Aldi Beauty Buys- First Impressions

Following up from my empties post, I bough a few new products today at Aldi. I have used their beauty products before and have really liked everything I have tried, and you just can't go wrong for price.

The products I got were:
1. Mamia Baby Wipes, Scented 80 pack- $2.49
2. Lacura Aqua Complete Multi-Intensive Serum- $9.99
3. Lacura Fine Balance Eye Gel- 3.99 (either on special or a permanent reduction not yet updated online)

The baby wipes smell really nice, but not too strong and not too 'baby'.

I have used the Lacura Serum before, although it was a couple of years ago. They still have the same light, just lovely fragrance to them which I really, really like. Goes on smooth and soaks in nicely. I think the packaging is nice and feels fancy being the frosted glass. A pump means it's easy to use up as much of the product as possible and keeps everything clean.

The eye gel is clear and absorbs easily. It also has the nice scent to it. I have tried a couple of eye creams and not found anything amazing yet. The biggest effect I am hoping for is reduction to bags and puffiness. I can't really comment on its effect to fine lines as I don't really have any yet, but hopefully this can help keep my skin in good condition. I like the little tube, and that the colours match the serum (because how it looks on my dresser is an important aspect...but really....), it is easy to get just the right amount out and not lead to any waste.

Hopefully I can up-date in a few weeks with more detailed opinions. I think things will be more obvious as I am changing from a serum I really like, and not changing anything else at the moment. So any change or continued good results will most likely be due to these products (I have noticed when I don't use my serum that my skin is not as nice, so no change will also be a good result).

Things I've Used Up- Jan 2014

I now understand how weird other bloggers and youtubers feel collecting their rubbish in a little pile somewhere, to take photos of and write about later. It is very satisfying however to see all the things I have actually used up all the way and it motivating to keep working on things from my project pan collection. I also like watching and reading these kinds of posts so I thought I would do my own!

Shower Products

1. Grace and Cole Peach and Pear Body Scrub
I liked this enough to repurchase another scent from the same range, but I think when I use that up I want to look around for something even more scrubby, this is very gentle.
2. Lacura Purify Exfoliating Wash
This doesn't have the best smell ever, but it works well. I have since bought another Lacura face scrub, but a slightly different one which I like more as is smells better.
3. Eslor Replenishing Scrub
A really nice product that I liked using, it smells (...and tastes, oops) really nice. I won't buy a full size however as it is very expensive.
4. Garnier Olia After Colour Care Conditioner
I LOVE this, I wish they made it as a regular treatment to use all the time! I also really like the colour and will keep using them.

Wipes

1. Coles Thick Baby Wipes Fragrance Free
So handy to clean up hair dye, make-up, vanity etc. and so much cheaper than make up wipes. I will re-purchase however I will get one with a scent because although it is 'fragrance free' it still has a smell and I don't like it.
2. Models Prefer 3 in 1 Cleansing wipes
I found these to be ok but I didn't love them, although I don't know why. I do really like the packaging as it stays shut and stops things drying out.
3. Savy by Designer Brands Make Up Remover Wipes
Meh, these do the job, I like that they have enough product to work well and feel quite refreshing, but I won't be buying them again. I also don't like the packet as it loses stickiness and the top wipe keeps drying out.

Moisturizers

1. Dreams Unlimited Body Butter (Body Shop)

I have had this for SO LONG and finally finished it. I don't know how anyone ever gets through full size body butters! It was a lovely smell but I don't need to buy it again. I might get more body butters in the future but there are so many I would have to keep trying different smells. 

2. Bellazzia Palm Tree Vanilla Hand Cream

Part of a set from target this one is the scent I liked the most. I have been using this as an all over moisturizer to get it used up. It works nicely and they were quite cheap too, so would make a nice treat or gift...but I can't seem to find it on the website now.  

Things I didn't Actually Finish

1. Macro Natural Vitamin E Cream

I go this ages ago when I was having trouble with some really tough dry patches. It works but it's very thick and heavy and I didn't enjoy the smell very much at all. It is well past expiry now and has changed texture inside a bit, so it has to go. 

2. Almay Moisturizing Eye Make Up Remover Pads

DO NOT WANT. SO oily, stings my eyes, is scratchy and I can't even use it on the rest of my face because it made me break out. 

3. Sukin Purely Ageless Intensive Firming Serum

I really like this and will repurchase in the future. I got another serum that I started using in a sample box and it ended up lasting around 6 months or so. This one has since changed texture as well so I don't want to use it. I found this especially useful at minimizing my pores. 

Make up 

1. Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream

I got this in a Bellabox and was all annoyed that I got sent medium. However it turns out that it is a great colour for me. I find this gives just enough coverage. Alone it gives a nice natural look and pretty flawless skin if you have no major blemishes. When topped with a powder it can give a pretty polished look without all the effort. I will be repurchasing this and I will probably get the other version as well to try. 

2. Face of Australia Blush- Nutmeg

I love this and have already bought a new one. This lasted me just over a year using it every single day. I love the colour and texture and find that you can blend it with other colours, or use it on its own easily. 

Samples

1. McCell Toner+ McCell Emulsion

I got these as a sample with some Korean Products I ordered. They were alright but not so amazing that I would want to buy full size products. 

2. Sukin Facial Moisturizer

I really like this product and have the full size, although when I have used it up I don't think I will buy again as there are more products I would like to try. 

3. Palmer's Daily Calming Facial Lotion

I wrote about this before. I really liked the way it worked, but didn't like the smell. I think I might give this another try at some point, especially if I can get a deluxe sample or travel size.

4. Avene Clearance K

I don't really understand what this was for...I used it but it was a nothing product really. Wouldn't repurchase this, but I do like the brand. 

Bellabox Australia Jan- 2014

I just got my Bellabox delivered this morning, I was so excited I knocked my cup of water all over the floor on the way to the door.  Evidently I had good reason to be excited as it seems like a really good box with lots of products I will use and enjoy.  This is what I got on my doorstep:

 Opened to this:

Then this:

 And here are my goodies:

Using the card as a guide, I have worked out the values of what I got in my box:

ModelCo Fat Lash Mascara Full size- $20

Wotnot Facial wipes 5 pack- $1.59

Coconut Revolution Coconut body cream- $4.99

Palmolive Ayurituel shower gel- $0.85

Yes To Carrots lip gloss- 9.95

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask-$4.10

Avene Rich Hydrating Cream- $6.60

Total retail value: $48.08

So for me this month it is excellent value for $15. I'm not sure I will use the lip gloss, but I will give it a try and see, I usually don't like the feeling of lip gloss. I won't get to use the coconut body cream for a while as I have a lot to work through, but I look forward to it when I do!

It is a bit hit an miss with Bellbox at times, but it is always fun getting something in the mail, and for $15 it's a small risk. If you want to sign up, you can follow my referral link here!

Crochet Toys- Amigurumi Snail

Yesterday and today I stayed inside in the dark, air-conditioned bliss of my lounge room doing some crochet. I made this little snail to be the mascot for my classroom this year. He hasn't got a name yet, feel free to add a suggestion. I love his (or her? ) kind of really creepy eyes hehehe.

I chose to make a snail because there is a saying I like that I want my class to remember all year:

 It doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you don't stop.

I think it's a great saying to keep up motivation when you might feel like you aren't good at something or aren't getting anywhere with what you are trying to do. 

I got the pattern for the toy from an Etsy store:

kseniadesign

She has some other cute patterns and instant download which I always appreciate so I can get started right away! I'd rather like to make the crab and the lamb pin cushion. I found the pattern quite easy to follow and well set out. If you have never made a toy like this before you might need to try a few very in depth tutorials first to get the hang of the process, however she does include a file with extra tips for and explanations. 

        

Costco Shopping and prices 13/01/14

So I went out grocery shopping today, so excite. Went into the new fresh food market near my house which seems pretty good value and great if I want good prices but don't want to go into my usual shopping center. I also had a little look at the wholesale butcher in there. Not bad either. I wanted mostly to be able to compare prices at Costco and, without actually writing things down to properly compare exact items, Costco seems pretty on par price wise with slightly better items on offer.

Here is what I brought home from Costco, minus the bottles of water I picked up for a friend's wedding on Friday.

I am most excited for the fish cakes and prawn dumplings which they had out for tasting yum yum!

Here are my price comparisons, I compared to Safeway, Aldi, or Officeworks, with Aldi being the first place to look for a similar item, as I would normally buy most things there: 

                                Costco           Regular Shops     Difference

Sharpie Highlighters    11.99            29.16        17.17

Prawn Hargow           13.79       22.80            9.01           

Raspberries 1kg:         6.49              8.98                    2.49

eggs 18 pk            5.29       5.50-6.00             Even 

Rotisserie Chicken       7.99 ~$10         $2

Ravioli *   11.59           $8 -$3.59 

(*compared to Aldi's version of the Latina Fresh type pastas, I do think the Costco ones are a bit fancier and use free range eggs as well. Not sure if it is a completely fair comparison.)

The other items I bought and couldn't find a good comparison:

Gel pen 50 pack $14.99, I need a better idea of the quality before I can make a fair comparison, but they seem pretty good and dry  nice and fast. 

Gas lighters 4 pack $5.89, this is a great deal! They work well and two of them hav bendy ends. Similar looking lighters cost almost $10 each at Safeway, although I'm sure you can get them cheaper elsewhere. Still, a great deal on something I really needed. 

Nu-Pure 600ml x 24 Bottles $6.49, I didn't do a comparison because I don't know how different brands of water compare. However a 24 pack of Woolworths brand water is $8, so it is still cheaper than regular prices. 

Thai Fish Cakes  40 pieces $9.89, I got these because they're very low in calories so will be great to have on fasting days with some salad or rice. It seems like a good price, but I couldn't find a similar product online. 

Smooze Fruit Ice 35 pieces $14.69, Getting ready for the heat wave! I tasted these the last time I went and liked them. They seem slightly better nutritionally than Zooper Doopers and are a good size. These are also 60-100 calories each so might make a good fast day treat!

French Twists $7.79, These are so yummy and claim only 30 calories each. Sweet and crunchy and cinnamon-y, excellent treat with a coffee or tea. 

Bagels 12 pack $9.99, Always get bagels 1 plain, 1 sesame seed. Love them!

I wrapped up the bagels and separated the pasta into little serving size bags. On a normal night we could have one each (although that still seems like a LARGE serving to me!) for around $2 per serve, or on a fast day we would have half each for less than $1 per serve. Excellent value, even if it is a bit more than Aldi brand! 

Hopefully these prices can  help you if you aren't sure if membership is worth it for you, or if you just want to see some of the products that are available! I will probably do another shop before I go back to work at the end of the month to stock up on some mince and snacks to freeze. 

Mini Savory Tarts

Yesterday was the hen's night for one of my best friends from my cheer days. Instead of bringing gifts, everyone brought a dish to share and the recipe so she could make a scrapbook of them to keep. Such a cute idea and a way for everyone to give something meaningful and lasting. 

This particular recipe is great because it's so easily changed to suit whatever you like. I imagine it could even be made sweet with some vanilla in the cheese mix and something fruity on top!

Basic Tartlets (makes 48+ in mini quiche tins)

6 egg yolks

250gm Mascarpone cheese

1/3-1/2 block cream cheese

Salt

Pepper

Puff pastry

1. Pre-heat oven to 200c, lightly grease mini muffin tins.
2. In a bowl add egg yolks, mascarpone and chopped, soft cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cut circles of puff pastry to fit muffin tins and press in.
   
   
4. Add fillings and bake for 15-20 mins (or more) until golden.  Be careful of over-filling at the egg mix does expand a bit.

 Caramelized Onion Filling

1/4-1/3 block of butter

2-3tbsp sugar

4 onions, quartered and sliced

Cherry tomatoes, halved and de-seeded

Good quality pesto

1.   Melt butter in a heavy based pan over medium heat.
   
2.  Add chopped onions and stir to coat.
   
3.  Maintain a medium heat and stir occasionally; you may like to drain excess oil at times.
   
4.  When the onions have begun to turn golden brown add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time to help the process. Give each spoon several minutes to mix and cook down to avoid over sweetening.
   
5.  Set aside in a bowl lined with paper towel to cool when golden brown and sweet to taste.
6. Spoon onion mix into tartlets, top with cheese mix, pesto and tomatoes to garnish before baking.
   

Marinated Feta and Capsicum Filling

Yarra Valley Marinated feta, crumbled

Marinated roasted capsicum strips

1. Spoon in cheese mix, top with capsicum and crumbled feta before baking.
   
    

Easiyo Yogurt- Home Made Yoghurt

Today I had a lovely trip down the Smith's Beach at Philip Island. It was busy, but not TOO busy. It was actually a nice amount of people to watch surfing and snorkeling etc, without everyone being on top of each other. If I was a better blogger I would have taken photos. But I didn't...oops. This might have been somewhat related to the downside of my day which was the large filling I had to get in the morning. The dentist was great and it didn't hurt at the time but has been very uncomfortable all day since the anesthetic wore off.  So dinner today will be some home made yogurt, jam and berries so that there is minimal chewing involved.

I thought I would share my recipe with you while I'm at it. I got this from another blog some time ago and I can't seem to find the same one any more. THIS blog looks like it has a similar recipe however and a few variations such as coconut milk which might be very tasty to try out. My recipe varies only slightly in that I will use a couple tablespoons of sachet mix (eg. Easiyo mix or similar) to get the culture in there.

Home-Made Yogurt
just under 1L milk (I use long life)
100g milk powder
2 Tablespoons yogurt mix.

1. Whisk your powders with about 1/4 - 1/2 the milk until it is dissolved. 
   
2. Add the rest of the milk and whisk again.
   
3. Boil water and fill your Easiyo thermos to the fill line.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Put the lids on and wait 8 hours or so until your desired taste and consistency is achieved. Move to chill in the refrigerator. 
   
5. Eat with yummy toppings!
   

The current batch I have isn't my best. I didn't measure out my milk powder and used too much I think as I used half a sachet of vanilla yogurt to get the nice flavour...that is also quite old powder that has been sitting open in the fridge for some time. Also I left it for longer than normal. So many reasons for the strange texture I got, kind of gooey like honey but thicker. It taste really nice those, just a nice mild not too sweet vanilla. Of course once you add all the jam and fruit like me the 'lower sugar' reasoning is redundant. 

If you have never tried making yogurt before I highly recommend the Easiyo maker. It's easy and cheap and so much nicer than store bought!