Saturday, January 31, 2015

2015 - January Favourites

I don't know why, but as I get older, I just feel like time flies by A LOT faster. Another year and another month has just come and past.This month is full of new discoveries, re-discoveries, and things I never fell out of love with (full on commitments!). 



1. Cupcakes - I recently moved back home and my parents don't have any baking supplies around the house! And of course, I haven't had the motivation to go grocery shopping (let alone, I haven't had the motivation to unpack my things yet either). So before I get back into my baking kick, I've been indulging and satisfying my sweet tooth with all the amazing bakeries around the city! Who takes the cake this month? Desmond & Beatrice! I visited the east-end a few weekends ago and fell in-love with the little bright shop. I'm hoping to head back again soon and I have my fingers crossed that their Earl Grey Cupcake is there again! 

2. Matcha - always loved it and always will. My daily ritual the last few months consisted of Matcha Lattes! So simple to make and takes amazing. Here's my simple recipe that I shared before. And I've been loving the DoMatcha organic ceremonial grade matcha - the bright green colour ensures me that I'm getting a good quality tea! 

3. Water - so strange to be putting this as a month's favourite...but, really - I've been in love with drinking water. I was on some medication earlier this month and it made me so dehydrated that water seriously was my lifeline. Absolutely love my new camelbak water bottle to go along with this new love. 

4. Oil, oil, FACIAL OILS - I think I'm always complaining about my naturally dry skin all year round. But, the harsh changing winter in Canada ALWAYS takes a toll on my skin and I can't thank facial oils enough to keep it happy and hydrated. A MUST for the winter for me. 

A month full of getting back up and running! Tons of food and self-care - but, slowly getting back into cleaner eating (guilty for having a diet of 60% take out...). 

love & light,
Susan

Monday, January 12, 2015

No more hay straws - Rahua Hair Review

What can I say...time doesn't stop for anybody.

Been a while since I re-found the motivation and push to write another blog post. A pile of priorities and stress kept building up caused Cup of Susan to be tucked at the bottom of that pile; but, I promise - the blog was not forgotten and my fingers are dancing again on the keyboard!

With the hectic last season/semester, my life unfortunately had more lows than highs. We all know - stress doesn't do anyone good and not sticking to a consistent routine also doesn't do anyone good either. After trying a countless number of natural hair products that didn't do my hair any change, I finally decided to fork out my textbook money and invest in what everyone claims to be the best of the best. And let me tell you friends...people aren't lying - Rahua hair is the best all-natural hair shampoo and conditioner that I ever used so far!


I must be honest, my first impression wasn't too good. I brought the original Ruhua shampoo and really, there's absolutely no lather. I stood in the shower and took a while to think about whether or not I'm using this product properly. After several of uses, I found that it made my thick hair look a little greasy since the product wasn't evenly spreading around - I came to realize that it's not the product, I'm just using too much. Eventually, I thought, maybe I should give the Rahua Voluminious Shampoo a try to compare - picked up a small travel size and this shampoo is what my hair needed. The voluminous one has a lather and works so much easier into my thick Asian hair. Combining it with the original Ruhua conditioner - let me tell you, after several of uses, the combination re-birthed my hair...literally. My hair is no longer crying for hydration.

This product is definitely on the high-end of products. But, you really don't need a lot - a quarter size amount is MORE than enough; and we're talking about using this amount for my thick Asian hair. I've been using this power couple for the past month and I still have 3/4 of each bottle left. Only having to buy new bottles for each season change is a change from going to the drugstore/health food store for a refill each month.

If your hair is in need of some deep hydration, I highly recommend finishing up your current shampoo and conditioner and making a huge commitment and vow to give Ruhua a try. And I know, you'll thank the Amazon rainforests forever. (If you're unsure the hefty price tag will be a match for you, the company does sell travel sizes.)

I'm hoping with more use, my hair will be silk soon...I can keep dreaming, but I think my dream will come true in the next month.

Let me know if you tried Rahua products before. I'll love to hear your experience!

love & light,
Susan


Disclaimer: I bought these oils myself. Of course, always genuine and would only share products I believe in!