The mother and the sghaze

Being a mother has changed my life perspective. Pretty drastically, I must say. Maybe some will call that "Kiasi" aka fearing death.

If I were to face the situation of the haze as a single, I would probably play down everything that is happening and deem those people who are queuing up for n95 mask as over-reacting. PSI to me would be just a number game. Maybe I would be more worried about my skin conditions rather than my lungs. Maybe I would wash my face more often so that the particles wouldn't rest on my skin and clog my pores.

As much as I still worry about my skin, I have no time for to attend to it. While I wasn't one of those who queued up at the pharmacies or hospitals to purchase the n95 masks, I did purchase masks online. The normal respirators as well as the 8110 mask for Elric.

You see, protecting the well-being of my family members is now my priority.

In fact, when the haze hit PSI 187 on Wednesday, I went to a pharmacy to get eye-drop, eye wash, lozenges, cough syrup, Vicks chest rub, Vitamin C and a first-aid kit. I even asked Alphonse if it was possible to purchase an inhaler in case anyone get an asthma attack. No. We are not asthmatic. Of course the pharmacist wouldn't allow us to purchase. :P

I did a thorough cleaning of the house, turned on the air-con and cleaned the air of the house with my vacuum cleaner at least twice a day - my vacuum cleaner has an air-wash function. The vacuum cleaner proved my fear was valid. No doubt the air-con is switched on, the air quality is bad. I could see lots of PM10 particles floating in the water container of my vacuum cleaner. I have never seen those before the haze came.

Again, I wouldn't have been bothered if I were a single. But now, I do not want all these particles to enter my son's little pair of lungs. Elric has been coughing and sneezing badly. He hasn't been able to sleep well at night and I am pretty sure that's the result of the haze.



I'm also worried because the childcare centre he attends is not air-conditioned. All that the teachers could do, is to shut the windows and doors, and blast the fan through out the day.

It's during such times when I wished someone could stay home to take care of Elric. If only Alphonse didn't have to attend his course these few weeks. If only his grannies could be around. If only...

While I believe the teachers are well-trained and responsible in caring for the children, I am not too sure if the haze will be that forgiving in the next couple of days.

I can only pray that God will deliver us from the haze and this little boy's cough will recover quickly. Oh yes... And pray that my n95 masks will be delivered on me as soon as possible! (muahahaha...)

To all of you reading, please take care of yourself and your loved ones!
Ahh... yes. Your lungs are more important than your skin lah. :P 

Love,
Mummy Kaye



 

Making simple herbal tea

Hello again!  

 

Have you read the news about the haze? It's back and has been really bad today. Read the news earlier that the PSI went all the way to 155! This is the highest record since 1997!

This was the view outside my home at about 7PM. 

Please take care of yourselves and your children these few weeks to prevent falling ill.

1. You can try rinsing your eyes daily with eye wash
2. Put on a mask if you have sensitive nose
3. Stay hydrated and stay indoor as much as possible

I thought of sharing with you how to make a simple herbal drink you can make for your family. 

It can't go any simplier lah. 

If I can do it, I'm sure you can too.

Luo Han Guo Tea

I know many of us have the habit of purchasing Luo Han Guo so other 'liang teh' (herbal tea) such as Chrysanthemum tea from medical halls. Each bottle of 500ml would cost you about $1.50

Why not purchase the fruit and make them by yourself? 

~~~ 

Luo Han Guo is beneficial for the immune system (anti-oxidant) and respiratory system. 

This is probably why mummy always asked us to drink the Luo Han Guo tea when we are down with cough or sore throat.

 ~~~

Alright. Here's how you make the tea! 

INGREDIENTS

1. Luo Han Guo (Big x2)

2. 2.5L of water

Luo Han Guo is usually sold at $0.30-$0.50 each

I usually go for the bigger ones because they are sweeter. 

How  to choose a Luo Han Guo? 

Always shake the fruit to test if you can hear any sound. 

If the fruit is too dry, it means that 

 

Just TWO simple ingredients.

STEP 1

The type of Luo Han Guo we purchase from the medical hall are dried produce.

Hence it is very important to wash them before use. Done soak. Just rinse thorough and give is a scrub if you fear the dirt. 

 

STEP 2

Crack the Luo Han Guo. 

* Luo Han Guo is a very sweet fruit. In fact, just Google it and you will find out that they are about few hundred times sweeter than simple sugar. 

Cracking open the fruit will help to release the sweetness from the flesh. 
This will speed up the cooking process.

STEP 3

Pour 2.5L of water into your pot and bring to boil. Once the water is boiled, drop the Luo Han Guo into the water.

 

STEP 4

Cover the lid and let it boil for another 30-45min. 

I personally prefer it to have a stronger taste, hence I let it boil for 40min. 

 

 Times up!

Turn off the heat and your Luo Han Guo tea is ready to be served.

Some people like it warm while others prefer it cold.
You can choose to store in the fridge and drink within 2 days. 

 Other ingredients which you can add into the drink

Depending on your likings and needs, you can include other ingredients. 

To expell heatiness: Add a handful of Chrysanthemum to boil 
To ease cough: Add Mandarin orange peel, Nan(2) Xing(4) and Bei(3) Xing(4)

Hope these information is helpful for you! 

Take Care you all!!

Cheers,

Mummy Kaye

My Super Dad

  

Happy Father's Day to all Daddies!

from: Papa Lee, Mama Lee and Junior Lee

We, the Lee Family, have a special Papa who has been a Stay-At-Home-Dad (SAHD) for 2.5 years. 

Any SAHM will how difficult it is to take care of a kids through the day. 

In fact, many mummies can't wait for their maternity leave to end and return to work. 

Alphonse has been a special Dad. A SUPER Dad who bore the difficulties of caring for a baby and also the prejudice from some people. 

While Elric is too young to understand all that, I am sure he will grow to understand what his dad has given up to ensure he was well taken off during his infancy.

"Papa is the wind beneath my wings!"

We just returned home from dinner.

Just a simple celebration.

Managed to capture this cute clip. 

Ah yes. Papa is Elric's super dad who teaches him how to manage his super power!

Enjoy!

Elric, "Papa, I Love You!" 

Alp, "Of course you do." 

:P 

XOXO, 

 Mummy Kaye