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!

Holiday Time!

How have my dear beauties been? I've been in a little of a holiday mood, since my little one is on school holiday. The Belle has not been idle, however. I am in the midst of testing out products for my dear beauties.

In the upcoming posts, besides continuing with Series 2 of essential oils, the Belle will also be reviewing several new items, including a dupe of the infamous Tangle Teezer, as well as products for sensitive skin. DIY projects also work in progress!

I am going to be overseas for a few days getaway with my family, so do keep your fingers crossed for updates when I come back.

See you 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!

A Note from The Belle

The Belle has a lot on the plate at the moment, out of the blue, and hence (again) the lack of updates. My apologies!

My mummy brain needs a rest as it has been plagued by an incessant stream of events in the family. I will not talk about them here, as my family values  privacy. Please give me a little time to adjust, and I will be back as soon as I can. That's a promise!

Excuses Reasons aside, I will be continuing with Series 2 on essential oils shortly, so please do stay tuned!

See you back here soon!

-The Belle

Review: Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa Shampoo

Here's the story: My much neglected scalp was crying out for help. It was itching even after (daily) shampooing, and scratching produced whitish deposits on my fingernails. And hubby (horror of horrors) started seeing the dreaded white flakes falling all over his shoulders. Hence, we decided that enough was enough and as it goes, the rest is history.

Introducing the protagonist!

Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa Shampoo

So how did it fare? Let's find out!

Pros:
-Heavenly scent (The camellia flower extract?) that is not too overpowering
-A little goes a long way-I use 2 pumps of shampoo with my normal Asience Shampoo, but with this baby, I only needed 1 pump each time to produce a rich lather
-Clean, clean scalp and hair that stays clean for a longer time (In the absence of hair products) in Singapore's humid weather.
-No itchiness-even when hair starts to feel dirty
-Does not weigh down my fine hair.
-Gorgeous, translucent bottle that allows you see exactly how much is left-we all have those days when we curse ourselves for not bringing in the new bottle of shampoo when one has already stripped down to his/her birthday suit to shower.

Cons:
-A little expensive-it retails at SGD19.90 for a 550ml bottle-mind you, this is not a salon brand shampoo-but no biggie since you use less shampoo than usual
-Hair becomes a little dry and tangles more easily-again, not a big deal since the problem is easily solved with a little of your usual conditioner.

Verdict:
The Belle loves the stuff! I would be likely to repurchase this, unless I find something better for a reasonable price.

The Belle will be back soon with more reads, so keep your fingers crossed. See you again 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!

Unexpected Break

The Belle was unwell and took an unexpected break. My apologies!

Have been unwell very often these days, and it has not been fun. But rest assured, this blog has not been forgotten.

Reviews and other reads coming up soon, when the Belle is better. See you soon, my beauties!

Getting A Pet! (2):Hamster Haven

Pictures of some amazing homes some people have built for their furry friends! Now, whether it is to satisfy those furry little creatures or or human vanity is another matter...haha...

*image from soundprint.co.uk

If Apple built pet homes, they would probably look like this.

*image from www.eface.com

Hamster haven/heaven of tunnels and play areas. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, especially when it comes to clean up time...

*image from www.critterhub.com

Another hamster mansion!

*image from www.shopping.com

The Hagen Habitrail Ovo Suite Hamster Habitat. Habitrail has been labeled as 'evil' on forums for their size, but no one can deny that the designers do have some cool designs.

*image from petcrazy.co.uk

Okay, so this last one isn't that uncommon. But I included this pink Armitage Rotastak Pink Fun Palace because it is so pretty in pink!

Got to go now, as I have an early day tomorrow. Will be back soon, I promise!

Getting A Pet! (1)

As the (boring) title suggests, The Belle will be getting a pet shortly. Rather excited about this since this is the first time in 6 years that I will be getting another pet after my beloved Shih Tzu, Cookie was lost/stolen. My heart broke when I had to come to terms with the fact that I would never see Cookie again. Now, I can only hope he is in a better place, with loving owners.

Enough of the sad stuff. I am getting a pet hamster! ("Bo-oring, Belle...". Yeah, maybe to you. But this is my blog, so I will write what I like.) It has been ages since (erm, my secondary school days?) I last kept a hamster. The range of accessories available makes me giddy. My poor wallet, haha...

So other than my bi-weekly jaunts to beauty stores/ pharmacies, I will probably be visiting the pet shop pretty often as well to get the accessories needed before the new addition to my family comes home. I cannot wait to take pictures of the (oh-so-pretty) stuff that I see at the stores as well as the amazing homes some have built for their pets.

So, stay tuned for pictures. Meanwhile, I am working on some reviews, so do keep checking back for those too. The Belle will be back soon!

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!

Apologies and Thank you!

Once again, I have to apologize for my lateness in updating the blog. So much has been going on at home. Thank you for your patience!

Rest assured I am working to bring you more good stuff, so please do keep checking back!

Do look out for my posts on essential oils continued, coming up soon. Meanwhile, stay pretty, my beauties!

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!

The Belle is Giddy...

I have been back a couple of days, but am down with nausea and severe bouts of giddiness. I was in the middle of writing another post for my dear readers just now when I was struck by a sudden wave of nausea and giddiness.

I will try to update as soon as possible, when I get better, so please bear with me! Thank you for your patience!

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!

Coming Soon!

Finally, the mini-renovations are over. The renovation was a nightmare of dust, as well as tempers flying.

No more drilling at 8 am in the morning, and no more hands coming away blackened from dust when I mistakenly touch a dirty surface by mistake.

Coming up next, will be a write up on essential oils and their uses, as well as some product reviews, so keep a lookout for those!

Cleaning up in progress at the Belle's residence. Updates soon!

Five More Days...

Good afternoon everyone, I trust you have all been well? The renovation works have stopped for the Hari Raya/ National Day holidays (and so my respiratory system has been given some respite), and so here I am!

I have gotten myself a (budget, of course) air purifier/air revitalizor, and will likely review it after use. Hopefully, it makes a difference! Now, on the lookout for quality essential oils to scent my room. Will share my findings here!

Five more days till the renovation is over, so I'll see everyone soon!