Recently I've had many compliments on how good my skin looks. Seriously, I'm not really big on commenting on my own looks n stuff but I thought this might make a good post.

I think part of the reason is the glow that comes with pregnancy (YAY! More reason to have babies!) and part of it is just good genes (Dad's skin is great!). I've never had big problems with pimples and acne even though I'm terrible with all the cleansing, toning and moisturising.

However, I've always been plagued with eczema since I was a kid. I spent most of my teenage life with two patches on my face because I started wearing glasses and somehow it reacted with my face. Recently, it attacked the area around my eyes. Those who saw me back home probably saw how bad it got! Red, itchy and patchy!

I started to try all sorts of stuff, asked around a bit and realised there are so many Singapore kids that are plagued with eczema and allergies! Poor things, I can totally identify!

Then I chanced upon a Singaporean website selling organic products for eczema prone babies on Angie's website (Angie's website is my constant reference for homeschooling references and ideas) called Bellygoods. So, I decided to contact them and give it a try! They had products for adults as well. Val from Bellygoods was really sweet and posted me a sample of Sun*Si'Belle Organic Triple Action Moisturizer with SPF 30+. I needed a moisturizer and sunblock that did not react with my skin while allowing the eczema to heal.

The product is not as smooth as the Biotherm moisturiser that I normally use but it is also a sunblock so it kinda coats the skin and makes it look a little pale. Once I dust some face powder over it, it's great. Another plus factor is that it helps to even out my skin tone so my skin actually looks almost flawless without foundation! Woopee!

After using it for a month or so, the eczema died down. Of course in addition, I've used some eczema cream and Avene spray to reduce the itch before I put on the moisturizer.

I've not used the other products from Bellygoods but I'm sure it's just as good. I think I might get the baby products when baby arrives. The best part is that Val also sells samples so you can try it before you buy the actual product which can be rather costly. But totally worth it in my opinion!

It’s amazing how China picks up some things so fast…. all the shopping places charge for their paper bags (ya… no more plastic bags!) and also no sign of styrofoam boxes, all paper now.

We need to learn.

Btw, that’s my fav foldable shopping bag that I bought from HV for $12. It’s ex but it looks great and it’s been one of my fav travelling tools so far. Aus and NZ also charge for shopping bags now.

Ooooooo this I must rave about.

I have just received the latest online issue of Small magazine and I’ve been savoring it and going through all the links. "Small is the first and only online magazine of independent design for kids." writes editors Christine and Olivia.

Christine also designs and runs her own kids clothing company, Baby Bean. She makes kids clothes using vintage fabrics. I love this particular one (Gigi jumper) so much, I had to write to ask for permission to use her picture and write about her. She replied almost immediately, considering the time difference!

It’s so beautiful………….. sigh… and I so love the expression on this lil model’s face. One of my fav looks. Just beautiful.

Nyet, thanks for recommending Small to me!

It’s called Babybug. I love it coz it’s got thick pages but not as thick as board books, two sentences per page with large enough fonts, lovely storylines & rhymes, and it’s got such lovely illustrations. Love it love it love it!

I went through all the baby books on the shelves and could not find anything i liked. So glad I found this.

And best of all, Sophie loves it! We read it to her every nite and she’ll sit thru it without moving or trying to pull the pages. She actually listens. Lovely!