Best Essential Oils to Calm Kids Down

Doterra essential oils plays a huge part in my life, from beauty, health and even cooking; but nothing is more significant than helping to curb tantrums with little darling.

Recently, I've been applying Cedarwood and Forgive from the Emotional Aromatherapy Kit. I'll rub on little darling everyday.

I'll rub cedarwood on the back of the neck and sides of neck where lymph nodes are. Then I'll let little darling inhale some of the cedarwood applied on my hands. I'll just cup it over her face a little. I'll then apply Forgive just under her nose.

Little darling absolutely loves it. She's more calm and less anxious thankfully. Its no wonder I carry it in my handbag everywhere for emergencies. 😉

If you don't have Cedarwood, another good alternative will be Vetiver. They are both very grounding and calming.

For the Emotional Aromatherapy Kit, it comes with 6 oils Peace, Passion, Motivate, Cheer, Forgive and Console. Personally my own scent is Peace. You'll find that we all have our own preference for different scents.

You can learn more about the oils further here.

#budgetbeautymommy

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

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 

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

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

It's the simple things that matters in life

This morning, my BFF sent me a picture of her breakfast in the old coffee shop in the heart of town. It's brought me very fond memories as my parents used to frequent that coffee shop in their younger days. 

A wave of sadness swept through me as I also realised that our kids and the next generations would barely know such hidden gems. I'm saddened to think that our kids would only know fast food joints and fine dining restaurants. They wouldn't experience life like eating without air Cond, sharing tables with strangers because there are not enough seats or queuing up to buy food or even waiting patiently for food to be served. They may be inconvenient but the meal brings just as much joy and satisfaction. We may grumble but we are grateful. 

I'm afraid that our kids may not be as resilient as us and may not have the capacity to enjoy the simple things in life when modern living is all about instant gratification. 

For me, it's not the end that justifies the means. But it's the journey that's worth it. 

From now onwards, I hope all budget beauty mommies will share with their little darlings their heritage and tradition so our little darlings will not forget their roots.

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Why you should live life today?

Life is so fragile. Was just talking about doing a yearly health check as breast cancer runs in my family and this morning the first thing I hear after waking up, is that my friend's wife had just passed away after a 7 months battle with cancer. 

The news really made me extremely upset and sad because she was so young and beautiful and they have a beautiful baby daughter. I have never even met her before but my heart aches for her and the family. 

Just makes me rethink how short life is and that most of us are just going through life in auto pilot and not living. 

If you're laughing everyday, crying from laughter and have love and can give love, I think that's a beautiful and fulfilled life, amongst other definitions of a good life. 

If you're a Budget Beauty Mommy, squeeze your kids tight and let them know what a miracle they are to be yours. It's ok, the mess on the floor can wait. Memories don't wait. Our kids grow up too fast. 

Tell your parents, spouse, family and friends that you love them. They may know you do, but it means the world to hear it from you. If you really, really can't say it, express it through a card or an sms. 

You have a passion or hobby or even a new job direction that you're too afraid to try, just take the plunge. You'll never know where it might just bring you. 

You've fancied a certain special person for a long time in the distance, just give them a call or chat them up face to face. You'll probably get an ego bruising but you'll never have a what if scenario anymore. 

If you're feeling lonely despite being with someone. And you've genuinely tried everything in your means to keep it together. Well, life is short, walk away. There is always someone who would love you for who you are. It's better to be alone than to be lonely with someone. When one door closes, another opens. If they're really meant to be yours, they will eventually come back to you. 

Do something nice for someone today. Be it a stranger or someone in need or a helpless animal. It doesn't really matter. Touch a life and make life more beautiful - one person at a time. Pay it forward, put a smile on someone's face today. 

Life is precious and we only get one chance at it. Make memories everyday and leave an impact in everyone's lives that you have touched. We'll never know when our time is up. 

I love you all!

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

How to be a good host for friends with babies

Being a good host to friends with a baby is not an impossible feat. Recently, we had a bbq during Sunday lunch with 6 adults and a baby and it was wonderful. Here are some tips to being a good host:

1. We choose a menu that we're familiar with. 

Bbq is our go to menu for parties as it's easy to prepare, tasty and fun. Plus the men can socialise over cocktails while grilling the meat. And women can relax with the babies. 

2. Prepare lots of toys and play mats for guest's baby to be entertained. 

We've laid down some play mats and fill it with toys and books to entertain our little baby guest. 

3. Prepare a room for mothers and babies.

We always prepare a room for mothers to nurse or change baby diapers. Or a room for babies to nap if they are tired. 

4. Set the mood to vibrant. 

Before guests arrive, I usually do a spot of spring cleaning and also diffuse my favourite Doterra Wild Orange oil in my diffuser to welcome guests. Put on some nice music and we are ready for a good time.

5. Serve food family style

We want our parties to be relaxing and family oriented and nothing is more relaxing than breaking bread together like a family. We serve all the dishes on the centre of the dining table and we all pass food around. The idea is for baby to join us on the table too. 

6. Use unconventional utensils

Let's be real, not all of us have complete matching utensils for all our guests. So be creative and serve bread on artisan wooden chopping boards, serve grilled meat on roasting pans, serve salad on glass mixing bowls etc. It adds more texture to your dining table and gives it a homely, friendly feel to your spread. 

7. Prepare utensils for babies or kids

We always have colourful plates and bowls and large colourful spoons for any kids visiting us. Sippy cups, curly straws and bibs too. At least your guest don't need to pack their own baby utensils.

Here are just some of the tips we use every time we have parties at our place especially when babies or kids are visiting too. 

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy‬

Good life lessons taught by kids

Kids are really wonderful and full of surprises. If we observe them carefully, we can really learn a lot from them. 

True account from two budget beauty mommies. A topic that can be rather icky but fascinating, nonetheless.

My BFF's 2 year old little darling chanced upon a used sanitary pad on her mommy. So she asked, "what is that pretty thing?" Bless her heart, that little darling associates everything red as beautiful. It's amazing how little darlings see beauty in even the most mundane or unimaginable things. Sadly, a trait that most of us have lost while growing up. 

Then, my little darling who was approaching adolescence, started crying when she saw mine. She exclaimed, "you're bleeding. Are you sick? Are you going to die?" Needless to say, I was very, very touched at how thoughtful and caring my little darling is. Such empathy is genuine and not diluted by cynicism, a defensive mechanism we learn in the process of growing up. If all of us truly cared and have empathy for each other like our little darlings, the world will be a much better place. 

Both little darlings have a wonderful life lesson to teach us. And, both little darlings share a similar habit of following us into the bathrooms!

Enjoy it while it lasts because our little darlings grow up way too fast. 

‪#‎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

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

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,

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