It’s always good to be young. Well, who doesn’t like it?

When I’m in my teenage and early adult working years, I’m always energetic and could stay up late every night. My immunity function works well too, and I seldom fell sick. As I grow older, signs of aging not only surfaced physically on my face and body, my internal functions are also not performing as well as they used to be before. Well that’s life, isn’t it? 🙂

Many reasons contribute to these. Apart from the lack of exercise, the missing of a well-balanced diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins etc) is a determining factor as well. At times when work is busy, I will just gobble down fast food meals or Maggi Mee to fill my stomach.

Because I feel I lack the necessary nutritional ingredients essential for optimal health, I began to take multi-vitamins. However, some multi-vitamin brands that I took weren’t that ideal, as they constantly give me constipation.

Through my friend’s recommendation, I get to know about LifePak and its beneficial effects it has on the body. I decided to give it a try since I have been looking for an alternative option to replace my current supplement, and hoping it won’t give me constipation.

According to LifePak article, it has more than 40 antioxidants (including proprietary Te–green 97) for cell health. And this helps to fight again the free radicals production caused by pollution, stress, and modern lifestyles that constantly wreak havoc to our cells.

LifePak includes all eight forms of natural vitamin E, buffered vitamin C, selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese. Other antioxidants include six carotenoids, more than 20 flavonoids (including catechins and more than 10 grape seed polyphenols), alpha-lipoic acid, and resveratrol.

What are antioxidants actually? They are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is
a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, which leads to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms.

1. Taking supplements with antioxidants help to delay the negative effects on our body and mind, as it fights and neutralize the free radical attacks in our body.

2. Regular intake of antioxidants helps improve skin health, boost hydration and elasticity, making our skin radiant and have lesser fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Improve eye health and help in reducing cataracts.

4. Promote general oral health, help fight against tooth decays and bleeding gums issues.

5. Help build a better immune system against viruses and bacteria.

6. Boost energy and metabolism levels, which help enhance performance during the day.

7. Help improve cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of coronary heart disease.

8. Improve the absorption of nutrients and promote a healthy digestive system.

9. Boost bone and joint health, preventing osteoporosis.

10. Boost its memory power, improve cognitive skills and slow down brain aging.

(Info from http://www.womensweekly.com.sg/health/antioxidants-nicer-smile-better-skin-health-nuskin/?agallery=89212&aslide=9)

For many of us who do not take in enough nutrients from a well-balanced diet for our optimal health & well-being, I believe taking dietary nutritional supplement will without a doubt helps to provide our body with a variety of micronutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants – compounds that are essential to optimal health. After taking LifePak for many months, I feel healthier, the immune system better, and no constipation. 🙂

If you are keen to find out more about LifePak, you can visit this link below:

https://www.nuskin.com/content/nuskin/en_SG/products/product.36003714.html

You can research other brands as well, to find the best supplements suitable for your body health. Most importantly, we all should try to maintain a work-life balance, eat healthily wherever possible, exercise regularly & have at least 8 hours of sleep daily.

As we are nearing the end of the Year 2018, it’s time to reflect on the good and the bad, plus the wishes and hope for the New Year.

How has life in general been going for the Year 2018, in terms of family, love life and career? Was it another year of cruising mode, or were there some achievements in certain areas that you were proud of? Sad to say, time passes very fast before we knew it. And as we looked back, we may sigh that we have not done enough. We should have done this this this, that that that, and if we were to turn back the clock, we would do things differently. But, is that really so? In actual fact, we may do the same things again if we go back in time. So rather than thinking about what we would have done better if we were younger, we should look forward and see what’s the best we can do moving forward, to make the best of our remaining years.

Our parents are getting older as we age, and the time we see them gets lesser due to our work and other commitments. In this rat race society, what can be done better to make sure we have a work-life balance that we can achieve a win-win situation, be it working optimally and spending quality time with our parents and loved ones?

For those who are married and with kids, they have more to juggle as well. A lot of planning needs to be put in place to ensure life is well taken care of in the future. Therefore, insurance & kids’ educational funds all come into play, plus rational investment in stocks, such that instead of putting our savings in the bank which earn miserable interest, we should look at how to maximize our returns via other investments. Many of us do not really dabble in stocks for many different reasons. It could be the hassle of opening a CDP account, not enough money to invest, the starting process of learning to invest, needs monitoring, so on and so forth, but as my colleague says, once you set up and go through the initial process, everything should get into place easily. Buy blue chip stocks that have the potential to grow in the long term and require minimal monitoring, and do not play with risky investments such as land banking. Start taking baby steps, and it will become easier as it goes. For those who are interested, you may read https://thenewsavvy.com/invest/fintech/ to learn more about investments.

For those who are single, it doesn’t mean life is easier as well. Although commitments seem to be lesser, there are a lot of other considerations that singles face. They have no one to support or depend on except for themselves, thus the need to learn to be more independent and take care of themselves well. Searching for a good life companion can be tough. Some say that finding love is like meeting a ‘ghost’; the chances are so slim. While in the midst of searching, it’s still a must to start planning early so that there’s no need to worry when reaching the twilight years. Instead of spending money unwisely on things that cannot sustain for long, it’s time to start thinking, decluttering the spaces around, and seriously look into self-protection measures such as hospitalization & saving insurances. It’s never too late to start planning.

For career-wise, as we gain more experience in the working society, it’s time to also take a step back, rethink what we have achieved over the years. Was it all worthwhile, did we learn anything that adds on to our skill sets that deserve a better pay package when we move on to other jobs? If it didn’t, it’s time to take a microscopic look at all the areas that we should focus on, that allow us to demand a higher pay when we leave the current job. But most importantly, we need to work for a job that we have passion in. If it reaches a stage where you don’t see anything good out of the current job, and well, if there are enough savings, it’s also good to take a break for a few months to think through on your next step in life. Sometimes it’s really hard to sit back and think when work is continuously taking a toll that you gets so tired after work and you just want to sleep when you reach home.

In short, there’s no second chance in life as we grow older. We can either steer towards the same route or take a different path in life, and see how future unfolds as we march into the unknown future. Be it good or bad, it’s in our mindset. 🙂

To a better Year 2019, where what we hope and wish for all come true….

 

 

When I was a tourist in other countries, there were many people who don’t know where Singapore is, or they thought Singapore is part of Malaysia or China. Well, it’s not surprising since Singapore is just one small red dot on the map. But I guess, Singapore has gained more awareness, with the meet-up of U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un in June 2018. Oh, and the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, which featured some scenes filmed in Singapore.

Although Singapore is just a red dot on the map, it is a clean, safe and pleasant place to stay in, with sights of greenery everywhere you go. Despite the fact that Singapore, unlike other countries like China, Taiwan or Korea, does not have lots to offer in terms of scenic/mountainous areas for hiking, or awe-inspiring architectures/buildings like Europe, there’s still a few key places that Singapore is proud of to showcase to the world.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay, created in 2012, is part of the nation’s plans to transform its “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”, with the aim of raising the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city. Its Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world, a place you must visit when in Singapore.

There’s the Cloud Forest which you must visit too, it’s a mysterious world veiled in mist. Take a stroll and take in breath-taking mountain views surrounded by diverse vegetation and hidden floral gems. And learn about rare plants and their fast-disappearing environment. You don’t have to worry about being sweaty from all the walking, as you are covered in a cooling environment.

For more details:

http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/attractions/cloud-forest/orchid-display.html

Come step into the Flower Dome and stand in awe of nature. Spectacular and innovative, it is the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records! Be amazed by changing display of flowers and plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. The display changes periodically to reflect different seasons and festivals, so you can re-visit at any month to view the different flora display.

For more info:

http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/attractions/flower-dome/facts-and-figures.html

Sentosa

Another place you can visit is Sentosa Island, where there’s Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa. It’s very accessible via MRT station and you can take a day trip there.

AT USS, you can enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions in the different themed zones. A nice place to spend a whole afternoon in. If you want, you can spend one night in Sentosa Island, and fully explore the whole area. Local Singaporeans do staycation there too, like me. 🙂 There’s many hotels for you to choose from, so take a pick and have a relaxing time there.

For more Info:

https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/explore

Eat.Shop.Play – A Paradise for Foodies and Shoppers

Singapore is known as a food and shopping paradise. You can grab a good bargain during sales period, where the merchandise can be up to 50-70% off. Besides the famous Orchard Road Shopping Belt, there are many other shopping malls scattered around the city and they are conveniently located within walking distance from MRT Stations. Examples such as Bedok Mall (Bedok station), Tampines Mall, Century Square and Tampines One Mall (Tampines Station), Bugis Junction (Bugis Station), Nex Mall (Serangoon Station) and etc. In terms of food, there’s Newton Circus Hawker Centre, or Chomp Chomp Food Centre, where you can indulge in all types of food without burning a hole in your pockets. Famous dishes like Fried Kuay Tiao, Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake, Sambal Sting Ray, Satay etc will give you a taste of some of our local flavours.

In short, Singapore is a nice place to drop by for a visit, if you haven’t been to Singapore yet. It’s clean, green and safe with helpful people who are bilingual in English and Mandarin. Most importantly, it’s a city that’s full of clear signages that makes it easy to navigate around, starting with our beautiful and award winning Changi Airport when you touch down. And no worries if you are lost within Singapore, as you can easily grab a car or taxi to anywhere you want. It’s that easy. 🙂

Enjoy and have fun exploring our little red dot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently my interest for colours was reignited when I was looking through some of the articles and video blogs about how having the correct colours, be it makeup, clothes & bags can help bring out the best in your overall appearance, and in the process help radiates a more confident you.

Many years ago, I came across this website called ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ (https://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/findyourseason.html), and had read the book as well. The book was rated an all-time New York Times paperback best seller until 1995. The book is an interesting read, as it helps define what colour season type you are in, based on cool or warm definition of your skin tone plus other testings, and recommend colours that will complement your skin, hair and eye colours, and enable you to achieve your full beauty potential.

If you find this interesting, you can read up the book, as it gives more insights for your better understanding. For some of the people, it might not be that straight forward as they could be in a neutral type situation, where they are not cool or warm, but exhibit characteristics of both. Nevertheless, it’s good to know more, and you can start matching against your current clothes and makeup to see if you have been using the right colours. Who knows, you may be using the wrong colours all along!

There are a few testings you can do to see if you are a cool or warm colour type:

1. Green or Blue veins – green veins mean you are a warm colour; blue veins mean you are a cool colour. I have both, so I guess that makes me a neutral.
2. Gold or Silver accessories – Silver accessories work well with cool tone while gold accessories suit warm tone better.
3. Use a white cloth/towel – tie back your hair, revealing your full face and neck area. Hold up the white towel against your neck and shoulders, and see if your skin reflect more towards yellowish (warm) or blue-ish tone (cool).See below articles if you are keen to know more:

https://stylecaster.com/cool-warm-skin-undertones/
http://www.schwarzkopf.ca/en/haircolour/colorconsultation/color-type.html

We can beautify ourselves if we know how to apply the correct colours.
Have fun doing the experiments, you can perhaps donate away those clothes that aren’t your colours.

 

 

 

Climate change is an ongoing topic, and will be for years to come. We all need to understand what causes climate change and the effect it will have on the planetary Earth. With the knowledge, we can then make a conscious effort to ensure our decision made today will impact favourably to the future world.

There are several reasons for climate change, and the common ones known are burning of fossil fuels such as coal, and gas, as well as deforestation.

Burning fossil fuels

When we burn fossil fuels like coal, and gas to create electricity or power our cars, we release CO₂ pollution into the atmosphere. Industrialisation is also another cause of greenhouse gas pollution.

What is carbon dioxide (CO₂)? It is released through human activities such as deforestation, land use changes, and burning fossil fuels. It’s the major cause of climate change.

Deforestation

Plants play an important role in regulating the climate because they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen back into it. Forests and bushland act as carbon sinks and are a valuable means of keeping global warming to 1.5°C.

Due to human activities such as clearing vast areas of vegetation around the world for agricultural, urban and infrastructure development or to sell tree products such as timber, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂, when the vegetation is removed or burnt, contributing to global warming. According to article, up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas pollution comes from deforestation and forest degradation.

Results

• Higher temperatures result in Earth become warmer. Heat waves are increasing resulting in loss of lives.

• A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. This affect coastal cities, impacting the human population resulting in displacement. Melting of the glaciers that causes increased sea level also affects the whole river and plant ecosystem and the animals’ survival (eg polar bear).
• Spread of infectious diseases around the globe. Rising temperatures can increase the spread of infectious diseases by allowing pests to conquer new parts of the world, as well as by creating ideal conditions for reproduction and virus replication.

What can we do to reduce global warming?

1. Reducing the amount of electricity generated from coal and gas, and increasing the amount of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind, means less carbon pollution is emitted. For car buyers, if getting a car is a necessity, go for electric car option. Otherwise, opt for public transport, which can help to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Plastics emit the greenhouse gases methane and ethylene when they are exposed to sunlight and degrade. It’s another source leading to global warming.

   – Use recyclable bag for grocery shopping.
   – Purchase steel straw which can be reused, instead of plastic drinking straws.
   – Bring own food container instead of using vendor’s plastic container.

3. Opt for e-bill instead of paper bill. Go green, save trees, reduce wastage.

I’m sure there are many other ways for us to help fight climate change.

So let us take a step, be it small or big, towards protecting our Mother Earth, and work towards developing a sustainable lifestyle which meets the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations.

Here are some articles for your reading pleasure:

https://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/lifestyle/here-are-4-singapore-stores-leading-the-eco-conscious-green-wave/

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/sustainability-entrepreneur-helps-asia-business-combat-climate-change.html

I agree it’s hard to get something started, so let’s motivate each other to make it work!

I believe all of us know the benefits of exercising, but we like to procrastinate and ‘no time lah’ is the most common excuse.

I have listed down some of the benefits here:

Exercising:

a) Keeps us fit and healthy

b) Releases endorphins that makes us feel great and energised throughout the day

c) Helps reduce stress, which may contribute to acne outbreaks. When we exercise, increased blood circulation sends more oxygen to our skin cells, slows down aging and gives us muscle. Not to mention better sleep.

d) Enhances our skin, as it rev up the skin’s collagen production, making our skin brighter and lesser wrinkles!

e) Aids to alleviate anxiety levels, improve mood by making us feels better after exercising.

f) Improves our immune system, which no amount of supplements or medications can replace.

Since exercising provides so many apparent benefits, and leads to a healthier, energetic, radiant (youthful) and a more efficient us, let’s TRY to fight against ‘procrastination’ and get something started, right way!

For those who do not like to go gym to exercise, we can start with simple exercises in the comfort of our home, and below are some of the exercises that we can do easily.

a) Rope Skipping

Skipping trains our whole body in general, can start with 2 times a week. If we cannot skip for 30mins every time, we can start off with 1000 skips first, and increase the duration slowly. The important thing is, start slow and steady. I luv skipping, so pick those that you like to do, which can make it easier to start off.

b) I have found some useful in-door exercises from magazines. Not much time required, can be as little as 10mins every day. Since I started, I have only done once a week, which is not enough. I will endeavour to increase to 4 times a week.

e

c) I chanced upon this article on Watson’s blog, which I find it useful too!

https://www.watsons.com.sg/blog/health-wellbeing/exercise-home-burn-fat-six-ways/

The food that we eat daily matters as well, try to pick those that are high in antioxidants, such as leafy greens eg spinach; lean meats; fruits such as berries and grapes & etc, which help to generate overall wellness too.

So, let’s get started, slowly and steadily, and see our results in a few months’ time. 🙂

 

I’m starting this blog to embark on a journey of sharing. Things that like-minded people might be interested to know. It could be makeup, fashion, cosmetics, travel, photoshop design, ukulele and music etc.

Apart from the above, I’m also a dreamer. And who knows my dreams will lead me to something bigger in the future.