This time I want about lemongrass, one the most versatile herbs used in Thai and other south east asian cuisines. Next post, we’ll explore the use of lemongrass in beauty and wellness.

Lemongrass (ตะไคร้ (takrai in Thai) is a tropical herb, actually 55 species of grasses. It’s commonly found and widely grown in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, India and in the southern part of Africa. There are many species of lemongrass, commonly referred to as “lemon grass”, “lemongrass”, “barbed wire grass”, “silky heads”, “citronella grass”, “fever grass” or “Hierba Luisa”.

Lemongrass is actually a genus of grass. It’s easy to grow, and the long tall stalks can grow to 1 meter tall with a width of 4-7 cm. The leafstalk is composed of many layers, like the skin of an onion. Lemongrass leaf has plenty of essential oils and is widely grown pretty much everywhere.

Lemongrass can be consumed and applied externally. It has a terrific lemony fragrance and hot and bitter flavors when used as a spice, which is why it’s widely used in the culinary world. Lemongrass is an integral ingredient in curries such as Thai red curry paste, green curry paste, kang som (sour curry), nam ya (fish curry paste), Kao Yam Pak Tai, Nam Prik Ong (Northern Style Chicken Chillie Paste), Kang Tai Pla (fish liver flavored curry), and southern rice salad. It’s so affordable.

Next week I’ll talk about using lemongrass in medicine and cosmetics.

I’m a first time Olay user and I love this daily regenerating serum already.  It’s hard to find facial serum concentrated Amino-Peptide Complex under $35. I decided to try this Olay because of its good reviews and the price.

I have allergies, so fragrance free is perfect for me. I used it daily – in the morning and at night for couple weeks now. The fine lines I was concerned about on my forehead disappeared within a couple days. This serum works amazingly well with my sensitive skin. It made my facial skin incredibly soft. I even tried it on my husband’s face and his skin is less dry and his wrinkles are less noticeable. Do you believe that?  It’s really worth the money you pay.

I’ve gone back to using La Prairie Extrait of Skin Caviar Firming Complex. It’s not only serum for daytime, but it’s also moisturizer. I have been using it since I was in my early 20′s. It works very well for my normal/oily skin. I applied this caviar firming serum before Lancome moisturizing lotion with sunscreen SPF 30, then mineral foundation or loose powder as usual. It takes less effort to put concealer and foundation. You don’t need be a professional makeup artist when you have this caviar firming complex. It makes my makeup look perfect every time Looks flawless, natural and lasts all day. Only one thing it’s very pricey $130 per bottle. Is it worth it? I don’t use often so it lasts a long, long time.

Sorry for the lack of recent reviews, I spent a month in Thailand on vacation. I went up north to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and visited Phu Chi Fah. The sea of mist there in the mountains is so beautiful it’s really amazing. I got to eat lots of sticky rice, chiang mai noodles, namprik noom, namprik ong, and more. What a great time.

During this trip I also had a chance to meet Maree who’s a local beauty expert. She suggested that I try BB wonder Cream. It’s just perfect for me because I’m lazy and don’t like to put on much makeup or foundation.

Listen to this story of my very first experience with BB cream. After I put BB cream on my face, even under my eyes after putting toner and moisturizer on, I noticed that my face looked brighter and younger immediately. Then I just put on blush and lip gloss. That’s it – ready to go.

During the time I was in Thailand and meeting all my friends, I got many compliments that my face looks bright and young. I think some of that had to do with this BB cream. This wonder cream exported from Korea is not only a make up base, it’s also a nutrition cream, foundation with sunscreen SPF30, whitening and anti-wrinkle cream! Now I use it every day.