Umrah 2013 - Day 6 and 7

There was no planned itinerary for Day 6. Apart from the usual ibadah, we shopped what we could for family, friends and our well-wishers. Hubby and Afzal decided to do their shavings today. So here they are in their new do.

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Our final goodbye was tawaf wadaq which I could not perform. I stood and sujud in front of one of the doors of Masjidil Haram catching a tiny glimpse of the black cloak. It was an emotional farewell. As Ustaz said, 'the prayer of someone in difficulty is mustajab' and he considered me as being in difficulty. Ameen. It was not a good-bye for me. I believed I will be here again.

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5 hours drive, we arrived in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah.

The beauty and magnificence of Al-Masjidil Al-Nabawi was a sight to behold, as the orangey sunset greeted us for the call of azan maghrib.

As my husband and sons made their
way into the men's section of the mosque, I had to content myself with sitting outside the mosque but within the women's compound, alone among the sea of female worshippers and their children. It was a very personal journey for me - deep in my own thoughts, and murmuring prayers repeatedly as much as I can. My greatest wish was to perform solat and meet Rasullullah. But perhaps, Allah has other plans for me.

Umrah 2013 - Day 5

It was a lovely breezy sunny day. It was also the final umrah sunat today and my men were ready. Hubby and Afzal were wearing half-ihram underneath their jubah however, we had a hard time convincing Aqil to try the ihram. Since he has not reached baligh, we let him be. 

I also managed to snap a pic of Afzal with Hussain, a senior schoolmate who is in the same travel group.

On the way to Hudaibiyah, where the miqat is, there was a stop at a camel farm. Aqil was excited. He had made friends with a toddler also named Aqeel, whom we fondly call as Aqil junior. Aqeel Junior is the son of an ex-colleague of mine, cameraman Azman Hamzah, while I was still working at the tv station.

Finally, up-close with the camels. Hubby bought a bottle of camels' milk and let Aqil tasted it. He didn't like it and none of us tasted the milk.

We then proceeded to Hudaibiyah where my two men prepared themselves for the umrah. 

Once we reached Masjidil Haram, an Ustaz led the congregation while Aqil and I headed back to the hotel. As much as I was happy and proud that hubby and Afzal could perform the umrah, I was feeling sad and emotional in the hotel room, as I could only watched the live feed of the pilgrims performing their tawaf. But He had his reasons, and after much reflection, I do believe that He granted my doa of an ease journey for the sake of my family. Subhanallah!

After lunch it was free and easy and since the boys needed some rest, I had made contact with an acquaintance, Eka Mairina who is living in Makkah, dutifully accompanying her husband who is posted at Fairmont Hotel. 

We met after asar at Fairmont and catched up on her life and old times. It felt goof to know someone who is living the Makkan lifestyle with pros and cons. Sociable and friendly Aqil made friends with sociable and friendly Azza, Eka's 4 year old son. Both boys hit it off very well, no introductions needed.

We had coffee until just before Maghrib. Eka and hubby offered to drive us around Makkah City but we were too tired and there was packing to be done as we will be heading to Madinah soon. But we know we will meet each other again whether in Makkah, Singapore or Jakarta, inshaAllah. 

Umrah 2013 - Day 4

Many thoughts came to me when my period came the day before. What happened to the medication I took to stop my period? Did I forget to take after arriving in Makkah due to fatigue and a sense of being overwhelm (2 days)? Was my second umrah completed or null and void? What ibadah can I continue doing?

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The original itinerary for Day 4 was another umrah, this time the miqat is to be done at Tana'im (5km from Masjidil Haram). However, we were informed earlier yesterday that we could have another option - climbing Jabal Nur, the location of Hira Cave where Prophet Muhammad (as) would go for meditation. On one of his meditations, the very first message from Allah was revealed to him through Angel Jibrail.

Since I can't perform umrah, my husband and I decided to climb Jabal Nur to allow our children, especially Afzal an understanding of seerah and hopefully, he was able to connect what he has learnt in madrasah classes to the actual events and the revelations from the All-Quran. It was also to allow a balance of ibadah and a trekking holiday. Hubby and Afzal will perform the next umrah sunat.

Well-equipped with our track shoes, we were ready to trail the steps of our Prophet. 

Jabal Nur stands at about 900 metres (12,000 feet) high. Steps were carved from the rocky terrain to assist climbers up the mountain. Now, history has it that Prophet Muhammad's wife, Siti Khadijah would climb this mountain everyday to deliver food to her husband. You really wonder the strength, tenacity and determination of women like Khadijah and Hajar.

We encouraged and motivated our children to climb. We let Afzal climbed ahead while hubby and I encouraged Aqil along. 

With a bottle of zam zam water and a promise of a reward once we reached the top, Aqil tried his best. We were told that there is a 'coffee shop' at the top and promised Aqil an ice cream treat.

As we climbed, we rested and we savoured the view of Makkah city and the clock tower which is within Masjidil Haram.

Along the climb, there were many beggars and most of them had some sort of disability - like an amputated or distorted limbs. It was quite a disheartening sight, knowing that some of these immobile men were put there lying on their backs facing the hot sun taking opportunity of the generosity of pilgrims-climbers. They could be part of a syndicate but still we couldnt help feeling sorry for some of them. We gave Aqil many 1 Riyals to give away.

We finally reached the top and the children were feeling tired but victorious. Aqil didn't hesitate to ask for his reward but since there were no ice-cream sold at the little shack-like shop, both boys asked for instant cup noodles and more water.

The Hira Cave was on the other side which requires a short descent. We viewed it from the top. There were crowds of people waiting to enter the small cave. Hubby went down to have a look while we waited by the shack.

This was where the very first message from Allah swt - Surah Al-Alaq - was delivered to Prophet Muhammad (as) by Angel Jibrail. Prophet Muhammad (as)  was very shaken from this experience and encounter that he immediately descent the mountain, went home and covered his shivering body. Khadijah, noticing her husband's condition had asked him what had happened. After Prophet's explanation, Khadijah consulted with her uncle. It was then explained to her that his encounters meant that her husband is destined to be someone great. This was the beginning of his Prophetship.

Though it was not a requirement, some pilgrims performed sunnat prayers at the small cave. Ustaz had reminded that this is a historical site and there is no religious obligations whatsoever.

We returned to Masjidil Haram in time for dzuhur and lunch. We then had a free afternoon, and did a little shopping. There were many local stores selling abayas and famed Bin Dawood supermart as well as modern shops like Body Shop, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks etc. Modernity has seaped into Saudi Arabia even within Haram. 

We then bought  some snacks for a little picnic at the square while we awaited our next solats.

Umrah 2013 - Day 3

The itinerary for Day 3 were visits to various historical sites within Makkah and performing the second umrah (sunat), with the intention done at Jiranah (the miqat).

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Since we wanted to bring our children along, we also wanted to ensure that this will be a stress-free and enjoyable umrah as far as possible. We were advised many times by our elders to equip ourselves with patience, patience and more patience not only with the children, but with each other and with the different culture of the land we are visiting. 

One of the things hubby and I agreed was also to take turns to perform solat fajr at Masjidil Haram, as we know that Aqil may not be able to wake up early. Depending on circumstances, we also agreed to take turns to perform the umrah sunat if we cannot perform as a whole family. There were 3 additional umrahs that we could do in the package. Though I was happy and quite satisfied that we have completed the rukun, there were still many things that I wanted to do that I hoped will be fulfilled in the days ahead, if possible.

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My handphone alarm went off at 430 am on Day 3. Energized, I was ready for Masjidil Haram for fajr and wished that my kids will be too. Alhamdullillah, both children could wake up and dark skies notwithstanding, our little family of four made our way to Masjidil Haram.

The wintry breeze was nice and cooling, and the children were in a better mood and frame of mind, having rested well. Knowing how much this trip meant to me, Hubby had told me earlier to go ahead with the umrah sunat today and he will take care of Aqil. We also did not push for Afzal to perform the umrah sunat since I didn't want him to 'struggle' with his ihram especially if hubby will not be accompanying us.

After breakfast at 7 am, we were ready for the various visits.

Jabal Al-Rahmah - this little mountain is where Prophet Adam (as) met his wife, Hawa (Eve) again after they were outcasted from heaven to earth. We climbed this not so high mountain with much love and humility in our heart, and make many doas at the peak. We were told that if you are single and looking for a soulmate, this is the place to make doa for a life partner. 

During the coach ride, we passed Arafat, one of the places and obligations during Haj. There were rows and rows of white tents for the mass assembly of the Haj pilgrims which symbolizes the Day of Resurrection. 

Ustaz Yusof (in green) also took a picture with the children with the yellow signboard at the back. The yellow signboard stated where Arafat starts and ends.

Nimra Mosque which only opens during the Haj period, was also the spot where Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered his last sermon or farewell message. While the Prophet was praying here, the very last verse of the Quran was revealed to him, and so the Holy Book - the Quran was completed. It was also here that a photoshot of the travel group was taken.

We then proceeded to a small mosque in Jiranah (22 km from Masjidil Haram) for our ablution, prayed two rakaahs tahiyatul masjid and made intention for the umrah sunat.

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With blessing from hubby, I followed the other pilgrims and performed my umrah sunat.

Upon completion of the 7 rounds of circumumbulation or tawaf, we performed 2 rakaah sunat umrah behind Maqam Ibrahim or Station of Abraham facing the Kaabah.

We then had at least 3 sips of zam zam water before we moved on to the sa'i.

The sa'i between the hills of Safa and Marwa was in honour of Siti Hajar (Hagar). Sa'i which also means struggle makes us remember what Hajar had gone through, walking and running from one hill to the next 7 times to catch sight of a caravan or water for her crying child, Prophet Ismail (as). The green light area is where male pilgrims are encouraged to jog instead of walk in remembrance of what Hajar had done. May my steps from Safa and Marwa be blessed by Allah. However, my steps are small and pale in comparison to what Hajar had gone through under the searing heat of the once dessert. After her 7th lap, Allah swt caused a miracle to happen - a spring gushed forth beneath the feet of Baby Ismail. This is the eternal spring of zam zam. Now, the walkway between the two hills is fully enclosed within the Sacred Mosque, sheltered from the rays of the sun with beautifully carved windows and marbled tiles instead of sand and stones, and various zam zam waterpoints in between for the thirsty pilgrims. Subhanallah! 

As I sat atop Marwa hill and got help from a female pilgrim who did the tahallul (snipping of at least 3 strands of hair) on me, I felt insignificant but grateful for the sacrifices of my ancestors, and for being able to complete yet another umrah. Alhamdullillah!

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When we were doing the sa'i, the azan for Asar came and we stopped to perform Asar before completing the remainder of the sa'i. The leading Ustaz (an Indonesian) also highlighted that the most mustajab of doas are after Asar at Safa and Marwa. I took that advice very seriously. 

As my knowledge was not in depth, I also discovered from the Ustaz that the obligation of umrah is a physical act, there is no necessity for any Arabic doas. Only the intention and the  physical acts of 7 tawaf, 7 sa'i and the tahallul are obligatory, the doas if you so wish can be on your own and in your own language. How easy it is to perform umrah! He also recommended for us to do tawaf sunat at our own time which we could include our children and can use a stroller if we did it on the second floor. I was happy to know this bit of information. 

By the time the umrah was completed, it was going to be Maghrib soon. I returned to the hotel only to discover my period had come. That is another story in itself. 

Umrah 2013 - Day 2

To land my feet on Masjidil Haram was an emotional experience for me. Tears of humility and gratitude flowed down my cheeks as I walked the marbled floors and finally caught sight of the kaabah, with Aqil wrapped in my arms in the wee hours of 21 December. I was overwhelmed, it was a dream came true.

After completing the umrah rukun at 3 am, the children were flat out. Afzal slept while Aqil, though exhausted couldn't and was quietly watching tv. It was less than 2 hours before fajr prayer and after a good shower, hubby was wide awake and decided to return to Masjidil Haram for his fajr which I gladly loved for him to do that, while I stayed at the hotel for our children and performed my fajr in the hotel room. After fajr at about 6 am, we went for breakfast with Aqil who somehow could not sleep yet while we let Afzal continued sleeping as he could not open his eyelids. After breakfast, we then caught some sleep. I put my alarm at 1130 am so as to have another shower and prepare for dzuhur. The kids were still tired and Aqil was cranky as can be seen in the top left picture. 

He wanted to be with me instead of his dad and brother, so I gladly brought him to the women solat area - my bag filled with a book and colour pencils for his doodling. So he sat beside me and doodled while I prayed. 

After dzuhur, we had lunch as provided in the package, and after which we treated the kids to Saudi ice-cream since everyone back in Singapore had suggested for them to have it.

After Asar, the kids were still jet lagged  that they wanted to rest in the hotel room so Afzal volunteered to stay with Aqil in the room while both hubby and I made our way to Masjidil Haram for Maghrib.

Hubby suggested for us to just stay on till Ishaq before we return to the hotel, and will meet me back at our usual meeting point - in front of KFC at Makkah Hilton's entrance to return together.

After Maghrib, I literally wandered around the square - soaking in the atmosphere, reflecting on my life's deeds and misdeeds, seeking his Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness for myself and my loved ones.   

It was a purely me and Him time. 

After Ishaq, I waited for hubby in front of KFC, but he was unusually late. The other pilgrims from the same travel group had already made their way to the hotel and yet no sight of hubby. It was only much later when I took out my handphone and saw his sms message. He had returned to the hotel immediately after Maghrib because Afzal had messaged both of us that Aqil was crying loudly and was asking for us. Astaghfirullah, I didn't realise both Afzal's and hubby's sms messages on my handphone until then. I quickly walked back to the hotel room. 

When I reached the hotel room, Aqil was asleep. Hubby had also dozed off while Afzal was watching tv. Hubby apologized for dozing off while I apologized for not realizing the sms messages. He had returned to the hotel after Maghrib for the   children so he performed Ishaq in the hotel room instead. I felt a little bad though.

The itinerary after Ishaq was for the pilgrims to take a coach ride to Muzdalifah for an Arabian dinner. With Aqil already asleep and all of us physically exhausted, everyone was agreeable to give Muzdalifah a miss. I told hubby that Afzal and I will inform our tour officer that we will not be joining them and will get simple dinner from the local shop. Another family with young children also gave Muzdalifah a miss. We also needed to reserve our energy for Day 3. That night, we had broast - their specialty fried chicken for dinner and slept soon after.  

Our first Umrah journey - Day 1 and 2

The day came. We were both anxious and excited at the same time. Here we were at Terminal 2 of Changi Airport with hubby and Afzal, adorning half ihram.

My intent to perform umrah has been on-going inside me for a very long while. When the desire was so strong, I even say it out loud to my parents. Though I was unsure when I will be called upon Him to be his guest, I was determined it will be a whole family affair. Finally, I told my husband we will do it this year, with the kids as well.

We shortlisted two travel agencies, and finally chose Shahidah Travel. The main reason, we wanted the umrah to be as convenient as possible since we are bringing our young child. The hotel's location - Makkah Hilton, which was just in front of Masjidil Haram, was the main deciding factor. With a young kid in tow, we thought it would be better to choose hotels that were directly facing Masjidil Haram (eg. Clock Tower which houses Fairmont and Swissotel, Intercontinental and some others).

However, one of the things I would do differently is not to fly direct into Makkah for our umrah rukun first. We left our home to be at the airport at 10 am on 20 Dec, and finally reached Makkah at midnight of 21 Dec (5 am Singapore time), checked in quickly and continued with our umrah rukun until 3 am. We were mentally and physically tired, and Aqil was cranky. However, with His Grace, we completed the umrah without major glitches. We were proud of both Afzal and Aqil to have been able to go through the rites and we were grateful for He gave us patience with our children and each other and determination to see it through. 

Alhamdullillah, our umrah completed. Amin.

Our first Umrah journey

Alhamdullillah, my yearning to fulfil umrah with my husband and our sons was granted by Him. Subhanallah, for He answered my prayers. 

Our journey started on 20 Dec 2013, and as I'm writing this, we are in Madinah, listening to the call of the azan for Jumaat. 

I shall update again soon. Salam Jumaat from all of us from Madinah.

Insert image: our family picture taken at Jabal Al-Rahmah on 22 Dec.

An important journey

On this coming Friday, 20 December 2013, we, as a family of four, shall make an important journey.

We hope that it will be fulfilling, enlightening and bring us closer to each other and to our Source.

May He make our journey safe and easy. Ameen!

Today's life lesson

Idea = p (k + i) 

Idea is when a person takes things that he know (ie.knowledge) and combine with things that he does not know but wants to learn (information).

An idea may not be great. However, a great idea may turn great unexpected results.

Idea perception is the ability to see change, understand what this change will mean, realise the potential of this change and do!

Creativity is about combining 2 ideas to come up with a new idea. Innovation is about executing this new idea. 

Creativity is about doing things differently to make the world better. It's not creative if it does not 'sell'.

A creative mind is the most organized mind. They can find order in chaos. 

Defining the question should take 90% of the time. Asking yourself the same problem in different ways will make you come up with different ways in seeing it and solving it. Thus you will only spend 10% of your time solving it.

Creative confidence is a necessary prerequisite in becoming creative and innovative. However it does not mean that you are creative or innovative. Confidently doubting yourself is equally important.

Kids are creative. With little knowledge, they tend to be very imaginative. Schooling kills their imagination and creativity. 

Creativity can be nurtured. 

Knowledge makes us predictable (unimaginative) 80% of the time the first 10 ideas that we think of are the same like everyone's else. That makes us predictable. 

For every 10 ideas, come up with 10 more from each of these and 10 more again and again. Until we think of the infinite possibilities.

Copying is not innovative, innovative is  about copying right.

The best idea may not be the original idea. Copy the best from the best.

A high IQ does not mean you are intelligent. It just means you are average.

You can teach someone to learn a musical instrument, but to be a musician, you will need to inspire.

An innovative person does not sell products. They sell inspiration.

Are you able to sell inspiration?

My boys, My heroes

Today is 26 Nov 2013, and my babies have grown into a 13 and 4 year old teen and pre-schooler respectively. I love them deeply - they are the light of my life, the purpose of my life.

Afzal has grown into a young man, looking rather handsome here on his13th birthday where we spent the day at Snow City before a family dinner at Earle Swensen, Vivocity. He is introverted and reserved at times but yet he makes good and loyal friendships with friends from his primary school days. He loves being in the company of his like-minded buddies and his awesome cousins. Grounded in civic-consciousness, he is dependable and reliable. For now, he is still discovering his strengths and figuring out his ambition in life.

Aqil is a precocious little nursling who enjoys a good adventure, loving every new experience that he encounters. His fearless spirit made him embraced the snow slides and the iciness of snow without flinching an inch. He is social, a good conversationalist and contributes his thoughts and perspectives on any topics. He can be the life of the party and superb in connecting people and forming meaningful relationships.

My hopes for my boys are that they grow into fine young men - healthy, happy, confident, resilient and successful in all their pursuits - worldly and the hereafter. 

I hope they have the wisdom and perseverance to navigate their life in the right direction, strengthening their hearts, minds and souls in Islam. The Quran and the Sunnah shall be their compasses in life, shining the path of khalifah-ness and intellectualism for them. Imams to their own families, loving and supporting brothers to each other and the source of constant prayers and duas for me and their father.

I love them both to the moon and back.

Ameen.

Flowers

At 4 years, 20 days old, Aqil drew four flowers. The flowers have petals, stalks, leaves and probably the buds or pollen.

'You put a seed, you cover with a dig one (showing hands gesture of digging), then the water goes in. You wait first and then flower come out from the hole in the dirt.' 

From what he says, he seems to show an understanding of the process of how to grow a flower, starting from a seed. He showed a knowledge of sequencing as well as the very basic materials that one may need to grow a plant or flower. He is still developing in his vocabulary, thus more authentic exposure to the plants, parks and gardens will help to enhance his repertoire of vocabulary.

He ain't heavy, he's my brother

My boys in the car

Today's life lesson

Change your Words, and change your World.

An important lesson on the power of words - it can either boost or burst your self-esteem. 

Reflecting on education especially of learners that seemed to be struggling. Educators and parents will have to make a paradigm shift - view these 'struggling learners' with a growth mindset rather than a deficit mindset. How we view others and use the words on them will impact the way they will learn - our teachacy impact their learnacy. 

Praise effort instead of intelligence. It will go a long way.

Looking good, feeling fab

It's been a while and finally found this time to blog. My children are now 13 and 4 years old, and the multiply sites are all gone. Memories and pictures erased... maybe I have stored the pictures in the hard disk but I haven't check - but the stories, the anecdotes ... No point looking back. The only way is forward.... Yes! I'm in my fab 40s - and working towards being fit!!! Since Nov 2012 until now, I have lost 14 kg and I'm very happy about it. I'm targetting another 15 kg more to reach that healthy weight range, so here I am, on a quest to looking good, and feeling fab. More updates later ... :)

Wow, long hiatus

... and suddenly I'm back here again. My three multiply blogs are all gone, meaning my life stories and all other pictures that I have uploaded there have disappeared for good. Not sure why I'm back. Maybe it's time for another new beginning....

Let's start with me

I recalled that during my younger days (though I’m not that old for sure), I had praises for my clear and clean skin. Thank goodness for good genes, I thought, as I am one lazy person when it comes to a skincare regime. In school, my gal mates are so into a skincare routine that includes step 1 to step nth. And to some of them, having a face cleanser is not enough, unless the skincare range includes the moisturiser, toner, creams upon creams and what-have-you. For me, a bar of soap back then with an all natural product - water – is all I need to keep my skin clear, clean, fresh and radiant.

I’ve tried all sorts of products before – those over the counter tops as well as luxury brands that you get only from the mall. Even then some of these expensive brands have not shown its miracles on my skin, though touting miraculous ingredients in it. I could use water and a bar of ordinary soap, but I realised that my young, clear and supple skin is not the same as it is now, me a mother of two. Further, it’s common knowledge that our skin does not regenerate as fast as it did during those girly days. But all I wanted is a simple cleaning routine, something that is not harsh on my skin nor pockets to achieve that simplicity. After some researching on the internet, the halal movement on cosmetics and skincare is something that seems to strike a chord with me. And it made me wanted to only put halal skincare on myself. I mean, if 60% of what we used on our skin gets absorbed into the body, why should I not feed my skin with products that are safe, chemical-free and halal-certified as well? And so the search went on, and without a doubt, caring for our planet is also another good ethos to live by, and products that are eco-friendly definitely got my nod and stamp of approval. With all these in mind, I discovered Saaf.

I believe in Saaf Pure Skincare, and I believe in the ethos it lives by. So I created this website – Alamaya Lifestyle – hoping to create a greater awareness of a way of living. It’s not perfection or vanity that I craved for, but for each and everyone of us, we could at least create a living that is better, healthier, happier and safer for ourselves and for our children’s future.

Due to our ailing Gaia, I feel that it is even more imperative that we strive to do something that can heal our Mother Earth, and thereafter our World or Universe (Alamaya) as a whole. It seems idealistic but if I can do a little something through Alamaya Lifestyle, then why not?

No part is too small.

So, let’s create the awareness, let’s create the movement, let’s start with ourselves.

Come discover Saaf Pure Skincare at www.alamayalifestyle.com. Welcome to our world, a world of pure senses.

Memory booster for your kids with rosemary essential oil

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I love to roast – especially my all time favourite rosemary chicken that hubby and Afzal simply love to the bone bits. In fact, it is an easy weekend treat, but also a great platter for welcoming and entertaining guests. I love the aroma and the taste of the rosemary herb. It has a wonderful depth of aroma and taste, but also very bright, uplifting and almost sweet.

Now the great part is, rosemary essential oil is also known to strengthen one’s mental capacity. It has a pronounced effect on the brain, as it helps to increase blood flow. Therefore, it has a reputation as an excellent brain stimulant as well as boosting memory. Further, it also helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Since it increases the circulation to the scalp, it is also very good in promoting hair growth.

Because of its skin regenerative properties, rosemary essential oil is also used in some skincare products for troubled skin like puffiness, swelling, acne, dermatitis and eczema. However, it is noted that it should not be used during pregnancy and unsuitable for people with epilepsy and high blood pressure.

Rosemary essential oil blends particularly well with Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass and Peppermint.

With such memory enhancement properties, I’m sure a little dose of this essential oil while your child is studying, reading or doing mental arithmetic will help to improve your kids’ mental capacity. That aside, I’m sure it will also provide a nice, warm and pleasing environment for learning. Wouldn’t you want that for your children?

Now, for only 7 days, I'm offering a 100ml rosemary essential oil for only S$60. Retail is usually between S$18.50 to $S20.50 for a 10ml bottle. Imagine, the average savings of about S$130! You wouldn't want to miss this special.

Other essential oils I have to offer is country rose, lavender, ginger and lemongrass blends, lemongrass, grapefruit and sweet orange.

Free delivery within Singapore. Submit your orders to mariaandtahir@gmail.com. Orders will be processed once a fund transfer of 50% has been made to one of the following account:
DBS: 029-0-028080 POSB: 084-87540-6 OCBC: 553-0-055416

Balance of 50% will be cash on delivery. Once you have made a fund transfer, please email mariaandtahir@gmail.com or sms to 8102-8487. This offer is good up to 24 June 2010. So hurry, don’t miss this opportunity! Only S$60 for a 100ml bottle!

Calming your kids with lavender essential oil

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One of my favourite scents is lavender. It's sweet floral-herbaceous scent that comes with a slight woody undertone is a must-have for me as I used lavender scent all the time as my fabric softener. Also, there is always a can of lavender scent spray either at home or in the car.

Lavender is grown at high altitude mainly from the mountainous region of France. This fragrant essential oil is nearly colourless and blends well with most oils, especially citrus like Sweet Orange, florals like Ylang Ylang and Geranium, and with woody scents like Cedarwood, and Pine.

According to one scientific study, lavender has the ability to help restful, deep sleep and what you can do, is to simply diffuse lavender essential oil in your bedroom or just sprinkle a few drops on the sheets for this calming and relaxing effect.

This is definitely helpful after a long day, especially when trying to get your kids to calm down and have a good night sleep. Applying directly to your kids'feet can have a wonderful relaxing effect on your little tikes. Or you may just add one drop under the pillow for children.

You too can enjoy a nice foot bath with a few drops of lavender oil. It helps to relieve fatigue and stress for you and the significant other. Also, keeping a small bottle of lavender oil with you throughout the day and in the car is a wonderful accompaniment especially when dealing with stressful and challenging situations with your children. It helps to calm both you and your kids and make your day relax, calm and enjoyable.

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For all its benefits, I'm offering a 100ml of lavender essential oil for only S$60. Retail is usually about $20.50 for a 10ml bottle. Imagine, the savings of about S$140! You wouldn't want to miss this very special offer.

Other essential oils I have to offer is country rose, ginger and lemongrass blends, lemongrass, rosemary, grapefruit and sweet orange.

Free delivery within Singapore. Submit your orders to mariaandtahir@gmail.com. Orders will be processed once a fund transfer of 50% has been made to one of the following account:
DBS: 029-0-028080 POSB: 084-87540-6 OCBC: 553-0-055416

Balance of 50% will be cash on delivery. Once you have made a fund transfer, please email mariaandtahir@gmail.com or sms to 8102-8487. This offer is good up to 24 June 2010. So hurry, don’t miss this opportunity! Only S$60 for a 100ml bottle!

Kids can bake!

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Without a doubt, baking is one of the most multi-sensory activity you can do with young children. It entices and engages the child through all his senses. He not only touches, but he could see, smell, hear and even taste.

When two moms with young kids do not know what to do to fill up their kids time, they get them to help in the kitchen, and voila, AlphaBake was born!

As their toddlers grow into primary schoolers, these moms decide that venturing out to get their hands and other kids in dough creativity is the funnest thing they can do on top of their already busy schedules as working mom with kids. Soon, the excitement and the requests keep filling in, and they have not looked back since.

With baking, young kids get to exercise their fine motor skills through the dough making, the rolling, the cutting and the decorating. On top of that, they get to learn all sorts of sciences and mathematical concept in an incidental manner. And now collaborating with another entrepreneurial mom from Nurturing Minds, AlphaBake is infusing their baking classes with some fun mathematical approach this June holidays.

So why wait? Join their workshop.

AlphaBake is offering a fun-filled and multi-sensory workshop this June holiday.

Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
Venue: Seminar Room 1, Bukit Batok Civil Service Clubhouse
Time: 10am-12pm
Class Synopsis:
Show your appreciation for DAD this coming Father's Day by baking him a sweet treat he can't resist. Learn the concept of shapes, division and sharing in forming letters A and D and have great fun turning a boring 'ol semi circle and triangle into a beautiful treat for Dad!

Email them at alphabake@gmail.com if your interested.