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!

 

4 MUST-DOS when you visit the fire station

Do you know you can visit fire stations every Saturday between 9am to 11am?

 

We have been to a few and here are some MUSTS!

(1) Decide which type of fire station you wish to visit

Boon Lay and Woodlands fire stations are more kampung style. They are only two storeys as compared to new and modern ones like Bukit Batok fire station which can go as high as 8 storeys! Technology and facilities also slightly different.

(2) Ask and you may be given!

Don't be afraid to ask for demonstrations or some opportunities to ride on the vehicles or even have some hands-on activities like trying out the water hose and search for items in a smoke room!

The smoke room experience was really quite interesting. The kids were told that we have to find someone who is stuck in a fire in the room. We went in groups of 6, with two kids given torch lights. The room was so smokey that the visibility is like 1-2 metres. To help the visitors, they have placed little flashing green arrows to guide us to the "person" (which is actually a big jacket placed at a corner on the floor). It was a great simulation that allowed our kids to know the job of a fireman better. AWESOME!

The water hose! The kids got to increase and decrease the volume and also the type of spray (Wide or narrow).

 

 

By far, all the SCDF personnels have been nice and always agreeable to let the children experience the vehicles, gadgets and facilities.

 

Previously, Boon Lay station also brought our kids to visit the operation room which you can see the map and the different buttons. It was so cool!!!!!

At our last visit (this time with the kiddos' school), the firemen also demonstrated how to suit up and even simulated saving someone from third floor! Imagine all the action! Taking the long ladder from the fire engine, extending all the way up to the top and bring the person down! The kids were cheering when the firemen succeeded in the Mission!

 

 

(3) Ask for a fireman helmet!

For Neighbourhood fire stations, you will surely get it. BUT if you go for popular sites like Central fire station, be prepared to be there early and snatch for your piece. (I personally don't see a need to rush for popular sites. there are so many fire stations around!)

 

The firemen issued the hats and briefed the kids about the history of the station. Woodlands fire station is one of the oldest fire station in Singapore.

(4) Teachable Moments

There are so many teachable moments visiting the fire station. But do take the opportunity to educate the children on appreciation and a heart of gratitude ❤️. Tell the children about how fireman's job is dangerous but they choose to put others above themselves. Firemen are on shifts, which means some times they have to stay up at night which is not good for health. They have to stay in the station and not be able to go home. Yet, they chose to be firemen. :)

Hope these information will help you have a fruitful excursion with your kiddos! 

HAVE FUN!!!!!!

 

For more information, visit the SCDF link below!

visit to fire station

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

5 steps to conquer Primary School Chinese! 华文，谁怕谁！

School has started. 

6.30am is the new routine. 

Homework replaces TV time.

E-device usage got cut down.

AND CHINESE LANGUAGE SAYS HELLO! 👋🏼

 

In my 8 years of teaching Chinese in a primary school, I have taught all primary levels and also different classes and students of different ability and progress. (And also personally experienced three rounds of curriculum changes.) Something in common is almost all parents/students seems to be always saying Chinese Language is so difficult or that having a good Chinese teacher makes a big difference. If the teacher is pretty and fun, even better! Heh heh...

However, all these aside, I feel the key for a child to improve or even to acquire the language is REINFORCEMENT. And reinforcement can come in several ways: revision before exams, tuition, remedial or simply talking about what have been learnt and have many bite size but effective revision daily.

It is quite obvious which one I prefer eh? :)

So as a parent, how do I know what I should be reinforcing with my kid daily? HOW??? Here are some steps, I feel, will be helpful. :)

Step 1:

UNDERSTAND THE TEXTBOOK

 

Have you taken a close look at these two pages before?

 

These two pages could possibly be the most important two pages that a parent should read before even starting the school year.

These two pages breakdown what will be taught in each chapter and what are the learning points.

If you wish to know how you can support, you need to first know what the teacher is teaching in class.

I will use chapter 4 as an example.

 

This is usually how the chapter starts.

On the right, there is a list of conversational vocabulary based on the theme. The theme for this chapter is most probably outdoor activities or hobbies.

There are 16 words but 1 to 12 are to be acquired by standard Chinese students and 13 to 16 are the additional vocabulary for the Higher Chinese students. For me, I usually just go through with my standard level class.

NOW, you DO NOT need to know how to WRITE all the 16 words. You only must be able to know how to SAY them upon relating them with the picture.

As for the yellow boxes and speech bubbles, those are conversation structures that students must learn so they can speak with the correct sentence and grammar structure. :)

Now, second part.

 

Using the vocabulary and conversation structures learnt, the students will have to be able to permutate, swapping the activities according to the people they are talking to.

Part 3, some theme-related extra readings.

 

Part 4, still expanding and building on the speech structures. Here, you will see the two requirements that the student has to meet. This is what you also have to support and reinforce AFTER the teacher has taught it.

 

The fifth part would be hanyu pinyin. The students will complete HYPY by first semester. Afterwhich, the foundation built should be able to support further Chinese language learning.

 

Sixth part! Building up on the chapter's HYPY.

 

Part 7! The segment that parents put most emphasis on. However, look closely at the small speech bubbles at the bottom.

One says, "我会认” while the other says “我会写”.

So what is the difference in requirement?

我会认 means students are only required to recognise and read it out accurately but should also be able to form the HYPY for the words.

我会写 requires all that 我会认 covers but on TOP of that, the student must know how to WRITE the word accurately.

 

Part 8 starts to use some of the words learnt in part 7 to make sentences but sometimes add on more words to learn. (Refer to the bottom again)

 

The ninth part of the chapter is on application and usually links to the last page of the chapter in the workbook.

 

Woah. I also had a shock on the number of parts I just broke the chapter down to!

Step 2:

UNDERSTAND THE HOMEWORK

There should only be two types of homework for what is learnt. Any additional could be what the teacher feel the students require. Either for stretching their ability if he/she feels the students can attain more OR to support or engage the children more in the theme or learning.

So the two types are: 习字 （writing book) and 活动本 (activity book).

习字will cover all the 我会写 words in the chapter. Take a look at the picture below, you can tally them with the textbook. :)

 

As for the activity book, there are again several parts but all to support what has been learnt in the text book.

Minus the listening activity, the other three pages reinforce the HYPY learnt.

 

The follow few pages covers the 我会认 and 我会写 vocabulary.

 

Last part of the chapter is usually application or a language activity.

 

After the homework given by the school, you may wish to give a bit of revision work. A BIT only ah! However, only those that can be written can be reinforced using an assessment book. For the conversation structure and the conversation vocabulary, it has to be practised by talking and chatting. You cannot skip the revision for these conversation skills as oral examination is taking up heavier weightage in time to come.

So after standing in Popular for a good 30min, flipping through one full shelf of P1 Chinese assessment books,

I found one that I would use.

 

It is $5.90.

I like because (1) it listed out the key learning items and offered the definition in both languages and also HYPY.

 

(2) the exercises are similar to the workbook's format.

 

And the amount of work is not too much. 

For me, P1 means only 7 years old. They need more sleep for their body and brain to develop well. :) so let's go easy with extra homework ya? :))

Step 3:

UNDERSTAND THE ASSESSMENT/GRADING/TEST

Currently, all primary schools are doing Holistic Assessment for at least P1 and P2. Hence, there is NO CA1, SA1, CA2 or SA2 for your child.

The students will be going through bite-size formative assessment, which is small checkpoints on how well your child has learnt the different skills or content in the year. Usually in a term, there will be about 3 components assessed. The components will cover one of the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

 

For P1, a good portion of the marks comes from speaking, which include components like reading aloud, show and tell, conversation or describing a scenario. Imagine you only focused on the writing! 

Also, you have to mark down the dates of the assessments and the chapters or components tested. 

For show and tell, the teacher will usually give some structure and practise with the class. Speak to your child to ensure that you are preparing and practising with him in the correct direction and instruction given by the teacher.

Step 4: 

UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR CHILD LEARNS

Many years back, when I was in school, my mum just made me read the passage many times and make sure I could recognise all the words and read them accurately. Then she would make me write all the new words that I have to learn and then give me spelling. 

Now, things are a bit different. Our children are growing up in a totally different world and their mind function differently too. Like it or not, attention span is shorter, they get disinterested faster, they disengage once they deem something as not fun or boring. So drilling may not be the way to go.

So observe to see what kind of learner your child is. For instance, I am a visual learner. I have to spell someone's name in my mind to remember it.

Got the information below from http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/ 

By recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use techniques better suited to you. This improves the speed and quality of your learning.

 

The Seven Learning Styles

• Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
• Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
• Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
• Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

So which type of learner is your child?

Step 5:

PROVIDE THE ENVIRONMENT

Children who do not have anyone speaking mandarin at home, surely won't have an environment to practise speaking the language. 

I am not recommending tuition here but I do know of some enrichment centres who offer story telling sessions or speech and drama classes. These would be good platforms.

I'm gonna be a bit unconventional here but a bit of Chinese drama or cartoon is fine too BUT BUT BUT with you by the side to moderate and give guidance should there be any inappropriateness or deviation from our moral values. Also, to maximise the effectiveness, I always ask parents to have a short discussion about the character or the story plot after. :)

Now my Favourite point!

Providing the environment also include creating the positive vibes that learning Chinese is not hard, Chinese homework is not difficult, Chinese language is beautiful and interesting, being effectively billigual is cool, etc. What we say makes a big difference to how the child is going to perceive Chinese and the value of this language. Even if it is really difficult for you and your child, use it as a teachable moment to build resilience, to learn to set realistic targets, to bond by saying let's learn together. Turn the crisis into an opportunity! :)

Frankly, I love Chinese Language not because I am good at it. I love the language because my mum exposed me to the language using stories, comics, drama, songs, etc. She guided me to write short paragraphs and even sent them in to the newspaper for them to publish them. My first cheque in my life was from Zaobao when I was in Primary 1. It was only $8 for a short paragraph on 我的弟弟. My mum brought me to the bank and I personally banked it in and that was the first amount printed on my POSB bank book with the cute squirrel.

My final advice, face it positively, learn together and enjoy the language. :)