Balinese Pumpkin-Papaya Face Mask for Radiant Skin

Thanksgiving has come and gone and we had loads of pumpkin. Who would have thought that pumpkins could be beneficial beauty wise? I've actually learn about the beauty secrets of pumpkins after visiting some spas at beautiful, tropical Bali, Indonesia recently. At first I was rather baffled, pumpkin on my face? It doesn't sound too enticing, but, the results are stunning. Even my acne scars seem to have faded. It would be interesting to add that, Gwyneth Paltrow also indulges in this pumpkin face mask to keep her complexion super enviable. This pumpkin face mask will help you achieve radiant skin and it's so easy to prepare. Here are the list of ingredients needed:

Ingredients list

1) Half a can of pumpkin puree

Fresh and cooked pumpkin is chock full of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein. Whoo, sounds like a mouthful but all these goodies are great anti-oxidants for our skin. Pumpkins are fantastic for skin too because they are rich in Vitamin A or beta carotene, which is actually the basis for Retinol. As beauty junkies, we already know that Retinol is great at keeping those pesky fine lines and wrinkles at bay. It also helps us achieve radiant skintone and to protect our skin.

2) Half a papaya

Papaya is a natural for incorporating into your skin care regime. The fruit offers anti-oxidants and are rich in essential enzymes. Papaya has both preventative and restorative properties when used in skin care. Papaya’s powerful fruit enzymes are know to aid and accelerate healing in skin disorders such as acne. In addition, the fruit enzymes are a gently exfoliation to the skin.Papaya is rich in anti-oxidants and the papain enzymes Papaya has both preventative and restorative properties when used in skin care. Papaya’s powerful fruit enzymes are known to aid and accelerate healing in skin disorders such as acne. In addition, the fruit enzymes make a good exfoliating enzyme. It's loaded in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, two very essential anti-oxidants for keeping our skin beautiful and healthy

Directions

1) Cut the papaya in half and discard the seeds. Mash it real well and scoop all the pulp into a cup

2) Add the canned pumpkin into the mash papayas and mix them well. If you want a smooth

paste, blend the ingredients together

3) Apply the mask to your cleansed face, avoid the eye area if you're prone to sensitive eyes.

[Note: You may experience some slight tingling on the skin if you have sensitive skin. It's caused by the enzymes from the pumpkin]

4) Let the mask on for about 20 minutes for your skin to absorb the goodness

5) Rinse off mask with warm water, pat dry and moisturize to seal in moisture.

6) Voila, now you have really radiant skin as the enzymes from the ingredients help to slough off dry, dull dead skin cells. For best results, try this face mask about 2 to 3 times a week.

[Note: For those with very sensitive skin, try a patch test by putting the mask behind your ears. If no negative reaction, go ahead and try out this face mask]

I really, really love this face mask and so far, I've seen the best results with this pumpkin-papaya face mask. My acne scars have visibly diminished and I so love my radiant skin. Seriously, try this face mask out, it's really awesome. Once you budget beauty mommies have tried it out, let me know the results. I bet you would all be loving it too!

#budgetbeautymommy

Avoiding Adult Acne

Acne, pimples, zit - those things that should not be mentioned! Time and again, this topic is repeated over and over again, and it's really getting boring. But, I know, for some of us out there, we still get acne even well past our adolescences.

It's actually a big issue and I know that first hand. I had my bout of adult acne exactly 1 year ago and it's really a N-I-G-H-T-M-A-R-E. You can not imagine the amount of stress, tears and pain I've gone through. Thinking about it makes my skin creep and I do admit, I'm really quite paranoid about getting acne. Sometimes, any unsightly bumps under the skin makes my heart sink just a little.

Anyway, acne is really cruel but fear not, if you're more attentive to your diet, habits and skincare routine, it can be contained. Over time, acne would be nothing but history. I've compiled some tips to incorporate in your daily skincare routine and habits. Here are some tips for you to follow to beat adult acne at its own heartless game:

Tip #1: Always use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup

Learn to read your labels and check out the ingredients of your products. If one of its top 5 ingredients are pore-clogging, discontinue use immediately; no matter how much you like that product - that is if you're really prone to blemishes. The top 5 ingredients are usually present with the most amount in the product. However, any pore-clogging ingredients around the end of the list of ingredients are present in minute amounts, mostly negligible.

For example, Cetaphil is a good brand that is non comedogenic which many dematologists recommend.

Also remember, even your hair products could actually cause acne. Also, do check out the ingredients in your sunscreen and just about anything that you use on your face. When you're having a breakout, try to reduce as many products you use on your face as possible to avoid any reactions between products. Keep to a minimal and simple skincare routine.

Your acne could probably be the cause of a skin reaction/allergy to certain ingredients in your product. It may be an allergy to Vitamin E (as a few of my budget beauty mommies have an allergy to) or just about anything.

Do you wear makeup when you hit the gym? Well, if you do, you're upping your chances for clogged pores, especially when you're doing heavy exercises and sweating alot. Therefore, when hitting the gym try to use as little makeup or none at all

Tip #2: Hands-off Policy
When I have acne, I know I have a really bad habit of always touching my acne to 'check out' how it's doing. Hands can carry alot of bacteria as we always are in contact with something. Remember, limit any touching as much as possible to stop transferring bacteria to your face. These bacteria will make the inflammed areas worse.

Try not to rest your face on your hands, you may be transferring bacteria unknowingly. Also, wipe the surface of your mobile after use. Sometimes, you will find that your acne is flourishing in areas that are in contact most with your hands or your mobile, or even your hair. Just gotta take note of how your acne patterns are like and you can learn from them.

Another popular tip which is just as popular to break - do not squeeze or pick at your acne. You're most definitely transferring more bacteria deeper down your skin. That's very bad news as there will be more inflammation and possibly even scarring. I'm really obsessive about picking and squeezing and I've learnt my lesson well. Those acne that I squeeze almost always take much longer time to heal than those left alone

Tip #3: Don't let sweat stick around for long
Rinse off as soon as possible after a heavy work out. Physical activity heats up the body, causing perspiration to mix with surface skin oils. Together, they trap substances in your pores. If you cannot afford a quick rinse, then towel off the sweat and change into fresh clothes as quickly as possible. Sweaty, tight-fitting clothes are even worse. They usually result in bacne or other acne on your body parts.

If possible, you should avoid wearing tight headbands or hats that rub against your skin. If you wear a helmet or any other safety gear with straps, be sure to wash the straps frequently to reduce bacteria.

Tip #4: Don't overwash your face or use harsh scrubs
A common myth that acne is caused by bad hygiene should be booted out immediately. Acne is not caused by a dirty face. Therefore, vigorous face washing doesn't help and instead will cause more trouble. When you overwash your face, you're stripping off natural oils from the skin and this forces your skin to produce excessive oil and sebum which will increase your chances of clogged pores.

Instead, stick to a simple skincare routine of washing with lukewarm water with a mild cleanser that targets blemished skin, and then a light toner for blemished skin and follow up with a mild non-oil based moisturizer. Also, pat dry face instead of rubbing your face dry. You wouldn't want to provoke those inflammations further. Gentle is the key

Skip the exfoliants and other face scrubs till your inflammation has subsided. Your skin is volatile and inflammed, you do not need to provoke it further. It may prolong and increase your inflammations. Just stick to a normal skincare routine and it's suffix

Tip #5: Don't stress out
I find this a major blasphemy. How could you not freak out and be stressed over your blemishes? It's really difficult but it's true. I always find that when I'm stressed out about something, I always end up with 1 or 2 new blemishes. When I had my bout of adult acne, I was constantly near tears and it really didn't help.

Whenever some acne has cleared, new ones seem to come out from nowhere. Finally, I got really fed up and just threw in the towel and didn't bother about them, they actually did lessen and improved. However, I was still faithful to my skincare routine. So, it's proven, stress does make things worse

For me, I try to exercise the stress away or I listen to music as often as I can. A good meditation helps clear out bad negative energy in you too. A good session with close friends really helps to melt the stress away. If not, get a good massage, indulge in a bubble bath and then have a good night's sleep. Sleeping well really, really helps to rejuvenate the skin and aids in skin cells turnover.

Here are some good tips to beat the blues which really works for me

These tips sound simple but they actually do make a difference to your acne's condition. Try to incorporate these healthy habits little by little and you will see the difference.

Try to adopt these acne tips and wait for about a month or two (yes, it takes time) to see results. If your acne gets worse or doesn't show any signs of improvement, seek professional help.

Acne is no laughing matter and it's not a matter of whether you are vain or not. It really does affect your very well-being and can really lead to depression if left untreated. So, don't take it lightly or try to brush off the matter. Also, learn to love whatever skin condition you're in. When you give some TLC to your skin, it works better than hating and loathing your skin.

Good luck budget beauty mommies and banish those blemishes away!

#budgetbeautymommy

Essential Oil Tip: Oregano oil to beat seasonal flu bug

It's almost the end of the year. It also means the onset of the dreaded seasonal flu bug.

Lately, everyone that I know is battling some seasonal flu buy or is recovering from one. Me too, I'm feeling slightly under the weather and I'm getting the bodily aches. I'm not completely immobile as it's not full blown yet. But I can feel my breath is getting hotter and feeling heat from within. Throat is getting scratchy and nose is getting all blocked up. All symptoms are rearing their ugly heads.

The biggest tip I can give is 'Prevention is better than cure'. Luckily for me, I've not developed a full blown seasonal flu neither am I immobile. I'm still functioning.

So here's how I nipped my seasonal flu in the bud before it could wreak havoc on me.

I add 1 drop of Doterra Oregano Oil into 5 fluid oz of water. Mix it and drink it all down. One drop is very potent, don't be adventurous and add 2 drops, it burns. If you find that even with one drop it is still too strong for you, add some virgin coconut oil in the water and it minimizes the burn from the oregano oil.

That's it. Drink that everyday once a day in the morning till symptoms are gone. It works almost miraculously; sore throat is more manageable on the first dose, nose is not so blocked anymore and I'm still standing strong :)

If you really don't want to drink it, apply it to the soles of your feet every night before you sleep, it helps to boost your immune system and keep those nasty flu bugs at bay.

The beauty is it works almost immediately, it's 100% natural and even kids can drink it too.

Try it and protect your family and yourself from the seasonal flu this year.

Let me know if it works like a charm for you too.

#budgetbeautymommy

Just add 1 drop of Doterra Oregano oil into 5 fl. oz of water and drink to beat the seasonal flu bug

Parenting Tip: Matured looking kids subjected to higher expectations?

There's something I've picked up recently. It seems that kids who are taller or who look more matured than their actual age have a disadvantage. Shocking ain't it, as you always imagine that bigger kids are bullies, but in reality it's not always so.

You see, because the kids are bigger than their actual age, you expect them to behave in a more mature way because we forget how young they actually are. Don't be fooled by their size 😉

So, these 'bigger' kids are subjected to higher expectations to behave more maturely or to achieve more. I would say it's normally the adults who exert higher expectations on the physically more mature looking kids. This is so because we have preconceived notions of how kids should behave according to their age. But there is no one size fits all for kids, each kid is unique and different and matures differently.

So let's just be more mindful to allow kids the freedom to express themselves at their own pace, but of course with guidance from adults. We should be their support and not a hindrance to their natural growth in all aspects.

#budgetbeautymommy

Parenting Tip: Try Love and Kindness when a child misbehaves

Sometimes our little darlings misbehave. It's ok, just breathe, we can't expect our little darlings to be perfect angels all the time 😉 But when it's prolonged misbehaviour, it could be a deeper root to the problem.

Continuous bad behaviour could be a cry for help. First, I would determine it's not due to outside factors i.e. bullying or assault from others.

Once outside factors are eliminated, at least we know that our little darling is safe. Talking is always a good start. Be a friend that they can confide with. Cuddle up over a cup of hot chocolate and just have a conversation with your little darling. Your little darling will open up easily and won't be stressed out.

Scolding an already upset child will only make it worse. Believe it or not, our little darlings feel guilty when they misbehave most of the time, so it's unfair to make them feel worse by scolding them further. At the end of the day, love is always the best answer. When your little darling feels loved, they are motivated to be at their best.

Try kindness and love and see your little darling blossom before your eyes.

#budgetbeautymommy

Best Snail Extract Gel Mask: Celebrity Snail Extract Moisturizing Gel Mask

My very recent skincare routine includes face masks and snails. I've finally succumbed to the snail trend, which honestly is so yesterday, but I have to say it's really one of the most amazing skincare discovery since Retinol.

Recently, I've been totally addicted to face masks especially the Korean made ones. Being a budget beauty mommy, my criteria for a good face mask is convenience and effectiveness.

My current top choice is Celebrity Snail Extract Moisturising Gel Mask.

This mask is so amazing in so many ways. First of all, the snail extract is in the top 3 ingredients list so it has a high content of the goodness. It comes in a gel mask so it is so comfortable and it hugs the face snugly and doesn't dry up like normal sheet ones. You can even sleep through the night with it without it drying and hardening on your face. Korean masks also has the perk of being smaller sized than other masks so they don't mess up your hairline. In short, putting the mask on is not such a hideous affair.

Now, the results of this mask is just so wonderful. It helps repair and lighten hyperpigmentation such as acne scars very rapidly. You can see results almost immediately, the scars are lightened in just one application Also it leaves my skin super supple and moisturised. It does live up to its claims and I'm sold! I'm currently on my third box.

If you want immediate results, do use the mask everyday. It can be quite pricey and time consuming to put it on everyday. So you can actually use the remainder of the essence in the packet the next day and use the mask on alternate days. The results are just as good and it helps without taxing your purse too much.

Budget beauty mommies, you have to give this a try and see for yourself. Let me know if you love it or not. Can't wait to hear your verdict.

#budgetbeautymommy

Creamy beef fillet recipe

Another new creation for my roast dinner. It's so colourful, nutrient dense and delicious.

I've roasted potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes, pumpkin and red peppers in the oven. I've blanched carrots and stir fried bok choy with onions.

For the meat, I've created a beef fillet with onions, button mushrooms, cooking cream and bacon bits with a pinch of cumin powder, salt, pepper, honey, dried rosemary and dried oregano. It's so tasty.

You can try it out too.

#budgetbeautymommy

Best nude tinted lip balm - Bellaoggi Tentazione

When it comes to makeup, I have a weakness for lipgloss and all things lippie.

Recently, I've stumbled upon Italian brand Bellaoggi's Tentazione tinted lip balm with glossy effect. I opted for 08 Desert Rose which is a nude colour out of its very pretty 7 shades.

I can't stop gushing, but this is one of the prettiest nude colours I've found so far. It leaves a subtle hint of colour on my lips and keeps it super smooth and soft looking. It looks so natural and so beautiful.

It's a tinted lip balm so it doesn't last long at all. I will recommend topping up after eating. Apart from that, it's very easy to apply as it comes in the shape of a chunky crayon and it glides on smoothly.

If you love tinted lip balms, you've got to try this out the colours are really pretty. Seriously, when it comes to getting the colours right, you can always count on the Italians.

#budgetbeautymommy

Healthy and easy breakfast that kids love

Breakfast for champs! This is how we roll for breakfast.

It's the most important meal of the day to regulate and set the right pace for our metabolism and to nourish our little darlings especially on the first meal of the day.

Plus, most of all it's delicious and breakfast tastes better when it's more fun. So easy to prepare too.

To top it off, I add 2-3 drops of Doterra's Wild Orange in the water for a beautiful flavour and wild orange is great for waking up tiredness and sluggishness.

What is your breakfast like? Share your pics with me!

 #budgetbeautymommy 

Best essential oil to overcome sluggish mornings

Doterra Wild Orange essential oil is a great way to beat morning sluggishness. Just add 1-2 drops in water and drink. Great flavour too and perfect for those who find water too bland.

Doterra Wild Orange Essential Oil to beat morning sluggishness

#budgetbeautymommy

Best Shampoo for Coloured Hair

If you're feeling down, just get some colour to your hair for a quick pick-me-up. 

Worried that too much colouring will damage hair? 

Then try this amazing BStyle Expertia Radiant Colour Shampoo with Keratin and Grape Seed Anti Oxidants from Greece. The shampoo smells heavenly and it leaves my hair tangle free, smooth and silky.

 I don't even need to use conditioner!

#budgetbeautymommy

Acne Cure with Strawberries

Guess what season is it now? It's strawberry season everybody. I love strawberries and all budget beauty mommies out there, that means you, should know that strawberries or any berries are very very essential to your beauty. I love everything about strawberries and any beauty products with strawberry. Yes, I'm absolutely, utterly crazily mad about strawberries!!

So, what's so spectacular about strawberries?

Strawberries can be used for conditioning and toning the skin. They are rich in salicylic acid an ingredient found in many commercial acne creams and thus are the best treatment for acne-prone skin. 

How to use strawberries? 

Mix 1/2-cup fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of yogurt for a weekly facial mask. If you're enjoying some strawberries, just simply cut the strawberry into half and rub it all over your face gently. Your skin feels rejuvenated and toned after that. It even helps with cystic acne. 

Other strawberry goodness - Eating fresh strawberries will also help whiten your teeth and keep your breath fresh. Just rub the strawberry over your teeth and your teeth will be visibly whiter after that. Trust me, give it a try! Plus, strawberries just taste so good and smell heavenly. 

#budgetbeautymommy

How taste and smell can trigger memories - Rosemary Essential Oil

Sometimes all you need is some comfort food.

The smell of sesame oil added to hot porridge with pepper as seasoning really brings me back to childhood days. Studies have shown that our sense of smell and taste can evoke our memory. This is evidently so especially when you're living abroad and the fondest memory we usually have back home is of our mom's cooking.

As you may already know, I'm a huge essential oil advocate. Not just any essential oil but only Certified Pure and Therapeutic Grade(CPTG) essential oil like Doterra's. Speaking about memory, it's interesting to note that smelling Rosemary essential oil is proven to increase memory by 75%! Studies have been done to prove this and came with the conclusion. Wow!

Rosemary has long been linked to memory, with the most famous literacy reference found in Hamlet when Ophelia declares:'There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance: pray, love, remember.'

What is your favourite smell or taste that brings back your childhood memories?

#budgetbeautymommy

Homemade pumpkin porridge

Pumpkin porridge ingredients: napa cabbage, winter melon, pumpkin, 2 1/2 cups rice

Rosemary Essential Oil for memory

Gluten Free Recipes: Homemade Japanese Salmon Fish Head Miso Stew Recipe

Tonight, I've cooked up a storm again after my meal prepping yesterday. I've made a big pot of Japanese Miso Salmon Fish Head Stew and another huge pot of bolognese sauce from scratch - all for the very first time! And they are both gluten free. Get more ideas for Gluten Free Recipes

Making the Japanese miso salmon fish head stew reminded me of my Dad. He loves eating fish head and he's passed that passion on to me. It's a pity I've never gotten to make this stew for him, though. It's funny watching him eat fish head, as he totally annihilates the entire fish head with ease like in cartoons, with just the bones remaining. He used to tell me when I was a kid, that the best parts of a fish are the head, skin, fins and tail. I'm convinced my dad was a bear in his previous life! They seem to share the same preference. I'm not kidding ☺️

I've left the two big pots on the stove after finished cooking as I was quite lazy to transfer them into containers. Out of the blue, at about 2 something in the morning, I've just decided to transfer my salmon fish head stew into containers. Just as I was wrapping up, I smelled something burning. I thought I left the stove on but it smelled like burning plastic and it's strong. I realized that one of my adaptors in my store room was burning up in the middle of the night! 

My late dad must have blessed me and my family because had I fallen asleep, there could easily be a short circuit and a fire while we are fast asleep.

Sometimes, things happen for a reason such as tonight, my strange behaviour transferring stew in the middle of the night. I'm grateful that my family and I have avoided a possible tragedy at home 🙏 

Anyway, if you're wondering, my salmon fish head stew tastes naturally sweet and comforting. My bolognese sauce looks and tastes amazing. I'm a happy budget beauty mommy. I feel like I've won the jackpot tonight 😄

#budgetbeautymommy,

Ingrediets for my salmon fish head stew: 1 white radish, 5 fresh shitake mushrooms. 1 packet enoki mushrooms, 1/2 large carrots, 1 packet soft tofu cubed, 3 pieces of dried wakame(seaweed), homemade vegetable broth as soup base, 3 tablespoons of miso, 1 large salmon fish head or 2 medium sized salmon fish head halved

I'm not the 'ideal beauty'

Im going to be honest and confess that I'm not your ideal 'beauty'. 

This is because I don't hit the 'standards of beauty'. I don't have a small face with a sharp chin that's all the rage recently. My face is large and broad. I have been called sepet all my life because of my tiny squinty eyes. Sepet is a slang for small slanty eyes.  Plus, I'm a mono lid. I'm not blessed with double eyelids which are considered beautiful. My nose is too bulbous, skin too tanned, not voluptuous enough with a boyish figure. I've also been called a stick insect as I'm quite small framed. 

Growing up, there was a particular Aunty who liked to refer to me by the nickname she gave me because of my tiny eyes. It embarrassed me and made me uncomfortable though I never told her so. But I think the disdain for my tiny eyes was sealed forever in my heart when somebody wrote in my autograph book to not smile or my eyes will close. I was only 9. 

Needless to say, just like most Asian girls growing up, I've considered going for plastic surgery to correct my monolids. I've always wished I was born pan-Asian to have more westernised features. I grew up watching Beverly Hills 90210 and I idolised the western standard of beauty as that's what I grew up with. 

I guess all these name calling and unrealistic standards of beauty dished out through the media, they were very unhealthy for my self esteem and I have a poor body image as I was growing up. Made me very envious of others who are blessed naturally or those who are blessed with good surgeons. 

Luckily, I've outgrown my insecurities as I get to discover myself better and learn to love and accept myself better. It doesn't really matter if I'm not an 'ideal beauty' because what matters is I'm comfortable in my own skin and accept myself and love myself as I am. What matters is my family and friends love me for who I am and not for how I look. (That said, I'm all for plastic surgery for tweaking if it makes you feel better about yourself) When you accept yourself, you look after yourself better. Your inner peace and beauty radiates out of you. It's like the reason why you are hopelessly drawn to certain individuals but you have no idea why. 

Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own ways. So, spare a thought before you tease someone, even jokingly, about their looks. A harmless tease from you could be detrimental to another person's self esteem without us knowing. Instead, why don't we all start to get to know someone better instead of judging them by their looks? 

So, shall we pay it forward and compliment someone today to make their day? Like and share if you agree with me! 

#budgetbeautymommy

10 foods you eat to prevent acne

As promised, here are yummy foods to cure acne from the inside. Didn't I tell you, curing acne could be fun and indulgent too?

Here is a list of foods to beat acne at its own game:

1) Organic Green Tea - Green tea is rich in an anti-inflammatory chemical called catechins, which helps to combat free radicals and prevent fine lines.

2) Olive Oil good mono-unsaturated fats like olive or sesame oil contain essential fatty acids that are needed for good health. Fats are an integral part of cell membranes and will help to nourish the skin and give it an inner glow.

3) Walnuts - They are rich in omega-3 oils, another powerful antioxidant that helps to keep the skin plump and flexible. Omega-3 oils are also found in oily fish such as salmon, or in flaxseed oil.

4) Berries Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries are all rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin cells. You can't get the same results though, from frozen or preserved fruit.

5) Lemon Juice - It's a natural bleach and can be used to fade sunspots and freckles. Put a slice of lemon over the spot and leave it for 10 minutes everyday for a week, or exfoliate by rubbing a cut lemon and half a teaspoon of granulated sugar over the skin for a few minutes. Be careful not to get any lemon in your eyes and stop immediately if you get a bad reaction as some people have extremely sensitive skin.

6) Watermelon Some people believe that rubbing their faces with the rind of a watermelon will give them beautiful skin.There is plenty of truth to this, as the pulp of the fruit is a good exfoliant and watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B and C. The fruit contains a lot of water which serves to hydrate the skin and the gentle massaging action will stimulate lymphatic drainage.

7) Low-Fat Dairy Products - One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A. One of the best places to get it is low-fat dairy products. In fact, experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A.

8) Whole-Wheat Bread, Eggs and Brazil Nuts - Dietary Selenium comes from nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. Brazil nuts are the richest ordinary dietary source. The mineral selenium connects all these foods for healthy skin. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

9) Yogurt - Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid. Apply yogurt on the face every morning as a quick nourishing facial mask. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.

10) Apples - Apples contain lots of pectin and it's the enemy of the acne. Rejoice!! Remember to eat the skin too as pectin is mostly concentrated there. If you eat without the skin, it would not be as effective. Eat the skin as dietary fibre too

Best essential oil kit for your family

I have my lovely friend over for a lunch date recently. She's a fabulous mom with 3 young kids from ages 6 months to 2 year old. She brought along her very adorable youngest, and he's such a champ. I spoiled him with loads of toys and books. Notice that we are all wearing blue? Great minds think alike as it wasn't planned.

She wanted a box of my Doterra Family Physician's Kit for her kids. While her littlest darling was over at mine, I've rubbed some Breathe on his feet n on his chest because he has a cough and a cold. He was absolutely loving it and he was cooing and babbling his outrageously cute baby talk while I massaged him on his feet and chest. 

That night, my lovely friend rubbed Lavender oil on the feet of all her three darlings before bedtime and added a drop on their pillows to help them have restful sleep. She also rubbed Breathe on her second and youngest little darlings' chests because they both have trouble breathing properly while sleeping at night. She excitedly told me that all three babies fell asleep so quickly after the oils. They even fell asleep before her husband came home from work. Normally she said she would have fallen asleep and her three darlings are still awake! My friend is such a natural with essential oils. She's also diffusing lavender in the bedroom for improved sleep. 

It just warms my heart knowing that these essential oils are helping the little darlings. Well rested kids make really good darlings the next day, don't we budget beauty mommies know this parenting tip by now 😉

The beauty about this family physician kit is that it comes with 10 different essential oils and each oil has its own benefits and usage. It's perfect for family with kids as each kid has different health needs and we have 10 different essential oils to address different needs. This family physician's kit I would say is quite complete. I absolutely must have this kit at home and I bring them when I go travelling too. 

My dream is for all budget beauty mommies to eventually replace their medicine cabinet from synthetic drugs with certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils. Because we only want the best for our kids and family. 

Pm me for more details.

#budgetbeautymommy 

Clary Sage Essential Oil: Love at First Whiff

Today is the 18th August, a rare lunar eclipse of the Aquarius. It's supposed to bring a huge energy shift within us. 

Well, it's almost 9pm now and I'm feeling happy and relaxed. Or could it be I've had a shower and put on the amazing Clary Sage essential oil from Doterra. I've started using it one week ago and this essential oil is amazing. The first time I took a whiff of it, it knocked me hard. I felt like a happy Rastafarian. No joke. You won't believe it but it feels like tension has rolled off my face and shoulders. 

Well, it's not that surprising as Clary Sage is popular for its anti depressant and relaxing properties. It's also highly effective in regulating our hormones. It's love at first whiff for me. I'm on cloud nine and still loving it everyday.

Budget beauty mommies, this is a must have in every home. You've got to have it. Try it and you'll know why.

#budgetbeautymommy

Restaurant Review for Best Steamed Fish Head

In the spirit of #keepingheritagealive, I would like to do a restaurant review. This is a very special family-run restaurant serving the best steamed fish head and authentic Heng Hwa cuisine. It's called Hoi Kee Heng Hwa restaurant. 

It used to be a small rustic shack with no air conditioning situated in Brickfields. Due to development, this gem of a restaurant had to relocate and we were devastated as we can't locate it after it was demolished. By sheer chance, after many years later, we found it and it has moved to Taman Desa and its fully air conditioned now. A far cry from its humble origins. 

We have been going to this restaurant for decades with my family and the food still tastes just as good today. We were just there last weekend and the chef remembered me and my late daddy. Had a little chat with him. 

Despite its new sleek look, it still retained the customary red table cloth, hot Chinese tea with a small basin to wash your cups and utensils. A hallmark feature in traditional Chinese restaurants. 

We ordered the signature steamed fish head with minced ginger, oyster omelette, stir fried sweet potato leaf and honey ribs served with white rice. These dishes have been our staple and we never ever got tired of them. 

This restaurant is perfect for family meals and it is children friendly. On Sundays, it's nice to see families dining in here with grandparents and grandchildren. The owners and staff are really friendly and efficient, an added bonus. Food is served quickly and always fresh. I didn't ask, but I think there is no MSG in the food as you don't get that thirsty feeling after meals. 

Budget Beauty Mommies, I highly recommend this restaurant as it's steeped with tradition and food is so good. Prices are still so reasonable too. Dad would have been so proud that we have converted a Brit to being a fan of this restaurant too.

#budgetbeautymommy

Most long wearing lip ink from Nakeup Face Korea

Just received my Nakeup Face One Day Water Volume Lip Ink(No.4 Look at Me) from Korea.

The moisture level and lasting power of the lip tint is amazing but the colour is way too red for my style. This lip tint is really, really very long lasting and richly pigmented. I ate and drank my meals with it and it still stayed on. It's amazing. 

If you blot your lip after application, it minimises transfer on cups and on your lil darling's cheeks. 

I found the colour to be too red so I opted for a gradient lip look. 

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬