✅ Self-Care Tips For Moms

Ok Mommies, now that the kids are back to school, you deserve some 'me-time' to relax and revitalize! Parenting is a lot of hard work, commitments, responsibilities and the list goes on...

This year, I can finally have more time for myself when both my kids are in the same school. For parents who have a Jubilee baby (SG50), I'm sure you were feeling anxious and excited for their first day in primary school. (I took lots of photos & videos on that special day!😊) My daughter is adapting well and make many new friends, I'm glad she didn't cry and she enjoy going to school with her elder brother.

Having the extra hours to myself is a luxury of freedom that I've been waiting for so long...Well, if you have a helper/nanny, grandparents, in-laws or any relatives who can help you out with the little ones, (lucky you!) you probably won't resonate my excitement, but for many moms like myself who are literally the sole caregiver for our kids with no helper, no in-laws/guardians and a hubby who works long hours/oversea etc..(I feel you and I'm so proud of you..Well done, Mommies!) You gotta' give yourself credits for the versatility and multi-tasking! Nonetheless, all mothers deserve the recognition for the unconditional love and sacrifices for the family.👍

The lunar new year festive is the busiest time for moms and the current outbreak narrative is intoxicating and disheartening. It greatly affect our emotions and morale, so it's important that we practice daily self-care to maintain healthy physical & mental well-being.

Here are some Self-Care Tips / Ideas and my personal advice for busy Moms :

1. Be Organised. (Plan Your Time)

It's never easy balancing work and family life, but with proper time management and good habits, you can get the jobs done on schedule.

Prioritize the important/urgent tasks and set a daily/weekly routine for work, kids, couple time, family bonding, house chores, etc..A routine will guide you to manage the daily tasks productively. 

Don't overwork. The truth is, work will never end! Always spend quality time with your children and your partner at the end of the day.

For me, my children comes first and my family will always be my top priority. I am grateful that I am financially stable, I prefer to work for myself, to have the flexibility to schedule my work at my own pace, doing things that I desire!

2. Take Catnap.(30 - 45 mins)

A power nap during mid-day is a great booster, it allows our body & mind to relax and recharge in a hibernate mode. When we have enough rest, we feel refreshed, more energetic and function better. Happiness is an afternoon nap! 💤

3. Eat Well & Drink More Water. (Enjoy Your Favorite Food)

Food are great pleasure and comfort! Good food brings good mood! When I have a busy schedule with writing assignments and zoom sessions, I hardly have time to sit down comfortably to enjoy a warm, decent meal. It's usually a quick bite or instant food,lol..But now, I can have long, undisturbed lunch, enjoying my flower tea and eating my favorite sushi in my Snoopy pajamas!😅

4. Talk To A Friend. (Call, Text, Facetime!)

Deep conversations/chatting with a good friend is heartwarming..You'll feel much better after you talk it out and release your emotions. Everyone needs a good listener, someone who is supportive, who understand the situations and never judge. If you have a dear friend who is willing to listen to your endless rants with patience and kindness, cherish that special bond & friendship, true friends are blessings!

5. Beauty Routines. (Look Good For Yourself!)

Pamper yourself and be nice to your body. Take a long bath, style up your hair or wear a new outfit! Looking good makes you feel great and confident. In my opinion, fashion and grooming shouldn't stop when you become a mother and every mom can look her best! "Mommy, when is the last time you paint your nails? do your make-up? and visit the spa/salons?" Maybe it's time to indulge and shower yourself some tender loving care. 😘

6. Listen To Music.(Sing, Dance, TikTok!)

Music is the best therapy! It creates a fun and lively ambiance. Whenever I feel under the weather, I would sing out loud, make random Tiktok videos, play my Ukulele / Guitar and it makes me feel better instantly. Like a magic pill, music never fails to brighten up my day! 🌞

       

I firmly believe that Music has the power to inspire, to heal and to connect our deep emotions. Through many tough times and struggles as a mother, music is always there for me and it's been a huge part of my life now..I guess you can't go wrong with music! 😎

7. Stay Calm and Control Your Emotions. (Protect Your Peace!)

Random topics, news, events and people may trigger some tensions and conflicts. Keep your cool and chill! Be wise and walk away from bad vibes and drama. Be selective, don't fight battles that don't matter! Not everything requires your reaction and attention. Sometimes, PEACE is better than being right!

It's Okay To Not Be Okay...

Motherhood is exhausting, demanding and a relentless journey, some days are intense and insane! 

But it's normal to experience negative emotions, frustrations, disappointments and meltdowns... but remember, DO NOT trap yourself in a 'mental prison'. Divert your thoughts, visions and focus on the positivity in every situation. The bad days will pass! 

    

Listen to your body and don't be too hard on yourself. Don't feel guilty if you can't do everything in a day, it's never selfish to take a break and rest...You don't need to be a Wonder Woman to save the world! We are only humans, it's OK to take one step at a time.

You are in charge of your own happiness! Self-care is much needed in our drastic lifestyle today, it is imperative that mothers need to replenish physical & emotional energy in order to provide the best care for the family. 

            

Be kind to yourself and take time to do what makes you happy. Make Self-care a priority every day! 🥰

"Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much!"❤

What's your daily self-care tips? Share with me and comment below! 😉

(*Disclaimer : The information provided on this blog is based on personal experience and for reference purposes. No medical advice intended. Please consult your local healthcare physicians for diagnosis and medical treatments - Mommywarrior77)

The Myths Of Motherhood ⚠️

Ok mama! I'm sure we've all heard some myths of motherhood.

I remember when I became a mother. Friends, relatives and even random strangers will offer some interesting information about motherhood; the classic myths, the old wives tales but sadly, social phenomenon can sometimes do more harm than help and that makes motherhood a lot harder than it is. 

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being a mom and I'm thankful to have 2 lovely children but the struggle is real! From conception, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting...The different stages of motherhood brings different emotions of excitement, fear, joy and many overwhelming experiences. 

The journey of motherhood is challenging but it's definitely worth it! However, many misinformation and misconceptions can often caused moms to get judged brutally and unfairly, these myths impact many moms that made them feel bad, guilty and shamed. 

Here are some myths that I have heard, in my journey of motherhood...

Myth #1 : "Breastfeeding help you lose weight..."

Well, I heard this one all the time but too bad it didn't work for me!Lol. I breastfeed for about 15months for my firstborn and the truth is (*at least in my personal experience) I get super hungry after I breastfeed many times a day and I actually eat more, I don't see a significant drop on the scale so this one is busted! (*for me)

Myth #2 : "Breastfeeding is a natural thing!" 

We all know "Breast Is Best" and I fully support breastfeeding campaigns and giving our babies the best nutrients, but sometimes it's not always easy for new mothers. Breastfeeding is a process that requires patience, determination and proper techniques.

Personally, I love the bonding and the skin-to-skin contact when I nurse my baby but breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, exhausting and inconvenience especially when you are in public places and there is no nursing room nearby. It can be quite embarrassing when the milk leaks, imagine walking around with a soaked blouse, oh gosh! Nonetheless, my breastfeeding journey has been a memorable experience but I don't miss it! 😅

I strongly believe every mom wants the best for their child so whether you breastfeed for a month, for a year or even longer, it doesn't make you less or more of a mother. 

I see many new moms struggling with breastfeeding, feeling immense shame for poor lactation and blaming themselves for not providing enough breast milk. Please don't be too hard on yourself, mummies! Not all moms have a milk supply of a fountain. Breastfeed as long as you can and it's OK to stop when you need to. 

Myth #3 : "A mom should dress like a mom." 

This is one hilarious remark! I mean seriously, is there actually a mom's 'outfit'? Ok, I get the point but in my opinion, I feel that every mom should allow to dress whatever that makes them feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. There is nothing wrong if the mom wants to wear the mini skirt or that bikini, etc...The way we dress has nothing to do with the status of motherhood.  

Myth #4 : "You are the mom, you should fix the problems!"

We often see people pointing fingers and start blaming the poor mother when the child misbehaved. People are too quick to judge without a clue what exactly happened. Hang on! Moms are not problem solvers, we are only humans. Be kind to mothers, we are learning, we trying very hard everyday, we get tired and we made mistakes too. Be more supportive and encouraging instead of mom-shaming. 

Myth #5 : "Csection isn't a real birth..." 

The controversy of Cesarean vs Natural Birth is totally pointless. What matters most is the safety of the baby and the mother. 

I had Csect twice, probably the most nerve-wrecking ordeal of my life when the gynecologist told me I had to go for an emergency c-section when the dilation was slow. I was scared and didn't know what to expect but I didn't care about the procedure and how long the recovery would takes, all I wanted was to bring my baby out safely. 

Not all labors are fast and smooth, some are long and traumatic. The birthing methods should never define the labor of love and motherhood. All births are amazing, it doesn't matter how it happens, both takes much courage and strength.💪😎

Myth #6 : "You will enjoy being a mom every day!" 

As much as I love my kids and they are my world, but there are some days I wish I can take a day off, just relax, do my own stuff and hang out with my besties. Kids can sometimes get you so annoyed and stressed-out with their constant whining and tantrums. We all have bad days, mummies need a little break and some space too. 

Myth #7 : "Asking for help is a sign of weakness..."

No, surely not! Mothers are multi-taskers and they play many roles. It is not humanly possible to manage everything alone! We all need help from time to time, so don't feel weak to ask for help, it's better to get some help than dealing with all the meltdowns that could affect your emotions and mental well-being.

As mothers, we need to take care of ourselves first in order to take care of the children and our family. Don't be afraid to reach out for some support and assistance. 

The judgement from society can be unjustified and cruel, we need to detach the myths of motherhood from reality, besides, there is no fixed formula for motherhood. Every child and every situation is different, do not let negative beliefs and stereotype criticism affect your role as a mother. Do what is best for your children and the family! 😉

"A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional and forever..."

What are some interesting myths you heard, share with me and comment below.

Tips To Save Money & Spend Wisely💰

Do you feel anxious every time you look at your bank account and sometimes wonder, where did the money go? 🤔💸

Let's face it! We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world. We all know money is so important. We need money for food, utilities, transports, education, essential stuff and the list goes on.

It doesn't matter how much money you make, if you don't know how to manage your financial and control your spending habits, you'll end up being broke all the time, or worst, heavily in debts! 

The economy is badly affected by the global outbreak, many have lost their jobs and businesses are closing down, there are many uncertainty ahead...Therefore, saving for a rainy day is necessary because you never know when an emergency may strike. A reserved / emergency fund (saving) could comes in handy to tide over the difficult times.

The most common problem that causes debt, is BAD spending habits. Unfortunately, many people spent more than they earn, hence, they fail to save at all when they overspent every month! That is a serious matter and a nasty habit that leads to financial problems.

I'm not a financial expert. I know it's not always easy to save up, especially for those who have lower incomes or doesn't have a fixed salary, but the biggest obstacle is getting started! Yes, it takes some efforts and a good saving strategy, but you need to take the first step and let it roll. Don't stress over how little you save, as long as you start, your saving will grow gradually.

Here are some tips that may help you save money :

1. Limit your spending

Always set a budget on how much money you can spend per month and do NOT exceed the limit. That gives you a guideline on your monthly spending pattern.

2. Don't carry too much cash

Digital payment like PayLah, PayNow, GrabPay and GooglePay are very convenient these days. When you carry too much cash, chances are you may be tempted to spend unnecessarily. 

3. Avoid using credit cards

Stop swiping the credits cards for every purchase. Keep them at home. (Use it only when it's necessary) It's all about self-discipline. Use the ATMs and debit cards instead.

4. Pay all your bills on time

Avoid late/overdue payments and always pay your bills in full. It's easier to track your spending and monthly expenses. This will prevent the outstanding bills to snowball and late fees charges.

5. Keep coin banks

I have a few coin banks around the house, I teach my kids the importance of saving money and it's always better to start saving when you are young. Save the coins and don't underestimate those piggy banks. My last coin deposit credited over $300 worth of coins.

6. Avoid impulsive buying

Maybe you really love that dress, the sneakers or that limited edition watch, but wait for a week or two, you may change your mind. We sometimes buy things that we don't really need or rarely use, and that is a waste of money. Go for values instead of the big brands.

7. Take public buses / trains

You don't need to take a cab every day unless you are rushing for urgent appointments, feeling unwell and carry bulky stuff etc.. Buses and trains still take you from Point A to Point B. It's much cheaper and convenient too.

8. Garage sale

Sell away things you don't need, perhaps an old TV, the golf clubs or a bicycle that is sitting in the store for years. List them on free classified ads or sell them at cash converters, it's a great way to generate some cash and de-clutter the house.

9. Don't try to impress others

Don't go broke trying to look rich! What's the point of driving a posh car with an empty bank account?

10. Take good care of your health

Do some exercise, eat well and stay healthy. That could save you the clinic trips and doctors fees.

*BONUS TIPS* 

Invest carefully and wisely

Before you invest anything, do some homework and market research. Be careful with investment plans or packages that 'promise' rewards/profits/interests that sounds too good to be true. Never sign anything when you have doubts. Online scams and con-artists are everywhere, don't be the next victim and risk all your hard-earned money.

If you need help or advice to manage your debts, check out this link for more information.

👉 https://www.ccs.org.sg/

Keep in mind that it is never too late to start saving. Money do not save on its own unless you do it! 

Set realistic saving plans/goals. Even if you only manage to save $10 a month, do it anyway because it is still better than saving none. The flowers doesn't bloom overnight, be patient, keep moving and let the saving grow...🌱

Whether you are saving up to buy a new car, a new house, for college or retirement, etc.. Saving money doesn't mean you have to live a super frugal lifestyle and feel miserable everyday.

You can still enjoy your favorite Ice-creams at Swensen's and your Cappuccinos at Starbucks as long as you manage your financial well, take control of your money and spend within your budget.

The fundamental of saving is to earmark for emergencies, unexpected expenses, financial freedom, staying debt-free and other long-term plans for the future.

Cultivate good habits and motivate yourself to save for a rainy day even when the sun is shining... Start saving today! 

Do you have any personal tips on saving money? Share your comments below.😉

Lessons I Learned From My Mom🌹

Mother's Day is a beautiful occasion to celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds and the contributions of mothers in our society. 

My mother has inspired me to be a better and stronger person today. Kind, loving and generous. She is one of the strongest and toughest woman I ever known. A woman full of strength and courage, she never back down and she is always positive about life in every situation. My mom is someone whom I look up to, an amazing woman I truly respect and admire...

In honor of Mother's Day, this is a blog to express my appreciation and gratitude for her hard work, sacrifices and the valuable life lessons my mom has taught me.

Important Life Lessons From Mom :

Family comes first

Always protect your family and love your children unconditionally. Nothing in the world is more important than family.

Learn to cook

My mom is a great cook! She believes, 
"A way to a man's heart is through his stomach...'' (Oh mom...😅) When I was little, she would asked me to help in the kitchen, chopping the onions, garlic, pounding the spices and I would watched her cook everyday. She believes home-cooked meals are the best and much healthier. With the culinary skills today, I enjoy cooking & baking because it's a joy to cook for the family.

Treat everyone the same

Never be arrogant. Whether they are cabbies or the CEOs, everyone deserves respect and to be treated equally.

Be kind and help others

Kindness is a virtue. My mom has a heart of gold. She would help the poor, the needy and the less fortunate. I do volunteer work because I believe in giving back to the society, to offer help and support to our community. The world need more empathy and compassion.

Have more patience

Well, I have to admit this is a tough one...I'm not the most patient person in the world, but I will try my best to work on it! 

Never give up

Like a warrior, my mom is a fighter, she taught me to be brave and strong, to keep trying and never give up hope no matter how hard the situation is! "Where there is life, there is hope..."

Keep some money aside

Save for a rainy day. Ah yes...a wise advice! Always keep some extra cash or a reserved fund, you never know when you need it!

Keep learning and exploring

As a child, my mom would encourage me to follow my passion, interests and to keep learning as much as possible. She never stop me from playing music or joining the singing contests, etc... Even when I didn't do much to make her proud, she never rain on my parade. She is always there to cheer for me and I thank her for believing in me.

Choose your friends wisely

It doesn't matter how big the circle of friends you have, it's the TRUE ones that matters!
Friends can influence your thoughts, actions and behaviors, so be careful who you surround yourself with. Mama is right! 

Live with integrity

My mom live a honest and humble life. She taught me the values of being true and upright, to speak with honesty and act with integrity. I raise my head high, each and every day...

Be thankful

Despite all the storms and difficult times, my mom doesn't complain. She is always grateful about life and counting the blessings...

Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother. I thank my mom for being there to support and guide me over the years... 

Sometimes, we may not share the same views, beliefs or have different ways of expressing ourselves, but in the end... All mothers have the best interests at heart for the children and the family.

...The combination of the purest love, kindness and patience can never be replaced...🌹

What are some lessons your mom have taught you? Share with me and comment below.😉