the oat to deliver real skincare benefits for strong, visibly healthier skin. For the past 70 years, Aveeno®’s commitment to harness the power of oat for skin wellness has made it the most trusted brand in the US for its use of natural ingredients1. 

Aveeno Baby® is also number one among US’ paediatricians’ trusted brands.

Through scientific research and stringent formulations, Aveeno® continuously discovers more secrets about nature’s ability to relieve, soothe and transform skin. One of its recent discovery is that the prebiotic properties of oat promote a balanced skin microbiome, which is fundamental for healthy, vibrant skin. This has resulted in the brand renaming its key ingredient – colloidal oat – as ‘prebiotic oat’ in some of its more recent products. 

Prebiotics, as Aveeno® scientists have found, improves the skin microbial balance. This means saying hello to a stronger skin barrier function and bidding goodbye to dry, itchy skin. Hence, all Aveeno® and Aveeno Baby® products are now infused with prebiotic oats. 

For dry & itchy skin conditions, Dr Leong Kin Fon, a consultant paediatric dermatologist, notes that prebiotic oat is effective in providing relief. He explained that oats have four important functions as an ingredient in moisturisers: to lock-in skin moisture, reducing itchiness and redness, on top of improving the skin’s microbial balance. 

Because we are all about oats, we get to make our very own overnight oats as well. Wee~ my fave!

True to its brand identity of balancing groundbreaking science with nature’s best produce, Aveeno® products are formulated with a farm-to-bottle commitment. This means its skincare solutions are produced through an artisanal process that preserves the freshness and goodness of carefully selected oats from its origin – the farm – all the way till it reaches women and babies in the bottle.

Aveeno®’s prebiotic colloidal oats are made from food-grade, high protein, non-GMO oat grains harvested from fields of Canada, North America, the United Kingdom and France. These harvests are then processed without the use of chemical solvents, and finally formulated through a stringent process designed to maintain the integrity and purity of the Aveeno® Oat’s active components.

After coming back from my vacation in Paris and Iceland, I suffer from really dry skin due to the harsh cold dry weather. My husband also suddenly had a flare up of dry patches around his thigh areas. So I quickly put my Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion to good use. And it really worked! OMG, I was really surprised at how fast it worked. I was already on the verge of bringing my husband to see a dermatologist due to the dry patches and skin redness but because I heard Megan Tan, our emcee on the event day that her baby's eczema was cured with Aveeno products, I decided to give it a try. I think his flare up was also eczema like and after 3 days of application, there were no more dry patches. We were really surprised at the results!

I didn't take a BEFORE picture because his skin's flare up was so serious that we immediately applied the lotion hoping it would cure his skin.

This is a small part after 3 days of application. There were no more dry and red patches, and just some scarring. Pheww, we were so relieved.

My right thumb was burned in hot water due to an accident in Paris (my carelessness) and when I came back, the dry skin started peeling off so I also applied Aveeno.

There's still marks, but overall my skin has healed completely thanks to Aveeno!

If you suffer from very dry skin or eczema, maybe you might want to give Aveeno a try. So far, I think this should be my holy grail when I travel to cold countries.

Start your year beautiful and give you and your baby’s skin a new life with the power of prebiotic oats! Pick up Aveeno®’s range of skincare solutions featuring the Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal at selected major pharmacies, such as Watsons, Guardian, Caring, and AEON Wellness. Or, add it to your ‘cart’ in the comfort of your home through Aveeno®’s official store on Lazada (http://bit.ly/AveenoLazadaMY) and Shopee (http://bit.ly/AveenoShopee)! 

Dream visit to Iceland

Iceland was the icing of the cake! We didn't think we would actually be in Iceland after toying with the idea few months ago. We were just playfully saying we want to see the Aurora and that it will be a dream. Fast forward few months later and we step foot in Iceland! We flew to Iceland on New Year's day. So technically, we were in 2 countries on New Year- France and Iceland. What a way to spend New Year <3

We flew from Paris to Iceland using Icelandair. So far, they were on time and the flight was full!

We expected very cold weather but didn't expect it to be THAT cold! We thought we were prepared but we definitely weren't haha. The temperature from -2 degrees can drop to -12 degrees in a matter of few hours*crazy* Also, because we went during winter which of course in a place like Iceland means it's few hours of sunlight and mostly dark, gloomy, snow rain and...snowstorm(more of that later). If I could choose, I would want to go during summer although it'll still be freezing but not like this. However, the aurora can only be seen during winter so winter it was! *and freezing butts*

 Thick snow which made walking hard and pulling your luggages harder. Plus we didn't get boots because it's heavy and we know we won't be using them often so we were just in sneakers so that's even more tricky hehe But it's okay, we survived!!!

The first day we arrived, we took Flybus to Reykjavik and stopped at the nearest bus to our Airbnb. Flybus buses are prompt and very efficient. There's always one with a landing flight. There are very few transport options actually from the airport. And taking bus is the cheapest transportation there(although it's not that cheap but we had no other choice). One thing about Iceland is that if you don't drive, you need to take tours mostly.  So, we have pre-booked all the tours beforehand. We didn't drive because it was winter and we heard the roads are slippery and with snow rains, visibility can be poor.

The first night, we had actually booked the tour to see the Northern Lights(Aurora). Unfortunately, we couldn't see it on the first night due to bad weather. The best part though, the tour ticket can be used again for the next 2 years if you didn't manage to see the Aurora. So lucky for us, we re-booked the tour for another night.

The next day was the Golden Circle tour (told you, it's all about tours in Iceland haha)

Liking this poster in the Laundromat Cafe.

One thing in Iceland, their hot chocolates come with whipped cream. I think I had at least 5 of these in Iceland! So yummy!

 Their big breakfast was da bomb! I was very hungry especially due to the weather and we need to keep warm and walloped this huge breakfast spread.

 Their avocado toast with egg was good too. This cafe is definitely like what it's raved about.

Then we went to the nearest bus stop to wait for our tour bus. 

First stop: Pingvellir National Park. 

We climbed down from the bus and was welcomed with -6 degrees winter weather with wind *cries* Hence, me covered from top to toe. I cannot even stand air conditioned rooms, I don't know how I survived Iceland's winter weather LMAO!

 It was all covered in snow but the scenery was superrr gorgeous. My gawd, the winter scenery here is out of this world!

Then, we went to see the Geysir hot spring.

Just in time when it erupted =)

Then we rushed to Gullfos Waterfall just before sunset. We had to be quick because sunset is at 3pm during winter. Then it'll be dark and we won't be able to see anything.

The majestic waterfall.

After that, towards the night, we took a tour to the Blue Lagoon.

Oh, it's one of the best experience ever. 

Blue Lagoon is actually a geothermal spa place where you can bathe in warm water and do mud mask. But the best part during winter? You're actually bathing with winter snow above you because it is open air.

With freezing mud face but warm body, we braved through snow rain in the blue lagoon haha

There's even a complimentary drink with the package.

Also, I've not seen so many naked women in a shower room before lol People are just stripping off like that and started bathing in public hehe But the Blue Lagoon really made my hair frizzy although I have already applied conditioner before going into the geothermal water.

The next morning, we're off to an exciting activity.

But breakfast first!

ATV!

We actually bought the tour for snowmobiling however, due to bad weather, we were not allowed to snowmobile because it's dangerous so they gave us an alternative tour instead which is driving the ATV. This was so much fun too!

 It was superrr cold because the ATV was not covered so although we were in coveralls, we were freezing our hands off!

Stopped in the middle of nowhere with just us, our ride and our guide hehe

The views were sooo amazing. This should be once in a lifetime activity during winter because the entire scenery was white, scenic, gorgeous and I was just in awe during the journey.

Snow is fun, but I think we should just go during summer time haha

At night, we ate at a beautiful restaurant called Apotek. 

 Their duck confit with waffle was really good.

And we chose this restaurant actually solely because they had whale meat and I was told that if you come to Iceland, you can experience whale meat which I did. It was sashimi-like, part grilled, quite chewy because it was veiny but overall, with the sides, it was a sensory experience.

And then we took the tour to hunt for the Northern Lights again. This time praying we would see it because it was our last night.

And yes, we did! This was our neighbour's camera haha because our camera sucks!

 See the difference with ours LOL

So there was this green light across the sky which can be seen clearly with a very good camera. Normal camera like ours can only see green patches haha. But the waiting game was quite torturous. We had to stand in -12 degrees winter weather with strong wind in the night. But luckily, the guide this time was good and he brought us to the right place and we managed to see the aurora #bucketlistchecked

After braving through winter in Iceland, it was time to go back.

Only to find out, there's snow storm with hurricane forces on that day which forces the airport to close, road closure and we were stucked as our bus couldn't come to pick us. And in Iceland, the place for pickup didn't have shelter(they really should due to their unforseen weather) and we had to wait under strong wind and super cold weather to finally find out via email that the bus couldn't come. We had to walk from one end to another to find a restaurant to sit down.

I was being literally blown away by the wind because it was super strong(read: hurricane force) and so since I couldn't handle myself and my bag, my trusted husband had to handle the bags while I bury myself in snow for support before he comes to pick me up *laughs* It was a crazy adventure back home.

Luckily our flight was also delayed and when we finally reached the airport, we managed to take our flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. However, due to the delay, we missed our connecting flight back home so the airline compensated us with a free room for the night. And so we had to stay in Copenhagen for the night before the next flight next morning.

But oklah we still got some decent food at night and buffet spread in the morning.

Kept our tummy happy and then we went back to the airport for our flight back home.

Boy, what a long journey home! An unexpected turn of event but thank God I had my husband with me and he was the best travel companion. We laughed all throughout and we had such an adventure. Came back and we were jetlagged for almost a week. It was so much harder to recover this time LOL

But yes, we heard snow storm in Iceland is normal so be prepared for that during winter if you're planning to visit Iceland. Otherwise, enjoy the amazing scenery!

From Paris with love

This New Year was the best ever! It was my first ever New Year celebrating overseas and it was really fun! We went to Paris and Iceland right after Christmas and spent 2 weeks overseas. 

So we took the flight to Paris using Singapore Airlines and I have to say, it was very comfortable. I was a bit scared at first because we only took one transit to Singapore and after that straight 14 hours from Singapore to Paris! But lucky us, there was no one that was seated beside us and in front as well as behind us!

Final Asian meal before the European feast haha

 Had an ice cream with gin & tonic and knocked off for the rest of the flight hehe

We touched down in Paris quite early around 7.30am so we couldn't check in to our Airbnb yet. But, we managed to put out bags first then only strolled around. We didn't expect Paris to be very cold around -2 to 4 degrees. I was also warned that Parisians can be a bit rude but our journey throughout, we were very blessed with friendly people and I guess they have learned the English language and most people conversed in English to us.

Our first stop: The Louvre

The line was crazy to buy tickets! So warning, if you want to go into the Louvre, better buy tickets first before reaching. We decided to not go into the museum and just take pictures outside haha

Then we went to the "Love Lock" bridge. But it's now all glass. 

But people still found some places to lock them *laughs*

Then we went to Champs Elysees to check out the brands and prices and found out we definitely have to re-visit because after VAT, the bags are cheaper here than in Malaysia!!

I'm coming back for you hehe

Too many people queing so had to come back another day.

We really walked so much on the first day! Along Champs Elysees, you can find the famous Laduree.

Can't help it but had to buy their macarons.

So many flavours to choose from.

The next day we took the Hop On Hop Off bus tour and we managed to see many tourist attractions without the need of going there ourselves. This is the Arc De Triomphe

All from the comfort of the bus top. But it was so cold and windy! I think this is best done during summer haha otherwise during winter, sit downstairs is warmer.

We saw the Eiffel Tower from far. 

 And will revisit another day when we walk around.

Had a Parisian brunch.

Foie Gras with bread. Wow! First time eating foie gras in this cube type. But it was really yummy!

And then we stopped at Champs Elysees for a shopping spree Weeeee~

So happy with my purchase =) Been wanting this for a long time!

Then we went on to LV. I cannot believe how many people were queuing to go inside and it was massive! It's like FREEE *laughs*

Ok shopping done for the next 5 years LOL

And we went to this famous fast food restaurant that we needed to queue also haha

FIVE GUYS!

Mamma Mia so unhealthy but really yummy. We even had second rounds!

 

Filled til the next morning!

The next day, we went to see the famous Eiffel Tower.

So we were around there and sat the Seine river cruise.

But you MUST see the Eiffel Tower light up at night. It was really beautiful and it will blink from time to time. Dream came true <3

We were exhausted with walking the whole day and so the next day we were more chilled. We went to Galeries Lafayette for indoor shopping. The brands in Champs Elysees and here were almost the same but at least inside the mall is warmer.

Beautiful Christmas tree.

At the top of Galeries Lafayette is an outdoor balcony. The weather was sunny and you can chill here.

Hot chocolate all the way in winter!

And then we walked past a Christmas market and it was beautiful.

My first Christmas market =)

Drank hot wine.

Pretzel.

Sugar coated doughnuts. I really love their pastries here and their breads, croissants etc are all very fluffy.

On NYE, we went to the happiest place on earth! 

DISNEYLAND!!!

My heart skipped a beat.

I have always seen the beautiful pink castle in pictures and finally managed to step foot into my first ever Disneyland.

The Christmas parades were awesome! So much effort!

There were 2 parks- Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. I bought the 1 day 2 parks pass from Klook so we managed to conquer 2 parks.

The Walt Disney Studios were more for adults I would say. Had a lot of fun watching motor stunt show, how movies were made and sat one of the scariest ride in there HAHA

At night, we went back to Disneyland Park and watched the Dreams show.

The castle lighted up to many animations =)

So beautiful

Elsa

The fireworks were super amazing! I love it so much. It was a great NYE for us and to watch this was another dream come true =)

The transportation in Paris however was a bit tough because of the metro strike. Unfortunately, we went during the strike and most metro stations were closed. So we had to find many alternatives to get around. Luckily, our Airbnb was nearby 1 metro station and it was the only one out of 2 stations that were opened. However, on NYE, they were still on strike and even that closed down =( So, we had to find many other alternatives to get back. The ride back was adventurous but thanks to google map and my husband, we arrived home safely hehe

When going to Paris, you just need to beware of scammers. Don't speak to people who apparently want your 'signature' for some charity organisations and always be careful of your bags and belongings. We were very careful and we didn't have any pick pocket incidents thank God. We see other people were also very weary and we were finding it quite hard for people to take couple pictures of us haha because we find it hard to trust people and when we found someone we think we can trust, the person actually rejected us! LOL, I guess they were scared as well! Nvm, we minded our own business and did a lot of selfies *laughs*

Nevertheless, we had so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed Paris and its shopping especially LMAO! Disneyland was the highlight definitely and it was one of the experience I would really treasure in my lifetime. I would say, it was quite a good timing to come during winter and Christmas time to see the decorations, Christmas market and people were still happy in the Christmas and New Year's spirit. After that, we flew off to Iceland. See you in the next post!