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

New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year, budget beauty mommies! I had a great start to the year with my family and friends. I've only just had a quiet day today ever since but loving every minute of catching up with family and friends.

New Year brings new year resolutions. This year, we all made our new year resolutions including little darling. New year resolutions are really difficult to keep for us adults let amid our little darlings, so we have decided to make it a monthly anniversary to check in on our resolutions. So every 30th is our monthlyversary.

New year resolutions are not meant to be a chore. So we celebrate with some homemade butter cake and this tradition will carry on. Trust me, a little bribing and kisses help :P 

 😉

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 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

Doterra Deep Blue Oil to Heal Bruises - Fast!

What's black blue and purple and don't go away? Bruises! Who likes them? 

Me and my little darling gets bruised very easily. Or we tend to just walk into table corners and add a few bruises for company. I've tried many creams, rubs, Chinese medicated oils and even diced raw onion as an overnight patch over the bruises.(read it on the internet but trust me it's messy, smelly and doesn't work)

So, I've recently started a wonderful solution to speed up the healing of bruises. I apply a few drops of Doterra Deep Blue - Soothing Blend to the bruises and rub them in gently so it won't hurt. It feels really nice after application as its slightly tingly and cooling. 

In just the second day of bruising, the bruise no longer hurts to the touch. By the third day, it's started to dissipate and turn lighter and more yellowish in colour. Our bruises are literally gone by 4th to 5th day! It's really amazing. My bruises and little darling's bruises take at least two weeks to heal completely before using Deep Blue! 

I'm one happy budget beauty mommy. Doterra essential oils are really amazing and I'm more in love with it everyday. 

Bonus: Doterra essential oils have amazing consistency and it's never oily so no sticky residue on skin. Smells wonderful too with a very calming blue scent and pretty blue colour. Doterra is very effective for pains and muscle aches

‪#‎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, 

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 ‪

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

It's Red Nose Day

It's Red Nose Day today May 26th, Budget Beauty Mommies! Do something for the kids and end childhood poverty by wearing a red nose today and donating via the link below:

donate.rednoseday.org

All Budget Beauty Mommies, do share a picture of you wearing a red nose. You can instant Red Nose Yourself here!

Have fun changing the world for the better, one red nose at a time...

‪#‎budgetbeautymommy

It's Red Nose Day today! 

Happy Teacher's Day!

Happy Teacher's Day!

A teacher is not just one who teaches and educates us in schools and in universities.

A teacher is someone who has touched your heart. A teacher is a parent, family, precious darlings, friends and enemies, animals, rich or poor, strong or weak, old or young, kind or wicked. Each living sentient being is capable of teaching us something in life.

Even those who have hurt us is teaching us a valuable life lesson.

A big thank you to all teachers. You have made me who I am today and I'm grateful!

Check more out on Budget Beauty Mommy!