Foods for whiter teeth

We've been told to avoid red wine, black tea or coffee to get pearly whites. What if I told you, you can get whiter teeth just by eating the right foods? Try these natural foods for a megawatt smile.

1. Strawberries 

Strawberries contain malic acid that acts as an astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration. Catherine Zeta Jones is known to whiten her teeth with strawberries. 

2. Raw carrot and celery 

These skinny cruciferous vegetables increases saliva production which effectively cleans food debris from teeth. They make great snacks too while shrinking your waistline. 

3. Apples and pears

Apples and pears' crunchiness helps strengthen gums and it's high water content increases saliva production too. It also helps to disperse colonies of bad bacteria that induces bad breath and plaque on teeth. 

4. Baking soda

Try brushing your teeth with baking soda. It's slightly abrasive and helps scrub off plaque and surface stains. Rinse with salt water to keep bad bacteria in the mouth at bay. 

5. Water

Water helps dislodge food stuck in the teeth. It's good to swish your mouth with water after eating dark colored foods to reduce staining. Water also helps reduces acidity in the mouth which erodes teeth enamel which makes teeth weak. 

#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Prayer is the voice of love

Budget beauty mommies, Prayer doesn't just happen when we kneel or put our hands together and focus and expect things from God.

Thinking positive and wishing good for others is a prayer.

When you hug a friend.

That's a prayer.

When you cook something to nourish family and friends.

That's a prayer.

When we send off our near and dear ones and say, 'drive safely' or 'be safe'.

That's a prayer.

When you are helping someone in need by giving your time and energy.

You are praying.

When you forgive someone by your heart.

That is prayer.

Prayer is a vibration. A feeling. A thought. Prayer is the voice of love, friendship, genuine relationships. Prayer is an expression of your silent being.

#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Ginger Turmeric Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe

I'm currently drinking this super anti inflammation drink everyday. It's my own concoction and to my surprise it's actually quite popular when I googled it. And there seems to be many different versions of it but the key ingredients remain. 

Ingredients: 

Chopped old ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

Manuka honey for taste 

Method:

1. Boil the chopped ginger in water for 20 minutes. 

2. Pour the boiled ginger and water into a pitcher. 

3. Add one heaping teaspoon of turmeric

4. Add 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey

5. Mix and stir well. Add water to fill up pitcher. 

Bonus: 

It's so easy to prepare. We all love it and adds a nice twist to water. Great home remedy for colds and tummy aches. Also, one of the most effective ways to get your little darlings to drink more water. 

Oh, you can spice up the drink by adding in lemons or mint leaves. They are such healing ingredients too. 

#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Soap Stories Natural Shine Nail Kit Review

This is especially for budget beauty mommies who want manicured nails without having the time to maintain their nails.

This is the Natural Shine Nail Kit. It's amazing. It's so easy to use and the results are fantastic. It was s very thoughtful present by my Darling.

It comes in a beautiful zippered pouch with 4 items in it. There's the amazing 4-step natural shine nail buffer, oatmeal exfoliating soap, cuticle oil and hand & nail enriching cream. It's an entire hand and nails care set. Very impressive and smells great. Texture is light and non greasy.

Method of using:
1. Wash my hands with the oatmeal exfoliating soap

2. Start buffing with the Natural Shine Nail Buffer. Just follow the steps on the buffer.
(A) The Shape Strip: the nail file to smooth away rough edges and to create desired shape.
(B) The Smooth Strip: to remove all remaining ridges on nails. Buff it for about 2-3 seconds per nail.
(C) The Buff Strip: buff each nail for about 2-3 seconds to stimulate circulation
(D) The Shine Buff: buff for a really glossy finish. Buff each nail for 5-10 seconds or as long as you want till they are really shiny

3. Next, apply cuticle oil to seal in your cuticles and as a polish base

4. Moisturise with the hand and nail enriching cream. Smells really beautiful.

Bonus: the buffer has a lifetime guarantee, so anytime it has stopped working for you, just drop by to the nearest shop and exchange for a new one :)

Look how shiny my nails are and they last for weeks. When it starts fading, just top up with the buffer for more shine.

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬ ‪#‎beautytips‬ ‪#‎nailtips‬ ‪#‎manicure‬

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to All daddies. I have a very special big shout out to:

1. All the daddies

2. Daddies to furry kids

3. All stepdads  and significant other daddies

4. Daddies to be

5. All the LGBTQ daddies

6. All daddies who wanted kids and are still working for a miracle

7. All daddies who have crossed over

8. All father-in-laws

9. All foster daddies

10. All adopting daddies

11. All daddies who may not be in our lives for some reason

12. All single mommies and grandparents and family members who had to step forward

You are all amazing and Happy Father's Day to all of you!

Share if you agree and love your Dad!

#budgetbeautymommy, 

Cough cure without medication

I've got a cough recently. Won't go away with any cough mixtures. Don't even like them, they're either too sweet or makes me drowsy and zombified, yet they still don't work. 

So I came up with an ingenious idea by steaming my face with Doterra Breathe -Respiratory Blend and Doterra Peppermint oil. 

It works like a charm. I've steamed three times in two days and cough is gone. 

Cough Busting Combo

1.Boil a big pan of water till boiling point. Let it cool down a little so you won't be burned by the steam. 

2. Add one drop each Breathe and Peppermint oil in the pan

3. Put a towel over your head like a tent over the pan of hot water

4. Stay in there for as long as you're comfortable.

Tip:

Don't put too many drops of essential oils as they are very potent and may be too overwhelming. Remember, less is more!

Bonus:

Steaming helps open up clogged pores. Not only do you have clearer skin, you can say goodbye to your cough

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

Show your love for your family through cooking

One of the simplest ways to show you care and love for your family is through your cooking.

I'm a huge believer in nutrition and eating fresh and healthy, thanks to my mom. But eating healthy doesn't mean you skimp on taste either. Healthy food can just be as tasty, if not even more delicious than junk/commercial food.

 For dinner, I like to do a simple roast dinner with lots of veggies. I like to have at least 3-5 different veggies served during dinner. I only use organic vegetables as much as possible and only use extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.

 It takes about 30-45 mins to cook.

In fact, cooking can be quite therapeutic.

It's really a bonus when you see your family enjoying your cooking with no leftovers.

This is my roast lamb with roast potatoes, grilled tomato, boiled carrots and homemade onion marmalade with balsamic cabbage and enoki mushroom stir fry, drizzled in homemade gravy. Gluten free, dairy free and sugar free meal.

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬ ‪#‎homecooking‬ ‪#‎healthyfoodideas‬ ‪#‎glutenfree‬‪#‎dairyfree‬ ‪#‎sugarfree‬

3 Step Waist Trimmer Exercise

Which beauty feature has stood the test of time?

Do you know what Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe and todays top supermodel Giselle Bundchen have in common? It's a small waist of course! It's tried and tested for centuries. It's the ONLY single beauty aspect of women that has not changed in this ever changing world of beauty. If you look at famous Rennaisance paintings, you will always see well endowed women BUT with a small waist. If you take a look at models today, they also have a very trim and small waistline, despite the ever changing body weight issues.

My Problem area

I have a problem especially with my waistline - the first place that piles on all the extra weight. It's a real bummer and keeping your waistline trim is quite a difficult feat. Trust me, I know that very well by now.

But recently, I've found a true and tested secret that will always keep your waist trim, even if you're putting on weight! I'm dead serious about it. Ever since, my waistline has been more manageable and it really does stay trim, even if I do binge on fastfood and snacks now and then. I have a serious case of a blackhole for a stomach. It's an abyss. I can really chomp down food like there is no tomorrow. Now, that is another story. Moving back to my secret.

Now, you will be asking what is my secret? Don't you worry, I'm just as eager to share my secret with you. My best kept secret is thus revealed:

The Waist-Line Trimmer Exercise

This very simple exercise is the key to a trim waist. Nothing can get easier than this. You'll see.

Step #1

Standing with your feet about 17-18 inches apart (slightly wider than your full shoulder width), stretch one arm straight down toward the floor, right arm trying to reach right foot and the other left hand stretching towards the ceiling as far as you can, stop one second, press another inch, resume to starting position. Now, repeat this on your left side, left hand reaching for left foot and right hand reaching for the ceiling. After you have finished both sides, that is 1 set. Repeat 10 sets.

Step #2

Still standing in the same position, raise both your arms straight up over your head as far as they will go. Flex both hands at the wrists until palms are facing parallel with the ceiling. Then, slowly stretch up as far as you can, while keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor. Count 5 seconds when you're holding this stretching position. Next, try to stretch up one more inch, then relax and assume the starting position. Do this 10 times.

Step #3

Sit with your feet crossed, leaning on your left hand, elbow slightly bent. Raise your right arm straight up over your head with palm facing upward and stretch it as far as you can toward your left side, feeling the pull in your right waist. Hold for five seconds. Repeat on the other side of your body. After finishing on both right and left side, it's considered 1 set. Repeat 6 sets.

For quick instant results, do this exercise everyday for 1 month and you will be amazed. Then, to keep that new trim waistline, do this exercise every 3-4 times a week.I love the results and so will you. A small price to pay for such a trim and beautiful waistline. In as short as 30 days and no dieting at all. What more can you ask for?

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Hearty Rainbow Chicken Stew

Happy breaking fast, fellow Muslim friends! 

When we break fast, it's good to have a hearty meal that's nutritious yet easy to prepare. They say eat a rainbow to get the best nutritions.

So do try my hearty Rainbow Chicken Stew. It's gluten free and dairy free too. 

Ingredients: 

4 chicken drumsticks (free range chicken)

1 large purple sweet potato

1 white radish

2 large carrots 

1 large florelle pear

Method:

1.Marinate chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper, 2 tsps cumin powder and 1tsp turmeric powder.

2. Chop up the vegetables till bite size. 

3. Heat up the pan with olive oil and sauté gently the onions and garlic till brown in low heat.

4. Add all your vegetables in and stir fry till they start to caramelise. Add salt and pepper to taste and a dash of balsamic vinegar. 

5. When vegetables are browning, add in your chicken drumsticks and brown both sides. 

6. Transfer all vegetables and drumsticks to casserole pan and add vegetable broth. I make mine from parboiling vegetables. All natural goodness. Put your casserole pan into the oven and set on high heat 200C for 15 minutes or till broth is boiling in pan. 

7. Transfer the pan to upper rung of oven and bake for 20 minutes in medium heat. Bake till broth is reduced to about half. 

8. Serve and garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

Bonus: it's really tasty and very easy to prepare. And very little washing to do. 

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬,

My joyful blend super combo

Was feeling rather down today and just one of those days where you feel beaten. 

To combat my negativity, I added a few drops of Elevation, no I'm lying, I did a super heavy dose of Elevation essential oil dressing on myself. On top of that, one drop behind my ears, behind my neck and on my heart area. Also a quick call to Mom for advice brought me out of the blues. 

This is a super combo for beating the blues. Elevation and Mom's advice!

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬,

Life Motto of Budget Beauty Mommy

"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond to it"

This is a motto I try to live by. It really helps not only myself but the relationships around me. It's empowering and not demeaning. It comes in handy especially when you have kids.

Consider this: Your little darling broke a glass accidentally. She's looking terrified and is starting to cry out of shock.

Do you react? By scolding her and making her feel small and useless while you clean up the mess alone?

Or do you respond? By giving her an assuring smile and say, "It's ok darling, just a broken glass but luckily you're not hurt. Let's clean up the mess together."

Would you react or respond?

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬ ‪

Best Homemade Toner

Apple cider vinegar(ACV) is one of the best toners for your skin. It's astringent but it doesn't dry out your skin at all. It's amazing and so easy to prepare. It's great for combatting acne too. I've started using it about three weeks back and loving it. Definitely tames the shine on my face.

 To prepare:
1. Get a small and very clean glass bottle.
2. Add one part ACV and equal part water.
3. Shake and mix and store in the bottle.
4. It lasts for weeks when stored in dry and cool place.

 To use: Dab some ACV toner on cotton pad and tone your skin upwards. Use twice a day.

 Point to note: ACV has a strong aroma and may take some getting use to. Don't worry, after about 30 minutes, nobody can smell it on you at all, even with the sharpest scent hunter. So, don't worry about the smell. If the smell bothers you, you can add some rose water or lavender essential oil to even out the smell. Honestly, I prefer my toner to be really simple and fuss free with the best bang for the buck.

 To get the best benefit of your ACV toner, only use unpasteurized, unfiltered and organic ACV, with the 'mother'. That's where all the goodness are.

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

My homemade ACV toner

Instructions for your DIY ACV toner

Cleaning up smashed essential oils bottle is so easy with Doterra!

Sad sad day today! Broke my new bottle of balance. I'm impressed though, the bottle broke but didn't shatter, so it was an easy clean up. I would say it's children safe in case it breaks, but never again!

Love these essential oils more everyday!

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

Best time to bond with family - over Sunday brunch

Sundays make great time to hang around as a family over brunch. Why not enjoy a nice continental breakfast with some fruit with your dearest?

A tip: When you grill your tomatoes, add a small pinch of brown sugar on top of the tomatoes. They add crazy nice flavour to the grilled tomatoes!

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

Continental breakfast for brunch - cooked with love

Instant Glam with Step-by-step Falsies Guide

The one thing that can instantly glam you up is fake eyelashes or we call it falsies. They really look glamorous and so easy to put on. With falsies, you don't need mascara or even eyeliner. Only one step to instant glam. Saves you tons of time in the mornings so you can spend more time with your little darlings.

1. Buy a pair of falsies that you really like. I prefer mine slightly more dramatic so I like them slightly longer lash at the ends.

2. I don't trim my falsies because they tend to run or go out of shape easily. Also, I like the dramatic look so longer lashes the better! If you have to trim it, just snip the front ends of the falsies where they go at the inner corner of your eyes.

3. Use eyelash glue that has a wand applicator so you can control the amount of glue on your falsies. Choose black colored glue as they blend better with your natural lashline. White or transparent glue dries and they turn yellowish on your lashes. Not slightly at all!

4. Apply glue to the adhesive strip on your lashes but don't put too much glue. Wipe off excessive glue with a baby wipe. Don't use tissue as it might leave tissue bits on your falsies.

5. Place your falsies right above your lashline but as close as possible to it for a natural look. Don't stick it on your lashline as it may yank your natural lashes off when removing it.

6. Hold it in place for few seconds and voila you have glamorous peepers. Repeat on the other eye, of course.

7. To remove falsies, just pull it gently off from the inner corner of your eyes outwards. You can wipe your falsies with baby wipes to remove leftover glue. Place it back in its case to maintain its shape.

Try it, you'll love it for sure.

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

Falsies front view

Love the dramatic falsies side view

Unconditional Love Taught Through A Selfless Aunty

I was cutting up mango as dessert yesterday night. I didn't even realize that I ended up cutting all the juicy mango flesh and serving them out whilst I left the seed for myself.

 I remember being a young kid about 5 years of age, I always see my Aunty eating the seed after serving mango to us. I remember asking her why does she always eat the seed? She'll laugh and say, "the seed is the best part silly girl, my favorite!" and she continues enjoying the mango seed.

 It took me so many years to finally grow up and be an adult and mom myself now, to understand that little act of love from my Aunty. She does not enjoy eating the seed at all, she only wants to reserve the best parts for her family first. I know for sure, I don't enjoy eating the mango seed, getting the fibers stuck to my teeth, but I just do it automatically! 

It puts tears to my eyes thinking about how unassuming and loving my Aunty was, and still is. It's the little acts of love that touches the heart for decades to come, as opposed to grand gestures of love that are not half as honest. 

 Thank you Aunty and I love you for teaching me love, with your actions. 

Your silent teachings have left a deep impression in me! Please comment and share your story of unconditional love with us!

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

My dearest Aunty