This serum has what L'oréal terms as two high-tech reactivating ingredients that boost the eyelashes. The first being a medley of Pro-Vitamin B5, Arginine and Pro-peptide that boost the supply of lash nutrients.

The second is Madecassoside (a common beauty component used in collagen strengthening) to prolong lash lifespan. This would mean that the lashes wouldn't fall off so easily.

Two simple steps to using this serum. The "wand" is more like a curved flexible applicator. The first  step involves using the tip apply to the root of the lashes very much like an eyeliner. The second step is sweeping the whole length of the lashes with the curved end of the applicator. It is advised to use this twice daily (day and night) and it can even be used as a mascara base!

Freida Pinto, spokesperson for the Renewal Lash Serum demonstrates the 2-step procedure.

Applying it during the day would

i) protect the lashes from external aggressions

and ii) to ensure that the lashes are more lumnous and attractive.

At night it during the peak of cellular regeneration, it

i) encourages cellular renewal and

ii) balances the hormones for proper physiological balance

Do be careful when u apply tho, some bit got into my eyes (cause I was impatient thinking more would mean faster results) and it gave a very mild sting that is easily washed off with abit of water.

Although L'oréal recommends to use this product for 4 weeks to see the results, I've tried it for 3 weeks or so.

Before and After of Using Renewal Lash Serum by L'oréal

Just before my first application one of my eyelashes fell out (rawr!). But the difference from after religiously applying it day and night, I could see that my eyelashes are slightly longer and fuller. I'm now less concerned about lashes falling off after rubbing my eyes, removing my contacts and using eye makeup remover. Not bad eh? I'm gonna go ahead (and I have already) recommend this to those who want natural looking lashes, catch is that you'd have to stick to making sure the serum is used day and night for a month.

There also hv been a couple of positive reviews on YouTube and other overseas blogs where the product has been released earlier. Go look them up

From Monday to Wednesday (29th to 31st March), L'oréal will be giving away some of these Renewal Serums worth RM49.90 to my followers on twitter! Follow me on twitter @aprilyim and answer some simple questions with the tag #LorealLash. Tweets MUST INCLUDE the hashtag. Prizes limited to twitterers with a valid Malaysian Address.

Reminder to all protected accounts, you will need to unprotect your account for me to view your response tweets.

*Image rights of serum, logo and application demonstration: L'oréal Paris Malysia

          

Guess what else? The meetup session was lunch at the much tweeted about @thegardenslug !

@avalanchelynn 's little Pea has an adorable character of her own. I want a lil girl just like her!!!

Food at the Garden Slug was absolutely fresh and wholesome!  Breads felt warm and freshly toasted, the greens were fresh, prices are incredibly decent (cause the dollar for dollar amount I pay for in Malaysia is ridiculous), loved the cool comfortable ambience. portions were large and most importantly, the dessert was SINFUL!

A platter sample of the desserts @ The Garden Slug called a.ka. "The Sweet Sweet Slug" with Tiramisu, Pear William and Berries and Vanilla Ice cream plus a brownie popsicle!

The Garden Slug is located at:

55 Lorong L Telok Kurau,
#01-59/61 Bright Centre,
Singapore 425500

Tel/ Fax: 6346 0504

Open Daily:
Mon - Tues 6pm-10pm  // Wed - Thur 10am-10pm // Fri - Sun 9am-10pm or late //
Public Hol 9am-10pm or late

To The Garden Slug: I Love your food! Will come back to try the other recommended specialties! These pictures alone are making my Malaysian friends envious!

Before I finish up the post here is a shot of the three gorgeous ladies of the day!

Thanks loads to @gnoserif for the hearty lunch, and @avalanchelynn for picking us up! I miss you guys already but I'll be back soon!

          

The right shade is one thing. It's got to have exactly what I'm looking for especially since I was going on a beach holiday when my skin is going to be continuously stripped of moisture from all that sun and sea water.

Since I'm stopping over at Singapore before heading to the sunny bays of Thailand, I predicted that by the time I get home, I'll probably have a healthy tan two tones darker than my usual skin colour.

Before my weekend escape to Krabi, I packed in two shades of True Match Super Blendable Foundation into the bag along with.

Why the fuss of bringing two bottles? Even with sun protection the constant inevitable sun exposure from the outdoor activities will indefinitely change my skin tone. My usual ivory skin will need a warm glowover after a day or two in the sun.

Hydrated Skin Even from all the constant change of temperature from outdoor heat to indoor air conditioning and sea breezes

Most of the time, the UV perfect moisturizer was used as a base before foundation and as a protection measure in the daily regime. I tried a Vanilla Ivory shade for my fair skin and even after all the travelling to Changi up to the jetty before heading off to the resort. There was barely the feel of usually battered, dry skin from the drastic elemental changes.

Of course with the next day just island hopping for the next 8 hours or so I packed the bottle of UV Perfect Moisturizer out with me!

Only a small squeeze from the tube gives me plenty of moisture for my face. God only knows what I'll be exposing myself too asides from sea water (I'm thinking leaked boat engine oil, smears from oily food, saliva from very friendly tourists) So there will be plenty a time where I would attempt to clean my face and reapply moisturizer throughout the island hopping experience.

But what I'm so god awful afraid of is the direct sun exposure. It's absolutely pointless of me to bring my Sunshades along seeing that I can't wear my contacts while snorkeling. I shiver knowing the more sensitive areas of my face, especially the eye zones will be easily teased by UV A (Aging) and UV B (Skin Burning) rays.

The gist of it all, I FEAR OF AGING BEFORE MY TIME!

Before the SPF 50++  protective portion of the moisturizer can even get to work out in the sun, I'm already positively glowing  by breakfast ~<3 thanks to the anti dullness factor in the moisturizer.

Loved the fact that when I came back from my holiday, asides from feeling far from a slice of burnt toast, I found out the UV Perfect Moisturizer had 12 hours of pollution shield too!

Now cause I want to stay young for as long as I can help it, I have the UV Perfect Moisturizer in my makeup pouch and I never face the day without it.

          

With Klang housing an incredibly WTF amount of Bah Kut Teh places. I've been going to one place all the time in Taman Rashna.

What used to be a quaint little coffee shop with gas stoves worn out tables and seats, patrons sitting with their legs spread wide apart while they sipped on their tea...

....is now this place which filled my car with "noises-of-awe".

Looks like business is still gosh darn good. The new Restoran Fong Keow now boasts 3 shop lots, private rooms,  some funky deco, and free wi-fi!

It's a big change from the usual carefree-"feel" I get from Bah Kut Teh shops, we wondered if they still served Bah Kut Teh (ignoring the huge sign outside) Thank goodness there is a huge wall telling us that still do a long with some other suggestions for dishes.

"Wah! Newly renovated. Must try something new!"

Restoran Fong Keow's Fried Spring Rolls "Zhao Foo Chuk Kuen"

 Fresh Juicy Spring Rolls (tho i must add that I think it should be aptly addressed as "Zhao Foo Chuk Kuen)" similar to those found in lobak.

Restoran Fong Keow's Fried Spring Rolls "Zhao Foo Chuk Kuen" Upclose shot with Chilli Sauce

At RM12 per plate (a lil' pricey), four rolls served with a sweet chilli sauce ads a diff zing to having just plain meat and soup in bah kut teh.

Restoran Fong Keow's Steamed Tofu

The other side dish was nothing too fancy taste wise. The sauce that went along with it was a lil' too thick (but i like thick sauces) Steamed Tofu Served (RM5.00) with fried shallots, onions, spring onions and chilli.

Authentic Klang Bah Kut Teh from Fong Keow at only RM10.00 per head. I've been eating there since my first driving trip to Klang.

Restoran Fong Keow's Traditional Bah Kut Teh

Restoran Fong Keow's Traditional Bah Kut Teh Upclose shot of the Tender Juicy Meat

Juicy meat, None of that No Claypot crap, Orgasmic soup. Since we were there an hour before closing time we got the most flavour filled part of the pot. The soup just kept getting better with EVERY REFILL! Additional Tau Foo Pok cost RM1.00 and Golden Mushrooms at RM5.00 (a lil bit exp for the mushrooms)

(Remember how good the soup tasted Yen and Ying?? I just recalled we forgot the YAU ZHAR GUAI!)

Restoran Fong Keow (Pottery) Bah Kut Teh, 53 Jln Batai Laut, Taman Intan, Klang

Opens 8am-3pm/5pm-9pm from Monday to Friday & 8am to 9.30 pm on Weekends and Public Holidays. Click the following for map: View Larger Map

          

Tucked nearly at the very end of Jalan Penchala, PJ Old Town. Lookout for the makeshift corner house opposite the stalls area shaded by tall trees and airy openings.

I wait an average 10-15 minutes during peak hours for my noodles. The hand made noodles are made fresh on the spot and served with your usual Pan Mee bits: anchovies, sliced mushrooms, fried Onion bits and vege (don't ask me what I hate cooked vege)

Each bowl goes for RM4.50 . If you're into a slightly slimier glide of this hand-peeled noodle this is the noodle for you. Texture wise... so so. It is the best around this area but I really won't say the best I've ever had.

Google map? Here it is
View Pan Mee At Jalan Penchala in a larger map

          

"I would not have had it any other way"

In all seriousness, I'm really enjoying #SeptSocials. Some of my friends still think I'm crazy; I sense mom is getting abit worried that I keep going out with random strangers; Love sharing the stories with my closest and best friends.

One night as I was talking to my girlfriend in Australia, I mentioned to her the overwhelming feeling of being a part of it all. It was like being in a candy store...spoilt with so many choices and more and more are just coming in from the delivery truck!

Each different candy with it's own personality, colors, tang and texture all essentially sweet in nature. (I hope my dates, in anyway don't get offended from me calling them candy)

One thing I know for sure, is that one meet-up is not enough to truly know a person. I take no offense or disappointment if they are not interested to hang out with me again, because I respect their decision. Everyone has a right to choose who and how they'd like to be associated with, though I am happy to report a majority of my dates have already made plans to hang out together in the very near future.

I am learning so, so much about myself and about other people.  The way women and men tick. The stories that me and my dates have shared (your secrets are safe with me), practical social gestures just to name a few.

I'd like to thank everybody who has shown support, concern, excitement and providing general feedback over #SeptSocials. I'm glad to know those of you who truly understand that #SeptSocials is in essence not to misconstrued as being cheap, definitely not a booty call, and being desperate.

To the gentlemen I have been out with, your wit, point of view, effort, time, and the pleasure of your company which has made each moment a memorable one.  Thank you for being yourself.

As September comes to an end, I'd like to state that #SeptSocials will still go on, seeing that I will have to honor the time I've promised other dates, right up to even December in Singapore .

I'm excited to accept any other future applications thinking of all the sorts of fun people I can meet!

Things are just going to get better from here onwards. =)

          

This time the surprise was this burger was a corner along the alley lined with carpet and plush pillows. Eat your burger while drinking Halal "beer" and smoke Shisha at the same time! Only this was not exactly Ramly's, they proudly called themselves "Joe's"

Joe's Operates at the alley behind Pelita at Sri Hartamas curtaining the front porch of Klinik Segara. Look for a big yellow Truck!

The novelty of it all is the cool relaxing ambience you won't get at your normal Ramly Burger store.. Candle light, Pillows and Plenty of Leg Room.

Pop open a Halal malted. Get Yourself a Cooling drink served to you.

Lets skip that and move on to the part I like to talk about...the burgers.

The popular choice of the night was Joe's Burger. A thick patty plastered between two soft buns and a side of BBQ flavored chips. @spinzer suggest that you put the chips in between for a full experience of what Joe's Burger is like.

@aizatto had the Roti John which looks like a sloppy mess. Watch how he packs it in...

I had my Double Special

So yes I can elaborate more on it Each burger is well presented. Looks dry and easy to eat until you get to the very last bits. The patty is thicker than most ramly burger stores with a slighlty more intense flavour. Hints of Worchestier sauce I definitely taste in there

I also had an incident with the buns. I nearly set the place on fire. More details when @aizatto is done with the video clip.

The operation is incredibly clean but I would say, Go for the ambiance, Shisha, the wide leg room and Thick Patties.

Click here for more photos, meet the people behind the twitter names and the full sized versions.

          

*clears throat* Excuse me, I got a little too carried away. Recommended to me by twitter mates, the folks at Integricity and QGuides *waves hello*

I had to regretfully and UNFORTUNATELY SHARE the sinful "Orgasmic Mashed Potatoes" - a blend of creamy and semi tiny chunks of mash with Parmesan cheese, buttered in friendly Black Pepper Sauce sprinkled generously with finely chopped Parsley and Bacon Bits.

Their range of pork burgers travels in a listing of P1 to P6; Friend went for the P3 burger which tasted like American Chilli Sloppy Joes in between a Patté of Juicy Vegetables (Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes and thinly sliced pickles), a huge slab of meat served, Homemade Buns with a Side of Cajun Wedges.

If you look close enough you'll see that Burger bun is soaking in all that juicy goodness.

Pay very close attention to the secret of Cris Tang. You'll not find this on the menu and request for the very special P7. And I quote a friend... "Order this with confidence"

Sloppy Juicy Petai Pork Burger.... with lots of Pork Stuffing. I had no idea it was petai until some people surprised me but there is not a HINT or WHIFF of Petai in this!

It even has Bacon in it.... SO FULL OF WIN!!!!

A meal at CrisTang is never complete without Dessert. May I recommend the Butter Cake Anglaise. Deep Fried Butter Cake with condensed milk, Strawberry Sauce and Ice Cream. (as if butter cake is already not sinful enough, they deep fry it somemore!)

On Tuesday's it's Double stamp days, Wed, 20% off all Pork Burgers, Thurs, RM10.00 off all pasta and Fridays 15% off ribs. CrisTang aims to please.

Cristang Restaurant: Unit B-G-19, 8 Avenue, Jalan Jernih (8/1) Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel:03-7956 7877

          

Oh, and I usually have a fork and knife placed next to my burger, but girls like me rarely give a damn about table etiquette when messy food is supposed to be best enjoyed when it gets all over you.

So when I get this Facebook invite from Cerventus, I knew it would be a good break from all that RPG addiction to ‘Tales of Symphonia, The New Dawn’.

A look at the menu and it’s all the same ‘ol; same ‘ol stuff. First you’d have to decide what kind of meat you want. The choice is as obvious as chicken, beef, processed fish fillet and hot dog. You then later decide if you’d like two pâtés and if you’d like to make it “special” by wrapping it omelette-style with cheese.

If you have trouble making up your mind, Don’t ever ask “Mr. Pakcik” what he would recommend. He’ll tell you everything is good >:)

Most of the burgers pâtés were pre-cooked resting in a metal basin next to the flaming grill. You get your burgers tossed and toasted by him, while his wife will pack the burgers and get your moolah in return.

Don’t go all pretentious if you find yourself over there about how guilty a bite would make u feel or how it will choo-choo it’s way to your hips. Of course Malaysian food is not healthy but grease and junk food is more kind to the tastebuds.

My verdict: For an affordable burger (RM5.00) my Double Daging Special (double beef pâté with cheese, wrapped egg, mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce and diced onions) was worth skipping dinner for.

It’s a sloppy mess to eat (just the way I like it) with a burst of mild honeyed spice, slight tangy, and salty-ness of the pâtés. It must be eaten fresh from the grill IMHO or the buns would just soak up on so much grease, mayo and chilli sauce, the burger becomes nothing more than a cold soggy lump of meat between flattened bread.

The bread is lightly toasted on the grill to warm it up and give it a slight singe and crusty edge. The diced onions keep up with their own crunch. Nothing compared to my usual Gourmet Burgers, but this is cheap and good. (Peng, Leng, Zheng)

Pakcik sells at least 200 burgers/hotdogs a day (Woah!). He’s even featured in some short film, is in the MAS travel magazine.

Of course, it would be plausible to conclude from the next few photos that yummy Happy Burgers make Happy People.

Pakcik’s Ramly burger stall is located here. Right across the Menara Putri Kojaya Condos, between MARDEC/ISKL and SPCA off Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama.

Click here for the full Collection of Photos.

          

Good fishball noodles used to be available around Jalan Doraisamy, until Asian Heritage Row came about. (I have yet the whereabouts of that stall). Thus I settle for this little corner in San Peng, KL. Hup Lik near the Dato' Onn School in San Peng, Kuala Lumpur. Right across the "Rukun Tetangga" shack in the area.

The place is always packed, but it should not take you more than 10 minutes to get seated. The place is more of a come andgo rest stop for families looking for a quick breakfast or household maidens taking a rest after excursions in the nearby market.

Talk to the two guys manning the store closest to the beverage counter to introduce yourself to...

The fishball noodles (as most Malaysians would know) served the standard Chinese way, Either in piping hot clear soup or and the typical option of having yellow noodles, kuey teoh, or mee hoon. I usually have mine dried as noodles, or served with soup for the other two types of noodles.

Here's your standard serving of RM4.00 each, for noodles, four fishballs and one fish paste wanton.

Honestly the noodles are more of the chaperon that comes with the real stars of the show. The Fishballs and Fish Paste Wanton.

Whenever I eat with frieds, I top up with another minimum 10 fishballs and 10 pcs of fishpaste wanton (RM8.00 per bowl in that combination)

Great tasting fishballs have a smooth surface on them, pierces easily through a chopstick without much effort and without the fishball breaking into two,  when put in the mouth can be delicately tossed around with the tongue with a slight bounce and doesn't have an overpowering fishy smell with a slightly saltish taste.

Fish paste wanton (yu pei wan ton) are abit of a rare find. You'd prolly find them as one of the meats in your concotion of steamboat (certainly not the best way to eat them). The fish paste used in the process of making fish balls is flattened into a thin layer. The core of the wanton is a mash of minced pork wrapped up with the flattened fish paste and simmered in the same way the fishballs are. The result is a slightly translucent wanton with the taste of pork and fishpaste all into one.

Compressing it with the tongue will cause the pork centre to slip out of the fishpaste wrapping leaving a slimy feel on the tongue which is quickly replaced by a soul seizing flavour. Yum.

So far so good and plenty of good comments about the fish ball noodles for the many people that I've brought here. Remember to go before noon because that's when they all sell out.

The best way to get there is through the Loke Yew roundabout. Driving into Jalan Gelang. Take the slip road in between Jalan Yew and Jalan Loke Yew, take the turing into Jalan Gelang about 50 metres down the road. You'll be able to see the side of the shop on your left before approaching the side gate of SMK Dato' Onn. It's hard to miss with all the amount of people in the place.

Now go eat!

          

I was hoping to test out their new Zero Tolerance Anti Blemish Line (since I'm still breaking out especially on a stretch of sleepless nights) but the consultants insisted I get my skin profile done first.

I explained I'm already on their infamous 3 step cleaning program for type 3 skin; but since skin can change over time, it's about time to get my profile reviewed again.

I'm still the fair type (doesn't get dark easy) with a typical oily T-zone prone to breakouts when I lack sleep, water or am under a terrible dose of stress. Well, they recommended me all of the above, some of which I have been using for years especially the moisture surge eye gels, the "take the day off" make up remover and "super denfense for oily skin with SPF25" that I put on every day and night after cleansing, toning and moisturizing... I have a magmanimous fear of developing wrinkles. *squint*

The other thing I adore about Clinique is how simple and fast it is to get to all done up. Salina (my consultant for the day) did a great job at the complimentary touch up; giving me a natural look with the new blossom range and their blush brushes! She also recommended Strawberry Fudge duo eyeshadow (since I'm not too fond of carrying around single-pack coloured eyeshadows) to mimic the look.

You can see the results of the makeover when I was camwhoring with Thomas here. ^_^V

I bought me the "Pore Minimizing Clay Mask" which is after careful calculation very worth my RM105.00 because I only use it every 3-4 days only around my cheeks, nose and forehead especially after a round of black head removal and it's great for drying up breakouts! I got myself my mattifying powder and also their hydrating spray which holds and sets makeup so darn well!

Cause of this event as well, I'm paying more attention (not that I already haven't) to my skin. Personal note to go back within these 3 months to hopefully try something new again

          

Lydia: What do you want to eat tonight?

April: I dunno. I've been having so much good food, I have no idea what to eat.

I had so much food, not only can I feel the muffin spillover effect around my pants, but I felt the cosmic collision of flavours in the organ embedded beyond my solar plexus.

We chanced upon Dain Ti Hill, nestled in the corner of the top shopping floor in Pavillion. We dumped the initial plan to have Thai, Korean, Turkish or whatever there was to celebrate a moment here:

The place looked like a Chinese restaurant that fettered with a Shanghai night club. The Neon Blues coming together with the Reds to orchestrate a  play of violet and gold illuminations thoughout the place.(Though this made it hard for me to take pics without a filter!)

When asking the friendly waiter what did they serve, we had a choice of Chinese/Japanese Fusion food. Interesting. We really do have enough of those Taiwanese fusion or Hong Kong fusion dines in K.L. and this restaurant after all is the first branch they've opened in M'sia from Taipei itself.

A salad of nuts, chunked up grape fruits and salad. It's something that tastes really fresh, with a mild zesty taste. Instead of expecting a sourish taste to the mix, there was a surprising bitterness possibly because of the grapefruit.

A sweet mustard cream sauce with cashews, peppers and deep fried chicken. If you like something like your usual sweet and sour dish with mustard notes towards the end of the taste, I recommend this

"Wong Kum Tau Foo" echoed Mr. captain as we ordered this dish. You've got your usual white tofu here. Braised with alot of Salted Egg Yolk. Gets abit gooey and filling the more you eat it. Two or Three ladles of this scooped on your dish is enough.

This topped the cake (although it ain't cake). The sauteed Imperial Beef in Imperial Sauce. It was sooo tender....not melt in your mouth tender but chewy tender. Caramelised Onions, lightly peppered on the top. The taste is well..imperial. A great 7.5 stars out of 10 beef dish.

Inclusive of a drink and rice the bill came up to about MYR90.00 a pretty decent price for a Chinese Style dinner. I'd like to go back and try the Emperor Rolls the have a full page on! Definitely going to let daddy know, he'd love the beef!

Off then to have hot chocolate and another slice of birthday cake, (Which I didn't blow candles off... I swear mom...honest) while waiting for Mei Ai's call. Didn't think she could make it with the heavy rain and her choir performance and all.

And here is a picture of me and Lydia. We've been celebrating every birthday together since we were 18! Hsu Pheen and Melissa must be really missing us now... but thanks very much to Lissa for this post on me

          

Situated somewhere next to Hang Ten in the new Wing, this place made me and the M.U.A. feel like little girls being whisked away to a princess themed garden party in some continental country.

M.U.A. and I loved the pretty, country colours and taken away by the charm of flowers and vines all over the place (although faux), english and Victorian Settings everything down to the tiled floors!

I just loved the white washed baby grand for personal reasons. Not musical and rather personal... hee!~

The sprawls of this side cafe also displays the many pretty items for sale, A cherub perched fountain and dessert displays!

Tea Time Desserts!

M.U.A. and I have made notes to come back for tea time dessert buffet here already ^-^

Garden: Ice Lemon Tea

Getting on with the food, both me and the mua went for the Set Lunch. I got me a Dory Fish and she got herself the Carbonara. Our set came with refreshing glasses Ice Lemon Tea and Iced Coffee. Somehow we felt that we should have gone for their special syrups mixed with Soda in a jug. And we got ourselves a choice of Watercress and Mushroom cream based soups.

The dory fish was flavourful by itself, sitting on a valley of finely textured and lightly salted mashed potatoes. Most interesting in taste was it's cream sauce that came with it. A Sweet rich sauce with a delicate hint of ginger. I'm a big fan of ginger so the sweetness did not bother me I loved the ginger taste. Yet the sweetness of the sauce was something very subjective. The dory is perfect all by itself imho and the manager promised me on my next visit, he'd put the sauce aside for me.

The carbonara had a very thick sauce texture to it. Fans of thick cream carbonara sauces this is the carbonara for you. Unfortunately the only pasta they had was spaghetti.

We settled the meal with a pretty decent slice of dessert. I did favor the cake because of the mild hazlenut essence in it.

The staff were oh so polite and courteous, M.U.A. had to tip em! We're prolly going to come back for the desserts. The tarts look yum! Lol.

          

Check out my latest cash-in! The Razer Pro v1.6 Gaming mouse!!!

This 1600 dpi beast now sits on my desk glowing in a cool neon blue.

An incredibly ergonomic mouse with rocker buttons, on the fly sensitivity, programmable sensitivity, speed, scrolling and buttons with no tracking errors or lags! And it's left-hander friendly! Wished it provided a smooth scroll tho :S

The rocker buttons are abit too far back to reach with the thumb but that's ok, cause performance wise, this mouse lives up to it's price!

          

Having grown up into an adventure seeker like his father, Alex O'Connell discovers and through a series of backstabbing Hi-jinx, awakens the powerful, 5-element controlling, shape-shifting (go figure based on the title), kick-ass, backstabbing, power obsessed, clay warrior raising, (takes deep breath) Emperor Shih Huang Ti (though it is not mentioned that it was him as far as I recall)

Jet Li fans, you won't see much of his kung fu action here. Rachel Weisz fans (like me) will be a little disappointed there is not much chemistry between Rick and Evelyn O' Connell as there used to be.

Michelle Yeoh does pretty okay for a 2,000 year old sorceress (she really could have done better) and her daughter is a very looking Lin, played by 19-year old sweet looking, hottie Isabella Leong.

Oh I did love all the subtle English jokes though there were less quips comparatively to the previous versions of "The Mummy".To mind overpowered by the forces of logic and rationale however, the conversation switches between Mandarin and English would be something to joke about.

Who did I find the real hero of the show? The Yeti's! (WARNING SPOILER!!! HIGHLIGHT OVER TO READ: These creatures were the beasts that brought Michelle Yeoh to a pool of eternal life to give her immortality, saved the cast from a avalanche and also trashed the soldiers without much use of guns)

I give it to them for their costumes though. I absolutely loved the designs, the cuts and the accessories adorning the cast. From the oriental inspired silk material....

....right down to Alex O'Connell's cool aviator shades (the only part of the show where he was drool worthy)

My final take: A very Indiana Jones-y like movie offering a fusion of East meets West with the whole family backpacking along for the ride. Would love to hear YOUR take on it when it officially opens in cinemas on 1st August 2008.

*Thanks to United International Pictures for the preview