Caramel Cream

SOMETIMES our search for something will lead to something else. By chance, we discover new things, ideas, faith, places and people. During my search for the almost extinct Revlon Pressed Power in Caramel (15) recently in Kuala Lumpur (yes, I'm back home for a bit), I discovered the Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation, also in Caramel (340). Now I've always used Laura Mercier Tinted Mosturiser for the most of my make-up wearing life and I've believed and still believe in the product. If you ask me, it has to be thee best tinted mosturiser in the world! I prefer it to any other of its kind or foundations. Although I don't wear foundations, I've had the chance to sample some of those in the market, both mid and high end. Perhaps, I don't need as much coverage as some others but I've never been a foundation fan. Most are too heavy, greasy or cakey. Not my cup of tea. 

When I came across Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation, I tested it simply because it came in Caramel and two days later, I bought my very first foundation. The thick cream's consistency is like sour cream made from full cream and it spreads like the creamiest peanut butter on the skin. Use your fingers to spread the colour. The warmth of the tips makes blending a pleasure. It's light without drying up or oiling the skin too much. Perfect coverage for uneven skin tones and light markings. I love it because of its colour. This Caramel is one that literally disappears into the skin giving me the joyful right to owning my natural tone. It kind of has a silky matte finish although not entirely matte (I dislike a complete matte finish as it's really unnatural. Some glow and shine is great). With just a touch of blusher and mascara, I have an enviable, air-brushed look that survives sweaty workout sessions. Oh yeah. It also comes with a 24hr staying-power guarantee. 

I'm not saying that it would work and feel the same for all but if you're looking for a foundation that does its job as promised in the ads AND cheap, you could give this a try. I only paid RM68 (US22) for a jar (23.7ml). I don't see myself using this on a daily basis but I suppose I'd use it every now and then during very sweaty events. It's also easily available at your local pharmacies (at this point, it's available. I hate it when companies discontinue really great products just when your life begins to depend on it, urgh!). 

Have fun trying it!
:) 

The Ferrari Coaster

I faced it but failed to ace it. My fear of speed on undulating coaster tracks that is. We were at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi last month. It's a huge indoor theme park running on the Ferrari theme. You can pretty much tell that speed and red are big at this park - two things that get me a little nail-biting nervous and cranky. If it wasn't for the theme park junkie who is the husband, I'd much rather be on a random desert or beach trip. 

The park is an impressive steel structure
with machines  like this on random display. 

It's basically like the Disneyland of Ferrari. If you've experienced Disneyland, then you'd know of the kind of rides that I'm talking about. Indoor water rides, themed introductory rides, coasters and various games. The difference is that this park is entirely indoors (except for the coasters) and the rides are meant to give you a look and experience into the world of Ferrari and its technology. In short, it's the ultimate Ferrari show-off. 

The highlight at the park has to be the Formula Rosso roller coaster. The queue for this ride is always snaking out far up to the entrance of the area, and I think you can guess why. The coasters are not only designed to look like the exact Scuderia Rosso Formula 1 machines but they also travel at a matching Grand Prix speed. The fastest coaster in the world shoots from zero to 240kmph under 5 seconds for 52m and takes you through the rest of the 2.07km track inspired by some of world's famous race tracks. 

This photo may not do justice to the experience. 

Amazing facts. But I was terrified, not amazed when I got in there. Seeing every one else buckled up, settled and excited didn't pacify me one bit. I just wanted to get over with it and if I survived, I was going to adopt a child from the World Vision child sponsorship programme. Yes, I actually made vows! The husband next to me was a manic, fireball of excitement - I couldn't bring myself to dump water to the fire by quitting. 

Just before my life could flash before me, our car took off, accelerating at the devil's speed! I felt like my organs were switching places and after the 52m point, I just wanted everything to stop. The crazy elevations and corners almost sucked the life out of me. My poor neck. I'm glad it didn't snap. It has to be the longest, scariest 2km ride of my life that actually left me feeling jet-lagged! The husband was still bubbling with excitement, a phenomenon I wish he had when he's doing runs at the parks. If it wasn't for the hour long queue, he'd gone on a second ride I'm sure. 

I can now say I've survived the fastest coaster in the world. I faced a fear but didn't quite ace it as it made me feel unwell. Perhaps not my kind of adrenalin rush :) I'm still going to sponsor a child though. 

*Post inspired by Mama Kat's: Talk about a time you faced a fear. 

Beat It With Beets!

MY first experience with beetroots wasn't too disappointing like how it was for the other kids. It did feel like I was chewing on muddy grass. The earthy scent and flavour of beets didn't go down well with me but I ate it anyway because of its gorgeous colour! Unbelievable deep red from something so ordinary on the outside. I was morbidly fascinated by beetroots from the time I saw my grandma slice through one as it left bloody burgundy stains on her fingers and the wooden chopping board. 

Many years later, my mom fed me with a combination of beetroot, apple and carrot juices daily at a low point when my system was down. Initially I was a little irked by the idea of having to consume raw beet but the experience wasn't bad at all. The combination was red and delicious, and, rich and healing. Two years ago, the same combination became a big part of my dad-in-law's diet when he was recovering from stomach cancer and I'd say it helped in a speedy recovery for him as well. What an extraordinary food! 

Hence a cake with beetroots in it immediately appealed to me when I came across Nigel Slater's Extremely Moist Chocolate Beet Cake recipe. Having no clue on how this cake was going to taste like with beets, dark chocolate and espresso, I decided to follow the recipe to a T. Easy ingredients and quite simple to follow really but it surely needs some planning ahead. Otherwise you could very well end up with a high pile of dishes in the sink and a very messy kitchen! 

The cake came out soft, moist and beautiful as promised. The key is in not over-baking it even for the slightest minute. In the flavour department, don't worry about tasting earthy beets. The dark chocolate flavour supported by the coffee translates really well and the white topping creates a palatable balance. Make it a real thick layer (of topping) if you're not a huge fan of dark, bitter chocolate though. I feel like it's quite a sophisticated cake for the mature tastebuds so it probably won't be a big hit with kids. 

Personally, I'd have preferred some nuts thrown in for some texture and nutty flavours or even experiment with some lemon or orange drizzle for a bit of zing. Otherwise the recipe is still very good on its own + it's also packed with antioxidants and other nutritions. 

Happy Easter y'all! 

Beetroots cooked and made into puree for the cake.

The cake demands for a lot of good quality dark chocolate.
I'd have preferred some nuts too for some texture. 

Topped with cream cheese as I couldn't find any
creme fraiche at the local store.