Do you have the habit of reading the ingredients list before buying any skincare product? My students used to tell me that I'm weird because I read ingredients lists while I brush my teeth or when shampooing my hair, but don't you want to know what you put on your precious skin? And when you see a whole long list of chemical names on the label, are you happy or worried?

Over the years, with more knowledge and after trying out many brands of skincare products, I've grown to love products that are natural, free from synthetic chemicals, and holistic - because, in most bottles out there, I see many fillers and preservatives which are unnecessary for our skin. And every now and then, we read of new research findings telling us that a certain chemical used in many skincare products is tested to be unsafe.


I am happy to find Mambino Organics, a brand of personal care products that is committed to providing "the purest and best performing natural personal care products possible". Mambino Organics is well known for eczema, cradle cap, diaper care and scar repair. The skincare products are designed for newborns, children, men and women of all skin types and age and are safe to use during pregnancy. Every product uses pure and certified organic plant oils, herb and flower extracts in its products, and they disclose all the ingredients they put into each bottle, giving the assurance and relief for green-minded parents. The products are handmade (no mass production) without any severe heating or hydrogenating processes in order to ensure the nutritional content and potency of the natural ingredients used.

Almost all the products from Mambino Organics are certified to USDA Organics Standards, giving you the confidence that you are definitely using a high-quality natural product.

1. New Beginning Pore Refining Face Wash (170 ml)

This is my current favourite cleanser! The fresh citrusy smell from the organic sweet orange peel oil perks me up in the mornings and gives a calming effect after a long day. Free from all petrochemical, synthetic surfactants, foaming agents, formaldehyde or phthalates, fragrances or alcohol, this face wash is great for all skin types and gently exfoliates the pores with 100% natural ingredients.

There are some brands of cleansers which leave my face tight and itchy after washing, especially around the cheeks, but I'm relieved that the New Beginning Pore Refining Face Wash leaves my skin clean and soft. What I also notice is that after I started using this face wash, those hard whiteheads that usually form around my forehead and chin are cleared. The bottle comes with a self-foaming pump to create the rich lathering foam for easy cleaning. Because of this cleanser and the Organic Youth Glow Omega Face Serum, I have been a returning customer of Mambino Organics!

How to Use
Splash face with some warm water and pump one pump of cleanser into palm of your hands. Create a soothing lather and work into skin in upward, circular motions, never rushing this important step. Follow with your preferred tonic, serum and moisturizer. Use morning and night. 

Ingredients
Saponified cocos nucifera (organic coconut oil), saponified olea europaea (organic olive) oil, saponified sim-mondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) oil, vegetable glycerin, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf juice, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic sweet orange) peel oil 

Organic content: 77% 

2. Organic Youth Glow Omega Face Serum (30 ml)

Oils and my face don't go well together, so I was a little hesitant before trying this product. Now, it is an important part of my daily face routine. Loaded with essential fatty acids and antioxidants that my tired skin needs, this oil is quickly absorbed to give a natural glow on my face and improves my complexion. Even without applying any moisturizer, my face stays hydrated and comfortable. What more, with ingredients like evening primrose, hazelnut and sea buckthorn fruit, what's not to love about the scent!

Psst ... I also read that this serum is popular amongst men for reducing any irritation and redness after shaving. It's time to surprise your favorite man with one bottle!

How to Use
Apply a few drops on cleansed face, eye and neck area every morning and night. For oilier, acne-prone and combination skin use it instead of your regular moisturizer. For dry skin, follow with your moisturizer. (Quick Tip: for best results, apply the serum on slightly damp skin right after cleansing or toning.) 

Ingredients
Corylus avellana (organic hazelnut) seed oil, rosa canina (organic rosehip) fruit oil, oenothera biennis (organic evening primrose) oil, hippophae rhamnoides (organic sea buckthorn) fruit oil, calophyllum inophyllum (organic tamunu) oil, citrus sinensis (organic orange) peel oil, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) oil

*USDA Certified Organic/ Vegan / Cruelty free

On that eventful day in May 2004, the day started as usual for me. I had been experiencing constant abdominal pains for about 2 weeks and sometimes, diarrhoea and bloatedness too. A General Practitioner diagnosed these symptoms as heartburn and/or gastric pains and prescribed a course of medicines for me. Despite the pains, I went to work as I needed to prepare materials required for my students' Science practical exam.

Ectopic pregnancy

According to a Straits Times report in 2011, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 in 300 pregnancies. (link to report) In the UK, it affects 1 in 80 pregnancies. (link)

photo source

Photo from laparoscopy (May 2004)

In a study done in Singapore from 1994 to 2000 by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, for every 100 live births, 2.39 were with birth defects. 

I have no idea why I have not jumped onto the "honestbee grocery concierge" bandwagon till now. It's about time, I guess, especially since I will be without any domestic help in a month's time.

I usually shop at FairPrice Xtra for most of the family needs as we have one well-stocked outlet nearby. Occasionally, I'll drop by the Chinese medicinal hall a few streets away to get cheaper diapers or take a 10-minute drive to the nearest NTUC Finest for gourmet grocery for a special homecooked meal. It's a lovely experience to be at the store physically, browsing through shelves of products, but if I have 5 other errands on my To-Do list, grocery shopping can get frustrating.

And imagine bringing a 6-year-old child along and lugging three bags of groceries that weigh 5 kg each - hence the need to explore online grocery.

honestbee? What's that?

I believe by now, most of you would have heard about honestbee even if you have not tried the services before. honestbee started out as an online grocery concierge service and today, it has expanded its concierge services to medication, food and laundry services. (Scroll down for current promotions for first-time sign ups)
For online grocery shopping, the number of stores available on honestbee is impressive! There are 29 stores available in my area, with products ranging from premium vegan cold-pressed juices, DIY home improvement products, exquisite French or Japanese gourmet products and local domestic products. What have I missed out all this while?!

More savings with honestbee's Family Market

Recently, honestbee launched a new store that aims to cater to the needs of families with young children. Family Market, as the name implies, carries family and baby essentials ranging from food and snacks, health and beauty essentials, to baby care products like diapers and milk powder, and household goods. These products are direct from the suppliers so you will find that the prices are lower than those of major supermarkets.

For example, I save $1.72 when I get the Dove shampoo at Family Market store than the usual supermarket I go to.

Price comparison for Dove shampoo

Look at how much a parent saves from diapers at Family Market! A price comparison on Merries diapers across other honestbee's stores and Redmart shows that you get to save most on Family Market. (If you are only looking to buy diapers, Singapore Motherhood has a very useful article on cheap diapers in Singapore.)

Price comparison of Merries diapers (prices quoted are accurate at the time of publication)

For now, there are about 900 items available at Family Market which I feel is rather limited. I believe honestbee will continue to add more essential items to better serve the needs of families with young kids. Oh, also take note that there are no fresh or chilled products from this store (yet).

My online grocery shopping experience with honestbee 

Since it was my first time ordering from honestbee, I took some time to familiarise myself with the platform and compare prices of items I wanted across various platforms and with the stores on honestbee. As I added items to the cart, I imagined little hardworking bees buzzing around the store, picking up those items as I clicked. I know ... I'm too imaginative. 

Here's sharing what wow-ed me (and didn't) about honestbee:
The "Wow!" about honestbee

• The website has a very user-friendly interface and it is easy to navigate around the platform. 
• They promise their prices are exactly the same as in the stores. I compared prices of a few items I usually get from FairPrice Xtra with the FairPrice store on honestbee. Yes, same same indeed.
• I can shop at multiple stores in one order! This will come in useful if I am hosting a gathering and need gourmet groceries, soft drinks, disposable cutlery, etc. Imagine the amount of time saved from running all the stores myself. 
• The convenience and time saved because someone else is doing the task and I don't have to break my back carrying bulky items home. My first honestbee order is a 10-kg load of items and I am thankful that it was delivered right up to my doorstep.
• There is real-time tracking of the order. The order showed that my concierge shopper was preparing my stuff at 6:27 pm. 
• honestbee delivers from 11 am to 10 pm daily (subject to store operating hours), including weekends and public holidays. 
• The glass bottles were separately packed in another box with a label indicating fragile items. 

The "Hmmm..." about honestbee

• There is a delivery charge of $10 for off-peak delivery timings if the minimum spending ($40 or $50, depending on stores) at each store is not met. 
• It is not possible to collect LINK points, rebates or discounts on purchases made with an OCBC NTUC Plus card and in-store promotions are not available. 
• Same-day delivery may not apply to some stores. When I made my order from the Family Market store on 5 Jul, 10:18 am, the earliest delivery available was the following day at 9 pm. 

Discounts for first-time sign-ups 

AVIVA SUPERFUNDAE - Singapore's largest outdoor party for the family - is a June holiday event that L will always eagerly wait for. We had so much fun at the 2015 and 2016 Aviva Superfundae and there are many reasons why we wish to return again!


Let your kids soak in the sun and fun with more than 30 non-stop games and activities across 22,000 sqm of open play space at Gardens By The Bay. With five thematically-designed fun zones - Circus Centre, Speedy Zone, Dream Castle, Pirate Island and Jungle World, your whole family can hang loose and enjoy the day while the kids run around silly and immerse in the activities.

In the world of Aviva Superfundae, happiness is guaranteed with the famous Mega Candy Cannon that fires Haribo gummies hourly, awesome Family Dashes, Ninja Quest Giant Inflatable Obstacle course and the popular wet and wild at the CrayCraySpray Waterplay Area where you battle it out with the Nerf Super Soakers. You can also unleash your creativity with artsy workshops and activities at the Dream Castle. What's more, every kid (up to 12 years old) will receive a Superfundae goodie bag and Medal of Achievement when you complete all challenges. The past goodie bags have been awesomely fantastic and I'm sure this year is no different.

There will also be FREE ICE CREAM and FREE VITAGEN for everyone and a FREE DRINK for the adults!

Pasarbella will also be partnering with Aviva Superfundae, so you can purchase lots of yummy signature food there. There will be great entertainment throughout the day and a movie screening to wind down for the night under the stars.

Pasarbella tent during last year's Aviva Superfundae

Organised by local events management company IMAGINE+, and sponsored by insurer Aviva, it's all about "Making Time for Fun" this year at the Aviva Superfundae, where families come together for some sun-loving, quality play time.

Picture taken at last year's Aviva Superfundae

Each ticket is priced at $19.90 each and entitles you to all-day play at the carnival. Kids below 3 years old enter for free. If you are a PASSION card member, you get 10% discount off your tickets. Get your tickets from SISTIC. (Tickets sold on event day will be S$27.90 per ticket.)

Visit www.superfundae.com.sg for more details.


Special thanks to our generous sponsor, we have 2 x Family Set tickets (4 tickets per set) to be given away. One winner will be selected for the Facebook giveaway and one for my Instagram followers.



Facebook giveaway - To participate, please fulfil all the steps below:

1. Like Superfundae Singapore on Facebook
2. Like this post on Facebook
3. Tag 3 friends in the comment section of this post to tell them about Aviva Superfundae. 

You are welcome to join both the Facebook and Instagram giveaways! And because sharing is caring, please share this with your BFFs and loved ones!

Giveaway terms and conditions:

• This giveaway is only open to people residing in Singapore.
• All incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries will be verified before the winner is announced. To be fair to our sponsor, please note that all fake Facebook and Instagram accounts (i.e. accounts set up purely to take part in contests with no or very few real friends) will also be ineligible to win.
• The winners will be announced on this blog, Facebook and Instagram. You have 48 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn.
• Please note that this giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and Instagram. By taking part in this giveaway, you agree to provide your information to Simply Lambchops and the sponsor.
• All personal details provided in this giveaway will be kept confidential. 

Have you seen this short film that has been viewed 5,368,555 times on Facebook (data was taken on 21 Mar 2017 at 10:02 am my timezone)? The hilarious cover of a cat on a man's back with the words "A cat massage?" caught my attention after a few friends tagged me on Facebook. Watch it if you have not.


It is one of the best short films I've seen lately - humorous, yet brings across a much-needed message by people with Down syndrome. "Not Special Needs" is an international campaign initiated by CoorDown - National Coordination of Associations of People with Down syndrome for the World Down Syndrome Day and I think they nailed the message.

What special needs does someone with Down syndrome really have?

Looking at K who will turn 6 years old this year, I sometimes forget that she has a disability. She has needs just like Ch and L, and every other child I have hugged and kissed and loved. She needs to eat, drink, rest and breathe. She needs to love and be loved, to communicate, to move, to be educated and to have a safe place called home.

Of course, if you ask her about her needs, she'll probably tell you she needs to watch TV and play "cooking". Every day.

Sure, she does require extra assistance from time to time - like a feeding tube when she could not swallow her food safely and wasn't eating enough to sustain her growth - or an oxygen concentrator to provide sufficient oxygen for her to live when her lungs were healing from the three pneumonia infections - or even the numerous therapies to help her learn better and grow in the cognition, physical, social and emotional aspects.

Aren't these merely different ways of meeting her fundamental human needs?

It is time to recognise people with disabilities, including Down syndrome, as equal siblings in our family of human diversity - as people with the same rights and same fundamental human needs as everyone else, even if they may require extra assistance or a different way of meeting a particular human need. - www.notspecialneeds.com

If we can see the needs of people with disabilities as just human needs, we will be able to see beyond the condescending labels that have been freely slapped onto them by the society.

If we can see their needs as just human needs, many babies who are born with disabilities will not be abandoned in the hospitals - unclaimed and unloved.

If we can see their needs as just human needs, we will be able to see people with disabilities as just, people.


Not special needs. Just human needs.

As people with the same rights and access to all that we enjoy too.

*March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. A day where people with Down syndrome and friends who care about them come together as one voice to raise awareness of Down syndrome.

Esplanade's PLAYtime! series is interactive and fun, even for the accompanying adults!

Rochee: The Friendliest Cockroach

I am Rochee...

Mesmerising blue luminous balls that represent Glenny's tears

A sensory-friendly performance is meant to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. All individiuals are welcome regardless of their sensory needs. However, changes have been made to the production and the atmosphere, and the experience might differ from a regular-setting show. 

Your child's shampoo has run out and the next bath is just a few hours away. You get to the usual aisle of your supermarket and grab hold of that familiar bottle of shampoo. But wait.

When was the last time you took a closer look at the list of ingredients stated on the label? How do you decide if that shampoo is most suitable for your kids? Are all kids' personal care products equivalent in terms of quality and function?

As parents, we probably go for hypoallergenic baby care products and avoid ingredients like fragrances, parabens, preservatives and the more well-known Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or its lesser evil cousin - Sodium Laureth Sulfate - which act to create lather that we all love.

But there are others, like dioxane and triclosan, in many of our children's (and adults') personal care products. According to a study done by the California-based Center for Environmental Health in 2013, it states that a cancer-causing chemical has been found in hundreds of popular brand shampoos. That culprit is "Cocamide DEA". In another report recently released (Oct 2016) by the Breast Cancer Fund's Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it reveals the widespread presence of toxic chemicals in children's hair products, lip balms, makeup kits, face paints and nail products.

Labels revealed chemicals of concern in products marketed to children, including endocrine disrupting compounds, chemicals linked to organ toxicity and neurological damage, and ingredients that can be contaminated with carcinogens. - report by Breast Cancer Fund

Cost aside, is one shampoo or body wash, therefore, as good as another? Of course not!

Why expose your child to more hazardous chemicals if there is an alternative?

The good news is, there are many companies that are making safer personal care products for our children, using ingredients that are natural instead of synthetic ones that might have some harmful effects on our bodies. My kids have been using certified organic products from Mambino Organics and Cottoncubs to protect their dry and slightly sensitive skin. They love it and so do I. Here's why.

* Mambino Organics *

Mambino Organics baby care products - Made in USA

Co-founded in 2006 by Ms Maki Maodus, a passionate and ecological-conscious aesthetician who has worked in the natural skin and body care products for over a decade, Mambino Organics is a brand well-known for eczema, cradle cap, diaper care and scar repair. Every product uses pure and certified organic plant oils, herb and flower extracts in its products, and they disclose all the ingredients they put into each bottle, giving the assurance and relief for green-minded parents. The products are handmade (no mass production) without any severe heating or hydrogenating processes in order to ensure the nutritional content and potency of the natural ingredients used. Mambino Organics is USDA Organics certified.

Mambino Soothe Me Body Wash & Shampoo (170 ml)

The first thing I noticed about Mambino's Soothe Me Baby-Kids Body Wash & Shampoo is its ingenious self-foaming pump. Because there are no foaming agents used, the pump makes the oh-so-lovely foam for easy washing. The gentle head-to-toe baby wash protects even the most delicate skin and washes off so easily. Ch noticed that the body wash stings when it came into contact with her eyes, and that is only because the product doesn't contain numbing agents (additional chemicals). Although not overpowering, the smell needs some time to get used to, especially if you are not used to the smell of coconut oil on your hair/body product - but once dry, it smells good. Hair does not entangle much after wash. The body wash is effective for cradle cap.

How to Use
Massage one or two pumps onto damp face, body and hair, avoiding eye area, then rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients (INCI)
Saponified Cocos nucifera (organic coconut) oil, Saponified Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Saponified Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf juice, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) oil.

Mambino Baby's Best Daily Essential Lotion (146ml)

The sweet tangy orange smell of the Mambino Baby's Best Daily Essential Lotion reminds me of an orange smoothie drink which I love. It leaves a non-greasy feel and is absorbed into the skin very quickly. We find the lotion very effective at keeping the skin moisturised and soothing to L's dry itchy skin.

How to Use
Apply small amount of lotion and gentle massage over face and body right after bath or shower. For best results, use daily.

Ingredients (INCI) 
Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) juice, Cocos nucifera (organic coconut) oil, Camellia sinensis (organic green tea) extract, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Cetyl palmitate, Sorbitan palmitate, Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Calophyllum inophyllum (organic tamanu) oil, Palm stearic acid, Xanthan gum (polysaccharide gum), Aurantium dulcis (organic sweet orange) essential oil, Anthemis nobilis (organic chamomile) flower oil.

Where to Buy

* Cottoncubs *

Cottoncubs baby care products - Made in Australia

It all started with a mother's love for her son who was suffering from eczema then. Staying in Sydney, Australia, Ms Bilyana Di Costanzo could not find any suitable cool clothing for her son under the extreme Australian summer heat, and decided to make him some apparel using ultra-light cotton voile. And Cottoncubs was born since 2008.

Now, Cottoncubs also has its own organic baby care range of products, specially formulated with the finest natural and certified organic ingredients from plant extracts and pure essential oils, to help babies, toddlers and young kids with sensitive skin. Recognised and certified by Australian Certified Organic (ACO), you can be assured of Cottoncubs' quality. (Do note that Cottoncubs products contain Parfum in their ingredient list.)

Cottoncubs Baby Shampoo (250ml)

Cottoncubs Baby Shampoo is a clear liquid which produces a small amount of lather after it's gently massaged on the scalp. It washes off quite easily and is soap and sulfate-free. We like the clean smell that lingers on the hair after a wash. Ch smeared some of the lather on her eyes and it does not sting.

How to Use
Wet the scalp/hair of your baby/toddler before use. Apply a small amount on the scalp/hair and gently massage into a lather. Rinse off thoroughly and dry with a soft bath towel.

Ingredients
Organic Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) juice, Purified water (Aqua), Coco glucoside, Organic Guar Gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Citric Acid, Organic Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, Parfum, Organic glycerine, Organic Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) essential oil, Potassium sorbate, Organic Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) extract, Organic Avocado (Pesea gratissima) oil, Organic Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil, Organic Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) extract, Organic Calendula (Calendula officinalis) extract, Organic Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) extract, Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) extract.

Cottoncubs Baby Body Wash (250ml)

Gentle on the skin, Cottoncubs Baby Body Wash has a lovely lavender fragrance which also provides relief for skin irritations. Evening primrose oil helps to restore dry flaky skin conditions as it has a high amount of essential fatty acids. We find that the gel leaves a smooth film on the skin after rinsing.

How to Use
Dispense a small amount into a running bath for babies or simply apply directly onto your child's wet body and massage the gel into a mild lather. Rinse off thoroughly and dry with a soft bath towel

Ingredients
Organic Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) juice, Purified water (Aqua), Coco glucoside, Organic Guar Gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Citric Acid, Organic Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, Potassium sorbate, Parfum, Organic glycerine, Organic Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) essential oil, Organic Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) extract, Organic Avocado (Pesea gratissima) oil, Organic Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis) oil, Organic Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) extract, Organic Calendula (Calendula officinalis) extract, Organic Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) extract, Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) extract.

Cottoncubs The Skin Soother (60ml)

Where to Buy
My First Shoots website 


As the main person deciding on the types of products we use at home, I am mindful of the family's safety and consciously seek safer food and food packaging, as well as safer cleaning products and toys. Knowing that the kids' personal care products are not laden with harmful chemicals, it gives me a peace of mind when they bathe.

*INCI refers to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients; is a system of names for ingredients of soap, cosmetics etc, and is largely based on scientific names.

Disclaimer: We were given the products mentioned in this post for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation was given and all opinion are ours.