Environmentally and skin friendly products

Recently I've discovered a wealth of skin products that are environmentally, skin and pocket friendly!

1) Konjac sponge

From the website :http://www.konjacspongecompany.com/

KONJAC POTATO is a perennial plant, native to Asia and sometimes known as Konnyaku .

Benefits of a Konjac Sponge

• 100% Natural Sponge
• Gentle exfoliation
• 100% Colouring Free
• 100% Additive Free
• 100% Biodegradable
• Naturally Sustainable
• Environmentally Safe

A naturally moisture rich plant fibre which is by nature alkaline, and thus balances the acidity of the skins impurities and oils. The unique net like structure of the sponge, gently massages the skin and stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells. Leaving the skin extremely clean and refreshed…..naturally! No need for additional cleansers or soaps unless you really want. Should you chose to use additional cleansers or soap, you can use a fraction of your usual amount, as the sponge will generate more bubbles and spread the cleaner further than usual.

Better for your skin, better on the environment and your finances!

 

I've been using it since around March. (It's available in Watson, Sasa and Gmarket) I only use cleanser with it when I come home from outside as I still have left over cleanser. Other than that, I use it with just plain water. So far so good!

 

2) Baking soda

 

There's a wealth of uses for baking soda just google it!

I use it as a substitute for shampoo and shower gel sometimes.  I haven't been using it as a shampoo long enough to comment on it but on days that I use it as a shower gel, I feel fresh and my skin seems smoother.

 

3) Green Clay and Fuller's Earth Clay

 

I buy them online from a Singapore based website ( and use them as masks to deep cleanse my face or to lighten scars. 

 

These are just a few of the natural items that I've been using so far. I'm not sure whether they will work for everyone but I've enjoyed using them so far. I also think that they are a better, more environmentally and healthy alternatives to the concoct of chemicals that we see in the stores.

  

Wish List

Presenting my wish list (in random order)

1) Bringing back of non air-conditioned buses. I was marvelling at the beautiful greenery on the bus today when *bam* the only air I breathed in were cold air and not fresh air.

2) Pace of living will be slower. I like more time to just chill out and have some quiet time of reflection. No more checking of emails and smses to check for any new work and deadlines.

3) Less work for children and more time for real play and learning. I pity those children who have to stay back for remedials AND go for their own tuition classes.

4) Its ok to wear the same old clothes and accessories. Do we really need so many clothes, bags and watches??? So what if the face of the watch is a bit scratched or the handle of the bag is a bit frayed. Its still usable, I'm OK with it.

5) More vegan options in restaurants. Not able to accomodate to halal options/any options due to religious reasons is insensitive but being a vegan is picky??? Hello do I sense a double standard here?

6) Talk to me and not sms or play with your iphone. Hello real person sitting in front of you. LOOK AT ME , TALK TO ME!

7) Less emphasis on profit and loss. Taking care of your parents regardless of how competent they were as parents. Its sickening to see people care for others with a condition stamped on it. What happened to unconditional love? Do you check out the moral standards of those in need before you donate to charity? No right? You give because there is a need. Your parents need you. Care.

8) Religion harmony. If you delve deep enough into your own religion and take the time to read deeply and objectively into other religion, you will find them to be equal. Stop thinking your way is THE WAY and force them into others' throat.

9) See the good in others.

10) Parents spending more time with their kids.

Happy Holidays!

Loving Hut

Went to this restaurant (Bukit Merah Branch) today for lunch with my parents.
http://www.lovinghut.com.sg

Great food at an affordable price with a cozy ambience to boot. The service was great too, the waiter upon seeing that I didn't stir my drink came up to me and told me that I should stir it as it would make the drink taste better. Even my dad who is not a vegetarian kept praising about the food.

I think the restaurant is a vegan one, which means it not only doesn't serve meat but eggs and dairy products as well. I'm quite keen to try the milkless ice-cream if I have a chance to dine there again.

Do drop by if you have a chance too!

Saying I'm sorry

I came back to Singapore on the night of Fathers' Day so I did not get to see my father. The following morning, I greeted and apologised to my father, for being an unfilial daughter.

I could not help but feel that if I had apologised earlier ,my father would have been less lonely for the past years.

Family ties is something that will endure the test of time, harsh words and behaviours. Unfortunately, friendships are more fragile. Sometimes, an unintentional word or behaviour can cause irreversible damage. I wished that I have known this earlier.

Being a scatterbrain, I forget harsh words said to me easily and can be friendly to the person easily. I have naively believed that others would forgive me easily too. This is not so. Sometimes, I don't even realise or care enough on the hurt that I inflicted on others.

Be kind and treasure those around you and never take them for granted.

Teacher Parents Session

It seems like a long time since I last posted an entry (so long that I forgot what email and password to type in) but after checking the date, it doesn't seem that long after all.(ok so my memory is bad)

Will do a quick post before I go overseas.

It seems pretty common for ladies nowadays to continue working after the birth of their child. Some will leave the care of their child to either their parents or to a child care centre. Some points to ponder on:

1. The parents are basically doing double duty. After the arduous duty of raising their own child, they are faced with another round of raising their own grandchildren.

2. This is something which I find quite interesting , it was raised by another teacher. If the child is raised by the grandparents, what happens when the child starts a new generation? Will the mother of the child (who was raised by the grandparents) be equipped and prepared to raise her grandchild like what her parents have done for her?

For me, I like to take a peek at the profiles of the parents of my students. Students who have stay at home mothers tend to be better behaved which then translate to better academic results.


During the recent Teacher Parents meeting session (which I kind of enjoyed, both parents and me will learn something new about the child), one of the mothers told me that her son has become better behaved and less rebellious after she became a stay at home mum. Of course, life is not easy with a minus-one income but its definitely worth all the sacrifices.

Unresolved issue

Slowly(ok maybe not that slow) but surely, my bond is coming to an end. Some of my colleagues are advising me to stay but I really don't know. Its not a case of seeking greener pasture but rather how much more I can contribute.

Story of Toys

Last week (at the place where I do volunteer teaching) , I was doing a lesson on the relationship between excessive consumerism and global warming. This week, I was asking the students on what they had done for our earth for the past week. One student (4 years old) replied that she didn't buy any toys this week. Cute and sweet. =)

Its not the end but simply the catalyst to a bigger goal.

±2℃ part II

I showed parts of the show to the class of students where I am doing volunteering teaching. Considering the young age of the students, I was surprised that they seemed to be engaged in it. One of the parents came forward to ask where the video can be obtained. Next week, I will be doing follow-up to the video.

When I did an environmental lesson with my students about 2 years ago, their reaction was positive and encouraging. Right after the lesson, many of them wanted to continue the lessons without the fans.

However, the lesson itself is only a catalyst, igniting awareness and hopefully further action .
Effort is needed by both the teacher and most importantly, the parents to ensure that the initial enthusiasm can be sustained.

Earth Hour 2010

Earth Hour 2010 will occur on 27th March 2010.

To quote loosely ,it's set to be the best yet but only works best when all of us are involved.

弟子规

Caught this performance on the recent charity show.

I tried to upload my copy from the dvd but I still haven't found a way to do it. This copy is extracted from Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khl4Y7UFRO0


My "moral education" lessons in class are actually based on 弟子规, one can imagine my excitement when I caught this on television. I wonder if 弟子规 is now taught in Shuqun Primary School?

Some miscellaneous information:

1.The students performing are from Shuqun Primary School, the alma mater of a Nus Wushu Alumni.

2. I mentioned 弟子规 briefly to her when we were attending another wushu girl's wedding (the school which she is teaching at is teaching 弟子规though) although I wonder if she still remembers the conversation or if she had caught the show.

STOP!

Was doing some shopping at two BODY SHOPS outlets recently. Both asked whether I want a carrier or if it was ok to use my sling bag that I was carrying instead. Definitely a thumbs up for them . It beats having to stop the sales people from getting a carrier. Good for retarded people with slow reaction like me.

Mid year resolutions

I will make time for those around me.

I will be more organised and independent.

I will not expect people to do what I want, neither will I keep their faults.

Building something out of things that fall apart

Random pics from my mobile phone: Its nice chilling out at the chinese garden.

Nice view from the toilet




Anyway , back to today's topic.



Sent my printer to the servicing centre. Just 3 months after the one year warranty has ended.




Sent my DVD recorder(still under warranty) to the servicing centre.






Was downloading various software to rid my laptop(possibly still under warranty) of errors last night.




Would probably have to do something about my new camera SD card (does it come with a warranty?)too. I can't load the pictures into my labtop.I can only take pictures with my mobile phone camera now.



Even my bathing sponge(with no warranty) needs changing.

Had an accident at the swimming pool which resulted in an injured left hip(ok I'm not sure about the technical term) and a right knee oozing with blood. Was supposed to be body surfing on the water, more like body surfing the pool floor. Anyway, I went on to slide down the gigantic water slide so my injuries couldn't be that bad.

----------------------------------------------------

Things (even human beings),whether anot they come with a warranty are simply not built to last. We are slowly but surely dying /falling apart ,year by year, month by month, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second and yes moment to moment. Build something that last out of it while we still can. What are you going to build in your life?

Preventing Sinus Infection

Nope, I'm not having one of the dreaded infection again. Was having frequent bouts of sinus infections last year.

For those not in the know, sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sinus_infection/article_em.htm)

For me, it wasn't detected during initial diagnosis at the clinic. It seemed like a normal serious flu that just would not go away. The pressure on one side of my head got so bad I couldn't sleep properly as I will be awaken by the pain when I toss to the "pressured side".

Not sure what was the exact cause but I do have a sensitive nose. A sensitive nose is one which is constantly blocked or running. For me, its just frequently blocked.

Tried using the nasal spray but somehow it didn't seemed to work for me.(maybe I'm not diligent enough?) I still had frequent bouts of sinus infections.

Recently, I came across an article saying that those with sensitive nose should stay away from coffee, beef, milk, eggs, orange juice, peanuts, seafood, cold beverages and food with artificial colourings. I have also attended a course which the speaker mentioned that milk tends to cause respiratory problems.

So far, I have tried to avoid food with milk and eggs, as well as cold beverages(I'm a vegetarian so avoiding seafood and beef is not an issue for me). I have also stayed away from artificial flavourings and colourings. Its not easy since most food have them. So far, I have not had any more sinus infections. Of course, it could also be due to other unforsee variables.Those who are prone to sinus infections may like to try avoiding the above food. =)

Morale boost

A bit backdated..yes yes I am slow.

A morale boost from a parent who brings her child to the teaching class where I volunteer at. Nothing spectacular just an expression that she shares the same goal for her child and the affirmation that the class is beneficial . Its good enough for me.

In the class, other than another teaching partner, we also have parents volunteers to help out in the class. Recently, a few of the teachers started utilising IT resources to conduct lessons. I started making powerpoint slides and showed videos to aid my teaching. I was a bit apprehensive. Yes, it is common within the school to enhance teaching using IT resources, but here at the place where I volunteer, its probably something new. I was wondering how the parents sitting in would react. So far, responses have been positive and I'm more confident in using it in the class .

Taiwan

Going to Taiwan for a second time.

Difference being this time I'll be there for a course and I'll be going alone.

Earth Hour Part 2

Was doing a lesson on Earth Hour with my students.

They are so tickled by the hong kong version of Earth Hour...Kids....=) I was trying to illustrate that other countries are active in their part in conserving the earth's resources.

Went to do an informal poll on how many of them actually voted for Earth on 28th March 2009. Not all voted but more than what I have expected already. Thank you students. Thank you to the parents who were willing to let them vote. =)

曲/詞/編/監/主唱: 林一峰

藏於天空每點星光仍有待浮現褪掉白晝每分喧嘩來　齊看夜還完漁村星火撒於淺灘鱗光水裡閃腳步慢了萬里漆黑銀河　

終於可見Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼用心看一看你面前留於心中半點燭光陪我抱你入眠Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼用心看一看你面前Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼認真看一看這樂園留於心中半點燭光陪我抱你入眠甦醒於恬靜呼吸一線曙光吻你的臉

Earth Hour

Its Earth Hour today.
2030-2130.
Are you ready?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu2G3JTOk0&feature=related

http://www.earthhour.org/about/sg:en
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour

Hit and Run

What kind of day was it? Actually , I can't remember at all. Was it sunny, windy or cloudy? Truth is I was probably too absorbed in my grouchiness and self pity in needing to go back to school during the school holidays to notice the weather.

Upon arriving in school, probably still clouded by my grouchiness, I did not take note in where my steps have taken me.

Suddenly, I heard a cracking sound. Being retarded, it took some time for me to stop and retraced my steps. I couldn't make out what I had stepped on.

"Its a snail," my colleague enlightened me.

So you can imagine the damage that was done to cause the snail to be beyond recognition.

I walked back to my office.

After telling a colleague who sits near me what had happened, we took some paper , intending to bury the snail if it was dead or do whatever we could to salvage the damage.

Alas, the snail was cleared by a cleaner when we went back to the place of incident.

The poor snail, no voice to scream for help and too slow to try and escape. Imagine if glass was crushed on your body, probably that's what the snail felt when I stepped on its shell and its shell was cracked and crushed into its body.

I couldn't think of anything else to do for the snail except to utter a word of prayer and pay more attention to where I was walking in the future.