Nintendo Wii

Price: Below RM1,500
User-friendly: 9/10
Healthy: 7/10
Game availability: 6/10
Addictiveness: 7/10

Played: Wii Sports, Wii Play, Deca Sports, Top Spin 3, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08, Call of Duty: World At War, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Verdict: Wii is a healthier alternative to conventional console games, with many games offering the option of simulating the action. Old and young seem to take to it with relish.
Overall Rating: 7.3

The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World

Guest Reviewer: Michael Lai

Author: John Perkins
Price: Below RM40 (Paperback)
Relevance: 10/10
Credibility: 8/10
Riveting: 7/10
Readability: 8/10

Synopsis: In this sequel to Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, this book examines the current geopolitical crisis and reveals the secret history behind events like the present Latin American revolution, wars that are benefiting big business and other webs of corruption and corporate skullduggery.

Verdict: The hits just keep on coming from Perkins, the repentant economic hitman-turned-social activist and author. This book will rip the shroud from your eyes. A veil that has prevented you from reading between the lines of your news consumption all this while.
Overall Rating: 8.3

Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army

Guest Reviewer: Michael Lai

Author: Jeremy Scahill
Price: Below RM70 (Paperback)
Relevance: 10/10
Credibility: 9/10
Riveting: 5/10
Readability: 6/10

Synopsis: This is the explosive story of a company that rose to become one of America's 'War on Terror'. In his gripping bestseller, award-winning journalist Jeremy Scahill takes us from the bloodied streets of Iraq, to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, to the chambers of power in Washington, to expose Blackwater as the frightening new face of the US war machine.

Verdict: Scahill may not have turned out an 'unputdownable' book, but 'Blackwater' is still a revealing eye-opener for those who remain ardent advocates of Milton Friedman's brand of free-wheeling economics and gung-ho privatisation. When nations privatise their fighting machinery, they can no longer hold the moral high ground.
Overall Rating: 7.5

Ipanema 'Life' Flip-Flops by Gisele Bundchen

Price: Below RM75
Style: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Availability: 7/10

Colour: White/Gold
Used on: Size 4; Olive-toned skin

Verdict: Besides the stylish design, the Ipanema Flip-Flops by Gisele Bundchen is very comfortable, almost like walking on cushions. Unfortunately, the Gisele Bundchen range here is very limited. Not all designs/styles are available. The sizes are a bit different too. In my case, my feet fits snugly into size 6. The best part of it is that part of the proceeds is channeled to the WWF-Malaysia’s Peninsular Malaysia Forests Programme.
Overall Rating: 9.3

Bloom Full & Flirty Mascara

Price: Below RM90
Colour: 9/10
Length: 7/10
Thickness: 7/10
Clumpiness: 5/10
Longevity: 8/10
Availability: 5/10

Claims: Features a unique 3-in-1 formula that combines natural beeswax with Cellulose Micro Beads to lengthen, thicken and define lashes. Won't flake or dry lashes out.
Used on: Fine, moderately long lashes

Verdict: If you apply more than one coating, the beautiful black colour gives an illusion of having thick, long and yet natural-looking lashes without appearing overdone. It clumps a little but it does not smudge your eyes.
Overall Rating: 6.8

Boh Teh Tarik Kurang Manis

Price: Below RM13
Value for money: 7/10
Convenience: 9/10
Taste: 8/10
Preparation: 9/10
Availability: 10/10

Verdict: Boh Teh Tarik is a logical next step from the 3-in-1 coffees. It's great to have in the evenings, after dinner. It is also low in sugar content and the froth it creates gives a 'mamak stall atmosphere'.
Overall Rating: 8.6

Himalaya Herbals Protein Hair Cream

Price: Below RM40
Value for money: 10/10
Texture: 8/10
Fragrant: 9/10
Stickiness: 9/10
Packaging: 2/10
Availability: 9/10

Claims: Nourishes your hair with natural proteins derived from ingredients like wheatgerm and chickpea. Indian gooseberry and thistles promote hair growth. Use regularly before and after shampooing for well-nourished, soft and shiny hair.
Used on: Fine, chemically-processed, heat-exposed, medium-length hair

Verdict: Himalaya Herbals Protein Hair Cream is one of my best buys. It does what it claims - my hair's density has increased. The only glitch is the packaging, it's difficult to screw the cap on, which forces me to leave it open most of the time - a big concern when you travel.
Overall Rating: 7.8

McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix

Price: Below RM10
Value for money: 9/10
Convenience: 9/10
Taste: 10/10
Preparation: 9/10
Total time: 1 hour or less
Availability: 10/10

Used with: Beef
Verdict: McCormick has been a household name in my family since I could remember and my mother's spaghetti is an all-time childhood favourite. Although I will not reveal the family secret, McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix is easy to prepare. Just follow the recipe behind the pack. It's got just the right amount of herb and spices mixed and is absolutely delicious if you add chilli.
Overall Rating: 9.4

BeneFit Posie Tint

Price: Below RM140
Colour: 8/10
Longevity: 8/10
Packaging: 5/10
Availability: 7/10

Claims: Our petal-pink stain plants a kiss of see-through tint on cheeks & lips. With hours of smudge-proof, just-picked perfection, you'll be the prettiest bloom in the bunch!
Used on: Chapped/Dry, moderately thick lips; Olive-toned skin

Verdict: This lip stain gives a very natural colour to the lips and if you avoid eating oily food, it can last throughout the day. Posie Tint does not moisturise so if you have dry lips, best to top it off with lip balm.
Overall Rating: 7.0

Fairy Clean & Care Washing-Up Liquid Cucumber & Aloe Vera

Price: Below RM15
Scent: 9/10
Tough on grease: 7/10
Lather: 7/10
Value for money: 3/10
Packaging: 8/10
Availability: 1/10

Verdict: Wonderful scent but expensive for its purpose. The bottle design adds a touch of 'glamour' to the kitchen.
Overall Rating: 5.8

Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15 58B

Price: Below RM40
Colour: 9/10
Fragrant: 9/10
Stickiness: 7/10
Packaging: 7/10
Availability: 9/10

Claims: Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips. Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. SPF15 sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection.
Used on: Chapped/Dry, moderately thick lips

Verdict: This lip balm lives up to its promises. The colour is sheer, which makes the lips appear healthy. More importantly, it soothes dry, chapped lips and believe me, my lips are as dry as the Gobi Desert. The only downside is the applicator; it is tricky to use as it can get messy with the excess being left on the cap. Having said that, though, this lip balm is a good buy.
Overall Rating: 8.2

Old El Paso No-Fuss Fajita Dinner Kit

Price: Below RM15
Value for money: 7/10
Convenience: 9/10
Taste: 7/10
Preparation: 9/10
Total time: 30 minutes or less
Availability: 7/10

Used with: Beef
Verdict: This is easy to eat at home and is excellent for lazy cooks. The portion is enough to serve three people. And if you are a couch potato, these fajitas makes a delightful, simple dinner.
Overall Rating: 7.8

Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer

Price: RM180
Texture: 9/10
Fragrant: 9/10
Usage: 9/10
Packaging: 8/10
Availability: 10/10

Claims: Arms skin to fight the effects of emotional stress, which can damage skin with effects much like sun and pollution. Helps neutralise UVA and UVB.
Used on: Normal/combination dry

Verdict: No greasiness or shininess and it absorbs quickly. Upon application, you immediately get a subtle matte look. Unless you are exposed to extreme humidity, the matte usually stays till the end of the day. The thing that takes the cake is it chases away any visible signs of aging, especially in the early stages, and keeps your skin hydrated.
Overall Rating: 9.0

Rimmel London Extra Super Lash Curved Brush Mascara

Price: Below RM30
Colour: 9/10
Length: 8/10
Thickness: 8/10
Clumpiness: 8/10
Longevity: 5/10
Availability: 3/10

Claims: Reaches all lashes, even the ones at the inner and outer corners of the eyes. The formula contains hydrogel that form an ultra-smooth film on the lashes that is ideal for building layer upon layer with no clumps and no lashes sticking together.
Used on: Fine, moderately long lashes

Verdict: This is one of the best mascaras I have. However, the longevity is a bit of a disappointment. It does give a very natural look and whatever it claims, it delivers. Rimmel London was only recently launched in Malaysia and therefore, you can only find it at Watson's Midvalley Megamall and U Parkson, One Utama Shopping Centre.
Overall Rating: 6.8

MasterFoods Garlic Granules

Price: Below RM11
Taste: 9/10
Aroma: 9/10
Convenience: 10/10
Availability: 7/10
Packaging: 8/10

Used on: Mom's spaghetti meat sauce & Tuscan Beef Stew
Verdict: You are able to find it at most super/hypermarkets but, prices differ. If you are fighting against time, this is a great garlic substitute. It gives an added crunch and flavour to your meal.
Overall Rating: 8.6