Blessing For You! Diaper bag NOT! (Review)

Yup. I know you must be feeling surprised.

"Why is Esther still using bags from the famous diaper bag from Korea?"

"Nathan and Phoebe are already too old for all the milk bottles and food jars?"

"Why do you still need the insulated compartments?"

EXACTLY. I DO NOT NEED THOSE!

What many people do not know about the Korean brand BlessingForYou is that they don't just have diaper bags!

Psst... I used to own a BFY polka dot backpack when I gave birth to Phoebe. During the end of my maternity leave, our family decided to go Hong Kong for a short holiday. It was the BEST decision to abandon the shoulder sling maternity bag for a good backpack. My hands were free to carry the kids, to clean them up and even take photos, not having to worry about the bag falling off my shoulder! AND all the compartments were helpful in organising our things and it was really convenient. 

I received these bags last Friday, from thelittleonesinmylife (tlo.com.sg) who is the sole distributor of BlessingForYou bags in Singapore. I saw the prints and felt the texture of the bag and I knew it must be from BlessingForYou.

What I did not expect was I have received three bags and they are ALL NOT DIAPER BAGS!

 

(1) Shoulder sling bag *New Design*

Man.. I felt so privileged because this bag is not up on the Korean website yet and TLO has already brought them into Singapore for launch during the baby fair this weekend. AND I am one of the first few to own this. lalalalalalala...

 

 

I love love love this bag. 

 

What surprised me about this bag are:

(i) It is super light weight but yet the material is thick. 

I am someone who needs to drink quite a bit and with a big bottle of water in your bag (especially sling bags), it can be quite strenuous on the shoulder. This bag can take the weight of my bottle of water and yet it was not too heavy. The thick material feels hardy and strong enough to withstand wear and tear too!

(ii) Water proof material

It was raining at the later part of our visit to gardens by the bay that day. The contents inside the bag was dry and I witness the water droplets just sliding off the exterior of the bag. For whatever remaining, all I did was wipe them off with tissue and it was all dry and ready for use!

(iii) The short handles 

I like that I can wear my bag in different style and based on needs of the moment. Do you know how useful it is when you can hook your wrist on one short handle to grab your items in the bag? You got to try this action to appreciate the handles!

(iv) Details

Other than the 360 degrees free turning hook for the shoulder strap (means it will never be entangled), your zipper track will NEVER fray! It is literally a metal piece securing the end!

(2) Hessed Mommy Sling Pouch

Just the name alone is so beautiful because it sounds like the Hebrew word "Hesed"!

Do you know "Hesed" is the Hebrew word for lovingkindness? That just totally encapsulates what motherhood is about. :) (Fine, I like to link everything to lovey dovey things!)

 

 

When I saw this thin strap sling pouch, it reminds me a lot of the j*j*b* sling that I have. Difference is the material is a lot thicker, water-proof, more securing stitches and additional compartment on the outside. AND very importantly, half the retail price.

I like it also that it is tastefully designed and fashionable, despite having little doggies all over. 

 

The holding capacity is actually quite good. These are the things that went in!

 

(Big wallet, wet wipes, tissue pack, pouch with keys/lippie/medicine, Ribena sweets and my phone!)

Another use for this bag is to be my lunch hour bag! I really do not like holding a wallet, staff pass, tissue and handphone in my hand when I go for lunch with colleagues. So having this bag in my office is so useful!

 

(Here's me being challenged to take a quick shot in the middle of the road)

(3) Mono Backpack

 

You won't believe who this is for.

NATHAN FOONG!~

 

Nathan has a stuffed toy doggie that he hugs to sleep every night. And one of the doggie prints on the bag looks exactly like his doggie!

 

As mentioned earlier, this material for Blessing For You bags is lightweight, thick and water proof. It is not just suitable for diaper bags that hold one million things that the baby and mama need but also suitable as a school bag!

 

There are quite a number of compartments both inside and outside which is definitely helpful for young children to organise their things better.

What I like most is the soft air mesh material backing. Back will not feel warm with the air flow in between. The shoulder strap has a generous cushioned portion but lined with a slightly stiff fabric to prevent the straps from slipping off the shoulder.

 

The bag fits A4 size files and books comfortably too!

Awww... why my son so cute? WAIT. You need to stop growing up so fast!

 

In case you are wondering if there is only this one print, there are so many more! TLO.com.sg has shown me many more prints and I guarantee you that there is definitely one that you will like.

OK. NOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS POST.

DISCOUNT! 😍

These bags (including the very useful diaper bags) will be launched during the Baby Fair @ EXPO from 7th to 9th April! There will be a 20% discount if you purchase on site from TLO.com.sg Booth A03!

Here are the prices BEFORE the discount

(1) Shoulder sling bag $50

(2) Hessed Mommy Sling Pouch $35

(3) Mono bag pack $105

Register your interest to attend the event on TLO.com.sg 's event page now~! TLO.com.sg BABY MARKET

If you are unable to go for the event, do not fret! You can also get it on TLO.com.sg BUT the bags will only be released in limited quantities every fortnightly.

I love my BlessingForYou bags!

 

8 Tips to Enjoy Art Zoo 2017

8 Tips to Enjoy Art Zoo 2017

 

Tip 1: Decide the time slot you want to visit

We recommend (i) 5.30pm to 7.30pm or (ii) 7pm to 9pm.

We feel that 1.5hrs is quite sufficient for kids as frankly, too much of the jumping and playing is actually not gonna be too good for the night's rest. Imagine over-hyper kids right before bed time!!

For (i), you will get to see Art Zoo both in the day and when it is lit up. After playing, you can just head out for dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay for local delights or Esplanade for restaurants (expensive ones, other than Toast Box). THEN take a walk around the area to search for iLight at Marina Bay displays.

 

For (ii), try to have dinner before 6.30pm and something that is not over filling. If not you will not only see Merlion spitting water opposite the zoo, you will also see your kid vomiting inside the zoo. 

For us, we went in about 7pm and came out at 8.30pm so we took a stroll along Esplanade, bought a drink and some popcorn and just look look see see. Left Marina at about 9.30pm. :)

 

Tip 2: Clear your bowels before entering the zoo

I know this tip sounds totally weird but you better follow and make sure your kiddo squeeze out the last drop of pee in his/her bladder because THERE IS NO TOILET IN THE ART ZOO! AND once you exit the zoo, YOU CANNOT RE-ENTER!

 

Tip 3: Bring a good backpack

In some of our LIVE videos, you would see my kids holding bottles -> mama took over the bottles -> bottles disappearing because all went into papa's back pack!

The kids are jumping and having any loose item is just super dangerous. Having a good backpack means all these loose items go into the bag. 

For the one carrying, just tighten the straps and you can still hang around in the enclosure with your kiddo!

BUT GENERALLY, TRAVEL LIGHT.

Tip 4: There is NO wet weather plan.

If it rains, no refund! Because you can just happily turn your experience into a wet one! WATER PLAYYYYY!

However, if there is lightning alert, of course, it is indoors for everyone. :))

Bring along a small towel and change of clothes if you already know the weather isn't great. If you wanna be even more hardcore, just dress your kids in wet suit then! 

Word of caution: it gets really slippery when it is wet. Every jump may means falling. You will not be injured because inflatables are bouncy and there are no sharp edges but be prepared for muscle aches like what we are experiencing now.

Tip 5: Don't be a Cinderella! You need the correct shoes for play!

Tapered slip-ons are the best shoes for best experience at Art Zoo.

• If the weather is dry, jumping bare footed is shiok, so you will need to put on and take off your shoes very often. 
• If the weather is wet, you will be wearing your shoes most of the time and you will not want wet, soaked socks in your shoes.

I strongly discourage slippers. It is dangerous to jump in slippers. You either cut yourself or end up spraining your ankle. Just take them off when you are on the inflatables.

Tip 6: Read the information board at each zone

We love to make everything educational. *obsessed with teachable moments* at each zone, there is an information board that will give you the name of the zone and also what animals or plants or insect you can find in that particular inflatable. 

We recommend that you

(1) point at each animal on the board and read it to your kid. If you child is older, have them take note of the spelling; 

(2) ask your child to explore the whole inflatable and search for the animals in this display.

 

 

If not, you can also just let the kiddo jump jump jump then go to the next one then jump jump jump again then onto the next one. :)

Tip 7: We are Drivers too!

If you're driving to Art Zoo, you can either park at the Esplanade or at Marina Square. Personally, I would advise that you park at Marina Square BUT enter the carpark from the Raffles Avenue entrance (just before Mandarin Oriental). That way, you park literally opposite the event location! Also, Marina Square will help to fulfil your toilet/dinner needs (food at the Esplanade is just generally a lot more expensive too). There's a traffic junction there too, so you don't have to worry about jaywalking (both illegal AND dangerous!).

Tip 8: Cheap cheap tickets please!

There are many famous (more famous than us for sure!) bloggers who offer discount codes for their readers.

I found 2 so I'm just gonna share the love!

For 20% off online purchase of tickets, just type '20AZCHLOE' or '20AZJAYNE'.

I feel a bit bad... because I don't even follow them... :p

*updated: Mother Care also has discount code! '20AZMC'.

**updated: Passion Card holders and Safra members also get 20% off!

This 20% off is actually cheaper than the 4 tickets package offered by ART ZOO. 

You can purchase 4 tickets for $50 online or $54 onsite.

Single tickets are at $15 be it online or onsite but with promo code, ONLY $12!

So I got 4 tickets for $48!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now with these 8 tips, I hope you can enjoy the Art Zoo thoroughly and make your $12 sooooooo worth while! 

Frankly, I won't even mind going again with the kiddos! Maybe The Foong Family will see you there!

HAVE FUN, FOLKS! :)

 

P/S: our Favourite zone is the WHALE! Make sure you visit that!

 

Other general information:

1. ART ZOO IS FOR ALL AGES! Ah Mah and Ah Gong also can! :)
2. FREE admission for children below two years old BUT accompanied by two paying adults
3. Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm on WEEKDAYS and 2pm to 11pm on WEEKENDS

9 Tips for Preparing your child for Primary One

 

LAST DAY of the year and the children are starting Primary One in 2 days! I am soooooooo late! Anyway hope this is still in time! (Somehow.. maybe for 2018 batch... :(   )

Anyway, these tips are from my years of experience as a head of department for Character and Citizenship Education in a Primary School. Our department manages P1 orientation, P1 first week of school, P1 buddy programme and also the transition and integration programme. My team (including our school counsellor) and I love doing CSI work. So we hope these tips will be able to help parents prepare their children better for this big milestone. :)

Tip #1: LABEL EVERYTHING

 

Everything includes pencil, pencil case, ruler, bag, books, wallet, water bottle, socks and even shoes! 

Why?

Because even if your child is not the blur sotong in class, other kids may be. This is to minimize any situations in the early days that the child has to go through anxiety in looking for their belongings, conflict management to get their items back (which they may not handle very well) or even the fear of being reprimanded if their items are missing.

Also at lower Primary, there are PAL lessons, speech and drama classes or gym lessons, which sometimes require students to take off their socks and shoes. 

Bonus!

Allow your child to label these themselves by writing their name on the items. This will help them to know what items they have and create the sense of ownership. Go through the items in the pencil case and their bag, where each items are placed, e.g. Front pocket is where the handbook is.

You should also have these information in the student handbook: Parents’ name and contact number, medical condition, food allergies, school bus contact, student care contact.

Tip #2: TOILET TRAINING

 

Teach you child how to clean himself up after the session. Especially after a pooping session.

Why?

Our team solved the mystery of some crying P1 kids who wanted to go home and usually at the same timing. We thought it was a case of school refusal so we checked with the teachers if they were too fierce, we checked with the parents on what the kids said about school, we even checked if they had some learning needs hence they kept crying. Turn out, the kiddo had stomachache and he was afraid to go to the school toilet to clear his bowel, because he did not know how to clean himself up. So he cried and wanted to go home. 

Some childcare or kindergartens or even us at home, we tend to help our children wash up after they poop, in fear they did not clean themselves well. It is good, but can be better if we guide and teach them to do it themselves. :)

Bonus!

You may wish to prepare a packet of wet wipe for them and coach them how to clean up. For Malay parents, please teach your child how to wash themselves with the water hose. Our Malay teachers will walk the students to the toilet to show them the cubicles with the water hose.

Tip #3: DENTAL CHECKUP

 

Bring your child for a dental checkup before school start or at least before the school dental nurse start calling P1 kids in for dental check up.

Why?

The dental clinic in school is usually very cold, or at least the one in my school. Imagine you as a P1 kid, got called up to meet the dental nurse. He or She goes into the cold room, meets a stranger, then the stranger starts putting cold metal items into your mouth and worst! the stranger is going to drill a hole in your tooth or pluck out one tooth! And you have to go through all these alone! Man.. I don't think I can handle this.

By going for a dental check up before school starts, means your child already has prior experience of a dental chair and how it feels like to have things in their mouth. Secondly, all the scary procedures (if required) would have been completed with the parents around. Someone they feel safe and secure with!

Bonus!

Having good dental habits since young is important. Also, please do not speak ill of dental visits. Saying the experience is scary is not the best way to prepare your child.

Tip #4: EYE CHECKUP

 

Bring your child for an eye checkup. If there is shortsightedness or other eye problems, make sure spectacles are made or treatment is given.

Why?

When children are in childcare centres, the teacher student ratio is small and most of the time, children sit near or crowd around the teacher during lesson or activities. Hence, even if the words are smaller, a child with shortsightedness can still see and may not know they need spectacles.

Now, in a P1 classroom, the class size is usually about 30-32. Classroom is a lot bigger. Sometimes the children sit on the floor to listen to class but most of the time, they are at their desks, looking at the whiteboard and sometimes, copying instructions or words. If your child is taller, most probably he or she will be placed nearer to the back of the classroom which means further away from the whiteboard.

If your child does not know the blurness is due to an eye issue and does not communicate it with you, they will start underperforming, or even feel frustrated. Over time, it may lead to school refusal.

Bonus!

Frankly, it is kinda fun going for eye check ups!

Tip #5: FINANCIAL LITERACY

 

Does your kid know how to order food or calculate? Even if they cannot count well, we should at least expose our children regularly to speak or order with vendors. 

Why?

Your child may not have their older sibling in the same recess time slot and surely won't have you help them order in the canteen. Hence, it is important to build the confidence in the child to first, be able to decide for himself what he wants to eat; second, to know how to order; and lastly, be able to calculate the amount needed or how much change to receive. Regular practice will be good!

Bonus!

Ask the school about the food prices and even they are on the HPB healthy eating programme. If the school if on the programme, it is gonna be a lot easier. Food are sold in set bentos, in S/M/L sizes, priced at $1.20, $1.50 and $1.80.

If not, by knowing roughly the food prices, you can plan with your child how much to bring. Do also advise your child to buy food FIRST, before going to the book shop. We had so many new P1 kids just splurging all their lunch money on meaningless stationery or even origami paper. They ended up not eating properly.

So, for the first two weeks, you may want to prepare some snacks for them to bring to school and also bring along some snacks when you are picking them up from school. Your kid may have starved himself for the whole day already.

Tip #6: WATCH YOUR WORDS

 

Speak positively, enthusiastically and passionately about this transition! 

Caution yourself to NOT ask one million questions after your kid comes home from school. It may have been an overwhelming day for them. Let them rest a bit if they are not ready to speak up. Do not get frustrated and push them to share. Take it easy! :)

Why?

What you say makes a big difference to the way your child views school, teachers or even homework. If you gossip or grumble, your child most probably will also view their teachers, school and learning negatively. I have heard parents saying things like, "so much homework!", "homework so difficult!", "teacher likes to torture!", "teacher unfair to you", "this activity is so stupid", etc. Seriously, how to have a good perspective after hearing these?

Bonus!

Share about your experiences when you entered school and when you are in school. BUT if it is a set back, remember to always end the sharing with a good ending or positive outcome!

Some topic you can discuss:

*recess time, 

*separate boys and girls toilets, 

*School bus routines

*the school bell and what it means

*Classroom Setting and what to expect 

Tip #7: WATCH YOUR ACTIONS

Actions speaks louder than words. Expressions too! Be calm and composed.

Why?

If your child is in morning session, wake up earlier, so you will not end up having to rush your child, and everyone is frustrated. How to start a day happy, when you just got scolded? Even if you did not scold, the fact that it is not a leisure walk to school or to the car, it just builds the anxiety more.

Bonus!

Send your child to school on time and do not be late in picking them up. The former builds confidence and the later builds trust.

Tips #8: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND HABITS

 

Maintain a consistent sleep and wake time daily, including over the weekends.

Why?

School-going children need between 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Adolescents require about 9 hours of sleep. There are so many benefits to a well rested mind and body. You are generally happier when you are not tired. And you definitely absorb information better. 

Bonus! 

Try to ensure the room has no stimulants like TV or computer or other gadgets that can distract the child to sleep early or well.

Tip #9: BE A SUPPORTIVE AND CONCERNED PARENT

 

DO:

*monitor your child’s daily work

*give encouragement and support in areas for improvement

*praise your child for any progress made

*have conversations with the teacher and ask how you can be involved in school activities or how you can support your child's learning

DO NOT:

*put too much emphasis on marks and grades

*compare your child’s performance with others

*give more homework than necessary, or as punishment

Why?

Like I always say, our actions and words define the importance of school for our children.

Bonus!

Some questions you can train your child to ask himself/herself each day after school.

Have I finished my homework?

Have I checked my student handbook?

Is there any form or worksheet to be signed or given to my parents?

Did I prepare pocket money for tomorrow?

Have I checked my timetable?

Have I packed my school bag?

Word Play: Sarahbelle's Playful Puns

Some may not like travelling in a car with kids because they usually don't understand the concept of indoor voice very well and some times you cannot really control what happens at the back seat: "Kor Kor hit my face!" "Mei Mei is licking the window!"

For us, we are very thankful that my kids are relatively quiet and calm when they are in the car. Especially for Nathan, when he has a book in hand, it will be silence throughout the journey. This little dude is a bookworm just like his daddy. 

We received a book in our mail when we got back from Taiwan last week. 

It is written by a fellow mother and her 6 year old daughter. It was colourful, with all the girly Colours!

 

I was the first to read it and personally, I didn't give it deep thoughts as settling down after a trip to winter Taiwan means A LOT OF WASHING to catch up with. 😩😩😩

I read it again the next day and being a teacher, I started to assess its tempo and punch, whether it is interesting and who should the target audience be, blah blah blah. (This is so embarrassing.) I told Elvin I need sometime to digest.

I left the book by my bedside and went to bed.

The next morning, I found Nathan reading it. I thought, let's see what he says. He was giggling and I think he easily read it three times, with a wide smile.

We went out that morning and I found out that he brought it along with him and was reading it in the car.

 

He was reading it aloud and laughing. I kept hearing him say, "this Sarahbelle ah, she is funny!"

Later in the day, there were several occasions which Nathan would say, "Sarahbelle said that otters... " "do you know you can play with words? Sarahbelle mixed these two words up!" (I don't wanna spoil it for you.)

This is his favourite page.

 

He just kept giggling about the word puns!

Guilty. I felt so guilty. For not enjoying a book as it is. For being fast to analyse and comment. Sometimes, reading involves more than what you receive at surface value. Nathan is not just reading. He is enjoying the book. He is learning. He is relating. He is creating!

This morning, guess what I found Nathan with again? 

Yup, he was reading "Sarahbelle's Playful Puns" to Phoebe and teaching her the words in it!

So, I would like to recommend this book, simply because it is sincere and resonates with so many of my moments with my two cheeky ones AND children will enjoy it.

ALSO, we should support budding local authors! Definitely, there are some areas for improvement but for a Mother of three young kids to take a leap and publish a book, we can encourage her by buying one for ourselves or getting one for someone you know who has a cheeky one like mine. :)

Support local author and get her book from this crowdfunding site or at Le Petit Pumm, Centerpoint, #03-05. It will make a great christmas present for the 4 to 8 years old.

P/S: while Nathan was brushing his teeth this morning, he was grumbling about something, and I said "it really doesn't matter, dude." This cheeky boy replied, "I am not metal. You are not made of plastic." Then he broke out into crazy laughter. 

“Sarabelle’s Playful Puns” is written by a local writer, Anastasia, who is a part-time working mum to three young children. An ardent advocate of reading, she believed that learning and speaking a language can be immensely fun and enjoyable.

Craft: A little love for the mothers!

Mother's day is not just a day for my children to thank me (obviously because I am their MOTHER) but a day when they appreciate all the lady figures who have shown love and care for them. 

For Nathan, who now understands much, I started with eliciting who are the people who love him and he loves as well. Then I told him, we are going to make gifts for them. With that, I showed him the earrings I was wearing and told him it shall be earrings. Of course, teachers being teachers, I made him said earrings a few times. Hahahaha!

We used shrinking film which is easily available at Art Friend. An A4 size shrinking paper/film is only $1.70 and you can make many things out of it.

(For those who doesn't know what shrinking film is, it is simply a piece of plastic like paper which under heat, will shrink by about 30-40%. You can YouTube it for better understanding.)

After cutting out the shapes, which in our case, I just used a big flower shaped paper punch, Nathan started colouring the flowers with magic markers.

After that, I put the paper into the toaster oven and shrunk them. :) so here I have all the lovely plastic chips, ready to be transformed!

I added the stud backings to the thickened chips. 

Tah dang! Simple and nice!

I love how the pair is not identical. It's so handmade. Hahaha.. And it's so original. 

After the earrings are done, we started on the card making. Basically, all u need is some ink pads and FINGERS! Yup, I demonstrated how to stamp a flower using my finger and Nathan was able to start right away! With prior knowledge about the five petal flower, it was easy for him to create the flowers.

Finally, poke two holes and put the earrings in!

To allow variations, I also took out some alphabet stamps for him to identify letters and stamp the name of the receiver. 

Here is a card for his auntie (my elder sis) and similarly, just slit then poke the earrings through!

And here's happy 奶奶 wearing her Mother's Day special edition earrings!

As for myself, I'm very thankful for a very caring husband who also secretly made a card for me with the children. 

He also presented me with a very heartwarming certificate.

This is my third Mother's Day. Frankly, it has been nothing but great. :) I recalled the first thing I said when I held Nathan in my arms in the theatre, "dear! This one cannot return ah!" That was a very real statement. When God entrusted us with the gift of a child, we are to be good stewards and nurture them properly. There is no return policy and we can and should always give forth our best. The journey and process can be challenging but with God being the center of it all, it will be fulfilling. :) totally loving all the cuddles I have with Nathan and phoebe on our bed and all their joyful giggles! All in all, I'm so glad I have been chosen by God to be a mother and I'm so gonna do my best! :)