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.😉

Fun Things To Do At Home 💡

An outbreak sucks! 😷

Since early this year, the world is dealing with a major health crisis and I know it's been a very stressful time for everyone.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of stress, fear, anxiety everywhere, it also caused many destruction and inconvenience in our daily lives. 

Some countries are lockdown, schools are closed, we see panic buying and social distancing etc...With so much tensions around, people are staying indoors now, outings and travel plans are not encouraged. Mass/group activities and social events are either cancelled or suspended and the next thing you find yourself 'grounded' at home and nowhere to go!

I'm outdoorsy, so it's kinda miserable to be stucked at home all weekends.(I miss playing Basketball and Jamming with my UkerManics) but looking at the current situation, it make sense to stay at home and avoid crowded places as a precaution.

Though the Covid-19 has put humanity to a big challenge, but looking on the bright side, it may be a great opportunity to improve relationships and strengthen family bonds.

Here's a list of fun things for you and your family to beat boredom.

Fun Things To Do At Home :

Play Board Games

Ok Mummies and Daddies, it's time to put away your phones/laptops and get on the floor to play some games with the kids. I love board games, it's fun, entertaining and it reminds me of my childhood, "Who's turn to roll the dice, now?"

Declutter The House
With the nasty virus out there, it's good to keep the house clean and tidy everyday! I have been doing a lot of spring cleaning this week. You can clean up the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, reorganize books/toys shelves, changing the bedsheets/curtains, cleaning out the closets and donate some unwanted stuff to the charity or the garang guni.

Baking /Cooking Time

Get the little helpers to bake some cookies, muffins, making sushi rolls, homemade pizza or simply trying out new recipes.

Art & Craft

You can do simple DIY projects with the kids. It's so cool to make your own jewelry & keychains as gifts.

Read Books or Magazines

Reading is a great pastime but I prefer magazines though.lol

Take A Bubble Bath or A Power Nap

It's OK to relax & recharge...and a glass of wine shouldn't harm. Cheers!

Netflix and Chill

Let's not forget the beloved spouse. Couple time is very important in every relationship. Dim the lights please! 😄

Write A Song or A Poem

Dedicate your work to a friend or to someone special. 

Play An Instrument

Playing the Ukulele everyday lighten up my mood. You can practise your piano, guitar or drums, etc.. just enjoy and have fun!

Call Your Bffs

Instead of texting and chatting on the phone. Try FaceTime or video chats but do avoid gossips and spreading rumours. (Positive vibes ok?) 

Family Karaoke Time

Singing out loud can reduce stress. Get the kids to sing their favorite Disney songs and parents can sing along too.

Movie Nights

Watch your favorite movies together as a family. Comedies, horrors, animation, korean drama whatever...but don't forget the chips and popcorn!!! 

Home Workout

If you can't hit the gym for now. Try indoor exercise, like skipping, hula hoop or sit ups, etc..you can still have a good sweat, even at home.

Dance

If you feel like dancing, why not practice your favorite K-pop dance moves? (chumchu ja) Keep grooving!

Home Manicure/Pedicure

Try different colors and designs on your nails or try out a new beauty face mask. Pamper yourself because you deserve it!

Listen To Favorite Music

Music is a great therapy! Put on your headphones and feel the beats...

Indoor Gardening

If you love plants, you can grow some herbs and build a mini home garden.

Online Shopping

I'm an active online shopper! I love online shopping because it save time and it's so convenient! I'm glad I can get almost everything I need, without stepping out of the house. So ladies, go get that dress and the stiletto!

Spend Time With Your Pets

While bonding with family is important but don't forget to cuddle your pets and give them some attentions. Pets are family too.

For those who are serving the LOA (Leave Of Absence)/SHN (Stay-Home-Notice) for 2weeks Home Quarantine/Self-Isolation etc... Please hang in there, do your part and stay at home. Keep your spirits up and try to keep yourself occupied at home, the 2 weeks quarantine order will soon pass... 

It's perfectly normal to panic, feel worried and scared during such crisis but we have to remind ourselves to remain calm, be prepared and stay positive during this difficult time. I believe if everyone stand hand in hand, we can overcome this together and.......
Storms Don't Last Forever!

Let's all be social responsible, practice good hygiene and stay united always...Peace! 💗 #SGUnited

📝Products Review - Beauty Box from Try and Review

I love to try different brands of beauty & skincare to discover new products that suit me. 

When staff from Try and Review wrote to me and sent me a Beauty Box last week. I was thrilled and so excited to try them out. I can't wait to share the reviews on my blog.

So let's take a closer look at what's in the Beauty Box. I have tried the products and here's my reviews... 

1. Petal Fresh Softening Shampoo

Somedays I have super bad hair days with frizzy and flyaway hair. I love a  shampoo that has softening ingredients. After using twice every day, for about a week. I feel that my hair has more volume, it feels softer, more shiny and no more tangles when I brush my hair.


2. Bio Essence Micellar Water

I use make-up pretty often and I have combination/sensitive skin so I'm very careful and selective on the beauty products that I use on the face. This is one of the best Micellar Water I've tried so far and I love it! 

It has a mild scent but almost odorless, it's gentle and doesn't have that strong alcoholic sensation on the skin. My face feels clean, refreshed and moisturized after using it. I love that it removes waterproof mascara really well, it doesn't need rinsing and the skin don't feel sticky or oily afterwards. Very convenient for busy moms like me. Thumbs up! 😉 


3. Swisse Ultiboost Collagen Blood Orange

I take supplements to maintain general health. I've tried 3 bottles and noticed my skin seems brighter, firmer and I think I look fresher.lol. It has a strong orange flavor taste, not my favorite kind of taste though, but collagen is definitely a great boost for skin health and more.


4. Dove Deodorant Dry Serum

I rarely use deodorant but after trying this product, I'm amazed that the scent could actually last for long hours. The serum is not sticky, not greasy and it absorbs well. I noticed after daily use, the skin is now lighter, smoother and it doesn't cause irritation on my skin. Everyone loves to feel fresh all day. I would recommend this to all the ladies.

It's been a wonderful experience with Try and Review. The project team is friendly, sincere and efficient.

I thank them for sending me a cool Beauty Box with great products. The best thing I love about Try and Review is that I could share my honest and heartfelt reviews for each product, to give a better knowledge and detailed information to the readers and consumers. 

It's indeed a reliable source for product information with truthful reviews from real testers around the world!


Get connected with Try and Review >>> https://tinyurl.com/rykkqwo

"You have to try it to know it!"