Bruises

Earlier last week, I had bruises on my right upper arm. I didn't bother much about it, thought I must have bumped into something, yet I wasn't aware much of. 

So, after few days later, another bruise developed. This time on my left side. And then the other side. Then I started to take notices of the bruises. 

Till Friday, I have 5 bruises in total on both arms (4 on right side) that I told my mil on them. She advised I consult doctor. So I did that last Saturday. Either I carry too heavy stuff or I bump myself or something else, she took blood sample to test that morning. 

 Fingers cross, that it isn't anything serious. 

My blood

I did mentioned that I went to do my blood test in April and the result wasn't desirable as my hemoglobin count was very low. Other result such as liver and kidney function, cholesterol and hepatitis were alright. Doctor was concerned on my very low hemoglobin count which was 5.3 (normal is 11.5-16.5). So I was advised to take iron folic tablets which I bought from pharmacy. 

Recommended by pharmacist, I took this Maltofer Fol for a month plus. And then this month when the shop was closed for rest day, I went for my 2nd blood test. And again, the result came back undesirable. After much nagging from doctor, I had to increase my iron folic to twice a day, instead of one tablet. 

Not only that, I also take this drink consisting of red date, dried longan and wolfberries almost every day. 

This nourishing drink reminded me much of my confinement where I had to drink longan drink for a month!! Luckily I like longan, red dates and wolfberries, so I don't mind this drink. Other than drink it, I also consume the ingredients. Don't want to waste them. 

When my parents knew of my condition, they went to consult Chinese medicine hall and got this medicine for me. 

RM10 per sachet. My parents bought 7 sachets for me to take for a week. It is in fluid form so I just throw the fluid into my mouth and swallow. Tasted good, luckily no bitter Chinese herbs or medicine in it. I am taking one sachet every day with my iron folic. 

Now my mil will cook amaranth (bayam), pork and chicken soup more to replenish my blood. Of course the family also get to take them as well but I needed to increase my intake more than them. 

As during the weekend when my man is around, I will have to take few slices of liver and its soup as he would order liver soup with his noodle from the kolo mee stall in our shop. 

Hopefully after all those dietary plans, my result would turn out good if my doctor request for another blood test in few months time. 

For three months

My girl"s school conducted a thalassemia test last month, done by the medical clinic staff. After a week or more, the result was out. However the blood test of my girl wasn't good so school advised her and other students (mostly girls) to consult doctor in the nearby Klinik Kesihatan. Happened to be the one Jamie always visited for his skin problem, so I took the opportunity to take his medication and being Jan to see a doctor.

The lady doctor mentioned that this wasn't a thalassemia marker so we didn't have to be so concerned. Just that the blood shown low iron and folic acid in her blood, so doctor advised to take the following medication for three months before conducting a blood test. 

Geez, looking at her medication, these were the normal prescription for pregnant ladies. Iron and folic acid. 

My girl rarely sick so she isn't fond of taking medicine. The tablets and pills form, even more!! But she has been diligent in taking them every day so the next blood test result would be better.

I advised her to take more meats especially red meats and drink more water to avoid constipation and heatiness. 

Nurturing sport passion with Milo® Champions Clinic

This post summarises the 1-week school holiday for the boys.

I enrolled the boys in Milo® Champions Clinic (MCC) a week before the school holiday started on 11 September. Option of futsal and badminton was given; the boys chosen the latter sport. 

The kit arrived a day before school holiday, which consisted of 1 Milo training jersey, 1 badminton racquet with bag, 6 cones, and 6 synthetic shuttlecocks for each participant.

It is a 5 weeks of at-home training, where each week, the children will learn basic skills at home by watching a video clip, submitting homeworks to coach, then followed by a weekly online coaching session with an experienced coach, where the progress will be monitored to ensure that they learn the right techniques. So, from 11 September, my boys have been watching the Week 1 training clip, and learnt the techniques at home accordingly.  

Both are enthusiastic to learn, as one is a novice  and  of playful nature while another has exposed to the sport back in school previously. With the current pandemic, it is hard to get the children to sweat and get active while cooping at home, but thanks to Milo® Champions Clinic, there is a new way for children (age 7 to 12 years old) to learn and pick up sports, safely at home during this difficult time. 

Yesterday, the boys had their first live e-coaching session with their coach via video conferencing. It took around 15 minutes, where 3 participants interacted with their coach. Over 200 participants this round, where they are divided into groups of 3. Each group is assigned to one coach and a specified time for e-coaching every Saturday. 

I like the fact that the e-coaching is more personal, as not many participants so the coach could guide each participant well via video conferencing. The boys had chance to show the coach what they had learnt; and correct tips and points from coach were given. 

Over this 5-weeks of home training and e-coaching session with Coach Tan Shau Heng, I hope my boys not only have a fun time but at the same time, learn new useful, practical techniques through this programme.

Thanks to Milo® Champions Clinic, this school holiday isn't totally spent and wasted on TV and online games, but getting my young, growing boys to stay active and nurturing their passion for sport. At the same time, this mummy also get to practise along too!!! Years have passed since I picked up a badminton racket!! 😊 The boys' eldest sister also joined in the fun, playing with them! A nice bonding time for family, away from TVs, phones and gadgets.

If any parents are interested to learn more or want to sign up their children for the next session, please log onto Milo website.

Cucuk 💉

My first Covid-19 vaccination was on 28 June. Hubby got his first dose of Sinovac one week earlier at his panel clinic. We were familiar with the doctor so the doctor helped to arrange for mine as well.

Monday came and the clinic called me to ask whether I could make it for 2pm appointment. That VERY same day. Of course I was alright with it since I was free. So my first dose of Sinovac vaccine was administered that afternoon. 

The doctor noticed that I had mild skin allergy before gave me my dose so she advised that I took the allergy medication right after the jab. So once I was out from the doctor room, a nurse passed me a tablet with a cup of water. 

During the 15 minutes observation, I felt thirsty and my left arm was slightly sore. My left arm was sore and I felt lethargic for 2 to 3 days. Super thirsty, throat was dry and I kept on drinking a lot of water for couple of days. Other than that side effects, I was alright and continue with my daily chores. 

That night after the jab, I started to feel sleepy and tired, so I went to bed before 9pm. Yes, you read it correctly. I went to bed before everyone else! And I slept till the next morning and up around 7am. Oh my. Just in time to cook a quick breakfast before getting ready for the boy's online class. 

Three weeks later, yesterday afternoon I completed my 2nd dose of vaccine. 15 minutes observation period and at the same time, the nurse helped to activate the MySejahtera app and in few steps later, my digital certificate was displayed on my phone.

RM3 each, brought from a nearby fruits shop

I was much prepared this round. Bought 2 coconuts in the morning, and cut and drank the juice after I got back from my jab. Coconut juice can help in relieving fever and heatiness, some said. Maybe it did helped me, as I was doing alright yesterday.  No fever or tired. The only side effects I had were dry throat and sore arm (and I still have a mild sore arm when I woke up this morning).  

Stronger 2nd vaccine, so expect stronger side effect (if any), and my doctor advised to drink more fluid. Some people has not side effect at all. Like my man. He utterly didn't feel anything. For me, it was bearable side effect, nothing so serious.

And did anyone try the after-vaccine electromagnetic effect? I did!! Amazingly, it worked on both arms. Magneto's power! 

On good note, I feel great to be in the same book with many Malaysians and others around the world in getting a full vaccination and continue our fight against the pandemic. 

Now my priority is my children. I have registered Jan for her vaccination last month, while waiting for Jay to turn 12 next month to be able to register him. Hope the vaccine will soon be available to younger children so I could get Jamie to do as well. Fingers cross! 

LiveProtein for the whole family!

I have a great product to share with you over here! Introducing LiveProtein, made purely from organic pumpkin seed protein, PISANE™ pea protein and prebiotic (inulin). It is a complete Vegan plant-based protein, suitable for everyone in the family.

What so good about this LiveProtein?

• made from plant based ingredients - not everyone can tolerate proteins from animal sources
  
• easily digestible and gentle of stomach unlike animal based protein
• Allergen free - no dairy, lactose, gluten or soy in the ingredients
  
• Will not cause bloating unlike animal based proteins which cause bloating or stomach cramps
  

Ingredients

• Organic pumpkin seed protein 

- certified organic according to USDA NOP standards by EcoCert S.A., France

- rich in fiber, zinc, antioxidants and other minerals and nutrients

- improve prostate and bladder health as it reduces symptoms of benign prostate enlargement and 

  overactive bladder

• PISANE™ Pea protein 

- this protein isolate made of non-GMO yellow peas manufactured by Cosucra Groupe Warcoing

  S.A. Belgium

- contain all 9 essential amino acids that our body cannot create, perfect for repairing and building

  body muscle

- allergen-free and does not cause an allergic reaction

- provides iron,arginine and branched chain amino acid that is digestible and well absorbed

  

Who can consume

• Elderly, to prevent and reserve muscle loss
• Growing children who need protein to promote muscle growth
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mum to help with fetus development and improving quality of breast milk
• Vegetarian who lacks of protein intake
• Sports lovers who need quick absorption of protein to repair muscles
• Those who want to lose weight or maintain body shape

How to consume

• Mix 2 scoops  (20g) of LiveProtein with 200ml of water and drink promptly

 

I have been taking this LiveProtein for a week now. Before I go for my morning walk with my man, I would make myself and him a glass of protein.  I just mix the greenish yellow powder with warm water, stir till no clumps and add more lukewarm or room temperature water to it. Stir well and drink immediately. It tastes nice too. It has that mild nutty taste, and does not have that aftertaste, unlike the soy protein I used to take in the past.

 

I have been watching my weight and cutting down on heavy breakfast. I will start my day with a glass of protein before take some toasts or fruits. It can lasts me till noon time. Being a stay-at-home-mum, I need to stay active all the times. Thanks to LiveProtein, it gives me the necessary nutrients I need, keeps me healthy, energized and active. 

My 8 years old boy drinks it too as he is lack of protein since he is allergic to egg, milk, and cheese and he has eczema since he was young.  I get him to take this protein everyday; luckily he likes the taste and finishes the protein without much complaining. I also encourage my other 2 kids to take as they are currently in their teens and growing stage.  So adequate protein is essential for their muscle growth.   

If you would like to know more or looking for a good protein supplement, you can click on https://www.dyna-nutrition.com/products/liveprotein/

 

 

 

 

Getting in shape

 

Best shapewear for tummy and waist

It is every woman's dream to have that ideal body shape. We know that everyone is unique so each of us have different body shape. Some may feel imperfect and have no confidence with their figure.  I am one of them, who seldom wear tight dresses due to my bulge and imperfect shape. With the coming Chinese New Year, I would really wish that I can fit into a nice figure hugging cheongsam.

Fret not, thanks to FeelinGirl I have found a solution to my body problem. Products ranging from bodysuits, to waist trainers and shorts, they are designed to give you your best looks anytime anywhere. With attractive discounts up to 60%, I bet there are some products that you may go for.

 

Waist trimmer belt

For women with active lifestyle, this plus size waist trainer is what you are looking for. Made from neoprene fabric, it is comfortable to wear when you are doing a workout as it is soft against your skin.  Acted as posture corrector, it provides strong waist shaping. Doubled as fat burner, it increases sweating and calories burner while exercising.

The double waistband on the outside is for enhanced binder, plus the the clasp design prevents the zipper from sliding and enhance the bonding force of the zipper end.

Another great product that I would like to share with you is this tummy control underwear. The high waist shorts target the tummy, waist and thighs. It helps to flatten the tummy and create a sleek line from belly to thigh.

underwear shaper

Made from 77% NILIT @ Nylon and 23% LYCRA, it is comfortable to wear and stretching to the body shape. It is non-slip stripes on the waistband and of seamless knitting. So you could basically wear it under your dinner gown, body-hugging dress without worrying of the bulges and discomfort.

Do you want to boost up how your body looks? Do you want to feel the confidence while wearing that tight dress? If yes, then what are you waiting for? Check out the site, grab some shapewear items while enjoying the attractive holiday sale! 

Defy Ageing. Embrace Youth with NUViT Grande Platinum Sheep Placenta Complex

As I am now in my early 40s, I am becoming more aware of my skin and complexion. I can't escape ageing. No one can. 

CELL FACT

Beyond the age of 25, the rate of cell death in our system will gradually overtake the rate of cell growth. As the rate of cell death outcompete the cell growth, the number of healthy youthful cells depreciate!

What's more is that our cell repairing ability declines as we age! In addition to the decreased number of healthy cells, this also leads to the accumulation of damage molecules such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) that make up our cells. However, thankfully we can now delay the process and age gracefully.

WHAT AND WHY

Introducing NUViT Grande Platinum Sheep Placenta Complex, a product from New Zealand that has more than 15 years of research and development. It has been recognised as one of the most effective supplement for ANTI-AGEING and CELL REJUVENATION.

Placenta is the cradle of life that protects and nourishes a growing foetus by exchanging nutrients between mother and baby. In addition, stem cells that are contained in the placenta can differentiate and replicate into viable cells to act as a repair system for the body to replenish adult tissues. As a result, a reduction of cell damage, replacement of damaged cells and restoration of cells that undergone molecular changes can be achieved.

Over the years, sheep placenta therapy holds the promise to revive and regain the fountain of youth. While most pharmaceutical drugs work by suppressing certain symptoms over a short period of time, sheep placenta therapy stimulates the body's natural healing and revitalising power. 

4 KEYS INGREDIENTS

• Premium Sheep Placenta - from New Zealand, which contains high quality stem cells and growth factors
• Shark Liver Squalene - defend the body with its strong antioxidant properties
• Olive Oil Essence - improves digestion and helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Aloe Vera Essence - promotes wound healing and helps to strengthen the immune system

BENEFITS

• Youth and Beauty - improving physical vitality and energy; reduces sign of ageing, and improves skin appearance and complexion
• Tissue Injuries and Damage - accelerates the regeneration of cells and tissues; speeds up wound healing and speeds up recovery after illnesses
• Hormones - balances hormones; regulates menstrual cycle; reduces menstrual pain and moderates menopause symptoms
• Reproductive System - Increases libido, improves infertility, helps in breast firming and aids in breast milk production

For more information, kindly visit their fb page:https://www.facebook.com/nuvitmy/ and online store: http://www.nuvit.com.my

The result

After the visit to Normah hospital yesterday, we finally got the allergy blood test result. 

The result was not so good as he is allergic to cow's milk, dust and mite. And mild allergic reaction to egg white and cheddar cheese. 

So in other word, he has quite a list of food that he cannot take as most stuff contains egg and milk. And he has to stop his cow's milk (Anmum brand) and switch to soy based milk.  

As for housedust and mite, it would be slightly difficult to control as dust and mite are everywhere.  But we must try to keep the environment as clean with minimal dust as possible.  Time to invest in a good dust vacuum. 

His condition is much better compared to a month ago. Yesterday, doctor gave me a couple of this mosturiser. Suitable to carry around. 

Few weeks ago, I bought the bigger bottle to be used at home. I bought it from a pharmacy (Shine Pharmacy in Song Plaza) and it was over RM250 at member price. Not very cheap indeed. And not all pharmacies selling this brand. At least it fits Jamie's dry, sensitive skin. 

TLC for eczema kid

When you have a kid with an atopic skin condition, it is not easy to care for him or her. 

Jamie is born with eczema and as he  is growing up, it gets worse. This year in particular, after his chicken pox. His skin heals very slow and he develops rashes and itchiness all over his body. 

He does not have any doctor or specialist to consult and look after his condition. Usually we just go to our normal GP for medicine and cream when he developed infection or skin rashes got worse. 

Early this month, he developed a serious eczema; rashes all over his body. Some parts of body were covered with scratch marks due to him scratching. A friend recommended us to consult a dermatologist in Normah Hospital. 

So I took him to the hospital one Monday morning but the dermatologist was only available in the afternoon. Since we were there and it was a long drive, I was advised to see a pediatrician. 

So we went to the pediatrics department to see a pediatrician. The doctor diagnosed him with 'serious eczema but not infected'. He also advised for an allergy blood test to determine his allergy. 

Thank God that Jamie was a brave boy, he went through his first blood taking without problem. We haven't know the result as it will only be known when we see the doctor next month. 

And we went home with all the medicine and cream. In our next visit, doctor recommended us to use this new moisturising cream and taking an oral medicine for 2 weeks!! He would finish his medicine course by this weekend!! 

Some TLC tips I learnt from the doctor:

• Use Aquacream in his bath. PH balance shampoo for his hair. 
• After bath, do not wipe dry. Dab the towel to dry him. 
• Apply moisturiser all over his body. If there is any rashes, apply oilment after skin is dry from applying moisturiser. 
• Do not use warm water to bathe him. Mildly cold is better. 
• Skin is very sensitive and eczema is genetic. Sensitive to any external trigger such as heat, dust, sweat, cold etc
• Wear 100% cotton. Shoes to be made from fabric, not rubber or plastic material. 
• Drink more fluid and fruits as eczema kids tend to unable to retain water in their body. 
• Washing machine could cause of skin allergy so washing your washine machine at least once a month. 
• Use hypoallergenic detergent to wash the laundry. 
• Early care is a prevention as serious and uncared eczema could lead to other complication in their lives such as asthma and skin disease etc. 

Hope these tips are useful for parents with eczema children. 

One week after the first visit

Smoking

I have never been to a TCM shop for acupuncture session but that changed last week.

My first time witnessing an acupunture session. Of course not on me, I didn't experienced that. My man has sprained his foot when he was in KK and it took him over a week to finally get proper treatment due to travelling and works.

He took a day off and I brought him to a TCM shop in MJC, as friend recommended  it to my hubby.

As we went in, we could smell the strong medicines as well as seeing smoke. I wondered why then?

Okay, that was how my man's right foot looked like before seeking treatment. Very very swollen, right?

So, the sinseh had a look at the foot and told us it wasn't a big matter. Just sprain and the dislocated joint, so he told my man to lie down on a bed and proceed to "relocate" the affected joint. A little pain there, according to my man. 

Then the sunset used acupuncture needles to treat the problem.  A needle on the leg and 3 around the ankle with 2 needles burning. So that was where the smoke and strong medicine scent came from.

The whole process took few minutes, maybe around 10 minutes. And after that, my hubby was able to walk properly and the swell subsided as the day went by.

As of current state, he still have some pain on the same foot. Maybe too much walking over the weekend. May get him to go back and do the treatment again.

Ready for the sun

It was a cool day when we went to the water theme park. It rained like crazy that  early morning but when we reached the water theme park, the weather was just nice with no rain in sight.

Hardly could feel the sun but nevertheless we got ourselves prepared. Never underestimate the sun although it was cloudy sky. Jamie and I got sunburns because of sunbathing on the tubes than staying mostly in water.

Sun block to protect our skin. SPF 50+ that we bought from London last year. Meant for kids but we used it as well.

I love those toiletries from the hotels. My hubby is a big collector of those toiletries. He would take all the stuff from the hotel and you could imagine our big shelf of such stuff. But they come handy when we travelling, or like this case, go to water park.

Lip balm for my super dry lips.  I love this brand, it moisturise my pout well.

We felt the sunburn the next day. Luckily for this after sun body gel, otherwise we would endure more painful sunburn. I love this product as it is non sticky and the cooling effect after applying on the skin.

And to cool ourselves after a long hours under the sun, a glass of honey lemon will do the trick. Good for the throat as well. I lost my voice from screaming (mostly from the rides rather than to my kids!). But honey lemon works wonder for me.

Packed and off I fly

(Hi, peeps. I am currently at the airport, waiting for my boarding time. Will be away on a long vacation and might not be able to blog-hopping and leaving comments in your blogs. I have arranged few scheduled posts over here during my absence. So, thank you in advance for your visits and comments. Catch up with you when I am back. Bon Voyage to me!)

I don't normally do a fashion post of what I wear or have but I just couldn't help having this special post for a special reason.

My essential when I am travelling. My first holiday in Europe (yes, now you know I am going to a different continent in few hours time!) and what else better than to spend a week of summer as a tourist over there.

July in most European countries, temperature ranging from 22C to 25C during the day.  Not much of a problem or adjustment to the weather as we are used to the tropical climate in Malaysia. A cousin who is working in Leeds updated me on the weather. It could be around 21C during the long day time and 13 to 15C at night! That is summer!!

It is just nice for me since it is cooler but at the same time, we would be expecting rain and wind too. You could say that I am well prepared for my summer vacation.

I packed a couple of lightjackets with lots of comfy blouses, shirts and pants. I also stand by a water-resistant anorak (light blue) in case of rain.

A lot of walking so a comfy walking shoes for my feet. And not forgetting protection for my skin; a lot of sunblock and moisturiser.

My new SJ6 Legend action camera that I got less than 2 months ago will be demonstrated during the holiday. Bet I would have so much fun taking photos of almost everything with it!

Ready some currencies for shopping and meals. Must remember not to think too much about the conversion over there. *wink*

So, it is all set for my holiday.  Everything was packed nicely in my luggage and I've also packed few books in my carry-on to keep me company while on the plane.

Our honeymoon is starting in Europe. *wink*