There was one season when my mum’s all into preparing ‘kiao’ (wanton or chinese wet dumplings?) for breakfast. It is just minced meat wrapped in popiah skin (made of flour, I believe).

Yums!

But if you are in London craving for this ‘kiao’.. it is extremely expensive to get the materials (presumely, in Chinatown?)…

How do you then do the cheapskate budget way?

A couple of days ago, I learnt that there is something similar in the western world. It is called tortellini.

You can cook it in broth or just do it the ‘kolok’ style. It has meat wrapped in pasta ’sheets’. I think it is quite similar to wanton/kiao/dumplings. I think it affordable, simple and makes a good meal. Toss them with extra virgin olive oil, some oyster sauce (don’t forget you’re chinese, after all), soy sauce, basil and pepper. Sometimes, you can also add some colours to the dish. Long beans can do the greens while tomatoes give the vibrant redness.

Improvise your meal. Stretch the dollars!

I was kinda broke. So I decided to stretch my dollar and get more with less. My purchase of these two sets of L’élan Vital Eyeshadow Trio. I chose the brown and the purple tones.

The shades exude a class of elegance with that shimmering effect. It blends well and does not irritate the skin. I like the overall purchase altogether. What a way to save! These are decent products made in Taiwan.

If you are unsure of how to blend the shades to create a beautiful look, this is a simple guide from the website which I found helpful.

I think I am starting this ‘Stretch Your Dollar’ corner in regards to the plumetting economy. Basically, I would just spill spontaneous and random ideas how to save your money yet not compromise in daily splurges.

Today, I would like to throw a very simple idea. Learn from the expert but grab the better deals off the shelves. For example, I have been eyeing the Artistry Gentle Action Makeup Remover. It is something like lotion which you put all over your face to remove makeup. However, it is RM61.

So what did I do?

I take that idea and went to search for a cheaper option.

I got this Demaq Expert Milk-To-Toner 2 in 1 Makeup Remover! It is only RM24.90.. stretching my dollars even more.

Yes, of course I would not be getting the exact same thing, but I have to compromise some quality for the amount of money, haven’t I? This product is also cream-like but the wonderful thing about it is that it transforms into colourless toner which makes it feel worth while. Well, I think I can live with L’Oreal another day.. it is, after all, not that bad a brand.

At the end of the day, I am still one happy girl.