How to do a Liver Detox...

When I first heard and read about a liver detox, I had my reservations not about its effectiveness but more to why I would want to do that to myself so I got CJ to agree to be my guinea pig! *sniggers* He blogged about his experience on his blog too... whaahaha!

I'm not a kind of person who would go through fasts or eat all organic food just because its good for me. I love my nitrates aka hams/sausages/luncheon meats... and I don't see the need to purchase a carrot at $3 instead of the usual 60 cents... something in that drift if you know what I mean. The only holistic thing I can appreciate would be massage therapy but leave my hotdogs alone. *smacks lips* But since we've started our new weightloss cycle, I thought that perhaps clearing out our insides a little would certainly help in the absorption of the very select nutrients and supplements that we would be taking in the coming weeks.

Thus the first detox experiment. The Liver Detox. A procedure that has been practiced with great success for untold generations. I did some research online to how to do it and I will adapt it here. While there are recommended timings to fulfill each part of the detox, I have broken it down to the timeslots that can work for almost any similar timing.

IMPORTANT: The rest of this post can be somewhat gross. Don't say I didn't warn you. If you're easily queasy about bodily excretions, skip this post and exit now.

I have adapted the content from this website but compiled it here for easier reference according to what we did. So this info below is not something I thought about randomly or created. I compared several sites on this and this one was sufficiently informative to help me get the procedure together at home. I was very methodical about all of it too y'know! :) However, please use common sense should you attempt this detox and I disclaim all liability towards any and all possible negative reactions you might have to this after reading this post if you do the detox.

Please DO NOT do this if you have doubts about doing it - have not done other research or if you are not feeling well, if you have existing health conditions -better to check with your doctor before proceeding and/or if you are pregnant.

Introduction to the Standard Liver Cleanse:
This is a natural way to effectively and painlessly remove from the gallbladder and liver, most stones, gravel, crystals, debris and residues that hinder your body's detoxification and healing. It cleanses the liver bile ducts and eventually purifies the blood stream by making the liver cleaner and more efficient. This is a procedure you can do at home, over one weekend, using ingredients from a local supermarket and pharmacy - for a little more than $10.00. In addition, it is non-toxic, fast acting, has no side-effects, promotes increased well-being, raises the level of available energy and can provide freedom from most allergies.

Purpose of the Cleanse:
This cleanse is used to clean the liver and gall bladder of gall stones, gravel and sand to dramatically improve your body's health. The liver cleanse also has the ability to expel pollutants and toxins from the gallbladder and liver. You can expect your allergies to disappear more and more with each subsequent cleanse and even improve your complexion! Each liver cleanse "cures" a different set of allergies, suggesting that the liver is compartmentalized - different parts having different duties. Incidentally, a liver detox also eliminates most shoulder, upper arm and upper back pain.

Introduction:
One of the main function of the liver is to make bile, up to an estimated 1.8 litres in a day! The liver is full of tubes (biliary tubules) that deliver the bile to one large tube - the common bile duct. The gall bladder is attached to the common bile duct and acts as a storage reservoir. Eating fat or protein triggers the gall bladder to squeeze itself empty after about twenty minutes (or after ingesting the liver cleanse solution). The stored bile finishes its trip down the common bile duct to the small intestine and eventually to the colon (large intestine).

Of course the gall bladder does not hold enough bile to neutralize all of the liver cleanse solution you have ingested. The empty gallbladder then signals its master, the liver, to dump all available bile forcefully into the common bile duct as well. In this fashion, the liver turns itself practically inside out and empties all of its available bile together with stones, gravel and crystals.

Epsom salt serves to relax the tubules so that the passage of larger stones is painless and smooth. The Epsom salt also serves to evacuate the small and large intestines of feces. See benefits of Epsom Salts HERE. For many persons, including children, the biliary ducts (tubing) are choked with gallstones. Some develop allergies or hives, but some have no symptoms at all. There are over half a dozen variety of gallstones, most of which have cholesterol crystals in them. They can be black, red, white, green or tan colored. The green ones get their color from being coated with bile.

At the very center of each stone scientists found a clump of bacteria, suggesting a dead bit of parasite might have started the formation of the stone. *Shivers.GROSS!Shudders again* Perhaps it is the liver's function to encapsulate parasites to avoid getting destroyed by such an invader. That's fine for one or two, but how about thousands of such encapsulations?

With gallstones and liver stones, much less excess cholesterol leaves the body and cholesterol levels may rise. A liver cleanse will invariably result in a lowering of cholesterol levels.

How is it Done?
Choose a free weekend where you won't be going out or doing anything much to attempt this. There was a semi-fast that they ask for prior to the detox but since CJ wasn't really eating heavily this week and was already on his low carb cycle, he had chicken for lunch on Friday and spent the rest of the day plus the whole of Saturday detoxing without solids (on liquids only - water, clear juices and teas) till I returned home to administer the process.

STEP 1
The recommended semi-fast before you commence is said as this...
Drink apple juice for three days preceding the liver cleanse. For these three days, eat frugally, if you must, and then only small amounts of raw unprocessed fruit and/or vegetable salads. Every day take at least one full quart of high quality, unfiltered, preferably home-made apple juice. You should be able to see the sediments on the bottom of the container. The pectin in the apple juice helps to soften and flatten the stones in the gall bladder and liver. This will also help their passage through the bile ducts. This semi-fast also empties the intestines of their food content and makes the collection of stones less problematic.

Ingredients needed:
4 Heaping Tablespoons of Epsom Salts (you can purchase this box for less than $5 from Guardian Pharmacy)
3/4 cup of Good Quality Olive Oil (we used Extra Virgin Olive Oil - purchased from any supermarket)
3 Fresh Grapefruits (freshly squeezed to give you at least 3/4 cups worth)
1/2 Teaspoon of Vit. C powder. We used 2 of our usual Vit. C tablets aka Redoxon dissolvables - easily purchased at any supermarket or pharmacy.

They also suggest some natural sleep supplements if you need them if you have problem sleeping usually. Ie Ornithine but these are not really necessary.

Apparatus needed:
1 drinking cup
1 citrus fruit juicer *if you don't have this just manually squeeze it. Just that grapefruits however are quite hard to squeeze without one*
1 strainer to remove the pulp
1 measuring cup for liquids
1 bottle or jar big enough to hold 3 cups of water.
1 125ml disposable bottle
1 tablespoon for measuring/stirring

STEP 2
Choose a day like Saturday for the cleanse so that you can rest the next day. Take no medicines, vitamins or other pills that you can do without. They could hinder success of the cleanse. Eat a no fat fruit breakfast and light fat-free lunch such as cooked cereals with fruit but no butter or milk. This allows the bile to build up and develop pressure in the liver. Higher pressure pushes out more stones.

2:00 PM.
Do not eat or drink after 2:00 o'clock. If you break this rule you could feel quite uncomfortable later. Get your Epsom salts ready. At 2:00pm, mix 4 heaping tablespoons of Epsom salts in 3 cups of water, add 1/2 teaspoon of Vit C powder and pour this into a jar. This makes four servings, 3/4 cup each. Please keep in mind that the first serving begins at 6:00pm and the 2nd serving for the evening is taken at 8:00pm. The other two required servings are reserved for the following morning. Place the jar in the refrigerator to get ice cold (this is for convenience and taste only).

6:00 PM.
Mix and shake the jar. Pour and Drink one serving (3/4 cup) of the ice cold prepared Epsom salts water. You can certainly drink a few mouthfuls of water afterwards or rinse your mouth.

Reaction: CJ started feeling stirrings in his stomach. Felt a little bloatedness. He said the bitter salty solution was vile.

8:00 PM.
Repeat the above by drinking another 3/4 cup of Epsom salts water. You have not eaten since two o'clock, but you won't feel hungry. Do something light like watch tv, read or use the computer for the balance of the evening, extremely light leisurely activity only. The timing of the actual cleanse is relatively critical to achieve success. Do not be more than 10 minutes early or late for anything that follows next.

Reaction: CJ started going to the bathroom at hourly intervals with slight watery diarrhea. Slight stomach cramps and the start of an "ass burn" where you eliminate so much that your butt starts too hurt.

9:45 PM.
Pour 3/4 cup (measured cup) of your high quality olive oil into the disposable bottle. Pour the prepared 3/4 cup of squeezed grapefruit juice into the measuring cup, adding this to the oil. Close the bottle tightly with its lid and shake briskly until well mixed, almost watery. Only fresh squeezed juice will do this. Now visit the bathroom one or more times, even if this makes you slightly late for your ten o'clock drink. Be ready to go to bed and STAY in bed.

10:00 PM.
Take the solution to your bedside if you want, but drink it standing up. Drink the potion you have mixed. Get all of it down immediately, if possible. Very elderly, or weak persons, should space this over a period of five minutes. CJ found this the hardest to do of all the processes as it really isn't the most pleasant of drinks to chug down.

Reaction: CJ found it quite difficult to drink down the bottle of oil & grapefruit juice solution but did it at one shot. It was just THAT gross so he had a little nausea after finishing it.

Lie down immediately. The sooner you lie down, the more stones you will get out. Put your knees up to your chest in a fetal position. Lie on your right side for at least half an hour. The oil/citrus juice mixture will go to your gallbladder and liver. These organs will not know what to do with THAT much oil emulsion, so they will spasm and throw off all the available bile - plus stones, gravel and crystals.

10:30 PM.
You may turn on your back with a good thick feather pillow. Try to think about what is happening in the liver. Think loving thoughts - your liver is sensitive and responsive to feelings of resentment, vindictiveness and hate. Try to keep perfectly still for about half an hour or at least 20 minutes. Visualize the cleansing action taking place. You may feel a train of stones traveling along the bile ducts like marbles. There is little likelihood of pain because the bile duct valves are open - thanks to the Epsom salts.

Relax and go to sleep if you don't already need to go to the bathroom. Let nature do her thing. Tomorrow you will be cleaner, much cleaner, and also healthier than before.

Reaction: CJ went to the bathroom again! No major stomach cramps but watery diarrhea for sure. He didn't wake up through the night after that till it was time for the next dose the next morning.

Next morning (est. 10 hours later at least, after 6:00 AM)
Upon wakening, take your third dose of prepared Epsom salt solution. If you have indigestion or nausea, wait until this is gone before drinking the Epsom salts. Do not take this before 6:00 AM. It would be best if you don't get up and have someone else give you this potion.

Reaction: This was where it got a little scary and mightily gross. He went to the bathroom to eliminate and they came shooting out fast, furious and explosive. The first sitting of the day saw little black specs floating. The 2nd to the 4th onwards after literally came at 30 minute intervals and it was shocking! It works and he's now a convert!

The toilet bowl was filled with floating mushy green lumps, foam and hard fingernail sized stony bits in the green pea like soup concoction. Sample image of a liver stone HERE. <-- these are not his stones - I found this online incase you were curious how it looks like. But you've got to check out your own eliminations if & when you do this yourself and shock yourself.

2 Hours Later
Take your fourth (the last one - Thank God!) dose of Epsom salts. Drink 3/4 cup of the mixture. You may go back to bed if you like. After 2 more hours you may get up and take something into your empty stomach. Start with some fresh-made fruit juice. Half an hour later, eat some fruit. One hour later you may eat regular food but keep it light, uncooked and natural. By dinner time on Sunday, you should feel fully recovered and ready to slay a dragon.

What to expect?
Expect diarrhea in the morning of the second day (Sunday). Alot of it. CJ claims that he had never gone to the toilet so many times before in such a short time frame..even with food poisoning. Wahhaha! It wasn't as painful as actually having food poisoning though as there wasn't the element of bad stomach cramps or vomitting.. the only issue was the ass burn!

I doubt you would want to filter what you had eliminated. Peering into the toilet bowl would be sufficient. Look for the greenish kind, since this is proof that they are genuine gallstones and not food residue. Only bile from the liver is green. The bowel movement (if there is any) sinks, but gall and liver stones float because of the cholesterol content and it is actually VERY obvious! Eventually, you may have to eliminate up to 2,000 stones, in several sessions, over a period of a year or so, before the liver is clean enough to rid you of all allergies or upper back, or other symptoms, permanently.

Overall Reactions: A total of 16 diarrhea visits that ended around 4pm on Sunday. With a heck alot of green & black floaty stuff that came out mostly on the 2nd day within the first 5 eliminations of the day. The rest of the evening, he was back to normal feeling lighter and cleaner. Normal and very light bowel movements resumed on Monday morning. We'll probably do this again in 2-3 months time again! Liver Detoxed!!

Leaner in 8 Weeks...

Over in August this year, I wrote about having a weightloss project to lose 20kg in 3 months. From 80kg to 60kg. Read about that HERE. Yea, I know I gained weight again at the earlier part of this year so it was a good time to kick start something again to resume my weightloss resolution. So with the support of a special new supplement partner, I embarked on a new weightloss cycle.

Did I reach it? Unfortunately, nope.. what happened? From several bouts of illnesses/injuries to my trips to Hong Kong for filming to various other workshops and instructing classes, I was blindly busy and frankly, just not in the right mind frame to keep the determination to see it though. And the most important step to weightloss is your mental determination and frame of mind. This will be what sees you through to reach that goal.

I did however lose 8kg from then till now so I'm still standing at 72kg right now. For an average person, an 8kg loss would usually be more than enough in less than half a year but since we aimed for 20kg down! Its not even quite halfway there for me so its not considered a success till I've hit the actual number. *disappointed but not discouraged - I will do it!*

If you have been watching my weightloss chart on the left of my blog column. You would see the dates each time I broke each kilo loss. I maintained a range of 67.5kg to 69kg for the whole of 2009 but after that weight ceiling broke over Christmas break 2009... I'm only near to my previous maintenance again just about now. This has indeed been a chubby year for me...

The hubster, CJ's birthday just passed just last week and he made a resolution to get motivated again to lose weight once more. The last cycle we went through in 2008, he went from 125kg to 86kg and was looking like "the younger brother I never had"... then over the months, his training stopped for personal reasons and he's been in limbo and on the fat rise for the longest time... regular exercise and sensible dietary habits are really important in maintaining your weight and fitness.

I have no doubts that when he wants to, he can and will do it all over again with the same great success as before so here it goes again! He's been blogging about his new cycle lately and stood at an estimated 122kg as of 1st December 2010.

We started on the 2nd of December with morning jogs, stretches and again.. have resumed our low carb cycles... and for me.. I still instruct daily too so I'm getting more than my usual share of activity.

So for now, with a renewed cycle of supplements* provided to me for this round, I mark this time as standing at 72kg. Only another 12 more kilos and I'm at my optimal targeted weight. (Frankly - I have a feeling I might look too small at that size but we'll see how it goes as we go along). Watch this space and look at that column on the left to see the numbers drop over the next 8 weeks. :)

You know what though? We all know that losing weight is a challenge - even if you have done it before.. its just not easy.. and it would be absolutely lovely for you reading to leave me a comment to show me your support.. and perhaps if you have a resolution of your own... share it with me... I'd love to know whats happening with you too.. even if you're leaving me a comment to say "Hi.."... please do. :)

*For those curious what those supplements are.. all I'll say now is that its all natural.. you'll find out in a couple of weeks...so keep reading. :)*

Crispy Fish Tater Cakes...

Crispy warm on the outside, soft and tasty on the inside. Goes well with any dipping sauce as a snack or meal on its own (depending on how many you eat). A firm balance of protein from the fish and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes...not for someone trying to lose weight though... Great finger food for kids too...

We've been watching quite a number of Season 2 -Iron Chef America episodes lately and my inspired hubby, CJ decided make dinner before we re-started our weightloss program again.

Fishcakes! But I rather call them Crispy Fish Tater Cakes.. sounds nicer ya? A rather simple recipe to follow that yields 30 palm sized fried cakes.

Whats in them?
6 Russet Burbank Potatoes (Large) - Boiled, peeled and mashed with salt & black pepper.
3 Fillets of Sutchi Fish *Dory* (any alternate form of fish fillet can work too) - Boiled and mashed. - You can easily find this in the frozen section of the supermarket at only SGD$2.50-$6 (depending on promotion) per pack of 2-3 fillets.
200gms of Panko breadcrumbs.
1 cup of frying flour batter *either make your own or use store bought tempura batter*- already reconstituted with room temp. water to a creamy sauce-like consistency.

Hows it done?
When you have boiled your potatoes and fish, mash them both and season to taste with salt and pepper and form them into little golf/ping pong ball size balls. You have an option here where you could refrigerate the balls for a while, maybe 30 minutes to let them harden a little but this is not completely necessary.

Why I suggest this is because once it goes into the batter soft, it would have a tendency to start to spread and break apart if you don't work fast. Only liquid batter just seconds before you breadcrust it if not you would end up with a dishful of unformed mush.

Dip each formed ball into the liquid batter, remove and throw into the breadcrumbs and cover completely. Flatten slightly with your fingers against the wall of the breadcrumb container against the crumbs and transfer to a deep fryer or pan filled with sufficient oil to deep fry the cakes.

Each cake takes about 3-5 minutes to brown on each side if using a pan or generally around 6-8 minutes in the deep fryer. Remove when the patty turns a golden brown on both sides. Use paper towels on your serving plate to absorb excess oil.

Additional Options: While we didn't use this this time, CJ suggests certain improvements that can be done to this recipe that might work. Adding finely chopped chives, chopped corn, and/or chopped peas.

Serve warm and crispy with your favourite dipping sauce, ie ketchup or chili sauce with mayonnaise. Enjoy! :)

Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER Range...

In a way, I feel blessed that I never really had an issue with my complexion. Thank God for amazing genes. :) No major acne or breakouts other than the monthly hormonal surge where I'd have a pimple or slight blemish at most. But for sure, my skin has slowly started to pigment itself out due to age and I have freckles that are just getting more as the months pass and not to mention wrinkles too!

As I approach middle age and my daughters entering their teens, its quite inevitable that the signs of aging would hit me with a vengeance and I end up seeking various products that would help maintain some semblance of youthfulness, cleanliness and suppleness to my skin.

The daily face wash, face scrub * to exfoliate* and moisturiser is a definite must in any girls skincare regime, specially in Singapore where the warm weather just makes oil ooze out of your skin. Plus the excess amount of perspiration that I give out everyday when I teach and dries on my skin before I get to hit the shower can make for dirty skin.

So that said, I experiment with different facewash & scrubs from time to time to try find a suitable AND affordable one that effectively cleans my face effectively without leaving it oily from their "moisturising ingredients" or too chemically strong/dry - giving me an uncomfortable squeaky waxy stretched face feeling. Gah!

I've tried and changed quite a number of face washes in the market and this one caught me completely by surprise on how baby soft my skin felt after just ONE use. I'm usually skeptical till proven otherwise. Unbelievable! So I've got to tell you more about it...

We have 3 products to check out this time, the Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER Cleanser, Scrub and Crème Gel.

Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER range contains skin-natural Lactic Acid to effectively eradicate acne, pimples, whiteheads and blackheads to give you clearer, healthier looking skin. This range has an optimal 2% Lactic Acid formulation that gets to the root of common facial skin problems found in men, women and teenagers. Lactic Acid is also found naturally in the skin, there will be no allergic reaction on even the most sensitive of skins unlike harsh ingredients such as Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Oxide commonly found in many other anti-acne products. This range is also oil and fragrance free and has anti-bacterial properties! Nice right?

Did you know that the milk bath enjoyed by Cleopatra was actually an ancient Lactic acid spa treatment? Lactic acid is well known for its hydrating properties and one of the gentler AHA exfoliants to unclog pores. Dematologists confirm the effectiveness of Lactic acid in 90% of patients with acne prone skin.

What do I think of them?

Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER Cleanser (200ml) The light oil-free cleanser is clinically proven to treat acne problems effectively and gently by reducing excess sebum while it deeply cleanses. Recommended retail price: $21.20

When I first tried this, I was pleased that it had no smell but was a little watery compared to the usual "gel/cream like" face wash. It also didn't bubble as much as other products so lather took a while to form for me. But I loved how clean and clear my face felt after I washed it and was ready to move on to exfoliate. I could literally feel the dirt lift off as the lather rinsed away.

Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER Scrub (100ml) This mild daily scrub comes with Lactic acid beads for gentle, effective deep cleansing that removes blackheads and refines pores. Recommended retail price: $18.60

This was the product that convinced me. It came out as a nice fresh looking gel with little blue beads and I rubbed gently about for about 2 minutes. I could feel the beads as it was moved about my face and my face warmed up a little as I felt some of the ingredients working on my skin. I usually rub in circles with the centre of my palms on my cheeks and t-zone (forehead/nose) as these areas are the most prone to blemish & breakouts *if and when I have any that is*. I rinsed it off and this was where I was caught by surprise. Where it would usually take a couple of uses for other scrubs to achieve the same result. My face felt so baby smooth AND SOFT! I didn't even have to rub hard. I love this scrub!

Eucerin® DermoPURIFYER Crème Gel (50ml) Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing oily skin is key in regulating excess sebum production in the skin. When skin is properly hydrated, it is less likely to release extra sebum (oil) that contributes to clogged pores resulting in acne or pimple breakouts. The water-based crème gel helps reduces acne within three weeks while keeping skin hydrated and oil-free. Recommended retail price: $25.70

This Crème Gel was also surprising, it came out somewhat thicker in consistency than I expected, went on quick and smooth but within a minute was absorbed to a powdery soft feel and my face felt plumped and hydrated! A test I usually do for new moisturising products are that I check my face an hour after and 3 hours after application to see if my face feels unecessarily oily, caked or heavy.

Good news for this one though.. I still felt soft, clear and moisturised at the 3 hour check. Pass!

A good point to remember is that whenever you put on your facial products, you should extend it the application of product down your neck and décolletage aka your shoulder/upper chest areas. You won't want a well maintained face only to be propped up by a dry/wrinkled/scaly or oily neck & décolletage. Think more of donning a low cut top - everything from the top of your head to the exposed areas of your top should be of the same texture and suppleness.

This applies to makeup too! Don't only apply your creams, foundations, primers and blushers on your face only. It should extend to shadow and blush your neck and cleavage too! You wouldn't want a sudden change of color from your face to your neck area or you might end up looking like you have a mask on! Horrors!

Should you want to give this product a try, you can click on the sample box below to arrange for a free sample, while stocks last! (amongst other trial products too!) to be mailed to you! Don't just take my word for it, go try it out for yourself for FREE*! :)

*Samples are Free but delivery charge for what you have selected ranges from SGD$1.99 to a max of SGD$2.99 only!

Zumbathon Fitness Party @ Zirca / PA

20th November 2010 - We had the honour to have had Mike Thomas (California Fitness HK) and Marta Formoso as our ZES *Zumba Education Specialists* to have lead this Zumbathon.

With reference to this event post about the PA Zumbathon.

It was a full house over at Zirca @ Clarke Quay. I was at the venue at 1pm already waiting for my group to arrive to lead them to their respective registration counters. With every registration, each person was given a Zumba wrist band, a goodybag and a drink ticket *softdrink* that was redeemable at the bar. The goodybag was crazy heavy with bottles of Cool Rhino cooling water, several sample products, a huge bottle of Lee Kum Kee soysauce, feminine wash, Vitamin C tablets and some catalogues.

I completely enjoyed that plus many of my dance students came. I cancelled class on that day after all so it was an excellent replacement and a change of routine from our usual Danza class. :)

All these pictures in this post are courtesy of my dear, Esther. Whos' hubby came to join her for the event and help take photos too! This post would have some of the pictures that have been released and I will upate more as I find them online or when people send me more pictures from the event.

Picture taken with some of my fellow dance babes from California Fitness. I've danced with these ladies for almost 2-3 years now. Joenia, Lina, Marilyn and Anne.

And we didn't manage to take pictures with all my dance girls that attended but this is a picture of one group of them who came. Love you all! I hope you all enjoyed yourselves (minus the foot stepping - it was crazy crowded).

From Left to Right (Top Row: Paula, MJ, Angie, Anne, Pek Gan, Terence, Li-ling, Serene. Bottom Rows: Woo Yan, Shirley, May, Ee San, Pheah and Me!)

In the midst of dancing and rocking the house down at Zirca. I was pleased to have noted that I had a constant smile on my face throughout the whole event even with sweat streaming down my face like rain.

There are not alot of clear pictures or videos out yet but you can check out what went on here first before I get the clearer videos/pictures as we go along.

Lets Get Loud - J.Lo track (Can you spot me?)


Doing the Waka Waka - Shakira (Done with the VIPs on stage! Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef - MP for Marine Parade GRC and Advisor to Marine Parade GRC GROs)

And a group picture with Mike T, Marta F, the rest of the local Zumba instructors who shadow danced on stage that day - my fellow Zumba Instructors Esther, Zuri, Siew siew, Grace, Rhomeiny and another guy I'm not familiar with - Matt Azmy. Group shot together with some other participants that day... plus the emcee Richard.

And the Hora as the final track and the event was done! ZUMBA!!!!!

NoMU Food Rub *Giveaway!*

I love to cook and if something becomes available that gives me the opportunity to make amazing food with little effort, I'm all for it. I was introduced to NoMU dry spice rubs *Created in South Africa* and I was intruiged! I love working with dry spices because they always make food taste so good!

So two conconctions were sent to me for me to try and I've got to say that I'm loving them... there are 23 different types of rubs to explore! They're used for marinating meat/seafood/vegetables, for stirfry, grilling, steam cooking and even barbequeing. And a great thing about them too is that they're so pungent that 2-3 pinches are sufficient for marinating around 600gms of meat or 3 fillets of fish. A portion sufficient to feed a family of 4 with 1-2 other side dishes.

A point to note too is that their products are Halal and Parev (Kosher) certified too! Each product does not contain MSG, additives, preservatives or artificial flavors. Just simple herbs and spices that can make your food oh so tasty! Each tin retails at SGD$10.50 per rub and can be found at NTUC Finest, Cold Storage and Swiss Butchery.

Recipes and ideas for this rub can be found HERE. Go check that out for more ideas and tips on how to use the rubs wet or dry in your dishes. Various recipes that you can use the rub for can be found HERE.

I tried the NoMU seafood rub which consists of Salt, Parsley, coriander, onion, sugar, black pepper, garlic, ginger, fennel, mustard, dill and lemon oil.

We purchased some boneless fillets of Dory from the supermarket, we love these fillets - they're cheap (only $2.90-$4.40 for 3 large frozen fillets depending on sale price) and they're easy to cook in so many different ways.

This time, all we did was defrost, sprinkle and rub in some NoMU seafood rub and then we pan fried them with 2 knobs of margarine (real butter would have been a better and tastier choice but we didn't have it that evening), fried some eggs omelette, some garlic vegetables and served everything over steamed rice.

Everything was wiped out that evening for dinner as usual. It was really tasty! Even the girls asked for more. Point to note however, next time I make fish that way again, I must remember to buy some fresh lemon or orange to squeese over the fish when I dish it out of the pan.

You don't even need to really know how to cook to make this. So those who aren't very nifty in the kitchen would love how easy it is to whip something like this up for a delicious quick n' easy satisfying meal.

The next evening, we tried the NoMU beef rub. No, there is no actual beef in it - they're spices that CAN be used on beef so I suppose even those who don't eat beef can use it to marinate other types of meat too!

Recipes and ideas for this rub can be found HERE. Go check that out for more ideas and tips on how to use the rubs wet or dry in your dishes. Recipes like Beef Hotpot, Beef Tagliata and Meatballs! You can check out the other rubs for more recipes too as you can use other types of meat with this rub too.

Whats in this would be paprika, rosemary, oregano, black pepper, cumin, mustard, salt, parsley, sugar, thyme, onion, garlic, bay leaves and natural smoke flavour.

This was an easy pop into the oven Kitchen noob dish. We sprinked around 5 pinches of NoMU beef rub spice into about 600gms of pork cubes. Topped with little knobs of margarine (yeah, I forgot to buy butter again, pffft!) and threw the whole pan in the oven to bake on high heat.

Threw some rice into the rice cooker and placed 3 bundles of vegetables on top of the rice and set everything to cook. 30 minutes later with a ring a ding ding from my oven, we opened up a couple of spicy otah pieces that we bought over lunchtime. Threw it over steaming rice, topped with meat bits that were nicely browned and crispy at the edges from the oven. Picked and lay the vegetables from the top of the rice which had nicely steamed while the rice cooked. And Voila! Super duper yummy dinner. Minimal fuss, really quick to cook and overall really satisfying.

That being said... many of my dance students *if you've come to class!* this past week were presented by me in class with a tin or two of their own to bring home for some healthy food preparation and to enjoy their food as much as they enjoy working out with me on a week to week basis. I hope you enjoy the spices as much as I have...

If you haven't received your tin of NoMU rub yet and attend my dance classes, you'll probably get it this week. (while stocks last).

Honeymeow Dreaming Reality BLOG READER Special:
If you also want to try these rubs for FREE. Leave me a comment with your email addy on this blogpost from now till next week 28th November 2010. 12 lucky readers will be selected to recieve a tin of either Beef rub or Seafood rub directly from me!

As they're quite bulky and can't exactly be put into the mailbox, you would have to meet up with me to collect it somewhere at Orchard/Dhoby Ghaut or at the MRT station near my place (circle line). If you didn't leave me your email address in the comment. Please email ME with your mobile number so I can be in contact with you to arrange a time to meet. :)

Meanwhile... Eat well and Exercise hard.. :) Thanks for reading!

What Do You Want To Be Recognised For?

When the question was posed to me, it got me thinking and wondering... what do I want to be recognised for? What?... I stared out of the window on the bus and looked at people passing by and wondered... what do THEY want to be recognised for? Although it sounds somewhat morbid, but did I want people to recognise me for something while I'm still alive or be someone and do something that only makes a difference when I've passed on?

A legacy perhaps? Even more so now that I have pre-teen daughters (who are my biggest & precious miracles EVER).. will I live my life to strive to LEAVE a legacy for them or to be one while I'm still around... and so I thought somemore...

What have I achieved so far that I'd like people to know about and that I'm proud of... perhaps it was studying part time to complete my tertiary qualifications while working full time hours and keeping 18 hour days due to that for 2 years and still come out of that surviving? Well... I had my husband, a willing mother in law, understanding children who missed me like crazy and a Dad who paid for my school fees who pulled through that phase in my life but then again.. that was just a phase that was challenging but not something extraordinary that no one could have done with the support I had. I took my papers in Marketing, Advertising and Design and came out that 2 years proudly holding 3 certificates with higher merit! Was I proud of it considering that I'm was never a very academically inclined person. Heck! I was damn proud of myself and thankful for everyones support! But to be recognised for that.. not really necessary..

But being in that line begged another question, was it because I felt that I needed to share my creativity and give impact to more people through such means of mass communication? I trained in it and even started a business with it.. and yes, that business is still alive to this day albeit running a little in the background at the moment.

Then came the point where I started to go on my weightloss journey. I stepped on the scales on day in 2007, uninspired and unmotivated and saw 100kg flash before my eyes. I stand at only 163cm. That kind of weight for that height was outrageous! I was only 28 years old - obese and unhappy. Much details of that went into my blog as it became a place where I charted my journey. The journey that initially lasted an intense 1 year where it saw a weightloss drop of 33kg (before & after video here) and then through the years after it was a constant challenge to drop a couple more kilos off, tone and integrate a change in lifestyle for long term maintenance... with the weightloss also came alot more interesting aspects of my life like acting -locally and internationally, various photoshoots and product endorsements.. all videos/pictures can be found on my blog.

It surely made quite a difference and the weightloss journey was certainly something that was an integral point in my life to make it what it is today. The story around it was published in Shape Magazine too and helped inspire others and kept me motivated. It gave me a great sense of satisfaction to know how I could show others that something as daunting as losing weight can be possible once you have set your mind and decided on it.

It then occurred to me as I developed that I had a different calling that added up through the years of experience. Experience from the creative side of me, to dealing with people from many walks of life, to emceeing, working with various talents and even BEING a talent myself! Yes, I can facepaint, glitter tattoo and balloon twist too!.... I looked around and realised that I had naturally surrounded myself with people who were.. strangely - instructors! People who lead others and usually in groups and this lead me to want to take the next level up. I wanted to become an instructor too! My husband - Karate Coach. My sister - Spinning Instructor and many of my friends - Group X instructors and lecturers in their own right and specialty. How co-incidental is that? Strange!

Through the weightloss journey - exercise was an important and integral focus point in my life and for me - it was dance that motivated me to keep active. Finding a natural flair that shone outwards when I hit the dance floor was amazing. It seemed like it was just dormant and lay there till I realised that I had a natural talent to move as well as I could now. So to answer a question that many have asked me "were you a professional dancer before?" - Nope.. unless you count dancing on my sofa and coffee table at home as something.. :)

I went into training after training. From Group Aerobics, to Zumba, to Aqua Aerobics and Fitball training. I exposed myself to as many workshops, intructors and peer sharing as I could and soon after certifications, I threw myself into the waters of commercial teaching and then it hit me.

This was what I wanted to do. For as long as my body will let me. This was what I want to be recognised for. What I can do to impact as many people's lives in an intimate way. To share and be active in their life in a meaningful manner. To envoke joy and wellness in their life with their interaction with me while I strive to creatively make each point of contact something that gives impact to them at this point in time. To be a positive influence and to give them something to make their lives better. This was it.

In another way, it became a way to show my daughters through action that we need to live doing what we enjoy doing and to make a difference in this world while making a positive impact to those around us. And this inevitably will give satisfaction.

Later, with more involvement and active participation - I became a lead key trainer lecturing modules for Aerobic Instructor Certifications for new instructors. I also sat as a key reviewer and examiner for their practical examinations and the immense satisfaction that comes out of grooming passion is incredible. My heart bursts with joy and pride with each moment I get back into contact with these new batches of instructors and see their improvements, their progress and developments into their own teaching styles and how they too, realise how much of a positive impact they have given to their students by being the shining light in their class. Those that I groom and mentor personally are those that make everything worth it.

My need to make a difference, although somewhat indirect to others through my fellow instructors and with my students and personal training keeps the fire burning in me. To see them improve, whether its their health and wellness is something precious to me. The rewards of seeing their genuine smiling faces are golden. My clients who have stay loyal and dedicated to me and to themselves for their training. My students who I never fail to see them week on week, ready and raring to get moving with me are testament to what I want to be recognised for.

Someone who has made a difference. Have I made a difference in your life today?

Why am I so reflective this time and opened up as such? Well as with the beginning of the post - the question was posed to me... What do I want to be recognised for? Frankly, I'm not a person of many achievements or accolades.

Most importantly, what I strive is to be able to give something that truely means something to someone. Life is short. Making meaningful connections and relationships are all that matters. Not the never ending housework. Not chores. Not work. Just people. How many people have hugged today? How many you have let known, that you were thinking about them and that you still care and know that you're thankful that they are your friends & family. If they matter to you, let them know.

Heck! Even through my blog, I try to reach out to you. You, the one reading and the ones who forward my post to others. Perhaps it will be important or at very least entertaining to someone at one point in time.

The question was posed by Aviva with their "You are the Big Picture" campaign. And it got me thinking. I appreciate the efforts in realising that its people and their desires that makes things work and a campaign that reaches out with this idea in mind can only be a good one and I will share what I can to support it.

Aviva, a british company, is a leading provider of insurance, investment, health, and retirement products who insures 53 million customers in 28 countries. Thats a heck alot of people to impact isn't it? · Whilst they’ve been known as ‘Aviva’ in Singapore since 2001, their history spans over more than 300 years. Wow! How many generations have been covered with 300 years!?

Aviva is one of the biggest providers of employee benefits and healthcare in Singapore. This includes protecting SAF servicemen since 1983. Aviva is also the appointed insurer for the national ElderShield scheme in Singapore, insuring 50% of all new members. Aviva is the pioneer general insurer in Singapore to offer solutions solely via the internet ONLINE, so customers can enjoy simplicity, convenience and cost savings.

Thanks for reading and spending the last couple of minutes with me. If you are interested, you can read about what more people want to be recognised for over at the Aviva facebook page. Go Like the group to join it and maybe even post your own story. There are 6 ipads left to be won for the 3 entries with the most "Likes"... Contest ends 28th November 2010! Go post your entry today!

Backin' Up Song

Came across this over on Facebook and I've played it so many times, I find it so catchy and it reminds me so much of a friend of mine who talks just like her and has the same mannerisms too! Hilarious.. I love the part where she goes "Ooohh! Why do I need my coffee now..."

I'm keeping this video here so I can watch it again soon. Enjoy!

Kitteh Tricks

Its been 2 months since Misty joined our family and shes 6 months old now. She's practically fully integrated now. She has her favourite food, her favourite kitteh litter, her favourite spots in the house and her kitteh house bed which we put on top of the printer in front of us and between our computers (we don't use the printer much) and there she naps for some parts of the day. Within arms length for us to stroke her and for her to watch us as we work.

Most of the times too she will nap there with a limb or two hanging out as the first picture... and its not that the bed is small, its not! She just likes to "hang out" with us... literally. And if she's all tucked inside, shes' probably sleeping w her tongue out... :P

Misty sleeps with me every night too.. right between the wall and me. For a week last month, we decided that we would try to teach her some kitteh tricks and her first one was "shake" paw.

We utilised the command, action and treat formula and she got it in a week. Take a peek at her with the chicken sushi treats. Next one, when I've decided what it is, I'll update here. :) Meanwhile.. enjoy trick #1. "Shake!"

Halloween: Devilicious Danza & Trick or Treating!

Halloween this year was fun! I spent last year at Azzucar's Halloween night but this year, I managed to have 2 of my classes a Themed class instead of heading out at night. First class over at the A. Club HERE with Policewoman Pam with the rest of my class. (Group picture when received will be updated here).

This picture above is from my Raffles Town club class and its only HALF of my usual class. The rest didn't make it that day due to illness, injury or travel but what a pity! It would have been great to have everyone attend! I miss all of you! I will be planning the next Themed class soon! Either Christmas themed or Chinese New Year themed! Please prep now!

I went as a Red Devil, joined with my dance mate and instructor, Esther plus Pek Gan that day for a team teach class. Armed with Lolita New York eyeshadow prizes and Facial Gift Vouchers for the best dressed *instructors excluded*, we had an amazingly fun class.

Group shot together with some of my girls, Angie and Paula with Esther.

Pek Gan, Esther and me.

We loved Angie's skeleton top.

We all danced in our costumes after a round of picture taking, gave out prizes and exhiliratingly left for another segment of the evening! Angie above, has been the organiser for the Lentor estate Halloween party for the past couple of years and she invited my girls and I down for the party that night!

My girls got dressed up. Lauren went as an all black vampire with "wounds" on her face and Eirian went as a butterfly faced pink fairy. And I went down again as Policewoman Pam. I washed the costume the day before and had it ready to be worn again that evening with the torn stockings that ripped the day before...

I loved this shot as what went on during that time was hilarious! Its Abigail Chay! She was the emcee for the evening and when we took the photos, she exclaimed.. "If there were more police like you, alot of people will want to get arrested... come la! Arrest me also!"... and "I knoooowww, I'm dressed like this so that you can say I'm UGLY while everyone looks so pweeety right!!" *fake cry - booo hooo hooo...* (Bursts out into insane laughter)... Oookay.. time to run away..

She was a really funny and nice person however, albeit her emceeing and voice quite unnerving and annoying but it really did suit the theme for the night...

And then there was the Police post. Which of course had real policemen! This officer here was thoroughly amused and exclaimed "wah! Which country are you from?! - Nice outfit! Must have more like you at our station..."... We took a picture and as with him being a real policeman, he really stood like a statue the whole time we were trying to get in place for the shot! Luckily he really didn't stand at full marching attention! Sedia! Ohh.. and he gave me a mini whistle that I could clip onto my bag. "To alert others if & when I'm in danger..." he says.. Awww... how sweet... :) Thank you Mr. Policeman!

Then there was an hour where the girls and the rest of the children went from house to house trick or treating! It was the girls first time and it would definitely not be the last! They were both so amused when their bags slowly filled up with treats and by the time the trick or treating was over. Their bags were completely FULL!!

I shared a memory with them from when I was still back in the Philippines many years ago when I was in Middle School, Grade 7. Which is about equivalent to our P6/Sec. 1 here in Sg. Halloween is widely celebrated in the Philippines. Houses there REALLY get decked out and Halloween merry makers will fill the streets to Trick or Treat in full costumes.

We used to chant this when we walked down the streets. "Trick or Treat! Smell my Feet! Give me something good to eat! If you don't! I don't care! I'll pull down your underwear!!"...

When the trick or treating was done at the Lentor party estate, a small buffet of finger foods and drinks were offered. Games were played on stage and prizes were awarded for the best dressed that evening.. and guess what? I won 3rd Prize with my Police Chick costume. "The Joker" won 2nd Prize and the Family who came as Mr and Mrs Tut *Egyptian Royalty* with their daughter won 1st Prize!

Many thanks this Halloween this year to Angie for inviting us to trick or treat! My warmest thanks to Alegria Dimas who lent me all my costumes this year, without them - I would not have dressed up so nicely. And big appreciation to all instructors and students who dressed up when they came for my classes!! Thanks for being such a sport!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!! I hope you had a great one!