IPhone App on Cartoon Drawing

When little Vance started scribbling on paper to coloring and now to trying to draw after Hubby and I bought the Crayonla whiteboard for him from Toys r us which cost us a bomb, little Vance has kind of developed an interest in drawing. Sometimes, he would just scribble on the whiteboard acting like a Teacher.

Sometimes, he would write words that he has learned in school. Sometimes, when he run out of ideas on what to draw he will come and ask me to "help" him draw. Haha...

When I cam across this app, I was very delighted as I was very bad in Art during school days but I don't want to disappoint him.

So this app was of great use! This app shows you how to draw step by step, line by line.

We drew an Elephant! Haha!

I am back!!!

After a long break, from giving birth, serving my confinement to returning to "$$$" land, I'm finally back to post my first blog post of the Dragon Year 2012!!!

Huat ah!!!

Coming up, I will be updating my blog with new posts of happenings and news. Stay tune!

Letterland books for Junior!

I have no idea what's Letterland until Jnr started his nursery. Letterland is part of his daily curriculum.

After doing a search, I realized Letterland is extremely useful. It helps children to recognize, learn and write letters A to Z using letterland songs, phonics, etc.

The Letterland official website, letterland.com offers some sample songs for downloads besides the letterland songs, the website also has some downloadable activity worksheets.

At first, Jnr came home singing the song Annie Apple. I was curious what's Annie Apple but later I realized it's actually the letterland song for the letter 'A'. I was so surprise when I heard Jnr sang the full song. In the song, it also teaches phonics for 'A'.

There are many Letterland books for sale in the book stores and they aren't cheap. So when choosing which book to buy, mummy has to select them very carefully. Some are story based and some are activity based.

Here are the letterland books I bought for Jnr and coincidentally on the day I bought these books, Popular book store was having promotion for a range of Letterland books.

Disney Pixar Cars - Complete Cars book

Hubby spotted this book at a book stall and he's very sure that Jnr will definitely love it!

This complete Cars book includes Cars 2 characters, stickers, activities, stories, etc.

This book comes in a hard cover! We love this book!

It is a MUST to have - Baby Bed Rail!

I didn't know there's something called Baby Bed Rail until I saw someone dumped the baby bed rail packaging box at my mother in law's HDB flat lift area!

I quickly told Hubby because we have been stacking pillows and bolsters around Jnr's bed to prevent him from falling as Jnr has lots of different sleeping position. When Jnr was a few months old, he once slipped from my mother in law's bed. We were so worried that I took urgent leave (I was on my way to work and I have already reached the mrt station near my work place) and went to my in law's house immediately and bought him to the doctor (even Hubby took urgent leave).

After seeing the baby bed rail packaging box, Hubby and I went to search for it and BINGO! We found it at the shop that sell baby stuffs at Heartland Mall, Kovan! They have a few range and we got ours at $39.90!

To me having this bed rail, it's so much of a convenience for us! We no longer need to stack pillows like barracks because even with the pillows, sometimes Jnr will just kick them off the bed. Also, where to find so much pillows, right?

Also, before having this smart invention, baby bed rail, we always have to wake up to see Jnr (make sure he's not on the floor). But with this bed rail, we can now sleep without having to wake up so frequently although we still wake up to check out on him.

Baby Bed Rail is a MUST to every family with little children because it's really very useful!

BabyCare Mum-to-be Gift Bag!

Received this gift bag from my gynae's clinic when I went for my check up.

Quite a number of sample packs were given. From Huggies diaper sample, baby cream to Babycare magazine and lots more....

Ikea Smaland - Officially a Smale!

We are quite a regular patrons of Tampines Ikea as we always have something to buy. Be it storage boxes, wardrobe, furniture for Jnr, etc. Shopping at Ikea and Giant has been part of our weekend activities as we often get our groceries there and most importantly PARKING IS FREE!

However, Jnr can't get to play at Ikea's Smaland as he has to be 4years old in order to be a Smale!!! At first, we thought they go by the year he's born so by right at the beginning of this year he should be able to join and able to enter Smaland but that's not the case because they go by the date of birth.

So to be able to enter Smaland OFFICIALLY, we waited for quite a long time because every time we go to Ikea, Jnr only get to look at the kids playing happily outside (with the glass as barrier, poor thing!). He always tell us he wants to go in and play but when we tell him he has to wait till his birthday, he will turn away with disappointment!

To cheer him up, we bought him Ikea's ice cream. But, now that he has become a Smale officially, he gets to enjoy free ice cream and discounted kid's meal with free drink!!! I was surprised with the amount of discount they gave for the kid's meal. The usual price is $2.90 but being a Smale, he gets the meal discount coupon and the kid's meal is only $1.50!!!!

Anyway, Jnr enjoyed his first "entry" to Smaland and he's proud to get his Smale passport!

His Birthday at Downtown East Explorer Kids!

This year both Hubby and I have decided to celebrate Jnr's birthday in a simple way.

Last year, we ordered a 2kg cake from Ecreative and packed goodie bags for Jnr to distribute to his classmates but this year, Jnr said he didn't want to celebrate his birthday in school. Hmm, we didn't probe further as I'm expecting so I'm also quite hesitant to prepare the stuffs for him to bring to school.

Things like what cake to order, what items to get for the goodie bags, make arrangements with his Teacher for me to go into to his class, the hassle of bringing the big cake to his school, etc. The thought of it really makes me hesitant as I'm really can't handle with a big tummy.

Luckily, Jnr didn't want any celebration so Hubby and I decided to bring him out on his birthday. Since his birthday falls on a school day, we decided to let him "off" on that day. Initially, we planned to bring him to Downtown East's Escape Themepark to sit those rides since now they give the choice of "pay-per-ride" because previously, they only have the choice of buying an entry ticket and you get to enjoy unlimited rides of all the rides but certain rides are not suitable for Jnr. However, we are a little hesitant as going to the theme park depends on weather. If it's raining, of course needless to say we can't play at all but if it's a sunny day, we are worried Jnr might fall sick so I was telling Hubby forget about bringing him to the theme park. Anyway, I also can't take any of the rides!

Hubby then asked me to check any places that have special treats on birthdays? Like Swensens' Kids Club, kids get to enjoy free ice cream (not sure what type of ice cream but definitely not Earthquake!).

Suddenly, Explorer Kids came to my mind. Immediately, I went to their website(as Jnr is a member) and found out that members get to enjoy FREE play on their birthdays!!! Usually, it costs $11 for an hour play and each accompanying adult will have to pay $2 for entry fee.

I quickly ran to Hubby and told him the good news and Hubby said, "Ok, we shall go there then." Anyway, Jnr likes to go there but we don't bring him there very often as it's quite costly though.

When we reached there, since it was a week day, there wasn't many people. Only 4 to 5 kids and a few accompanying adults. So Jnr had a great time there as he kind of have the pool almost to himself!

At the entrance, Jnr was greeted with a gift box, a balloon sword and a birthday hat! Wow, their service is really good! Haha, I thought only those who hold celebrations there will get to enjoy that kind of privilege but not that case!

I think Jnr is like Mummy and Daddy who doesn't like to hold happening birthday celebration but like simple yet enjoyable birthday celebration with family!

Thomas and Friends: The Big Book of Engines!

Came across this almost complete Thomas and Friends Big Book that has all the amazing facts about every single train engines in Thomas and Friends!

Besides the amazing facts, the big book also has puzzles, songs,etc.

One thing about this book is the COST!!! Guess how much is this book? It's $21!!!!

But Hubby say this book is very useful especially our Jnr is a fan of Thomas and Friends! Initially, I hesitated due to the cost but Hubby insist on buying and his reason was "This book is RARE." Hmmm, indeed... Alright let's get it for Jnr!

Indeed, he fell in love with the book. Every day he will go through the book. "Mummy, I want to buy this train! Can Mummy?" Thanks Daddy!

First time shopping at Cotton On Kids!

I have always being a shopping fan of Cotton On products. Be it the clothes or their Rubi shoes. Trust me, I have many Cotton On clothes as well as pairs of Rubi Shoes.

Why I like their clothes?

They are just too comfortable and affordable. Their design suits my dressing style too - I like to dress in casual and comfort clothes :)

I rarely have the chance to shop in town area. It has been ages since I went to Orchard, Somerset or even Plaza Singapura. Why? Because parking fees and the ERP gantries charges are costly and the thought of taking public transport turns me off.

Usually, we will shop at nearby area or child friendly places with cheap or even FREE parking places!

Yesterday, I had to meet someone for lunchie whom I can't turn down and the meet up was arranged at Plaza Singapura so curious me who have not step into PS for a long time did a search on what's new at PS besides Diaso, Spotlight, Aussino and the usual shops which has been there since I used to shop with Hubby during our dating days.

To my surprise, while going through the store directory, I came across Cotton On Kids!!!

I didn't know Cotton On is selling kids clothing too so I went to their website and was amazed at the kids clothing! They are awesome! Hopefully, they are as affordable as those Cotton On clothes I used to buy too! Now even Hubby is a fan of Cotton On too!

After the lunchie, I went!!! Sorry, I didn't get to take photos of the shop as I was attracted to the shop so much that I just forgot about taking pics!

Wow, the kids clothing are really nice! They even sell new born rompers! Prices of their clothes starts from $16.95? Not sure if this is the cheapest?

I bought a pair of beach pants for Jnr! It was $14.95 and they were having 30% storewide discount and it only cost $10.45!!! Cheaper than Giordano Junior!

I wanted to buy the newborn rompers for 2nd Jnr but Jnr has left many of his baby clothed for 2nd Jnr. Some are not even worn yet! So I decided not to buy! But the design just attracted me!

In the shop, they even have an area for kids to watch cartoons! Wow, with that mummies can shop with ease!

While making payment, I enquired about the other outlets in Singapore and realized there aren't many Cotton On Kids outlets in SG. According to the friendly sales person, the one nearer to me and with the most apparel design is the outlet in Plaza Singapura. The rest are not as big as this.

Hmmm, hopefully there will be more kids outlet at places like Amk, Hougang or even Sengkang!

Fabrics from Ikea!

Was shopping with Hubby @ Ikea and came across these nice fabrics for kids at the Kids section. These fabrics are available when they launched the 2012 catalog because before that we didn't come across Ikea selling kids fabrics.

Both Hubby and I were attracted to the nice design of these fabrics. Being a kids fabric lover (see my other posts on fabrics) who has a mother in law who loves DIY sewing and makes nice pillow and mattress cases, immediately grabbed them and put them into the shopping trolley!

Not sure if I mentioned before why I like to buy kids fabric, just to share again, besides those kids pillow cases selling at Kiddy Palace, I can't find any places that sell kids pillow cases.

Anyway, the Ikea kids fabrics are of good quality and selling at affordable price ranging from $12 to $15.

http://www.ikea.com/sg/en/catalog/products/20169205/

Looking for buyers for Brand New Naraya Bags!

Books for Junior!

 

Little Vance's little pieces of artwork! (Part 1)

This artworks are done by Little Vance in school for Father's Day and Mother's Day, this year 2011!

I'm so impressed with the kind of art and craft ideas the school's teacher has. Daddy was so amazed when Junior passed him the "mini" shirt and Daddy jokingly said to Junior "I can't fit into the shirt! Too small size for Daddy. Next time, make a bigger size ok?"

Hee....

The Fun and Interactive Magnetic First Words!

While shopping, I came across this teaching material called the Magnetic First Words - School Days Out.

I was attracted by the colorful cover page. Very nice and beautiful pictures. While looking at it, the sales person introduced and explained to me on the use of this Magnetic First Words.

It comes with many high frequency words in the form of magnets. Besides the high frequency words, like "at", "on", "in", etc, there are vocabulary words, etc. The magnetic words are to be matched to the printed words on the page. Thereafter, we can talk about the picture using the words.

I find the pictures very interesting and educational. They have a few titles such as School Days, Days Out and Magnetic Sums (for Math) Taking Away. At that moment, I feel that Math can be learned later so I bought School Days.

Another reason for getting School Days was because Jnr used to cry when he enters school, so I purposely bought School Days to attract him to how fun going to school can be with all the beautiful and colorful pictures in this book.

Although it's a little expensive for that few pages, but I find it very interesting and useful. Mummies, if you would like to get this useful learning material to teach your Junior, I saw Elm Tree Book Store selling it too. If I recall correctly, I think I bought it at $15.90 from a stall at a bazaar.

Here are some pictures I took:

I'm always very attracted to interesting educational material. I love shopping for them. I want to teach Jnr in a fun, lively and interactive way instead of just learn through the boring way of reading and studying. I believe nowadays learning can be done in a very fun way. With that, I believe they will be more willing to learn and able to absorb more.

I hope now I will have more time to teach and educate Jnr with creativity ways of learning and teaching. Internet is definitely the source where I research for creativity and resources.

So, stay tune!