tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64825688389389624332024-03-06T11:47:37.831+08:00Pasture LivingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-42158738845977078392015-07-19T15:28:00.003+08:002015-07-19T15:28:44.728+08:00Random Musings on Food, Nature, and Culture from Our One Month Stay in California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hello! We are on an extended stay in SF Bay Area, California, and it's been more than a month since we came. While my husband is working, I take my 3.5 year old daughter (and the baby of course) to explore new places around the area. Life is a bit more hectic but we love it just the way it is. Here are some random musings of our lives these past month:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Weather</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I love the weather here! Though it gets hot during the day, it is really cool at night, even though it is summer time. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It feels nice to go out everyday because unlike in Singapore, we don't sweat the moment we step out of the house, the air is really fresh, and there are no mosquitoes.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The grass is lush and green, even my daughter who doesn't like to get dirty asked me if she can roll down the grass field. haha..</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Parks</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There are plentiful of parks complete with playgrounds and water play areas, libraries with pretend-play sections and story-telling sessions, children discovery museums, children theme parks with kiddy rides, etc. They are clean and well maintained. I love meeting old (and new) friends and having playdates with them. My daughter gets to meet friends her age too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My daughter no longer naps on most days, especially when we are out the whole day. We usually go out after breakfast and come back before dinner, and she usually crashes in the car on the way home. In this picture, she was so tired but she didn't want to sleep and asked for snacks instead. Halfway through the ride, I found her already sleeping with her mouth full of snacks, hands full of crumbs, and an open water bottle. Haha!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Grocery</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">We bring our own grocery bags whether we shop in the farmers' markets, supermarket, or department stores. They charge a fee if we need to get plastic bags from them. It's a really good incentive to reuse plastics and </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.com/2013/06/simple-steps-to-manage-and-reduce-waste.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reduce waste</a></span></b><span style="color: #222222;">. I wonder if a law like this can be implemented in Singapore, hmm...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Farmers' Market</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On weekends, we go to the farmers' market and enjoy the local organic produce. They only sell those that are in season, so everything is sweet and cheaper. A 5 kg bag of organic carrots cost $5. I couldn't believe my eyes. They also sell o</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">rganic </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.com/2013/06/benefits-of-consuming-pasture-fed-food.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">grass fed products</a></span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> (meat and bones) and I made the thickest, the most gelatinous beef bone broth ever, using grass fed knuckle bones and bone marrows. It is like jello. I was one happy mama. Bone broth is nourishing and detoxifying.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">It's also my first time trying local </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.com/2013/05/getting-to-know-your-milk.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">raw cow's milk</a></span></b><span style="color: #222222;">. Unpasteurized, unhomogenized, straight from the cow, less than 24 hours fresh from when they milked the cow. It tastes mildly sweet and light. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Music</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We enrolled my daughter in a music class once a week. On the day of our trial class, she was being particularly difficult before going to the class and I didn't feel like going, but I was glad I did. There is something about music that soothes the soul. Maybe it was the teacher who sang wild and free. Maybe it was all the children who danced around like there is nobody watching. I thouroughly enjoyed the session and I forgot all about the hard morning I had. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Music cheered me up almost instantly.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Culture</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I notice how people here spend a lot of time outdoors and while they are with their family, they actually <i>are</i> with them: they talk to each other and they play together. My friends and I were joking how we search frantically for a phone or an iPad even as we are running to the bathroom to do number 2. We rarely see magazines in people's bathroom nowadays, I guess because people now browse on their phones instead of reading. haha.. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Having a tendency to keep checking my phone, it's a reminder to myself to put away my phone when I am spending time with my family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My 3.5 Year Old Daughter</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Little children are so funny sometimes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We passed by a waterfall and my daughter quickly pointed it out to me "Mommy, I see a watermelon!" No darling, it's a waterfall. She cracks me up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The other day she asked me "Mommy, can you read me the story of the lion in the Daniel's den?" LOL!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">My daughter, the baby boy, and I were cuddling:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Me: Elin, do you love your baby brother?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elin: Yes, I love my baby brother</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Me: Can I give him to someone else?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elin: No</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Me: So you want him?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elin: I want ham, Mommy</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Me: ?!?!? (Maybe she eats too much ham here)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">While in America, we had to celebrate the 4th of July. And she celebrated US Independence Day in style ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Motherhood</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My baby boy is growing up so fast before my eyes and I am treasuring this precious moment when he still want and can fall asleep in my arms. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODkaRWQa8uQjO8r44xRt2C6jWz1FiXEpduLIbyANZzsILf3T1_KomLzNa6k_0vAtebjA5aptcrBtf07VhfsOLEtRXgbisyTd9mHwSyNPfyYjAHO9eaVvEb-QzzRQObRwXeFQQdXWJ7BE/s1600/DSC06042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODkaRWQa8uQjO8r44xRt2C6jWz1FiXEpduLIbyANZzsILf3T1_KomLzNa6k_0vAtebjA5aptcrBtf07VhfsOLEtRXgbisyTd9mHwSyNPfyYjAHO9eaVvEb-QzzRQObRwXeFQQdXWJ7BE/s320/DSC06042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4.5 months old</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I love this picture of my children. My daughter adores and loves her little brother. She wakes up and gives him a hug first thing in the morning.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Marriage</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated our seventh year wedding anniversary last month. Twelve years since we knew each other, seven years of marriage, and two kids later. Thank you, Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Reflection</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because our time in the Bay Area is short, i.e. we know that we will have to leave on a certain date, I really want to make good use of our time here, exploring new places, trying new things and food, especially those that I can't get back home, exposing my daughter to new people, new environment, new culture, and do as much as we can before we have to leave this place.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe if we know how long more (or how short) we have on earth, we would also make use of the time well. Maybe I will try to see the big picture and not worry on the small things. Maybe I will try to be happier and be more thankful instead of grumbling on something small. Maybe I will use my time more wisely and live life purposefully. Hmm.. Something I have been pondering about lately.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are you up to these days?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-27125444705167739192015-05-08T21:30:00.000+08:002015-05-19T15:44:00.805+08:00Recipe: Orange Carrot Muffins Using Carrot Juice Pulp and Almond Pulp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdciwUUOOMar_Hsw-2aEKAFshjKQwQLmGkU9ongzyGMrxUigUo4dpct0LjFHVh6uctCHjeTCOy2YRJp6zwmqXTA_jWoOt42nkJ0W0XD1GbUND4BrI5mAWggeRVPGPb3MztrFFfXwTzdI/s1600/DSC05328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdciwUUOOMar_Hsw-2aEKAFshjKQwQLmGkU9ongzyGMrxUigUo4dpct0LjFHVh6uctCHjeTCOy2YRJp6zwmqXTA_jWoOt42nkJ0W0XD1GbUND4BrI5mAWggeRVPGPb3MztrFFfXwTzdI/s320/DSC05328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These orange carrot muffins are so delicious and soft. The freshly squeezed orange juice in these muffins </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">make them so fragrant and moist. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe may just be my all-time favorite. Best of all, it uses my leftover organic carrot juice pulp that I don't have the heart to throw and leftover almond pulp from making <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/04/health-benefits-of-almond-milk-and-how.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">almond milk</a></span></b>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such a great satisfaction to be able to use leftover pulp and not waste them. They have been sitting in my fridge for a week and I have been dying to get rid of them. I'm glad I didn't and turned them into delicious muffins. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you make almond milk often and do not know what to do with the pulp, give this a try. I hope you like them as much as we did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg<br />1/4 cup butter, melted<br />3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice<br />1/2 cup sucanat (natural sugar)<br />1 cup unbleached white flour<br />1 cup almond pulp (you can substitute for white/whole wheat flour)<br />2 cups carrot juice pulp (you can substitute for shredded carrots)<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Using a mixer, beat egg lightly. Then add butter, sugar, and sucanat. Mix well.<br />2. Sift white flour. Add in the rest of the dry ingredients (I didn't sift the almond pulp - it came straight from the fridge - and the texture of the muffins turned out very well). Mix until they are well incorporated.<br />3. Spoon the batter 2/3 full into muffin pans. I used mini muffin pans and it made about 20 mini muffins.<br />4. Bake at</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 200 Celsius for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bon appétit!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-47673598496887312732015-03-28T11:55:00.000+08:002015-05-08T22:37:52.209+08:00Effects of Positive Ions and Negative Ions on Human Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are ions?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ions are electrically charged particles that are present in the air around us. They are created when energy is transferred into the air through UV rays from the sun, friction between blowing sand, dust, wind, or rain, radioactive elements in the soil, lightning and storms, evaporating water, waterfalls, and ocean surf. Ions affects our body's capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our body's cells naturally contain a negative charge.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enter the body through inhalation.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breathing negative ions in significant concentration improves our mood, energy, and overall health, while too much exposure to positive ions will make us depressed, distressed, and our bodies to be overloaded with toxins. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like a magnet, opposites attract, and our body pulls these positive ions towards ourselves, causing harm.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crime and suicide rates are higher, the elderly experience respiratory problems, and children grow irritable when exposed to too much positive ions.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Where are positive ions found?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Pollutants</b> such as dust, pollen, bacteria, heavy metals, and toxins carry a positive charge. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Free radicals</b>. Smoking, overexposure to radiation, the use of randic or unstable fats to cook, such as <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/types-of-fats-2-of-6.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vegetable oils</a></span></b>, can form harmful free radicals. Free radicals are the cause of so many diseases and they carry a positive charge.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Electronic gagdets, electronics, and home appliances</b> all emit positive ions. It's a good idea to keep these items away from your bedroom, as an example.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Synthetic fabrics/fibers</b> (e.g. in carpet, clothing, and furniture) attract positive ions. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Fumes and smoke from car, factory exhaust, and even cigarette smoke.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Air-conditioned buildings, trains and planes.</b> All the metals, filters, and air-con systems deplete negative ions and thus these areas become supercharged with positive ions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Generally the more populated a city is, the fewer negative ions and the more positive ions.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ccccff;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How to Get Exposure to Negative Ions Naturally?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>Ventilate</b>. A good start to expose yourself to negative ions daily is by opening up the windows and use less air-con. If you drive, lower the car windows. Fresh air contains negative ions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">- <b>Spend time in nature</b>. Spend time in the garden and surround yourself with trees, go camping, hiking, get close to waterfalls</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">, spend time by the ocean and play in the water. Plant life, fresh air, ocean surf and the crashing pure water from the waterfalls are charged with negative ions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>Walk barefoot</b> in the sand and on the grass. <span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">The earth is charged with negative ions and our feet are conductors to absorb negative ions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">- <b>Have a relaxing walk after the rain</b>. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">The air before a thunderstorm carries a very large concentration of positive ions and the storm then releases a large concentration of negative ions afterwards. That is why we feel "heavy" before rain comes and calm after rain stops. It's the surge of negative ions we are breathing in and we feel good.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLlgTRHnj_yaV5wzvRZ23hr2dC2l4ND6dKz1SGYnpvOsrdgBs9FoI3Ysyi4VBghSEw8ZLwRZ0RuqwqcSfE-1DaCFMA8dVqcqqDLPdktXI_gny4czoDVXwvMlqAYNSIcn-2k6ZiS3TRLo/s1600/DSC08753_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLlgTRHnj_yaV5wzvRZ23hr2dC2l4ND6dKz1SGYnpvOsrdgBs9FoI3Ysyi4VBghSEw8ZLwRZ0RuqwqcSfE-1DaCFMA8dVqcqqDLPdktXI_gny4czoDVXwvMlqAYNSIcn-2k6ZiS3TRLo/s1600/DSC08753_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additionally, you can increase your exposure to negative ions and decrease the positive ones in your life by choosing natural or organic materials/products such as clothings, bed sheets, towels that are made with natural fabrics, use organic bodycare products (soaps, creams, etc.) and cleaning products (laundry detergents, dishwasher soaps, etc.). </span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Avoid synthetic materials such as commercial furniture polish and other cleaning agents paints, and furnishings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 21.9939994812012px;"><span style="color: #111111;">If you live in a crowded city and find yourself hard to get exposed to nature, try getting exposed to the right kinds of technologies that produce negative ions. You can use </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://wellnessmama.com/23569/himalayan-salt-lamp-benefits/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">himalayan rock salt lamps</a></span></b><span style="color: #111111;"> or an ion generator/purifier, wear </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHd5EKKwVpY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">negative ion clothing</a></span></b><span style="color: #111111;">, place fresh potted plants around your living spaces </span></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">(</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">p</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">lants absorb positive ions, replenishing the healthy negative ion balance), or install a portable water fountains</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">Our body will not function optimally without negative ions. Negative ions improve health, treat illness, accelerate healing, and reduce stress. I have also read that nursing moms find themselves with more higher quality milk for their babies when exposed to a lot of negative ions. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">Although topic is very new to me and I had no idea what positive or negative ion was prior to this, I know that I find myself very happy, rejuvenated, and more relaxed whenever I get a chance to hike in the forest, walk by the beach, or just resting by a waterfall. It's good for our health and well-being to feel this way whether we think it's just a coincidence of being away from the busyness of life or if it's really the negative ions playing a part. Either way, I may just start to go to the beach more often and walk barefoot in the sand. At the very least, I get to breathe some fresh air, spend time with my children, play, and get vitamin D from the sun. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21.9939994812012px;">What are your experiences wiith negative ions? Have you tried negative ion clothing?</span></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-64920263290184241672015-03-24T10:55:00.000+08:002015-03-24T10:55:13.742+08:00[15% SALE] Open Purchase Order for Green Pasture Cod Liver Oil in Singapore (Deadline: 31 March 2015)<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-AQs5fn4psVWcMVXnsGhiUCTx0auuGP3WhTo_Tw99Uk_UqPnQbCSSLelYBJiepirHYkE8_g_6aWAVn1jHrzXnRDBQ79PvDKeVppYiqLfxOq1HtVhUmjQ_Y6kNtR5UvmVd8wRaDaTy7E/s1600/FCLO+Non+Flavored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-AQs5fn4psVWcMVXnsGhiUCTx0auuGP3WhTo_Tw99Uk_UqPnQbCSSLelYBJiepirHYkE8_g_6aWAVn1jHrzXnRDBQ79PvDKeVppYiqLfxOq1HtVhUmjQ_Y6kNtR5UvmVd8wRaDaTy7E/s320/FCLO+Non+Flavored.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/my-personal-reasons-for-taking-green.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">health benefits</a></span></b> of taking properly fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) is astounding. Its abundance in naturally-ocurring omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and D are vital for our brain, nervous system, immunity, and optimal functioning of our bodies. It's especially important for growing children, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/whats-so-good-about-cod-liver-oil-2-of-8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pregnant and nursing mothers</a></span></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can learn about the differences in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">our in-depth study on cod liver oil </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/where-to-buy-green-pasture-cod-liver-oil-in-singapore.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. You can see the different types of FCLO </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/buying-green-pasture-fermented-cod.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm opening a purchase order for Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO. If you are interested in getting some, please fill out the purchase form </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11JACG3sCAt3SS4cBiOPaq_lq_JW5JiIceZY5dAT6bb0/edit#gid=0" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and send it back to me by next Tuesday, 31 March 2015. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All orders received before 31 March will receive 15% discount.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Prices shown are before discount. The stock will only arrive early May. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regular FCLO (unflavored or oslo orange), 237ml, $85</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FCLO/Butteroil Blend (unflavored, chocolate, cinnamon), 240ml, $95</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FCLO/Butteroil Blend (capsules), 120 capsules, $90</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emulsified FCLO, 237 ml, $85</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">NEW ITEM: </span></b><span style="color: black;"><b>BLUE ICE™ Infused Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (caramel, carob banana, cinnamon, unflavored), 406ml, $85</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm adding a new item that combines FCLO with butter oil, skate oil, and coconut oil. (Research shows that consuming FCLO with saturated fats such as butteroil or coconut oil gives the best result!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the cost of FCLO may seem high at first sight, it is actually not so if you understand what you are getting. You can read my post on cost and other considerations about getting Green Pasture FCLO <b><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/cost-taste-and-considerations-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please let me know if you have any questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vicky</span></div>
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<a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pasture Living</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-41724677963455513732015-03-16T17:10:00.000+08:002015-03-16T21:12:43.384+08:00Second Pregnancy, Birth Story, and a Successful VBAC in Singapore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQS-dwGI6LoCW0SRSjuw4aDyEkwberJOCoWSpEiMCFUz9IeLd2-k1VUOnq5kohyphenhyphenxqHjCP51nJVgwkY_lTCkSBTQIzlaRkkw00OrVkxKP6LIfm0dMHX02wS9QunZgn513Q85hmjFee2qY/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQS-dwGI6LoCW0SRSjuw4aDyEkwberJOCoWSpEiMCFUz9IeLd2-k1VUOnq5kohyphenhyphenxqHjCP51nJVgwkY_lTCkSBTQIzlaRkkw00OrVkxKP6LIfm0dMHX02wS9QunZgn513Q85hmjFee2qY/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the delivery room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first birth experience did not go the way I planned. I had planned for a natural delivery with minimal medical intervention. I was relatively young, healthy, my pregnancy was smooth, and my mom was able to deliver all her four babies naturally, so I was sure I could do it. Long story short, I was 41.5 weeks along with no signs of labor, I was induced but baby's heart rate dropped, and after a long day of waiting at the delivery room (nothing happened and there wasn't any contractions), I went into an emergency cesarean under epidural. My daughter was born healthy and I was well, but I was negatively affected by my less-than-ideal birth experience and I questioned in my mind what went wrong. My heart was not set right before God and He taught me a lesson, more on this below.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRk3PGXYaGbq0QQf_1hg9-MbH6-CFLJkA7lzgghqkipUNBrB979UKijhr90N4wOoHsFdHFGecGh8YH0Dt2Z4w1py3IObjVIDytq2cb0aZ_4qS0zXE-eDLPNflWIHBbN0Li-p0pLHH1x0/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRk3PGXYaGbq0QQf_1hg9-MbH6-CFLJkA7lzgghqkipUNBrB979UKijhr90N4wOoHsFdHFGecGh8YH0Dt2Z4w1py3IObjVIDytq2cb0aZ_4qS0zXE-eDLPNflWIHBbN0Li-p0pLHH1x0/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First picture with my daughter after cesarean</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I truly desire to have a natural delivery. When I knew I was pregnant again mid last year, I started researching for doctors who favor natural birth, reading on tips to prepare for a natural delivery, exercises to do, food to eat and avoid, and things like that. Most important of all, I fasted and prayed that 1) God willing, I could have a natural birth, if not, that I would feel peace about it all. 2) that whatever the end result will be, let His name be glorified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My previous gyne had advised me against VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) from the beginning due to my height and cesarean experience. I went to a few doctors whom were referred to me as 'pro-natural,' but they cost an arm and a leg. I ended up going to another gyne who is not well-known as 'pro-natural' but was kind and willing to work with me on my requests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">This second pregnancy was a bit more complicated. I normally have low blood pressure, but this pregnancy made it worse. I </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/08/when-you-suddenly-faint.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fainted</a></span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> a few times in my first trimester. I had a few eye infections and swelling. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. And I was group strep B positive. Knowing all the complications I was having, my doctor warned me many times that her priority is a healthy baby, and only then a natural delivery. I agreed. And I was at peace.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-v4BeRZMT8uV1npqPcNrWsgldfeLoTS0gw8AWPfGlSs8ESiIvMMz6ElJh6erBok-cn_iX52DuyeFaaLFE6E-7PBcSR6Qy0tEZOsFm4FLXR9pKcVPjoPa2TxG5Tynvppul_kCNuwtH-E/s1600/IMG_5664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-v4BeRZMT8uV1npqPcNrWsgldfeLoTS0gw8AWPfGlSs8ESiIvMMz6ElJh6erBok-cn_iX52DuyeFaaLFE6E-7PBcSR6Qy0tEZOsFm4FLXR9pKcVPjoPa2TxG5Tynvppul_kCNuwtH-E/s1600/IMG_5664.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A healthy baby</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting my last trimester, when I started to feel more back pain and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GB) and group strep B positive, I regularly went to see a chiropractor to help relief my back pain and correct misalignments in the pelvic and lower back area to relax the uterus, thus allowing the baby to get in the right position. I also strictly controlled my diet, eating very minimal added sugar (the main issue of having GB is that the baby will be too big if I don't control my diet, which means a higher chance for cesarean), and adding a lot of protein because I read it helps to keep the water bag strong (being a group strep B positive means that if my water breaks, I have to immediately go to the hospital to get injected with antibiotics and I did not want that, especially if I am not yet in labor. It will set me up for many medical interventions and a much higher chance for another cesarean). I also started drinking red raspberry leaf teas, pineapples, food that supposedly help induce labor naturally, walked a lot, did curb walking, climbed stairs, did pelvic exercises and stretches, and 'spent time' with my husband. Basically trying my best to prepare myself for a natural delivery. My husband kept reminding me that we have to do our part the best we can, and if God grants us our request, then we can be physically and mentally prepared, if not, at least we know we have tried our best and there will be no regret. So we did. And we enjoyed many long walks, chats, and good quality time together especially towards the end of my pregnancy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd4HCBijk8n_CFEoaBPqe17-mkehwiUTmdhuvYvL_-7D9MxanvMhGrMkecHEcD6u7Mxeknk8n612IbStJQfeuYyfIgg4wrGzAyQeT4ow9zL2nLp_1qlihkOsCTll0loBfGx9Ed0AjLjE/s1600/IMG-20150126-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd4HCBijk8n_CFEoaBPqe17-mkehwiUTmdhuvYvL_-7D9MxanvMhGrMkecHEcD6u7Mxeknk8n612IbStJQfeuYyfIgg4wrGzAyQeT4ow9zL2nLp_1qlihkOsCTll0loBfGx9Ed0AjLjE/s1600/IMG-20150126-WA0003.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the last few days before giving birth - <br />
picking her up from school and spending <br />
precious time with her, just the two of us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TcX2GdpLWksHlaT6QSXHKX2IozgRGLqfCNQgmtHpEU7mbCDLXiZjtAAgVDK7fiAqjFa2-K7cXF4HpyNXaHUr1CVuS89WNHmXYla5Fkw_u7TqxguMWpy-AW4hMhI9ZvLUp-5ypYPmV8E/s1600/IMG_20150203_210836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TcX2GdpLWksHlaT6QSXHKX2IozgRGLqfCNQgmtHpEU7mbCDLXiZjtAAgVDK7fiAqjFa2-K7cXF4HpyNXaHUr1CVuS89WNHmXYla5Fkw_u7TqxguMWpy-AW4hMhI9ZvLUp-5ypYPmV8E/s1600/IMG_20150203_210836.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elin being my pillow while I do pelvic stretches</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forty and a half weeks along, I felt my first contraction, which continued for fifteen hours, then off we went to the hospital. After another some fifteen hours in the hospital, with the help of epidural and a forcep, I was able to deliver my baby boy naturally. It wasn't the smoothest delivery. My baby's heart rate was closely monitored because his heart rate dropped below normal a few times, I was having fever and very low blood pressure. My doctor came back a few times saying that I might have to go for cesarean if my condition didn't stabilize. I also had a really painful infection that lasted more than two weeks post birth, and hemorrhoids, but with all that happened, God still granted my heart's desire for a successful VBAC and I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. It is a lesson I learned from my first pregnancy to always set my heart right before God and that in everything we do, in all our accomplishments, that we may not boast and that God's name be glorified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8b-9</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having experienced both ways, I still can't decide which way is better or worse for me personally, but I know God's way is best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In retrospect, having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes was probably a blessing in disguise because anymore than my baby's birth weight would have been impossible for a natural delivery. According to the doctor, my 3 kg baby was the maximum that my body could handle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note: This post is not intended to make anyone feel inferior or superior about delivery methods. Whether we give birth naturally or via cesarean do not affect our relationships with our children and their health. We have options in this modern time and we can choose whichever delivery method we prefer. The end goal is the same - to deliver the baby safely and that mama is well. I'm always thankful for doctors and medical knowledge whenever they are needed. If you are one who would like to try VBAC in Singapore, I hope you find this post encouraging. It is possible to have VBAC even though it is not common here. My advise is find a good doctor who are willing to work with you, do your part the best you can, and pray for peace to guard your heart whatever the outcome will be. God's ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Introducing our son, John Sidarto:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXHNFei9dt7haF6Q1NZA6T5bd94eIpdzvoIyPKnmJhWiaJRmR1Y1niUsMP5del6p8Z96sTuUpgwwEfMr80tt3mBOohSulqNLLSNLfXiy9dFJ30Evp0tqMS-lc5bgy8NjjINQNheo99g0/s1600/IMG-20150226-WA0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXHNFei9dt7haF6Q1NZA6T5bd94eIpdzvoIyPKnmJhWiaJRmR1Y1niUsMP5del6p8Z96sTuUpgwwEfMr80tt3mBOohSulqNLLSNLfXiy9dFJ30Evp0tqMS-lc5bgy8NjjINQNheo99g0/s1600/IMG-20150226-WA0022.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fist photo after delivery</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcU_XYYmYIFzXjbTKetCQD0JpuSdmJfMPsg3d9H2Hz5rixp6DfuI9pGO43xsNP4R3Kg9FD736weJGgrbE1c1JcRc3781X9iKL_W509z0EUiGH7uqUB8hA2euFO9bkrQqnMzU5DJWp-Oo/s1600/DSC00077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcU_XYYmYIFzXjbTKetCQD0JpuSdmJfMPsg3d9H2Hz5rixp6DfuI9pGO43xsNP4R3Kg9FD736weJGgrbE1c1JcRc3781X9iKL_W509z0EUiGH7uqUB8hA2euFO9bkrQqnMzU5DJWp-Oo/s1600/DSC00077.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Elin first met her baby brother</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR5ycY1pajAw9ziaytQ0qT1ho0YRYvjVTVR19yXdbx1CQdjWnqqFEpw2FM2zveqpbcn28y_oJSJGuaZR77yZxMw2zROPgDp4rL4q7GimC8PdTlT3xoXFM6BoUVM_y8or8Lw5_0A_Rlto/s1600/DSC00076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR5ycY1pajAw9ziaytQ0qT1ho0YRYvjVTVR19yXdbx1CQdjWnqqFEpw2FM2zveqpbcn28y_oJSJGuaZR77yZxMw2zROPgDp4rL4q7GimC8PdTlT3xoXFM6BoUVM_y8or8Lw5_0A_Rlto/s1600/DSC00076.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First family picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4iI5qSLv9r06bUwe3mXGr_OKkshsI2hgdI1MHZ8D2uD7togtfJrUEkzC05TKKv8daRXmwQYm_XhPe87ADXX-omSqlwChYyq6vgdm9DcFcWlrIs9HBSn70WM_HVGZRMOjM61zPViTi0M/s1600/DSC04279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4iI5qSLv9r06bUwe3mXGr_OKkshsI2hgdI1MHZ8D2uD7togtfJrUEkzC05TKKv8daRXmwQYm_XhPe87ADXX-omSqlwChYyq6vgdm9DcFcWlrIs9HBSn70WM_HVGZRMOjM61zPViTi0M/s1600/DSC04279.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two weeks old John</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgSk3w3MLs0NykcH_lb8ms7BrthtS8gujnXcSmA_9JqOLNMbnMLCqKdftSjQB4f-upfTGAjv2xa9-VWWdpzB6Q59fhaa5UbRqf3XM-XdoHTvXZRc126H-ry8JgrV-koBHyrlyftL5A0g/s1600/DSC04340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgSk3w3MLs0NykcH_lb8ms7BrthtS8gujnXcSmA_9JqOLNMbnMLCqKdftSjQB4f-upfTGAjv2xa9-VWWdpzB6Q59fhaa5UbRqf3XM-XdoHTvXZRc126H-ry8JgrV-koBHyrlyftL5A0g/s1600/DSC04340.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpN6dv1f2RXsBFJXE5iDxE6NOo_cQfaXhA3aOj2SxWyUdzWedCoJahVnc4ZZBTEMKN8hrdrHvNf-qMDErb-_TcKO4Tn6PgOmiSjqXGgLGCLJnU72uSfJgl-IVU5-n8Ukt7uuo4s8JiIM/s1600/DSC04617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpN6dv1f2RXsBFJXE5iDxE6NOo_cQfaXhA3aOj2SxWyUdzWedCoJahVnc4ZZBTEMKN8hrdrHvNf-qMDErb-_TcKO4Tn6PgOmiSjqXGgLGCLJnU72uSfJgl-IVU5-n8Ukt7uuo4s8JiIM/s1600/DSC04617.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IVjIpKfPyJpweiWrtYJ7fmMDUDMRrj_uQwJaK1m0xxtNAM2mc_h5fMpdGmxXJsip6uRVjlrA_9C0FHHU2LiKRtPneeykzG2vpbg1n4xYHmtT4K2d0oK-Ah1WiedbCiFthLwlVNcsHY/s1600/DSC04942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IVjIpKfPyJpweiWrtYJ7fmMDUDMRrj_uQwJaK1m0xxtNAM2mc_h5fMpdGmxXJsip6uRVjlrA_9C0FHHU2LiKRtPneeykzG2vpbg1n4xYHmtT4K2d0oK-Ah1WiedbCiFthLwlVNcsHY/s1600/DSC04942.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuCLrv1FOZ-GYfpxJ2P_w0KkZUiDLJhla5tCoyBU7113xNbz0nSaqsPFX-eCTaK86PNbJJPKSh38DPy1tLQVuqFJaIdA5tse3Wv7ZwlyWh9UFFhmUSg3Kav5Asj0Zm9m5isO56_k5dM0/s1600/DSC04908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuCLrv1FOZ-GYfpxJ2P_w0KkZUiDLJhla5tCoyBU7113xNbz0nSaqsPFX-eCTaK86PNbJJPKSh38DPy1tLQVuqFJaIdA5tse3Wv7ZwlyWh9UFFhmUSg3Kav5Asj0Zm9m5isO56_k5dM0/s1600/DSC04908.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet angel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrQKpNUN-EsU3_kv-0LnVTX7JZFNwYqndaNhdsJkyH-uF_Qubf2gGNw2UBc9Sp6hVuDPKVHYzFcJ3VYfFsp1v7AnD4OJ_YR0N5wmCrTzvfEjVb65FxuJ3WSmskH6lVuGoQ6lQHaqgsMw/s1600/DSC04894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrQKpNUN-EsU3_kv-0LnVTX7JZFNwYqndaNhdsJkyH-uF_Qubf2gGNw2UBc9Sp6hVuDPKVHYzFcJ3VYfFsp1v7AnD4OJ_YR0N5wmCrTzvfEjVb65FxuJ3WSmskH6lVuGoQ6lQHaqgsMw/s1600/DSC04894.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First proper family picture</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-39452349973637862862015-03-05T10:59:00.001+08:002015-03-09T17:29:19.912+08:00Benefits of Calendula and How to Make Calendula Salve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9rQa3NzRcX_rJfKb1kqEchDF-KANHbIyDnwxOZktvxgNGAaFfrWCIhx0HFHVlDm-fSBF-x3b4L4BIgEBIn07ZrwKazQ3jBm7a4PYSW2jcuOSJs-98UpQnBjcw6OQ2tahiY4i6O6umt8/s1600/DSC03304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9rQa3NzRcX_rJfKb1kqEchDF-KANHbIyDnwxOZktvxgNGAaFfrWCIhx0HFHVlDm-fSBF-x3b4L4BIgEBIn07ZrwKazQ3jBm7a4PYSW2jcuOSJs-98UpQnBjcw6OQ2tahiY4i6O6umt8/s1600/DSC03304.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Benefits of Calendula</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Calendula is one of my favorite herbs as a mom. Since the first time I knew of it, I know I will always need it on hand. Also known as (pot or garden) marigold, a term that refers to Virgin Mary, this medicinal herb has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">has been used for centuries to heal minor wounds and skin irritations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can make calendula oil simply by infusing calendula petals with extra virgin olive oil for several weeks and it can be used </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for cradle cap, diaper rash, chapped skin, bruises, inflammations, and sore muscles. It is perfect as a massage oil and all-around moisturizer. You can make calendula salve using calendula oil. This helps to preserve the medicinal qualities of the herb in a form that can be easy to use and it is not messy to carry around. Calendula salve can be used for any skin irritations and inflammations such as minor cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, acne, diaper rashes, and bee stings. It also relieves itches from <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/healing-eczema-naturally.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eczema</a></span></b> flare ups. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its naturally soothing properties and mild floral scent is gentle and safe to use on babies and children.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How to make Calendula Salve</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought a pack of <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/calendula-flowers/profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">organic calendula petals</a></span></b> and wanted to make calendula oil and salve at home. I saw a video tutorial online and have successfully made my first batch of calendula salves. Mine is a simple one - just a mixture of calendula petals that I infuse with <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.iherb.com/california-olive-ranch-extra-virgin-olive-oil-25-4-fl-oz-750-ml/32168#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=extra%20virgin%20olive%20oil&rc=750&sr=null&ic=2?rcode=rkf401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">extra virgin olive oil</a></span></b> (for one month) and I added <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/05/healing-power-and-10-uses-of-lavender.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lavender essential oil</a></span></b>, for an added healing power.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients and Supplies</b> (from <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqDq_VnZ8Ok" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this tutorial</a></span></b>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organic calendula petals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lavender essential oils (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organic beeswax</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A mason jar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheesecloth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strainer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Double boiler or a cooking pot</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Measuring cup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, make the calendula oil (see this <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e095va7iAX0&gl=SG&hl=en-GB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tutorial</a></span></b>) by infusing calendula petals with extra virgin olive oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let it sit for four weeks. Make sure the glass jar is dry so mold will not grow. Check and shake the jar daily. After four weeks, the color of the oil turns golden:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour the oil through a cheesecloth and strainer and squeeze out all the extra oils from the petals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-ToxMmMQWYrzY21Yp6OoejrRH1_dEcyHMUVD6d2-wPG1tdFTvH7_LQTi0elhBG1V5ksRXUfLqP_qAtNQ2TI7Mml_yte6qZVQ2iKLDResE4ddUL8HEbaAezmu_766byN1Q41oNjKe8ZI/s1600/DSC00004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-ToxMmMQWYrzY21Yp6OoejrRH1_dEcyHMUVD6d2-wPG1tdFTvH7_LQTi0elhBG1V5ksRXUfLqP_qAtNQ2TI7Mml_yte6qZVQ2iKLDResE4ddUL8HEbaAezmu_766byN1Q41oNjKe8ZI/s1600/DSC00004.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melt the beeswax in the double boiler, then add the calendula oil (I forgot to take pictures of this step). Stir until everything melts completely. Turn off fire, add lavender essential oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The formula is <b>1 cup (8 oz) of calendula oil by volume</b> to <b>1 oz of beeswax by weight</b>. If you use beeswax pastilles, it will be 2 tablespoons (<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php?topic=567.0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reference</a></span></b>). If you add the essential oil, add 1 teaspoon per cup of oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour into your containers immediately, otherwise the mixture will harden and you have to re-melt it. You can use any glass jars or tins like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I make a label using this <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/how-to-create-your-own-round-labels/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tutorial</a></span></b> and now it looks pretty!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv7tVl3S-OvlnnhaC9dgW4-NSAdDrkp3MKGPwVEZ6hMeCf-RsG214c1mFuCFLjIMWNHbPXVc4ZjvBRYI8O7dfFI36rsxlYlqLppums-3fw0JV1NjPR1s7F5QChfFZNvTAMb69bsITQAg/s1600/DSC00003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv7tVl3S-OvlnnhaC9dgW4-NSAdDrkp3MKGPwVEZ6hMeCf-RsG214c1mFuCFLjIMWNHbPXVc4ZjvBRYI8O7dfFI36rsxlYlqLppums-3fw0JV1NjPR1s7F5QChfFZNvTAMb69bsITQAg/s1600/DSC00003.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvssMKfyKJ4YQ-YwB51Paye0CwLXHAIS9_hudK9TXF3YrTyCQTLXged2UzJAIWT8uTj799setV3utFonY2mD29kb4l4IilOfhfAqrcD3eXonjXBdr6UobCtvAyfrW-3tlQY38sOlPkAO8/s1600/DSC00007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvssMKfyKJ4YQ-YwB51Paye0CwLXHAIS9_hudK9TXF3YrTyCQTLXged2UzJAIWT8uTj799setV3utFonY2mD29kb4l4IilOfhfAqrcD3eXonjXBdr6UobCtvAyfrW-3tlQY38sOlPkAO8/s1600/DSC00007.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If making your own calendula salve doesn't suit you, there are </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">many brands that sell them in Singapore and one of my favorites by far is the one by </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://sg.fourcowfarm.com/collections/for-dry-skin/products/calendula-remedy-50g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Four Cow Farm</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. (See my reviews of their products </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/four-cow-farms-product-reviews-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). Their 100% natural calendula salve also contain <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/healing-persistent-skin-rash-using.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jojoba oil</a></span></b> and roman chamomile, another two ingredients that are so gentle even for the most sensitive skin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Pasture Living readers, take advantage of a 10% discount on <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://sg.fourcowfarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Four Cow Farm</a></span></b> balms and oils this month using this code 3UH4XN07HDVY for the whole month of March 2015. Enjoy!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-15380993117409197932014-12-15T17:30:00.004+08:002014-12-29T18:22:42.347+08:00Elin's Third Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P2o_h-IBNUaYmW41OY6uP1TvgnwUMRl7PmUes5AQ-daGml_buAV3S1QBes9Ru1Kpkc12Eu7jJycN2sSWvA5UYixUCLExV592thKP0rwbCfuXEXiPBWYDnO49aTv0aGk8exKHnBQZaRY/s1600/DSC01763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P2o_h-IBNUaYmW41OY6uP1TvgnwUMRl7PmUes5AQ-daGml_buAV3S1QBes9Ru1Kpkc12Eu7jJycN2sSWvA5UYixUCLExV592thKP0rwbCfuXEXiPBWYDnO49aTv0aGk8exKHnBQZaRY/s1600/DSC01763.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How time flies! My baby is now three years old. I thank Thee for another year of blessings and giving me the previlige to raise, take care, and love her as my daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year is the first year Elin understands birthdays and looks forward to her birthday, one of the last among her friends. When the day finally comes and we wished her happy birthday, I could see the pure happiness on her face as she danced away in her dress, the look of anticipation as she was about to blow the candle, and her joy in being surrounded by family and friends. I prepared goodie bags for her little friends and she kept telling me that she wanted to give them to them herself, but she doesn't even seem to notice or be consumed by the gifts she received. Oh, the innocence of a little child. Their love of simplicity and a heart of giving (than receiving) humbles my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On her actual birthday, we had dinner with my family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister and I made her fondant cake again this time using the same foams that I used to make her <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/10/elins-first-birthday-cake.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/01/elins-second-birthday.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">second</a></span></b> birthday cakes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgd6R3OJhETy4XyHTSQbzjApl9DUBpB4kqaWJdDe1ch6WfOKvcS7ms2w7G4-WY-wNlayRVgPGCRbkzJxXRMLQr-sSVIPAVWGte_FQEl6dw4MiAPX0PEBlseQV70o1-ygP-gb7e8uGYRE/s1600/DSC02022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgd6R3OJhETy4XyHTSQbzjApl9DUBpB4kqaWJdDe1ch6WfOKvcS7ms2w7G4-WY-wNlayRVgPGCRbkzJxXRMLQr-sSVIPAVWGte_FQEl6dw4MiAPX0PEBlseQV70o1-ygP-gb7e8uGYRE/s1600/DSC02022.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day, I hosted a bridal shower at home and after it was done, I changed the "bridal shower" banner to "happy birthday," replace a few things on the table, and we celebrated her birthday again with her lovely aunties. It was a quick one that involves around 20 rounds of singing "happy birthday Elin" to which she kept on asking for more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As if two celebrations are not enough, we had another birthday session the following day at her sunday school class with all her li</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ttle friends. Many candles this time, so all the kids can blow them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy birthday my dear Elin. May you grow up to be wise, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gentle in spirit, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">abundant in love.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-1364184419285580882014-12-02T17:35:00.001+08:002015-01-16T18:47:25.026+08:00Review of Bud of Joy's Christmas Offerings (Fruit Cake, Chocolate Log Cake, and Gingerbread Cookies)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a big fan of sweet things, especially cakes. Unfortunately I have cut down a lot of refined sugar in my diet knowing </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/sugar-explained.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how bad sugar is</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for our body. So I limit the amount of sugary food in my family, except for special occasions. And this Christmas, I am excited to share with you <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://budofjoy.com/promoChristmas.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bud of Joy's Christmas offerings</a></span></b> that I got a chance to try. I am always happy to eat their breads and cakes because I know that they only use the best ingredients in their products such as non-</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/what-is-wrong-with-genetically-modified.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GMO</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, free range </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/eggs-are-nutrition-powerhouse.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eggs</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and butter from </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/06/benefits-of-consuming-pasture-fed-food.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">grass-fed</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> cows. Not to mention, they are all organic and without the use of any chemicals and preservatives. Fret not, their cakes are as delicious, if not more delicious, than the regular cakes you find in a conventional bakery and you won't mind having your children gobble another slice down their precious little bodies because there isn't any chemical or artificial ingredients that you have to worry about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take their <b>Organic Christmas Chocolate Log Cake</b> for example:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCqKuOC_uEo/VH2Dvtrtk5I/AAAAAAAAh7Q/Ee2Ro12SE6E/s1600/DSC08393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCqKuOC_uEo/VH2Dvtrtk5I/AAAAAAAAh7Q/Ee2Ro12SE6E/s1600/DSC08393.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This chocolate cake is light and fluffy, rich in chocolate flavor (but not dense!), and colored with natural ingredients, such as organic beetroot juice for the pink flowers and barley grass juice for the green color. There is not even a pinch of baking powder or emulsifiers. I'm enjoying every bite of this cake for this special occasion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Organic Fruit Cake</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjIv5Td3e-c/VH2D1B5CSOI/AAAAAAAAh7c/pGvZecscFeI/s1600/DSC08398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjIv5Td3e-c/VH2D1B5CSOI/AAAAAAAAh7c/pGvZecscFeI/s1600/DSC08398.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If there is a season for a fruit cake that is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice, it would be thanksgiving week all the way through Christmas. I'm glad Bud of Joy makes this again this Christmas. The last time I had this (the gluten-free version) was last Christmas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This fruit cake uses organic wholemeal flour. It has NO added sugar. Its sweetness comes from the organic dried fruits that are packed generously in the cake. If you are allergic to gluten, you can order the gluten-free version, and it is as good as the regular one, in my opinion. This cake is just perfect to eat with a cup of tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last but not least, is their <b>Gingerbread Cookies</b>:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7Xj2JlwD0/VH2GPMkVrKI/AAAAAAAAh8c/C5Ou0Icr4MU/s1600/0%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7Xj2JlwD0/VH2GPMkVrKI/AAAAAAAAh8c/C5Ou0Icr4MU/s1600/0%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qD2a2bNkNE/VH2GPPeGEWI/AAAAAAAAh8Y/FTMvwxASoWA/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qD2a2bNkNE/VH2GPPeGEWI/AAAAAAAAh8Y/FTMvwxASoWA/s1600/0.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which kid doesn't like cookies? This particular one is made with organic wholemeal flour, natural sugars, and organic spices. I can really taste the ginger, which is an added bonus compared to regular gingerbread cookies where you can only taste the cinnamon. Each cookie is hand-decorated using natural colors derived from organic vegetables. My daughter loves them and savors them like a treasure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure, the cost of these goodies are expensive at first sight, but once you know the amount and quality of ingredients in these baked goods, and the amount of extra work the chef has to do (think about the convenience of using food coloring versus having to puree the vegetables, strain them, and then use the juice to decorate the cakes and cookies as an example), then you will understand why. More than anything, I love to support Bud of Joy because <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/09/interview-with-owners-of-bud-of-joy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the owners</a></span></b>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her-Yi and Sarah</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are passionate about what they do and they do their jobs really well, i.e. delicious yet healthy baked goods - something that is not easily available here in Singapore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These three Christmas offerings will make awesome gifts for yourself or other people! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just for Pasture Living readers, Bud of Joy is giving away </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>$5 voucher for orders $50 or above on these Christmas treats.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Orders can be through: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Phone, at 6748 7687. Quote 'Pasture Living' when ordering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://budofjoy.com/promoChristmas.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online</a>. </span></b>Please type 'Pasture Living' under 'Add Note'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Email at sales@budofjoy.com (Please indicate Name, Contact Number, Quote 'Pasture Living', and the type(s) and quantity of Christmas goodies.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you get to try them before the season runs out and makes use of the voucher before it's too late. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I received the above products for review. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-47615502088331550142014-11-29T18:15:00.002+08:002014-11-29T18:15:52.752+08:00Olive Leaf Extract: A Plant That Fights Viruses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAVGBrZFRyefmyFk3s872-d6wO8gVdQIyk_Ulj-HQlE7cR4xpKPzncpvN0GBHYRnIWjKvBrqrITKD7qQxtP54JALiOJ4Qm_Zn8HUbwDfqvC1X9ADwhsMmLzgy2ooncG-VLOgCogvlnR0/s1600/DSC01481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAVGBrZFRyefmyFk3s872-d6wO8gVdQIyk_Ulj-HQlE7cR4xpKPzncpvN0GBHYRnIWjKvBrqrITKD7qQxtP54JALiOJ4Qm_Zn8HUbwDfqvC1X9ADwhsMmLzgy2ooncG-VLOgCogvlnR0/s1600/DSC01481.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Tree</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know how important gut health is. When our gut is good, so is our health. Eating grass fed yogurt, sourdough bread, and fermented food are some ways to increase our probiotic intake. For a person like me who did not grow up eating fermented food or even yogurt, it is harder to keep up with probiotic consumption. The latest one I tried was </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/05/introduction-to-water-kefir-milk-kefir.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">water kefir and milk kefir</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. They are naturally rich in probiotics, easy to make, and very cost friendly. But another problem with water kefir is that it contains a small amount of alcohol, which I'm also not used to consuming (and now that I'm pregnant, I have stopped making and drinking it) and milk kefir is more sour than plain yogurt, which makes it even harder for me to swallow than a regular grass fed yogurt that I'm already not used to. So what am I trying to say?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not good in consuming probiotic rich food and I have just been reminded that gut health is crucial for a healthy body. So I need to consume more probiotics in my diet. If I do not enjoy eating yogurt or don't eat as much fermented food as I should, I have to find something else that works. I figure it's better to pay for something that I will actually eat and want to eat, because our health is important and prevention is always better than cure. Allergies, morning sickness, colds and flu, constipation, and even bad breath are symptoms that you are lacking good bacteria in your body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I found olive leaf extract.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoHxiIfZKfz1yssJM4VIpd3c9GbRGBBgIpqSZWZTHLbyveiWCvuCvcGWrk993ATC4sMfPtQChdosPtK1hYtJtothSrOSTzMV8cAEB_GAHRnj2weub-01wLUprei6P2HrtQKJRQBEKg0Y/s1600/DSC01483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoHxiIfZKfz1yssJM4VIpd3c9GbRGBBgIpqSZWZTHLbyveiWCvuCvcGWrk993ATC4sMfPtQChdosPtK1hYtJtothSrOSTzMV8cAEB_GAHRnj2weub-01wLUprei6P2HrtQKJRQBEKg0Y/s1600/DSC01483.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Leaves</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Olive Leaf Extract</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive leaf extract has been used since the ancient Egyptian times for rituals, nutritional, and medicinal purposes. In Mediterranean cultures, olive leaf was used to treat various health conditions, uncluding infections and fever. (Oh, the moment I learned this natural remedy was used to treat fever, I got myself a bottle because any parents would know how hard it is to <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/treating-fever-naturally.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">treat fever naturally</a></span></b>. Early researchers have found and confirmed that a substance found in olive leaf called elenolic acid was so powerful in stopping and slowing the growth of viruses. Olive leaf extract:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Has antibacterial and antiviral properties that fights viruses and infections</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Reduces high blood pressure (fights hypertension/high blood pressure)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Stabilizes blood sugar levels (possible ramifications for diabetes sufferers)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- A powerful antioxidant that protects us from free radicals </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The brand that I have tried is by <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.rochway.com.au/index.php/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rochway</a></span></b>. Their olive leaf extract is naturally fermented, 100% organic and contains 1% sugar from natural fruits. Fermentation allows beneficial enzymes to be produced and it helps our body to absorb nutrients more efficiently from our food. And the fermentation process creates lactic acids which act as a natural preservative. So this is a good probiotic alternative for me personally. It tastes mildly sweet, my two year old doesn't have trouble drinking it. Serving size for daily maintenance is small and it is very easy to take. If you feel that you lack probiotics in your diet, maybe it is worth a try. <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.iherb.com/search?kw=olive+leaf+extract&x=0&y=0#p=1&rcode=rkf401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iHerb</a></span></b> sells different brands of olive leaf extracts but I haven't researched the brands they carry. I bought <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.rochway.com.au/index.php/olive-leaf-extract-with-multiply-plus-500ml.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mine</a></span></b> from <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/09/the-healthiest-bakery-i-found-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bud of Joy</a></span></b> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This particular formulation</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> includes papaya enzymes and pomegranates - read about the benefits of fermented papaya and pomegranates </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.rochway.com.au/index.php/faq/#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A note on olive leaf extract: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the benefits of this plant seems promising, its medical evidence on humans are still inconclusive and researchers are now taking another serious look at olive leaf extract. Until then, we need to remember that just like with any other health supplements, olive leaf extract should be a part of a holistic health plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I'm not an affiliate of Rochway and did not receive anything to promote their products. I'm also not a health professional and may not be held responsible for any medical issues. Please consult your doctors if you are unsure about taking this supplement.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-86866365958030145912014-11-19T17:14:00.003+08:002015-05-08T22:30:17.361+08:00Have You Heard of Baobab Oil?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGaH6PA0Ex08y5U53Pj6joIJJEf4yb1vmg1S5miYy-QJYw5jl-EqXmK7_W-7Y5sYZQVkRPtNEpBVhUD5384NvvUwget_VZbiFuU4ogQm74IknzI5DUJSwlHrtgAr_qPCrU1OCDSCO1ok/s1600/10353634_808615265816736_3406257600296979465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGaH6PA0Ex08y5U53Pj6joIJJEf4yb1vmg1S5miYy-QJYw5jl-EqXmK7_W-7Y5sYZQVkRPtNEpBVhUD5384NvvUwget_VZbiFuU4ogQm74IknzI5DUJSwlHrtgAr_qPCrU1OCDSCO1ok/s320/10353634_808615265816736_3406257600296979465_n.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was recently introduced to baobab oil by <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/product-category/brands/eco-products/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EcoProducts</a></span></b> in the search to heal acne scars and relieve eczema flare ups and I am glad I gave it a try. I was surprised how moisturizing this oil is, almost like a concentrated oil if there is such a thing, even thicker than coconut oil. Then I started to research about this oil and here is a little background about this exquisite oil:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baobab oil is made from baobab seeds that are found in large capsule-like fruit which grow on baobab trees. Baobab trees grow throughout the savannas of Africa. When the fruits mature, they naturally drop off of the trees. The seeds are removed by cracking open the fruits, washed, and then sun dried. These seeds then go through an expeller and oil is cold pressed out of the seeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baobab oil is rich in:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Vitamins A, D, E, F: Promotes healthy skin and skin revitalization.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids: Rich</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> moisturizers that nourish damaged skin, protect the skin, and encorage cell renewal and regeneration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/06/eat-your-antioxidant-rich-foods.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antioxidants</a></span></b>: Protection against free radicals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been using baobab oil to heal acne scars these few weeks and I can tell that the scars are lighter as baobab oil is easily absorbed in the skin and doesn't clog pores. This is an excellent oil to calm inflammation and provides relief from itch, rashes, eczema, and sunburn. You can also use it to nourish dry and flaky scalp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Different oils have different vitamin content and moisturizing/healing effect. Between </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/healing-persistent-skin-rash-using.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jojoba oil</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/coconut-oil-for-beautiful-skin.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut oil</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, and baobab oil - the three oils that I have read about more extensively and used longer, I find that baobab oil is the most moisturizing of all three. It doesn't have any odor like coconut and a few drops are all that we need to moisturize a large area of our skin and hair. On the other hand, jojoba oil is a more neutral oil that is suitable for oily skin as it prevents the skin from overcompensating with more oil production and coconut oil has an added antimicrobial properties that helps to heal wounds. Give it a try. I personally think</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> baobab oil is more superior compared </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/healing-persistent-skin-rash-using.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jojoba oil</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/coconut-oil-for-beautiful-skin.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut oil</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for its moisturizing and relieving of itch and rashes, but different oils may work differently on everybody. Use it as you would a regular moisturizer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can purchase EcoProducts Baobab Oils from <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/product-category/brands/eco-products/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pura Vida</a></span></b>. I love how Kristi, the owner of Pura Vida Singapore, works with small business owners that are passionate about natural living, environmental sustainability, and those that create work employment for the people who live in underdeveloped parts of the world. One of them would be </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah Venter, a scientist and the founder of EcoProducts. From early on, she makes sure that the harvest of baobab fruits is sustainable. In doing this, she also creates employment for many women in the underdeveloped parts of southern Africa and Venda. Read more about her and EcoProducts </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/brand-stories/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I love that her baobab oil is natural, eco-friendly, nutrient-rich, and creates economic benefits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out Kristi's other products/brands on her site:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE377dw02NLHE1nE7F79jyX6xqxQbp_mn6RaUkmxPleyM_OL5EPQbcFKrCQJNhZhdOoUWTdo91TXu042NElPsrqFTsHV5VLVCaIWCL1kb7V8EmxwbNR1dWa64y4vnzxBIWFZZGvGxMIy4/s1600/DSC07772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE377dw02NLHE1nE7F79jyX6xqxQbp_mn6RaUkmxPleyM_OL5EPQbcFKrCQJNhZhdOoUWTdo91TXu042NElPsrqFTsHV5VLVCaIWCL1kb7V8EmxwbNR1dWa64y4vnzxBIWFZZGvGxMIy4/s320/DSC07772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- I specifically love <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/product/alteya-organic-rose-water-spray-regenerating-copy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alteya's Organic Rosewater Spray</a></span></b>. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is 100% pure, steam distilled rose water that is made from organic roses from Bulgaria. This is an all-in-one cleanser, toner, and moisturizer that balances our skin's pH, rejuvenates, and beautifies the skin. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like EcoProducts, Alteya has been able to provide employment to some of the poorest villages in Bulgaria and we help to support these families when we purchase their products. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- I also enjoyed <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/product/oh-lief-natural-trial-pack/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oh-Lief's trial pack</a></span></b> containing salves for pregnant moms and babies. <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/product-category/brands/oh-lief/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oh-Lief</a></span></b> makes an all-natural salves for stretching tummies, nappy rashes, insect bites, and more. These little tubes are so convenient to bring in our handbags!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to Pura Vida, three winners will be randomly selected to receive a bottle of 30 ml baobab oil each. To enter the giveaway, simply:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pastureliving" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pasture Living Facebook Page </a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pura.vida.singapore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pura Vida Singapore Facebook Page</a></span></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Comment on this post on why you'd like to try baobab oil and leave your email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email publicly, send me a message through Pasture Living Facebook page. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This giveaway will end on 25 November 2014 Singapore time and the winners will be announced through email. Open to Singapore residents only.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also use code "pasture15" for a 15% discount for any purchases you make on </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.puravida-life.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pure Vida's website</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (a minimum of $30 purchase). </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Pura Vida sponsored the above products for reviews, no compensation was received and all opinions are my own.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-21062619873458719902014-10-18T08:40:00.002+08:002015-05-08T22:26:01.271+08:00DIY Dried Lavender Potpourri Pouches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been sewing a lot lately from quilts to kitchen appliances covers and my last project was making potpourri pouches for party favors. I made small pouches, filled it with <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/lavender-flowers/profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dried lavender</a></span></b>, sewed them together, put some ribbons, and there I have very cute, pretty, naturally scented homemade potpourri pouches. My daughter loves to take a pouch, which she calls her little pillow, to go to sleep. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It makes a lovely natural air freshener too.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This will be for the birthday party favors of a friend's two year old daughter. I hope the little ones will love getting them as much as my daughter does! This will work as homemade gifts for the upcoming Christmas or any wedding or bridal/baby shower parties as well. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lavender has a healing and calming effect which helps us to relax and go to sleep. The use of lavender essential oil is endless. It has </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/05/healing-power-and-10-uses-of-lavender.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">powerful healing powers</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> from treating rashes, soothing eczema, relieve muscle aches, and more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-56845271176320427032014-10-03T17:12:00.000+08:002015-05-08T21:47:22.404+08:00My Sewing Journey: It's Never Too Late to Learn A New Skill... and Never Give Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQX5bjtMGuylEb7rAI6ZfFgTU9_2LpZMYnb7pGk2HqLNtcCt7fjawGm5Wc-bi37aEWH_GAgq7F_ao5tpGjSXOmPy-9N5iT-v5qJIq9ixwdIo48i4XfkdM3Z_U8qDehae6xBMCQwnjJRQ/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQX5bjtMGuylEb7rAI6ZfFgTU9_2LpZMYnb7pGk2HqLNtcCt7fjawGm5Wc-bi37aEWH_GAgq7F_ao5tpGjSXOmPy-9N5iT-v5qJIq9ixwdIo48i4XfkdM3Z_U8qDehae6xBMCQwnjJRQ/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started learning to sew three months before <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/10/elins-first-years-milestones.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my daughter</a></span></b> was born. I braved myself and bought a second hand sewing machine, not knowing anything about it and how to use it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started to watch online tutorials and familiarized myself with sewing terms and machine parts and I was so happy when I made my ever first sewing project - a small tissue holder. I even added lace, I thought it was so fancy. I was so proud of this first accomplishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I bought zippers and I wanted to learn how to sew in zippers, sos I made a small pouch. Though far from perfect, it was another milestone for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I wanted more. I wanted to know more, learn more, and make more, but there was so much information online I started to get lost, so I made an investment to take four basic sewing lessons with someone I found off craigslist. It was not cheap but in retrospect, it was well worth it. I became more comfortable with my basic stitches, I was able to ask all my questions from learning myself, and most importantly, the teacher gave me a boost of confidence that I could <i>do</i> more and better with regular practice. I told my teacher I really wanted to try make this <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/september2010/StyleStitches.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">handbag</a></span></b>, but I was too intimidated to try it. She simply said: "You can do this." And just like that, I felt that much more confident of my ability, despite my limited knowledge, that I could do it. T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hen I know, this is why I paid so much money to learn - not so much for the how-to's, but for these precious intangibles.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Fresh out of the class, I made the handbag, with many challenges that involved a broken needle and lots of painful unpickings, but I was able to follow the steps from the beginning until the end, and learned a lot of new sewing skills in between.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since then I experimented with ruffles, inserting buttons, smocking, making dresses for my baby girl, quilts, household products, and more. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI80LsWgdppTY8JbuEcgluQfxthrXKUIuOHwMWihXplBKA2Bf-LRI2u3qUdN3efWdtPg-04Zup9iNKLxilFlrYlerBHsHwTyQ_avPMOtwDXNrpdYanzyuVwj7voacI52y1sUbTwp4ZUk/s1600/DSC05835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI80LsWgdppTY8JbuEcgluQfxthrXKUIuOHwMWihXplBKA2Bf-LRI2u3qUdN3efWdtPg-04Zup9iNKLxilFlrYlerBHsHwTyQ_avPMOtwDXNrpdYanzyuVwj7voacI52y1sUbTwp4ZUk/s1600/DSC05835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stand-mixer cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeyvuo5D_M40vXVyMXsQzWTBcPVHJR0RoTU_LNkU0oFWfVYccSbOnkw8C-JSrixpX6trGWCSza4zz-kD4eS239d-hrAjo-o03dk2otpM5cHeeATp21jOAO8MhIRcaaWGE4-0vKly9WIg/s1600/IMG_3987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeyvuo5D_M40vXVyMXsQzWTBcPVHJR0RoTU_LNkU0oFWfVYccSbOnkw8C-JSrixpX6trGWCSza4zz-kD4eS239d-hrAjo-o03dk2otpM5cHeeATp21jOAO8MhIRcaaWGE4-0vKly9WIg/s1600/IMG_3987.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing Machine Cover</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19iWwoOsUOIUKz8QT2j-6VYWmw5Z_XRzZ-YC1pgcRTD2ulunOYebEMcLW45BLmXa-7NoQdvH_ylOHZTrd9fIn4KxtqoyJ3HJ9Ny4Je6M60t-QzynKPFxg-xWQ_E5Z1XlZqxuOZBhyWKw/s1600/IMG_4065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19iWwoOsUOIUKz8QT2j-6VYWmw5Z_XRzZ-YC1pgcRTD2ulunOYebEMcLW45BLmXa-7NoQdvH_ylOHZTrd9fIn4KxtqoyJ3HJ9Ny4Je6M60t-QzynKPFxg-xWQ_E5Z1XlZqxuOZBhyWKw/s1600/IMG_4065.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree Skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter's first birthday dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Clutch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt for <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2015/03/second-pregnancy-birth-story-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby #2</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt for Baby Niece</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(You can find all the tutorials through <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2610707750751.2145737.1346721110&type=1&l=5e0bb02403" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my arts and crafts</a></span></b> album on my facebook page)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is very true that you get better with practice. With more practice, the more stable, comfortable, and confident you get with the machine and sewing techniques. I don't like the process of measuring, cutting, and pressing fabrics, but they are all crucial to the final product. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no short cut.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it is so with anything in life. So I am learning to enjoy the process. And </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I learn that the process of learning is more important than the final product itself, because it teaches us perseverance and discipline.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" - Romans 5:3-4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope this inspires and encourages us to never give up. It is also never too late (or too early) to learn a new skill! I asked my husband sometimes if sewing is a waste of time, and he said "I wish someone taught me some very practical skills when I was young, which I can pass on to my children. Now you can." :)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-40645395200928795672014-10-01T09:37:00.000+08:002015-05-08T22:53:39.628+08:00Delicious, Easy, and Healthy Meals with Mekhala Living Sauces!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Sa89oJQf35zo7STI0jVjbZ0-DyE8KjNOXNfuY5O59eeDn26bDDSRaV8Xzp18aLDijANm5znLcr66hvkIrIiUXmvIUtRU1XC3WKaR1-z8J7On_KGNf4HslwftV28PYnC3x91KZejZTs/s1600/DSC07329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Sa89oJQf35zo7STI0jVjbZ0-DyE8KjNOXNfuY5O59eeDn26bDDSRaV8Xzp18aLDijANm5znLcr66hvkIrIiUXmvIUtRU1XC3WKaR1-z8J7On_KGNf4HslwftV28PYnC3x91KZejZTs/s320/DSC07329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love cooking and I mostly cook from scratch, but I find there are times when I am in a rush but would still like to cook healthy food for my family and I can't use ready-made sauces that I find in the supermarket because most of them are full of refined sugar, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. I was so happy when I came across </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mekhala Living</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'s sauces recently and cooking has never been easier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meklaha Living is a Singaporean-Thai company that manufacture their own range of organic and natural Asian food products in their own factory in Thailand. They</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> purchase their raw materials from small farms in Northern Thailand at fair prices and work closely with these farmers in a mutually beneficial relationship that helps them and the farmers grow together.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their products are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 100% natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colorings or preservatives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- vegan (and most of them are gluten-free)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- made from wholesome, organic/natural ingredients. They use himalayan pink salt, rice bran oil and coconut sugar in their products, which are much healthier alternatives to regular table <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/our-body-needs-salt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">salt</a></span></b>, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/the-right-and-wrong-kinds-of-fats-3-of-6.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vegetable oil</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/sugar-alternatives.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">refined sugar</a></span></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- incredibly easy to use: perfect for those who would love to cook but don't have the time to prepare from scratch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have tried five of their sauces and here is what I think of them:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackpepper Beef Stir Fry</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!store/cbkn/products/natural-black-pepper-sauce" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blackpepper Sauce</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are a big fan of blackpepper sauce, you will have to try this sauce. It may not have the umami kick that you get in blackpepper meat dish from a Chinese restaurant (because I'm sure they put a lot of <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/just-when-you-think-its-msg-free.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MSG</a></span></b> in it), but it is as savory and blackpepper-y as you can get home made. You just need to put a little bit of sauce for a good portion of meat. I cooked it with beef, in the picture above, and will try it with cod fish next time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!store/cbkn/products/pumpkin-black-pepper-dressing-250ml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pumpkin Blackpepper Dressing</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is now my to-go sauce to pour over steaks I make at home. It has a mild sweetness and peppery kick and it is just so mouth watering over a hot sizzling steak!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!store/cbkn/products/coriander-ginger-dressing-250ml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coriander Ginger Dressing</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I marinated potatoes and baked them to pair with steak and it is delish! I love the smell of coriander. It is so refreshing!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil Garlic Pasta</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!store/cbkn/products/natural-basil-garlic-paste" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Basil Garlic Paste</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay.. this has to be the best sauce out of the ones I have tried. It is like pesto and perfect for making quick and easy pasta dishes. Even my two year old loves it! I only have to put a little bit of the paste over a good portion of pasta because it is very concentrated and flavorful. If there is one sauce I would recommend you trying (out of the five I've tried), it would be this one. It is very good to <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHXbKYyRQRU&list=UU_pK18QWFsAG-HJyNQkJsxw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">marinade chicken</a></span></b> with as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!store/cbkn/products/natural-pad-thai-sauce" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pad Thai Sauce</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By itself, the flavor is delicious and it has a good balance between sweet, sour, and saltiness. But in order to get a full, tasty pad thai flavor, I need to use a lot of sauce for a small portion of noodles. It is still definitely cheaper than buying pad thai in a Thai restaurant, but value-wise, the other four sauces are better.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoG_p86GctFniKpdkS5Q12ir56J5Mmfl0jsmMNUzRrwGGqpEjboYgBPk5yXoE37YdWRGAkdDDNJ-DxDCE83vLNrlrWWo5MLip_vnGr7jCduR81xjXRsKVNvcE5OeMO-0d3TPFc5PnT9o/s1600/DSC01860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoG_p86GctFniKpdkS5Q12ir56J5Mmfl0jsmMNUzRrwGGqpEjboYgBPk5yXoE37YdWRGAkdDDNJ-DxDCE83vLNrlrWWo5MLip_vnGr7jCduR81xjXRsKVNvcE5OeMO-0d3TPFc5PnT9o/s320/DSC01860.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from sauces, they also sell organic coconut oil, rice, and teas. Their products are available in specialty shops (e.g. Four Seasons organic store at Parkway Parade), various online stores and at their flagship store in Pasarbella. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are interested in trying (and I'm sure you will be well pleased!), they are giving a 10% discount for purchases over $30 and it is free shipping for orders over $25 at both their online shop and their Pasarbella shop (just quote "PastureLiving" to the salesperson). Offer is valid </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from 1 October 2014 - 30 November 2014.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.mekhalaliving.com/#!recipes/c23iu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recipes</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> section on Mekhala Living's website and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pK18QWFsAG-HJyNQkJsxw/videos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">youtube channel</a></span></b> for cooking ideas and follow their </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mekhala.Living" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">facebook</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> page for news and promotions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i> Disclosure: I was given products for review and no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-88499137850088542512014-09-15T16:00:00.000+08:002014-09-15T16:00:02.004+08:00Recipe: Indonesian Tomato Sauce (Balado)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UG4ZbyrRIb4/VBEpRYUg_GI/AAAAAAAAgRQ/umMhkDk7B1M/s1600/DSC07341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UG4ZbyrRIb4/VBEpRYUg_GI/AAAAAAAAgRQ/umMhkDk7B1M/s1600/DSC07341.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a tomato-based sauce that's traditionally called Balado Sauce in Indonesia. The difference between this and the western tomato sauce is that this one uses a very fragrant leaf called the kaffir lime leaves (used a lot in Thai cooking) and a touch of ground coriander. This sauce can be poured over eggs, meats, fish, tofu, tempeh, anything really. And it is so delicious eaten with hot rice. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. The burst of flavors will really open up your taste buds and I can never get enough when I eat this. I always end up eating a lot more than I should. But, hey, most of it is cooked tomatoes and </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Tomatoes-cooked-better-than-raw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">studies</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> have suggested that our bodies can better absorb the nutrients better with cooked tomatoes, compared to raw, especially the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/06/eat-your-antioxidant-rich-foods.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">antioxidant</a> </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">properties of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 big tomato, slice small and thinly (for faster cooking)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 small shallots, slice small</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">red chili, optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 kaffir lime leaves (available in Asian supermarket or <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kaffir%20lime%20leaves&sprefix=kaffir+li%2Caps" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp ground coriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a pinch of natural sweetener (I use sucanat)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sautee shallots, chili, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cover the pan until the tomatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. Add a bit of water so it's not too dry. Add the coriander, sugar and salt to taste. That's it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you can enjoy it with eggs or any kinds of cooked meat, in my picture below, I poured it on stir-fried anchovies - leftover from making the <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/06/recipe-calcium-rich-anchovies-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seaweed and anchovies soup</a></span></b>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5a74ej8p1iA/VBEpRQVF4yI/AAAAAAAAgRU/QQueTLfMGwU/s1600/DSC07344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5a74ej8p1iA/VBEpRQVF4yI/AAAAAAAAgRU/QQueTLfMGwU/s1600/DSC07344.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bon appétit!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-85417992861280218232014-09-11T12:29:00.000+08:002015-05-10T19:57:42.641+08:00Travel: Singapore's Eco-Friendly Gardens by the Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPynqV9BsD5n7_b03YZyyQBU22PhiFzqrDHBJ2ZY5zRQwiHjQV9UJoK52vUDxCN87aQi9LZ0MWG9XawDq8gqPVQ8_FvK-Z4RBhc137wOBUcb4GvdghZ1i3GtOrUTuAjhoXc3Ocaa5dx8o/s1600/DSC02392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPynqV9BsD5n7_b03YZyyQBU22PhiFzqrDHBJ2ZY5zRQwiHjQV9UJoK52vUDxCN87aQi9LZ0MWG9XawDq8gqPVQ8_FvK-Z4RBhc137wOBUcb4GvdghZ1i3GtOrUTuAjhoXc3Ocaa5dx8o/s1600/DSC02392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are visiting Singapore, you cannot miss the <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/the-gardens/attractions/supertree-grove.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gardens by the Bay</a></span></b>. It is Singapore's latest multicultural wonder that began as an international design competition in 2006 and opened its doors in 2012. It features spectacular supertrees, cool conservatories (plants and waterfall), children's water play area and playground, and the heritage gardens that showcases plants that occupy a special place in the history and culture of Singapore's main ethnics. The Indian gardens features banyan trees, which symbolizes eternal life for the Indians. The Chinese garden has a circular opening in the wall that welcomes people into the Chinese garden, a feature found in a traditional Chinese garden, called a moon gate, which represents a full moon. The Malay garden showcases traditional village residents known as kampong house and some food plants used by the Malays such as lemongrass. The colonial garden is decorated with white flowers that were chosen to match the black and white houses of the early British times. T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he cloud forest conservatory features plants from mountainous areas of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the trees in this garden have remarkably survived the long passage of time such as the Mediterranean olive trees that are estimated to be about one thousand years old. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eco-Friendly Garden</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At night, the mighty supertrees groves, about 20-50 meter high (as high as 16 storey buildings) are beautifully lighted. The trees absorb heat and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">solar panels atop their canopies </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">harness solar energy. This energy is sufficient to light up the trees at night, collect and store rainwater to irrigate the plants that flow on their trunks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rainwater is collected within the gardens and passes through filter base of semi aquatic plants which cleans the water before it enters the lake. The water in the lakes </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that surround bay south</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is used for irrigating the plants and then returned to the marina reservoir when the water level rises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Fun for the kids!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their outdoor playground and water play area is fun for children of all ages. It's clean and spacious. And best of all, it's free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And while there, try the unique floral ice cream made by <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.udders.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Udders</a></span></b> specially for the Gardens by the Bay. You can get them in their gift shop.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-87208480950525319332014-09-08T15:25:00.000+08:002015-05-08T22:05:47.009+08:00Travel: 12 Days in Taiwan with Kids-Friendly Places (Taipei, Yi Lan, Hualien, Sun Moon Lake, Cing Jing, Tai Chung, Puli)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5P0IHS9e1Kc/U7alfdD1LHI/AAAAAAABNtY/tRX4-n2ESSI/w1413-h942-no/DSC08916_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="HAa Eha" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5P0IHS9e1Kc/U7alfdD1LHI/AAAAAAABNtY/tRX4-n2ESSI/w1413-h942-no/DSC08916_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we had a kid, we would go to Taiwan to shop and eat. Now with one in tow, we found there are so many kids-friendly places that we can explore (and that adults will also enjoy). It was a truly enjoyable trip for all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1 - <b>Taipei</b>. We spent very little time in Taipei because we've explored Taipei a few years back and this time we just walked around <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_House_Theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xi Men Ding</a></span></b> to try the local street food. We stayed at <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/%E5%84%B7%E5%A4%8F%E5%95%86%E6%97%85+Muzik+Hotel/@25.044722,121.508572,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3442a90bf8aa6105:0xd469cc5729a794a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muzik Hotel</a></span></b>, which was walking distance to Xi Men Ding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also checked out this cool <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_House_Theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red House Theater</a></span></b> that has been transformed to locally-made crafts shops. They sell everything from t-shirts to jewelries, accessories, potteries, soaps, etc. It's just across the street from Xi Men Ding. Must see!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And had dinner at the famous </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/%E6%B0%B8%E5%BA%B7%E7%89%9B%E8%82%89%E9%BA%B5/@25.032902,121.528075,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3442a982f7505fbd:0xf99a8bad944077ed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yong Kang beef noodle</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on Yong Kang Street. It was yummy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 2 - </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jiao Xi</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We took the train</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to Jiao Xi (Jiao Xi Station), the hot spring town. We stayed at </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Resort+One+Hotel/@24.827321,121.774083,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3467fa4836634d57:0x33841f55251c3fac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Resort One Hotel</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, which included a free entry to the hot spring pools, complete with kids' and adult's slides. My two year old totally loved being in the warm pools and didn't want to get out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At breakfast, we got to try this dish (looks like a form of aloe vera) that you eat with a drizzle of honey. Interesting and feels healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 3-5 - </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hua Lien</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We took the train down to Hua Lien. The main attraction here is <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taroko_National_Park" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taroko National Park</a></span></b>, but there are many parts of Hualien that we can explore. We only had 2 full days so we had to choose what we wanted to do and decided to explore Rui Shui area the second day. We hired a private car and driver to drive us around. You can usually book one from your hotel. We stayed at </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/tw/hualian-fantasy-apartment.en-gb.html?aid=7344334;label=postbooking_confpage;sid=bd62f341e1394af0afa11909b639b2ea;dcid=1;no_rooms=1;req_adults=2;req_children=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fantasy Apartment</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, which was walking distance from Hua Lien Station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Taroko National Park</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.rtaiwanr.com/412/Taiwan/east-rift-valley/ruishui-pasture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruishui Pasture</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">: Feed the cows, taste fresh milk, ice cream, and custard!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://rtaiwanr.com/168/Taiwan/east-rift-valley/tropic-of-cancer-marker-east-rift-valley" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Tropic of Cancer Marker</a>: "the position in the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the Equator where the sun rays can shine directly down on the Earth."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lastly, our driver brought us to this mountain area (sorry, I really don't remember the name)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://rtaiwanr.com/120/Taiwan/east-rift-valley/liyu-lake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Li Yu Lake</a></span>: Relaxing Boat Ride</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 6: </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun Moon Lake</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.gotw-travel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hired a driver</a></span></b> to drive us from Hua Lien to Sun Moon Lake as there is no train available going East-West. It was a long winding road through the mountains but beautiful view all the way. We purchased tickets from our hotel receptionists that allowed us to hop on and off the ferry to the different parts of Sun Moon Lake and also included tickets to the theme park and cable car rides.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 7-8: Cing Jing, Nantou</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We went here mainly to visit <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.cingjing.gov.tw/en/spots/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Green Grassland</a></span></b>. We stayed at </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.dragonmanor.com.tw/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dragon Manor Hotel</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and took the taxi around town. </span></div>
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<b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cingjing.gov.tw/en/spots/index2.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Small Swiss Garden</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 9-10: Tai Chung</b>. We visited the Rainbow Village, Lavender Farm, Mushroom Farm, and Carton King. We also engaged a private driver to make the most of our stay there. All these places are very worth visiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g297910-d3248162-Reviews-Rainbow_Village-Taichung.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Village</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.shinshe.org.tw/new/en/seasons.php" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Lavender Farm</a>. Such a pretty farm! You can buy all kinds of lavender products here (soaps, lotions, candies, dried lavenders, ice cream, etc.).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://qiito.com/place/14171-mushroom-garden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mushroom Garden</a></span></b>. It's a small enclosed farm full of growing mushrooms. You can buy fresh or dried mushrooms there. They also sell cooked mushroom dishes. Try their mushroom ice cream if you are feeling adventurous. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.rtaiwanr.com/125/Taiwan/taichung-city/carton-king-creativity-park" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carton King Creativity Park</a></span>. Super fun place to go for someone who likes to create things. Everything here is made from cartons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 11: <b>Puli</b>. We explored Puli area and loved all the places we visited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://rtaiwanr.com/95/Taiwan/sun-moon-lake/king-garden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">King Garden</a></span></b>: They sell all kinds of Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3fPKEcgjliqJ6-f06oLfXvUk7WaadJxOp7GvV0N086nhQzy7i9nbaSwrt8q9ZMPbyS1pZBiErHlJkrSW7SmmTCMslWISHK7Jr1-QVb5S4cV8Iwg5AOiXmB_YLnBroz8zG98fmFySCXw/s1600/collage_20140704134507159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3fPKEcgjliqJ6-f06oLfXvUk7WaadJxOp7GvV0N086nhQzy7i9nbaSwrt8q9ZMPbyS1pZBiErHlJkrSW7SmmTCMslWISHK7Jr1-QVb5S4cV8Iwg5AOiXmB_YLnBroz8zG98fmFySCXw/s320/collage_20140704134507159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://rtaiwanr.com/100/Taiwan/sun-moon-lake/puli-paper-factory-tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Puli Paper Factory</a></span></b>. So so cute! They have workshops where you can make your own paper crafts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://rtaiwanr.com/90/Taiwan/sun-moon-lake/guangxing-paper-mill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guangxing Paper Mill Factory</a></span></b>. One of my most favorite places that I visited. It's a factory where we could learn how to make paper mache from scratch and we made one too! Of course my daughter had a blast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had so much fun in Taiwan. It was relaxing and educational for my daughter as well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Have you been to Taiwan? What are your favorite places to go with children?</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-61814919340251809712014-09-04T09:53:00.000+08:002014-09-04T09:53:08.702+08:00Treasuring Her Littleness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBPjIA8FmlYW7S0KYJ6fr0BHvqynml5tffoGdVg5hI6SntjQbM7grdXzHFp8ExmvVMFeluneujKUtLzk0s36niRkRnW3n_uXYFkCxJixm_2KYBuWADM5LTu9FCL6-kPyRiMGZ5jeCztQ/s1600/DSC08106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBPjIA8FmlYW7S0KYJ6fr0BHvqynml5tffoGdVg5hI6SntjQbM7grdXzHFp8ExmvVMFeluneujKUtLzk0s36niRkRnW3n_uXYFkCxJixm_2KYBuWADM5LTu9FCL6-kPyRiMGZ5jeCztQ/s1600/DSC08106.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">It's good to be back home after an extended break in the US. We spent quite a bit of time in the woods where there was limited internet access. It was refreshing to get away from life's daily distractions, especially from media and gadgets. I started noticing things that I otherwise would not, especially the little things. We talked more. We played more. We cooked more and enjoyed seeing my family finished all the food so eagerly. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I noticed the little sweet things that my husband did for us, like carrying our luggage</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> in and out and driving long distances across the country while all of us slept in the car. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were outdoors more and we </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">saw</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> more. If it was just otherwise a regular sunset, this time we were able to admire how beautiful sunset was. We breathed life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I especially noticed my daughter's precious littleness. I am a stay at home mom and I have all the time in the world with her. But that is not usually the case at home when I'm in front of the computer or holding my phone all day long. I spend very little time with her and always wondered where time goes (sadly, to media of course). Her chuckles, her silly poses and acts, her compassionate expressions, and her curiosity for all things. I held her little hands more often, instead of typing away on my phone. I played with her more instead of blogging away. We laughed more. I kissed her, tickled her, chased her, splashed water at each other, picnicking by the river, and saw how mesmerized a little kid could be with just a bunch of rocks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">So I'm back now, determined, to treasure her littleness, because I know she will grow up one day (so very soon) and she won't be this little anymore. There is so much truth to this verse:</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">"</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." - Mark 10:14-16</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">The sincerity of hearts and the laughter of little children are so pure, I always have something to learn from them. So I want to try to:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />Hold her hands when I walk</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;">Look at her when we talk</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;">Say less of "no, later"</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;">Say "yes" more often (because many times I say no to her because I'm either busy on the computer or phone or it's inconvenient for me).</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;">Let her get out more often and play (even though I like being at home)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe that means I will blog less and not reply to messages immediately. As much as I like to write and keep this blog alive, I have to keep my priorities in order - to be keepers of my family first then the other things will follow.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-23809363522356954932014-07-19T20:17:00.000+08:002014-07-19T20:17:00.445+08:00bSoul Natural Skincare Product Reviews and a Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj_O1SPs_jDYqq65nAVvqP5SQ1Ms8Mp4KzG6QCP3A22NOEfqivG3wAd1O7H6jCwHd-TtIg7mZ69pGc6ysLfpL_wi8jl6Fwvs-zCFjtWcVxp6XDKiLohCe5UWjIEyPAWW-PMk-qDOE380/s1600/DSC01634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj_O1SPs_jDYqq65nAVvqP5SQ1Ms8Mp4KzG6QCP3A22NOEfqivG3wAd1O7H6jCwHd-TtIg7mZ69pGc6ysLfpL_wi8jl6Fwvs-zCFjtWcVxp6XDKiLohCe5UWjIEyPAWW-PMk-qDOE380/s1600/DSC01634.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have very sensitive skin. I have eczema that is hereditary. When I consumed a lot of processed food and used skincare products that contain a lot of chemicals, my skin wasn't in its best condition. Even when I had significantly switched to a healthier and natural lifestyle, there are still environmental factors such as pollution and dust that easily irritate my skin. Eating the right kinds of food is definitely the most important factor for healthy skin. Some people are blessed with beautiful skin naturally. Some others, including me, have to intentionally take care of our skin daily to keep them healthy. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many ways to </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/10/nourishing-your-skin-naturally.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nourish our skin naturally</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, but some people still prefer to buy formulated products for convenience and comfort. There are indeed advantages to buying high-quality natural skin care products because these companies have spent time and resources researching on blends of ingredients that give maximum effectiveness for our skin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me introduce you to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.bsoul.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bSoul skin care</a></span></b> from Tuscany, Italy. This product range is eco-friendly and skin-friendly. They look to nature to get rich </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ingredients that gives the best to the skin, while respecting the skin and the environment. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bSoul range does not contain </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/ingredients-to-avoid-in-skincare.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">toxic ingredients</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> including mineral oils, petroleum products, dimethicone, petrolatum, paraffin, alkyl, acryl, peg, substances of animal origin, SLEs and parabens. Some of these substances, such as </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">paraffin, acrylics and silicones give an illusion that our skin has improved, but in reality they interfere </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with our natural moisterizing properties and disrupt our skin's ability to self-regenerate and self-protect, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">even when combined with excellent natural ingredients. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bSoul skin care is certified by <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_660576027"></span>ICEA<span id="goog_660576028"></span></a></span></b> (Environmental and Ethical Certification Institute), vegan friendly and also cruelty free.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> They are unfortunately not </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">100% natural because they do contain preservatives called <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://blog.honest.com/what-is-phenoxyethanol/#.U3yOCvmSyLV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">p</a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://blog.honest.com/what-is-phenoxyethanol/#.U3yOCvmSyLV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">henoxyethanol</a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and fragrances (though they are approved by ICEA). Preservatives are needed for all skin care products sold on the shelves to prevent bacteria from growing and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> phenoxyethanol is the lesser evil </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">compared to many other preservatives out there</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The good news is they are used in very little amount and thus their shelf life is only 6-12 months. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The packaging materials for bSoul range are also made with recycled or recyclable materials, making them eco-friendly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That said, this is not a perfect product but the choices we have in the market today may be far worse. A close look at <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/read-ingredient-labels-food-toxins-to.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ingredient labels</a></span></b> will give you the answer. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bSoul aims to help the skin restore its ideal condition </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">through continual research and improvement</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bSoul Physiological Normalization Kit</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was fortunate to receive their <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.bsoul.it/en/what-is-physiological-normalization/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Physiological Normalization Kit</a></span></b> to try. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the main functions of the skin is to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">regulate the quantity of lipids, thickness (keratin), pH (skin acidity), melanin, vasodilation, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">defend itself from external factors (cold, UV rays, wind, bacteria, humidity, etc.). This kit is formulated to do just that:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iNvu8_waJs9apA_337UBe_Ndx5GApdvfp2FVy_QrCLIMXC8fbOKpV-Znw0tGQt7CGIWZGk3musNpjQxFCSFkvoOgDtgwYSy80bxlQUy04fMT2G56L6Om93thyphenhyphenz-omxwnF86plpkD5Mk/s1600/10379933_241449389396103_4750883001238210749_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iNvu8_waJs9apA_337UBe_Ndx5GApdvfp2FVy_QrCLIMXC8fbOKpV-Znw0tGQt7CGIWZGk3musNpjQxFCSFkvoOgDtgwYSy80bxlQUy04fMT2G56L6Om93thyphenhyphenz-omxwnF86plpkD5Mk/s1600/10379933_241449389396103_4750883001238210749_o.jpg" height="320" width="107" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hydra-Milk Cleanser</span></b> cleanses the skin without drying it. It is made with <b>a</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>rgan oil</b> and <b>rosa moschata</b> which lipids are similar to our skin thus they can be easily absorbed, contains antioxidant properties, and gives the necessary fat acids for our skin; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sage, Thyme, and Rosemary Extracts</b>: Sage and thyme are antiseptic, purifying, sebum-rebalancing and anti-inflammatory. Rosemary has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lactic Acid</b> to regulate the skin pH. This cleanser is very gentle and moisturizing on the skin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb74rGFEqkkmyR53IsSUReBKjgupKUbMwsefkfa3LOflT9-y4evU90YQY6sZrnulaB9hyBUS67M8DBNx3udRpiDltGqH1Kc9s6ja5HltLJ1KO7KdMAknd1OEvsaoN1fyLYwRT7W6I5d0/s1600/10348913_241448216062887_6767715280124830571_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb74rGFEqkkmyR53IsSUReBKjgupKUbMwsefkfa3LOflT9-y4evU90YQY6sZrnulaB9hyBUS67M8DBNx3udRpiDltGqH1Kc9s6ja5HltLJ1KO7KdMAknd1OEvsaoN1fyLYwRT7W6I5d0/s1600/10348913_241448216062887_6767715280124830571_o.png" height="320" width="103" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hydra-Face Scrub 3Action</span></b> is a delicate scrub that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">nourishes and normalizes skin. It is </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">made with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">vitamin E-rich and hydrating </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/healing-persistent-skin-rash-using.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jojoba</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that has antioxidant properties, <b>a</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>loe vera extract</b> - a cooling plant that protects, heal, reduce inflammation, and boost cell regeneration, and <b>b</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>aking soda</b> - an excellent and gentle exfoliator that helps to remove dead skin cells, making skin brighter and more youthful. I enjoy this scrub a few times a week. It exfoliates my skin very well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xIgMwhqHILigYFknunlsGniJLOSrt0LnOZ9j1Kq02XrraFy3syIeTh5-k3ic1OmSIVYwlIXkvL-EKCQcKhPVCEegy-SwRjFlTE6jMeDmQMMqIMjxxtNp1nUVglfNf3Acxe6MSi6eR8/s1600/10269243_241452046062504_1543259600330512730_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xIgMwhqHILigYFknunlsGniJLOSrt0LnOZ9j1Kq02XrraFy3syIeTh5-k3ic1OmSIVYwlIXkvL-EKCQcKhPVCEegy-SwRjFlTE6jMeDmQMMqIMjxxtNp1nUVglfNf3Acxe6MSi6eR8/s1600/10269243_241452046062504_1543259600330512730_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Redness-Sinergy Serum</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s a serum with a very high functional ingredients concentration that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">boosts sensitive skin defense against oxidative damage. This concentrated serum contains potent anti-inflmmatory <b>magnolia bark</b> extract, <b>maitake mushroom</b> extract that enhances skin elasticity and firmness, <b>lactic acid</b> to regulate skin pH, <b>aloe vera</b>, <b>chamomile</b>, <b>mallow</b>, and <b>calendula</b> extracts that refresh, calm, and sooth the skin, and <b>vitamin E</b> (antioxidant).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Suitable for all skin type, especially for delicate, sensitive, and reactive skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is by far my favorite. It is a rich moisturizer and penetrates deep into the skin. It smells mildly sweet like honeysuckle, which is refreshing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WllwJpa7sBl1GkvPDOMJV0HbjFlnTRhg4Et6GxL_glcRqldzHvfZLT_WD6jxPn4_m3oVH_4VqH3EaPVxDcooANvSn6MKBcTR-v8jlsKlj7DUTVEWAucunCpbf-Y94e_CTRjXbOQUe4g/s1600/10300785_242828472591528_8221907958086518756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WllwJpa7sBl1GkvPDOMJV0HbjFlnTRhg4Et6GxL_glcRqldzHvfZLT_WD6jxPn4_m3oVH_4VqH3EaPVxDcooANvSn6MKBcTR-v8jlsKlj7DUTVEWAucunCpbf-Y94e_CTRjXbOQUe4g/s1600/10300785_242828472591528_8221907958086518756_n.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hydra-Comfort Face Cream</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is a moisturizing cream that restores, hydrates, and gives a radiant complexion. It is</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and delicate, as it is made of soothing and softening <b>altea</b> and <b>mallow</b> extracts, <b>aloe vera</b> extract that shields our skin against the <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/not-all-sunlight-is-same.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sun rays</a></span></b>, antioxidant rosemary extract, <b>vitamin E</b>, nourishing <b>shea butter</b>, and <b>squalene</b> to retain the natural moisture of the skin. I apply this cream when I go out since aloe vera helps to protect our skin from the sun's UV rays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to say that this set beats many of the skin care products that I've tried in the past. I love that this is as natural as it can be, while still smell appealing to those who are switching into natural products. My skin feels so pampered and hydrated and I highly recommend this set!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A healthy skin is able to self regenerate, self protect and also can retain water and the nutrients in it. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People who are used to using <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/how-to-choose-skincare-products.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">synthetic skin care</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/skincare-choosing-cosmetic-products.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cosmetic products</a></span></b> or have a complicated skin history may find that their skin will need a longer time to stabilize. It takes about a month for our skin to regenerate new skin cells and thus you need to be patient when switching your skin care products to a natural one. You may see break outs in the beginning but your skin will calm down afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to our sponsor <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.hapglobal.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hap Global</a></span></b>, one lucky winner will receive one set of Hydra-Milk Cleanser + Redness Sinergy + Hydra-Comfort Face Cream (worth S$296) and three other winners will receive bSoul trial kits, one set each. To enter, simply:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pastureliving" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pasture Living Facebook Page</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">2. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bSoul.Singapore" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">bSoul Singapore Facebook Page</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">3. Comment on this post on why you'd like to win a bSoul skincare set and leave your email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email publicly, send me a message through Pasture Living Facebook page.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">4. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and tag a friend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">This giveaway will end on 25 July 2014 Singapore time and the winners will be announced through email. Open to Singapore residents only.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">A special discount for those of you who want to purchase bSoul </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.bsoul.it/en/what-is-physiological-normalization/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Physiological Normalization Kit</a></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">, use coupon code "BSVicky10%" (expire 31 September 2014, for a 10% discount when you shop through their </span></span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=982" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">online store</a></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Good luck!</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Hap Global sponsored the above products for reviews, no compensation was received and all opinions are my own.</span></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-38231234082673269392014-07-15T15:27:00.000+08:002014-07-15T15:27:00.350+08:006 Healthy Easy-to-Make Beverages At Home<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our ever busy days, eating and drinking something nutritious may not be on our top priority. Constraint of time and energy is probably one of the top reasons why we eat so much fast food and processed/frozen food and drinks. Even an extra step of transferring food onto a plate or washing the dishes become a painful chore, let alone cooking from scratch. The food industry has caught on to this and now they offer healthier versions of packaged foods and drinks, boasting that they are healthy with labels like "zero calorie," "low fat," "no MSG," etc. Just remember that as much as you think they are healthy, they can't be as healthy as they are fresh. If cooking food is too much hassle, try making homemade beverages. It's much simpler, requires minimal cleaning, and a step further towards healthy living. Homemade food and drinks are best because we know exactly when we make it (freshness), how they are made (think about cross contamination), and what we put in it (no funny and harmful ingredients). So let's try one of these to start with:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowmqg5YdW38qAGsQX9TCOF3LCgmYwSf-ePG97itiJVcjDax78LpKU_ZP4ojYi4MU_q39XyH91gro0Joc2dJlElykOhyxeYHuIgBpK5K1IylVkYuyi2sVIIClC5EPTcRLmYNetAtQDrzk/s1600/DSC06282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowmqg5YdW38qAGsQX9TCOF3LCgmYwSf-ePG97itiJVcjDax78LpKU_ZP4ojYi4MU_q39XyH91gro0Joc2dJlElykOhyxeYHuIgBpK5K1IylVkYuyi2sVIIClC5EPTcRLmYNetAtQDrzk/s1600/DSC06282.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Early in the morning, increase our well being and boost our immune system by getting rid of toxins from our body with fresh </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/04/health-benefits-of-wheatgrass.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wheatgrass Juice</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. It's rich in chlorophyll, a pigment that helps to detoxify our body, treats bad breath, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww72b9DW6l_ZgYPNwzg-Q3lXhZ7rA7Y-qJhBtmE1igDWoW4FJXdcUY1lMVXer7JGMz81B0oqNksfQB4Jdwvc04jyv0xgfUXdXyKzJnP97O_kAC7abLhduXE-hWgJ_rqShcM3Hw-0ua_w/s1600/DSC07790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww72b9DW6l_ZgYPNwzg-Q3lXhZ7rA7Y-qJhBtmE1igDWoW4FJXdcUY1lMVXer7JGMz81B0oqNksfQB4Jdwvc04jyv0xgfUXdXyKzJnP97O_kAC7abLhduXE-hWgJ_rqShcM3Hw-0ua_w/s1600/DSC07790.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. To boost energy and keep you hydrated, try <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/06/benefits-of-chia-seeds-coconut-water.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coconut-Chia Energy Drink</a></span></b> that is packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and electrolytes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknwVE0MFCe9LRl4wx3qR7fshLcrvItPpcuBSb9Rbet4QIkkqqCczSZMHb2ECzCw1nt3W8uKVj0MtB5sMBD-x6AoB2CgNRqL2Tz-rTstjTVTEZYZX95ccXIIPz2F3Mt8fFJtd8WJOIuGs/s1600/DSC06430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknwVE0MFCe9LRl4wx3qR7fshLcrvItPpcuBSb9Rbet4QIkkqqCczSZMHb2ECzCw1nt3W8uKVj0MtB5sMBD-x6AoB2CgNRqL2Tz-rTstjTVTEZYZX95ccXIIPz2F3Mt8fFJtd8WJOIuGs/s1600/DSC06430.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. For those who are on gluten-free diet and allergic to cow's milk but needs an extra dose of calcium, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, try making homemade </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/04/health-benefits-of-almond-milk-and-how.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Almond Milk</a></span></b>. This can keep in the fridge for up to five days, so you can make it ahead of time on your less busy days.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitV9XTRixyTtxFj1r_6Cu_2G_yfi8ygztzmdTaXlf7oqDMTuCtV6FF8St9yUdxgAi69655sVdb-rgi3Hc1YRh8w9FjndrVSFJfYmeTB-oOCDa6aywHV_vPKD9a-OOsrb5OLUjn_Etca0/s1600/DSC06573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitV9XTRixyTtxFj1r_6Cu_2G_yfi8ygztzmdTaXlf7oqDMTuCtV6FF8St9yUdxgAi69655sVdb-rgi3Hc1YRh8w9FjndrVSFJfYmeTB-oOCDa6aywHV_vPKD9a-OOsrb5OLUjn_Etca0/s1600/DSC06573.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. A healthy gut is one of the cornerstones for a healthy body. Our body needs more probiotics (good bacteria) more than ever before because of all the processed food and drinks we consume and the overuse of antibiotics. This easy to make <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/05/introduction-to-water-kefir-milk-kefir.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Water Kefir and Milk Kefir</a></span></b> are natural probiotic beverages that can help you balance your gut flora and improve your digestion. It takes only a few minutes to put together, let them ferment for a day or two, and you can enjoy this probiotic-rich drinks anytime at home. Make one big batch and you are set for the week. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh113p8u9h3b1Yx7JzxvHgb_P2mWLwZ2srIQAVHxuMbOkvcG-3KTX_OOgiou4vzW4Po1e11kej4A7pEL_oIbWaF4wTA3Bh9MLhXjvE9VSAUQAEMGDyIjPAvWFHI2Ff03J9h_MjJzouOWUI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh113p8u9h3b1Yx7JzxvHgb_P2mWLwZ2srIQAVHxuMbOkvcG-3KTX_OOgiou4vzW4Po1e11kej4A7pEL_oIbWaF4wTA3Bh9MLhXjvE9VSAUQAEMGDyIjPAvWFHI2Ff03J9h_MjJzouOWUI/s1600/photo.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Throughout the day, keep a big bottle of <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.com/2014/06/fruits-and-herbs-infused-flavored-water.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruits and Herbs-Infused Flavored Water</a></span></b> to keep you motivated to drink and your body hydrated, while reaping the benefits of the vitamins and minerals that are infused into your water from the fresh fruits and herbs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZXG6wI68PMYHp5ITFiDnYDfxBobuLYaQ-l9Kkwi_KA9dNa-OnX8WJVuVztP0RFyMljgQI-sMro1PI6PGfJmjBLiS3LJ1PrYCTllKaLNJHHYD-GNo0tGi9V9-ufmyuGUPCKRvrAMRhtI/s1600/DSC09680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZXG6wI68PMYHp5ITFiDnYDfxBobuLYaQ-l9Kkwi_KA9dNa-OnX8WJVuVztP0RFyMljgQI-sMro1PI6PGfJmjBLiS3LJ1PrYCTllKaLNJHHYD-GNo0tGi9V9-ufmyuGUPCKRvrAMRhtI/s1600/DSC09680.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. When you don't feel well or down with a flu, warm your body with homemade <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/08/recipe-lemon-garlic-ginger-and-honey-tea.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lemon, Garlic, Ginger, and Honey Tea</a></span></b>. Each ingredient provides unique power to fight off infections, balances the body's pH and, speeds up circulation, and boosts our immune system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are your favorite natural, healthy drinks that you like to make at home?</b></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-74171003270724952862014-07-12T15:28:00.000+08:002014-07-12T19:07:05.667+08:00CocoNurture Organic Coconut Oil Reviews and A Giveaway!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been consuming coconut oil for about two years now and I've witnessed <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/01/my-health-before-and-now.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">health improvements</a></span></b> by making coconut oil a regular part of my diet. I recently found out about <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CocoNurture</a></span></b>, a company based in Singapore that sells coconut oil. I was excited when they sent me some of their products to try </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">because I know coconut oil is sooooo good for <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/the-wonders-of-coconut-oil.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our health</a></span></b> as well as for <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/coconut-oil-for-beautiful-skin.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our skin</a></span></b>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKqSEIoIfsvWVLGhVHDVp3WjvmwAo4Ri3n9phjMmRiYGAMWSLbLFbWnLsstEInEa7rj7Xz-K726cE7oo40UZpySMvbtgWLTnbrpXDUmiJgUO-wWRJEPdC2sSDIUmY_yK-485i61GOdFM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKqSEIoIfsvWVLGhVHDVp3WjvmwAo4Ri3n9phjMmRiYGAMWSLbLFbWnLsstEInEa7rj7Xz-K726cE7oo40UZpySMvbtgWLTnbrpXDUmiJgUO-wWRJEPdC2sSDIUmY_yK-485i61GOdFM/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They have two kinds of organic coconut oil: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ultra Light</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Premium Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. They are both cold-pressed and organic but they use different methods of extraction, thus yielding a slightly different result in texture, taste, and aroma. The <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/extra-virgin-coconut-oil/organic-ultra-light-virgin-coconut-oil-4-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U</a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/extra-virgin-coconut-oil/organic-ultra-light-virgin-coconut-oil-4-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ltra Light VCO</a></span></b> is more coconut-ty in flavor and lighter in texture and is best consumed raw. The <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/extra-virgin-coconut-oil/organic-premium-culinary-virgin-coconut-oil-61-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Premium Culinary VCO</a></span></b> is thicker in texture but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lighter in taste, which is perfect for cooking as it doesn't alter the taste and aroma of food. The VCO's that I have bought previously have very strong coconut flavors and some people do not enjoy the coconut taste in the food when I cook with it. The ultra light VCO is easy to swallow raw in my opinion and it is my favorite because I sometimes gag when swallowing If you don't quite like the coconut aroma but wish to add more coconut oil in your diet, CocoNurture Premium Culinary VCO may be your answer. The other advantage of getting CocoNurture coconut oil is that you can get your coconut oil on your door immediately as they deliver fast and they offer free shipping for orders over $80. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from coconut oil, they also sell other organic coconut products such as <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/food/organic-coconut-sugar-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut sugar</a></span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/sugar-alternatives.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">natural sweetener</a></span></b> with low GI index (GI 35), <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/food/coconut-nectar-syrup-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut nectar syrup</a></span></b>, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/food/coconut-flour-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut flour</a></span></b> (which is gluten-free), <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/food/coconut-cider-vinegar-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut cider vinegar</a></span></b>, and coconut oil-infused skincare products, including <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/grooming/organic-virgin-coconut-baby-oil-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">baby oil</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/grooming/diaper-rash-oil-relief-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">diaper rash oil</a></span></b>. On its own, coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, aids in healing of wounds, is moisturizing for our skin, and doesn't leave oily residue on our skin because it gets absorbed very quickly into our skin. When coconut oil meets the right essential oils, the nourishing and healing properties of the infusion is even greater. CocoNurture has in-house herbalists who specialize in essential oils and know the precise concentrations they need to make a particular blend. The essentials they use are gentle yet very effective for the purposes they serve. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSFtPcwrxd5ryLkKX4-IppKjts5MdUMG6eF9UQihgo_-nyJtQBjdWsLYTcydQrnvMNgnjvCKtUEHvgbgT591TfkzErlXuIeQmKuFWPsrU1xsPS15X80hpxKJTN8y0KLl49NIesWXySJE/s1600/eczemaflare8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSFtPcwrxd5ryLkKX4-IppKjts5MdUMG6eF9UQihgo_-nyJtQBjdWsLYTcydQrnvMNgnjvCKtUEHvgbgT591TfkzErlXuIeQmKuFWPsrU1xsPS15X80hpxKJTN8y0KLl49NIesWXySJE/s1600/eczemaflare8.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I particularly love their <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/grooming/coco-n-zema-eczema-oil-flare-relief-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eczema Flare Relief Oil</a></span></b>, which I have been applying on rashes and eczema. It's very moisturizing, cooling, and soothes itchy and dry skin.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insect bites on my daughter's leg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coconurture's </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/grooming/coco-no-bites-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Mosquito Repellent Oil</a></span></b> has been a lifesaver when we go to the parks. My daughter has sensitive skin and one little insect bite will leave a mark on her skin for a long time. I'm pleased to know that it doesn't contain DEET, an active ingredient that is found in most commercial insect repellent. DEET has been linked to neurological problems as well as eye and skin irritants and I don't want it on my daughter's skin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeKEHu4b0ERm8iftaNHl6HDmQibWo3Oho9yrtIb8W2muXKZr807wRTtpm6MC9MhKxfou0XK94PrwLbIAR4_TW1tY1Dw36OkKyf0CBo1I_HoqptJmBhjQ-gVvqOj7w-WJDbHxMA6stOIM/s1600/mosquitorepellent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeKEHu4b0ERm8iftaNHl6HDmQibWo3Oho9yrtIb8W2muXKZr807wRTtpm6MC9MhKxfou0XK94PrwLbIAR4_TW1tY1Dw36OkKyf0CBo1I_HoqptJmBhjQ-gVvqOj7w-WJDbHxMA6stOIM/s1600/mosquitorepellent.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to say that this is one of the most effective insect repellent I have tried. I often bring my daughter down to the park and always come back with mosquito bites. Since I apply this oil, we are mostly mosquito bite-free! When I applied the oil thinly, we still come back with some bites, so </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been more generous in applying the oil and that has really prevented us from getting mosquito bites.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaYKCwEGCQ-xZFNKAgD53ipdeQUdlfD6ZjSnGmUOHYguNjWk7wxzz9YotcaLDvByM2MGowQfpb6_UNkPuSeq85jAbIXeAwBb3clhA-gZ4CepknXf9DBdUhb4r8WdT3JOzXKn_yyII2bw/s1600/hotoil.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaYKCwEGCQ-xZFNKAgD53ipdeQUdlfD6ZjSnGmUOHYguNjWk7wxzz9YotcaLDvByM2MGowQfpb6_UNkPuSeq85jAbIXeAwBb3clhA-gZ4CepknXf9DBdUhb4r8WdT3JOzXKn_yyII2bw/s1600/hotoil.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've also been applying their </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.coconurture.com/grooming/intense-scalp-treatment-detail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intense Scalp Treatment</a></span></b> on my husband. I've been applying just VCO on his scalp, but having this coconut-oil infused mixture that is already blended with essential oils specifically to nourish the scalp is very helpful and convenient.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best of all, the ones I have mentioned and reviewed here do not contain any <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/11/ingredients-to-avoid-in-skincare.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">toxic ingredients</a></span></b> such as parabens, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sulfates, phthalates,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> petroleum, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">preservatives, and synthetic fragrances</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. And they come in handy spray bottles for ease of use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to CocoNurture, some of you will get to try their awesome coconut oil products! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three winners will get a set of twin pack</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ultra Light</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Premium Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil</b> (worth S$36.60) and another three winners will get a bottle of <b>Eczema Flare Relief Oil </b>and a bottle of <b>Mosquito Repellent Oil</b> each (worth S$33.60). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To enter, simply:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pastureliving" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pasture Living Facebook Page</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">2. Comment on this post which Coconurture coconut oil productscyou'd like to win (coconut oils or the eczema/repellent oils) and leave your email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email publicly, send me a message through Pasture Living Facebook page.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">3. Like and share this giveaway on your Facebook page and tag a friend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">This giveaway will end on 18 July 2014 Singapore time and the winners will be announced through email. Open to Singapore residents only.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Good luck!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-40207528195500159472014-07-08T09:45:00.001+08:002014-07-08T09:45:41.661+08:00When Eating Healthy Is No Longer Healthy or Not An Option<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfx000EJIRe1Zhi9X2DnLU3VsNGmvTwK9snFNvapGSoMijCh7WTpmQRGyp_RMUOt_6TbWdtB8qufwKAOp7x6RS415xPjbnREs9CyQBY-Zo8ilOl5d8yz82ANyXe1YIWTruEimw05NwII/s1600/DSC02708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfx000EJIRe1Zhi9X2DnLU3VsNGmvTwK9snFNvapGSoMijCh7WTpmQRGyp_RMUOt_6TbWdtB8qufwKAOp7x6RS415xPjbnREs9CyQBY-Zo8ilOl5d8yz82ANyXe1YIWTruEimw05NwII/s1600/DSC02708.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so strict during the first few months of making the switch to eat healthily. I avoided all kinds of junk food, processed food, vegetable oil, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, refined grains, juices, sodas, sugar, unfermented soy, switched all my cooking ingredients to healthier ones, and added new "food" into my diet that I found healthy, such as coconut oil, fermented cod liver oil, and grass-fed food. Even the littlest bite of "unhealthy food" looked gross to me and avoided at all cost. It's the kind of feeling you get at the sight of McDonalds after you watch documentaries such as Super Size Me or Fast Food Nation. I couldn't imagine why I would let myself consume such food and have my body process such poison. A few years have passed and I find myself being more flexible with my food choices. I go out and enjoy food in restaurants, I let my daughter eat refined noodles, white rice, or even candy from time to time and I'm not as stressed out as before. I realize that <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/05/fruits-of-flesh-and-spirit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">there are more to life than just healthy living</a></span></b>. If we can't enjoy the company of others, restrict ourselves to only cooking at home because outside food contains something unhealthy, and thus we miss out all experiences from exploring places or traveling and warm fellowships, then is it all worth it? I remembered reading somewhere that laughing will cause wrinkles, but <b>should we not laugh because we are afraid of getting wrinkles?</b> Does it mean we shouldn't go out and enjoy life because we are afraid we will "inhale" pollution? We will be so miserable and we will miss out so much of this world if we are too perfectionist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a perfectionist about eating <i>only</i> what I thought was healthy and perfection almost killed. I am so glad that I've come to terms with the fact that I cannot control everything. And there will be times when eating healthy is no longer an option and we have to accept these exceptions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>The <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2014/03/the-food-industry.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Food Industry</a></span></b>: School kids get to eat fast food on field trips because the fast food industry give free sponsorship to schools and schools don't usually say no to free sponsorship. The food industry can get away with so many things and we cannot control them. Then would you tell your children not to eat what they have been given and be the only "outcast" while the rest of her friends get to enjoy their fast food? As much as I would like to say no, I will not. My responsibility is to teach and encourage the little ones to be wise in making decisions and prayerfully they will understand what is good and what is not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>The Sick</b>: Think about a really sick person who has lost all appetite for food and is so thin from enduring a serious, prolonged illness. If he could only eat (and can eat a lot more) when you give him white rice versus brown rice, or fried chicken versus steamed chicken, or sweetened milk versus plain grass fed milk, by all means, let him be. He needs to get all the calories he can get to be strong again. W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ho am I to say that these foods are forbidden and he is not to eat any of these foods because they are not aligned with my "healthy food" philosophy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>Where There is No Other Option</b>: Someone argued with me that if he were to be stranded in the middle of a place hungry and he could only see a fast food joint, would I allow him to eat fast food or let him starve?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe no one in their right mind will force their practice of healthy living under special circumstances. So I realize that there are exceptions and it is good to be flexible and adapt to different circumstances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could say that I now live by the 80-20 rule now. I try my best to give my family the best when they are at home and nourish their bodies with healthy food as much as possible. But the other 20% of time, we go out and enjoy our life and I believe that through the 80% of right nourishment, our bodies are able to better handle the less-healthy food that we consume the rest of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are your thoughts about eating healthy?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-33427632073859331422014-06-30T16:39:00.000+08:002014-06-30T16:39:48.903+08:00Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents and Dishwashing Liquid and Ecover Zero Product Reviews and A Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8OBgAbCdT3zpxy_qreDKm5g4KSR-wXlWNFDs4cHCWCQ6A0oPDBow1KrumYRf255AzIkeIRjYm3EtaZNH5yXfq_d-2atGOdLQcDhB5QRbdkdY0gx4oIMb8-A2o3zMJan-hev2rczA2A/s1600/DSC06854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8OBgAbCdT3zpxy_qreDKm5g4KSR-wXlWNFDs4cHCWCQ6A0oPDBow1KrumYRf255AzIkeIRjYm3EtaZNH5yXfq_d-2atGOdLQcDhB5QRbdkdY0gx4oIMb8-A2o3zMJan-hev2rczA2A/s1600/DSC06854.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of us, including myself, wash dishes, do laundry, and clean the house on regular basis. It is a chore that we don't think much about anymore. But have we ever wondered what happens to all the water that go down the drain? Toxic waste from chemical-filled household products makes its way to the sewer and continue into the soils and ground water, polluting the environment and harming aquatic life, which then comes back right at us when we consume them as food. My family has been trying to make our own household cleaners as much as we can, including <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/homemade-all-purpose-cleaner.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">all purpose cleaner</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/homemade-floor-cleaner.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">floor cleaner</a></span></b>. But making everything</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> natural is not always easy. I've succeeded in some, and I have also failed, wasting all the ingredients I bought for those specific purposes. Some others I'm just too intimidated to try, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">including making my own laundry detergents and dishwashing liquid, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">because I'm afraid the result will not be effective and disappointing. I want my laundry clean and plates sparkling and I just don't have the confidence that homemade detergents and dishwashing solutions can give me this result. Thus, I have to resort to using gloves when I wash the dishes to protect my hands from itch and rashes from the harsh water and chemicals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I discovered <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://uk.ecover.com/en/products/zero/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ecover Zero</a></span></b>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a range of <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ecover</a></span></b> products that are made from natural, sustainable plant-based and mineral ingredients, which makes them very mild and gentle for the skin. It proudly boasts that:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It is <b>biodegradable</b> - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">quickly and completely, leaving no residue behind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It is <b>fragrance and coloring-free</b>: This range is formulated especially for allergy-prone and sensitive skin, such as eczema. (The fragrance that is used in Ecover's other range of products are sourced from nature,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> like their soft and gentle <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://uk.ecover.com/en/household-cleaning/product/washing-up-liquid#var102" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camomile and Marigold Washing Up Liquid</a></span></b>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It is dermatologically tested, <b>for sensitive skin</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>Phosphate-free</b>: Phosphates pollute the water and endanger aquatic life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It is <b>eco-friendly</b>: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their packaging are made using Plant-Pastic - a renewable, reusable and recyclable plastic made of sugarcane, which spares the oceans a tsunami of plastic litter. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And because it is phosphate-free, it does no harm to the waterways of the world after it's been washed down the drain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- <b>Doesn't contain foam boosters and </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>optical brighteners</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">: Foams don't necessarily clean any better and optical brighteners only create an illusion that our laundry is clean, but they actually do not </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enhance cleaning performance and they do not biodegrade completely</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It <b>uses eco-surfactants</b>: Surfactants is an active ingredient used to give great cleaning results. Ecover uses plant based alternatives</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> instead of harmful petrochemical-based surfactants found in many conventional household cleaners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Preservatives used are naturally derived</b> and/or <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecocert.com/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ecocert</a></span></b> approved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Through continual research and development, Ecover ensures their products use more and more renewable science, leave fewer unwanted residues, biodegrade even more quickly and have less impact on aquatic life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_IJUyCRysYGuvEy44oP_dDNC72lf8hI3tUL9mL_oPFTwmPaIJsF7DRTCQyET7EIZrejFL00_hyphenhyphenMN5p2KLYk4uPG-RsyukSAce2WG0Af7wfjoH29uVD7VGr65lc9YBT-SXpfLvveYjA/s1600/DSC06856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_IJUyCRysYGuvEy44oP_dDNC72lf8hI3tUL9mL_oPFTwmPaIJsF7DRTCQyET7EIZrejFL00_hyphenhyphenMN5p2KLYk4uPG-RsyukSAce2WG0Af7wfjoH29uVD7VGr65lc9YBT-SXpfLvveYjA/s1600/DSC06856.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the privilege to try Ecover Zero's <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/Product.aspx?ID=13&SID=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Washing Up Liquid</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/Product.aspx?ID=14&SID=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laundry Liquid</a></span></b> and I'm completely satisfied with its effectiveness and cleaning power. My plates are squeaky clean and laundry fresh. Not only they are eco-friendly, they don't irritate my skin, they don't have any overpowering fragrance (just the way I like it), and they do their job well! I have spent a lot buying conventional "baby" detergent and dishwashing liquid to wash baby clothes and bottles before and I can guarantee that they are not as safe and eco-friendly as we think. Now that I know about Ecover Zero, I have no reservation in using their products to wash any of my things, including baby things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This range also carries <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/Product.aspx?ID=15&SID=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fabric </a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/Product.aspx?ID=15&SID=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conditioner</a></span></b> to soften fabrics, should you choose to use it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazingly, even <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ewg.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group (EWG)</a></span></b>, the non-profit organization that rates household and cosmetic products, gives this <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/541-EcoverZEROLaundryLiquidConcentrate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laundry Liquid a smashing A</a></span></b>! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That means it's one of the best one out there. (There was no rating for the Washing Up Liquid). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To have a green product that works as effectively as its non-green counterparts, which means being kind to our skin and to this earth God has entrusted to us, what more can I ask for?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ecover products are available in all <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.home-fix.com/store-location" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home-Fix Singapore</a></span></b> outlets. They are giving a 20% discount (expire on 31 August 2014) exclusively for Pasture Living readers when you shop on their <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ecover.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a></span></b> (Discount </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Code: ECV20PL). iHerb also carries <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.iherb.com/ecover?rcode=rkf401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">selected Ecover products</a></span></b>, but not as extensive as Ecover's own website and retail stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to Ecover, three lucky winners will each receive a bottle of their regular Washing Up Liquid to try. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To enter, simply:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1. "Like" <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pastureliving" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pasture Living Facebook Page</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">2. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">"Like" </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EcoverSG" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0b5394; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ecover SG Facebook Page</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">3. Comment on this post on why you'd like to win Ecover's Washing Up Liquid and leave your email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email publicly, send me a message through Pasture Living Facebook page.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">4. Like and share this giveaway on your Facebook page and tag a friend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">This giveaway will end on 6 July 2014 Singapore time and the winners will be announced through email. Open to Singapore residents only.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Good luck!</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Ecover sponsored the above products for reviews, no compensation was received and all opinions are my own.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-81179542762185927982014-06-27T09:00:00.000+08:002014-06-27T09:00:02.383+08:00Recipe: Calcium-Rich Anchovies and Wakame Seaweed Soup<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are two other things that I always try to find ways to add into our diet: fish and calcium. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/fish-is-brain-food.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fish is so good</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for us and calcium is important for bone strength, growing children, and prevent osteoporosis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This wakame seaweed and anchovies soup is a Korean soup that is traditionally eaten for a few weeks after a woman gives birth because it is believed that this soup contains nutrients that help with post-partum recovery and boost breastmilk production. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ancient Korean folklore learned that female whales would eat strands of seaweed after giving birth and that was how this tradition started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wakame seaweed is naturally rich in:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Iodine: which supports our thyroid</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Calcium: for bone strength</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Omega-3 fatty acid: which is important for our brain and nervous system</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Vitamin A: for immune system</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Vitamin D: for immune system and helps to absorb the calcium in our body</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Vitamin E: an antioxidant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Selenium: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a rather less-talked about, heart-friendly mineral that </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">protects the brain from oxidative damage and the body from mercury toxicity, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ensures that the thyroid functions normally, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">maintains cardiovascular health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Iron and Folate: both important for pregnant women.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anchovies, known as the "King of Calcium" in Korea, is composed of mostly calcium, and is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, D, and E, and selenium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recipe</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dried anchovies</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.iherb.com/eden-foods-mekabu-wakame-sea-vegetable-sporophyll-88-oz-25-g/29821#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=wakame%20seaweed&rc=24&sr=null&ic=4?rcode=rkf401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wakame seaweed</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.iherb.com/search?kw=sesame+oil&x=0&y=0#p=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sesame oil</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.iherb.com/kikkoman-soy-sauce-gluten-free-10-fl-oz-296-ml/49601#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=soy%20sauce&rc=184&sr=null&ic=3?rcode=rkf401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Soy sauce</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Make anchovies broth. Take a handful of dried anchovies and boil in water for half an hour. I always make a big batch of anchovies broth and refrigerate or freeze it so I can take as little or as much as I need whenever I need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Soak the seaweed in water until it softens, about 15-20 minutes. It will triple or even quadruple in size. So start with little and you can easily add more if it's not enough. Then rinse off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPxAw-L_SJMqx_dySXctXa7dkklwcCA3mqp7pFrnpMw3aTrV9PQ8WoaAwfQh99yQSKU_YA3vPpKrHzJV6l9Ww3StVCATgIY2wo-7EAgLRLNYW3ySfOUHkz7fffhzKFE7n-S9oPRZLvuE/s1600/DSC06933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPxAw-L_SJMqx_dySXctXa7dkklwcCA3mqp7pFrnpMw3aTrV9PQ8WoaAwfQh99yQSKU_YA3vPpKrHzJV6l9Ww3StVCATgIY2wo-7EAgLRLNYW3ySfOUHkz7fffhzKFE7n-S9oPRZLvuE/s1600/DSC06933.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Heat garlic in sesame oil in a soup pot and add the seaweed. Sautee for a few minutes then add anchovies broth and soy sauce to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer for half an hour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This nourishing soup is good for any day of the year, for children and adults alike. Seaweed is a natural <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/just-when-you-think-its-msg-free.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MSG</a></span></b>, thus it naturally taste good!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bon appétit!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: This link contains affiliate links.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-45558036541639809682014-06-25T07:59:00.000+08:002014-06-25T08:04:52.995+08:00[10% SALE] Open Purchase Order for Green Pasture Cod Liver Oil in Singapore (Deadline: 2 July 2014)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-AQs5fn4psVWcMVXnsGhiUCTx0auuGP3WhTo_Tw99Uk_UqPnQbCSSLelYBJiepirHYkE8_g_6aWAVn1jHrzXnRDBQ79PvDKeVppYiqLfxOq1HtVhUmjQ_Y6kNtR5UvmVd8wRaDaTy7E/s1600/FCLO+Non+Flavored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-AQs5fn4psVWcMVXnsGhiUCTx0auuGP3WhTo_Tw99Uk_UqPnQbCSSLelYBJiepirHYkE8_g_6aWAVn1jHrzXnRDBQ79PvDKeVppYiqLfxOq1HtVhUmjQ_Y6kNtR5UvmVd8wRaDaTy7E/s320/FCLO+Non+Flavored.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/my-personal-reasons-for-taking-green.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">health benefits</a></span></b> of taking properly fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) is astounding. Its abundance in naturally-ocurring omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and D are vital for our brain, nervous system, immunity, and optimal functioning of our bodies. It's especially important for growing children, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/whats-so-good-about-cod-liver-oil-2-of-8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pregnant and nursing mothers</a></span></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are a few types of FCLO: pure, emulsified, and butteroil/FCLO blend. You can learn about the differences in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">our in-depth study on cod liver oil </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/where-to-buy-green-pasture-cod-liver-oil-in-singapore.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. This is an open purchase order for pre-ordering FCLO. You can see the different types of FCLO </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/buying-green-pasture-fermented-cod.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and pre-order using this </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiFwrQWsjI4DdDFpR2JNWDRWcWtkb0pQbHFjQmJBOEE#gid=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">form</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The deadline for submitting your pre-order forms is 2 July 2014. <b>There is 10% discount for all orders placed with this open purchase order. Prices listed on the link is before discount.</b> You will receive your order some time in mid August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the cost of FCLO may seem high at first sight, it is actually not so if you understand what you are getting. You can read my post on cost and other considerations about getting Green Pasture FCLO <b><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/07/cost-taste-and-considerations-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482568838938962433.post-6224659576179689312014-06-23T12:20:00.001+08:002014-06-23T12:20:28.486+08:00Six Easy On-the-Go Healthy Snacks for Little Kids<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've not seen any toddlers or little kids who don't like to snack. Snacks are fun and keep kids entertained and happy. A lot of snacks that we buy in the supermarkets are unfortunately "empty calories" and they do no good to our children's fast growing minds and bodies. For me, there are three main criteria when it comes to snacks. First, nutritious; second, minimal preparation and cleaning, and third, they don't create a big mess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are six snacks that fit all three criteria. My daughter loves all of them except avocado (sad, but if your kids love it, it makes an awesome healthy snack!):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zcEO8vonlVjsXvanwRBZIIGwA9Xe5ysgcvvebvQY2loAf5rM6bbErlTu0m3gEWkmU6l9HDIRoto7pfLgANJHbxF4j2SBs7AaY-z73Hu50FAvWwdvvUKEL5GuWMet3NZg8tswSnug8qI/s1600/DSC06946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zcEO8vonlVjsXvanwRBZIIGwA9Xe5ysgcvvebvQY2loAf5rM6bbErlTu0m3gEWkmU6l9HDIRoto7pfLgANJHbxF4j2SBs7AaY-z73Hu50FAvWwdvvUKEL5GuWMet3NZg8tswSnug8qI/s1600/DSC06946.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dates</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter's favorite! She's never said no when I offer her dates. It's sweet, rich in iron (perfect for pregnant mothers too!), calcium, potassium, manganese, fiber, and vitamin A. They are easy to bring and easy to eat. Just be careful with the seed inside. I usually take the seed out before I give it to my daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Blueberries</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packed with antioxidants, blueberries are easy to bring and is mess-free. Its small size is easy for little hands to grab and it is especially sweet when it's in season (summer).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cLRku10MnlN_dY7qaL6jnyXCZrMWBJF9L96HMsZv8652DBiHDP_BePxhpWrpBEBPjYhkanWViSndE40E1JVgIW9iQou7UNeSUQs8ozeyrZAZhITBRoo8o4svc2YkJ0-kV8-AqUC4LiY/s1600/DSC06117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cLRku10MnlN_dY7qaL6jnyXCZrMWBJF9L96HMsZv8652DBiHDP_BePxhpWrpBEBPjYhkanWViSndE40E1JVgIW9iQou7UNeSUQs8ozeyrZAZhITBRoo8o4svc2YkJ0-kV8-AqUC4LiY/s1600/DSC06117.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Anchovies</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first saw a Japanese mother giving her toddlers dried anchovies and upon learning about it, I realize this little fish has such an amazing nutritional profile. It's rich in calcium (actually known as the "King of Calcium" in Korea), </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, D, and E, and selenium. It contains <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/fish-is-brain-food.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one of least amount of mercury</a></span></b> and it tastes naturally salty, a nice variation for kid's snacks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1JW3o7NZWITUNX8e4xzFREjIRER9uW4ajvTy2C-cbp_ycpNr8Ahs0EpT1gvGKnkNw_VJQDPeharEooikF7jRZVk4ya6HSPXVOUhwX60mZ_a4cpNrMmoMCIoXJ8-9X-Pv7FMc4ooX1SY/s1600/DSC06948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1JW3o7NZWITUNX8e4xzFREjIRER9uW4ajvTy2C-cbp_ycpNr8Ahs0EpT1gvGKnkNw_VJQDPeharEooikF7jRZVk4ya6HSPXVOUhwX60mZ_a4cpNrMmoMCIoXJ8-9X-Pv7FMc4ooX1SY/s1600/DSC06948.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dried Fruits and Nuts</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dried cranberries, banana chips, apples, mangoes, and raisins mixed with nuts such as cashews and pistachios are power snacks that provide healthy fats, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. Try to buy organic without added sugar. Be careful of the nuts if your kids are prone to choking. My daughter eats slowly and rather carefully, so it hasn't been a problem for her. You can also <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/06/23/how-to-dehydrate-fruits-excalibur-week/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dehydrate your own fruits</a></span></b> if you have a dehydrator. My friend, Ruth, gave me some of her own dehydrated organic pineapples and apples and they are so delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These last two require minimal prep, but they are healthy and good! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Baked Sweet Potatoes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet potato is more nutritious than regular potato. It tastes sweet and is rich in vitamin A, C, potassium, and fiber. It also helps to regular blood sugar level. You can serve it in two ways:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.chriskiki.com/2013/03/roasted-japanese-sweet-potatoes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bake whole sweet potatoes</a></span></b> at 200 Celcius for 30 minutes, cool, and bring it out with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Make sweet potato fries. Slice sweet potatoes lengthwise, put on the baking rack, drizzle with <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/05/the-wonders-of-coconut-oil.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coconut oil</a></span></b> or olive oil, sprinkle some <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pastureliving.blogspot.sg/2013/04/our-body-needs-salt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sea salt</a></span></b>, and bake at 200 Celcius for 20 minutes, or until crispy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Avocado</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Touted as the best first food for babies, avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, vitamin B, C, E, and K, and is anti-inflammatory. You can bring a whole avocado on the go, cut it open and scoop the meat out for your little ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What other healthy snacks that travel well?</b></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05741345237370258294noreply@blogger.com0