Kate 5th month

Im so delayed with this post...

We finally decided to bank in their ang bao money..  before we decide to unpack them. Nana Pam was telling her wealthy friend has this habit of "rolling money" but its their trade secret on how they roll. So this is our version.  Baby K n V did their rolling on the bed!! May the girls have money rolling in at all times!

Please don't quote me ah, this is of good fun and giggles for the family. 

Baby Kate has started to flip front and back! So lazing in bed is pretty fun since she won't get stuck and be upset. We have started to sit her too, she still wobble a little but think we are right on track to be feeding her 1st foods by 6 months! For those who are not sure, it advisable that the back is strong before feeding. She has also lost her "tongue thrust reflex" and shows EXTREME interest in our foods!  I got her new set of feeding spoons and bowls! cannot wait to use them! Shows that it doesn't matter whether you are a 1st or 2nd time mummy, 1st food are always exciting! I printed out my menu and all! heheehe

BB K's double eyelids has started to develop! Definitely earlier than V who had hers only after 1 yo. She is looking so pretty la!

I heart this picture because she slept -crashed on the bed and didn't move for like forever and woke up looking like Rudolph! Cuteness or what!

This child definitely have charisma, being a mom of 2, I do see stark contrast when I carry both out (at 5 months) Kate is a baby that stops traffic, people ACTUALLY stop to see her or bother to bend down to talk to her or exclaim so cute like loud. I am just amazed by how many people come to do this, I thought in the beginning was just that she is an infant and everyone loves babies. But months down and we still get onlookers pointing at her. Then I thought is because Baby Kate is a smiley child and people just want to see her laugh. But its the same when she sleeps! So I am very sure that this chid has charisma.. she attracts people to her like bees to honey.

Till 6 months post...

MBS Laser show

I think we must be the last family to ever do this...

I know that laser shows exists at Marina Bay sands, I mean I used to hang at One Attitude (One Raffles Place) and I watch the laser fly by when I have my tinkle aka alcohol. That was then...

Last weekend, V went on a trip with her grands to MBS to watch the show and she came back so excited. Telling us about it and there were BUBBLES! Apparently that was the highlight!

So we decided to make a trip there and stayed on till 8 pm where they have the 1st show. While Trev decided it was cool to watch from the top, V had other plans and INSISTED on watching the show right in front near the water. So being a mom, Kate and V in the stroller, ran to the end of MBS just to take the ramp down and push her right in the middle of the platform to watch the show. (only a mom will go all way out, dad was just "top is good" attitude)

Man, I was pretty impressed with the show.. only to realised Bb Kate fell asleep amidst all noise, pop and merry !!

*unedited from my S3. 

This photo has to be my current favourite of BB Kate. with such a beautiful backdrop of Singapore.  While BB K was sleeping, V was hopping everywhere on the platform and she looked so beautiful and innocent. I tried it with a new app.. think it looks postcard-ish

It was a endearing moment to see her fleeting and floating amongst the bubbles. Its like "man, she has grown up" I'm sure all parents go through such moments, well, I had it that moment. My heart had that squeeze.

Whatever is it that you want Victoria,  I hope your future is what you desire

Lollibox

We came back from Kidszania with V's friends and I decided to get them a gift for being so awesome! After searching I decided on Lollibox... I took the 3 months subscription for Ern Ern, Brayden and Ryan. I reckon 3 continuous months of the program was way more more endearing than 1 big present.

(For those who have plans and needs to know the budget, I paid $230.70 for 3 child of 3 months subscription)

Here is handsome Ryan with a personalized note from V. 

This will ensure the kids gets to look forward for a present in the mail from Victoria. Its cool like that...

At the same time, I though why not ask for a box to review? Like why not? and why not ask for a giveaway? Yes so we are giving away Lollibox this round!! Love me please.... 

{Giveaway} {Review} Lollibox 

V had 2 boxes (Moons and Stars and Itsy Bitsy bugs) to review.. and she chose the Moon and Stars. Not that it was indicated, just a random pick. I was pleased with her choice because she has been asking me about who turns on the roads lights and that why the sun is day and moon is night. I tried youtub-ing the info but no matter how cartoon they try to make this topic, it is still too far fetched for a 4 year old. (or rather the mummy has no ability to explain this concept of solar system) ) o.0

We chose to do the moon one 1st .. it all happened so fast I forgot to take a photo! Guess you can tell how excited we were!! That is the one with the balloons, plastic bowl, batteries operated candle,  craft glue and paper. I had fun *note I ... it was a messy job for me, but V had fun painting the balloon with watered down glue and pasting it with paper. But here is it 24 hours later... THE MOON!

We continued with the telescope which was much easier as it just sticking shiny paper and stickers on it. This activity can be something the child to do by herself. The adult supervision is to help paste the shiny paper around the telescope. BUT one thing great came out of it and that is V learnt a new word 'T-E-L-E-S-C-O-P-E and the purpose of it! She however struggled with trying to use a telescope because she has to close one eye! A toughie for a 4 yo girl but she got it finally!

V's favourite past time.. sticking stickers. Finally a purpose for - to beautify a telescope!

We waited for a clear night and went out for moon and star gazing

It was great fun, total time taken was about 1.5 hours. But interestingly about this set is that there is an anticipation of waiting for the  Papier-mâché moon to dry and an excuse to go out at night for moon gazing.  Flo mummy is not much a craft person because I am not organised enough to keep stylish paper, beautiful strips of ribbons and left over clay to save my life. I rather throw them away and buy new ones. Which makes crafting real expensive !!  and so Lollibox works out well for ME!! 

Win a Lollibox

Lollibox is sponsoring a their latest box Sun Sand & Sea for 1 lucky reader. If you enjoyed reading this review and would like to win this Lollibox, do

1. Leave a comment telling us which theme box is Lollibox giving
2. Like and Share my Facebook- Flo Mummy and like Lollibox's
3. Leave your name and email for Lollibox to contact you when you win!

This giveaway runs from 25 March - 7 April

*I received a complimentary Moon and Stars Lollibox for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own and this box has Victoria's nod of approval..

CONGRATULATIONS To MARIE for winning the Lollibox!!! Lollibox will be in touch with you soon!!!

Need to talk to husband part 2

The husband is back... Think Bangkok's weather drove him slightly hot. 1 week of hot sun and spicy food and the temper was not pleasant.

I just have to be patient..  I find it pretty irritating when he goes all negative at me, I know is been a busy month for him but so am I right? What makes him have it easier? But anyways, I gave him freedom of an hour of negativity and snapped back somewhere after church.

We recovered after lunch and 1.5 hours of nap, felt that life was all nice and merry. Think the hot sun does takes its toll on us humans. Doesn't help that Victoria was snappy too which annoyed us much! But when the husband told me that her annoying us may not be for long.. My heart just went miserable. I mean why do children grow up so fast? Parenting has this love hate thing, as of marriages I suppose, right?

Anyway I set my mind on a new ride, not the car but the stroller and the husband is all fussy about it in the morning but by after church wanted to go straight and buy it, I think MAN are ODD. Like why must nag at me and decides later to make me happy. Seriously?

These are times I wish I had the power to buy anything I want.. I mean I can but the household is a husband responsibility right? I just think I have a naggy husband, he really is like nag nag nag, why must spend this and that.. All along I kept thinking it's just him, till recently I realized all men are like that!

Oh and for the ride, I haven't got to get it yet. Coz the nagging turned me off.. I will see my mood next few days.

Need to talk to the husband

Been getting busy .. sort of

I think the brain is on overdrive again.... I have discovered that its on overdrive because the husband has not been around to listen to me. As a couple, despite our odd schedule... we always make that one point and that is to share what we have been up to almost daily. But last 3 weeks, Trev has been on 2 weeks reservist and then 1 week biz trip. We had 2 nights together but he was so tired from army, sleep and catch up on work was more important.

I will have him back tonight and soon he will be going on another trip to Vegas - long trip which means he will busy himself with his backlog of work that he already didn't get to organise. I better plan a date night to catch up man!

Whenever he is away, my workload increases coz of V's school... then I have to hold fort at home coz no one is at home. Which means endless driving and tightening of time coz its not really nice to disappear too long. Its a mad rush daily, I get to do some work during lunch while waiting for V sometimes , if not is a lunch appointment. Pick her up, go back to latch baby Kate. By 430, I'm out if I do have another appointment. I need to come back *try by 9pm o catch Kate's last feed and put both to sleep- single handedly. But if all things fail, my helper n MIL are there to hold fort.

Last 1 week was crazy, meeting and emails endless. I wanted to blog but rest was took a priority still. Today, we went to Vs school family day.. brought the gang out and treated them nice lunch and bought stuffs for them. They have been really helpful in my career. But it also occur to me bringing 4 adults and 2 kids are DAMN COSTLY. I spent so much today... *anyways...

Its not always such but when it happens it gets to be what I am feeling now - overdrive.

I need to talk.. to the husband. Coz by talking my mind clears up. Do you have the same issue as me?

Singapore Mom Preneurs

Tell us about yourself. What prompted you to start your own little biz? 

I once had a dream, on my 21^st birthday, cut my cake in Seoul and wished that at 30 years old, I will be happily married with children and didn’t have to work.

 

I started working since I was 14 years old - holiday jobs and part time. At 18 years young, I started flying while everyone else was studying and enjoying their childhood. I grew up quick and I believe missed a good 5 years of young adult years in terms of thoughts. I quickly catapulted into adulthood and always thought all I needed was to pass my 20’s and 30’s will be bliss.

 

It all happened, I got what I wished for. Pregnancy made me stopped work at 30 and had Victoria. It was an amazing journey and having Victoria was the turning point in my life. She was a high need baby - I learned so much from her, read so much about her. We started to be a team and amongst all adversity I became stronger and started to see things from a different perspective.

 

At about this time in my life, they say that “Each Day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children” and that “Children are educated by what the grown up is and not by his talk”. I started to search for a dream, my dream that has been long forgotten. I long to give back to the society something like doing volunteer work, it has always been an innate desire but like what my husband says “Doing this doesn’t pay you”

 

I stumbled upon Mary Kay by attending one of their classes, the values of the company was what I wanted- “God 1^st , Family 2^nd, Career 3^rd” it was just calling me to do this. I tried their products and the result on me was amazing, my confidence level went up a notch. It was from their constant training, I found my self worth.

 

I took a plunge and started to do the biz and that was 3 years ago.

 

Tell us about your little business.

 My little independent business (when it started) was just to enrich women, to teach how to use the products/servicing my customers and the results were rewarding. 2 years later, while I was pregnant with my 2nd, I took a plunge and got myself certified as a Style Coach and started my company Style Essence by providing services but exclusively using Mary Kay products.

 

Style Essence is a Singapore based beauty and image company that offers expert services on styling, makeup and skincare. We specialize in Style Coaching, Skincare consultation, grooming, makeup services and workshops. We pride ourselves in our ability to make an impact in our clients’ lifestyle through our workshops and offer creative solutions to individual needs in beauty and styling.

 

Style Essence is my brain child but being a team player, I roped in partners to help with the brand. Interestingly, all of them had the same belief like me. We all are married, have faith that we will be guided to be great role model for our families. With this, Style Essence brought about entrepreneurship to like-minded women like us.

 

Why did you choose this to be your biz?

 I first started using the Mary Kay products and the change in me was amazing. Instead of looking for something to create my dream, why not use an award winning brand that is in their 50^th anniversary this year to start it! I was already a walking billboard!

 

Where did you get your ideas for your brand: biz name, logo, ‘look’ etc?

The brand name came about because of my belief that it’s not only image that is important but also have Style. The best part of being stylish has to come from the essence of an individual! That’s how I came about the brand name – STYLE ESSENCE.

A partner’s husband who helped us professionally created the logo and ‘look’ and we absolutely love it! I may be awesome in what I do but designing on a computer is not my forte, I leave it to the professional.

 

What is the thing about your biz that makes it stand out from the competition?

The Company is based on this “I sincerely believe that all you send into the lives of others does come back into your own. If you give of yourself without thought of financial gain, the financial gain will come” It seems like a long shot, but we know it will attract like-minded people and customers to our company and appreciates that we should just make people beautiful. Our unique selling point is that we personalize workshops/services that we offer according to clients needs. We are not a generic beauty and image company, we offer results that our clients are able to earn and apply in their lives. By knowing our clients needs, we can service them impeccably!

 

What has been the most challenging thing for you so far as you have been building your biz?

The most challenging thing is overcoming rejection and negativity from the people around. With every snap I get, I grow taller and stronger. 3 years down, I am a totally different person from what I used to be. Negativity doesn’t bring me down anymore, I have been at my lowest emotionally and I will never go there again. It’s dark and depressing. 2 years ago, I got dejected and rejected; I struggle with going to want to make people beautiful. That was the time, I wanted to raise the white flag…  but it was also at that time an angel came - My family friend. He saw how I was struggling and gave me some kind words, he said: In this world, there are 2 kinds of people; one a natural sales person- he who can sell anything you asks him to. The other is like you Florinda; the Hardworking one. I swear it was upon his words; I woke up the next day feeling the top of the world because he told me I CAN conquer the world just because I am hardworking.  He has since passed on but I will hold on to his statement to dearly.

 

What aspect of building your little biz do you like working on the most? 

In my biz, I love the mentoring/coaching aspect most. I build on business on allowing the people and customers have the time to have that shift in paradigm of thoughts. It is the most time consuming part but it’s the most gratifying.

 

What is next for you?

I look forward to having more offsprings- both in my business and family. I am back at work after the birth of my 2^nd and it’s going to be an intense period to make this business work. But I have faith that I will rock this industry.

 

What advice do you have for other mums who are thinking of or trying to build their own little biz from home? 

My advice to you is that you need to know your reason. That ‘why’ you are doing this is very important. If you are not clear of it, it will be a struggle and you keep looking for opportunities but not do well in any of them.

 

Disregard what others tell you, if you spend so much time thinking that it will not work, it will not work. Don’t give up when you find it difficult to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. It takes time and perseverance to getting used to looking at positive thoughts.

A parting quote “Never Give Up, Miracles happen everyday”

Disclaimer: This was a feature I wrote for Mum@Work.. I decided to use this article as it represented what we wan to achieve in this linky party 

Victoria Talks Series

Daddy is in reservist ...  Our daily drives to school talk

Mummy, when is daddy coming back?

Oh daddy is in reservist, maybe tomorrow

Reservist is where?

Its in a army camp

But u never show me on my flags book, I don't know where it is

Eh its in singapore and its an army. You saw daddy wearing his uniform the other day?

You show me okie n the map

 ..............................................................................................................................................................

Mummy how the train go up?

They build it, takes time to get it up

What u mean?

{driving and saw a condo being constructed} there, just like that building.

So high mummy, how to go up? The birds help them?

err, ya they help.

I see, think they also put apples up there for them to eat

gua gua gua

We got featured

Singapore Daily

Churches

Today is another day that I strongly believe what sacrifices we are doing is all worth it. 

Young: I envied my class/schoolmates whose parents drive their cars and drop them off. I took bus then, both school and public
Before marriage: I used to think in the past why some parents take the trouble to drive their children to work since there is the school bus.
After marriage: I strive to be as hands on as possible.
Now: The effort Pops, daddy and mummy makes to bring V to school and I LOVE IT!

The driving takes a toll at times, there are days where I feel I should sleep in Or do my work.

Today: upon turning to school

Mummy, why is there a church here and a church there?

Coz its different, although they are all christians there are many types like Anglican, Methodist or like us Catholic. If you notice, for us papa jesus is on the cross. Others (points to church) just have a cross.

Wow mummy, what else?

[thinking real hard how to answer, cox should I bring in religions crusades?]

Oh of course many others, but that I think mummy will explain when u are slightly older.

You know that day, you bring me in a place where there are alot of children and we sang songs. So nice mummy, can we go again?

Yes we can, but you have to be older to go. I think 5 yo.

But mummy , it will be great to go together becoz I don't know the numbers. I will be lost. we go together

Okie when you are older

Reaching school: so mummy what so different about my school?

*sweats// i think parenting as it grows, tests mind abilities... no longer physical.

Singapore Mom Bloggers

My post today is actually to share what do Mom bloggers do?

A lot of moms started blogging because of various reasons but the main reason shared was that we would want to document everything that is life changing. We are individual, independent, just doing our own stuffs. 

Over the years, each of us gets invited for events and gradually started to see each other more often than not. We saw how the children started to grow, share stories and the fact we are mummies, we never frown when the child misbehaves or gets cranky, it is PART of motherhood. We instantly found comfort with each other. 

Singapore Mom Bloggers

It was till recently a community of mom bloggers was formed in Facebook  and mom blogger Rachel got us together. It was a pure invitation online community and I found it very ‘chi chi’ and exclusively. (Click on the logo on the top corner of my blog, it links you to the website, submit your blog)  It was daunting at 1^st coz each blogger must produce their work and share in the FB closed group. I got like omg, how to churn the post weekly?  I work only by inspiration, it sort of got scary.

Over time, I started to notice a trend, it really doesn’t matter what topic you write. It doesn’t have to be a best seller worthy, it just have to YOU.  The support that the mommies give were amazing…. Some of them are like hawks that visit each blog diligently; they become your friends with you even before you know it. That is the endearing part of the whole community. 

Like how I blog, I too read blogs only when I’m inspired. Slowly, I started reading blogs on my laptop so that I can write a comment to these mommies who took time to blog.  I actually take a portion of my morning work to read some; I give myself 3 each day- selectively. Each time a different mom.

Slowly we started to attend events together, somehow each time we got closer.

The latest was Avent, Rachel kindly organized it for us. She has her marketing background and knows exactly what we need when we attend a event. The Singapore market has been tapping on Mom Bloggers, an upward trend just like US and many countries around. 

How we work?

Blogging has been a very interesting format in the advertising world, the fact is blog post don’t disappear in the WWW. The readers have an instinct trust in personal review especially if that person is one you know and believe in their opinion.  Brands can spend loads on media like magazine and TV, but eventually people forget because they don’t ever see it again. Most consumers are on their smart phone and the quickest way to get information is to do a google search.

Just an example: 

Avent Event

Mummies of the Singapore Mom Bloggers were invited to a new product line from Avent. Avent has recently launched their new ‘Natural’ & “Comfort’ line and this design is their 1^st in 29 years! I will share about the products when I am down with my product review. 

The PR & Event company chose a nice quaint house at Newton and got all dressed up. It definitely got my nod of approval for making the effort, I sort of immediately wanting to buy the product then remembered I am at an event oppsy!

like cute right?

effort... little touches across the house

We were allowed to mingle before the presentation, mommies of course were catching up and also getting to know new ones.  This event allowed us to bring the kiddos, babies and hubs, they even prepared a changing station, playground, catered food for kiddos - to be served with the Avent cutleries of course. How apt right? 

they were a noisy bunch while the mommies where busy "working"

By working, I mean us being busy- chit chatting 

After the presentation that lasted 15-20 mins which included some games and give-aways. It was all done! We each was given a bag with a thumb drive (PPT included), a file with company and product write up- includes the range and pricing, oh and a nice grey nursing shawl. We breathe to write, so no need to spoon feed us, just provide necessary stuffs - products. After the dinner, we moved around to feel the product. Asked questions and of course take photos. At this point, if I may add... if you wish to host a bloggers event, please look into lightnings of the place. We were struggling to get a good shot. 

comprehensive spread!! 

but actually tea and cupcakes will make me happy. I think I was the rare few that ate the cupcakes! The rest I think was on diet. 0.o

After 10 over photos from samsung and iphone.  the photo came alive after editing it 

It was about 830 and started to pour again! the children got cranky and we each made our way home. Cabs were called and we each had cab money, very thoughtful of them. Our little door gift that we can bring back to the child.

Things to note if you want to host an event

1. Choose a location that doesn't ruin your event regardless of the weather. 

2. Food will always be welcome including children friendly menu- NOT all coz mommies love to feel like an adult most times. 

3. Transport fees as most mommies don't drive, initiative to call cab when event is over

4. An enclosed area where children are welcome to ruin

5. Changing area for infants

6. Lightings that are bright. Need not be for EVERYwhere, just around your product line

7. Gifts are welcome

Things to note if you want to engage a blogger to review a product/s

1.  Send the products before the event. This PR company had some issues passing the bottles and pumps to us 1st .. so we don't have much questions to help add value to the event. Bloggers need to feel and experience. 

2. If its a lone collaboration, give us time to complete it. We don't work well with deadline (not all), if you want a power post. Wait. 

3. If its a review, there is the before and after photos... the experience etc. Ideally pair it with a giveaway. 

4. Be willing to pay their fees or have product worth about the same. This post took me 3.5 hours to conceptualise,write, edit photos, watermark. You get the gist. A lot of bloggers are SAHM that take time out to do this AND and FTWM who squeeze/balance their time (usually sleep deprived moments) to write them!!