loonshi's little secret moneyland

IPhone App on Cartoon Drawing

2012-01-27T13:02:00.001+08:00

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!!!

2012-01-27T12:58:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-10-07T20:52:00.001+08:00

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

2011-10-06T11:49:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-10-05T21:52:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-10-05T21:04:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-10-05T18:14:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-09-23T23:22:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-09-23T21:55:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-09-23T07:45:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-09-22T22:14:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-09-14T16:41:00.000+08:00

Books for Junior!

2011-09-14T16:02:00.001+08:00

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

2011-09-14T15:54:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-08-28T23:15:00.001+08:00

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!

I'm sorry you didn't get to watch the play!

2011-08-26T16:13:00.001+08:00

Jnr's school organised to go and watch the Rainbow Fish Play but I thought it would be boring for him as his interest has always been cars, trucks, trains so I thought he would give it a miss. Who knows on the day when the class all went for the play except for him and one or two who didn't went as well was furious that I did not let him go with the rest to watch the play. I was surprise when I fetch him after school and he told me that he cried because he didn't get to go and watch "the Fish" oppps! I was apologetic as I realized Jnr know what's going on!To make it up to him, I went to the online NLB system to look for the story book. We went to Hougang Mall's Public Library (wow! It has more children books than Compass Point's) and borrowed 2 books on the Rainbow Fish! There are so many story books on the Rainbow Fish! Although the books I borrow are different from the play's story but at least Jnr get to see how the Rainbow Fish looks like. "Jnr I'm sorry, Mummy thought you won't know how to appreciate play so didn't allow you to go."Ironically, after we borrowed the books, I tried to read them to him, he took a look at the colorful fishes but his attention didn't last till I finish reading the book! Haha! See, I knew he won't be interested. Even if he went to watch the play, it will be watch and forget.... Hmmm, maybe later when he knows how to appreciate, I will definitely let him go.

Freebies from Magazines at Singapore's Kinokuniya Bookstores

2011-08-08T16:46:00.001+08:00

I always see people carrying the Fred Perry Tote Bag and some other nice tote bags. I came across someone selling on Gmarket and realised those tote bags are actually freebies from magazines.

Later on, I got confirmation from my sister as her colleague always buy magazines from Kinokuniya and these magazines usually comes with freebies like tote bags, etc. Curious me actually googled and found this blog where the blogger actually updates readers on what freebies which magazine is giving.

Those magazines usually cost more than $10 but to me I find that since they magazine comes with useful freebies, it's definitely a good buy or rather worth buying!

Here's another website, Adorably Clueless Me, where blogger blogs about her great buys too! Some of the posts do mentioned about the freebies from the magazines!

Earn and Redeem Rewards by Writing Reviews on OpenRice!

2011-08-05T13:59:00.000+08:00

Introducing a new website, OpenRice, a Restaurant Guide and Food Review website where you could earn and redeem rewards just by writing reviews.

How to earn points?

The Rewards Menu

Outdoor Activity at Punggol Park!

2011-07-11T15:02:00.000+08:00

After dinning at the famous 24hrs coffee shop opposite Punggol Park where all the famous Singapore local delicacies are, we took a stroll at Punggol Park to digest our food. As Junior has never been to Punggol Park's park (he went to the restaurant for Christmas dinner once, but never been to Punggol Park's park yet!) so Hubby and I decided to take him there for a walk after the dinner.

While strolling, we saw water sports by the "pond", there's a pond in Punggol Park. Excited Junior saw the Paddle Boat (I don't know what is it called exactly, so I called it the Paddle Boat), he insisted he wants to have a ride with ME! I told him I can't paddle with 'Didi' (his little brother) inside my tummy. So I told him, Daddy will paddle with him. He was so happy and Daddy didn't say 'No!' as it cost $12 for a half hour (30mins) ride. Initially, daddy said 30mins is too short, he wanted 1hr! I said, "Are you sure? One hour of paddling? Try out first lah!" Haha, in the end after the 30mins of paddling, Daddy said his legs are soooooooooooo extremely numb and tired! haha! Mummy is never wrong! This is based on my experience 8 years back when Hubby and I went to Bintan and we had the Water Ski Ride for an hour and we were like.. gosh! So I remembered that incident but Hubby must have forgotten!

Mummies out there who are staying around Punggol Park can bring your little one there for a ride too. They even have something like canoeing, sorry, I don't know what's that water sports called. But they do have a few types of water sports. To me, the safest is the Paddle Boat. Their business hours starts in the afternoon , not sure about the exact time but I'm very sure it ends at 7pm because we were there after dinner.

Another thing Hubby told me was the heat from the pond's water was quite hot too so I suggest not to bring your little ones on a hot day to avoid getting sick.

Also, they don't have a shop or anything, just a few tables and benches, the water sports business is run by some teenagers or rather youth.

Some pictures to share:

Junior looked frighten!


Junior was wearing the adult life jacket as they don't have kids size!

Here we go.....

Paddle...paddle....

Another used item converted to Cash - My Dad's Antique Fishing Rod and Reel SOLD!

2011-07-10T13:34:00.001+08:00

After a few attempts of helping my Dad to sell away his pre-loved Fishing Rod and Reel which he owned for many years, I finally sold them on one of the forums, Singapore Bike Forum. The response from this forum as compared to other forums are much more better, even on Fishing Kaki forum which I expected more responses did not response equally well.

Anyway, here's a few photos of my Dad's pre-loved fishing rod and reel which I sold at $20! :)

Shimano Fishing Reel

Basic Fishing Rods

I think it's a good price to fetch since it's already so "antique". Someone's trash could be someone's love! My Dad couldn't bear to throw it away as the Fishing Reel was quite costly when he bought it last time. So he asked me whether I could help him to sell it even for that few dollars at least it's not thrown away, since the reel and rod still can be used.

*Something which I don't understand is when i sold my VCDs and DVDs at Cash Converter, the outlet in AMK, I saw people selling Tupperwares, plates, figurines, etc but when I called and ask them whether they buy in Fishing Rod and Reel, they said "No!". Hmmmm....Simply, don't understand!

I bought more Fabrics for Junior and 2nd Junior!

2011-07-08T11:27:00.003+08:00

After my previous post about the fabrics I bought for Little Vance, this time, i went down to Chinatown and bought more Fabrics! They are sooooo cute! Oppps... Yes, they are Hello Kitty prints! But the backgroung colour is Blue so it can be used for Boys too! Haha... Luckily Junior didn't detest Hello Kitty and keep saying he wants the "Mao Mao" (means Cat in Mandarin) pillow.

My mother in law likes to sew so this cute fabrics definitely is of good use to Junior and our upcoming 2nd Junior. My mother in law is going to make the bean sprout pillow and mattress case for 2nd Junior!

These fabrics are soooo cute! It's kind of like love at first sight when I saw them, I immediately want to get lots of it!

3 different designs~

Hello Kitty Design~

Another Hello Kitty Design~

Mickey Mouse Design?

Ready made pillow case!
(This Hello Kitty Design was bought previously, but photo wasn't taken :( )

If you did read my previous post on the tips of choosing fabrics for your little one, I also mentioned about the cost of the fabrics I bought previously.

However, this time round, the Hello Kitty prints fabrics only cost me $3.50 per yard and yes, its from my favourite store at People's Park Complex in Chinatown. It's on the 2nd floor, above the Hawker Centre.

Only a few shops sell cartoon fabrics so ask for the price before purchasing and you will know which store is the cheapest! The shop I always patronize, the Auntie is also selling fabrics for curtains.

Her shop is in the middle stretch. If I will to go down again, I will get a name card from her and will update here again on the name of her shop.

Saturday Activity done with Junior, Magic Painting!

2011-07-07T14:32:00.001+08:00

It was a boring Saturday as Daddy was working. Only Junior and I (together with our upcoming 2nd Junior, in my tummy, of course!) at home. As usual, Junior asked to watch his favourite Thomas and Friends show. While Junior was watching, I quickly went to the kitchen to steam some Red Bean Buns which I bought from NTUC. It's always good to have some ready food in the fridge to help us get prepare for simple meals when we (Mummies) are alone with the kids because I find it troublesome to go downstairs with a expecting tummy and Junior as Junior wants to be carried often.

So after steaming the red bean buns, I brought them to the living room. Junior immediately gave a loud "WoW! Yummy!" Haha! Things I like about kids! They will just spring you a surprise by saying something nice~~~ :)

While enjoying his Thomas and Friends, we enjoyed eating the buns too... although simple but overall not bad to keep our tummy filled while waiting for Hubby to tabao lunch back.

After eating and watching, Junior pulled out the container filled with his story books, assessments books and activity books. This reminded me that I have bought a pair of brushes from Daiso (I simply love shopping at Daiso! You can get what you want there at only $2!)

So, I quickly went through the books and pulled out the Magic Painting Activity Book which my younger sister bought for Junior. This magic painting book is really interesting. Without the use of any poster colours (which I believe Junior is still not ready to use poster/water colours for colouring/painting), you can simply paint the pictures with ONLY water and a brush!!!! Yes, only WATER!

I have always wanted Junior to start on the Magic Painting Activity Book but we don't have a proper brush for painting until last Saturday when we went to Daiso and I came across nice brushes (sorry! forgot to take picture of the brush in its packaging but I did took a picture of the brush.), so immediately I remembered I need to get them for Junior to start on this Magic Painting activity book!

So, here we go.....

Magic Painting Activity Book

(If I'm not wrong my sister bought this from the bookstore at Chinatown's People's Park)

Junior and I did this....

Mummy painted the girl, Junior loves bicycles and wheels so he insisted he will paint the wheels himself.

Mummy painted this!

While painting, I find it very fun! Haha!

This looks abit messy as the first time I got this book from my sister, I wanted to amaze Junior at how the picture will change colour when water touches it so impatient Mummy actually "dripped" some water on it. Haha... who knows the water flow all over the page... sighz... Silly Mummy!

Can see from the price tag, the bookstore is Du Yi at Chinatown's People Park Complex (the one with lots of money changers!)

Brushes from Daiso!

Have fun painting with your kids!

No more messing up the place and dirty stained hands!

Books Junior Read: The Richest Crocodile in the World by Daniel Postgate

2011-07-01T15:45:00.000+08:00

This term, Junior's school is touching on Animals. So Kiasu Mummy went to the library and borrowed many books on Animals.

I pretty like this book because of its Big illustration!

I believe kids at 3 years old would prefer books with more pictures than words.

It's always good to draw their attention and building their liking on reading story books than to ask them to read books full of words which I believe kids at this age will not be interested.

A little about this book's story!

Summary (From NLB's Catalogue):

There were only a very few rich animals in the world, and the richest by far was a crocodile. He lived in a crumbly old mansion in Africa and had everything his heart desired—a movie theater, a beautiful garden, loads of cars and airplanes, a library stuffed with books, a loyal servant. But still, there seemed to be something missing. Then one day, as he looks out at the African plains, he sees a group of animals in a watering hole having loads of fun. It’s then that the crocodile begins to realize what’s missing. Packed with exotic animals and vibrant artwork, this is a wonderfully entertaining tale about friendship and the adventure of living.

My review of this book:

After reading this book to Junior, although his interest and liking is still on cars, tractors, etc, but still I want him to get in touch with other stories and characters. What I like about this book is it's illustration, big pictures that actually attracted Junior's attention. Also the words are easy to read and most of the sentences are pretty short. It kind of let Junior understand what the crocodile is missing although he's the super rich animal. It kind of teach him a little moral values about life. Nice story! Short and sweet~

Mummies who are interested in borrowing this book can check out NLB's online catalogue. Here's the link to this book. Enjoy reading to your kids! :)

Another used item converted to cash- Power Supply Unit 450W at $10!!!

2011-06-26T13:18:00.001+08:00

Yes! I sold my Power Supply Unit at $10 after all this while when I was struggling to find time to take photo and upload it to Hardwarezone forum for sale.

Finally, during this time at home, I managed to take pictures of those PC hardwares like this PSU, Samsung DVD writer and floppy drive which Hubby and I dismantled from our very 1st PC when we first bought our house.

Instead of throwing it away, which I find it very wasteful as the PSU is still in working condition just that our harddisk has crashed, so we need a new PC but the hardware parts inside the PC still can be use. Things like the PSU, the DVD burners, floppy disks, etc.

We did went to Cash Converters but they only buy in PCs but not the hardware parts. Garang Guni also doesn't want! Haha!

So don't choice, I try my luck on the local forums and bingo! someone bought it from me cheap cheap at $10!

Still in good condition!

HEC PSU believe to be a good PSU as we bought this at quite a high price! (Cannot remember the original price.)

Sold at $10 bucks!

UPDATED on 24 July 2011

Besides the PSU, I'm also selling the internal Samsung DVD Writer at $15!

ITEM SOLD @ $10!

It's every Mummy's wish to manage both work and family well!

2011-06-18T18:30:00.004+08:00

I have always ask myself. Being a mum, how could I juggle both work and family well at the same time? If you are holding a full time job, let's say a 9 to 6pm job, by the time you reach home, you only have a few hours to bond with your kids, your Hubby as well as finish those household chores!!! Some of my colleagues often tell me, you can leave it till weekend! But things like, after having dinner, you need to wash the dishes! Empty water flasks, you need to refill them! So? Boil water!

Junior's uniform need to be washed, ok! Fine, I can get more set of uniforms but ultimately I still have to wash them no matter how many sets of uniforms I buy! Right? Like my next door neighbour who told me that to decrease the daily washing of her son's uniforms, instead of the standard 2 sets of uniforms, she bought another 2 more sets! So she could do the washing for 3 days instead of everyday! Hmmm, but to me it's side at the end of the week you still have to wash 4 sets of clothes! Haha... Aiya, it's up to individual on how you look at it!

There are so many things to be done. By the time, I put Junior to bed, I'm already dead beat! Seriously!

But in the US, there are quite a number of resources which could help Mums to better juggle both work and family well. Let's read this article from the US News!

Help for Moms Blending Work and Family

Whether you're starting your own business or negotiating a flexible schedule, resources are available

By Kimberly Palmer

Posted: August 23, 2007

As women find new ways to combine work and motherhood, online communities and other resources have sprung up to help. Here are some useful sources:

BlueSuitMom.com provides advice on motherhood, money, and careers to working moms.

Alpha Mom TV features videos and blogs on motherhood and child-rearing.

Mothers & More connects mothers who are taking a break from the workforce while they are caring for children.

The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube, by Michelle Goodman, explains how to go from a traditional office environment to one that puts you in charge of your own schedule.

WorkOptions.com, through articles and proposal templates, offers advice on negotiating a flexible work schedule.

MomsRising organizes mothers (and fathers) interested in advocating for family-friendly policies.

Mom Inventors, founded by Tamara Monosoff, author of Secrets of Millionaire Moms, provides tips for mothers who want to start their own businesses, and sells products invented by moms.

Moms-for-Profit offers consulting services to mothers who are entrepreneurs.

The Feminine Mistake, by Leslie Bennetts, warns against the dangers of dropping out of the workforce altogether. She argues that women should find a way to work throughout motherhood to protect themselves from financial problems later on.

I believe there are some online resources in Singapore too.

Can Purbasari Lulur Mandi Mutiara helps to lighten/remove stretch marks?

2011-06-09T12:57:00.003+08:00

Came across this Indonesian or Javanese product called Purbasari Lulur Mandi Mutiara from my friend's facebook profile. She uploaded a photo of this product and the caption was "Useful little things!" and what surprises me was this picture of hers actually invites many comments from her friends.

So curious me (as usual), read through every single comment and realised that this product actually helps to remove or lighten the stretch marks during my friend's pregnancy. The word "stretch marks" really pissed me off as the stretch mark cream I used during my 1st pregnancy did not do wonders.

Hmmm, maybe it's partly due to my laziness as I did not apply it daily but I still apply it most of the days during my 1st pregnancy but still the marks are so obvious and UGLY!!! Arghhhh...

My friend did mention in her facebook that this product can be bought in one of the shops in Joo Chiat. But this place is seriously not accessible to me. So I did search on Google and amazingly, a LARGE number of posts of this product was created on Flowerpod forum (the famous ladies forum)! I only found one thread but the number of posts to this thread was really huge -its like 47 pages!!!. This really shows how useful (like what my friend on Facebook said) this product can be. After going through every single post, I realised it's super cheap when you buy from Batam. I also found out that there's one shop in AMK that sells this product!!! Yeah!!! It's nearer than Joo chiat, Tanjong Katong lor...

I even did a further search and saw some bloggers actually wrote review of this product. If you are interested, you may want to read their reviews. From meandmythrills, Yeng Siang and Cindy Adventures, on ChannelNewsAsia.

Last week, on Hubby's off day, we went down to AMK and I manage to purchase two tubs to Mandi Lulur!!! Hopefully, it will do wonders to my stretch marks (the left overs from 1st pregnancy) and the upcoming ones! :)

It's only $3 per tub!!!

Updates: 8 Aug 2011

There's a Indonesian Jamu Store at Parkway Parade Shopping Centre selling 3 tubs @ $10!

Surprise for Daddy!!!!

2011-06-09T12:05:00.003+08:00

As Father's Day is coming up, I made an effort to do a collage of photos of Daddy and Junior! The collage will be used as a wallpaper on our home PC so when Daddy uses the PC, he will be surprised from the nice collage I did!

The funny reaction I got from Junior was, "Mummy, how come don't have you?" Lolx!!!

Wish Daddy a Happy Daddy's Day!!!

Mummy is expecting no. 2!!!

2011-06-08T15:05:00.002+08:00

My sincere apologies to my dearest readers for not updating my blog the past 2 months as I was experiencing bad morning sickness. Yes! I'm expecting no. 2!!!

Am currently in my second trimester and if you have follow up with my Facebook updates, you might have learned that I'm a SAHM again! I returned to workforce when Junior started school. Now, with this pregnancy, I have decided to become a SAHM. Being a SAHM allows me to have ample rest, look after my 2nd pregnancy and have time to "care" for Junior.

As I really can't take the stress and tiredness in juggling work, looking after Junior, my pregnancy and the tons of household chores that are "staring" at me every time I return home. Yes, STARE at me!!! They are like telling me, "Come, come and wash (clean, fold. whatever...) me up!!!" Haha!... So now you know how "neat" my house is? :p Seriously, when I reached home, I'm already dead beat and I still need to attend to Junior so normally I will leave the chores will weekend. I believe most working mums are like that too!

Preggie with no. 2!

Coming up, I promise to update my blog as regularly as possible. Stay tune! :)

Books Junior Read: Penguins by Liz Pichon

2011-04-08T16:35:00.000+08:00

Cute penguins! Junior likes Penguins after watching the movie "Happy Feet"

Penguins taking photos!

Other books by this author!

A little summary about this book!

Review of this book:

Interesting and nice illustrations. Not too wordy. Story wise not bad as kids are like penguins, they always want to explore new things. Say Cheese!

After reading this book to Junior, I asked him "Do you know how to take a photo?" Of course, his answer was yes, as he always take Mummy's phone to snap pictures "OUT" of the box (range). Hehe!

Check out this book from NLB's online catalogue to see which library has this book!

Good buys from Gmarket

2011-03-18T13:06:00.002+08:00

While surfing Gmarket, I came across this seller who is selling wall decoration stickers. There are some designs which I like and I believe Junior will like it too.

So without thinking twice, I purchased them. I paid through paypal using the $ I earned from paid blogging.

The seller was efficient maybe because the seller is from local. Immediately after I made the purchase, I received the item in 3 days. Isn't that fast? The items were also packed nicely in a box which I have to make a trip down to the post office to collect as it definitely can't enter my letter box.

Picture taken by Junior using my iphone!

Another picture taken by Junior using my iphone!

Picture taken by me!

Nice wall decoration stickers! Good buy!

You can get these wall decoration stickers at S$3.45 each. I bought 2 and paid $2 for shipping. I think its worth as the box would have cost abit too. In total, I paid S$8.90.

The 3 of us enjoyed pasting the stickers so much. At first, I thought Junior will like the one with fire engines, trucks, etc but who knows he preferred the train with animals. Haha...

PS3 For Sale (Item Sold)

2011-03-07T16:58:00.000+08:00

Comes with

1 Black controller

1 Red controller

1 Gioteck HDMI cable (1.5m flat transfer cable, Heavy duty shielding, High Bandwidth, 24K Gold Contacts for maximum digital signal transfer and corrosion resistance. Original Price: $69)

2 Games (Dark Sector and Fracture)

1 year warranty (Bought in Dec 2009)

Condition 9/10 (Rarely play)

Selling @ $570. Interested buyers kindly SMS me at 97371082.

Good Condition PS3 Games for Sale

2011-03-01T13:06:00.002+08:00

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 @ $45

2. God of War 3 @ $45 (SOLD)

3. Assassin's Creed II @ $45

4. Uncharted 2 Among Thieves @ $35 (SOLD)

5. Valkyria Chronicles @ $35

6. Rouge Warrior @ $40 (SOLD)

7. Smack Down VS RAW 2010 @ $45

8. Shellshock 2 Blood Trails @ $35

9. Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising @ $45

10. Borderlands @ $35

Interested buyers, sms me at 97371082.

New earning feature for Nuffnangers: Churp Churp Connect!

2011-02-23T14:36:00.000+08:00

Nuffnangers can now link their Nuffnang account to their new earning feature called Churp Churp Connect. It's basically an earning feature that rewards Nuffnangers for sharing events, promotions, etc with your friends via your Twitter and Facebook account.

I have just signed up and the first advertisement I received was an advertisement by Infocomm!

Want to play a Facebook game and win an Xbox?

Like to pit your wit against others? And would LOVE to own a Xbox 360 and Microsoft Kinect? Go on and play the Facebook game now! Discover your talent and find out your strengths too!

So, if you are interested in earning some extra bucks, here you go...Churp Churp!

Books Junior Read: There's no such thing as Monsters by Steve Smallman

2011-02-08T16:13:00.000+08:00

From the cover page and title of the storybook, you know roughly what the story is about!

At first, I hesitated thinking whether I should borrow this book as Junior is afraid of dark and he needs me to accompany him to enter our bedroom at night.

Even when sleeping, when I off the lights, he kind of shift close to me to sleep.

I understand all kids at this age is afraid of dark and sometimes, his Daddy likes to disturb (frighten) him in the dark.

So, if I will to read this story to him, he might even be more afraid to sleep at night!

Hmmm, but I somehow want him to read more books and I promised myself that I will explain to him that this is only a story, it's not real!

And sooo I borrowed the book!

Nasty Mummy :p

A little about the book!

Quite wordy actually....

A little summary about this book!

Review of this book:

As mentioned earlier on the 1st picture. Sorry, I was too excited to share my thoughts about this book! :)

Mummies can borrow this book from most NLB libraries. Check out from their online catalogue here!

Books Junior Read: The Super Hungry Dinosaur by Martin Waddell

2011-02-02T14:54:00.000+08:00

I borrowed this book from one of the libraries. It was a great book with interesting and exciting illustrations. The pictures were big. Especially the dinosaur! Junior loves it. I was reading this book to him when I was feeding him his dinner. I always need to go after him when I'm feeding him. He just can't sit still. It happened that I borrowed this book that day and while feeding him, I showed him this book. He saw the cover page and wanedt me to read to him right away. Who knows, he sat still throughout his dinner!

The Super Hungry Dinosaur was really a nice book. The story was about the hungry dinosaur who wants to eat anything he sees because he's hungry! At first, the dinosaur wants to eat the main character, a little boy by the name, Hal but Hal was so brave he told the Dinosaur off that he's not supposed to eat human and the Dinosaur said he will eat Hal's Dog and his Daddy and Mummy then, but Hal was a brave boy. He managed to subdue the Dinosaur and make him clean up the mess he has created. In the end, it was a happy ending as Hal's Mummy has cooked lots of delicious food for the Hungry Dinosaur. He ate happily and became a good friend with Hal and his family.

Vance enjoyed the book alot. After reading the book, he even asked me, "Mummy, why Dinosaur wants to eat them?" Coincidentally, when I read the book to him, he was taking his dinner and I managed to explain to him that when humans or animals are hungry they must eat their meals. Surprisingly, Vance finished off his bowl of rice. Woo!~~ Somehow, the story is related to what he's doing at that point of time.

Daddy gave me a sweet smile~~~ hahaha.. Nice book! (As a mummy, sometimes I feel sense of satisfaction when I managed to teach Junior the right thing!)

Mummies out there, if you are reading my post, do borrow this book.

My experience with PedEgg

2011-01-28T14:44:00.003+08:00

I always have cracked and dry heels. It could be due to long hours of staying in an air-conditioned office which resulted my skin to be super dry. It could also be due to long distance walking, hard sole shoes, etc.

I didn't want to go for Pedicure because I don't keep long nails but I want to have those rough skins scrubbed OFF! I have been longing for a SMOOTH feet for months but I just couldn't bare to spent the $35 on classic pedicure because the pedicurist will definitely comment on my SHORT nails. I have the intention of just go for the filing process but kind of like hmmm... dumb? Haha...

So last Saturday, I told Hubby that I WANT To Go for PEDICURE! and as usual he gave me the "waste $" look. I told him, "No, I must go this time. Look at my feet!" I even stretch my leg up and showed him my foot! "See! It's so dry!" Then he said, "Why don't you buy the what... pad...egg?" I was like... "Huh? what pad...egg?" He replied with wide eyes "Nah... that one lah..always shown on TV. Like a egg shape and you can scrub off your dry skin on your feet." Me: "Got meh?" He: "Got lah! Aiya, you always never pay attention. Don't know advertised how many times already." Me (with surprise, anxiety, excitement! I want to try!!!): "I want to go and buy! Hmmm... where got sell huh?" He: "Check your Iphone lah!"... Immediately, I went to Safari and googled "Pad egg"? Hmm, no I think it should be spelled as Ped Egg.

Found it! I told hubby I want to go and buy it now. Yes, NOW! He said ok. Haha... We then went to Watsons.. sighz... No luck. The sales assistant at Watsons said they don't have it for sale and told me to try Guardian. Went to Guardian, yes, I FOUND it! But quite expensive, $22.90. But for my feet's sake and I seriously hate the rough feeling. I told Hubby I want to try. He said, "Buy lor."

This is how it looks like:

My ROUGH feet.

(Guess what? When Junior saw this photo in my hp, he said, "Mummy, why you take picture of your feet?" Haha....)

After 20 mins of filing. Still not complete as Junior came and disturb and I couldn't concentrate on filing my

feet.

PedEgg manual.

A Youtube video on PedEgg.

Worth trying.

Only SGD $22.90. Only? I think it's worth.

I had a question about loonshimoneyland.blogspot.com

2011-01-28T14:04:00.002+08:00

I received this email.
========================================================================
"Good afternoon, my name is Jason Carter and I am a Internet marketing professional. I had done a Google search under the keyword live gold price.org and had run across your website loonshimoneyland.blogspot.com. I see that you are not listed on the first page of Google for your particular search.

I am not sure if you're aware of why you're ranked this low but more importantly how easily correctable this is.

There's no reason that you can't have top three rankings for the keyword live gold price.org based on your website structure and content. You have a very nice site.

What you need is high quality one-way anchor text links. I can help you with this.....

Not only can I get you ranked for the keyword live gold price.org but I am talking about all of your keywords on top of Google. Adding new high quality PR anchor-text links from the highest quality websites will produce the results and business you want for loonshimoneyland.blogspot.com.

The right kind of links are crucial in getting top ranking... and I can hand deliver these quality links to you.

My partners and I own 1000's of websites and offer private linking to hundreds of website owners just like yourself.

I didn't send this email out to very many people but I do favor your website because I can see your website monetizing the targeted website traffic for the keyword live gold price.org can deliver.

I have your contact information and phone number. Would it be okay if I were to give you a call?

I have a very simple way to prove to you that what I do works risk free for you to try. Nothing beats seeing the results with your own eyes.

Would it be okay if I were to give you a call? I would love to pursue this further over the phone with you or should I go somewhere else?.

Sincerely,

Jason Carter
(480) 445-9297
www.linkspanther.com

P.S.- if the tables were turned and somebody I didn't know came to me with a proposition, even one that was appealing, I would be hesitant because I would be wondering - what's the catch? What does this guy know that I don't.

But then again I would think he does know something that I don't know. He owns 1000's of websites, he does have hundreds of thousands of pages indexed with top rankings on Google, Yahoo and Bing. Websites that can deliver only the highest quality anchor-text links that can move your rankings fast. I would also think that I need to get my website in the top rankings. And he is offering turn key page 1 rankings on all of my keywords including live gold price.org. Keywords that produce the kind of traffic potentially worth tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of dollars.

I emailed you this because it's a win-win for both of us. Think of it this way, who wouldn't be interested in buying money at a discount? Because that's what I'll be able to offer you....discount money.

Would it be okay to give you a call? Or you can call me anytime at the number above and would be happy to explain how I can benefit you risk free."
============================================================================
Screen shots of the email:

Not sure whether its spam but the content of the email looks real. But i still have my reservations. Anywhere, what's keyword "live gold price.org"? Between, I don't think I have these "keywords" in any of my blog post leh! Hmmmmm................

Junior's Sundae Card for 2011

2011-01-19T15:48:00.000+08:00

Read how you can get one for your kid too!

Hair Tonics - Tonics for the Hair!

2011-01-19T15:26:00.003+08:00

Yes! Ever since I started using hair tonic, I began to fall in love with it and it has been a daily pampering needs for my hair. I do admit that hair tonic has help a lot although I still encounter hair loss. I would say, it's inevitable but we can salvage it by applying hair tonic to our weak scalp. It does really helps in hair growth!

I have been trying many different brands of hair tonics.

From Shiseido Hair Tonic (recommended by Shiny Hair Salon), Garnier Neril Hair Tonic (recommended by forum users), Kaminomoto (I wrote a post on it!) to Alpecin (recommended by one of the toiletries shop at People's Park Complex)

I don't really like the smell.

Results: Not obvious

Acceptable fragrance.

But costly.

Results: Not obvious

Acceptable fragrance.

Affordable.

I got it @ SGD$8.80 (from the toiletries shops)

Results: It does stop the itch.

Hair growth: Mild

Prevention of hair fall: Mild

Last year, I got to know about Yanagiya Hair Tonic from one of the blogs which was said to be recommended by Nu Ren Wo Zhui Da 女人我最大. But I couldn't find it from any of the shops that sell toiletries. Who knows, when I passed by the hair salon around my area, I saw them displaying. I was shock and happy because I have been looking for it! Finally, I FOUND IT! However, they were selling it at SGD$48.

Selling at $48 at the Hair Salon in Sengkang

Nice fragrance.

Results: Hair fall controllable, refresh after feel.

I find it quite expensive. I understand, it's the price from a salon but... I hesitated and went home googling all possible sites that I could find to tell me where I can purchase it at a cheaper rate. I even went to the shops at People's Park Complex, those toiletries shops. To my surprise, they have it! But not the same packaging as the one I saw at the Salon but the same packaging as the one introduced on Nu Ren Wo Zhui Da and the websites I saw on Google. The one I saw at the hair salon has a nicer packaging and despite the higher cost, I bought it from the Hair Salon. Hoping that it would works! No more hair fall please...............

This is the one I saw on the web after Google-ing.
Around SGD$20 at shops @ People's Park Complex

I have not try this. Might get a bottle after I finish the one I bought at the Hair Salon.

I have bought!

Different packaging but the design of the bottle is the same!

Crocs Sale!

2011-01-19T14:13:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, it's a blessing to work in a big corporation where they always bring in events or sales from outside vendors. This week, we have the health bazaar selling Crocs items at discounted price and many more. Hubby has always wanted a new pair of flip flop from Crocs. It's either he couldn't get a pair of his size or the colour he wanted is out of stock.

When I saw the email that there will be a health bazaar going on this week, I told Hubby about it and he told me to get if there's something suitable for him. I hesitated a while... haha! because of the superstitious saying, that getting shoes for your partner would result in breaking up.. opss!! TOUCH WOOD!!!!

Anyway, I have "helped" him to get the flip flop since it was at the sale.

The flips and the flops... @ $38 after discount...

Cute bag for the flops...

Some interesting buys from Daiso

2011-01-10T16:07:00.001+08:00

Every item at $2 only!

Yes! We were fortunate to have Daiso nearby our area. We can get fancy, useful and whatever you name it at only $2. Hubby and I often shop at Daiso@ Rivervale Mall. Often, Junior would also get something for himself. He loves cars, trucks, tractors, anything with wheels! Last week, one of the weekdays, it was pouring really bad around dinner time, so Hubby and I decided to dine at Rivervale Mall since it's sheltered if we drive.So after dinner, we pop by Daiso. I have been to Daiso @ Plaza Singapura (my unhappy experience there), Daiso @ Vivo City and Daiso @ Ion. I seriously fall in love with the outlet at Rivervale Mall because it's spacious and it's not crowded. It has almost everything unlike the rest of the outlets, they are crowded and it's small. Especially, when you are shopping, you prefer to take your own time to browse through every single item before you decide whether it's useful and whether you need them. Some of the items are interesting and only Daiso sells it so we do require some time to find out what its meant for, etc.

Stickers

Sticker Album with stickers

Only $2...

I love it!

Instructions on how to use the sticker album

It's yours!

Lovely packaging....

Although it's written in Japanese but roughly you know what it means...refer to the pics.. :)

Other than that, Junior got some trucks collectibles for himself as usual. I bought some magnets and crayons for him. Daddy bought some drinks (not in the pic, they are inside the fridge!) and a mini bus collectible for himself (like a small kid!).

I have turned them into CASH!!!

2011-01-07T15:17:00.003+08:00

In my previous post,

Do not throw away your used CDs, VCDs and DVDs away!!! Convert them into $$$$

I shared about the places where you can turn your used cds, vcds or dvds into cash. But I did not mention that you can actually convert them into cash at Cash Converters as well. I only got to know when I sold my used camera to them. So I went home and pack all my unwanted cds and I sold them.

There are some criteria when you convert them into cash at the Cash Converters. Your cds have to be original, in casings, etc. For more detailed information, ring them.

Although, the conversion is not much but at least we get something back. Better than throwing them into the dustbin. But still there were some rejected ones. But they are indeed original but I'm not sure why they don't take them. Anyway, just sell whatever can be sold.

Mr Stingy shares how to make money from your blog

2011-01-07T14:53:00.001+08:00

We have always read from blogs how people share about making money online. Whether it's true or false, some people willing to give it a try some people feel that it's scam,etc. I do admit that there are scams where you pay a small sum of $ to get rich but some who charge you a small sum of money and they train you to become rich. Some are real but some are simply scamming you.

There are also people who make good money from their blogs through adverts, etc.

Just want to share with you this article I came across and would like to share with you:

Mr Stingy's Top 5 Ways to Get Rich From Home (For Noobies)

Unhappy experience at Supercuts!

2010-12-30T17:46:00.005+08:00

I have never try Supercuts before (and I WILL NEVER WILL!!!) so after knowing that they have non-ammonia hair colour products (INOA), I thought of giving it a try. But who knows, it ended up an unhappy experience for me. It will definitely be my FIRST and the LAST time I VISIT SUPERCUTS! Why? Let me share with you....

Maybe I went there on the wrong day or maybe I'm just a nobody. I'm very unhappy with the PRC girl who applied the colour on my hair. She was so rough and I was ouching all the way. When she applied the Goldwell ampoule, the liquid went into my eyes. I was already very pissed off with her roughness and now, her carelessness.

The hairstylist who is supposed to attend to me, her name is Yvonne, only come over once a while to see what's going on. I really feel neglected, she's not attending to me, until one of the hair stylist walk pass and saw that the colour on my root area are not what it's suppose to be!!! She went to Yvonne and whispered at her ears then Yvonne quickly come and take a look at my hair. Her facial experssion changed!

Damn, the PRC did something wrong to my hair. Yvonne then asked the PRC gal to follow her. Guess she told her off. When they return, Yvonne offered me a cup of Almond with Logan. Tsk! Tsk! I knew something is wrong. She said, "Sorry, I have to reapply to colour to your roots and she went saying on Ammonia-free products are like that take very long to be absorbed!" Excuses!!! Arghhhh.

Then I quickly ask her, "Then the protection soloution (which she advised me to apply to my scalp before applying the colour onto my roots to prevent allergy as I'm allergic. Everytime after colouring my hair, my scalp will be super itchy.) will go to waste????" And at this moment when she told me that she have to redo my roots, I have already completed the Goldwell 2 in 1 hair treatment which costs me $130!!! If she will to re-apply the colour on my hair it simply means that the ampoule (for hair protection which cost $15) and the hair treatment is of WASTE!!!! and her reply was, "Don't worry, I will apply them again."

But after re-applying the colour to my roots, she only spray some solution to my scalp that's it, and she called that RE-APPLY????

After she reapply the colour on my hair, she went to eat, I saw it from the mirror. Maybe the application was too long and it was and RE-APPLICATION, so after washing, the colour on my root (top of my head) is much more brighter than the rest, from my ear to the ends. I felt like an IDIOT! There are 2 tone!!! Then everytime other hair stylist walk pass me, they will look at my hair. So bloody obvious that it's ugly!!! And she claimed that it's not. My FOOT! Even Hubby commented that my hair look like SHIT! The colour of stools!!!

Then, it's time for hair cut, which I have to pay $42 for it (see the receipt). But she did not even CUT! She only trim. Initially, I wanted to change my current hairstyle, long hair into long bob but she claimed that my face will look very LONG and told me not to go for long bob then she asked me when did I do my rebonding, I told her in August this year and she said need not trim my hair too much otherwise, it will flare up and become frizzy! (Then don't charge me $42 when you did not even CUT my hair!!!). Even for my fringe, I told her I want to trim it slanted, but she only trim the higher part of it, the remaining of my fringe she didn't. How does she qualify to be in Supercuts? In the end, my fringe is long and short.

Then later on, she insist on using the iron to perm my hair. I showed her a reluctant face but she insisted that it will be gone after I wash my hair who doesn't know? DuH! I ended up looking like an Auntie when I leave the salon!!! *((*(*&#&&^$&

Although, she offered me a cup of almond longan and gave me a loreal gift pack, but all these do not ease the dissatisfaction I had at the salon. Thank God for letting me vent my frustrations here! I'm so unlucky. Sighzz... Like what Hubby said when he comforted me, you never try you won't know their standard! I felt so guilty towards Hubby and Junior whenever I saw the amount I spent at Supercuts. I could have just spend those money on them with toys and lots goodies than waste it just like that. Never ever step into Supercuts at Compass Point.

Another point I want to add, when I was reading up the forums of people sharing their unhappy experience at Supercuts, I totally agree with them but when they said about the manager/director who is good, I had my reserves because during my entire stay at the salon, she did not even smile at me. Being a manager, showing this kind of ethics of unfriendliness already tell you whether you should let them earn your hard earned money or not.

Seriously, I thought INOA is already ammonia-free, why do I still have to top up $28 for the colour to become ammonia free??? And this is my very first time, paying GST at hair salon! Gosh...

But, I do admit the ammonia-free really works. I didn't feel as itchy as before after colouring my hair.

The complimentary gift from Yvonne (to compensate)...

A "Ride" on Molly Bus - NLB's Mobile Library!

2010-12-20T15:10:00.001+08:00

Junior who loves buses, cars, trucks, monster trucks, tractors... basically anything that has wheels! He has always been watching videos on Youtube. After his experience of taking the SBS Bus, he always requested me to search videos of Buses on Youtube.

Without knowing what kind of buses to search, I actually typed SBS Bus on Youtube and one of the videos that surfaced from the search was the "Making of Molly Bus", NLB's Mobile Library. After Junior watched the video, he kept asking me to bring him to take the Molly Bus. Haha! But the true fact is Molly doesn't travels.

It's a bus filled with books and yes, you can board the bus and borrow/read books. Most of the books are meant for kids. It's a good invention from NLB because we need not go all the way to the library. We can board the Molly bus when we are at the shopping centres.

From what I know, Molly bus stations at several shopping centres on certain dates. For me, we usually goes to AMK Hub and thankfully, Molly bus goes there too. If you want to find out whether Molly library bus goes to a certain shopping centre, you may check the website of the shopping centre. Usually, the website of the shopping centre will state.

Junior looks a bit reluctant when I asked him to take a pic with the bus!

Guess it's due to the hot weather and the hot piping engine he standing near to!

Junior's first "Ride" on Molly!

Books borrowed from the Molly Library Bus!

(All the books got to do with trains, tractors, etc)

We even got a Molly Friends Card!

Every 6 books borrowed from Molly bus, you get a chop and upon accumulating all chops (i forgot how many chops in total), you get some goodies/freebies!

A great experience on Molly the Library Bus!

Getting Paid for Reading SMS

2010-12-13T15:12:00.002+08:00

Sounds good and interesting. Isn't it?

Came across SMADS (Forgotten when!) and was amazed of this business. They are paying people for reading smses!If you are cash-strapped or just want to earn some extra cash, you may want to give this a try, a paid business founded by 4 NTU students. Support your fellow local entrepreneurs.

Here's a short description of what they do:

"SMads, pronounced as S-M-Ads, is a simple system we have created, where you can earn money for almost no effort!

We pay you for receiving the SMS advertisements that we send to you. Do visit the page on How it works to find out more!"

and how it works:

Easy way to quick money!

How about an address plaque?

2010-12-13T13:46:00.004+08:00

When Hubby and I got the keys to our love nest, I have always think of making an unique address plaque that belongs to us. An address plaque that signifies our love nest. After much Google-ing and seeking forums for comments, I came across an online market place for address plaques.

To my surprise, they have quite a number of designs and layouts to choose from. Pricing wise is quite reasonable and they provide free shipping! From the online catalogue, you can even refine your search based on height, width, nighttime visibility, material, shape, colour and price range. It's really convenient and hassle-free and definitely user-friendly to purchase an address plaque as compared to those offline plaque makers, we have to bring our design down to their shop to place an order.

With Just Address Plaques, we save time, transport and money. Besides residential address plaques, they even have Specialty Plaques. Under Residential Address Plaques, they have the wall plaques, hanging plaques and lawn plaques. Personally, I prefer and like the hanging plaque.

I love the "2 Sided 4 Inch Numbers Standard Ladder Rest Sign-1 Line" design because in Singapore, most of the HDB apartment's unit number is 5digits. For e.g: #10-05 or maybe without the '#', will be e.g 10-105. They even have a super detailed product description with customers review.

So mummies out there, if you would like to custom made an address plaque, you might want to consider Just Address Plaques.

Earn extra cash! Become a Mystery Shopper!

2010-12-10T11:34:00.002+08:00

Sometime back, I remembered I have wrote a post about my experience being a mystery shopper for AQ services.

Last Saturday, when I was reading the Straits Times Classified (I love to buy Saturday's Straits Times because its soooo thick. Worth buying! And normally, they have recruit and many job advertisements,more than those advertised on Weekdays' Straits Times.), I came across this job ad looking for Mystery Shoppers.

I'm not sure if they are looking for someone who can work on flexi timing for 3 months or they have to commit to a fixed working hourse, e.g normal working hours, 9am to 6pm?

Another thing that I don't qualify is, I DON'T have A2 for English. Haha. As compared to AQ services, I don't think they have such strict requirement.

Anyway, if you meet their requirement can give it a try. Am not sure if its,suitable for Stay Home Mums, can call and check out, Beacon Consulting Pte Ltd.

Educational Game for Junior

2010-12-10T10:56:00.002+08:00

Junior loves cars, trucks, trains, buses. When we saw this at the Kiddy Palace, Vance and I immediately love it.

At first, I thought it was a puzzle but later on I realised, it was more than a game, an educational game. A game which requires thinking skills.

So I thought why not, without any second thoughts, I decided to buy it for Junior. Red Lorry,Yellow Lorry. Create traffic and chaos as you race to match the vehicles and their colours.

This game is suitable for young learners from age 4 and above. It requires 2 to 4 kids to play the game.

They have other interesting games besides this. But Hubby didn't allow me to buy rest. Haha... Kiasu Mummy just love to invest on Junior with educational stuffs.

This game cost me around $15+. (Cannot remember the exact price.) If you have the Kiddy Palace card, you get to enjoy 10% discount.

Our very first Flea Market!

2010-12-08T11:03:00.003+08:00

Our RC (Resident's Committee) actually held an event called the Clean and Green Week. Part of the event of a range of Flea Markets Stalled rented by the residents who would like to sell stuffs at the event at the rental fee of $5 for a square table.

Initially, when we saw the notice on the notice board, Hubby and I were so excited and we immediately dash to the RC when it opened at 7.30pm on the day itself. Haha! Kiasu Mummy and Daddy. Even the Auntie who worked at the RC said we were the 1st and she told us to come back later as the event still has a month to go and the person in charge of this is not around. LOL! They don't even have the form ready for us to fill in our particulars. We were so afraid that the stalls are fully taken up, we went down every single night until Junior knows the Auntie and wants to go into the RC center whenever we walk past it.

After we got the table, we began to pack all the THINGS we want to sell. We were sooooo excited that we almost turn all the things in the store room for SALE! Look at the things we had in the store room.

Although we didn't earn much from the flea market due to the rain and the place our stall were at and the competition of other stalls selling the same thing and very much cheaper than us, we still gained experience from it. We felt we were like "Mini Bosses" running a mini business.

Clear your junk for a good start

2010-12-01T16:22:00.001+08:00

We sold our very first digital camera, Casio Exilim Ex-Z30 3.2mp which we bought it 7 years ago (2003) at $699 to the Cash Converters at $15!!!

photo taken from here

The condition of the camera is good just there the battery doesn't last. After a full charge, it would only last for maybe 2 hours?

We decided to invest on a new camera, Sony Cybershot T99 14.2 mp at $399!

So no point keeping the old camera, we decided to convert it to cash. It was my first time converting stuff at the Cash Converters. The experience was funny and excited?! Haha.. The funny thing was the Staff who attended to us told us to keep the camera for Junior to practice his photo-taking skill! It was a good idea but not for this old camera of ours as it needs to be charged frequently.

When I was at the Cash Converters, I saw lots of items, such as, kids bicycle, photo frames, baby stroller, etc. When we were waiting for the man to "check" on our camera, I saw a list pasted on the wall stating the buying price they offer for USED VCDS and DVDs. They buy used vcds at $0.10 to $0.50. I can't really remember the price but it's good to check it out especially for those who own lots of old movies and dramas and you are desperate looking for space to store them! It's a good idea to convert them into cash!

Anyway, I would like to share with you an article I came across which I found it very useful.

Clear your junk for a good start

I support Flex it at work!

2010-11-12T13:59:00.003+08:00

Came across this article on HRM Asia on Work Life Balance and why companies should support flexible work arrangements.

HRM Asia: "A government survey shows 28% of companies here had some form of formal flexible work arrangements last year - a rise from 21% in 2004. This could, in part, be attributed to the availability of the Government’s Work-Life Works! (WoW!) Fund which helps companies to defray the cost of implementing work-life practices.

Studies show that people are prepared to leave their current jobs for roles that offer better work-life balance, even at reduced pay. Increasingly, people want better control over how they manage their time, where and how they work. Surely, flexibility can be a talent retention tool to achieve greater commitment, engagement and productivity gains.

So, can work-life practices ever achieve win-win outcomes?

The business case for flexibility

The rationale for implementing flexibility must be understood. It can be implemented in various degrees, not necessarily organisational-wide. In a downturn, flexibility can actually help manage costs. Companies can also hire contract or part-time workforce, as well as redeploy resources to ease bottlenecks. At other times, flexibility is a talent attraction and retention, as well as well-being strategy that also boosts employer branding.

Trust, respect and accountability

Successful implementation is built on a culture of mutual trust, respect and open-door policy with shared interests, attitudes, concerns and performance gaps addressed objectively. Role models manage expectations effectively, setting the tone for a trusting work environment with emphasis on accountability and results. Beneficiaries of work-life and flexibility options need to honour their commitments and not compromise business standards and work performance.

Managing performance

Flexible work options should not cause additional performance, operational and/or team issues. In fact, service hours can be extended with introduction of staggered work hours or flexi-hours options. Those on flexibility programs are to remain contactable during core hours with some forms of established routine for a little check-and-balance within the flexibility.

Giving Flexibility a Chance

Flexibility is best driven by leadership team commitment and knowledge, backed by positive experience and impact at business, customer service and personal levels. It is cultivated by a culture of trust and sensitivity to employee needs whilst firm on performance expectations and deliverables. It is strengthened by open and clear communication that minimise confusion and scepticism. It is proven successful by vigilant champions and success stories of lives and organisations impacted."

How I wish I can work in a company that support flexi work arrangements so I could better juggle my family, child and of course with some financial income from flexi jobs.

Source from Otago Daily Times

Let your child make money for you

2010-11-08T14:30:00.003+08:00

An interesting topic I read on Epopular, a site managed by Popular. From the title itself already interest me to read. How can I get my child make money? If it can be done, then definitely it's good because the more the merrier right? I meant $$$!

The topic shared 8 things whereby you can get your child to help you save money or turn things/stuffs into money besides teaching them how to save money. After reading this article, we can also ask our child to help us "make" $.

How? The 8 things are:

Make a shopping list
Go through grocery ads and brochures
Point out common sales tactics and terminology
Go comparison shopping
Help them plan for the things they want
Understand the concept of utility charges
Make things last
Turn trash and unwanted items into cash

In "Make Things Last", I seriously like the phrase, "Nice to look at, good to hold, if you break it, consider it sold'" which they use in the article. I will definitely put this into practice when Junior is ready and understand the phrase.

When I was reading the part, "Turn trash and unwanted items into cash", sometimes Daddy and I will participate in neighbourhood's flea market to sell away our unwanted stuffs. We often ask Junior whether he would like to sell some of his toys which no longer interests him. But kids being kids, he will shrug us off when we told him we want to sell away his toys. This makes him treasure his toys more.

There are lots of nice articles under the Family Focus in the Epopular site. I seriously love this parenting site! It provides lots of valuable advices and tips. Lovely!

Some part-time jobs to share!

2010-10-12T16:15:00.000+08:00

A project is looking for part-time RA with the following criteria for some work in schools during November 2010.

1) Competent in IT support

2) Knowledge of internet explorer

3) Ability to run games using Adobe Flash Player

4) Capturing of data using a software application installed on pc

5) Saving of data in hard disk

6) Video Recording

If interested, please email Ms Tan Jean Lee at email: TANJ0150@e.ntu.edu.sg for more information.

=====================================================================

Currently we have a project needs part-time research assistants for the first two weeks of Nov, and I am the project coordinator. The job involves conducting oral tests to primary 3 children in English and Chinese. The working hour is 4 hours a day (school class time) and the rate for each hour is S$ 12. If you (or your friends) are interested, please give Baoqi a call at 96467752.

===========================================================================================

Making money out of your mummy blog

2010-10-12T15:22:00.003+08:00

An inspiring article I read on DivaAsia. How mummies make money through blogging?

I'm actually inspired from this article that topics like “Teaching your baby to read? Please. How to hide vegetables in your children’s food?" could catch many readers to your blog.

I, too hope one day, I will be one of the mummies who can make some money through blogging. :) To have more inspirations check out Dooce.

Mums looking for Flexi Jobs

2010-10-07T15:02:00.000+08:00

Many times we wish we can just stay at home and look after our kids, spending time with them because working full time you will not have much time with your kids as well as yourself. After working for 8 long hours, by the time you fetch your little one from the Childcare, have dinner, bathe Junior, take your shower, do your laundry, it's almost 10pm!!!!

By then, Junior starts to rub his eye, ask for milk and you know he's tired and it's time to head to bed. I seriously can't find any time to bond with my child except during his shower and during bedtime. Of course, not forgetting weekends which all working mums look forward to!!! TGIF!

I'm always on the look out of flexi jobs, work-from-home jobs, freelance jobs to keep myself occupied despite the household chores, Hubby and Junior.

Recently, when I was on Google search engine, I casually typed "flexi jobs for mum" and there were many resources and articles on this. Through the search, I discovered Mums@Work and CareerMums. They have a listing of available jobs for Mums looking for flexi, part-time or freelance jobs. If I'm not wrong, Mums@Work is a collaboration with the Government so Mummies may apply at ease because like I mentioned in my other posts, some freelance jobs or work from home jobs do not pay you after you have completed the task. Either you did not receive your wage or they never bother to reply you when you asked for payment. Oh! I realized one of them has yet to pay me! Better chase him now.

Good luck to Mummies who wish to look for flexi jobs!

Little Vance's 3rd Birthday

2010-09-21T14:21:00.001+08:00

Winnie the Pooh cake from Bengawansolo for his 1st birthday, Cars cake from Bengawansolo for his 2nd Birthday. This year, for his 3rd birthday, I ordered the Fire Engine Truck cake from ecreative. I did a research and found a wonderful, almost complete list of websites of cake shops that has cakes for kids.

When I first saw the Fire Engine Truck from ECreative, I know Little Vance will definitely love it. Indeed, after showing him the picture of the cake, he said "我要！" Hubby was in Darwin and before he left he reminded me many times "Remember to order cake for him!". Ok, I'm not that forgetful! Over the long distance call, I told Hubby that little Vance has seen the cake and he like it so I'm going to order that. Daddy said I make the call.

I hesitated and waited for Hubby to return and showed him the picture of the cake (the good thing about 3G, you can surf whenever and wherever you want without switching the pc to access the web!) While waiting for Hubby to return from Darwin, OCBC's Mighty Savers Club sent a list of discount vouchers and wished Junior "Happy Birthday" and one of them is a $10 discount voucher for ordering cakes from ECreative however, after reading carefully, the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the back of the voucher, the $10 discount is only meant for Mighty Savers Cakes and not the Fire Engine Cake which falls under Children collection. Anyway, the voucher can still be used for deducting $5 for ordering any cakes from ECreative. So happily I called up ECreative and ordered the Fire Engine Truck Cake. The lady from the customer service who took my order was very polite and she answered all my queries patiently.

The good thing about Ecreative cakes is that, it's not very sweet.Just nice for all ages and delivery is FREE!!!! Except for orders less than $50. Indeed, the comments of ECreative cakes from Mummy.sg forum is reliable.

So overall, although we did not organise big party for Vance but all of us are happy because little Vance has his big Fire Engine Truck cake and both hubby and I and our in-laws enjoyed the cake. Most of them commented the cake is nice and not very sweet and $5 discount with free delivery hahaha!

Besides the cake, we even prepared goodie bags for Little Vance's classmates and teachers. I got some of the ideas from My Tidbits Shop.

Your Sakae Sushi Experience!!! Win $$$

2010-09-20T13:56:00.002+08:00

Blog about your dining experience at Sakae Sushi and win $50 voucher! Am waiting for their Sakae Junior Club! Remember to apply for the Swensen's Kids Club too!

Email from Readers!

2010-09-20T12:38:00.001+08:00

Survey for Ice Cream Lovers!

2010-09-20T12:29:00.003+08:00

Dear all,
We've a survey now for Ice Cream lovers!

Project type: Focus group

Duration: Approx 2hrs

Venue: Town area

~CRITERIA~
Looking for those who are:
1) ENGLISH SPEAKING adults
2) Eats PREMIUM ICE CREAM (Andersens, Haagen Dazs, Swensens, Gelare or Ben & Jerry) at least FORNIGHTLY.
3) BOUGHT or SHARED a gift for friend worth >$50 in last 1yr.
4) Outgoing, sociable, open minded and expressive.
5) Visited ICE CREAM CAFE (Andersens, Haagen Dazs, Swensens, Gelare or Ben & Jerry)
6) Not from sensitive industries including marketing, advertising,
journalism, food & beverage related companies or other related industries.
7) Must NOT have taken part in any surveys or market research in
the last 7 mths.

Group A – 22 Sep (Wed), 4pm
# FEMALE Students (age 18-24yo)
# Incentive - $80

Group B – 22 Sep (Wed), 7pm
# SINGLE FEMALE working adults (PMEBs)
# Incentive - $90

Group C – 23 Sep (Thu), 4pm
# MARRIED w/o kids, FEMALE working adults (PMEBs)
# Incentive - $100

Group D – 23 Sep (Thu), 7pm
# MARRIED w/o kids, MALE working adults (PMEBs)
# Incentive - $90

If interested, pls email me by 16 Sep 2010 & we'll contact you if you're selected:

~ EMAIL to viewsshare@gmail.com ~
Project name: IC

Group: A/B/C/D
Name:
Age:
Gender: Male/Female
Occupation/Industry:
Contact#:
Most Often BRAND of Premium Ice Cream consumed (>10times in last 6mths):
2nd most often brand of premium ice cream consumed:
How often have you eaten ice cream in last 1mth?:
Visited ice cream cafe in last 6mths & was served: Yes/No
Have you bought/shared gift >$50 in last 6mths?: Yes/No

Get Paid for Tweeting?

2010-09-15T16:59:00.002+08:00

For those who loves to Tweet, you might want to consider earning some bucks from Tweeting? Yes. At RevTwt (Revenue from Tweets), a Twitter advertising network is paying you to tweet their ads. Sounds interesting? Give it a try and see for yourself. But if you are worried that it might be a scam, Google for reviews.

Joshlam has wrote an article on whether the website is real or scam. Hubpages also has an article showing you how to make money through RevTwt. Twitdom as well.

Have fun tweeting for $$$!!!

Nice Activity books for Kids

2010-09-09T13:12:00.006+08:00

Passed by a bookstore at Suntec, same level as Toy R Us. Bought these for Little Vance. They have lots of nice books imported from foreign publishers. I personally feel that the books are worth buying because you can't find them at the local bookstores.

As I spent a little time at the store (while Little Vance was having fun with the car and bus rides with Daddy, I sneaked into the bookstore to take a look at the books.), I only manage to grab these 2 wonderful and attractive books.

The Tracing Trails @ $5+ and The Cars Sticker Book at $19+. At first, I thought the sticker book is just a normal sticker book for Junior to collect his stickers. But its not. The sticker book comes with many stickers and Junior will have to search and paste the stickers on the missing parts.

The book has quite a number of activities inside. From matching, to searching for missing parts, to let your imagination run wild, etc.

Healthy Snack for the Family!!!

2010-09-09T12:55:00.000+08:00

IPhone Apps for Vance: My Colouring Book

2010-09-08T13:55:00.001+08:00

Little Vance love this App-- My Colouring Book when I first downloaded it. He was busying filling up the pictures with colours. By kids being kids, he's still learning to understand the colours of objects.

Some of his ARTWORK!

Mummies can earn some extra cash (Part 1)

2010-09-08T13:14:00.001+08:00

Ever since I started loonshi moneyland, I have received quite a number of emails from Mummies asking how they can earn extra cash during their free time. I will try to share as much as possible. Stay tune!

Mummies can earn some extra cash by doing the following:

1. Selling Stuff

At times, we often have baby stuffs to sell. Things like baby clothes, baby walker, baby stroller, etc. If you do not want to give it away, you can alway sell them away to convert them into cash. By saying so, it seems easy but I receive many emails from Mummies asking how we sell stuffs online. First of all, snap pictures of the stuffs you want to sell. Secondly, mummies can choose to sell on Ebay, Motherhood forums such as Singapore Motherhood, Mummy.sg or selling portals such as 88db, Cute4Ever, 99auction, etc. I normally choose to sell on free sites. For Ebay, I will use the free section which is to sell on in Singapore. Mummies can also choose to swop with other people on Youswop which require invitation from a current Youswop member in order to join. Mummies interested can email me and I will send you an invite.

Besides selling online, you can also sell them through flea martkets (Google Flea markets, bazaars or fairs). Recently, I received a newsletter from eXplorerkid that there's a Enterprising Mum session at Downtown East whereby you can sell your baby stuffs.

2. Do Paid Online Surveys

Besides selling stuffs, mummies can join websites which pay you to do online surveys, attend focus groups.

3. Do Freelance writing

Help bloggers to write articles. They will ask you to either re-write an existing article in your own words or to write something fresh.

I have more to share... Stay tune!

Money Savings Tips Ting Wo has to share

2010-09-08T12:52:00.000+08:00

1. Eat breakfast at home. 4 pieces of bread and 3 in 1 coffee would cost at most 1+. But, fried bee hoon with egg and cabbage plus a kopi would cost 2.90. Bread is less oily some more.

2. Eat at hawker centre rather than food court and restaurant. This is pretty obvious right? The food court and restaurant would definitely cost more. Pick those ulu hawker centre which still charge less.

3. Eat mixed vegetable rice. My office lunch gang frequent nearby food court. Mixed vegetable rice is the cheapest food that can be found among the stalls. Even a fish ball noodle also cost $4, compare to $3+ for a plate of rice. Furthermore, mixed vege rice would give you more nutrition.

4. Watch movie on Mon-Wed. The price is cheaper and the crowd is much lesser than weekend. So, if you really must watch, watch on Mon-Wed.

5. Exercise more. Instead of drinking, party going or karaoke, why don't get some friends to jog together. It is fun, and much more healthy this way. Other entertainment cost much more during weekend, but exercise does not cost more during weekend.

6. Avoid window shopping. People have tendency to go window shopping with nothing to buy in mind. More than often you bought things on impluse. So, if you didn't go, that won't happen at all. Have a shopping list and only follow it closely.

7. Utilise broadband internet connection more. You can chat with friend online to reduce traveling and meeting time. You can read news without buying physical newspaper. There are many ways your unlimited broadband connection can help you save some money.

Spend on what you need to, not what you want to. --- I love this phase!!!
Soure from: Ting Wo

Received a box of surprise from Singpost

2010-09-03T13:11:00.001+08:00

Received a notice to collect a registered mail from the post office. Went down to Singpost and to my surprise it was a red box of "things". Wnt to have a box of surprise too? Go to Singpost's Thingsbox! Little Vance love the Carl's Jr "fake" burger. He used it as his cooking toys! Haha!!

Madaboutkids hiring work from home mum

2010-08-31T16:13:00.000+08:00

Madaboutkids.com is hiring designers, writers and photographers/videographers!

Jobs @ Mad About Kids

At Mad About Kids, we respect job autonomy and promote work-life balance. As such, we believe in flexi-work arrangements. Your can work part-time, from home, with flexi-hours. Email to jobs@madaboutkids.com

Designers

If you have the artistic hand, send us your resume with samples of your design, for print or online. We may just have the right job for you!

Photographers / Videographers

From time to time, we need photographers/videographers for different occasions/functions. Drop us an email with samples of your work or portfolio.

Writers

If you have the flair for writing, send us your resume and tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Looking for Mummies with kid 6 to 12 years old

2010-07-22T15:53:00.002+08:00

paid survey

...

From:	wilson chen ... Add to Contacts
To:	loonshi@yahoo.com.sg

Hi,i need to find mother with kid age btw 6-12 yrs to help to do a survey by milk powder company FERNLEAF.

-$10 NTUC voucher will be given.
-20mins
-location can be any mrt stations
-anytime at their convenience

Interested may call me @ 82880803.

Can help post in yr blog?

If response is good,i will intro more money lobang for you
and yr blog fans.

Thanks:)

Little Vance's 2nd Set of Library Books!

2010-07-22T15:44:00.000+08:00

After borrowing the 1st set of books from NLB, I realised that junior enjoy reading some of the books. Some books are worth reading but it's not worth buying so borrowing them is definitely economical and it exposes junior to the world of books.

This time round, we went to Sengkang Community Library. Was quite disappointed with the range of books they have. I understand that it's a community library therefore I accept the limited varieties of books. However, I didn't expect the condition of the books are really that bad despite the fact that toddlers are sensitive to dust and germs, I seriously think that NLB should replace those "bad-conditioned" ones.

The books we borrowed this time round were:

1.  Under the Sea 1 2 3 (Acc.No. B22201317G)

2.  Mortimer (Acc.No. B22350663E)

3.  My first flip-flap book of numbers (Acc.No. B22207279I)

4.  Goodnight dog (Acc.No. B22183260B)

5.  Choo choo (Acc.No. B22110295K)

6.  Wibbly Pig makes pictures (Acc.No. B22335099K)

Download these FREE Printables from Young Parents

2010-07-22T14:26:00.000+08:00

Games from Young Parents!

Discovered something new - Cheezels Biskitz Sour Creme!!!

2010-07-07T15:21:00.000+08:00

It's only selling at $1.95!!! Can get from NTUC or any supermarkets!

New Discovery - Runpee.com

2010-07-07T02:33:00.000+08:00

Runpee.com is something for movie-lovers. It allows you to run to the toilet and finish peeing at the right time where you need not worry that you will miss any exciting part of the movie.

They have apps for iphone users and blackberry users. Something I like about this website is that it's maintained by a family! How I wish one day I can have a family business too...Woohoo~ I think it's good to work with our kins because there won't be any politics. I hope!

Eat with Your Family Day!

2010-07-02T15:57:00.000+08:00

Eat with Your Family Day is an annual event where companies and schools are encouraged to cease operations early so that everyone can have a meal with their families.
Share your experience with us to win a family holiday worth S$2,000!
How to Participate:

Snap a digital photo (300dpi) of your family eating together.
Write a caption (max. 35 words) of what a family meal means to you.
Submit the photo and caption, together with your name, email address, contact number and NRIC/FIN to info@parentingunited.sg

Terms & Conditions

The selected winning entry will receive a S$2,000 travel voucher. The runner-up will receive a S$1000 travel voucher.
All entries must be original and not been submitted or used in any other contest or collateral.
Entries must reach Parenting United by July 9, 2010 to qualify for the contest.
All submitted entries become the property of the Organizer, and may be used for the Organiser’s future publicity or collaterals.
Members of Parenting United and their employees are not eligible to participate in the contest.
The judges’ decision is final.
Prizes are non-transferable and if uncollected, will be forfeited and used for charitable purposes at the discretion of the Organiser

In conjunction with National Family Celebrations 2010

Kids play blocks, mums write blogs - An inspiring article!

2010-07-02T15:17:00.000+08:00

Think of your average blogger, and the picture that comes to mind may be an angsty teen or an opinionated youth.

But good ol' reliable Mum?

Local mummy bloggers may not be as organised and structured as the foodie bloggers, nor are they as popular as other bloggers like Mr "Benjamin" Miyagi,but they are also a formidable group.

More mums these days are using blogs as online scrapbooks to remind themselves of their children's growth phases, said the 11 blogging mothers Digital Life spoke to.

At the same time, many mums and mums-to-be interviewed said their blogging has also created a kind of support network - where their frustrations, queries and fears are answered and allayed by peers who have been there.

Many of them have also become good friends in real life, and often meet up for tea, play dates and parties.
But it is a little embarrassing whenever anyone asks how the Internet friends got to know one another, said promotions manager Angelia Tay.

"That is because online social networking sounds like something teenagers would do, "not working ladies like us", said the 38-year-old.

"Every time we explain, we get a lot of raised eyebrows."
Many mothers interviewed said they had been blogging for years, since they were girls.
On the other hand, there were also those who said they started blogging as a record for their children.

Like media manager Pauline Wong, 34, who started when she found that she was pregnant.
Said Ms Wong: "Some people use photographs and scrapbooks, but with a blog, I don't have to worry about it turning yellow or decaying."

Whatever the reason, mums rally around each other on their blog spots.
Mrs Adele Augustin, 35, said it helped when she was stuck at home during her confinement period, "when I couldn't leave the house, couldn't have showers, or had problems with the baby".

"At least I could go online and live vicariously through my friends for a little while," she said.
Or trade misery stories and "just commiserate", added the stay-at-home mum.
For instance, in the weeks leading up to producer Joan Leong's delivery, she was just "sitting around, in so much physical discomfort".

"And, from out of nowhere, that support and encouragement from other people really helps," said the 27-year-old.
Not just lip service either.
When freelance writer Jean Angus, 28, is sick or is busy, her blogger friend Ms Angelia Tay will babysit her daughter Alison for the day.

And some mothers even use their blogs to alert others when they have extra breast milk to give away to those who can't produce enough, said Ms Tay, a member of a LJ Mummies, a blog group of mums.
Kiddie confidential
The camaraderie has led to some unforgettable experiences.
Ms Tay, who has "no qualms about putting pictures on her blog", said a talent scout loved the pictures of her four-year-old son Aidan so much that he asked her to take him for an audition.

He made the cut to land a role in an independent movie and has also appeared in a corporate video.
Mrs Augustin, who is married to radio personality Joe Augustin, said her husband is "very on" and even posted entries on her behalf, to tell friends and family when her water broke and when she went into labour.
But mums, being mums, also have an eye out for the big bad wolf.

Recognising that blogs are public, the mothers said that they would not post confidential information on their blogs, such as favourite hangouts, their children's schools and their addresses.
Some of them even make sure that the kids are not pictured in their school uniforms - just in case.
When Ms Jenny Hiou converted her private blog to a public one, she took down many of the pictures initially there.

"I am careful of what I write on my blog to maintain our privacy, so I guess the danger that someone is watching us for bad reasons is quite remote," she said.
Mrs Laura Poon, 31, an IT specialist, will even warn other mums, if she sees confidential information about their children being posted online.

One whiff of danger, and she will close shop immediately, adds Angie Wong, also an IT specialist.
"If I see anything out of the ordinary, my blog will be shut down because I value my kid more than anything," said the 30-year-old.

Dangers aside, there's the other issue of privacy - their kids.
It is all fine and dandy when the young ones are young and cannot object. But with so many baby pictures (some naked ones too) being published, won't they feel embarrassed when they get older?

Ms Pauline Wong said that "the blog is more for me, than it is for him".
"I will tell him that it is all my treasured moments. And maybe he shouldn't go around showing or telling his friends about it."
Customer service executive Eileen Lim, 29, who has a picture of one of her sons submerged in the bath on her blog, waves the problem off.
"It's only the nipples showing. He's a boy, it's okay."

"If I see anything out of the ordinary, my blog will be shut down because I value my kid more than anything."
- Angie Wong, an IT specialist, on the dangers of posting her son's photos online for public viewing
"...When I couldn't leave the house, couldn't have showers, or had problems with the baby. At least I could go online and live vicariously through my friends for a little while."
- Mrs Adele Augustin, on her blogging.

Source: This story was first published in The Straits Times on May 8, 2007.

Who says Masak Masak Toys are meant for girls?

2010-06-30T13:49:00.006+08:00

I corrected Daddy when he stopped me from buying the Kitchen Cooking Set for Little Vance. I even showed Daddy the article from Young Parents magazine (my parenting "bible").

Whenever we shop at Ikea, Little Vance will say he wants to play with the mini-kitchen set displayed at the kids' corner. Even at Ah-ma's house (Little Vance's), whenever my MIL is cooking, she will ask him to sit along the kitchen and he will start to "display" out the utensils, cooking ware on the floor and start to "cook"! Yes, he will cook for all of us. There was once, he even cooked for his "imaginative little baby"! After cooking and serving the dishes, he will collect the plates and utensils back and start to "wash" them!

As a mummy, I am really surprised by his "playing actions", he knows that after eating, he has to wash them! Hmmm...

So when I saw the Kitchen Cooking Set, I'm very determined he would love it. When Daddy said it's meant for girls, I told him "No, this set is ment for boys, the pink-coloured one is meant for girls" LOL! After debating with Daddy and Little Vance kept holding on to the Kitchen Cooking Set, he even carried it and walk around the Hall, oh forgot to mention, we were at the John Little Sale at Singapore Expo, we BOUGHT it! It feels good when you won the debate!!! The thing I love about Daddy is, he understands my good intentions for our son. He still respect my decision as a Mummy! Woohooo~~

I think some toys are really good for the kids because the things they learned from playing them really surprises you!

Selling Pre-loved Luck Baby Walker cum Rocker @ $25

2010-06-28T22:24:00.000+08:00

Selling @ $25!!!

Condition 7/10

Discovered another list of FREE Samples!

2010-06-25T13:30:00.002+08:00

After I shared the list of Free Samples of Baby Diapers and Milk Powder, I realised I received many readers on my post/blog.

Was reading another Mummy's blog and came across one of her blog post listing the free samples Mummies can get from the various merchants.

From milk powder, diapers to sanitary pads. Check out Busy Mommy's Free samples!

Milk Powder

Abbott - You can get free samples of Similac, Gain, Grow, Pediasure, Isomil milk powder. If you are expecting, they will also send you this booklet on “Naming your baby”. Sign up as their member too! They will send you a 400g tin of milk powder when your baby is 6 months old and 1 year old. And I must say they are very prompt in this too
Dumex – You can get samples on their Mamil Gold series or the Nutrakids Cereal if your kid is ready for semi solids. For pregnant ladies, you can get the Mamil Mama!
Enfa – Here’s the Enfapro, Enfagrow & Enfakid or Enfamama milk powder. If you sign up as the club member, they will send you a 400g tin of milk powder when your baby is 6 months old. After which, they will send 2 packets of the 1 year old milk powder. But if I remember correctly, their membership has an expiry date.
Nestle – You can’t ask for free samples over the Internet for nestle. But there’s a customer service number which you can call to ask for NAN sample and Brown Rice/White Rice cereal samples.
Fris0 – Call them at 6419 8484 or email at contactus@friso.com.sg

Diapers

Goo.N Diapers – Register and get a free sample of the Goo.N Diaper.
Huggies – Register and request for samples. You can request up to two samples per product per household.
Sometimes Drypers also gives samples but information can be found in their advertisements in magazines for mothers. They will usually require you to sms to ask for samples. Huggies does that too. So look out for those advertisements!
MamyPoko – Register and request for sample.

Others (Baby Stuff)

Depending on which hospital you gave birth to your child, you will get a Bag of Love or the Baby Plus guidebook. Check out here.
If you are staying in the southwest district, you can get a babybliss cash-card valued at $38! This amount is good for paying off some ERP or car park charges right?! For those who do not drive, you can buy your baby items and pay off using the cash-card. Check out details here.

Sanitary Pads

Kao Laurier
Kotex
Fennel
Poise

Activity Books (Soft Copy) for children

Children Colouring & Activity Book
Lorax Activity Book
All sorts of Activities!

Source: Busy Mommy

Abbott is also giving out free samples of the Gain Formula with a free copy of "Your baby can Read" VCD!

The new Swensen's Kids Club Card

2010-06-25T13:03:00.001+08:00

Remember the post I wrote on the Swensen's Kids Club Card I applied for Little Vance? This year they sent another card for 2010.

Received the new Swensen's Kids Club Card for 2010:

This time round the card is of better quality as compare to the previous card. So mummies out there, you can now apply for your little ones to enjoy sundae every month!

It's our 5th Anniversary!!!

2010-06-24T16:06:00.000+08:00

Time flies! It's our 5th Anniversary today! Bought a little gift card for Hubby.....

Am going to see what's his reaction tonight... must be "Aiyo, why waste $ buy this?" hahaha...

Fabrics for Little Vance's Pillow and Bolster Cases!

2010-06-22T14:59:00.003+08:00

Like other mummies, I often need to source for fabrics to make pillow and bolster cases for our little ones. Ooops correction, I only source but the one making it, is my MIL.

Here are some of the fabrics I bought to make cases for Little Vance.

Tips on choosing fabrics:

1. The quality of the fabric must not turn fluffy (起毛).

2. Do not choose bright colours. If at night they don't sleep, you know why! :) Always select light coloured fabrics.

3. It's advisable to purchase 1.5 yards because if you purchase1 yard, the remaining cloth will go to waste because it's not enough to make another case. (This advice is from my MIL!) I believe those who sew will know.

Nowadays, it's hard to find nice and cute fabrics especially those with nice cartoons. Normally those that cost $3.50 per yard or less, their quality is of the lower grade. Those I purchased cost me $8 per yard and they are from Japan, according to the Boss!

I normally purchase from People's Park in Chinatown.....

Updated: I bought more fabrics! Check it out

Little Vance's 1st set of library books!

2010-06-11T12:37:00.003+08:00

It's time for Little Vance to get in touch with lots of books. In the beginning, they were books for Baby such as a big letter "A" with a big picture illustrating an Apple. But now they are too simple for Vance. It's time he mess himself with the books!

It has been a long time since I stepped into the National Library, I think since poly days. Am amazed at how quick the library card was issued through the machine and it's hassle-free.

The first set of books borrowed for Little Vance!

1.  Tell me about the building site (Acc.No. B20654790K)

This book is perfect for Little Vance because he loves tractors! And this book have flip overs and matching activities.

2.  Incy wincy spider (Acc.No. B21352961G)

Vance learned this song when he attended his gym classes at The Little Gym. I went to Youtube and showed him the video on Incy Wincy Spider. I still remembered there was once he said, "Mama, I want Incy Spider." I was like "Huh? What?" I just couldn't figure out what little Vance was trying to tell me. After a few repetition, I finally understood. "Oh, INCY SPIDER!!!" And when I came across this book, I immediately grab it. This book illustrated how Incy was washed down by the rain while he was trying to make his way to the top and he didn't give up every time he was washed down. Finally, the sunshine came and dried up all the rain and Incy finally made his way up to the top! It was really a nice book. The nice illustrations make Vance pay attention when I was explaining why Incy didn't gave up. Hmmm.... Nice...

3.  My first wheel book of colors (Acc.No. B22099365C)

This book is perfect but slightly too simple for Little Vance. At first he was attracted to the book by spinning of the wheel but later on, it doesn't interest him. The purpose of the wheel is to spin to the colour that match the colour of the picture. For instance, Apple, so junior will spin to red!

4.  I see me (Acc.No. B22350991I)

This book by Little Eisenstein is much more for babies because the mirror will arouse their curiosity. I still remember when Vance first looked himself into the mirror and he started laughing at himself. Maybe he finds it funny seeing himself in the mirror. Subsequently, whenever he stand in front of the mirror, he will start dancing and smiling to himself! Just like me when I was young, hahaha.....

5.  Brush, brush, brush (Acc.No. B22252089H)

This book is a good start to introduce your little one into brushing their teeth. Why do they need to brush their teeth and how they should brush their teeth! Vance got attracted to this book as well because it's something he does every morning. There was once when he was watching Mr Bean Animated Series, he refused to brush his teeth and coincidentally, this book was just beside him, I quickly grabbed the book and showed him what will happen if he doesn't brush his teeth and immediately, he open his mouth!

6.  Good-bye pacifier (Acc.No. B22273731E)

This book helps parents out there to illustrate to their little ones why they should stop taking their pacifier!

NLB also gave out a set of Baby Journal and Baby Cd to Mummies!

Some of the great buys @ John Little Sale!

2010-06-01T22:22:00.000+08:00

Digimon figurines @ $2 each!!!

Dragonball figurines @ 3 for $10!!!

Kitchen Playset for Little Vance @ $19.90 only!!!

Joining the crowds, shopping at sales is part of family activities! We feel bonded whenever we shop!!! Opps...

3rd Package of Freebies from Fr3b

2010-01-10T23:11:00.002+08:00

My 3rd package from Fr3b!

I love Freeman Barefoot! The cherry fragrance is sweet!

After using, my tired feet looks fresh again...

Little Vance's first day at Tots House Playgroup

2010-01-10T22:17:00.000+08:00

All parents want to prepare their kids for school. Unlike, during our days, we only start preschool at 5 years old, which is Kindergarten 1. Now, all parents want to start their kids as early as possible. Hubby and I puposely enrolled little Vance for Little Gym's Beasties class to help him get prepared for his playgroup so that he won't ge anxious over school.

He enjoyed Little Gym very much. Maybe because parents can attend classes with the child, therefore Vance is not that afraid. So we were all looking forward to Vance's first day of school. Hubby even took 2 weeks leave to accompany junior in case undesired situation happened.

From school bag, socks to shoes and name tag. We were all very excited over "Vance is attending school!".

On the first day of school, we accompanied him at the same time help him to get familar with the environment.

Carrying his Chuggington School Bag and Thomas and Friends Waterbottle

So excited and didn't wait for us!

Waiting for Daddy!

And in the school....

Playing legos...

First day was a happy session who knows the subsequent days was a hard time for us as Little Vance saw other tots crying and he start crying too! So no choice the teacher has to let my mother in law in as she will be the main caregiver during our absence. Maybe this is the reason why he began to be super attached to her. When we were on the way home at night, he began to ask where's ah ma (Grandma). Hubby starts to worry that junior may have developed separation anxiety. Sighz... our greatest worry came true. After coaxing him to stop crying till he falls asleep, we lied to him that ah ma is on the way to our house. Who knows, he was down with FEVER!!!

We really hope that he can overcome his fear and eventually enjoy going to school!

Stock up Children's book from PageOne Warehouse Sale

2009-12-31T10:28:00.001+08:00

No plans for the holidays yet? Bring your little one to PageOne Warehouse Sale at Kaki Bukit this weekend!

For more details: Checkout there website!

Enjoy Shopping!

Merry X'mas 2009!!!

2009-12-25T15:27:00.001+08:00

Merry X'mas 2009!!!

A mum without time for shopping :(

2009-12-16T14:02:00.001+08:00

After being a mum, all my time are devoted to my precious, family as well as freelancing. Weekdays are definitely spend on looking after my precious and work. Weekends? Household chores (that never ends! Toys are all over the place. Soiled baby and adult clothes piling up waiting for some kind soul to dump them into the washing "bin"! haha, although it sounds easy washing the clothes using washing machine but when you are the one doing it, you will dread the process.. I hate doing chores. Tell me, who likes?), running errands (tons of bills to pay, especially when you don't opt for Giro because I detest the hassel of going down to the bank to get the giro form, getting it endorsed,etc), family outing (weekend is the only time to bring little vance out)... going back to my parents house. (Before I got married, I spent more time outside then at home now that I'm married, sometimes I just miss my parents so much!!! and I just want to go back home.)

See! Where got time to shop for clothes? So no choice, mummy have to seek for alternative and that is shop online!!!

My first blogshop was Erikokoh.
Price: Reasonable.
Condition: New
Response: Fast

Later on, it stop bringing new collection so I have to seek for other blog shop. As my experience shopping online is still quite fresh, I decided to do a research on which blog shops are reliable. So through flowerpod, I tried MyGlamourPlace. Was very impress by their dresses and tops.

2nd blogshop shopping experience: MyGlamourPlace
Price: About $24 to $27
Condition: Excellent
Response: Fast

When the items arrive, they are all placed in the plastic bags (see pics) so you know they are brand new. Unlike some blogshop, when they send to you, they just place the dress in the envelope and you know it's not brand new. Either they wore for the photoshoot, or... I don't know!

3rd blogshop experience: Chicmoss
Price: About $24 and above
Condition: Excellent
Response: Fast

Similar to Myglamourplace.

4th blogshop experience: ! ohvola (I don't want to state her url.)
Price: $24 and above
Condition: So-so

I somehow boycott this blogshop. Although their collection are nice, but when the items arrive, you will be very disappointed to see that the colour differ very much to the pictures shown on their website and the quality of the dress is really bad. Either running thread or you see for youself!

5th blogshop: Kyrstella
Price: $21 and above (they often have discount if you are on their mailing list)
Condition: Good

My first experience was quite ok as they sent the wrong item to me. However, they came down to my place to do the exchange and as a form of apology, she even bought chocolates for me. So kind of her. Frankly speaking, I'm not at all affected because I understand they might have lots of order which cause them to make mistake like this.

1st experience with MyGlamourPlace

2nd experience with MyGlamourPlace

3rd experience with MyGlamourPlace

4th experience with MyGlamourPlace

Win some prizes for yourself this Christmas!!!

2009-12-16T12:49:00.004+08:00

Came across Freebiesutopia. A blog that gives away freebies. Sounds great right. But you need to win the prize!

All you need to do is join their contest and WIN!!!

So far they have launched 2 contests already.

Here's the current one:

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Freebiesutopia Contest No.2

Freebiesutopia is giving away a MISSONI 30ml perfume. To participate in this lucky draw please send your Name, Contact Number, and Mailing Address allow you to have 1 chance, if you have a blog, write a simple introduction about freebiesutopia and earn 1 more extra chance (email your blog with your particulars), subject header freebiesutopia Contest No.2 to freebiesutopia@gmail.com. One lucky contestant will be picked.

Terms & Condition of Lucky Draw

1. No multiple entries.

2. This contest is open to all residents in Singapore

3. Closing date of contest is 16 Dec 2009 2359 Wednesday, winner will be announce on 18 Dec 2009 Friday.

There are more blogs on contests, or check them out below:

Workforce flexibility is on the rise in Singapore

2009-12-16T00:43:00.000+08:00

A video of an interview with the regional director of Adecco South East Asia, Lynne Ng who lists out some benefits of having a flexible workforce as well as its business ROI.

See, flexibility jobs are on the rise! As a mummy, I always believe in flexible working style. Because family comes first. With this, we can better manage our family as well as work life.

Download Free Zinc Membership Card Here

2009-12-11T11:15:00.000+08:00

Download Free Zinc Membership Card here.

Redemption of Card till 31/12/2009

Nestle is giving away 20 sets of Nestle Cerelac Goodie Packs

2009-12-09T12:26:00.000+08:00

To 20 lucky winners...

All you need to do is just send them an email stating your:

1. Full Name
2. I/C Number
3. Contact Number
4. Mailing Address

to nestlebaby@sg.nestle.com by 20 Dec 2009. For more information, check out Nestle website.

Learning Resources For Your Little One Part 2

2009-12-08T15:26:00.000+08:00

Yes. If you are teaching you son from home, you are called the Home School Mum. Some mums who don't believe in childcare system would prefer to educate their children from home. These mums would definitely need to prepare lots of learning resources for their little ones.

In my earlier post, I recommended a website which has some learning resources such as colouring pages, ABC letters, 123 Numbers, interactive learning, etc.

Now, I would like to share another wonderful website with mummies out there. This site has compiled a list of all the websites where mummies can go in and source for learning resource. It's really very useful.

Do check it out @ Wholesome Toddler Food

Get $50 worth of cash & vouchers when you join a discussion about youth gambling

2009-12-08T14:38:00.000+08:00

Mummies out there, if you have kids between 10 to 14 years old, you might be interested to join the below survey:

"Hi, we're a group of NTU students and we would like to get your help to help publicise to members in the group because we're having some difficulties finding people to participate. Do you mind helping us post this?

"Worried about your kids betting on online soccer and poker games?
We'd like to hear your views about youth gambling!

If you are a Singaporean with children 10-14 years old, join a group discussion conducted by NTU researchers in Dec 2009 or Jan 2010 and get $50 worth of cash & vouchers.

Please call 9722 3646 / 91887313 to take part.
For more info, please email ntu.ygp at gmail.com."

Can you see the girl's bum?

2009-11-19T11:03:00.001+08:00

Have you noticed the girl in the background?

Noticed her bum?

Well, look at the picture again.

If your answer is YES, then go and see an OPTOMETRIST.

Why? That’s because what you see is the shoulder of the girl taking the picture!!!

Free sundae for your little one every month

2009-11-18T16:50:00.001+08:00

Mummies can sign up Swensen's Kid's Club for your little one and he/she will get to enjoy a free sundae every month. On top of that during your little one's birthday, they will have something special for him/her and many more.

I have signed up for Little Vance.

Flexible working for Mummies

2009-11-12T17:34:00.001+08:00

Recently, I came across an article on how mummies can change to flexible style of working instead working full time. I believe mummies who need to take care of the family, children and working at the same time is very taxing. Of course for those, who have a good mother in law or a good helper, working full time pose no problem but how many mummies can really have such enjoyment?

So we can actually talk to our employer and find a way that works for both parties. Below list out some of the most popular types of flexible work patterns, also known as child-friendly working hours.

• Part-time working: working a shorter week at fixed hours

• Flexi-time: working a fixed number of hours, but with some agreed flexibility about when you work them

• Working term-time only: useful for parents whose children have started school

• Working from home: this could mean working from home all the time, or perhaps for one or two days per week

• Job share: splitting a full-time job into two parts, so that the job can be done by two people

• Compressed hours: working the same hours, but fitting them into fewer days, so you might work thirty five hours over four days instead of five by starting earlier and leaving later

• Annualised hours: where you agree to a number of hours to be worked throughout the year, and are free to complete those hours as agreed by you and your employer

You may be surprised. Working practices that support the work-life balance are becoming more popular because of the benefits that they can offer to employers as well as employees, such as:

• higher staff retention rates

• a return on investment in staff, as more trained women can return to a flexible job after having children

• a reduction in absenteeism, sickness and stress

• improved productivity and performance

• increased morale, commitment and loyalty

So, far from flexible working only benefiting parents, there is a business case that shows that it can make companies more productive, too.

If your meet these criteria, your request has to be seriously considered by the employer, and if it is refused, there has to be a valid reason for saying no.

This right is for employees who:

• have a child under the age of six (or under 18 if disabled)

• have been employed for six months when they apply

• are the mother, father, adopter, guardian or foster parent of the child, or married to one of the above and living with the child; or the partner of one of these

• are responsible for the upbringing of the child

• have not made a previous application within a year.

• are making the request in order to care for their child

To read more, do check out the source from Babycenter

As we can see the above article is base on UK or US working style. In Singapore, I'm not sure whether there are such companies which allow mummies to work flexibly. Other than that will be doing part time jobs or to work from home.

There are some jobs which we can do from home such as transcribing, writing articles for websites or blogs, doing online surveys, writing paid articles for advertising companies etc.

Like recently, I receive a newsletter from this parenting forum, they are actually looking for writers. So mummies who have a flair for writing can apply.

We need to do some research to search for some jobs. We can check out forums, websites or sometimes, blogs, or through word of mouth from your friends.

Ultimately, we just want to have more time taking care of our family!

A nice place to bond with your kids - The Explorer Kid

2009-10-13T16:41:00.002+08:00

School holiday is approaching. Parents who are thinking of bringing your kids out for fun can consider Explorer Kid @ Ehub located at Downtown East.

Brought Little Vance there after having dinner at Different Taste. We came across Explorer Kid a few times when we went Downtown East (a spot which we frequent visit on weekend) but never have the intention to bring Little Vance in as we were afraid that he was still too young for it then. So straight after he turned 2. We brought him there as we know he will have a good time playing and overcoming the hurdles at the playground and we know he can do it.

After spending a wonderful evening at Explorer Kid, three of us were super tired playing and shouting away. Little Vance really enjoyed himself and he kept wanting to go through the hurdles again and again. As a parent, we took turns to accompany Little Vance through every single station. Trust me, it's really tiring!

Besides a tiring workout for the 3 of us, Hubby and I realised that Little Vance was given the chance to develop his motor skills and self esteem. When we were in the tunnel, it was Little Vance who led us to the other end. As a mummy, I'm very happy for Vance. It's like.. "Dear, he did it himself!" shouting happily away to my dearest Hubby.

Not only that, it allowed us to be bonded together - AS A FAMILY!

Do check out their website and my advice is sign up the membership for your little one as it will be cheaper in that way. I will not go into details as there are different charges if you are a member of NTUC.

Have fun!

A collage of us... where's mummy? Mummy is busy taking pictures! :)

Learning resources for your little one

2009-10-11T13:15:00.002+08:00

Little Vance has just turned 2 years old in September. Has enrolled him for the playgroup 2010 by Tots House. Anxious and excited Mummy is wondering how to prepare Little Vance for the new start.

Has went to bookstores to check out the enrichment books for Junior to practice on. However, there are tons and tons of books on preschool learning. They are either Thinking Skills, Mix and Match, Phonics or Colouring, etc.

Such resources can be found on the Internet too. So I began my online search and came across this wonderful website with lots of learning resources.

Kizclub has lots of wonderful learning resources for kids. From ABCs, phonics, Crafts, Story and Props, Nursery Rhymes to Flash Cards. the resources from Kizclub are free and it's download-able. They are either in PDF format or in interactive format. Mummies can just play then over the computer and let your little one listen to the stories.

I feel that getting resources from the Internet are worthwhile especially when they are free. Of course, we need to let Junior get in touch with books first but at times, resources from the Internet cannot be found on books.

Enjoy Junior's learning! :)

Do check out Learning Resources For Your Little One Part 2.

Who says owning a car need lots of $$$$?

2009-10-11T00:18:00.001+08:00

Came across this article sharing tips on how to save money for drivers out there.

1. THE OUTSIDE LANE
Patronising a reputable "outside" workshop instead of the official service centre could slash your car's servicing bills. Using cheap and good but "unbranded" lubricants and fluids would save you even more money.

2. BOOT CAMP
Unless you're a door-to-door salesman, there shouldn't be much junk in your trunk. Save fuel, and save money, by ditching that deadweight, which includes the spare tyre. Replace it with a puncture repair kit.

3. TRUMP CARDS
Sign up for a credit card that offers additional petrol discounts at a partnering station chain. Use your loyalty points to redeem fuel vouchers, which tend to be the best deal in redemption programmes.

4. OUT OF THIN AIR
Keeping your tyres properly inflated works like magic when it comes to your car's fuel efficiency, a major part of your running costs. A recent Shell survey showed that nearly 30 per cent of motorists don't know this.

5. PUMP ACTION
If your car can run perfectly on 95 or 92 octane petrol, pumping a higher and costlier grade is a waste of cash. If you refuel half-tank twice instead of a full tank at one go, your car's mileage is usually a bit better.

6. ELECTRONIC TIDBIT
Some EPS (Electronic Parking System) carparks charge in 15-minute or half-hour blocks. So drive out of these places at the "correct" times to avoid paying more than necessary. Per-entry flat fees are generally fair.

7. FREE THINKER
Free parking is the best parking so look out for those URA public carpark lots that are free after 5pm and those roads with single yellow lines where you can park for free between 7pm and 7am on weekdays.

8. IT ALL "ADS" UP
Did you know that you can sell your car's sheet metal as a mobile advertising space? A local company called Renvertising specialises in this unique business and has over 130 cars on its payroll.READ MORE

9. TAB DANCING
"Eat" at least 15 minutes every time you tear those tabs on a parking coupon and "earn money" from your "time deposit." The omnipresence of carpark wardens is probably an urban legend, in case you're wondering.

10. ROUTE WARRIOR
Electronic Road Pricing is potentially expensive if you don't plan your journey. Avoid, or minimise passing under lit-up ERP gantries and drive into town on weekdays during ERP's "happy hour" (10am to 12pm).

11. WASHING THE MACHINE
Every time you wash your car yourself, you save a few bucks that would otherwise go to that neighbourhood car wash. The going rate is $6, so if you wash your car weekly, you're saving over $300 a year. That's a lot of polish.

12. FLOOR PLAN
Always park at the lowest possible level in a multi-storey carpark. Every extra ramp you drive up (and down again later) is extra time spent and extra fuel burnt. In a basement carpark, always take the "highest" deck.

13. POOLING POWER
Car pools allow motorists on the same commute to share costs and also let them sell "taxi rides" to pre-arranged passengers. Making this possible are websites like www.carpoolking.com and www.carpool.sg

Article from AsiaOne: Stretch your motoring dollar, Free parking is the best parking, Don't do this...