BINIQUE | Believe. Stay real. Stay True.

Peace

2014-10-30T08:30:00.000+08:00

I’m reading a book lately that spoke a lot about finding peace and filling yourself with peace, so it fill you up so much, it starts radiating and flow out, towards all around you. This makes me think a lot lately, about finding peace. And I realized, if you manage to find achieve peace within, you will achieve peace in everything you do.

Have you ever noticed that things seem so much better, easier and in peace, when you’re feeling peace? No? Think about that congested bus/train trip you had. Did you feel irritated and frustrated? The next time before you take the bus or train, keep yourself in a peaceful and generally happy feeling. You’ll be surprised that the whole journey feels much more pleasant, despite the crowd and all the squeezing and squashing.

Try it. Regardless of the situation and events, keep yourself in peace. And you’ll find everything more pleasant, and life a lot easier.

5 simple ways to clear negative energy

2014-10-29T00:49:00.000+08:00

We are all exposed to negative energy every day, in some ways or another. Some of us are more sensitive, so we can feel it more. Some of us, due to several factors, attracts/forms negative energy more easily than others.

We should take care to clear and remove negative energy regularly. If you can, do it on a daily basis, else, at least once every few days. Once you’ve master the technique of clearing negative energy, you can even clear it as and when you feel it building up, anytime, anywhere. When you first start these clearing exercises, you may feel it’s weird and difficult. But you will definitely feel a lot lighter and happier after that. Once you’re used to these clearing exercises, they will become second nature that you cannot imagine life without them, just like your regular exercise routines. Many of the people whom I’ve taught these found it strange and difficult at first. Don’t worry; choose one that you think is the easiest. The most popular entry-level exercise is the spiritual cleanse, since the physical action of cleaning helps beginners in their visualization. All of them marveled at how they feel after the exercise. Try it. It’s free, and you have nothing to lose.

5 simple ways to clear negative energy

1. Do a spiritual cleanse (bath/brushing).

When you shower, visualize the water cleaning you glowing with pure white light. You’re bathing in the purest white light, being cleansed of all the negative energies that may have formed (through your thoughts/speech/actions), or attached during the day. Feel the negative energies being washed away, like black ircky, slimy stuffs being washed away down the drain.
When you are brushing your teeth, take the moment and visualize you’re brushing away all the negative energies that are being stuck during the day. As you washed away the residues, visualize all the dirty/yucky negative energies being washed down the drain.

2. Meditation

You can do this every night before you sleep, as a way to cleanse and end your day with peace. It doesn’t have to be long. You can start with 1 min, 2 mins, then gradually increase to a timing as you deemed fit. 30 mins to an hour is recommended, though not required.

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Switch off/silent your phone.
Sit down in a lotus pose, or cross legged, whichever way you feel comfortable
Breathe in and out, slowly. As you breathe in, feel the air going down, and your abdominal expands. As you breathe out, let go of all the air entirely. Repeat.
Once you have settled into the breathing pattern, visualize a white glow of light shining down on you. As you breathe, breathe in the light, and feel the light entering and filling up your body.
You can stop as and when you want.

3. Do a Yin/Yang Water Bath

This exercise does not require any visualization, though visualization will definitely help. People usually do this when they feel down on luck, or if they feel they have been attached by a wandering spirit.

Prepare a clean basin & towel (preferably new, and used only for this purpose in future), 7 grains of rice, sea salt (just a pinch or 2 will do). Add in cold water, then hot water.
Wipe your entire body from top to toe with the towel soaked (and squeezed dry) with the yin/yang water.
After you’re done, flush the water into the toilet bowl, and shower as normal.

4. Sorcerer Sweep

Do the sorcerer sweep and wave away all the negative thoughts and attachment that may have been formed

5. Cancel, Clear, Delete

Caught yourself thinking negative thoughts, spoke negative words etc? Clear and cancel off the effect by saying/thinking in your mind “Cancel, Clear Delete”. You can add in the sorcerer sweep as you do it.

After you’re done with canceling, repeat with a positive thought/word.

Detox 101: Dry Brushing

2014-10-27T10:00:00.000+08:00

As the name suggest, dry brushing means brushing on dry skin. Dry brushing is a cheap, simple and natural way to detox. By brushing the skin, which is your body's largest organ, it stimulates your lymphatic system, which helps in detoxification. Dry brushing also helps to boost circulation and exfoliates your skin. With some much benefits, and low investment (you just need to buy the brush), what are you waiting for (as most Singaporeans say, "cheap and good, mai tu liao!")

What you need: a natural bristle brush, preferably with a long handle so you can easily reach all parts of your body

3 Simple Ways to Start Dry Brushing (this is usually done before you bath)

get naked,
begin brushing, starting from your feet, in long sweeping motions upwards (towards your heart). brush several times in each area. follow the image below for direction of each brush
after you've brushed your whole body, you can start showering. that's it! and repeat everyday!

note: when you first start dry brushing, you may feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially when you're brushing over sensitive areas like inner thighs or chest. don't worry, once you get used to it, it will get better. and soon, you'll be hooked! :)

Nicolas Tse - Wise Words from my Teen Idol

2014-10-26T23:13:00.000+08:00

Growing up, I never really have idols, nor have I done crazy things like chasing after idols, or waiting for them at airports waving a signboards or whatever. I do have a couple celebrities that I really like or admire and that's it. One of them is Nicolas Tse. Well, I like him then cos he's kinda cute. but now, I really admire who he has become today; not only a man with a pretty face, but a successful business man as well.

saw this on some website listed as quotes from him, regardless if they are truly his quotes, the following are some wise words. My attempt to translate them into english below:

1、人在的时候，以为来日方长什么都有机会，其实人生是减法，见一面，少一面。

When people are around, we always think there's plenty of opportunities in future. The truth is, every day is a day gone.

2、别人怎么看你， 和你毫无关系， 你要怎么活 ，也和别人毫无关系。
How people see you is none of your business. How you live your life, is also none of their business.

3、面子到底多少钱一斤，我们为什么要在乎别人的看法。

How much does face value worth? Why do we need to care about what others think?

4、有一天你会明白，善良比聪明更难。聪明是一种天赋，而善良是一种选择。
One day, you'll understand. It's more difficult to be kind than to be smart. Smart is something you're born with. Kindness is a choice.

5、不闻不问不一定是忘记了，但一定是疏远了，彼此沉默太久就连主动都需要勇气。
Not hearing from someone doesn't mean you're forgotten, but it definitely means you've grown apart. When you've been in silence for too long, even being proactiveness takes courage.

6、不要在心情糟烂差的时候， 用决绝的话伤害爱你的人。
When you're in a bad mood, don't say things that will harm people you love.

7、有时候，没有下一次，没有机会重来，没有暂停继续。有时候，错过了现在，就永远永远的没机会了。
Sometimes, there's no next time, there's no try again, there's no pause to start. Sometimes, once it's gone, it's gone forever.

8、用心甘情愿的态度，去过随遇而安的生活。

Use a willingness attitude, to live a let it be life. 

9、所有的问题都是自己的问题。
all your problems are YOUR problems.

10、有时候，我们明明原谅了那个人，却无法真正快乐起来，那是因为，你忘了原谅自己。

Sometimes, we've already forgiven someone, but aint able to be happy. that's because we've forgotten to forgive ourselves.

11、一个人有生就有死，但只要你活着，就要以最好的方式活下去。可以没有爱情，没有名牌，但不能没有快乐。
There's life and death. but as long as you're alive, live it to your fullest. there can be no love, no branded goods, but you must have happiness.

12、其实，人都是很贱的，爱你宠你的人你不稀罕，对你冷若冰霜的却是穷追不舍。最后搞的遍体鳞伤的还是自己。
in fact, people are cheap. those who love and pamper you, you treat them like dirt. those we ignore you, you longed and chased after, ending up with wounds all over.

13、不要的东西， 再好也是垃圾。

things you don't want, regardless how good it is, is still rubbish.

14、如果你没瞎， 就别用耳朵去了解我。
if you're not blind, don't use your ears to understand me.

15、真正的牛逼不是你认识多少人，而是你患难的时候还有多少人认识你。
it doesn't matter how many people you know, but how many people who still knows you when you're in trouble.

16、那些不需要解释的事情， 从你张嘴那一刻起 ，你已经输了。
for all the things that needs no explanation, once you open your mouth, you've lost.

17、很多人闯进你的生活，只是为了给你上一课，然后转身离开。

alot of people enters your life to give you a lesson, then turn to leave.

18、距离，产生的不是美，而是诠释了不堪一击的爱情。

19、人生烦恼就12个字：放不下、想不开、看不透、忘不了。

worries of life: can't let go, can't forget.

20、女人没魅力才觉得男人花心，男人没实力才觉得女人现实。
a woman with no charm thinks men are flirty. men with no abilities thinks women are realistic.

21、慢慢的，长大了，却感觉变沉默了，懂得多了，却不快乐了。
slowly, as you grow up, you become more quiet. you're wiser now, but not happy.

22、明明不是陌生人，却装的比陌生人还陌生。
not strangers, but more distance than strangers.

23、跟自己说声对不起，这些年一直没学会爱自己。

apologize to yourself, for failing to learn to love yourself all these years.

24、在乎才会乱想，不在乎连想都不会想。
it's only when you care when you start to think of things. when you don't care, you won't even bother to think.

How to remove Black Molds in the Bathroom

2014-10-26T16:52:00.000+08:00

My washroom sink has this issue of black molds growing at the side. After some observation, I realized these are the spots where water is trapped whenever we use the basin. I refused to use the popular way of using bleach to treat the problem, since bleach is really toxic, and I read that what it does is simply bleaching the area so you don't see the mold, but not really treating the issue. I refused to buy the commercial mold remover in the supermarkets since they are loaded with toxic chemicals as well. Hence, I started my quest of experimenting with natural ways to solve this moldy issue. Did a search, and some ways that people have suggested, and I've tried and tested:

1. Vinegar

How? Spray the area with vinegar, allow it to air dry and repeat every week.

My verdict: This doesn't work for me, or maybe I'm not patient to try it long enough. and it smells terrible, especially when you are brushing your teeth every morning. not the best way to start your morning.

2. Baking Soda

How? Mix baking soda with water to form a paste (around 50/50 ratio). Apply on the area affected by molds. let it sit in it for a while (I'll usually let it sit for a few days), then scrub it with a old toothbrush. Repeat the aboove a few times.

My verdict: It works. I can see the black molds lightening each time. But you need patience. Depending on how bad/old the mold situation is, you will probably need to do this a couple of times.

3. Tea Tree + Baking Soda

How? Spread tea tree oil on the affected area, and cover with baking soda paste.

My verdict: So far, this has the most effective results, and I can see the lightening of the molds alot faster than just using baking soda alone.

Natural solutions are usually quite mild since they doesn't contain harsh chemicals, so don't expect instant results. You'll need patience, and do it a couple of times. but for health, and a toxic-free enviroment, it's definitely worth it. :)

The Story of Cosmetics

2014-09-22T15:50:00.000+08:00

The Story of Cosmetics, released on July 21st, 2010, examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced with Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the seven-minute film by The Story of Stuff Project reveals the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.

TOXIC BEAUTY: What makes you beautiful can makes you sick

2014-08-24T16:35:00.000+08:00

Skincare, cosmetics and makeup have become part of our everyday lives. Most women (and even some men these days) cannot think of living without their bottles of creams, lotions, serums, masks, shampoos, foundation, lipsticks, eye liners and mascaras.

However, you'll be surprised (or if you're like me, horrified) to know that in our attempt to achieve beauty, we are actually intoxicating and poisoning ourselves, slowly, bit by bit each and everyday.

Was doing some googling on toxins in beauty products and this article jumped out. It says

"Research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, found that the average woman's daily grooming and make-up routine means she 'hosts' a staggering 515 different synthetic chemicals on her body every single day."

WOW. 515 different synthetic chemicals on our body every single day? Are they sure?

All the shampoo, hair sprays, eyeshadows, foundation, lipstick, nail polishes, are killing us slowly each end everyday. When I was reading this article, I did a quick check on my supplies, and I'm sad to find that alot of my everyday products do contain these chemicals. Well, I read this article some time back, and I'm now slowly trying to change my products or reduce the use of products that I don't really need (which is why I rarely go for manicures anymore). I have to admit. It's a tough journey. Ever since I learnt about how harmful all these synthetic chemicals can cause us, I tried to read the ingredients list of almost everything I buy. and it's sad to know that it is so difficult to find products that are really free of these chemicals. Don't believe me? Go grab any of your shampoos, powder, facial masks or whatever, and take a look at the ingredient list. Very likely you will see ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Talc, Fragrance, Methyl Paraben etc.

I remembered when I was young, my parents always say "whatever that is applied outside is ok" since we are not eating it. but I learnt that this concept is so wrong. just because we are not eating it does not mean we are not ingesting it. When we apply all these "things" that contains toxins and chemicals, they can get into our system through our pores, and into our blood stream. so it is really NOT OK.

Here are some ingredients you should learn to register in your brain, and avoid when choosing your cosmetics and makeup:

imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, petrolatum, propylene glycol, PVP/VA copolymer, stearalkonium chloride, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, talc, diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), triethanolamine (TEA), dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (bronopol), benzalkonium chloride, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), chloromethylisothiazolinone, and isothiazolinone.

You'll realize all these ingredients sound so alien and complicated that it's even hard to pronounce and recognize. Honestly, I'm only able to register a few of the simple ones like whatever-paraben, petrolatum, talc, fragrance. so my trick is if I see a list of ingredients I don't understand, I'll try to avoid it. but, you will soon realized it is SO FREAKING DIFFICULT finding products without these chemicals. It's not about price or brand. At first, I thought it's the drug store brands trying to "cut cost", hence they use these chemicals. but NO. Big High-end beauty brands include these ingredients too. A simple example is "talc". Go take a look at Watsons and Sephora. You'll find it's a huge challenge trying to find powder without talc. I didn't believe it when my beauty therapist told me. but she's right. there are products without talc. but you really need to look hard. will share some of the more toxic-friendly products I've found in later articles.

Infographic from dailymail showing most worrying chemicals found in the products and possible side effects. credits: dailymail

These may not kill you immediately. but as these toxins accumulate in your body, and could not flush out in time, they will cause harm to your body, killing you slowly.

What's your dreams? If you're already 30yo, you're only left with 21000 days (or less)!

2014-08-21T10:35:00.000+08:00

WOW. this clip blew my mind. it's kind of emotional, and sets you thinking about your life.

WHAT'S YOUR DREAMS?

are you living it, and taking steps towards it? or are you letting yourself be pulled back by fears?
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
without goals, you'll be living a life with no passion, no meaning, you will be drifting day in, day out, drfiting to wherever since you have no idea where you want to go.
STOP GIVING EXCUSES.
I've learnt that if you want to do it, you will, regardless of circumstances.
If you don't, you will definitely be able to find an excuse, or 1000 if you need, why you do not want to do it. "I'm tired, I'm scared, I'm too old, I'm too young, I have too much burden, I have no money, I have no connection, I have no experience, I dunno how ..."
If you want an excuse, trust me you will definitely find it.
Stop living and cheating life with excuses.
Just do it.

Homemade Miracle Oil Mix (Nails/Hand/Body)

2014-08-19T17:58:00.000+08:00

Ever since I learnt about the amount of chemicals that have been added to skincare, I've been on the search for the healthier option. And this lead me to making my own. After the success of making my makeup remover, I got more confident and started experimenting with more things. After a couple of experiments, I got what I call The Miracle Oil Mix. I started giving this to friends and family this oil mix cos I love it so much, and I'm glad they love it too.

I call this The Miracle Oil Mix for its extremely moisturizing properties. I especially love how it restores my skin after it has been "tortured" after housework. I have not totally changed all the household products in my house, so there's still a couple of harsh detergents lying around the house, such as the dishwasher. Trying to finish it up before making my own (yes, the frugal part of me decides to continue using than to waste). I'm not sure about you, but my hands always feel super dry and uncomfortable (because of the dryness) after all that washing and scrubbing. Most moisturizers doesn't work that well for me. I've tried l'occitane, crabtree and evelyn, bodyshop and other brands but they just don't quite make it. My hands still feels dry after application.

This oil mix is the only thing so far that makes my hands feels super moisturized and good. I love it! Hence I termed it the Miracle Oil Mix. I used this like a "intensive serum", when I feel my hands or body needs that extra boost of moisture/hydration and it always work. 1 drop allows me to moistruize my hands, fingers, and I took the chance to give my hands a simple hand massage, and even use it as a cuticle oil, rubbing it to my cuticles. I used to have dry/cracked cuticles, but they look pretty happy now ever since I started on this oil mix. When my body feels dry, I massage it on my skin.

1 thing though. I have to be honest. It does take a little time to be absorbed so you'll have oily hands/fingers/body for a while, say 5 mins? It doesn't bother me, but in case it bothers you, this is a disclaimer.

When I use it on my body, especially my elbows and stuffs, this oil mix works like a perfume too. I've added some essential oil to it which smells really heavenly, and works as a natural perfume that doesn't give one a headache. Sure, it's not really lasting, but its ok! I can always reapply! :)

Ingredients:

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Jojoba Oil

Organic Almond Oil

Essential Oil (I used Lavender, but you can add any essential oil of your choice)

The proportion I used is 30% Coconut oil, 30% Olive oil, 20% Jojoba oil, 20% almond oil, and about 15 - 20 drops of essential oil (if you want stronger smell, add more).

If you need to know in terms of number of drops, just change % to drops. This is not a fixed formula. This is the formula that works for me, but feel free to experiment and tweak the proportions a little. Don't worry. It's not going to explode or something, so have some fun! :)

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

2014-08-19T17:17:00.000+08:00

I'm sure you have seen videos of celebrities accepting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on your feeds these few days. and it's quite funny to see these famous people pouring ice cold water over their head. whoever thought of this campaign is really brilliant, and I guess the campaign is a success, since people are probably googling on what ALS is all about.

To take part in the challenge, participants film themselves pouring a bucket of ice water on their head. Once they've taken the plunge, they call out three friends to take on the challenge, or donate $100 to the ALS Foundation, and upload the video to a social media platform.

from wikipedia:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—also referred to as motor neurone disease (MND), Charcot disease, and, in the United States, Lou Gehrig's disease—is a neurodegenerative disease with various causes. It is characterised by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to muscle atrophy, difficulty in speaking (dysarthria), swallowing (dysphagia), and breathing (dyspnea). ALS is the most common of the five motor neuron diseases.

sounds very complicated. I think ALSA.org summarizes it best. a dis-ease that "that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord."

In case you haven't seen much of these videos, here's some of my favourite:

Bill Gates

Mark Zuckerberg

Oprah

Rob Riggle, Horatio Sanz, Steve Higgins, The Roots, & Jimmy Take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Justin Timberlake

Eat More Real Food: Celery

2014-08-19T00:46:00.000+08:00

Celery has an acquired taste. Some people needs some time and perhaps, effort, to get used to it. If you're a fan. good for you! If you ain't, try to like it! Celery is packed with loads of goodies! Celery contains fibre, vitamins, potassium, proteins, minterals, folate, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and is very rich in antioxidants.

Celery is cooling in nature, and has the effect to bring down heatiness and calming the liver, anti-inflammanation and detoxification. It is also good for preventing high-blood pressure. Celery is very rich in digestive fibre. Hence, people with weaker gastric system or digestive ulcers should avoid eating celery, to prevent triggering intestinal tract colic or gastric discomfort. Due to its high content in fibre, celery is every effective to help with constipation and expel toxins from the intestinal tracts. The fibre will also make you feel full. so you won't feel hungry so easily. Celery is also low in calories, hence, it is also often used for weight loss.

There's many ways to consume celery. You can juice it, make it into a smoothie (I prefer this than juicing since we get to benefit from the fibre this way), eat is as a snack raw, add into your salad, fry it, add into soup etc etc etc.

Nature: Cooling
Benefits: bring down heatiness and calming the liver, anti-inflammanation and detoxification.
Who should avoid: people with weaker gastric system or digestive ulcers
How to eat: can be eaten both raw or cooked

Green Bean (Mung Bean) - For Cooling & Detox

2014-08-14T14:45:00.000+08:00

Green bean 绿豆(also known as Mung Bean), is an excellent source for detox and relieving summer heat). It is a very popular dessert in Chinese families, and is extremely simple to make.

Green bean is known to be cooling, so may not be suitable for people who have a cool body (those who have cold hands and feet), people having diarrhea, women who are having their menses (or going to have their menses). There's several ways of cooking green bean dessert. 2 popular ways are green bean soup and green bean water. Both have different benefits and should not be confused with one another, though both uses the same ingredients and cooking method.

Pre-cook Preparation
Soak green bean in water over night (or at least 2 hours)

Ingredients
pandan leaves (optional. I'll usually add in pandan leaves for the fragrance)
green bean
water
brown sugar/rock sugar (optional)

Cooling Purpose 降火气 - Green Bean Water 绿豆水
The skin of green bean helps to reduce heatiness. Hence, if your purpose is to cool or reduce heatiness, do not cook the green bean soup for too long. Add the beans to boiling water and boil in small/medium fire for about 10 minutes (don't cook for too long). Alternatively, just add boiling water to green beans, and let is simmer for around 15 mins. Add in some brown sugar or rock sugar (冰糖) if you need more flavour.The beans will look pretty hard and inedible. The water will look clear and greenish. Discard the beans and drink the water.

Detox Purpose 解毒 - Green Bean Soup 绿豆汤
The inner part of green bean helps with detox, hence, for detox purposes, you will need to cook till it's tender (煮烂), where you will basically see the beans "breaking up", and see the white inner parts of the bean. You will need to boil the soup longer (around 30 mins or more). The soup will look cloudy and slightly reddish. Green bean soup is good for detox, but not so ideal if your purpose is for cooling.

Undo Negative Energy with Doreen Virtue

2014-08-12T16:25:00.000+08:00

CANCEL,CLEAR,DELETE
Have you ever said something negative and regret it? You can remove the energy of this negative thing you've said by saying "CANCEL,CLEAR,DELETE". It may sound wierd but I use this all the time, and till now, I'm still amazed to feel the energy clearing up after saying CANCEL CLEAR DELETE. Try it the next time you made a blunder and said some negative things, or even think negative thoughts. What have you got to lose anyway?

SORCERESS SWEEP
This is very effective in clearing away negative energy - regardless if it's things you say, your thoughts, just just feeling the negativities of someone. This is another of my favourite gesture, and I do it all the time, anywhere, which may invite stares but I don't care. I'm very sensitive to energy so whenever I feel negative energy building up, I'll do the sorceress sweep to clear the energy away. I could be on the train, and a bunch of inconsiderate talking loudly and pushing around could pissed me off, and when I feel the negativities building up, I'll use the sorceress sweep to wipe out the energy. I love this method more than CANCEL CLEAR DELETE.

How do you do the sorceress sweep:
Take the hand you usually write with, and flick your wrist and push away the energy, undoing the energy.

Are you sure you're lovin' it?

2014-08-12T15:41:00.000+08:00

Are you a fast food junkie? Do you think that your french fries is made of just potatoes, oil and some salt?
Watch this. It will give you a great insight to your favourite joint.

In the video, you'll see that they have to throw away fries and burger from a regular restaurant as they have decomposed so bad they turned black. 3 weeks later, Big Mac and Mac fries still looks fresh from the store!
10 weeks later, everything looks disgusting, but the fries still look fresh! Can you imagine how much preservatives and whatever chemicals and addictives Macdonald's have added to their food? urgh. I wonder what happen when we eat it. -_-

Aromatherapy: Smelling Heavenly, Naturally

2014-08-12T08:30:00.000+08:00

Since young, I've always been sensitive to chemicals and synthetic fragrance. They make me sick and giddy. so I always know if a product is really natural or not cos the smell will give it away. One of my phobias in lifts abd public transports is being stuck in a space with people who smell like they have downed the entire bottle of perfume on their body. The whole journey makes me feel sick, and have to cover my nose the entire time. These days, I always carry a mask with me, and whether I smell wierd stuffs, I simply just wear my mask. I rather be stared at than to suffer in silence.

However, ever since I'm introduced to essential oils and aromatherapy, I'm in love. I love how it helps us to switch our mood, or relax almost instantly. and they smell so good. AND, not only do they smell good, they have awesome properties as well

Essential oils comes from plants, trees and grasses. They can be found in different parts of the plant including the petals, bark, resin and leaves. Aromatherapy is the perfect way to achieve a relax mind - a gift from nature for our busy lives!

There's many ways you can enjoy the goodness of aromatherapy. here's some:

bath
massage
oil burners
aromatic candle
body oil/cream

These days, I love to experiment and mix my own oil blend. It's fun pretending I'm a chemist and mixing the bottles.

However, before you start rushing out to buy that essential oil, well, please know that not all essential oils are created equally. Just like many so-called natural products out there are really not-so-natural if you take some time to read the ingredients list.

Here's some simple guides if you're new to choosing essential oil:

if it says "fragrance oil", it is NOT essential oil. it's with added fragrance, which means synthetic
essential oil is not cheap. if it says 100% essential oil, but only cost 2 bucks (like the ones you see in Daiso, that is not pure essential oil)
massage oil are usually already diluted with carrier oil, so what you're buying does not contain 100% of the essential oil (so for example, if you bought a ylang ylang massage oil, it's ylang ylang eo mixed with a carrier oil. essential oil can be quite potent so it's essential to mix it with a carrier oil.)
DO NOT apply essential oil directly on your skin. Essential oil enter the bloodstream through the skin, and can be extremely potent. Some may even produce a "burning" sensation. Always diulte in a carrier oil (like jojoba oill, sweet almond oil, coconut oil etc.), and ALWAYS do a patch test first.

How to do a Patch Test:

Mix 1 drop of essential oil with around 1 tsp of carrier oil
Rub it on the inside of your wrist
leave uncovered and unwashed for 24 hours
if there's no redness or itchiness, the oil is safe to use.

Recipes: Luo Han Guo Chinese Herbal Tea (罗汉果凉茶)

2014-08-11T22:21:00.000+08:00

Luo Han Guo has a very chim scientific name: Siraitia grosvenorii. This is a herbal tea that my hubby loves and will always buy when we passed by the herbal store so I decide to learn to cook it. Am pleasantly surprised that it's so easy to cook this herbal tea! This is one of the standard chinese herbal tea for cooling the body and to heal cough/sorethroat.

Luo Han Guo is cheap and can be found in supermarkets or chinese medicine hall.3 pieces cost around S$1.20 to S$1.50. I prefer to buy mine in chinese medicine hall where you get to choose. NTUC usually only sell pre-packed ones.

How to Choose Luo Han Guo (罗汉果):

Colour: should not be too dark
Shake: give the fruit a light shake when choosing. if you can hear/feel the seed within moving, the seed is dried (not fresh), and will not give much taste/benefits

What you need:

Luo Han Guo (罗汉果).
Pot (Try to use clay/ceramic if possible. It is better for cooking herbal tea/soup as there may be chemical reaction with metal/stainless steel pot)
Water
Chrysanthemum (optional)
Wolf-berries (optional)

For me, I prefer to add chrysanthemum & wolf berries into my herbal tea. These are optional. Traditional luo han guo tea consists of luo han guo and water only. Luo Han Guo has natural sweetness so sugar is usually not required. but if you do have a sweet tooth, you may put in a few pieces of rock sugar.

Wash the Luo Han Guo fruits, Chrysanthem and wolfberries. I usually use a medium-sized pot, and I found that the taste for 1 Luo Han Guo is quite bland, so I usually use 2, and if necessary, add another 1. It's entirely based on personal taste. My family loves the thick herbal taste of Luo Han Guo so my tea is usually quite thick in flavor.

Fill the pot with about 3/4 full of water, crushed the luo han guo and put them into the pot. close the lid and wait for the mixture to boil

Let the mixture boil a while. and open the lid to taste. This is the time when you decide if you need to add another fruit, or sugar

For me, I'll usually add Chrysanthem and wolfberries at this stage

done!

Benefits

Luo Han Guo is good for cough and sorethroat
It is considered a "cooling" fruit, so this is a good cooling herbal tea when you're feeling heaty, or have eaten too much unhealthy fried junk or have too too many late nights
chrysanthemum is also known to be cooling, rich in Vitamin B & C, and good for detoxification of the liver
wolfberries are good for eyesight and is is one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits around.

QOTD: What if?

2014-08-07T17:00:00.000+08:00

my current favourite quote.

you'll never know, if you never try.

I Met An Angel Today

2014-08-07T14:26:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling so touched and blessed. Went out to run some errands during lunch and when I came out of the building, there was a heavy downpour. It was bright and sunny before I left, so I was totally caught unaware. Many people were caught off guard too, seeing the crowd gathering at the entrance.

All of a sudden, I heard someone saying "miss, miss". I turned around and saw a young chap out who appeared out of nowhere, passing me an umbrella. I was quite surprised to encounter such kind gesture, and felt so touched to receive such kindness. I left feeling determined to pay it forward and be someone else's angel.

Be someone's Angel today.

You never know what simple act of kindness can do to the other being, and the ripple effects it can generate. :)

UNF**K YOUR CLOSET

2014-08-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

So this infographic has been popping up in new Facebook newsfeed alot these few days. I'm sharing it here because letting go and decluttering is always a good start (and a on-going journey) in pursuing a notox living, letting go of things we no longer need and want, and only keeping the best that serves us.

Hope you find this useful. Am so gonna try this on my closest this long National Day Weekend.

QOTD: Would You?

2014-08-06T10:58:00.000+08:00

If you found out you were dying

would you be nicer,

love more,

try something new?

well, you are.

We all are.

in fact, not to be a pessimist but ain't we all starting to die the second we're born? why wait till it's too late? I once read somewhere this very meaningful statement "the only thing you can expect in life is the unexpected". sound funny, but don't we all know murphy's law so well?

often, we wait for the "right moment", the "perfect timing" to go travelling around the world, start a business, carry that new bag you've saved so long for, but that RIGHT MOMENT may never come. especially recently, where there's news of unaturally disasters everywhere that looks like scence from the sequal Final Destination, I can't help but start feeling abit more melancholy, and started to reflect about life, and feeling more determined to live my life to the fullest. NOW is the moment. You only have NOW.

Stop saying, "one day...I'll...", "let's find one day to...", "when I'm <insert excuse/reason here>, I will..." Often, the one day never comes. Cos we always have other things that seems more important or pirority than that "one day", till it's too late. Then, we start regretting with "if only i knew..i will/i should have/..."

WHAT HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO? TO BE? TO TRY?

go start that business.

go pursue that childhood dream.

spend more time with your family.

go for that YOLO trip you've always been talking about.

go skinny dipping.

do it now. you only have now.

it's better to try and fail, than to not try at all and die with regrets.

Chia Seed Bread Recipe using Bread Maker

2014-07-28T09:30:00.000+08:00

Chia Seed (I'm using Nutiva Organic Chia Seed) is one of the superfood that everyone is going crazy about. It is rich in calcium (gives you strong bones and teeth), fibre (good for digestive health), and omega 3 (good for brain and heart), and alot of other nutrients. It's basically tasteless, and adds a nice crunch to whatever you add it to. I love to add it over my bread spread, to my smoothies, jellies and whatever. I'm now adding it to my bread recipe too! Again, this recipe uses olive oil (no butter, egg, and milk and whatsoever!) I usually add in rolled oats as well since Chia seeds are not cheap (so my 1/3 cup is made up of 50% chia, 50% rolled oats). I also feel that it taste abit off when there's too much chia seed.

Ingredients

Makes 2 lbs (907g) (number in red in bracket is for 1 lbs)

1 1/2 cups warm water (3/4 cup)
2 Tbsp olive oil) (1 TBSP)
1 1/2 tsp. salt (3/4 tsp salt)
2/3 cups chia seed (1/3 cup chia. can mix with rolled oats)
3 1/3 cups bread flour (1 2/3 cup: 1 cup bread flour, 2/3 cup wholemeal)
About 2 Tbsp. sugar or honey (1 tbsp)
2 tsp yeast (about 3/4 of a package) (1 tsp)

Instructions

Pour the water, oil and salt into the baking pan of the bread machine.
Pour in the flour and chia seeds (and rolled oats)
Pour in the sugar (or honey).
Make an indentation in the top of the flour and pour in the yeast.
I use the default basic bread function, 450g and let the machine do it's work.

Natural Makeup Remover - Castor Oil & Jojoba Oil

2014-07-27T10:00:00.000+08:00

People with oily skin are afraid of oil. And the thought of putting more oil on our skin freaks us off. I know, cos I'm one of them. Even though I've heard of the benefits of using oil on our skin for a while, I never quite have the guts to try it.

I grew up with acne, and very oily skin, though facial therapist will say my skin is super dehydrated, which causes the oiliness since the skin think it's dry thus produce more oil to balance it. People with oily skin are always told to avoid oil, and having a greasy face means we tend to want to wash our face more, which agrevates the problem, since the already hunger-of-water skin gets even drier, hence, have to work harder to produce more oil.

I once hear from a friend that people with oily skin shouldn't blot their face with blotting paper since it will make the problem worse. I never used to understand that, since face blotting seems the only way to keep our skin looking oil-free; facial tissue never seem to be able to quite do the job.

Recently, after spending quite a bit of time researching on natural living and to reduce toxics in our lives, I decide to give oil cleansing a try and made my own makeup remover oil. I'm so glad I did, cos it's one of the best discovery and experiment I've ever made. Not only does it remove makeup beautifully, it makes my skin less oily! YAY!

Oil is good for oily skin, as it helps to balance the oil sebum on our skin, so it actually prevents more oil from being produced. My DIY makeup remover is one of the best makeup remover I've ever used. It cleans really well with no residue. You know how some makeup still hangs around after you've removed them, especially like lipstick and eyeliners? I remember how I'll sometimes look like a panda with eyeliner streaks below my eyes even after removing my makeup, and it takes some effort to thoroughly remove them. I'm reminded of this again, after i had to use a commercial makeup-remover as I was travelling, and did not bring my oil along. Big Mistake, and it made me miss my DIY makeup remover so, so much.

The BEST SIDE EFFECT I got from making my own makeup remover is my already thick and long eye lashes, became even thicker and denser. This is because of the benefits of castor oil (I'm using NOW Castor Oil from here), one of the ingredients I used for my makeup remover. In fact. there's only 2 ingredients in my makeup remover: castor oil and jojoba oil.

Castor Oil is a must-use, as it cleans off makeup really well. But you can't use it on it's own as it's kinda dry (yes, it's drying despite being an oil), and it's not a easy-to-spread oil (if you know hokkien, it's kind of "siap"). So always mix castor oil with another carrier oil. I use jojoba oil (I'm using Aura Cacia, Organic, Skin Care Oil, Balancing Jojoba), but you can use coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil. Be open to experiment a bit, and see which works best for you. I've read in some places with people raving about coconut and olive oil, while others say it breaks them out, so do some trial and error, and I'm sure you'll find a combination that works for you.

Ingredients
Castor Oil
Carrier Oil (jojoba oil, or coconut oil, or almond oil, or olive oil)

For oily skin, use 70% castor oil, 30% carrier oil (if the mixture is too difficult to spread, add more carrier oil. My personal mixture is around 60% castor oil, 40% jojoba oil)

For normal skin, use 50% castor oil, 50% carrier oil

For dry skin, use 30% castor oil 70% carrier oil

Steps
1. Use a clean glass bottle (dark-coloured preferred), and pour in your mixture. Shake to mix the mixture well. If this is the first time you're doing, I'll suggest you manually pour the castor oil and carrier oil on your palms, so you can try the % mixture that works best for you instead of making 1 whole bottle and realized it's too drying/oily.

2. If you have a dropper, use about 2 drops of oil (or pour a 20cents oil size amount of oil) on your palm, and spread it all over your face, including your eyes and lips. I usually take this opportunity to give my face a good "massage", and I love seeing all the makeup melting away

3. Wipe it off with a tissue

4. I'll usually follow up with a cleanser, then carry on with my moisturizer.

Simple Bread Recipe using Bread Maker

2014-07-26T09:00:00.000+08:00

The recipe that came with the breadmaker works well, but it requires egg, milk, and most of all butter, which makes me on the hunt for a healthier option that doesn't require so many ingredient, and most importantly, must not require butter.

And I found the recipe that works wonderful, and only requires water, sugar, yeast, olive oil, flour and salt.

This recipe makes a 1000g bread. I usually only make half the serving (500g), so the numbers in red in bracket is for 500g. I'm also making the wholemeal version using this recipe, so I usually use 1.5 cups whole wheat flour and 2.5 cups bread flour instead of 4 cups bread flour.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups warm water (1/2 cup)
2 Tablespoons and 2 teaspoons sugar (1 TBS + 1 TSP)
3 teaspoons yeast (1.5 TSP)
1/3 cup Olive Oil (39.5g)
4 cups flour (or 1.5 cups whole wheat flour and 2.5 cups bread flour) (3/4 cup wholemeal flour 1 1/4 cup bread flour)
2 teaspoons salt (1 TSP)

Directions

1. In bread machine, place water, oil and salt.

2. Add flour on top of liquids. Make sure to cover the liquids. Pour sugar into one corner of the bread machine basket. Then make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast (be careful that the yeast should not touch the salt/water).

3. Set your bread machine for basic loaf, and let it do the rest of the work. For Donlim breadmaker, this is function #1. I used 450g weight using the 500g recipe.

Zi Zai Vegetarian 自在斋 - Tampines

2014-07-25T14:58:00.000+08:00

The husband and I frequents the outlet at Circuit road, and this is the first time we've visited the outlet at Tampines. This outlet is very refreshing, compared to the one at Circuit Road and Yishun. In fact, it somehow reminds me of Awfully Chocolate, or one of those hipster cafes that are popping up everywhere these days. As you can see, it is super crowded. This was during a Sunday evening, around 5+ 6?

The prices here are quite decent and very affordable. Mee Goreng at $4, Fried Rice at $3, pretty cheap I say! Here's a snap of the menu so you can see what they have.

Our favourite, must-eat dish at Zi Zai vegetarian is Roti Prata. Trust me. It's so good (as good as the good old ones by our indian friends!) and a must-order there. in fact, you'll notice that almost every table there has some roti prata on their table. Strangely, I notice quite a number of the vegetarian stalls here serves very good Roti Prata. I'll do a review of another of my favourite vegetarian outlet soon.

Zi Zai Vegetarian Tampines outlet also sells bread. Since I'm baking my own these days, I didn't buy any.

Overall, this is a good place to get some nice and cheap vegetarian food. Don't expect any service though. There's practically none. I still prefer my favourite auntie at Circuit road. :)

Zi Zai Vegetarian 自在斋

801 Tampines Avenue 4, 520801, Singapore

Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 10.45pm

+65 6781 1820

Homemade Strawberry Jam

2014-07-07T15:11:00.000+08:00

Almost all the supermarkets are having a sale on berries (I got my Strawberries from NTUC at $9.45 for 2 boxes. i think Giant is selling it cheaper), and I took the chance to indulge in lots and lots of berries in my diet.

Last night, I tried making strawberry jam, and it taste wonderful, and the husband gave his approval too. :)

Surprisingly, it's also super easy to make, and no need all the redundant chemicals and addictives!

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled

4 cups white sugar (I used raw sugar, and only used 70% of the portion, and still finds it a little too sweet. Will try 50% the next round)

1/4 cup lemon juice

Tools

Mason Jar(s) with Lid (any glass jars will do. just avoid the plastic ones)

Blender (optional) or a big bowl

Saucepan or pot

1. Wash strawberries, and cut off the head (the green leafy part)

2. Sterilize jar and lid by soaking them in hot water

3. Put strawberries in blender, and pulse a few times. Alterntively, you can also crush the strawberries in a huge bowl as the original recipe suggest.

4. In a saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil.

5. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C).

6. Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. I read that we have to invert the jar after filling it. This will supposedly "seal" the jar, which will make the jam last longer.

Homemade Strawberry Jam with Homemade Wholemeal Raisin/Walnut Chiaseed Bread

original jam recipe here