Belle's Holiday Plans!

Hi! As you probably notice, my posting has been much slower than usual.

I have been busy with plans for a family holiday, so please pardon me! I will be away until 07/06, so I ask for your patience till then, as updates in between will not be as frequent, and I may take longer than usual to answer to comments/emails. I will try to take some nice pictures while I am holidaying so that I can share them with you. (Erm, in case you are interested?*awkward silence*)

I am in the process of making some tweaks to the website so as to make it more user friendly, so please bear with me! Please do follow me on Twitter @cclearbelle (button on the right:D) for the latest updates.

Meanwhile, please do keep the suggestions and comments coming in, because they really mean a lot to me. If you have any requests for reviews of particular products, do let me know. I will try my best to oblige.

The Belle will be  back soon, my beauties!

Recipe: Snow Fungus with Rock Sugar

As you know, the Belle has been ill lately, and the bout of sickness has left me looking a little haggard. I was looking for something simple and nourishing to bring back the glow, and suddenly thought of this recipe. I thought it would be good to share this simple, traditional recipe (which I found on another blog some time ago, but I forgot about.) with my beauties. Tastes good, and is good for your health, and your skin! Enjoy!
 
Snow Fungus with Rock Sugar

1 palm sized snow fungus (soaked for about 10- 15 mins, rinsed, stub cut off, and cut to pieces)
1/2 cup of cooked lotus seeds,washed (I use vacuum packed)
1/2 cup of small sago, soaked
Roughly 6 red dates, washed (You can use more or less according to your preference)
1/2 cup candied winter melon strips
rock sugar to taste
About 2 Litres water

-Bring water to boil in a pot.
-Add in all ingredients except the sago and rock sugar. Bring to boil again.
-Simmer on low heat about 30 minutes.  Add in sago. Stir.
-Simmer for another 30 minutes or till desired consistency. Add rock sugar to taste.
-Enjoy hot, or serve iced, if your prefer.

Snow fungus has been often called the 'poor man's bird's nest' due to its economy, yet similar health and beauty benefits. Rich in collagen, frequent consumption may hep your skin to stay line free. In the view of traditional chinese medicine (TCM),  It helps with 'dry' coughs, and is useful in building up the respiratory and immune system. It is also believed to help with high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels.


*Despite the benefits, care needs to be taken if you are suffering from diarrhea as snow fungus is rich in fibre, and has a mild laxative effect. Also, if your body is 'cold' it may not be suitable for you. When in doubt, consult your nearest TCM practitioner.

** I am not sure where it was from, but if you are the owner of this recipe or know where it is from, please do let me know so that I can do the proper crediting.

Hope you like this recipe! Take care, and see you soon, my beauties!

Happy Vesak Day!

The year,so far has seen many countries plunged in political, economic, and social turmoil. But I have hope that things will become better.

My wish this holiday: To hear more happy news, and fewer complaints, for we are more blessed than we realize. To feel gladness, and peace. true happiness!

Take some time to appreciate those by your side. Stay positive!

Happy Vesak Day, my beauties!

Envy-Not!

Envy not, the next person's diamonds,
 for you do not see the sorrow in her heart.

Look on, without green eyes, the jet setting movie star,
as you do not see the loneliness fame brings.

Appreciate the little things-the beauty and joy they bring.
Your child's smile,
 The brilliant toothless grin your beloved grandmother gives you,
 as you  hand to her, her favourite snack.

Pure bliss!

-The Belle

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!

Apologies!

As you would probably notice, this week's posts are a little slow. I apologize to everyone who is waiting. I have been nearly delirious with the viruses that are rampaging through my house in a vicious cycle, and these few days, it happens to be my turn.

The Belle has falling sick rather often these days. Even so, the Belle is committed to bringing you informative and useful posts, so please be patient with me. 

I will come back with recipes (that I myself will test) to make you glow with health from inside out. Reviews, of course, are in the pipeline.

See you back soon, my pretties!

Belated Mother's Day Post

Thee best presents this year, to me  :D

How did you spend this year's mother's day?

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

Photo of the day!

First of all, my apologies for taking so long to update! Thank you for your patience!  In compensation, here's a pic of me!

I'm fat but cute!

 Haha...anyway, I have some reviews coming up soon, so see you soon, my beauties! I promise not to take too long!

Out for the Day!

The Belle will be on an extended family outing today and may be back late. Apologies in advance for late updates.  Will be back soon!

See you very soon, my beauties!

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!

The Belle is on Twitter!

Finally, I have gotten round to actively using my Twitter account, so do follow me on Twitter @cclearbelle (pretty please?) for blog updates!

Follow button on right sidebar for your convenience. New blog post coming up soon!

Later then, my beauties!

Happy Labour Day!

Happy Labour Day everyone!

How are you spending this one day holiday? 

The Belle is going on a "rest and recuperate' outing with the family today, and will be back soon!

Meanwhile, stay beautiful, my pretties!