Lunch at Shanghai Tea House

On Friday, the girls I work with decided to check out Shanghai Tea House, the newest culinary addition to the Burnside Village. Located on the timber deck, the size of the restaurant is quite deceiving. It looks small on the outside, but seats about 30-40 not including the 2 private booths. That's right, private booths! They are intimate without being squishy and have a curtain you can pull across the entrance to the booths. Perfect for that business lunch?

The food is nothing like I expected. The reviews for Shanghai Tea House haven't been very favourable online, and they did colour my opinion before I'd even been. But I'm glad I did go. There are all sorts of delicious treats and lovely teas. For the Burnside Village, the pricing is quite reasonable. Lunch specials are around the $15 mark, with morning and afternoon tea specials around $10 which includes tea and a snack.

There specials are updated daily and the yum cha consists of deep fried goodness as well as healthier options. The tea list is quite extensive and a pot of tea for 2 can easily be shared between 3 people. The tea comes in little pots with the cutest little double walled tea cups. I will be sourcing these, or definitely adding them to my wishlist!

Lily wolfberry tea

The lunch specials are amazing. I went with the garlic prawns. An old favourite. I was expecting the old take away dish, a creamy, heavy sauce with 2 or 3 prawns. I was pleased to receive the below dish, a light garlic sauce, which was so very more-ish.

Garlic prawns and rice

The tea was delicious, I'm a bit apprehensive about trying anything outside of my usual black tea, but found it was light on the palate and suited the meal very much. Shanghai Tea House is also fully licenced, and judging by all the ladies ordering Moet on the day, it was appreciated!

I would definitely recommend visiting Shanghai Tea House if doing a spot of shopping over the other cafes in the village. It is somewhere I can't wait to go back and visit and will have to go for yum cha over a leisurely lunch.

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Shanghai Tea House is located at Shop 108, Burnside Village, 447 Portrush Road Glenside. Phone 7200 3063 for bookings.

Opening hours:
Mon - Wed: 10:00 - 17:00

Thu - Sat: 10:00 - 22:00

Sun: 10:00 - 17:00

Quick Review: MAC Purchase

I recently purchased some MAC from the US. MAC's pricing in Australia is daylight robbery, so I thought I would get myself some sent over.

The good news is, they're authentic! I was a bit sus about buying online unless it was from MAC themselves, but it has passed the authenticity test. I could only go by swatches online, as getting to town or Marion is a pain.

I purchased MAC Lipglass in Embrace Me and MAC Satin Lipstick in Viva Glam Nicki.

The Nicki Minaj Viva Glam is a lot more pastel in person than the swatches show. But Her Minaj-esty would be proud! After applying it, I may have broken into a loud, off-key rendition of Starships. Hey, it called for it! It feels a little drying on the lips, but I don't wear lipstick every day, so I can deal it with occasionally.

Embrace Me is a vibrant fuchsia colour. As far as lip glosses, it's sticky, but great coverage and staying power. After blotting my lips, I end up with a nice pink finish. I don't expect a lot of lasting power, but this is definitely a night out on the town colour.

I think I have the MAC bug, and might have to get some more soon!

Kosmea Spa Treatment

I had been contemplating a spa day, just to spoil myself as my skin is getting older. How it was at 15 is totally different to today at 26. When Celeste of Becoming Beautiful and Adelaide Beauty Bloggers advised us she had organised with Kosmea for us to receive a complimentary 60 minute spa treatment, I jumped at the chance!

Although I had heard of Kosmea's Rose Hip oil before, I didn't realise they had a skin care range. I also didn't know they had a Day Spa. This only opened recently. From their website:

"Kosmea is an Australian natural skincare company and an international success story, founded on the healing properties of certified organic rose hip oil.
From the earliest days the company and its products have been developed with a strong vision, determination and commitment to integrity."

I was a bit hesitant at first to go along, as I normally don't like rose scents unless they are from the rose itself. Being of Greek and Cypriot descent, we also use rosewater occasionally in sweets, but again not a fan. I also have sensitive skin, and products like Dermalogica make me break out due to the fragrances added.

Kosmea Australia's first day spa

When I arrived, I filled out a standard questionnaire, detailing any medical conditions, allergies, etc, but I find these forms pretty standard across the board. Within seconds of handing back the form, the lovely Amy came to collect me. The treatment room was so nice, it was cozy, but definitely a friendly environment. The temperature was ambient, not too cold and not too warm. The artwork on the wall was lovely, and was definitely a nice touch.

 

The chair is another of those nice touches in the treatment room

 After losing the jewellery and putting on a robe, I hopped under the sheet. I was ready for a snooze by this stage of the day! I'm glad we weren't completely quiet, Amy and I chatted about houses, kids and my nail polish addiction.

My treatment started with the Purifying Cream Cleanser, a silky feeling cleanser which Amy applied to my skin and then rinsed off. Not like a conventional face wash, it felt lovely and rinsed off nicely, no suds up my nose! After my skin was cleaned, Amy asked me to shut my eyes and used a UV light mask to check out my skin's condition. I have dehydrated skin around my eyes, to the right and left of my lower lip and under my lower lip. I have sun damage to my chin, nose, cheeks and forehead. I don't spend a lot of time in the sun, but didn't even think that I could be doing the damage when driving to work and home!

I then had a hot cloth covering my face. Love this, I miss flying Singapore Airlines just for the hot towels! After this, my covered my face with the Daily Facial Exfoliant. I was hoping I wouldn't rash up or break out. Wow! No bad reaction to my skin at all. While it was on my skin, Amy switched on a steam machine, and that steamed my face while she used a machine similar to the Clarisonic over the exfoliant scrub. I would never in a million years have thought of this! The steam got a bit too much for me at times, but it was nice and warm, and cleared my lungs and nose. After it was switched off, it was a shame, because it felt cold in the room!

The very comfortable treatment bed, which has a sheet and blanket and is so comfy!

Now that my face had been scrubbed down, Amy applied a product which I can't remember the name of, but it had fruit acids in it. While it was settling on my skin, she gave me a massage while we chatted. After asked if I wanted a soft or hard massage, I jumped on hard. Sure, it would be painful, but worth it. At first, I thought Amy was going gentle on me, but after she got stuck into my back, neck, shoulders and all the knots, I felt the pain. And it was GOOD! It was much appreciated, and I felt like snoozing then and there on the table. Absolute bliss!

Some of the products used today

My face was then wiped off and another hot towel covered it. Amy then sprayed my face with the Hydrating Rosewater Mist which smelt so nice. Then it was time to add the Rose Hip Oil to my problem areas. Under my lip, to the sides and massaged around my eyes. This felt so nice, and was a lovely way to finish the treatment. This is applied to problem areas and then you can wear moisturiser over the top. However, instead of moisturiser, Amy applied the Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+, which was non-greasy and has a tint to it, so can be worn by itself.

The cherry blossom artwork

After the treatment, as I was getting dressed, I checked the time. For a complimentary session, I had got my full hour treatment, which I was pleased with and a little surprised. From beginning to end, I didn't feel rushed. The calming decor was a contributing relaxation factor.

Throughout the whole appointment, I didn't feel rushed, and I didn't feel pressured to buy any products. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase any products tonight, but as Kosmea is close to my work, I will be happy to return and purchase the Rose Hip Oil. I think I will visit Kosmea every so often to spoil my skin, as their pricing is reasonable, and it takes a special product to not make my skin react.

My skin after, just a glow from being pampered

I would definitely recommend the Kosmea Day Spa, and I will be going back to buy vouchers for my Mum and MIL. This is how much faith I have in the Kosmea brand and their lovely staff. I can't wait to go back for my next treatment. As a bonus, while writing this review my skin smells like turkish delight and citrus.

You can find the Kosmea Day Spa at 71 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood. Appointments can be made by calling 1300 130 320.

This service was provided free of charge but all opinions are my own.

It's Hot (and Frizzy) in the City

Happy 44 degree weather day, everyone!! Today is not my type of weather, but even though I don't like it, doesn't mean my hair has to suffer. Today I've left my hair naturally curly, as I don't see the point of straightening my hair when I know I'll perspire. Then my hair will look disgusting, and I don't like to wash my hair daily as this is unnecessary and stresses my already bleached, fragile, fine hair.

As I said, I have really curly hair. Photos of me as a kid show I had really tight curls, and it was very bouncy. I started growing my hair longer, and then puberty hit. My curls are still there, but not as well defined. The longer it grows, I get even less definition. I find that the only time I get a true curl is when I get my period.

Anyway, so I decided before Christmas to colour my hair. Taking a natural dark brown, whacking half a head of honey blonde foils into it, was always going to stress it a bit. I haven't found THE cure, but I have worked out a way to make it look and feel as healthy as it can after being bleached.

When in the shower, I use the Evo Mane Prescription Protein Treatment after shampooing and conditioning. When you squeeze it out of its container, it looks a bit stingy and smells a bit strange. But when it goes into my hair, a little goes on a long way and it makes my hair feel so lovely and smooth, and it smells great! You can buy it here.

After washing, I use a towel turban to get the excess water off my hair. They look daggy, but they do the job! Mine is pink ;) I find this usually takes a couple of minutes, so I moisturise or something like that. Then goes in a bit of Moroccanoil, which smells amazing and makes my hair feel so soft. I then comb my hair using my (again pink!) Tangle Teezer, which I stumbled upon by mistake, and now can't get enough of. It works great on damp, curly hair or dry straight hair.

You can by Moroccanoil here and the Tangle Teezer here.

Here is where my hair goes through a decision. Do I want to straighten it, or leave it curly for the day?

If I leave it curly, after combing I'll add a drop of Tigi S Factor One Curl at a Time and leave my hair to air dry. I have tried to blow dry my hair, but can't seem to get it down pat yet. Hopefully, the use of product will aid me in this endeavour. Tigi has always been my go-to when using curl products. In fact, it was like yesterday my cousin took over my hair and used the Tigi Curl Jam in it to make my curls look as they should! The effect is a lovely, soft curl which almost smells like coming from a hairdresser. You know the smell I mean!

If the day is a straight hair day, after using the Tangle Teezer, I let my hair air dry in more than enough time to use my loved and abused GHD straightener. I think it's the second generation one, but I got rid of the box about a year ago. Before using the straightener, I make sure to spritz a healthy amount of RPR Protect My Hair Thermal Defense Spray. This smells like wildberries, and helps to give a nice shine when straightening. I find if I spray on too much, and it dries, it goes tacky and I don't get a very good straighten with it. If I want to put curls or waves in my hair, I don't use this, as it doesn't let me curl my hair properly, it kind of just sits there. I bought mine at Price Attack, but you can also buy it here.
After my hair has been straightened, I spritz on a bit of Sebastian Halo Mist, let it dry and away I go! The Halo Mist leaves a nice shine without that greasy feeling that some shine serums leave behind.

This is my daily hair. What do you do to yours?

Review: Body Butter

The Body Shop's Ginger Sparkle body butter was a bit of a surprise. For cute packaging with a picture of a gingerbread man, I expected it to smell like gingerbread. Instead it smells like ginger beer. Kind of a fizzy scent, but I like it! The packaging screams Christmas and after I finish using the body butter, the case would be cute as a storage container.

The colour is like a bubble gum pink, and almost feels like the consistency of hair product. When rubbed into my skin (my arms were the test subject), it softened and moisturised.

I did this while getting ready for work and forgot about it until I was under some downlights. There is the faintest shimmer, but not chunks of glitter. Just looks like a pretty glow on my skin and now it has settled into my skin it smells like gingerbread men. It smells nice, but it's subtle, which is good, as I don't like to draw attention to myself with overpowering scents. I am currently wearing Taylor Swift's 'Wonderstruck' over the top and the layering of scents has worked well in this case.

I bought the body butter off eBay, as The Body Shop Australia is ridiculously expensive. The Body Shop USA is more reasonably priced, however shipping to Australia is ridiculously expensive. I think wearing this over my regular moisturiser Nivea Soft is a better option for going out and the summer weather, as it's not as greasy as the Nivea.

You can buy me here!

Lunch at Pearl's Diner

After having visited Pearl's Diner when they first opened in June 2012, my fiancé, brother and I enjoyed our burgers albeit a long wait time for takeaway. Pearl's Diner, the diner established by the guys from Burger Theory is a delicious slice of burger and waffle heaven located, or should I say hidden, in suburbia; in Felixstow. Teaming up with La Waffle, Pearl's Diner has something this foodie loves!

We visited at around 1:30 today, and Pearl's was on the quieter side, a stark change to my first visit. The food itself was amazing, and the customer service spot on. We received one on one attention and I was even discovered via my Twitter handle!

Onto the review!

Our drinks were first up. We ordered the lemon iced tea ($3.50) and the chocolate milkshake ($6). The black tea is made fresh and served with sugar syrup. It definitely kicked Lipton's butt, and was a welcome treat on a warm Summer's day! The chocolate milkshake was a very generous serve, and tasted like childhood and had a malty flavour which I loved!



Next up, we had the pulled pork bun ($7). Made up of 14 hour long smoked Berkshire pork, barbeque sauce and a soft bun, this was shared between 2 of us. I have heard so many people going to Pearl's enjoy the pork bun, and although not a big pork eater, I am so glad I tried it! It was sweet and more-ish, and next time I will get my own - no more sharing!

Lastly, the piece de resistance, was the burger itself. Being a purist, I picked Burger 1 ($13), an artwork packed with a freshly ground meat patty, cooked medium, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and the awesome truck sauce. Chips on the side were seasoned and looked hand cut, and definitely cooked other chips' butts! The bun was ever so soft, but so fresh.

Our meal was lovely and we had an excellent chat to Rob, about Fork on the Road, which I won't be able to attend, but is an excellent showcase of food trucks and local talent!

We will definitely return for the elusive mac & cheese, the fried chicken and coleslaw and the waffles! It was the perfect venue for a lazy Saturday lunch, and I do recommend if in SA, you go try it.

Here are their details: Website, Facebook, Twitter. Tell them Leni C sent you!

Bon appetit!

My Mia arrived!

My Clarisonic Mia 2 arrived today while I was at work. I ordered last Sunday, a day before a public holiday (Saturday in the US). It arrived today! It came to my desk via a colleague, I was so stoked to see it!

It's smaller and prettier than I expected. I was bummed to see "International Charger" means American only...

On the plus side, free samples! A Clarisonic face wash sample and some moisturiser from the company that sells the Mia 2.

Here are the pics of me opening it (or packing it up, if the photos are shown in reverse!). Will edit with a review when I get a travel adapter tomorrow.

 
EDIT: I have used it, with the remaining battery life (I was never one for instruction manuals!). My skin feels amazing! I got a bit of reddening, but that's expected with my sensitive skin and all. I used the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, and while not applying liberally enough, I think it was a good amount for my skin.

Using it was super easy. It gives a buzz every 10 seconds, which is good as the manual tells you to focus for 20 seconds on your forehead, 20 on your chin and 10 seconds on each cheek. My skin looked and felt clearer straight after using it. Then I realised I'd forgotten my nose. My nose with the huge pores and black heads - gross! So I thought I'd use the second setting. WOW! While it didn't remove all the blackheads, it did such a good job! I finished off by patting my skin semi-dry, using my Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2 and finishing with Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. It glided onto my skin sooo smoothly, it was almost like silk.

Colour me converted!