Gwendolyn Marshmallow | Beauty & Lifestyle

gwenbeauty

SNOW QUEEN FOR THE DAY - MY VERSION

March 28, 2016

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gwenbeauty

MONTHLY FAVOURITES | FEBRUARY 2016

March 01, 2016

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gwenbeauty

PROTECT YOURSELF - SUNSCREEN

February 28, 2016

It continues to amaze me that so many woman today are willing to undergo drastic surgery/aesthetic services for wrinkles but don’t wear sunscreen.

Many people underestimate the power of the sun. It is not just a major cause of hyper-pigmentation, but also wrinkles, dryness – which leads to premature aging.

Friends and people always laugh at my love-hate relationship with Mr. Sun, but they are reasons why I do so. As much as i love him, there are moments I dislike him too (hate is such a strong word. lol). BUT!! That doesn’t stop me from going outside and enjoy the beach. I just simply have my precautions.

How many of you actually use sunscreen and actually understand the things that it does to you in the long run? (I think sunscreen is one of the topic I talk about the most here.) The most common question I get is

“How do you keep your complexion so nice?”

or

“Why are you so fair? What do you do?”

It’s simple. Always use sunscreen! It doesn’t matter if you have any foundation or BB Cream on or if you’re just plain jane. You always need sunscreen. Even if you don’t like the fair skin and you want a tan, it’s important to get the right sunscreen/tanning lotion/oil and stay away from the damage it does to your skin in the long run.

I remember when NIVEA came out with the sun protection awareness ads, it was really effective as it shows you the effects it does it the long run (plus, how you would look like).

Not endorsed by NIVEA.

Now you wouldn’t wanna wait till you’re old with wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation to start using sunscreen right? Bit too late don’t you think?

Many have also commented that there’s so many types of sunscreen from UVA to UVB to broad spectrum and what does all that mean? And whether if physical (known as mineral) or chemical sunscreen is better.

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

UVB cause burning on the outer surface of the skin whereas UVA breaks down your skin collagen, and only appears in the long run. Even during the winter days, you may not be exposed to UVB, but you’re still exposed to UVA rays. So put on your sunscreen before going out! You’re never too young for sunscreen – prevention is better than cure I always say.

Physical Sunscreen VS Chemical Sunscreen

Taken from futurederm.com

Physical sunscreen (known as mineral sunscreen) contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide – which reflects the rays away from the skin.
Chemical sunscreen absorb the rays which isn’t a great option for sensitive skin because when the rays are absorb into the sunscreen, it’s on the surface of your skin.

So what would you rather have? bouncing of rays? or leaving them on your skin surface?
Then they are sunscreens that contains both physical and chemical which are popular because they have consistency and protection.

Remember! You’re never ugly, only if you’re lazy! :)

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beautyandwellness

SEPHORA MALAYSIA IS NOW ONLINE!

February 01, 2016

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gwenbeauty

Quick Makeup Tweaks

January 18, 2016

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beautyandwellness

GWENBEAUTY | Product empties #1

December 11, 2015

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alshayafoodtour

GWENFOOD | TEXAS ROADHOUSE #ALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

September 23, 2015

Texas Roadhouse which might sound familiar to some is a American franchise that specialises in Steaks with the whole Texas theme.

In Malaysia, you can get steak practically almost everywhere. From Tony Roma’s to Chilis to TGIF to Primes and even at Collisuem or certain chinese food stalls where you can get maybe Rm19.90 for a steak that comes with a set of soup, salad and drinks. But in the end, it all comes down to ‘HOW GOOD IS THE STEAK?’ and “IS IT WORTH IT?’

By now, I think most people will know steak is one of my favourite food. So I walked into Texas Roadhouse in Dubai Mall with high hopes. Did it live up to it’s standard?

VARIETY OF CUTS

When I walked in, the first thing I saw was the variety of cuts available. From rib-eye to fillet to t-bone to sirloin, they’ve got it all. This is a plus point to some people who are really picky in the cuts and with this, everyone can try different cuts with their own preference.

DECOS

JUKE BOX

The whole restaurant had a Texas/cowboy/country feel to it which was really nice because I felt like I can really take time off my day to relax and enjoy my dinner.

HOUSE BUNS

While waiting for the food to come, we were served complimentary buns (plus point) that was sooooo good that I could finish everything. It was so amazing because it was hot, and according to the waiter, the buns are freshly baked every 5 minutes! I felt like I was stealing the buns from the oven when my mom/maid use to bake. Was trying so hard to control myself because I know if I finish them all, I wouldn’t be able to eat my dinner. I wish they sold them as takeaways, wouldn’t that be great?

PEACH MARGARITA

I was a little confused as I thought the margarita contains alcohol, but I was told it’s just the name. So i decided to order one. Indeed it’s just the name, Love the whole look of it. Portion is huge so kudos to that when it’s actually just ice blended peach juice. With sugar on the side. #yipeee. Can finally feel a little more adult knowing I can’t drink alcohol.

CHILLI CHEESE BEEF SOUP

We ordered the Chilli Cheese Beef soup which in the beginning I felt a little weird because I was expecting a spicy taste, but I was wrong. It tasted exactly like chilli cheese, but in a creamier texture and in a bowl instead of on a hotdog. I don’t think I will order it again as I won’t be able to finish it myself. Maybe stealing a spoonful or two from someone.

APPETIZER PLATTER

I was surprised that the appetizer platter wasn’t as huge as the portions you can get at TGIF or Tony Roma’s. But of course it’s a sharing for two. I have no idea what the two sauces there, it didn’t taste like anything and was just plain and blend.

GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD

I wasn’t a fan of the grilled chicken salad because the portion was too big, overall it was too dry. I didn’t know where to start eating and coming with a huge portion, the plate wasn’t big enough to toss the dressing.

GRILLED SHRIMPS

The grilled shrimps was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G #nokidding

The shrimps were fresh and grilled to perfection. It was marinated well too! But the rice on the other hand tasted like rissoto, and it was slightly oily and wet.

BONE-IN BUFFALO WINGS

The Buffalo wings were a little dry and there wasn’t much meat on it, but the taste was good! I didn’t eat it with the sauce because it was already perfect by it self.

RIBEYE STEAK COMBO

Finally, after everything, our steak combo arrived.

RIBEYE – MEDIUM RARE

The steak was cooked perfectly at medium rare. And at the size of 550g, I was just in heaven. LOL. Deep down, I was slowing my pace so I wouldn’t look like a freak gobbling down my steak. The beef ribs were also cooked to perfection and I guess being a steakhouse, that is really their specialty and they’ve really lived up to it. The meat was so soft and tender and fell apart from the bones immediately.

Unfortunately, Texas Steakhouse isn’t available in Malaysia. (yet) but if they do, you should REALLY give it a go! :D

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alshayafoodtour

GWENFOOD | P.F. CHANG'S #THEALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

September 20, 2015

It’s interesting how P.F. Chang’s sounds really familiar but just isn’t enough to know more about the name. How often do you get an Asian cuisine that is influenced by the westerners? (I’m not talking about fusion dishes)

P.F. Chang’s restaurant is decorated with class, with the dim ambient and the environment. I believe many would mistaken it as an asian fine dining restaurant.

When we were seated, menus were served to us quickly. Noticed that the menu comes with description which is a plus point as anyone who knows me would know how I feel it is important for menus to have clear descriptions.

Dynamite Shrimp

For the starters, we wanted to order something light and have small bites of each dish. Unfortunately, they weren’t small at all. The dumplings (photo below) was really oily and the ‘skin’ of the dumpling was too thick. BUT, the fillings were alright and it was well balanced. One thing I’ll say is that, it looks like wanton more than a dumpling. #LOL

The Dynamite Shrimp on the other hand that looks like cocktail shrimps was too creamy for me. Even though it looks spicy but the taste overall is very interesting. BUT, it’s definitely not something to be finished by someone. I saw there was a group of ladies next table who each ordered one. LOL. i wonder how they finished it.

Dumplings

The service of the food came really quick and we were surprised how fast the kitchen was working seeing that it was full house that night.

With P.F Chang, we get the common situations where what we see on the menu is different than what it really comes out on the dish. Let’s put that aside first and talk about the taste.

Chicken Lettuce Wrap

The Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wrap was sweet to eat it by itself, but with rice it would be perfect. It is also too saucy as a starter/appetizer and it becomes too filling for that. The lettuce was fresh and couldn’t be any better.

Oolong Sea Bass

The Oolong Sea Bass was sweet too, cooked perfectly done. But also, I think the common chinese cuisine issue is that, it only taste good with rice. Because the sauce is too swet to be eaten alone. Not like Fish and Chips where you can just eat it as a main dish.

Plus point to note, P.F. Chang serves brown rice and white rice, unlimited supplies!. #LOL Hurrays for rice-eaters.

Now this is where it is being westernised.

Fried banana in spring rolls instead of battered. And the Great Wall of Chocolate? That could feed 10 people!

Fried Bananas with Ice Cream

These bananas are wrapped in spring rolls and deep fried rather than battered and fried. Taste wise was quite unique as when you get the first bite, you would be expecting the spring roll / popiah taste, but then you’ll get the mushy banana instead. So I was quite surprised with the taste but I love it.

Cheese Cake

Now, how can you go wrong with cheesecake? NEVER – if you do, you’re just bad. LOL

I feel that P.F. Chang’s taste and overall is very different than our usual chinese restaurant we get around here. So one tip/advice is to not go in and expect your Restaurant Oversea standard because the food is different. It’s a western restaurant selling asian dishes. There’s a different. #LOL

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alshayafoodtour

GWENFOOD | SHAKE SHACK #THEALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

September 15, 2015

Shake Shack is a hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

First things first…

HOW WRONG CAN YOU GO WITH BURGERS????

That’s what alot of people think. But HECK NO! As a burger person, I can be quite picky of what a good burger is. And i think many of the burger lovers out there agrees with me too. But then again, as I always say, everything I write about is based on my own opinion and I believe everyone has their own personal preference.

Service overall is very quick and orders were made well also. Love that they display the specialties. It looks like a fast food kind similar to Mcdonalds or My Burger Lab, where you line up and make your order at the counter, pick up your meal and then go to your table. Well, why waste labor serving you when they can be at the kitchen giving your quality good burgers right???

There’s a huge “PICKUP HERE” sign that nobody can miss. LOL – Unless you are blind.

Shake Shack is famous for their burgers even though their intro states that it was originally hot dogs. We ordered a variety of burgers from the single patty to double patty and one thing I could say is that the price was high for the portion that was being served. (Then again, it’s Dubai. Everything is pricey for Malaysians. )

Shakemeister – Cheeseburger with marinated shallots

I can never decide if I want to go for the portobello mushrooms or the shallots burger. But both tasted amazing, even though it looks sloppy, but it isn’t. #thumbsup

In terms of taste, it was amazing and I can see myself coming back often for more servings and bringing friends over as well.

Burgers in Malaysia have been growing rapidly for the past 2 years and it is important to not have the burger too oily or too sloppy as that would drive the consumers away.

My favourite of all the burgers is the Shack Stack – which is the Cheeseburger and Shroom Burger added together. 2 in 1!! Plus point!

Dessert was interesting as it was a Red Velvet Concrete and I believe it’s something you won’t get in Malaysia as well. The chocolate one was too much for my taste buds but the Red velvet was amazing.

Overall, Shake Shack is a place that I would go often as a meal with friends or family as I love burgers.

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SNOW QUEEN FOR THE DAY - MY VERSION

MONTHLY FAVOURITES | FEBRUARY 2016

PROTECT YOURSELF - SUNSCREEN

SEPHORA MALAYSIA IS NOW ONLINE!

Quick Makeup Tweaks

GWENBEAUTY | Product empties #1

GWENFOOD | TEXAS ROADHOUSE #ALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

GWENFOOD | P.F. CHANG'S #THEALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

GWENFOOD | SHAKE SHACK #THEALSHAYAFOODTOUR IN DUBAI

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