Review, Free Gift & Discount Code: Cheekaaboo's Huggiebabes Swimsuit

24 December 2013 - Khye @ 15 mths

Swimming's like every kid's favourite past time.
And my kids are no different! They spent many evenings splashing about in our apartment pool.
And I was happy when I got review one of Cheekaboo's swimwear for Khye.


SO WHO IS CHEEKAABOO?

CHEEKAABOO offers a range of cheerful and bubbly protective swimwear and floaties designed for the comfort of your precious little ones.

They are all about bringing fun and play into the lives of children and their mummies and daddies. More specifically, the splashing, water type of fun! They make specially designed children’s swimwear and floaties from quality neoprene material which are innovative and practical to wear, making playtime special, simply more fun and enjoyable!

(Source: http://www.cheekaaboo.com.my/)

PACKAGING AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

 

The package arrived in an envelope. Upon opening up the envelope, the swimsuit is all wrapped up in the bubble packaging. I like this because the bubble packaging gives the swimsuit a bit of cushioning and thus protects it from scratches and all.

I removed the bubble packaging, and it is still wrapped out in another layer of plastic.

In it, it revealed the swimsuit I chose for Khye, the Huggiebabes - a two piece swimsuit with a top and an in-built nappy, sized 6-18 months!
I like that it is two-piece as this separation makes it easier to wear and take off.

 

 There was a brand tag attached to it, and on the left imprinted the Cheekaaboo logo.

 

FEATURES

The material is made from 3mm soft, double lined neoprene with insulating and sun protection properties.

Neoprene has insulating properties that help to trap water between the suit and the child’s skin to create a layer of insulation from cold, hence it can keep a child warm in and out of the water. It is also a water-resistant material that offers UV protection.

This is good because as you know, babies aren't very good in regulating their body temperatures. So this protective swimsuit keeps you babies snug and warm!

 

The previous swimming suit that Khye wore also offers UV protection, but not the warmth, so I was intrigue with it.

The closing and opening of this swimwear is by this long strip of velcro , which is actually of very strong quality as it zaps on very tightly.

 

I also like the contrasting bright yellow stitches at the shoulders and arms of the swimsuit which is neat and clean, and provide some colour visual.

 

And the other stitches are also neat and strong. 

  

We tested this Huggiebabes swimsuit on Khye.
These few months had been rather cold, with the chilling Northern wind. So we had quite a rest from swimming at our apartment pool.

But when my cousin invited us for some water play at his condo, we went along too. There was a shallow sand pool there which I think was good to test out the swimsuit.

It was very easy to put the swimsuit top on for Khye, no fuss at all. I laid it flat on the ground and then put Khye on top of it. Put his arms through the holes and then just zapped him up.
Although easy to put on, it was quite a tight fit for Khye at 15 months. But then Khye is a big baby, but it still fits, though snug. And also this is meant to be a snug fit to protect them from the cold.

As for the in-built nappy, it was not so easy to put it on. I think this is because Khye has chunky thighs and so I need to slowly pull the nappy up. Imagine wearing a super tight pair of thighs. Not so easy right? Haha.
But then it is SUPPOSED to be tight, as this extra snug thigh bands feature is to prevent unwanted pee/poo leakages. 
So I'm super ok with this. Anything that prevents leakages, right!

Khye was super happy though in it and was even more happy when I put in in the sand pool. The water goes up to his tummy and he was happy there splashing away.

This is how it looks like zooming in. All snugged in his Huggiebabes swimsuit. 

And as the Northern wind blows coolly, coupled with the cool water in the sand pool, I had peace of mind because I know Khye is protected from the cold. This swimsuit keeps Khye warm in and out of water by creating a layer of insulation from cold between the neoprene suits and Khye's skin.

  

Khye was smiling cutely with his mouth closed when I took some photos of him. He was comfortable in his swimsuit and happy in the pool. 

 

And also I had peace of mind knowing he is wearing his in-built nappy, knowing that he cannot accidentally make a poo and mess up the whole sand pool! That would be a disaster I don't wish to happen, lest by one of my kids!

 

After awhile, I took him up from the water and put him just on the sand, to test out whether will it also keep him warm out of the pool.

  

True enough, it kept Khye warm even out of the pool. There was no complain or shivering from Khye, while his brother Shern was shivering away with his wet swimsuit while doing sand play.

But after some 1/2 hour or so, I noticed that his body was a bit sticky with some sweat when I removed the swimsuit. I guess this is the only bad thing. If you wear this swimsuit for too long without being in the pool, in our climate, it can make you sweat a little. 

As mentioned, this is the first time I'd come across a swimsuit for babies and kids that protects and keep them warm. 

All in all, I think this is a good protective swimsuit for babies and kids, giving parents out there peace of mind. The price is reasonable given the high quality and protection it provides. 

TO PURCHASE

Please visit Cheekaboo's Website to purchase their protective swimwear or floaties. Browse around as they have quite a selection for babies and kids. 




YOUR BABY'S FIRST VALENTINE GIFT - 20% Discount Code

Why not give your baby his/her first Valentine gift this February? Give your baby the give or warmth and protection, while giving yourself a peace of mind this Valentine!
To celebrate Valentine, Cheekaaboo will be offering:
 
- a one day promotion offer of 20% off STOREWIDE on Valentine’s day on 14 Feb 2014. Just enter discount code FIRSTVALENTINE2014 upon checkout.




TO PURCHASE WITH 10% DISCOUNT CODE

More good news! Thanks to Cheekaaboo, you get: 

- 10% off STOREWIDE at their Website valid until 31st December 2014, using discount code SHUYIN2014 upon checkout. 



FREE GIFTS UPON PURCHASE

Upon purchase from their store, there will also be a free gift valued from RM19.90 - RM79.90.

To redeem / claim the free gift, simply:
- Post up a creative photo of their baby wearing Cheekaaboo in the Facebook page.
- Comment WHY they had chosen Cheekaaboo protective swimwear for your child.
- Invite your friends to 'Like' the post, and tag 10 of their Facebook friends in the post.

Terms and Conditions Apply:
- Shipping Charges Apply
- Value of the gifts will be at their sole discretion




For more info, you can also visit Cheekaaboo's Website or Facebook Page. 


* Disclosure: I received a Cheekaaboo's Huggiebabes Swimsuit for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Review, Discount Code, Free Gift & Giveaway: Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Range - (Part 4: Sunscreen Organics)

This is Part 4: Sunscreen Organics, the final post of the Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Skin Care Range (you can click to view Part 1: Daily Face Care, Part 2: Exfoliating Face Scrub & Part 3: Anti-Aging Organics)

SUNSCREEN ORGANICS

Ingredientsnatural base ingredients, titanium dioxide, sucrose stearate (sugar emulsifier), NaPCA, aqua, glycerin, aloe extract*, avocado oil*, tocopherol (Vit E)*, wheat protein*, lavender oil*, xanthan gum, coconut oil, stearic acid (vegetable fat)*    (*Certified Organic) 
Net Wt.: 30 g

PACKAGING and FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Packaging wise again is as elegant as the whole Daily Face Care range as it comes in a classy glass pump bottle with a plastic cap for hygienic purposes.
Words are printed bold and clear on the packaging paper like the others.

As it comes with a pump, dispensing amount is consistent with each pump.

Again, as it comes in a glass bottle, it is not travel-friendly. In order to bring it along for my travels, I needed to transfer a little into another plastic bottle for more convenience.

WHY NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN?

When it comes to skin care, most people are aware of the basics; daily face cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
But many lack the 3 most important things we can do to ensure our skin will look its best over our lifetime; Exfoliation, Hydration, and Protection.

There are 2 types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB.
Research shows that 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun's UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with collagen breakdown. UVB rays also cause sunburn (skin damage that can eventually lead to skin cancer) note: Skin Cancer Foundation

Using a sunscreen is one of the best way of protection.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) - at least SPF15
• Antioxidants - Look for sunscreens with added antioxidants for better protection
• Ingredients matter - Avoid the sunscreen chemical oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that penentrates the skin and contaminates the body. Look for active ingredients zinc, titanium, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. These substances protect skin from harmful UVA radiation and remain on the skin, with little if any penetrating into the body
• Apply 30 mins before going out into the sun. Re-apply every 2 hours or after swimming or strenuous exercise.
• Water based sunscreen - For people with oily skin or acne prone skin.
• UVB is peak between 12noon to 2pm - Avoid the sun during these hours.
• Your chest, neck and hands need protection too!
  
  
  Source: Blue Oak Valley

FEATURES

This is a sunblock formulation with SPF30+.
It has broad spectrum protection, and thus protects the skin from the burning effects of UVA and UVB.

It as a white milky texture, and is not too thick.
One pump of the bottle actually dispenses quite a lot. That one pump is enough for my entire face, and also my neck. So, a little goes a very long way here.

As it is not too thick, it absorbs easily into my skin.

And it is also non-greasy, which is another plus point for me. I hate greasy feeling especially on my face.

Now the thing I like most about this sunscreen is that it has no plastic-y smell, that I always associated all the sunscreen with. Last time, whenever I slabbed some sunscreen onto my face, I detested the plastic-y smell.
But this BOV Sunscreen Organics has a pleasant floral smell, that I thought I was using a moisturizer, and not a sunscreen. Double thumbs up!

Although it is not travel-friendly, I still brought it along with me on my most recent Singapore trip. However, I pumped some into a plastic container (I fear that I would break the glass bottle). We were mostly outdoor the whole time in Singapore, and we walked everywhere using the public transport. So I was really glad to have brought this Sunscreen Organics with me.

Even with so much outdoor and in the sun, I did not experience any sunburn, and I saw no extra freckles popping up after my trip (unlike the last time when I went to South Africa!).
So through my experience, this sunscreen is as good as it claims in protecting my skin!

GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

I am pleased to announce that Blue Oak Valley is sponsoring 1 bottle of Sunscreen Organics (30g) to a lucky winner!
Win for yourself, or maybe for your friend. :)

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!

Giveaway ends on 6th December 2013 (Friday) 11.59pm Malaysian time.

Please fill up the Rafflecopter below to earn entries for a chance to win this giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
TO PURCHASE WITH DISCOUNT CODE (ONLINE STORE ONLY)

More good news! Thanks to Blue Oak Valley, you get:

- 25% off STOREWIDE at Blue Oak Valley website for ~1 months (until 31 Dec 2013) using discount code 'SHUYIN25',
- and after that will be 15% off STOREWIDE  for a further 6 months (until 30 Jun 2014) using discount code 'SHUYIN15'.
- Only applicable for online sales.



FREE GIFT with purchase

Reader who purchases any 2 or more of BOV products will get a FRUIT MASK ORGANICS worth RM158 for FREE until 31st Dec 2013! (Yes, on top of the 25% or 15% discount!)



TO PURCHASE AT RETAILER

If you wish to see and hold (and smell!) the products before you make a purchase, BOV products are also available in stores.
And here is the link to the list of retailers.

And special mention to the retailer Fabulous Mom which has nationwide stores, and Twins Baby as there is a Twins Baby store in Penang located in Jln Masjid Negeri (somewhere opposite Convent Green Lane). So for you Penang readers, you can drop by there!
(**pls take note that they may not have the full range of BOV products on display)

If you wish to know more on the addresses of these retailers, or if you have any other questions or enquiries, you can send an email to enquiry@blueoakvalley.com

For more info, you can also visit Blue Oak Valley website or their Facebook page.



* Disclosure: I received the Sunscreen Organics (30g), for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Review, Discount Code & Free Gift: Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Range - (Part 3: Anti-Aging Organics)

This is Part 3: Anti-Aging Organics of the Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Skin Care Range (you can click to view Part 1: Daily Face Care and Part 2: Exfoliating Face Scrub)

3) ANTI-AGING ORGANICS

IngredientsLicorice*, mulberry*, chamomile essence*, rose essence*, pro-vitamin B5, citrus aurantium, simmondsia chinensis seed oil* (*CERTIFIED ORGANIC).Net Wt.: 30g

PACKAGING and FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Packaging wise is as elegant as the Daily Face Care range as it comes in a classy glass tub with a pump for a more consistent dispensing amount.
Words are printed bold and clear on the packaging paper like the others.

Just like the rest, it is not travel-friendly as it comes in a glass tub. But I guess if you go for a short holiday, most people may not choose to bring along anti-aging solutions, so maybe this is irrelevant. 



FEATURES

This anti-aging solution is the next step in the Felicity Skin Care range. The anti-aging oil is said to reverse the signs of aging, which sounds very appealing.
It is supposed to restore skin's youthful vitality with this rejuvenating facial formula for dry and mature skin. The botanical extracts nourish, rejuvenate and promote rapid cell renewal which delays and protects against wrinkles.

It is too soon for me to see results, but I think by rate my skin is aging, I'd no doubt but to use this in the hope to really, really hope that it would restore my skin's youthful vitality!

Ingredient list is short and of natural ingredients. 'Nuff said.

As mentioned, this classy glass bottle comes with a pump for a more consistent dispensing amount.
One pump dose is sufficient for my entire face and neck. I am surprised by how well this product spreads on my skin. My skin absorbs the whole thing within seconds on applying, really amazing!

I noticed that after applying it, my skin is somewhat smoother. It kinda act as a barrier for my face, and creates a smooth palette for the foundation or make up as well.

Love the fact that this barrier is not harmful and clogging pores, but is actually doing its anti-ageing magic underneath my make up! ;)

This magic potion is advised to be used during your nightly facial care routine, once a day.

However, I must admit that this is a tad expensive with a retail price tag of RM388.00 (the priciest product in the brand). But all the previous brands of anti-aging serum that I'd purchase also came with a hefty price tag as well, so I guess the price range for such a product is about the same par. I need to compare apple to apple, right?
But the good news is that readers of my blog get a 25% discount (after discount would be RM290), so we'd better grab it before it is gone (read below for more details for the discount code)

So all in all, I must conclude that this is a great luxury product, and is vital if I don't want to end up being a wrinkly old woman too fast!




TO PURCHASE WITH DISCOUNT CODE (ONLINE STORE ONLY)

More good news! Thanks to Blue Oak Valley, you get:

- 25% off STOREWIDE at Blue Oak Valley website for 1 month (until 31 Dec 2013) using discount code 'SHUYIN25',
- and after that will be 15% off STOREWIDE  for a further 6 months (until 30 Jun 2014) using discount code 'SHUYIN15'.
- Only applicable for online sales.



FREE GIFT with purchase

Reader who purchases any 2 or more of BOV products will get a FRUIT MASK ORGANICS worth RM158 for FREE until 31st Dec 2013! (Yes, on top of the 25% or 15% discount!)



TO PURCHASE AT RETAILER

If you wish to see and hold (and smell!) the products before you make a purchase, BOV products are also available in stores.
And here is the link to the list of retailers.

And special mention to the retailer Fabulous Mom which has nationwide stores, and Twins Baby as there is a Twins Baby store in Penang located in Jln Masjid Negeri (somewhere opposite Convent Green Lane). So for you Penang readers, you can drop by there!
(**pls take note that they may not have the full range of BOV products on display)



If you wish to know more on the addresses of these retailers, or if you have any other questions or enquiries, you can send an email to enquiry@blueoakvalley.com

For more info, you can also visit Blue Oak Valley website or their Facebook page.



* Disclosure: I received the Anti-Aging Organics (30g), for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Review, Discount Code, Free Gift & Giveaway: Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Range - (Part 2: Exfoliating Face Scrub)

This is Part 2: Exfoliating Face Scrub of the Blue Oak Valley's Felicity Skin Care Range (you can click to view Part 1: Daily Face Care)

EXFOLIATING FACE SCRUB

Ingredients
Aqua, witch hazel*, calendula, xanthan gum, Vitamin E*, burdock*, walnut extracts*, aloe barbadensis*, lavender*, essential oil* (*CERTIFIED ORGANIC).
Net Wt.: 30 g

PACKAGING and FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Packaging wise is as elegant as the Daily Face Care range as it comes in a classy glass tub with a golden screw cap. Very elegant indeed. 
Words are printed bold and clear on the packaging paper like the others.

But the thing to note is that because it comes in a glass tub, it is not travel-friendly. In order to bring it along for my travels, I needed to transfer a little into another plastic bottle for more convenience.



WHY NEED TO EXFOLIATE?

Age slows the process of skin cells growing, dividing and flaking off causing build-up resulting in uneven complexion, wrinkles and clogged pores. Signs of cellular build-up are a dull lifeless complexion, noticeable fine lines and wrinkles and blemishes.
Exfoliation helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles and increases cellular renewal.

Benefits of Exfoliation:

• Removes dead skin cells promoting hydration
• Unclogs pores
• Evens skin tones and lightens pigmentation
• Better penetration of other skin treatment products
• Reduces aging signs - softer, smoother skin texture
  

In other words, exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs with synthetic beads.

Source: Blue Oak Valley's facebook

FEATURES

The moment I opened up the tub, I was surprised. Surprised because the content does not look like all my other scrubs. Instead of having the usual granules mix with soap kinda scrub, this one comes without the soap and just the scrub - which to me means you get more scrub (less soap) and more value for money.

The scrub is made with the best of plants derived naturally in their optimal concentration, and it looks like some herbs, and even smell like herbs. But those nice-smelling herbs kinda scent.
It has a raw scent like it was just being formulated there and then.

So what you need to do is to pour a small amount of face exfoliant onto your palm. Add a few drops of cleanser and water, lather and massage onto face in a circular motion. Then rinse with water and follow with toner.

Before using BOV, my face has clogged pores, which leads to those tiny little white heads all over my face. No matter how much I washed it off, I can't seem to cleanse it off. Now I know that these white heads can only be scrubbed off. I scrubbed my face more often now, about twice a week and I could  see and feel a difference. No more white heads stuck underneath my fingernails when I lightly 'scratched' my face. It feels clean. Not just surface clean, but clean from within. 

So this product removes dirt, debris and toxins as claimed, while rejuvenating and exfoliating skin.
As I mentioned in the previous post on the use of moisturizer, once I scrubbed more often initially with this, my skin was able to absorb the moisturizer much more well.

Not sure if it makes my skin more radiant (I've never had radiant skin), but it definitely make it more smoother and soft and I hope in time to come, more even toned.

So this exfoliating face scrub worked miracles for me. My favourite exfoliating scrub ever!



GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

I am pleased to announce that Blue Oak Valley is sponsoring 1 tub of Exfoliating Face Scrub (30g) to a lucky winner!
Win for yourself, or maybe for your friend. :)

HOW TO JOIN

All you need to do is just Like Shu-Yin's Sactuary's Facebook Page, and also Like Blue Oak Valley's Facebook Page and leave a comment in this blog post. It is this easy.
Please leave an email address for me to contact you.

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!

Giveaway ends on 14th November 2013 (Thursday) 11.59pm Malaysian time.

The winner will be chosen randomly on 15th November 2013 and will be posted in this post and will be contacted via email. If no reply from the winner within 48 hours, then I will announce for a new winner.



TO PURCHASE WITH DISCOUNT CODE (ONLINE STORE ONLY)

More good news! Thanks to Blue Oak Valley, you get:

- 25% off STOREWIDE at Blue Oak Valley website for ~2 months (until 31 Dec 2013) using discount code 'SHUYIN25',
- and after that will be 15% off STOREWIDE  for a further 6 months (until 30 Jun 2014) using discount code 'SHUYIN15'.
- Only applicable for online sales.



FREE GIFT with purchase

Reader who purchases any 2 or more of BOV products will get a FRUIT MASK ORGANICS worth RM158 for FREE until 31st Dec 2013! (Yes, on top of the 25% or 15% discount!)



TO PURCHASE AT RETAILER

If you wish to see and hold (and smell!) the products before you make a purchase, BOV products are also available in stores.
And here is the link to the list of retailers.

And special mention to the retailer Fabulous Mom which has nationwide stores, and Twins Baby as there is a Twins Baby store in Penang located in Jln Masjid Negeri (somewhere opposite Convent Green Lane). So for you Penang readers, you can drop by there!
(**pls take note that they may not have the full range of BOV products on display)

WINNER(S) ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to all who participated in this giveaway.
The winner of the Blue Oak Valley's Lilly Range Set is Ng Le Shin! Congratulations! 

You should have received an email from me on how to collect the prize(s).

If you wish to know more on the addresses of these retailers, or if you have any other questions or enquiries, you can send an email to enquiry@blueoakvalley.com

For more info, you can also visit Blue Oak Valley website or their Facebook page.



* Disclosure: I received the Exfoliating Face Scrub (30g), for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

FREE 3M Kitchen Scissors & 3M High Performance Microfibre Cloth! (EXTENDED TIL 17 JULY 2013)

updated: 12 July 2013

3M contacted me and said they are EXTENDING this until 17 July 2013 (Wed).
So for those of you not wanting to miss this opportunity to get these 2 fabulous free gifts, please completed this UPDATED questionnaire in below link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/60dae8msxqdaytw/Qnaire-Water%20Filter_updated.xlsx


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To get these 2 fabulous free gifts, 3M Scotch Premium Kitchen Scissor and 3M Scotch-Brite High Performance Cloth, please complete this questionnaire (total of 5 tabs (pages) in Excel)

Questionnaire:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cj3f578jiil5nph/Qnaire-Water%20Filter%20A.xlsx


Requirement:
(1) Must have water filter
(2) Both Male and Female can fill up
(3) Fill up all tab (tab 1 to tab 5 (Q1 to Q5)
(4) Fill up house address and name so that we can courier the free gift to them.
(5) Questionnaire submission date is 12 July 2013 (Friday).(6) Only for readers with a Malaysian address.


Email to me your completed questionnaire, and also your mailing address at tanshuyin [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Hurry up!  4 more days to complete!