Daisypath Happy Birthday tickers
Friday, June 25, 2010
Kelsang Metok - Falling Love with Jiuzhaigou Valley
格桑梅朵 - 九寨情
Kelsang Metok - Falling Love with Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟, lit. "Valley of Nine Villages"), is a UNESCO listed nature reserve in northern Sichuan province of China.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
South of the Clouds by XU Qianya 彩云之南
Another nice song for my "northen-nose" girl.
Nice production mixing chinese culture, folk songs and rap rythmns so well. Now i feel like visiting Yun Nan... nice mountains and rivers.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Nutrition Made Easy
Karihome goat whole milk powder
- suitable for infants 7-12mth
- $23.90 for a tin of 400g (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
- available at major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
Healtheries Goats Milk Powder - spray dried
- suitable to be integrated into a child's diet once they have reached the age of 1yr
- $24.20 for a tin of 450g (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
- has a smaller fat globule and is thus easier accepted into the digestive system.
- the 100 % Pure Goats Milk Powder is hygienically produced from fresh New Zealand goats milk.
- available at Cold Storage and major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
Karihome goat whole milk powder
- suitable for older children and adults
- $19 for a tin of 400g
- produced from New Zealand goats milk
- available at major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
- suitable for infants 7-12mth
- $23.90 for a tin of 400g (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
- available at major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
Healtheries Goats Milk Powder - spray dried
- suitable to be integrated into a child's diet once they have reached the age of 1yr
- $24.20 for a tin of 450g (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
- has a smaller fat globule and is thus easier accepted into the digestive system.
- the 100 % Pure Goats Milk Powder is hygienically produced from fresh New Zealand goats milk.
- available at Cold Storage and major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
Karihome goat whole milk powder
- suitable for older children and adults
- $19 for a tin of 400g
- produced from New Zealand goats milk
- available at major NTUC FairPrice outlets.
Encourage your child to pursue his talents
- came across this article in magazine:
- avoid blindly forcing him to excel only in one direction
- encourage your child to be the best he can be in his chosen field
- a wise parent opens a door to possibilities and allow their children to live the dream!
- good grades shouldn't be used to judge your child
- Darling and I were on the topic of educating our children in future again, and we both agreed that it's not wise to force our children to excel academically (eg. get full marks, or question the few marks deducted for tests / exams)
- rather, all-round education is better than sending our children for enrichment computer courses (signing up for wushu, sports, golf etc)
- personally, I'd encourage my children to excel in whatever they do, and if they only know 80% of the questions in exam, to me it's already full marks :)
- suppose he / she only scored 65%, I'd sit down with the child to go through those questions again, and after post-mortem, let him / her learn from mistakes
- setting goals / aims is good, but there'll never be true happiness if there's purely chasing after something, when you can't even enjoy being yourself, the present
- avoid blindly forcing him to excel only in one direction
- encourage your child to be the best he can be in his chosen field
- a wise parent opens a door to possibilities and allow their children to live the dream!
- good grades shouldn't be used to judge your child
- Darling and I were on the topic of educating our children in future again, and we both agreed that it's not wise to force our children to excel academically (eg. get full marks, or question the few marks deducted for tests / exams)
- rather, all-round education is better than sending our children for enrichment computer courses (signing up for wushu, sports, golf etc)
- personally, I'd encourage my children to excel in whatever they do, and if they only know 80% of the questions in exam, to me it's already full marks :)
- suppose he / she only scored 65%, I'd sit down with the child to go through those questions again, and after post-mortem, let him / her learn from mistakes
- setting goals / aims is good, but there'll never be true happiness if there's purely chasing after something, when you can't even enjoy being yourself, the present
How do first-time fathers support their wives?
- help with taking care of your baby & with housework as much as you can
- NB babies are so cute that you just want to look at yours all the time.
- during her pregnancy, your wife will get to know a lot about baby care.
- being first-time fathers, you may not be able to do the same, but there are things you can do
- do your best and enjoy raising your child with your wife
- remember that when this is your first child, your wife will also be anxious about many things
- baby has to be fed and his diapers changed every 2-3 hrs
- she won’t be able to get enough sleep & will always be exhausted. The father can do to help the mother:
1. Helping with housework and child-rearing
- with a newborn baby, the mother is constantly feeding the baby, changing diapers, bathing the baby & performing innumerable other tasks
- try to help out by doing the cleaning and the laundry & by tidying things up a little
- just taking over some of the night-time feedings & diaper changes will lighten your wife’s load considerably
- by asking your wife “Is there anything I can do?” will surely lighten her mood :)
- NB babies are so cute that you just want to look at yours all the time.
- during her pregnancy, your wife will get to know a lot about baby care.
- being first-time fathers, you may not be able to do the same, but there are things you can do
- do your best and enjoy raising your child with your wife
- remember that when this is your first child, your wife will also be anxious about many things
- baby has to be fed and his diapers changed every 2-3 hrs
- she won’t be able to get enough sleep & will always be exhausted. The father can do to help the mother:
1. Helping with housework and child-rearing
- with a newborn baby, the mother is constantly feeding the baby, changing diapers, bathing the baby & performing innumerable other tasks
- try to help out by doing the cleaning and the laundry & by tidying things up a little
- just taking over some of the night-time feedings & diaper changes will lighten your wife’s load considerably
- by asking your wife “Is there anything I can do?” will surely lighten her mood :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Feeding bottles
1. Avent
- $15.90 for 125ml / 4oz BPA free one-piece anti-colic valve system (yellow box)
- $13.90 for 125ml / 4oz BPA free two-piece anti-colic valve system (blue box)
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box) $14.95 each
- $32.90 for 3's 125ml /4oz (blue box) $10.9667 each
- $36.90 for 2's 260ml / 9oz (yellow box) $18.45 each
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
*2. EvenFlo
- $15.90 for 3's 125ml / 4oz BPA clear plastic bottle $5.30 each
EvenFlo 4oz clear plastic bottle
- $18.60 for 3's 250ml / 8oz BPA clear plastic bottle $6.20 each
EvenFlo 8oz clear plastic bottle
3. Avent
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box)
- $14.95 each
Avent 4oz feeding bottle
4. Avent
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box) SP$25.415
- $14.95 each SP$12.7075
- available at Mothercare 15% discount as at 6 Jul 2010
*my choice
- $15.90 for 125ml / 4oz BPA free one-piece anti-colic valve system (yellow box)
- $13.90 for 125ml / 4oz BPA free two-piece anti-colic valve system (blue box)
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box) $14.95 each
- $32.90 for 3's 125ml /4oz (blue box) $10.9667 each
- $36.90 for 2's 260ml / 9oz (yellow box) $18.45 each
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
*2. EvenFlo
- $15.90 for 3's 125ml / 4oz BPA clear plastic bottle $5.30 each
EvenFlo 4oz clear plastic bottle
- $18.60 for 3's 250ml / 8oz BPA clear plastic bottle $6.20 each
EvenFlo 8oz clear plastic bottle
3. Avent
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box)
- $14.95 each
Avent 4oz feeding bottle
4. Avent
- $29.90 for 2's 125ml /4oz (yellow box) SP$25.415
- $14.95 each SP$12.7075
- available at Mothercare 15% discount as at 6 Jul 2010
*my choice
Breastpumps Online
First Few years
1. Medela Freestyle Breastpump $759
Freestyle Breastpump
2. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Metro Bag $669 UP$799
Pump In Style Metro Bag
3. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Backpack $599 UP$769
Pump In Style Backpack
*4. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Shoulder Bag $599 UP$739 ($754 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Pump In Style Shoulder Bag
5. Medela / Swing Breastpump $299 UP$329 ($336.20 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Swing Breastpump
6. Medela Mini-Electric Breastpump $149 UP$178 ($193.50 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Mini E Breastpump
*my choice
1. Medela Freestyle Breastpump $759
Freestyle Breastpump
2. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Metro Bag $669 UP$799
Pump In Style Metro Bag
3. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Backpack $599 UP$769
Pump In Style Backpack
*4. Medela 2008 Pump In Style Advanced Shoulder Bag $599 UP$739 ($754 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Pump In Style Shoulder Bag
5. Medela / Swing Breastpump $299 UP$329 ($336.20 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Swing Breastpump
6. Medela Mini-Electric Breastpump $149 UP$178 ($193.50 at Mums&Babes / Kiddy Palace)
Mini E Breastpump
*my choice
Teether Toys
1. Infantino
- Infantino's Twisty Figure 8 Teether Toy provides four gentle teething surfaces that soothe irritated gums
- help infants to develop both their motor and developmental skills
- made of non-toxic materials and suitable for toddlers 6mth+
- available at Infantino Enterprise PL at Tel: 6272 4628
Munchkin
2. Avent
- for front/ middle/ back teeth
- BPA free at $10.90 each
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra
3. Combi
- Chocolate Teether to stimulate the gums during the early stage of teeth development for infants 3mth+
- chocolate part is teether and can be sucked and chewed
- belt and cover included for attachment to a stroller or baby carrier
- can be handwashed and sterilised
4. Combi
- Cookie Teether for infants 3mth+
- the cookies are a teether and can be sucked and chewed
- fabric part when squeezed makes a crackling sound
- belt included for attachment to a stroller or baby carrier
- can be handwashed and sterilised
5. Combi
- Ice candy teether chocolate/soda for infants 3mth+
- remove the iceblock cover and it becomes a teether
- convenient when out and about
- can be handwashed and sterilised
6. Combi
- Ring teether flower / berry
- comes in different shapes and made from a soft material providing different sense of touch
- design makes it easy for the baby to hold
- can be handwashed and sterilised
- Infantino's Twisty Figure 8 Teether Toy provides four gentle teething surfaces that soothe irritated gums
- help infants to develop both their motor and developmental skills
- made of non-toxic materials and suitable for toddlers 6mth+
- available at Infantino Enterprise PL at Tel: 6272 4628
Munchkin
2. Avent
- for front/ middle/ back teeth
- BPA free at $10.90 each
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra
3. Combi
- Chocolate Teether to stimulate the gums during the early stage of teeth development for infants 3mth+
- chocolate part is teether and can be sucked and chewed
- belt and cover included for attachment to a stroller or baby carrier
- can be handwashed and sterilised
4. Combi
- Cookie Teether for infants 3mth+
- the cookies are a teether and can be sucked and chewed
- fabric part when squeezed makes a crackling sound
- belt included for attachment to a stroller or baby carrier
- can be handwashed and sterilised
5. Combi
- Ice candy teether chocolate/soda for infants 3mth+
- remove the iceblock cover and it becomes a teether
- convenient when out and about
- can be handwashed and sterilised
6. Combi
- Ring teether flower / berry
- comes in different shapes and made from a soft material providing different sense of touch
- design makes it easy for the baby to hold
- can be handwashed and sterilised
Baby Diapers for NB
1. Pampers offer
- at $33.95 for 2 pkt of S48 (3-8kg) disposable diapers
- $0.3536 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
2. Mamy Poko offer
- at $17.80 for a pkt of poo poo pocket NB52 (~5kg)
- $0.3423 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
3. Mamy Poko offer
- at $24 for a pkt of poo poo pocket New! S72
- $0.3333 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
4. Drypers Soft NB offer
- at $7.80 for a pkt of Stool lock system S28
- $0.2786 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
*5. Drypers Soft NB offer
- at $7.20 for a pkt of Stool lock system S28
- $2 off vchr for every 2 packs (all other sizes incl NB28 & redeemable at Giant, ShengSiong, and Fairprice) till end Jun
- $0.2571 each piece
- available at AMK Hub FairPrice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
6. Sealer
- at 10.80 for a pkt
- $0.21 each piece
- available at Sheng Siong supermarket
*my choice
- at $33.95 for 2 pkt of S48 (3-8kg) disposable diapers
- $0.3536 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
2. Mamy Poko offer
- at $17.80 for a pkt of poo poo pocket NB52 (~5kg)
- $0.3423 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
3. Mamy Poko offer
- at $24 for a pkt of poo poo pocket New! S72
- $0.3333 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
4. Drypers Soft NB offer
- at $7.80 for a pkt of Stool lock system S28
- $0.2786 each piece
- available at NTUC FairPrice (correct as at 9 Jun 2010)
*5. Drypers Soft NB offer
- at $7.20 for a pkt of Stool lock system S28
- $2 off vchr for every 2 packs (all other sizes incl NB28 & redeemable at Giant, ShengSiong, and Fairprice) till end Jun
- $0.2571 each piece
- available at AMK Hub FairPrice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
6. Sealer
- at 10.80 for a pkt
- $0.21 each piece
- available at Sheng Siong supermarket
*my choice
29th week of Pregnancy
14jun-20jun
- I had 'requested permission from Darling' to do the following under the companion of mum next week:
1. to make a trip to the office to settle the Maternity Leave application matters
2. to backup a copy of the doc saved on my laptop desktop and clean/tidy the desk if need
3. to complete the Heart2Heart forms and pass to my colleagues for follow-up if need
4. to brief any queries my colleague has who will be taking over my duties
- have to do some new-born (NB) shopping during the weekend
- Aunt maybe coming to visit me (already bought some NB stuff and snacks for me earlier ~$100) and some used milk bottles & brushes
- Ma knee pain and was given 3 days MC, and we went for lunch together and bought some lingerie before shopping for some groceries
- Darling and I plan to buy the cot bed on Sat instead as he's out for some seminar (planned to get it during his lunch break) near his office
- mum & I went to the library to read the papers, and borrowed some books on pregnancy diet
- my best friend visited me at home with her NB Little K, and only after a while did she cry (when my friend was taking her tea-break after feeding bb)
- has some bb clothes and a used cot bed if we need, but Darling decided to get a brand new one for our Little Ones..No.1, No.2, No.3..No.4 :)
- my swelling is better after raising the feet on pillows and boster while sleeping, and applying foot spray for tired feet
- veins are more visible than before, and seem to move higher to my ankle areas
- went to xin.msn.com to load the TV 8 show (connection in the afternoon is very poor) for mum had been missing the show for the past 3weeks (reach home almost 8pm)
- just learnt how to load MTV / KTV links from Darling and on my own put photos to the blog, felt a sense of complishment
- I had 'requested permission from Darling' to do the following under the companion of mum next week:
1. to make a trip to the office to settle the Maternity Leave application matters
2. to backup a copy of the doc saved on my laptop desktop and clean/tidy the desk if need
3. to complete the Heart2Heart forms and pass to my colleagues for follow-up if need
4. to brief any queries my colleague has who will be taking over my duties
- have to do some new-born (NB) shopping during the weekend
- Aunt maybe coming to visit me (already bought some NB stuff and snacks for me earlier ~$100) and some used milk bottles & brushes
- Ma knee pain and was given 3 days MC, and we went for lunch together and bought some lingerie before shopping for some groceries
- Darling and I plan to buy the cot bed on Sat instead as he's out for some seminar (planned to get it during his lunch break) near his office
- mum & I went to the library to read the papers, and borrowed some books on pregnancy diet
- my best friend visited me at home with her NB Little K, and only after a while did she cry (when my friend was taking her tea-break after feeding bb)
- has some bb clothes and a used cot bed if we need, but Darling decided to get a brand new one for our Little Ones..No.1, No.2, No.3..No.4 :)
- my swelling is better after raising the feet on pillows and boster while sleeping, and applying foot spray for tired feet
- veins are more visible than before, and seem to move higher to my ankle areas
- went to xin.msn.com to load the TV 8 show (connection in the afternoon is very poor) for mum had been missing the show for the past 3weeks (reach home almost 8pm)
- just learnt how to load MTV / KTV links from Darling and on my own put photos to the blog, felt a sense of complishment
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Checklist of items to have for NB
A) Baby room
1. Crib / cot bed (NB-5yrs old) + bedding (fitter sheet, comforter, bosters, pillows), bumper, mattress ($30 top-up for firm mattress). $348 @Spring Maternity & Baby AMK HUB (52" x 28")
2. Blanket (IKEA)
3. 3-5 sets of NB clothes (gloves, socks, pyjamas, handkerchiefs etc) (Online retailer of Organic and BPA free products, baby clothes etc Pure-rest & EcoBaby Organics (optional))
4. Leg warmers (optional)
5. Baby changing mat
6. NB Disposable Diapers (Pampers if on promotion / Pet Pet ~5kg / Mamy Poko or ) / baby napkins (Pureen 12 pc UP $22.35 SP $17.88)
7. Baby wipes (Pigeon, Kodomo Baby) (avoid those that dry / irritate skin) (optional)
8. Cotton balls
9. Diaper / nappy rash / protective ointment or cream
10. Air-purifier (optional)
11. Baby toys (Taf Toys Baby Bowling Set @Isetan, Robinsons, OG kidzloft) (optional)
12. waterproof mat for cot w cotton top (optional)
13. NB-to-Toddler Portable Rocker (Fisher-Price) (optional)
B) Feeding
1. Feeding bottles for milk (2 bottles 4oz and 1 bottle 9oz for 0-3mth) and water (Avent-Philip BFA-free bottles Philips)
2. Sterilising kit (Avent-Philip Digital / Electric)
3. Thermo flasks w hot water
4. Milk powder (optional) small tin for trial. Eg. Similac, Nan, Frisco
5. Healtheries Goats milk powder NZ (optional) for better digestion. $24.20 for a tin of 450g (correct as at 9 Jun 2010).
6. Pacifiers w peg (optional)
7. Baby bibs (optional)
C) Bathroom toiletries
1. Baby shower tub
2. Baby body wash $10.20 (Melaleuca)
3. Baby hair wash $10.20 (Melaleuca) (optional)
4. Baby bath towels
5. Baby oil (optional)
D) Outdoors
1. Stroller (for NB steadier/heavier ones recommended. Eg. Amigo from Germany $380.70 UP $430+ / Pre Perego from Italy $600+)
2. Carrier (Baby Bjorn) $299 at Kiddy Palace (Promo 15% discount for non-members; 20% for members correct as at 13 Jun 2010)
3. Storage Bags / Bags for carrying baby stuff (Baby bibs, handkerchiefs, Disposable Diapers for changing w nappy rash cream, Baby wipes etc)
4. Milk bottle bag + feeding bottles + Milk powder
5. Thermal flask w hot water
6. water bottle
7. clean set of clothes for change (optional)
8. Car seat (optional)
9. Hand sanitizer (Melaleuca) (optional)
E) Before Day of delivery
a) For Mum's Confinement / feeding:
1. To find confinement nanny + pay deposit 6mth before EDD (optional)
2. To find infant nanny / care centre (<18mth) after confinement (optional)
3. maid / part-time domestic helper (optional)
4. Breastpump @Kiddy Palace Medela Mini Electric plus $244.50 UP $305.60 (Promo 15% discount for non-members; 20% for members correct as at 13 Jun 2010) (optional)
5. Breastpump bag + cooler bag (optional)
6. Nipple cream (optional)
7. Stretch mark cream (optional)
8. Nursing pillow (Little-Bud) (optional)
b) For Mum's bath:
1. old ginger
2. herbal sachets
c) For Mum's closet:
1. Waist band (optional after Natural birth delivery)
2. Nursing bras + pads
3. Nursing blouses / dresses (optional)
d) For Mum's diet:
1. red dates
2. 2 thermo flasks (for red dates + dried longan drink)
3. oats for breakfast
4. Mianxian for meals
5. Mixed nuts for snacks
6. confinement tonics / wine Eg. Dome (optional)
7. old ginger (to stir fry fine strips for garnish)
F) Day of delivery - call hubby / cab (optional)
Bag to bring to hospital upon contractions (every 10min) / bursting of water bag containing:
1. Handbag (wallet containing IC and personal belongings eg. mobile & charger, digital camera & charger)
2. Thermo flask (optional)
3. Mum's maternity pads & old underwear (optional)
4. Mum's clean set of clothes & toiletries (towels may be provided)
5. NB towel
6. NB overall (optional)
7. Send SMSes to friends/relatives to inform of baby’s arrival
8. Call confinement nanny to inform of baby’s arrival (optional)
G) Others
1. Cord Blood banking Eg. Stemcord, Cordlife, S'pore Cord Blood Bank
2. Life plan for NB (PruFirst Gift for Mum2Be and unborn child. Don HP: 92338293)
3. Savings account for NB
4. Pre-natal ($60 for 90min / Post-natal massage $60-65 for 90min (Maya Mummy Massage / Sutera Touch / ssalmiah@yahoo.com.sg) (optional)
5. Photo shoot (dphoto folio studio / Sean Lau Baby Photo /The Studio Loft / White Room Studio) (optional)
6. Handprints / Footprints portrait (bestimprezzione.com / Beijing Ai Xin Muying Service International PL) (optional)
7. Baby shower cakes (Sweetest Moments / Baby Bliss / Le Precious / My Jolly Town PL) / Bengawan Solo cake vouchers / buffet (optional)
8. Cooling Patch (to put on forehead when child is unwell) (optional)
9. Woodwards Gripe Water (to drink when child is unwell) (optional)
10. Baby swimming Program (0-12mth) (Baby Spa / Beijing Ai Xin Muying Service International PL) (optional)
11. NB First Haircut (w/in 30-60 days) (Beijing Ai Xin Muying Service International PL)
Quotable quotes for self-reflection
Thinking is not awakened understanding. Awakened understanding is quicker than lightning. Where there is reasoning, there is failure. ~Thich Nhat Hanh- this is extracted from the book 'Answers from the Heart' by a great Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk whose lifelong efforts to generate peace and reconciliation moved Martin Luther King Jr. to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967.
- lives in France and travels regularly leading retreats on the art of mindful living.
- author of 'Being Peace', 'Energy of Prayer', 'Old Path, white clouds', 'No Death, no fear' etc.
Fruit juice made with lots of lovingkindness
- this is similar to the fruit juice Darling made for me while I was in the hospital after the AVM surgery, as advised by the nurse to take some fruits (to prevent constipation)
- as for the time being, I was advised to take soft food and not chew too hard as my scar is healing (the neurons growing)
- the fruits are mostly from the fruit-flower baskets 'showered' by well-wishes who visited me in the hospital
- there're grapes, red apples, pears, golden kiwi (the other time Darling added dragonfruit) placed into the blender
- with the seeds removed and washed with Harvest Pure Fruits and Vegetables Wash (to remove any pesticides, fungicides, wax and other agricultural chemicals) it's definitely safer and tastier to consume (vegetables and fruits become cleaner, even fresher)
Pasta meal after hospital discharge for AVM surgery
- our very own angel hair spaghetti, with extra greens and very delicious esp after 2 weeks in hospital (though the meals provided are delicious too)
- healthy food (No MSG, less salt, less oil) is what we usually have for dinner
Hospital ward after AVM surgery
- Before discharge from hospital, darling took a photo of me at TTSH WD 10C Bed 105
- wore a hat so my bald head won't catch cold :)
- will be removing the stitches/ staples the next day (feeling anxious for the past few days for fear of pain)
- most of my 'visitors' commented I looked prettier with my rosy cheeks and slightly rounded face (swell from the surgery had subsided)
- wore a hat so my bald head won't catch cold :)
- most of my 'visitors' commented I looked prettier with my rosy cheeks and slightly rounded face (swell from the surgery had subsided)
Baby strollers
1. Amigo
- from Germany at $380.70 (UP $430+)
- weighs 7kg (colour: blue and light brown), and can carry up to 15kg (NB-infants-young children 0mth-4yrs)
- members enjoy 5% discount (correct as at 12 Jun 2010)
- available at Baby Baby (Tel: 63389129) at marina square /UE Square Novena
2. Capella
- **S-217 $219 5.2kg for 0mth+
- S-226 $289 5.5kg Ag+ for 0mth+
- Adonis $329 7.5kg
- available at Kiddy Palace (non-mem 15%; members 20% discount in Jun 2010)
3. Combi
- Granpaseo LY-600 $559 nett 5.6kg 1-24mth
- *Urban Walker UR-300Y $329 nett 6.3kg 1-36mth
- WT-2502 $319 nett
- TM-359 $239 nett
- RW-240 $198 nett 3.9kg 6-36mth
- Well Carry WC-200Y $289 nett 4.2kg 1-36mth
- Miracle Turn MT-450Y $629 nett 6.35kg 1-36mth
- TJT-350 $498 nett 5.8kg 1-36mth
- EG TJT-450 $529 nett 6.1kg 1-36mth
- rain cover sold separately
- available at Kiddy Palace/ Tai Sing Corpn PL Tel: 6392 1095/1096 ($35 vchr with any purchase of stroller for accessories sold at Showroom)
Taising
4. MACLAREN
***a) MACLAREN/VOLO
- $227.80 UP$268 3.9kg (colours: scarlet, ocean, flame, sunshine, black)
- adjustable 5 point harness for 6mth+
- includes a hood and rain cover
b) MACLAREN/QUEST SPORT
- $312.80 UP$368 5.7kg for 3mth+ (colours: charcoal powder pink, charcoal flame orange, Black/Scarlet, Black/Champagne)
- 5 point adjustable harness
Maclaren Quest Sport
c) MACLAREN/TECHNO XT
- 2009 edition $482.80 UP$568 6.5kg
- All black model: frame and fabric
- 5 point harness for added security
- Extendable leg rest New Features
Maclaren Techno XT
d) MACLAREN/TECHNO XT
- 2008 edition $398 6.5kg can carry up to 25kg one design colour: grey, foc head support and strap pads (worth $58) 2 designs
- 2009 edition $568 6.8kg one design colour: black
- available at Spring Maternity & Baby (AMK Hub, Wendy; Suntec City, Vivo City, Causeway Point, Tanjong Pagar MRT), Kiddy Palace
5. Peg Perego from Italy
a) Peg Perego 2010 Vela $390.15 UP$459
- 3 Wheelers 4.3kg with front wheel suspension with swivel or locking feature, rear wheels with pedal brakes
- colours: java, tropical, pepper, kiwi
Peg Perego 2010 Vela
b) Peg Perego 2010 Si $499 UP$638
- Slim "umbrella fold" design closes compactly with one hand and stands alone (nero, tropical, pepper, kiwi)
- Four 6.5" suspension wheels with ball bearings for smooth, responsive handling
- pepper out of stock (correct as at Jun 2010)
Peg Perego 2010 Si
c) Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico $629 UP$758
- Unique 5-point "Freedom of Movement" harness for security and well-being of the child (colours: lavanda, tropical, kiwi, java, gala, pepper)
- Built-in rear footboard provides safe ride for 2nd passenger
Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico
d) Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico Cotton Sophia / Marea $699 UP$858- Unique 5-point "Freedom of Movement" harness for security and well-being of the child
- Built-in rear footboard provides safe ride for 2nd passenger
Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico Cotton Sophia / Marea
- also available at Spring Maternity & Baby (AMK Hub, Wendy; Suntec City, Vivo City, Causeway Point, Tanjong Pagar MRT)
6. Lucky Baby
- $100+
- available at NTUC, Kiddy Palace
7. Mama Love
- twin stroller 8112A $219 nett 13.1kg
- can carry up to 15kg
- available at Kiddy Palace
8. PHIL & TEDS Sport Double $999 UP$1119 includes Lazy Ted Bouncer adapter
- perfect for newborn, 1 toddler, toddler & newborn and 2 toddlers (with doubles kit)
- Maximum load: Single position: 25kg; single & toddler: 40kg (15kg double kit in rear)
- 10.9 kg Compact & easy to fold (Folded: 90cm x 57.5cm x 27.5cm)
PHIL & TEDS Sport Double
* my choice
- from Germany at $380.70 (UP $430+)
- weighs 7kg (colour: blue and light brown), and can carry up to 15kg (NB-infants-young children 0mth-4yrs)
- members enjoy 5% discount (correct as at 12 Jun 2010)
- available at Baby Baby (Tel: 63389129) at marina square /UE Square Novena
2. Capella
- **S-217 $219 5.2kg for 0mth+
- S-226 $289 5.5kg Ag+ for 0mth+
- Adonis $329 7.5kg
- available at Kiddy Palace (non-mem 15%; members 20% discount in Jun 2010)
3. Combi
- Granpaseo LY-600 $559 nett 5.6kg 1-24mth
- *Urban Walker UR-300Y $329 nett 6.3kg 1-36mth
- WT-2502 $319 nett
- TM-359 $239 nett
- RW-240 $198 nett 3.9kg 6-36mth
- Well Carry WC-200Y $289 nett 4.2kg 1-36mth
- Miracle Turn MT-450Y $629 nett 6.35kg 1-36mth
- TJT-350 $498 nett 5.8kg 1-36mth
- EG TJT-450 $529 nett 6.1kg 1-36mth
- rain cover sold separately
- available at Kiddy Palace/ Tai Sing Corpn PL Tel: 6392 1095/1096 ($35 vchr with any purchase of stroller for accessories sold at Showroom)
Taising
4. MACLAREN
***a) MACLAREN/VOLO
- $227.80 UP$268 3.9kg (colours: scarlet, ocean, flame, sunshine, black)
- adjustable 5 point harness for 6mth+
- includes a hood and rain cover
b) MACLAREN/QUEST SPORT
- $312.80 UP$368 5.7kg for 3mth+ (colours: charcoal powder pink, charcoal flame orange, Black/Scarlet, Black/Champagne)
- 5 point adjustable harness
Maclaren Quest Sport
c) MACLAREN/TECHNO XT
- 2009 edition $482.80 UP$568 6.5kg
- All black model: frame and fabric
- 5 point harness for added security
- Extendable leg rest New Features
Maclaren Techno XT
d) MACLAREN/TECHNO XT
- 2008 edition $398 6.5kg can carry up to 25kg one design colour: grey, foc head support and strap pads (worth $58) 2 designs
- 2009 edition $568 6.8kg one design colour: black
- available at Spring Maternity & Baby (AMK Hub, Wendy; Suntec City, Vivo City, Causeway Point, Tanjong Pagar MRT), Kiddy Palace
5. Peg Perego from Italy
a) Peg Perego 2010 Vela $390.15 UP$459
- 3 Wheelers 4.3kg with front wheel suspension with swivel or locking feature, rear wheels with pedal brakes
- colours: java, tropical, pepper, kiwi
Peg Perego 2010 Vela
b) Peg Perego 2010 Si $499 UP$638
- Slim "umbrella fold" design closes compactly with one hand and stands alone (nero, tropical, pepper, kiwi)
- Four 6.5" suspension wheels with ball bearings for smooth, responsive handling
- pepper out of stock (correct as at Jun 2010)
Peg Perego 2010 Si
c) Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico $629 UP$758
- Unique 5-point "Freedom of Movement" harness for security and well-being of the child (colours: lavanda, tropical, kiwi, java, gala, pepper)
- Built-in rear footboard provides safe ride for 2nd passenger
Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico
d) Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico Cotton Sophia / Marea $699 UP$858- Unique 5-point "Freedom of Movement" harness for security and well-being of the child
- Built-in rear footboard provides safe ride for 2nd passenger
Peg Perego 2010 Pliko P3 Classico Cotton Sophia / Marea
- also available at Spring Maternity & Baby (AMK Hub, Wendy; Suntec City, Vivo City, Causeway Point, Tanjong Pagar MRT)
6. Lucky Baby
- $100+
- available at NTUC, Kiddy Palace
7. Mama Love
- twin stroller 8112A $219 nett 13.1kg
- can carry up to 15kg
- available at Kiddy Palace
8. PHIL & TEDS Sport Double $999 UP$1119 includes Lazy Ted Bouncer adapter
- perfect for newborn, 1 toddler, toddler & newborn and 2 toddlers (with doubles kit)
- Maximum load: Single position: 25kg; single & toddler: 40kg (15kg double kit in rear)
- 10.9 kg Compact & easy to fold (Folded: 90cm x 57.5cm x 27.5cm)
PHIL & TEDS Sport Double
* my choice
28th week of Pregnancy
- went marketing and grocery shopping almost every other day
- little baby was so active at night that I was kept awake from 11pm till almost 1plus (kept moving, kicking and boxing inside me)
- I even heard our neighbour above throwing/pouring things/water out from the kitchen windows onto our air-con ledge (full of litter even before we move in)
- bro came to tell me about the new launch of PruFirst Gift, coverage for expectant mums and unborn child (no 10-mth waiting period) and settle my hospitalisation plan matters
- gave me a pre-natal journal where I can put photos of ultrasound scan and record the dates of photos taken and the progress during pregnancy
- went shopping for newborn (NB) at Kiddy Palace and compared the prices of diapers with those offered at the supermarket, and even the items on offer are priced higher than those sold at the supermarket
- bought some for NB (overall at $15.92, UP $19.90, and a set of T&J pyjamas at $14.90, and 12pc Pureen baby napkins at $17.88, UP $22.35)
- only bought a pkt of Pureen Madame maternity pads 20S for myself at $7.95 (supermarket selling Kotex maternity pads adhesive 10S for $6.01)
- ma going to accompany me to the gynae for consultation after work on Friday (asked pa along, but he almost forgot about it)
- pa finally made it, and gynae said foetus had gained abt 500+g (77% which is equivalent to the weight I gained compared to last mth) and ultrasound scan 3 photos to show darling (head is on right side of my tummy)
- we went for our dinner after that, and shopped briefly for baby cot (offer at $398 which bedding+mattress+toy =48% disc) before gg home (darling waiting for dinnner)
- on Sat, darling and I went to Subway for lunch (offer at new outlet) and we chose to take up promo for 2 free cookies with footlong (honeyoats bread)
- Baby Baby (Tel: 63389129) at marina square (another outlet at UE Square) has stroller Amigo from Germany $380.70 (UP $430+), members enjoy 5% discount
- weighs 7kg (colour: blue and light brown), and can carry up to 15kg (NB-infants-young children 0mth-4yrs)
- went to Carrefour to buy some drinks, and ended up buying more (cakes, sushi, yogurt drinks, oyster mushrooms etc = $14+) :)
- my left foot (near the end of 2nd last toe) was abit painful after a day of walking/shopping
- we prefer something of lighter colour as the colour of the bedroom floor is dark (this is the same price as that we saw @Kiddy, but w/o bedding set)
- my right foot near the inner ankle was abit swollen after long hours of standing/walking
Sweet potato and its cultivation
- has many Chinese names and it contains starch and vitamins
- a fair amount of sweet potato (satsumaimo) flavoured by Singaporeans flourish in Kagoshima, Japan
- different kinds of sweet potato can be found in supermarkets, aka Japanese sweet potatoes in Singapore
- either red and long or ordinary-looking, and extremely fragile
- soil used to cultivate them is utterly soft and loose, and shaped like a tunnel to prevent the sweet potatoes from getting damaged during harvest
- harvest takes place after 3mth or 120 days
- saplings grow to about the size of 6" and snip of the part of the leaves and stem, and insert it at a slanted angle into the soil
- in this way, it'll produce more sweet potatoes as more can grow underground at a slanted angle (produce about 3 in a bunch)
- an upright sapling may produce only 1 sweet potato
- Japanese sweet potatoes that are long with red skin and yellow flesh in Singapore are planted similarly
- the climate, loose and fertile soil and the saplings determine the amount and quality of sweet potatoes produced
- farmers must be sharply attuned to climate change during sweet potato cultivation
- soil cannot be too dry during summer, and water quality must also be monitored
- pest control and pruning of stems are also necessary
- constant loving care enables the sweet potatoes to grow healthily
- a fair amount of sweet potato (satsumaimo) flavoured by Singaporeans flourish in Kagoshima, Japan
- different kinds of sweet potato can be found in supermarkets, aka Japanese sweet potatoes in Singapore
- either red and long or ordinary-looking, and extremely fragile
- soil used to cultivate them is utterly soft and loose, and shaped like a tunnel to prevent the sweet potatoes from getting damaged during harvest
- harvest takes place after 3mth or 120 days
- saplings grow to about the size of 6" and snip of the part of the leaves and stem, and insert it at a slanted angle into the soil
- in this way, it'll produce more sweet potatoes as more can grow underground at a slanted angle (produce about 3 in a bunch)
- an upright sapling may produce only 1 sweet potato
- Japanese sweet potatoes that are long with red skin and yellow flesh in Singapore are planted similarly
- the climate, loose and fertile soil and the saplings determine the amount and quality of sweet potatoes produced
- farmers must be sharply attuned to climate change during sweet potato cultivation
- soil cannot be too dry during summer, and water quality must also be monitored
- pest control and pruning of stems are also necessary
- constant loving care enables the sweet potatoes to grow healthily
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Consumption of grains vs beef_Climate Change
- Michael Klaper, M.D. shared his knowledge with students regularly
- 12 pounds of grains is equivalent to 54 bowls of cornflakes or 12 loaves of bread
- 12 pounds of grains is equivalent to 1 pound of minced beef (if you feed the cows with the grains and get the meat from the cows)
- every cow consumes on average more than 30 kg (66 pounds or 5.5 loaves of bread) of grains and greens daily
- farming of grains needs 1/6 acre of land, which is equivalent to 2 acres of land (12 times more) needed if the grains are used for feeding / rearing the cows
- Studies showed that Singaporeans consume more than 20 000 metric tonnes of beef a year (emission of methane from farming is more than CO2 emisson).
- the most expensive beef in the world is the Japanese wagyu beef which has made Japanese cuisine world-famous
- in luxury restaurants beef from Kagoshima could fetch as much as S$100 per 100g (if only 1% of serving is donated to charity/ needy or ppl in the developing world countries)
- in hawker centres a slab of beef cost S$6 (equivalent amount of beef in restaurants cost $74 = 12.3333 times more expensive)
- very soon, prices will increase further with the GST hike to 10% + inflation (on ave 40% of mthly expenditure is spent on groceries/marketing and food)
- From Jan - Sep last year alone, Singapore imports more than 8800 kg of frozen Kagoshima beef (= wt of a large dumper truck)
- Japanese wagyu beef has such fine texture, some being graded A5, some B3, a total of 15 grades in all
According to ST newspaper dated 17 Oct 2009 "The Face of Hungry" page C20:
- 1 in 6 ppl in the world goes hungry (spiralling food prices have added to hardships where the poor can barely afford a single meal a day in the world's most desperate countries)
- 1.02 billion ppl across the world are hungry (the no. will increase if governments do not spend on agriculture)
- estimated 3.5 million ppl die annually from malnutrition
- with the lack of access to nutrients, starving ppl are more vulnerable to diseases and death
- on ave, 1 person dies every second as a result of starvation
- more than 60% of chronically hungry people are women
- lack of Vitamin A kills 1 million infants a year
- 1 billion ppl live on less than US$1 a day
Another ST article said:
- 1 child dies every 6 sec of malnutrition; 1 in 5 children in Somalia is acutely malnourished, a trend seen in impoverished countries across Africa
- UN Food and Agriculture Organistion (FAO) revealed that 30 countries now require emergency aid, including 20 in Africa (World Food Day 2009 report)
My Fair Lady
- Psychologists say beauty is associated with a neoteny, the retaining of child-like features in adults.
- fair skin, associated with youthfulness, is deemed more desireable to many.
Conditioned Beauty
- phenomenon is especially prevalent in Asia.
- drawings from early china showed women and goddesses with fair skin tones.
- in India, the I want-fair-skin phenomenon is so pervasive that a attached to being tanned.
- While men are attracted to lighter skins, women seem to prefer the opposite.
- fairer skin in females is associated with purity, modesty and goodness.
- darker skins are associated with mystery, villainy and danger,
- fairer women closely linked to more angelic themes.
Protection or Overprotection
- The sun's ultra-violet rays are not only important for the synthesis of Vitamin-D, but also for building stronger muscles and improving reaction time.
- lack of Vitamin-D is associated with osteoporosis and several forms of cancer, including colon, breast and prostate.
- protecting our skin against the sun's rays is important, overprotecting it and obsessing over fair skin is not the perfect solution .
- being out in the sun makes everyone cheerful and happy.
Tips on fairer skin naturally:
1. Get 8 hours of sleep a night. Good sleep will mean less dullness in your skin.
2. Have eight glasses of water. It is a general rule of thumb, but we often forget with our busy schedules. Hydrating yourself means healthier skin.
3. Appling lemon juice is believed to make one's skin fairer. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, but it can sting if you have sensitive skin.
4. Applying lemon juice is believed to make your skin fairer. It works best applied at bedtime and left overnight.
5. Aloe Vera, the wonder plant, helps clear up the skin if applied externally as a gel. You can also drink Aloe Vera juice every day to help with healthy skin.
- fair skin, associated with youthfulness, is deemed more desireable to many.
Conditioned Beauty
- phenomenon is especially prevalent in Asia.
- drawings from early china showed women and goddesses with fair skin tones.
- in India, the I want-fair-skin phenomenon is so pervasive that a attached to being tanned.
- While men are attracted to lighter skins, women seem to prefer the opposite.
- fairer skin in females is associated with purity, modesty and goodness.
- darker skins are associated with mystery, villainy and danger,
- fairer women closely linked to more angelic themes.
Protection or Overprotection
- The sun's ultra-violet rays are not only important for the synthesis of Vitamin-D, but also for building stronger muscles and improving reaction time.
- lack of Vitamin-D is associated with osteoporosis and several forms of cancer, including colon, breast and prostate.
- protecting our skin against the sun's rays is important, overprotecting it and obsessing over fair skin is not the perfect solution .
- being out in the sun makes everyone cheerful and happy.
Tips on fairer skin naturally:
1. Get 8 hours of sleep a night. Good sleep will mean less dullness in your skin.
2. Have eight glasses of water. It is a general rule of thumb, but we often forget with our busy schedules. Hydrating yourself means healthier skin.
3. Appling lemon juice is believed to make one's skin fairer. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, but it can sting if you have sensitive skin.
4. Applying lemon juice is believed to make your skin fairer. It works best applied at bedtime and left overnight.
5. Aloe Vera, the wonder plant, helps clear up the skin if applied externally as a gel. You can also drink Aloe Vera juice every day to help with healthy skin.
Science Activities for June Hols
Date: 4th - 6th June 2010 (Fri-Sun)
Time: 11am - 8pm
Venue: Causeway Point Main Atrium
Admission: FREE for public visitors
"Science in the Mall" is going to Causeway Point for the first time! Our theme this year is "X-ploring Sports and You!"
Bring your kids to join us & learn more about sports science and technology!
Test your physical abilities at our exhibits, make your own science toys and watch our amazing science shows
Please visit www.science.edu.sg/sitm for more information.
Time: 11am - 8pm
Venue: Causeway Point Main Atrium
Admission: FREE for public visitors
"Science in the Mall" is going to Causeway Point for the first time! Our theme this year is "X-ploring Sports and You!"
Bring your kids to join us & learn more about sports science and technology!
Test your physical abilities at our exhibits, make your own science toys and watch our amazing science shows
Please visit www.science.edu.sg/sitm for more information.
Colouring Poster on Goh Keng Swee
May 17, 2010
- As Singapore mourns the passing of Dr Goh Keng Swee, you may wish to download and print our specially produced poster for young aspiring artists.
- Grown-up media are deluged with tributes; the sheer volume may overwhelm young readers.
- Aim to stimulate children's interests in "the master builder of modern Singapore".
- designed for colour printing in A3 size.
- To download the poster, click here:
http://files.me.com/cherian/fbeczt
Cherian George & Mary Cherian
Editors and Publishers, What's Up
Website: www.newsforkids.com.sg
Email: editors@newsforkids.com.sg
- As Singapore mourns the passing of Dr Goh Keng Swee, you may wish to download and print our specially produced poster for young aspiring artists.
- Grown-up media are deluged with tributes; the sheer volume may overwhelm young readers.
- Aim to stimulate children's interests in "the master builder of modern Singapore".
- designed for colour printing in A3 size.
- To download the poster, click here:
http://files.me.com/cherian/fbeczt
Cherian George & Mary Cherian
Editors and Publishers, What's Up
Website: www.newsforkids.com.sg
Email: editors@newsforkids.com.sg
Budding Writings Project 2010
Marshall Cavendish Education, a sister company of Marshall Cavendish Online, is organising a Budding Writings Project.
- It's 11th year now
- a national writing competition open to all Primary and Secondary school students to encourage creativity in both writing and illustration.
- Please encourage your students and/ or children to join.
- The winning stories will be published into a book!
http://www.marshallcavendish.com/education/buddingwriters/
- It's 11th year now
- a national writing competition open to all Primary and Secondary school students to encourage creativity in both writing and illustration.
- Please encourage your students and/ or children to join.
- The winning stories will be published into a book!
http://www.marshallcavendish.com/education/buddingwriters/
Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) returns in 2010 from 15 July to 22 July 2010 at Suntec Singapore
Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) returns in 2010 from 15 July to 22 July 2010 at Suntec Singapore
- after successful runs in 2006 and 2008, SGF is the only show in the world to gather the world's top award-winning garden and floral designers under one roof
- SGF 2010 will showcase the talents of the world's gardening luminaries.
- new feature is the "Supermarket Garden" suitable for our young visitors to learn about the importance of nature appreciation and gather tips on being a nutritional winner by eating delicious greens to stay strong and healthy.
Singapore Garden Festival
“Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Tour
Sara, the Botanicosaurus is back! This time Sara, with her siblings and friends, visit the Supermarket Garden at the Singapore Garden Festival. Join Sara to learn about how produce and food are grown before they end up on our dinner plate. Discover fascinating facts and hear interesting stories about the banana, peanut, soya bean, sugarcane, sweet potato and many more yummy fruits and vegetables in this special garden. Alongside learning about plants which you can eat, pick up tips on being a nutritional winner by eating delicious greens to stay strong and healthy.
Suitable for Kindergarten 1 to Primary 6 levels
Duration: 1.0 hour
Fee: $3.00 per child (includes “Sara Goes To Supermarket Garden” book)
(Note: The above fee excludes admission charges into the Singapore Garden Festival)
Group Size : 20 participants (min.) to 25 participants (max.).
One experienced guide will be provided to each group.
Programme Fee
The programme fee includes:
* Approx. one hour “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Guided Tour
* One copy of “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” storybook per child (for children only)
* Approx. a half-hour Guided Tour around the Singapore Garden Festival (Level 4 & 6) (Optional)
Admission Fee
Retail Ticket Pricing (Opening Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm)
Type Weekend/Weekday
Adult $12.00 / $8.00
Concession (child*, student, senior citizen) $8.00 / $5.00
**Family (2 adults, 3 children) $36.00 / $18.00
*Free for children less than 0.9m
**No discount
Special Ticket Pricing with discounts
S/N Type Discount Ticket Pricing
1 Group ticket sales
(Minimum 20 tickets per organization) 20 tickets : 10%
21 – 50 tickets : 20%
51 – 100 tickets : 30%
101 – 200 tickets : 40%
> = 201 tickets : 50%
Venue
Supermarket Garden @ Singapore Garden Festival, Level 4 Suntec Convention & Exhibition Hall
Dates : 15 July 2008 – 22 July 2010 (over 8 days)
Booking Procedure
To register for “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Tour, please complete the booking form attached. Booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis upon receipt of form. A confirmation letter will be emailed to you upon successful booking of the programme.
Payment (From today onwards)
Payment by Cash or Cheque to be made on the actual day of programme.
Contact Details
Ms Hayuni Hadi: 6471 7130 / 6471 9961
Email: seri_hayuni_hadi@nparks.gov.sg
- after successful runs in 2006 and 2008, SGF is the only show in the world to gather the world's top award-winning garden and floral designers under one roof
- SGF 2010 will showcase the talents of the world's gardening luminaries.
- new feature is the "Supermarket Garden" suitable for our young visitors to learn about the importance of nature appreciation and gather tips on being a nutritional winner by eating delicious greens to stay strong and healthy.
Singapore Garden Festival
“Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Tour
Sara, the Botanicosaurus is back! This time Sara, with her siblings and friends, visit the Supermarket Garden at the Singapore Garden Festival. Join Sara to learn about how produce and food are grown before they end up on our dinner plate. Discover fascinating facts and hear interesting stories about the banana, peanut, soya bean, sugarcane, sweet potato and many more yummy fruits and vegetables in this special garden. Alongside learning about plants which you can eat, pick up tips on being a nutritional winner by eating delicious greens to stay strong and healthy.
Suitable for Kindergarten 1 to Primary 6 levels
Duration: 1.0 hour
Fee: $3.00 per child (includes “Sara Goes To Supermarket Garden” book)
(Note: The above fee excludes admission charges into the Singapore Garden Festival)
Group Size : 20 participants (min.) to 25 participants (max.).
One experienced guide will be provided to each group.
Programme Fee
The programme fee includes:
* Approx. one hour “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Guided Tour
* One copy of “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” storybook per child (for children only)
* Approx. a half-hour Guided Tour around the Singapore Garden Festival (Level 4 & 6) (Optional)
Admission Fee
Retail Ticket Pricing (Opening Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm)
Type Weekend/Weekday
Adult $12.00 / $8.00
Concession (child*, student, senior citizen) $8.00 / $5.00
**Family (2 adults, 3 children) $36.00 / $18.00
*Free for children less than 0.9m
**No discount
Special Ticket Pricing with discounts
S/N Type Discount Ticket Pricing
1 Group ticket sales
(Minimum 20 tickets per organization) 20 tickets : 10%
21 – 50 tickets : 20%
51 – 100 tickets : 30%
101 – 200 tickets : 40%
> = 201 tickets : 50%
Venue
Supermarket Garden @ Singapore Garden Festival, Level 4 Suntec Convention & Exhibition Hall
Dates : 15 July 2008 – 22 July 2010 (over 8 days)
Booking Procedure
To register for “Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden” Tour, please complete the booking form attached. Booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis upon receipt of form. A confirmation letter will be emailed to you upon successful booking of the programme.
Payment (From today onwards)
Payment by Cash or Cheque to be made on the actual day of programme.
Contact Details
Ms Hayuni Hadi: 6471 7130 / 6471 9961
Email: seri_hayuni_hadi@nparks.gov.sg
27th week of Pregnancy
31may-6jun
- my tummy suddenly grew alot and I suspect I'd gain another 2-3kg when I go for gynae consultation next week
- my hubby and I just recovered from flu, fever and runny nose, and we spent the weekend mostly resting at home instead shopping for newborn (NB) stuff
- I felt weak (whole body muscle ache) and hardly did any revision and/or reading for the coming Dharma class course review on Friday as planned
- fortunately the course review turned out to the exact questions prepared for us by the teacher (phew!), except some of the MCQ choices are phrased at random
- my hubby and I went to buy a pair of new sandals for him, went to the banks and lunched at Vivo City (pasta and pizza which we haven't eaten for quite sometime), bought a short-sleeved shirt, and socks
- plan to shop for NB stuff (crib) next week with pa on his off days or after work in the evenings during weekends
- went for our grocery/household/ health supplements shopping at Somerset MRT, Winsland House on Sat
- my tummy suddenly grew alot and I suspect I'd gain another 2-3kg when I go for gynae consultation next week
- my hubby and I just recovered from flu, fever and runny nose, and we spent the weekend mostly resting at home instead shopping for newborn (NB) stuff
- I felt weak (whole body muscle ache) and hardly did any revision and/or reading for the coming Dharma class course review on Friday as planned
- my hubby and I went to buy a pair of new sandals for him, went to the banks and lunched at Vivo City (pasta and pizza which we haven't eaten for quite sometime), bought a short-sleeved shirt, and socks
- plan to shop for NB stuff (crib) next week with pa on his off days or after work in the evenings during weekends
- went for our grocery/household/ health supplements shopping at Somerset MRT, Winsland House on Sat
26th week of Pregnancy
24may-30may
- my colleague came to visit me and passed me the bottles of sol-u-mel (natural cleaner-cum-odour eliminator-cum-stain-remover) I've left in the office cupboard
- had plans to celebrate Vesak Day with family (there's a Dharma talk on 'The Science of the Mind and the Brain' by Ajahn Brahm at Yeo's Building on Friday morning), but hubby was down with flu, fever and runny nose
- fortunately hubby fetched me home on the eve of Vesak Day after we had dinner, so I could take care of him (I got the virus even though we kept some distance and took precautions)
- we spent a great deal of time resting at home, and when hubby felt better, it was his turn to take care of me, took me to see doc (only had runny nose then) and later had high fever (38 deg C) and abit of cough, muscle ache
- my colleague came to visit me and passed me the bottles of sol-u-mel (natural cleaner-cum-odour eliminator-cum-stain-remover) I've left in the office cupboard
- had plans to celebrate Vesak Day with family (there's a Dharma talk on 'The Science of the Mind and the Brain' by Ajahn Brahm at Yeo's Building on Friday morning), but hubby was down with flu, fever and runny nose
- fortunately hubby fetched me home on the eve of Vesak Day after we had dinner, so I could take care of him (I got the virus even though we kept some distance and took precautions)
- we spent a great deal of time resting at home, and when hubby felt better, it was his turn to take care of me, took me to see doc (only had runny nose then) and later had high fever (38 deg C) and abit of cough, muscle ache
25th week of Pregnancy
17may-23may
- noticed forehead dented (right temple and frontal above nose bridge) and abit worried I'm turning into a freak
- ma suddenly felt unwell (pain in chest, starting to perspire cold sweat, vomitting) and I immediately SMS hubby, and ma asked me to call Uncle to ask him for advice
- Uncle asked me to call for ambulance and without hesitation, I did and notified hubby, and prepared our handbags to leave the house upon arrival of ambulance
- ambulance (SCDF) arrived shortly after hubby reached, together with Uncle, and after a brief checking with ma, sent ma to hospital
- all these ended before midnight and fortunately, ma felt better and took another day of MC at the polyclinic
- I went to stay with my parents and the room temp during the night was only bearable with the wall fan switched on (day time as well)
- mum made oats for breakfast, and sometimes we had white porridge/ brown rice for lunch, and chee cheong fun/ buns for snacks
- there's alot of time for reading the papers, and suddenly I found so much news (mostly negative eg. the oil rig spill, the Korean dispute, the spill off Changi, etc)
- we went out for dad's review check-up at the hospital after his surgery, and went for TCM consultation or go for grocery shopping if need
- noticed forehead dented (right temple and frontal above nose bridge) and abit worried I'm turning into a freak
- ma suddenly felt unwell (pain in chest, starting to perspire cold sweat, vomitting) and I immediately SMS hubby, and ma asked me to call Uncle to ask him for advice
- Uncle asked me to call for ambulance and without hesitation, I did and notified hubby, and prepared our handbags to leave the house upon arrival of ambulance
- ambulance (SCDF) arrived shortly after hubby reached, together with Uncle, and after a brief checking with ma, sent ma to hospital
- all these ended before midnight and fortunately, ma felt better and took another day of MC at the polyclinic
- I went to stay with my parents and the room temp during the night was only bearable with the wall fan switched on (day time as well)
- mum made oats for breakfast, and sometimes we had white porridge/ brown rice for lunch, and chee cheong fun/ buns for snacks
- there's alot of time for reading the papers, and suddenly I found so much news (mostly negative eg. the oil rig spill, the Korean dispute, the spill off Changi, etc)
- we went out for dad's review check-up at the hospital after his surgery, and went for TCM consultation or go for grocery shopping if need
24th week of Pregnancy
10may-16may
- no longer take pain-killer pills but head (just above right ear occasionally acute / sharp pain)
- my mum-in-law came to accompany me, and besides going out for our lunch, we spent our time at home, and I did some reading on baby and pregnancy (continue to prepare small tokens of appreciation for all friends and colleagues who've visited me or sent their well-wishes) while ma did some washing and cleaning, and resting
- sometimes, if I didn't plan for multigrain porridge for dinner, darling will buy dinner & ma will dine with us, watch TV & went out @8-9pm if nd
- darling took leave to accompany me, together with ma, for gynae consultation after discharge from hospital (AVM right frontal surgery which lasted for about 8h)
- great relief after doc did ultrasound scan and everything is normal, except that I didn't gain any weight (foetus is around 700g)
- no longer take pain-killer pills but head (just above right ear occasionally acute / sharp pain)
- my mum-in-law came to accompany me, and besides going out for our lunch, we spent our time at home, and I did some reading on baby and pregnancy (continue to prepare small tokens of appreciation for all friends and colleagues who've visited me or sent their well-wishes) while ma did some washing and cleaning, and resting
- darling took leave to accompany me, together with ma, for gynae consultation after discharge from hospital (AVM right frontal surgery which lasted for about 8h)
- great relief after doc did ultrasound scan and everything is normal, except that I didn't gain any weight (foetus is around 700g)
23rd week of Pregnancy
3may-9may
- to be discharged from hospital soon, and as the time for the removal of stitches/staples got nearer, I became more and more anxious, for fear of the pain
- darling took leave to accompany me at home after discharge for another 3 days, and next week my mum-in-law will come to accompany me (take no-pay leave)
- on the day of discharge, I should have insisted on having the anti-diarrhoea medication from the hospital, as I felt unwell since that morning, and I had to see my family doc for fear that I would be kept awake from further diarrhoea
- I showered myself in the morning and finally was discharged by 3pm (mum came too besides hubby) and we took a cab back
- the house was well-kept and I was really happy that my darling had taken the time and effort to wash all the bedsheets and clothes, and did all the mundane housekeeping, besides doing his meditation and reading
- just after I was discharged, there's news that there's a breakout of pneumonia in the hospital (all the nurses had to wear face masks) and there's no availability of beds for in-patients
- to be discharged from hospital soon, and as the time for the removal of stitches/staples got nearer, I became more and more anxious, for fear of the pain
- darling took leave to accompany me at home after discharge for another 3 days, and next week my mum-in-law will come to accompany me (take no-pay leave)
- on the day of discharge, I should have insisted on having the anti-diarrhoea medication from the hospital, as I felt unwell since that morning, and I had to see my family doc for fear that I would be kept awake from further diarrhoea
- the house was well-kept and I was really happy that my darling had taken the time and effort to wash all the bedsheets and clothes, and did all the mundane housekeeping, besides doing his meditation and reading
- just after I was discharged, there's news that there's a breakout of pneumonia in the hospital (all the nurses had to wear face masks) and there's no availability of beds for in-patients
22nd week of Pregnancy
26apr-2may
- had been hospitalised for sudden AVM on right frontal of head, and surgery is the best solution if I don't want to go through any radio/chemo treatment
- hubby was strong and besides having to do all the housework, coming to visit me during my meals (twice daily), he had to coordinate (wrote down/ prepared visitors' list) all the hospital visits by friends and colleagues, and handle all the phone calls etc
- surgery was successful and family and friends were supportive and understanding
- speedy recovery was possible as friends and family were showering me with chantings, dedicating merits to me, praying etc
- initial days after surgery, the headache was bearable only when I took the pain killer pills, and there's abit of coughing (had to practically 'beg' for cough syrup to stop the cough as I was kept awake for 2 nights)
- whenever I cough, I had to cover the tummy (my unborn baby) with one hand, and the other hand holding my head (to minimize headache) after covering my nose and mouth with my blouse
- the backache from a fall many years ago was bearable only when I use the E-wave muscle ache plasters (bought from Taiwan a month ago), which lasted for a few days
- had been hospitalised for sudden AVM on right frontal of head, and surgery is the best solution if I don't want to go through any radio/chemo treatment
- hubby was strong and besides having to do all the housework, coming to visit me during my meals (twice daily), he had to coordinate (wrote down/ prepared visitors' list) all the hospital visits by friends and colleagues, and handle all the phone calls etc
- speedy recovery was possible as friends and family were showering me with chantings, dedicating merits to me, praying etc
- initial days after surgery, the headache was bearable only when I took the pain killer pills, and there's abit of coughing (had to practically 'beg' for cough syrup to stop the cough as I was kept awake for 2 nights)
- whenever I cough, I had to cover the tummy (my unborn baby) with one hand, and the other hand holding my head (to minimize headache) after covering my nose and mouth with my blouse
- the backache from a fall many years ago was bearable only when I use the E-wave muscle ache plasters (bought from Taiwan a month ago), which lasted for a few days
Monday, June 7, 2010
Getting a Maid to take care of your children
- in work-oriented country like Singapore, foreign domestic helpers are employed to do the bulk of the household chores and taking care of the children
- takes two hands to clap, and really can't blame everything that goes wrong in the household on the maid
- your maids are not housekeeping machines and do require that touch of empathy
That Human Touch
- a little kindness and understanding goes a long way.
- the first few days with maid in your home are always the trickiest, with her feeling completely disoriented and insecure about using a language that she is not used to.
- try to make her feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
- engage her in as much as conversation as possible, and encourage her to voice out her feelings
- forging a stronger bond with your domestic helper can also help them to cope better with a new environment, thus performing much better.
Are the Lines Open?
- establishing clear communication with your domestic helper is essential
- important to state your expectations clearly from the start, so that they are met.
- always let you maid feel that she is able to contact you anytime she needs to, without getting chastised.
- leave a list of instructions, should she forget her tasks, and also your phone numbers, should she have any queries.
Finding the Right Balance
- play the part of the firm but kind employer, instead of a patronising parent.
- speak to her as an equal, and instead of scolding her when she does something wrong.
- always be very clear with boundaries and let your maid know of what can and cannot be done.
- eg. left the kids alone in the house for a short period of time whilst she went to the supermarket to get something, was unacceptable .
- communicate your fears to her and dangers of leaving young children unattended.
- you may suggest that the next time she had to go somewhere, she take them along or give you a call and let you pick it up instead.
- people management skills are required
- time and practise make for happy, long lasting relationships for all.
- takes two hands to clap, and really can't blame everything that goes wrong in the household on the maid
- your maids are not housekeeping machines and do require that touch of empathy
That Human Touch
- a little kindness and understanding goes a long way.
- the first few days with maid in your home are always the trickiest, with her feeling completely disoriented and insecure about using a language that she is not used to.
- try to make her feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
- engage her in as much as conversation as possible, and encourage her to voice out her feelings
- forging a stronger bond with your domestic helper can also help them to cope better with a new environment, thus performing much better.
Are the Lines Open?
- establishing clear communication with your domestic helper is essential
- important to state your expectations clearly from the start, so that they are met.
- always let you maid feel that she is able to contact you anytime she needs to, without getting chastised.
- leave a list of instructions, should she forget her tasks, and also your phone numbers, should she have any queries.
Finding the Right Balance
- play the part of the firm but kind employer, instead of a patronising parent.
- speak to her as an equal, and instead of scolding her when she does something wrong.
- always be very clear with boundaries and let your maid know of what can and cannot be done.
- eg. left the kids alone in the house for a short period of time whilst she went to the supermarket to get something, was unacceptable .
- communicate your fears to her and dangers of leaving young children unattended.
- you may suggest that the next time she had to go somewhere, she take them along or give you a call and let you pick it up instead.
- people management skills are required
- time and practise make for happy, long lasting relationships for all.
Disposable Nursing bra pads
1. Avent
- disposable Ultra comfort Breast Pads 50's $17
- $0.68 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 5 days or $3.40 daily or $102 mthly)
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
2. Medela
- disposable 30's $11.79 UP$13.10, highly absorbent, adhesive tape
- $0.786 UP$0.8733 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 3 days or $3.93 UP$4.3667 daily or $117.90 UP$131 mthly)
- available at Spring Maternity & Baby (10% discount till 4 Jul 2010)
*3. Medela
- disposable 30's $10.48 UP$13.10, highly absorbent, adhesive tape
- $0.6986 UP$0.8733 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 3 days or $3.4933 UP$4.3667 daily or $104.7999 UP$131 mthly)
- $17.4667 UP$21.8333 for same quantity of Avent 50's ($0.4667 UP$4.8333 more expensive)
- available at Mums & Babes AMK Hub Level 2 (20% discount till end June, correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
- www.mumsandbabes.com.sg
4. Medela
- disposable 30's $12.90
- $0.86 each pair
http://www.firstfewyears.com.sg/warehouse/detail.htm?ProductID=BTF-19
- disposable 60's $24.90
- $0.83 each pair
http://www.firstfewyears.com.sg/warehouse/detail.htm?ProductID=BTF-20
**5. Pigeon
- disposable 60's breast pads available in packs of 24, 36 at $8.90 nett & 60 at $13.90 nett @Kiddy Palace
- ultra-absorbent gel that traps milk effectively
- super soft lining keeps you dry and allows skin to breathe
- double-sided tape secures the pad
- hygienic and individually wrapped
- $0.2317 each pair
www.pigeonbaby.info
*6. Tollyjoy
- disposable 40+8's SP$6.90 UP$7.90
- SP$0.2875 UP$0.3292 each pair till 30Jun10 12.66% disc
- available at NTUC outlets
*my choice (correct as at Jun 2010)
- disposable Ultra comfort Breast Pads 50's $17
- $0.68 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 5 days or $3.40 daily or $102 mthly)
- available at AMK Hub Fairprice Xtra (correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
2. Medela
- disposable 30's $11.79 UP$13.10, highly absorbent, adhesive tape
- $0.786 UP$0.8733 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 3 days or $3.93 UP$4.3667 daily or $117.90 UP$131 mthly)
- available at Spring Maternity & Baby (10% discount till 4 Jul 2010)
*3. Medela
- disposable 30's $10.48 UP$13.10, highly absorbent, adhesive tape
- $0.6986 UP$0.8733 each pair (if need to change 5x daily, enough for 3 days or $3.4933 UP$4.3667 daily or $104.7999 UP$131 mthly)
- $17.4667 UP$21.8333 for same quantity of Avent 50's ($0.4667 UP$4.8333 more expensive)
- available at Mums & Babes AMK Hub Level 2 (20% discount till end June, correct as at 19 Jun 2010)
- www.mumsandbabes.com.sg
4. Medela
- disposable 30's $12.90
- $0.86 each pair
http://www.firstfewyears.com.sg/warehouse/detail.htm?ProductID=BTF-19
- disposable 60's $24.90
- $0.83 each pair
http://www.firstfewyears.com.sg/warehouse/detail.htm?ProductID=BTF-20
**5. Pigeon
- disposable 60's breast pads available in packs of 24, 36 at $8.90 nett & 60 at $13.90 nett @Kiddy Palace
- ultra-absorbent gel that traps milk effectively
- super soft lining keeps you dry and allows skin to breathe
- double-sided tape secures the pad
- hygienic and individually wrapped
- $0.2317 each pair
www.pigeonbaby.info
*6. Tollyjoy
- disposable 40+8's SP$6.90 UP$7.90
- SP$0.2875 UP$0.3292 each pair till 30Jun10 12.66% disc
- available at NTUC outlets
*my choice (correct as at Jun 2010)
Sweetest Moments - Full-month Packages
- DE PETIT PACKAGES $5.90-$7.90
P01/P02/P03 $5.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Good Luck Red Eggs
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Swiss Rolls/ Glutinous Rice/ Mochi
P04 $5.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Swiss Rolls
2 Choco Donuts
2 Fruity Bites
P05 $6.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Swiss Rolls
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Brownies
P06 $7.90 ($2 upsize of P01-P03 for Big Cupcakes)
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Good Luck Red Eggs
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Big Cupcakes
My choice: P01 (traditional), P04 (new gen)
P01/P02/P03 $5.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Good Luck Red Eggs
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Swiss Rolls/ Glutinous Rice/ Mochi
P04 $5.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Swiss Rolls
2 Choco Donuts
2 Fruity Bites
P05 $6.90
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Swiss Rolls
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Brownies
P06 $7.90 ($2 upsize of P01-P03 for Big Cupcakes)
1 Customized BabyCard
2 Good Luck Red Eggs
2 Ang Ku Kuehs
2 Big Cupcakes
My choice: P01 (traditional), P04 (new gen)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Children's Activities
Asian Children's Festival 2009
- 10th glorious year
- annual event aims to provide the modern children with games and engaging activities that are relevant to their lives
- eg. Think cyber games, sports, dance clinics, craft and cooking workshops, kids' performances and story-telling sessions
- inter-family games and workshops to understand your child for parents
When: Nov
Where: The Plaza, National Library Building
Admission is free
www.nlb.gov.sg
Explore Singapore!
- 4th year helmed by the National Heritage Board (NHB)
- holistic campaign to spark a national passion in discovering Singapore's heritage and museums
- aims to enthuse, excite and educate the public about heritage and museums on an emotional level by adopting a personal theme - I Love Museums
when: nov-dec
where: various museums
www.museums.com.sg
Singapore Philatelic Museum
- heritage of Japanese and the Philippines
- activities include traditional Edo-Kimekomi doll exhibition, 'Kimekomi' doll making and try on a kimono (traditional Japanese dress) sessions
- tasting of authentic Filipino dishes and traditional games, handicrafts etc
when: nov
Where: 23-B Coleman Street
Admission is free
www.spm.gov.sg
- 10th glorious year
- annual event aims to provide the modern children with games and engaging activities that are relevant to their lives
- eg. Think cyber games, sports, dance clinics, craft and cooking workshops, kids' performances and story-telling sessions
- inter-family games and workshops to understand your child for parents
When: Nov
Where: The Plaza, National Library Building
Admission is free
www.nlb.gov.sg
Explore Singapore!
- 4th year helmed by the National Heritage Board (NHB)
- holistic campaign to spark a national passion in discovering Singapore's heritage and museums
- aims to enthuse, excite and educate the public about heritage and museums on an emotional level by adopting a personal theme - I Love Museums
when: nov-dec
where: various museums
www.museums.com.sg
Singapore Philatelic Museum
- heritage of Japanese and the Philippines
- activities include traditional Edo-Kimekomi doll exhibition, 'Kimekomi' doll making and try on a kimono (traditional Japanese dress) sessions
- tasting of authentic Filipino dishes and traditional games, handicrafts etc
when: nov
Where: 23-B Coleman Street
Admission is free
www.spm.gov.sg
Recommended reading for young children
1. Garfield Minus Garfield by Jim Davis
Ballantine Books
- based on the phenomenon ignited by Dan Walsh's webcomic
2. Cook Chicken
Marshall Cavendish Cuisine
- 35 easy to follow recipes
- soups, stir-fries, one-dish meals
3. Organizing the disorganized child by Martin L. Kutscher & Marcella Moran
Harper Studio
- tips, tricks and wisdom to help children succeed in school
4. The top 100 recipes for Brainy Kids by Christine Bailey
Pansing Distribution
- easy-to-prepare recipes
- nutrition is key in supporting a child's mental and emotional well-being
5. WordWorld
Where Words Come Alive
Dog's Camping Adventure
INNOFORM Media
- improve children's early literacy skills
- includes oral vocabulary, children's ability to read and recognise words featured
6. Walt Disney: The Three Little Pigs
Scorpio East Entertainment Pte Ltd
- light-hearted story that follows the adventures of the three little pigs
7. The Fairies: Fairy Magic
INNOFORM Media
- join the beautiful fairies and their magical friends on a magical journey
8. Walt Disney
Race To Witch Mountain
Scorpio East Entertainment Pte Ltd
- take this thrill ride in Disney's fun family action-adventure
Ballantine Books
- based on the phenomenon ignited by Dan Walsh's webcomic
2. Cook Chicken
Marshall Cavendish Cuisine
- 35 easy to follow recipes
- soups, stir-fries, one-dish meals
3. Organizing the disorganized child by Martin L. Kutscher & Marcella Moran
Harper Studio
- tips, tricks and wisdom to help children succeed in school
4. The top 100 recipes for Brainy Kids by Christine Bailey
Pansing Distribution
- easy-to-prepare recipes
- nutrition is key in supporting a child's mental and emotional well-being
5. WordWorld
Where Words Come Alive
Dog's Camping Adventure
INNOFORM Media
- improve children's early literacy skills
- includes oral vocabulary, children's ability to read and recognise words featured
6. Walt Disney: The Three Little Pigs
Scorpio East Entertainment Pte Ltd
- light-hearted story that follows the adventures of the three little pigs
7. The Fairies: Fairy Magic
INNOFORM Media
- join the beautiful fairies and their magical friends on a magical journey
8. Walt Disney
Race To Witch Mountain
Scorpio East Entertainment Pte Ltd
- take this thrill ride in Disney's fun family action-adventure
Picky eater
- picky eating does not necessarily lead to poor nutrition and growth
- feeding disorders (in childhood) are more serious and may involve extreme weight loss or failure to meet expected growth potential
- just part and parcel of growing up but sometimes could indicate a more serious underlying problem: an eating disorder
Signs to look out for
- besides growth deficits, other signs include the child's incessant complaints about the food served
- look out for child's increasing susceptibility to illnesses, if he/she is not performing well in school, is disinterested in playing or interacting with other children and/or has adverse interactions with fellow family members.
- children are usually able to take normal table foods by the age of 15 mth
Is child at risk
- all children have a tendency to feel some anxiety when presented with a new food called neo-phobia
- done without any stress or pressure to eat and the food are offered many times (10-20), the child will learn to eat that food
- overly anxious parents may adopt coercive practices like forced feeding and punishment or turn to bribery
- feeding disorders (in childhood) are more serious and may involve extreme weight loss or failure to meet expected growth potential
- just part and parcel of growing up but sometimes could indicate a more serious underlying problem: an eating disorder
Signs to look out for
- besides growth deficits, other signs include the child's incessant complaints about the food served
- look out for child's increasing susceptibility to illnesses, if he/she is not performing well in school, is disinterested in playing or interacting with other children and/or has adverse interactions with fellow family members.
- children are usually able to take normal table foods by the age of 15 mth
Is child at risk
- all children have a tendency to feel some anxiety when presented with a new food called neo-phobia
- done without any stress or pressure to eat and the food are offered many times (10-20), the child will learn to eat that food
- overly anxious parents may adopt coercive practices like forced feeding and punishment or turn to bribery
How Best to Plan for Your Child's Future
- 1 in 25 locals in 1990 to 1 in 10 in 2000 get a university degree
- you may like to send your child to a prestigious school for that added edge in life
Start Early
- start early to reach your financial goals is key
- a 3-yr non-medical degree course at a local tertiary institution costs $58.119 will cost $93.190 in 18 yrs (includes tuition fees and living expenses)
- in Australia, $117,684 now will cost $258,531 in 18 yrs
- in Britain, $151,866 now will cost $418,758 then
- in US, for 4-yr course, $291,512 now will cost $793,686 then
- your home is the largest investment you will make, and raising a child comes a close second
- start saving for your retirement first before saving a child's education
- cover all current liabilities and living expenses should you be unable to work first
- without insurance, education costs may not be the top priority
- local workers aged between 20 and 64 are under-insured by as much as $525 billion nationwide
- average person needs about $495k life insurance, but most are only covered for about 1/3 of this sum ($165k)
Work out a Plan
You may like to ask the following questions:
- Are you planning for your son or daughter? If it's your son, then you'd have 2 extra yrs to save (assuming he serve NS).
- What kind of education do you want your child to have?
- Where will he/she study?
- most popular alternative to savings in a bank (interest rates are significantly low) is an endowment plan
- an endowment plan yields about 3-5 % returns and comes with coverage against death and illnesses
- eg.if you like to save $200k in 20 yrs, you may need to save $595.30 per mth under an endowment plan. This guarantees $109k upon maturity and $94,108 non-guaranteed bonuses (your child will receive $203,018).
- returns are lower than investing in a unit trust
- investments come risks
- with longer time horizon (with dollar cost averaging), the ups and downs balance out and investing can boost your savings
- may invest with an insurance-linked plan to diversify your portfolio
Beyond Education Savings
- hospitalisation should be the first policy you should get for your child
- MediShield covers an 80% of your large medical bills in Class B2 and C wards
- Basic coverage for newborns and youth are about $30/yr
- half of the local youths under 20yrs old are not yet covered
- another insurance plan is life plan, covering premature deaths, disabilities or a list of critical diseases
- life plan policy should be low on parent's priority list
Other options
(A)
- CPF study loan interest at 2.5% (cheapest loan)
- repayment starts only after student graduates
- max loan is 40% of your OA balance
- loan only available to full-time govt subsidized diploma or degree
- repayment can be made in one lump sum or mthly installments over a max of 12 yrs
(B)
- Education loan from bank can fill up the gap between CPF loan and savings you have
- interest rates at 6% and processing fees of about 3%
- can borrow up to 6-8 times of your mthly gross income, with cap of $150k
- may have to be paid during course of study
(C)
- tuition fee loan with no income requirement
- max loan is 90% of MOE's subsidized tuition fee for entire course of study
- interest rate during course of study is at 4.75%
- some courses of study are excluded
- you may like to send your child to a prestigious school for that added edge in life
Start Early
- start early to reach your financial goals is key
- a 3-yr non-medical degree course at a local tertiary institution costs $58.119 will cost $93.190 in 18 yrs (includes tuition fees and living expenses)
- in Australia, $117,684 now will cost $258,531 in 18 yrs
- in Britain, $151,866 now will cost $418,758 then
- in US, for 4-yr course, $291,512 now will cost $793,686 then
- your home is the largest investment you will make, and raising a child comes a close second
- start saving for your retirement first before saving a child's education
- cover all current liabilities and living expenses should you be unable to work first
- without insurance, education costs may not be the top priority
- local workers aged between 20 and 64 are under-insured by as much as $525 billion nationwide
- average person needs about $495k life insurance, but most are only covered for about 1/3 of this sum ($165k)
Work out a Plan
You may like to ask the following questions:
- Are you planning for your son or daughter? If it's your son, then you'd have 2 extra yrs to save (assuming he serve NS).
- What kind of education do you want your child to have?
- Where will he/she study?
- most popular alternative to savings in a bank (interest rates are significantly low) is an endowment plan
- an endowment plan yields about 3-5 % returns and comes with coverage against death and illnesses
- eg.if you like to save $200k in 20 yrs, you may need to save $595.30 per mth under an endowment plan. This guarantees $109k upon maturity and $94,108 non-guaranteed bonuses (your child will receive $203,018).
- returns are lower than investing in a unit trust
- investments come risks
- with longer time horizon (with dollar cost averaging), the ups and downs balance out and investing can boost your savings
- may invest with an insurance-linked plan to diversify your portfolio
Beyond Education Savings
- hospitalisation should be the first policy you should get for your child
- MediShield covers an 80% of your large medical bills in Class B2 and C wards
- Basic coverage for newborns and youth are about $30/yr
- half of the local youths under 20yrs old are not yet covered
- another insurance plan is life plan, covering premature deaths, disabilities or a list of critical diseases
- life plan policy should be low on parent's priority list
Other options
(A)
- CPF study loan interest at 2.5% (cheapest loan)
- repayment starts only after student graduates
- max loan is 40% of your OA balance
- loan only available to full-time govt subsidized diploma or degree
- repayment can be made in one lump sum or mthly installments over a max of 12 yrs
(B)
- Education loan from bank can fill up the gap between CPF loan and savings you have
- interest rates at 6% and processing fees of about 3%
- can borrow up to 6-8 times of your mthly gross income, with cap of $150k
- may have to be paid during course of study
(C)
- tuition fee loan with no income requirement
- max loan is 90% of MOE's subsidized tuition fee for entire course of study
- interest rate during course of study is at 4.75%
- some courses of study are excluded
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