Series 2:Essential Oils: Grapefruit

Since I started off this series with lemon essential oil, I thought it fitting that I should follow up with one of its cousins: Grapefruit.

Grapefruit is a well known diuretic, that helps in fat burning and detoxing, and is even said to help prevent cancer. There have been animal studies that show that limonene helps prevent stomach, liver, colon, as well as skin cancer. This substance is found in citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and of course grapefruit. In a study by Brigham Young University, an 80.5% cell inhibition value for skin cancer cells was shown with usage of grapefruit essential oil. Purdue University also reported a 80% regression in breast cancer carcinomas with the help of limonene, and little toxicity.

Besides the above, grapefruit also contains antioxidants, ans is an excellent astringent for oily skin. It is beneficial for acne, and is used for muscle fatigue, and helps in hair growth. At home, its anti viral and anti microbial properties also make it an excellent disinfectant. Used in aromatherapy, it also helps with depression, mental fatigue, anxiety, and stress.

Yummy Grapefruit!

So How do we use it? No issue of this series would be complete without the Belle's 2 cents worth. So here goes!

- Use 2-4 drops diluted in a carrier oil and massage to relieve tired muscles

-Add 3- 4 drops into your bathwater in the bathtub. This helps relieves stiffness of joints as well as rheumatism and arthritis

-Add a drop to your water bottle or glass of water to perk up your mind and help with stomach discomfort.  But make sure the essential oil is food grade first!

-Use in aromatherapy burner/ diffuser, diluted slightly with water to wake up the mind, and uplift the spirits. (My favourite way to use it. This also helps kill airborne germs!)

-Add 5-6 drops to 100ml of water, shake well, and use as a mild disinfecting spray.

-Using a wet cotton bud, use one drop and dab onto acne areas. (Please use with caution and dilute further if you have extra sensitive skin. Better still, do a patch test first!)

As always, use with caution on the very young, and very old, and avoid using around pets, especially felines-citrus oils are known to be very toxic to them!

Please pardon this slowcoach being so slow with updates. I am, and will be travelling rather often this holiday season, so updates are slow. But I will try my best, so please be patient with me! (Will answer to comments soon, please bear with me!)

See you back here soon, my beauties!

Series 2: Essential Oils: Lemon Heaven

I love the smell of lemon. Mind you, I am talking about the real fresh lemon scent, not the artificial sugary lemon smell that you find in poor quality scents.Since it is not possible to keep lemon fresh for too long, the next best alternative would be essential oils.

Bright Yellow Lemons!

Besides being an excellent source of vitamin C goodness, lemon has been tested and proven to have an impact on a wide variety of ailments/complaints and the list is as follows:

-antiviral
-anticancer
-antioxidant
-astringent
-antidepressant
-antifungal
-antiseptic
-invigorating
-tonic
-refreshing

As usual, the Belle will list out a number of ways you can use this nifty essential oil. Here goes!

-Aromatherapy: In a burner or diffuser. The aroma purifies the air, uplifts the mood and invigorates the mind. It also helps with concentration.

-Massage: diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or sweet almond, helps with healing the affected area.

*When using lemon essential oil topically, always avoid the sun for at least 12 hours to prevent photo sensitivity.

-As a drink: 1 drop together with a tablespoon of honey, dissolved in water. This helps with intestinal issues and helps to clear toxins from the body. (Be sure the essential oil you have is food grade!) Clear system+Beautiful skin!

-Insect bites and stings: Used on insect bites and stings, it helps prevent the possibility of infection.

-Toner:Use with caution (see note above on photosensitivity) as a spritzer, being careful to avoid the eyes-- simply add 3-4 drops to about 100ml water

-Cleaning:Mix 7-8 drops to about 100 ml water, shake well. Use to help remove grease marks as well as disinfect. (And mummies, this works great for sticker/tape glue marks and gum!)

*As always, the list is not exhaustive. But these are the most convenient ways to use this wonderful oil.

**Be careful when using around your pets, especially felines--citrus oils are especially toxic to cats. Be careful when using round the very young (below 6) and the aged.

The Belle has been plagued by a string of events at home, and I thank you for your patience and understanding for my delay in posting! I am trying hard to update soonest for my beauties. So, I hope you do not abandon me....:D

See you again soon, my beauties. Till then!

Back After a Break & Preview

The Belle is finally back after a recharge of batteries. A lot is still going on, but the belle has gotten her engine oiled and is ready to go, so get ready!

Next up will be series 2 of essential oils, which I will be touching on fruit essential oils.

See you back soon,my beauties!

Review: Essential Purely Smooth Conditioner

I had run out of conditioner and was looking around at the nearby beauty supplies store, and this caught my eye.

Essential Purely Smooth Conditioner

Like its predecessors, it promises to nourish your hair, right up to the last 15cm, which is most damaged. Having been a little disappointed by the other versions of this conditioner (one was too light, one was too heavy for my fine hair and caused slight itching), I was hesitant to try this, but eventually caved in. After all, SGD 7.40 for 500 ml is a pretty good deal.(Hey, the Belle needs to watch the household budget...) But did it deliver? Let's move on!

Pros:
-Hair is left light and smooth after drying, and ends look shiny and smooth after drying (now, please note that my hair is almost touching my tailbone, so the ends can get pretty ragged if the conditioner doesn't work well.)
-Non irritating to scalp (Yeah, highly intelligent me got the conditioner on my scalp)
-Unobtrusive scent. (don't you just hate those scents that are too 'in your face'?)
-Pocket friendly.

Cons:
-Effects did not last throughout the next day (I wash my hair at night.)
-Detangling affect was not as thorough as I would have liked. I slept with my hair loose and woke up to tangles on the end-- which were kept to a minimum using my favourite Loreal conditioner

Verdict:
I would repurchase this as it is very pocket friendly, and does what it says it will do, without weighing my hair down. But I am still on the lookout for a good, silicone and sulphate free, as well as budget friendly conditioner for my long hair. Tall order, I know. But one can hope..

Other reviews coming up soon, so keep watching this space. See you again soon, my beauties!

Review: Ellips Hair Treatment Hair Vitamin

My hair ends have been feeling rather rough lately, with more split ends for me to snip than usual (yes, I trim them myself.) So, I was on the lookout for something to help with the damage and prevent more split ends, but at the same time, not break the bank. I was delighted to see this:

Ellips Hair Treatment Hair Vitamin

 Now, The Belle is a little leery of hair products that contain silicone (some of them tend to weigh down the hair, or in the long term, make it dull.) But I couldn't resist a good offer--it was only SGD 2.60. So, here it is!

Pros:
-Damaged hair feels smoother and moisturized
-Hair looks shinier and healthier

Cons:
-Requires long term use to see significant results.
-Felt heavy, especially on my fine hair. (Maybe because of the silicones?)

Verdict:
Hair did feel much less tangled and looked healthier after continued daily use for around a week.However, hair did look a little flat. Would I repurchase? Maybe, since it is rather pocket friendly. But, not for long term use due to the silicone content.

*I know I have been slow with my reviews. I am trying to work faster as I am feeling much better, so please stay tuned! Thank you!

See you back soon, my beauties!

I am Blessed...

I am blessed...

That my family and I  are relatively healthy and well.

I am blessed...

That my beloved husband is by my side, through the good and bad times.

I am blessed...

That I can see my son's beautiful smile and hear his voice every day.

I am blessed...

That I have a roof over my head, and food and drink in my tummy.

I am blessed...

That I do not have to worry about my next meal

I am blessed...

That I have close friends always ready to listen, and lend a helping hand.

I am blessed...

To stay in a country like Singapore, where I do not have to worry unduly about the safety of my family.

I am blessed...

To be able to enjoy the many creature comforts modern technology has given us.

I am blessed...

That I am able to sit here counting my blessings, typing them out.

I am blessed!

-The Belle

I was recently ill, as you would know, from my previous posts.  A lot has been happening at home as well. After I recovered, I was overcome with gratitude as I came to realize I had taken so much of what I had for granted.(And hence, the above soliloquy--or what ever you choose to call it..)What has made you feel blessed today?

*I apologize for not updating this blog for so long. The Belle is back in action, so there will be a lot more activity on this blog now. Thank you for your patience!

See you back soon, my beauties!

Series 1:Essential Oils: Queen's Favourite:Rose

"Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose."
-Getrude Stein

Cleopatra was known to use in in her beauty regime, as well as in her attempts to seduce Marc Anthony. Today, we too can enjoy its benefits. Rose oil is known as the "Queen of Essential Oils"- it takes as many as 30 roses to make one drop of Rose Otto oil! It is divided into 2 different types: Rose Otto and Rose Absolute. Rose Otto is more expensive, as  it takes more roses to produce.It is also more preferred for topical aromatherapy as Rose Absolute, due to its nature of extraction, may still contain trace amounts of solvent.

The Belle has done a little research, and the uses of rose essential oil are as follows:

1)Aromatherapy: Used in aromatherapy burners, it can help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. A few drops can also be added to the bathtub for a relaxing bathtime.

2)Massage: A few drops, used alone, or combined with lavender, added to a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil make for a relaxing massage that helps to relieve tension and cramps in muscles. This concoction can also be used to relieve menstrual cramps. Experiment, and go with something that your nose likes!

3)Skincare:As a toner for dry, sensitive skins, place about 5-8 drops in 80 ml water. Shake well before use, and apply with a cotton pad. The mixture can also be spritzed and patted onto eczema areas to relieve itchiness. Oilier skins may like to add witch hazel to the concoction.

4)Other uses: As a cure for congestion for blocked sinuses, stops nausea and vomiting. It can also help to ease sore throats and relieve coughing spasms. For relief, place 1-2 drops in a tissue/hankerchief and inhale.

The above list of uses are not exhaustive. The Belle would like to stress again (Now I sound like an old woman, but anyway...) that as with all essential oils, rose oil should be used with caution in the elderly, young, pregnant, nursing, and the very sensitive. Pregnant women, particularly, should wait until their 4th month or after to use it.

What are your favourite uses for roses? Do share!See you back here soon, my beauties!

A rose from The Belle to my beauties!

*End of first series on essential oils. Do let me know of there are any essential oils you want to be featured!

Series 1:Essential Oils: Koala Heaven: Eucalyptus

Besides being the favourite food of the adorable koala bear, eucalyptus has a multitude of uses. For instance, do you know that eucalyptus leaves actually contain a potent insecticide, cyanide? (Not to worry, however, the amounts are minute and not harmful to us. A little chemistry here: Adequate protein in the diet helps to detoxify hydrocyanic acid, or HCN by providing sulphur amino acids. Ingested in small amounts over prolonged periods of time, the HCN will be neutralized.)

The Belle believes in balance-Even the most deadly of plants, when used correctly, can help us. (Take the deadly nightshade plant, for instance.) Similarly, even the best medicines, when used incorrectly, can be deadly. (Your bottle of innocent looking cough syrup suddenly isn't so innocent after all-some actually abuse it and use it as a drug!) So, keep an open mind, and use with caution and some common sense research. Exercise extra caution when using with the very young or old, pregnant and nursing, as well as the very sensitive.

The list of uses are as follows:
-Analgesic
-Antibacterial
-Anti-catarrhal
-Anti-Inflammatory
-Anti Infectious
-Expectorant
-Insecticidal
-Anti-viral

The Belle understands that the above can be quite difficult to digest, so here is a breakdown of the common ways that eucalyptus (essential oil) can be used at home.

1) Aromatherapy-Place a few drops in an aromatherapy oil burner or diffuser to help freshen the air, relieve coughs, jet lag, and clear blocked sinuses. Also helps with stress, mental exhaustion, as well as sluggishness.

2)Massage- For sore, aching muscles, rheumatism, as well as congestion-use diluted with a carrier oil (eg. sweet almond oil) and massage over affected areas. Can also be used for pain relief in shingles.

3) As an anti bacterial room spray-Mix 10 drops eucalyptus oil with 5 drops tea tree oil with about 150ml water (preferably distilled) in a spray bottle. Shake well, and spray to kill airborne bacteria. (I notice this also helps with pesky mosquitoes!)

4)Insect repellent- Place a few drops on a ribbon, and tie at a window where insects tend to enter. Drip drops on cotton balls, and place on shelves. Refresh weekly.

5)Lice-Place a few drops on comb, and comb through hair to help with itch and get rid of lice.

6)Itching skin/ inflammation/minor wounds- Mix 5 drops tea tree, 5 drops lavender, and 5 drops eucalyptus with 150ml water. Shake to mix thoroughly, and dab with soaked cotton pad on affected area, or spray directly and allow to dry.

7)Fever relief-Mix 5 drops eucalyptus and 5 drops peppermint oil with 100ml water, shake well, and apply by soaking a towel in the mixture. be careful not to get into the eyes!

This eucalyptus is mine, all mine!

This list, is, of course, not exhaustive, but lists the most convenient and common ways eucalyptus oil can bee used at home. Please feel free to share your recipes!

Series on essential oils, to be continued!

Pardon my tardiness with updates, a lot has been happening at home. But the Belle is trying to keep up with updates at least twice a week on this blog, so please do keep coming back!

*Image of koala bear from Google. Do let me know if you are the owner of this photo so that I can credit you!

Series1:Essential Oils:All Purpose Wonder:Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has become a staple in our daily routine. We use it for almost everything at home- From a concoction for spraying smelly feet and shoes, to dabbing it on stubborn zits-you get the picture.

My trusty friend

Tea Tree oil is also obtained from the Melaleuca Alternifolia. It has a wide range of uses, so let me list the most common ones down for you.

1)Antifungal- For the treatment of foot fungus, especially toenail fungus. Just dab directly on the affected areas. (Helps to relieve associated itching too!)

2)Antispetic-For wounds, cuts and grazes: Mix about 8-10 drops in about 100ml of water, and spray on affected areas. (Never use undiluted on open skin, it can sting!)

3)Athelete's foot-Shake, and spray the above concoction in (2) on the foot, concentrating on the toe area. Spray on shoes to prevent and treat odour

4)Freshening Laundry- Add  a few drops to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine for freshly scented clothes. I find that it helps prevent the 'wet clothes' smell associated with drying indoors.

5)Acne-Dab with a moistened cotton bud onto affected areas.  You may also want to take a look at  DIY:Tea Tree Aloe Vera Treatment Gel.

6)The concoction in (2) can also be sprayed sparingly to freshen the bed linen/as a hand sanitizer/any other use you can think of. Just be careful and try not to use it undiluted.

What are your favourite uses for tea tree oil? Do share!

As with all essential oils, exercise caution when using with the pregnant, young and elderly.(or the very sensitive)

(NB:The Belle is on a short trip, so this is a scheduled post. Please email me or leave me a comment should you need to get to me, and I will get back to you ASAP!)

Series on essential oils, to be continued!

Series 1:Essential Oils:Purple Maiden: Lavender

"And still she slept an azure-lidded sleep,
In blanched linen, smooth, and lavender'd. "

John Keats

I seem to have lost the source for this picture, please let me know if you are the owner so that I can do the proper crediting!

Many a time, we have used lavender at home to spritz and freshen linen. Other than being pretty to look at, lavender has a multitude of uses. At the risk of boring you, here is the list.

1)Antidepressant- Lavender is known to be soothing to the emotions  and has widely been used as such in aromatherapy for relieving anxiety, depression and stress

2)Antispetic- Good for cuts, wounds. Apply neat with a cotton bud.

3)Analgesic-Pain relief, especially in the case of burns including sunburns. Bathe in cool water, and the apply neat with a cotton bud.

4)Cicatrizant-Promotes healing of sores, and helps in scar free healing.  Helps with repair of skin tissues. Swipe undiluted over cleansed wound every day.

5)Vulnerary- Helps in the treatment of wounds

6)Nervine-Calms overly jumpy nerves.  Diffuse with reeds or in an aromatherapy oil burner.

7)Expectorant-When inhaled, mixed with a bowl if hot water., helps to clear clogged sinuses

8)Other uses-As an insect repellant, and to sooth insect bites. Treatment of shingles, as well as a soothing massage oil when diluted with other carrier oils. Helps in eczema, acne giddiness, headaches, insomnia, and jet lag.


The above list is not exhaustive. The Belle also likes lavender oil mixed into a spritzer  as a pillow spray. My family prefers to use tea tree oil for the sheets. More about that later. (DIY Recipes coming up!)

A word of warning though: As with all essential oils, use with caution when pregnant, in young children and the elderly. Best to avoid completely if you have a tendency towards being extremely sensitive.

Stay tuned for The Belle's family favourite: Tea Tree oil. Coming up next! See you soon!

Special Series Preview: Depression

Ever feel like your life is spiraling out of control? Or, do you feel like crying very often, for no apparent reason? Maybe, dear reader, you might be suffering from depression.

I was inspired to research and write about this topic since it is one that people generally avoid. I hope that after this series that I am writing, there will be fewer people suffering in silence. Depression is a medical condition, and nothing to be ashamed of. (Treatment=Happier+ more healthy person=Looking more beautiful!)

I will touch on several areas including diagnosis, and possible treatment.

The Belle will be back soon. Thank you for your patience. Till then, take care, my beauties!

Review: My Beauty Diary Puffiness Intensive Eye Care Mask

I think that my dear readers would notice that I do complain a little (Okay, a lot!) about my panda eyes. I was delighted to spot this mask sitting on the shelves of my nearby Watson's. Needless to say, I took the plunge. Having (almost) all the problems the different variants of the eye masks were prescribed for, I picked one at random, and this is what I got:

My Beauty Diary Puffiness Intensive Eye Care Mask

Without further ado, the review!

Pros:

-Mask stays put, unlike other eye masks I've tried, which tend to slip. Now I know it's not me!

-Gorgeous design, shaped like a masquerade mask. My peepers feel happier and prettier!

-Does what it says; reduces puffiness. Dry lines are also slightly reduced.

Cons:

-Price can be a little steep, especially if you use it often. ( I forgot, was it Sgd11.50 or Sgd9.50)

-Maybe I am a little fussy, but I do notice that the mask doesn't exactly 'cover' where my eyebags are.

-Other than reducing puffiness, seems to have little or no impact on my other concerns--dark eye rings and deeper lines. But it's a good excuse to try the other variants! Haha..kidding...

Verdict:

Repurchase is a maybe. While I do like the effect it has on my eyebags, I find that the effect only lasts till midday the next day. Perhaps due more to my terrible sleeping habits than the mask.  (I am guilty of mistreating my eyes, I do admit.) Having said that I am still tempted to try out the other variants. I probably will, in due course.

Sayonara for now, my eyeslids are drooping. The Belle is off to dreamland. See you again soon, dear beauties!

Recipe: Gingko Barley Dessert

I was enjoying a bowl of this dessert (cooked by mother dearest, not me.) and thought it would be good to share it since it has so many benefits. Here goes!

Ingredients:
1 packet of prepared, vacuum packed gingko nuts
1/2 cup pearl barley, washed
1 large sheet of dried beancurd skin (be careful to choose the type meant for dessert, there are 2 types!)
Rock sugar to taste
2 litres water

Method:
-Put barley, and water in a large pot, bring to boil
-Add gingko nuts and sugar to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes.
-Rinse dried beancurd skin, breaking to smaller pieces. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the beancurd skin's consistency is to your liking.
-Serve hot or cold as preferred. Enjoy!

You can also stir in some a lightly beaten egg white if you like. Red dates can also be added, but do remember to adjust the rock sugar to taste. The Belle, however, prefers a more 'basic' taste without other add ons.

Gingko nuts in chinese medicine, help to fight the signs of aging, both inside and out. Barley, also known as Job's Tears, fight water retention (Attested to by The Belle), and dried beancurd skin, also known as Yuba, is made from the dried skin that forms on heated soy milk. And we all know soy is good for you, so enough said.

Now go prepare tonight's dessert. Go on.

Stay beautiful, my pretties. See you back soon!

Review:Little Twin Stars X Sophie Monk Body Lotion (Whitening)

My recent holiday in Sunny Malaysia left my skin ravaged by the merciless sun. This, of course led to a frenzied trip to the pharmacy in search of remedies.

I spotted this adorable tube (together with the Mentholatham Whitening Hand Veil, which I will review later), and, tossed it, albeit unceremoniously, into my shopping basket at the pharmacy.

Little Twin Stars X Sophie Monk Body Lotion (Whitening)

 Needless to say, I was attracted to the packaging, but more importantly, printed on the tube, loosely translated from Chinese, was  "diamond brightening whitening body lotion".  The ingredient list also stated goodies like sodium hyaluronate, diamond extract, and tourmaline extract as the first 3 ingredients. The lotion claims to 'nourish, hydrate, soften, refine, smooth, and prevent dryness' Just what my poor skin was in dire need of.

But did it deliver? Let's see!

Pros:
-Left skin smooth, well hydrated and protected, even throughout the next day. My dry, cracked feet, interestingly, showed no signs of dryness even after a day of walking in slippers.
-Skin feels visibly softer. Again, attested to by my horribly neglected feet. Soles were visibly softer, and dry skin on the foot came off easily with scrubbing. Cuticles look less ravaged.
- Patchiness on toes and elbow areas from sun exposure are also almost gone with about a week's worth of daily use.
-Non irritating (for my finicky skin, at least)

Cons:
-Can take awhile to absorb. But no biggie if you apply less and add more only where needed. Once absorbed, skin does not feel oily any more.
-Whitening effect not pronounced. I did see fading of the patchiness due to sun exposure, but the less 'damaged' areas didn't seem to fade as fast. Maybe it needs a little more time to work. Ok, I am being impatient, it's only a week...
-Lacks SPF

Verdict:
I am in two minds about repurchasing this. Definitely, pocket friendly- I found this retailing at around SGD5 when it was on discount. It works well enough that I would want to keep it in my arsenal of body lotions. My   only real gripe would be that it lacks SPF--which means that I have to layer on another SPF product if I were to use it during the day. The hot, humid tropical weather in Singapore does not bode well for layering of products. Perhaps I will reserve this product for night time use, and use my faithful Nivea for daytime.

*Yes, I do know this is not a new product, but I thought I would review it since I didn't find many reviews for this little gem.

More coming up soon. Till then, take care, my beauties!

Review: Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Intensive Whitening Mask

I was on the lookout for skincare to give my dull, sleep deprived skin a boost, and my eyes fell on the gorgeous baby pink and white colours of the Garnier Sakura White range.

I was initially tempted to get the whole range, but remembering the bottles of my beloved Hada Labo (Yes, I still love you), and in the interest of my wallet, I stopped myself and had to be content with purchasing just the mask instead. (I will come back for you later! Haha...)

This skincare range claims, after use, in 4 weeks:

Rosy Radiance

Luminous Fairness

Even Skin Tone

Satin Softness

Dewy Clear Skin

Did it deliver? Let's see!

Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Intensive Whitening Mask (Pardon the reflection on the mask packaging!)

Pros:
-Gorgeous baby pink mask! Got to love that.

-Fits very well-the best of the sheet masks I have tried over the years (and that's a lot of them)-thanks to the second skin technology.

-Left skin visibly smooth, radiant, and glowy after use

-Non irritating, skin was well hydrated and plump following usage

-Effects lasted well through the next couple of days

Cons:

-None! I am in love...

Verdict:

A definite repurchase! The mask contains sakura extract (and hence the namesake) which helps soothe and recover skin from damage. Vitamins CG and B3 protect and shield skin from pollution. Perfect for recovering from the recent haze. Its going at the discounted  price of $17.50 instead of the usual price of $21.90, so now would be a good time to give it a try!(and no I do not work for them, nor am I sponsored or advertising for them. I am just excited because I really like this product.)

Its time for the Belle to retire for the night now. Come back soon for more reviews coming up next! Good night, my beauties! (Or good morning? Never mind. Bedtime it is!)

Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Roll-On

The late nights have been taking their toll on my panda eyes, and the recent haze further exacerbated the situation. Eyes watering, I reached for trusted brand,  Neutrogena. Did it work? Let us see!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Roll-On 

(Pardon the dust in the background!I blame it on the haze...)


Pros:
-Extremely cooling and refreshing.
-Reduces swelling and puffiness in sensitive eyes
-Dry lines reduced in the under eye area after about a week's use.
-Make up goes on more smoothly after use.
-Absorbs quickly with some tapping

Cons:
-Did little for dark eye rings-impact was minimal

Verdict:
Repurchase is only a maybe. Perhaps I am asking for too much. (cue melodramatic sigh: holy grail, oh holy grail, wherefore art thou?) Putting my personal conditions aside, it does function as a pretty good hydrating product and a refreshing pick me up in the am and pm.

More reviews coming up, so watch this space!

Holiday-From Sunset to Sunrise

The gorgeous Malaysian scenery as I was travelling by train-pictures speak louder than words...

From going during sunset...

To coming back during sunrise...

 The road travelled during this holiday was not always smooth...

  But it was gorgeous, and worth it. Every minute. 

At first, I thought that there would be nothing much to see, since I had traveled this way to KL many times before as it was the cheapest and most economical way. But I was wrong this time.

I always thought traveling by train was torturous.  I could never sleep well but had to watch in envy as my fellow passengers snored on (and I woke up with every little noise on the train) This time round, I stayed fully awake during both ways back and forth, and was awestruck by the beautiful Malaysian scenery that I had never noticed it before the previous times I traveled by train.

Thus concludes by Malaysia trip. I shall not bore you with the details of what I ate (The Chinese stir fry, or 'tze char' , and the seafood, and the wanton noodles, and the desserts...... cheap and so good...) or the giant candy ball machine at Berjaya Times Square at which my boy squealed in delight. Or, the beautiful value for money hotel room we stayed in. Or...haha... I am rattling on, aren't I?

Time for me to hit the pillows and dream about my next trip. Take care, and see you back soon, my beauties!


(**I know you can see the reflection of my camera in some of the pictures. I left the photos intentionally unedited. Enjoy!)

Review:Dermal White Collagen Essence Mask

Finally, the Belle is back. My most sincere apologies. I am glad I am (almost) back to functioning normally. More about my bout of sickness later.

Here is one of my long delayed reviews!

Dermal White Collagen Essence Mask

Pros:
-Visible glow and bounciness after use that lasts throughout the next day.
-Skin feels well hydrated and soothed. Dry lines were greatly reduced.
-Non sticky after essence was patted in (tested in Singapore's extremely humid weather)

Cons:
-Did not fit very well, especially the awkward slits at the nose area.

The verdict?A definite keeper in my routine! I used this after almost a week of skipping masking in favour of sleep, and the results did not disappoint. The pocket friendly price, at SGD1 , gives me even more reason to repurchase.

Thank you for your patience! The Belle will be back again soon with more reads!

See you again soon, my beauties!

Reflections

In a thoughtful mood, after another year's wedding anniversary.

So quickly, it seems a year has passed. This is a time, I reflect, and think back on my past year's actions. "Did I do this right? Could I have done better?

My past year has not been without regrets. But I hope I have learnt to look back at the past with a smile, and look back in wonder at how events have unfolded, to make me a (hopefully ) better person.

How about you, my beauties?


"Lament not the passage of time, but look back and marvel at its beauty"
-Crystal Clear Belle

Mummy Knows Best!-Fishy Goodness

I remember firmly refusing to open my mouth, as a child, when my mum tried to shove a spoonful of the stuff into our mouth as a child, saying it was good for me.

Yup, you're right. Its good old cod liver oil I'm talking about.

My boy, since starting kindergarten, has been down with the flu more often than I could take, and the feverish midnight crying has not been fun. (And my husband has turned into Mr Grouch more times than I can count, due to the flu.) Just then, I recalled a fellow mummy mentioning that cod liver oil seemed to help prevent colds in her toddler. A few night's worth of research and a quick consultation with mother in law saw me plonking down in my basket a 2 pack worth of Scott's Emulsion (which I will review later) together with the obligatory ('yucks', according to my boy) paracetamol syrup.

 So, what's so great about fish oil (in my case, cod liver oil) that mommies across generations have touted the benefits? Surely, it is more than just a miracle potion that helps with the common cold or flu?The Belle has done her research, and here are the results.

Vitamin A

Our skin cells contain a type of protein called protein receptors. They respond to Vitamin A in the blood. Proper Vitamin A levels help skin cells function at an optimal level (lack of vitamin A means new cells are unable surface, equaling clogged pores,acne and dull skin.) More importantly, it helps  to  maintain healthy mucosal membranes.It also helps psoraisis sufferers by regulating the over production of skin cells.

Vitamin D

Important to proper skin healing and tissue maintenance. Acts as a natural antioxidant to heal and protect skin. (especially from the harmful effects of the sun.)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Enough has been said about this group of nutrients. They are essential to the body, lubricating the hair shaft,  strengthening the nails, and helping with dry and aging skin. Glowing skin, hair and nails--what can I say?


**Disclaimer: More is not necessarily better. Some nutrients, like Vitamin A, can be toxic in high amounts. Always follow label instructions of the product, and always take  your daily diet into consideration when you plan on starting on any new supplement. When in doubt, consult your doctor.

On hindsight, I should have tested it out before buying a 2 pack, but luckily, the little tyke took to it like a charm. 2 days and 2 doses later, he is almost fully recovered. (Whether he was already recovering or the cod liver oil worked its magic, I don't know. But whatever makes him happy. I will continue to monitor his progress and report back.)

What are your experiences with this supplement from our childhood memory? Comments and opinions welcome!