A Stunning Senior Moment

When one of my sister send me this story on e-mail. I find the explanation is really interesting and I thought I might like to share it with my blog friends!

The Learner Driver

Last weekend, my son decided to take my hubby and I for a drive to Brisbane. He had to build some hours up in his log book before he could go for his driving test. He still has a while yet to go before he gets connected with the driving school. I’m really proud of him as he does look confidence behind the wheel of the car. I really praised my hubby as he is more patient in teaching him than I am. Although I can drive however, I don’t think I am as good at teaching my son to drive as his father. Most of the time, I am just happy being the backseat passenger.

Seeing my son taking control over the steering wheel does shows how fast he is going up now. Seems like it was only yesterday when he just started school and now he is driving a car! How time flies! He is indeed growing up and I am indeed getting old!!!

Australia Bushfires

Each day the evening news has been updating the Victorian Bushfires in Australia. The whole tragic event started one Saturday two weeks ago. Many people lost their homes as well as family and friends. I was quite saddened to learn that the death toll had reached 209. Even Australian wildlife was also silent victims of the deadly fires. I knew most of these towns that was affected as I did visited them in the past. I still cannot believe that they are not there anymore! Most of the fire victims are still dazed and grieving over their loss.

Bushfires are very real in Australia. When I used to live in Melbourne, a few years ago, I remembered during the fire season, the sky was really red and the sun was glowing red. It was an eerie feeling, kind of like the end of the world. The reason why the death toll is so high this time was because the fire came so swiftly without any warning during the early hour of the morning and most people were asleep in their homes. Bushfires are caused by arsonist, strong wind and hot dry weather. At this tragic time, it is so good to see the sprit of the people of Australia come together to help the fire victims by donating food, clothing, shelter and even raising funds both local and overseas to help them to get them back on their feet. The true heroes here are the fire-fighters, polices and medical staffs. They worked tireless hours trying to get everything under control.

As I view this devastating event unfolded, I am so over-whelmed at the generosity of most Australian who opened their hearts and wallets to help the unfortunate victims of the bushfires. Even the flood victims in northern part of Queensland whilst being stranded in flood water, were not even deterred from donating all they have to help their fellow neighbours who lost everything to bushfire! This is truly a love story to tell on Valentine Day!

Tai Lai Lai Nyonya Kuih

After watching the hit drama "The Little Nyonya", my sister Tai Lai Lai decided to make some nyonya kuih for us to enjoy! I praised her for her good effort in making the kuih and decided to put these kuih on the blog for everyone to enjoy!

Essential Oils

While I was out shopping this morning, I decided to drop by the Health Food shop and brought a few more essential oils for my diffuser. I chosed five essential oils that is good for calming the mind and relieving daily stress. These oils when used individually also provide a nice aroma to the living area of the house.

Since my son will be starting school next week, I've decided to use my diffuser with a mixed blend of oils such as Bergamot, Orange and Rose Geranium to help him to think more clearly, concentrate better and increase his memory during his study time. I believe these oils have a calming effect and can assist him in reaching his goals of being a better student.

Anyway, I would like to give some interesting facts on these five essential oils and its purposes.

Bergamot Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
Aromatic Description: Fresh, orange/lemon/citrusy, slightly floral.
Possible Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Cananga odorata

Aromatic Description: Fresh, floral, sweet, slightly fruity, fragrant yet delicate.
Possible Uses: Anxiety, depression, frigidity, hypertension, palpitations, stress.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Pelargonium roseum
Aromatic Description: Floral. similar to Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) with a slightly detectible hint of rose.
Possible Uses: Acne, cellulites, dull skin, menopause, oily skin.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis

Aromatic Description: Citrusy, sweet, reminiscent of orange peels, but more concentrated.
Possible Uses: Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion, stress.

Lemongrass Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Aromatic Description: Fresh, lemony, earthy.
Possible Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress.

Perhaps, you too can get as much enjoyment as I did by entering into the world of Aromatheraphy!

My Aroma Diffuser

A few weeks ago, I came down with a horrible chest infection caused by Hayfever (allergy to grass pollens). Besides, taking medication from my doctor, I also decided to use my aroma diffuser to help me on my road to recovery. I started to use essential oil when my son was very little and got this knowledge from various people such as herbalist and nursing sister. Essential oils are not uncommon. It has been used since our forefathers and even present times, herbalist and doctors alike, too agreed that it is still the best medicine ever.

Today, I've chosen three of my favourite essential oils which are Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lavender. These oils plays a significant role in helping me to clear any viruses in my chest! Eucalyptus oil are harvest in the leaves of a special gum tree called Eucalyptus tree. This oil is also an antiseptic and can be applied to wounds and cuts. I like this oil because it is good in clearing my air passage thus, making my breathing easier. Peppermint oil is also very good for relieving symptoms of cold and flu as well as nausea. I like the smell of this particular oil. Nice and sweet! The third one is Lavender oil, which I used often because of my migraine. It is harvest from the leaves as well as the flower. I do have a big bush outside my house which I occasionally rubbed my hands over it whenever I go for a walk. Lavender oil is really good for calming headache and a terrific relief for rheumatic, arthritic and muscular aches. It is also another form of antiseptic as well. It has a sooting effect on skin inflamation and minor burn such as sunburn.

So, whenever I use my diffuser, I like to mix these three oils together as they really makes me feel better and also make my place smell lovely. Hmmm..... I like that!

The Chili Bushes

When I was babysitting my sister's place, I was admiring her chili bushes and also the flowers in her garden and decided to show everyone how pretty her flowers were and also how healthy her chili bushes are growing. Looks like her hubby is definately a green thumb and a good gardener!