Are you a perfectionist?

Are you a perfectionist, budget beauty mommies?

Sometimes I tend to try so hard to be perfect. But then again, perfection is subjective too. My perfection may not be your definition of perfection. So what is perfection really?

In pursuit of perfection, the moment where you feel so suffocated because you can't admit you're failing or to reach out for help, is when you feel like your world is collapsing.

Breathe.

It is ok to seek help.

It is ok to admit that nothing is going right.

It is ok to feel lost.

It is ok to not have the answer for everything.

It is ok to take a break.

It is ok to confide your problems to others instead of just hiding behind 'I'm fine'.

Instead of trying to be perfect, celebrate that you have tried your very best today. No matter how bad your day went, as long as you have tried and done your best for the day, you're absolutely perfect!

True beauty lies in our imperfections. Celebrate you today!

#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 

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

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

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,

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 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

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

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 Mother's Day to ALL Mothers!

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

1. All the mommies
2. Mommies to furry kids
3. All stepmoms and significant other mommies
4. Expecting mommies
5. All the LGBTQ mommies
6. All mommies who wanted kids but couldnt have or are still trying
7. All mommies who have crossed over
8. All mother-in-laws
9. All foster mommies
10. All adopting mommies
11. All mommies who may not be in our lives for some reason
12. All single daddies and grandparents and family members who had to step forward

You are all amazing and Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Comment if you love your mommy.

Check more out on Budget Beauty Mommy!

How to Keep Calm During Holidays?

PEACE, it does not mean to be in a place with no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of them all but still be calm in your HEART!

Happy Labour's Day, budget beauty mommies!

Help to stay calm in your house overrun with husband and kids with Doterra's Serenity Calming Blend, today!

Check more out on Budget Beauty Mommy!

Overrun at home?

Doterra's Serenity Calming Blend