Magazines I Read

Having reading as a hobby naturally translated into being a magazine reader as well as I get older which means more available money to spend on these. In comparison, magazines are distinctly more expensive especially if they are of the monthly kind. Many are now of the digital form but old school me still prefer the rustle of physical paper!

A note of "warning" though, if you are expecting magazines like Her World, Style, then you might as well read another post. As my mom loves to comment, should ever the fashion stores in Singapore need to have my business to prevent going bust, then they might as well declare bankrupt now :P Yes, this is from my mommy dearest!

 

 

Another note, I believe in the "Replacement Theory". Apart from CNY clothes which I HAVE to get at least ONE new outfit or tremble in the fury wake of well-meaning-but-prefer-traditions relatives, my clothes are bought based on that theory. I do not get a new piece unless I need to replace an old piece which by the way, isn't discarded but used as home clothes. Now don't you agree that very seasoned tshirts are great to sleep in? They are broken in, they fit us how we like them to and in our humid weather, they are mostly quite thin in thickness due to the countless washings they have gone through!

My ex-colleagues whom I may not have met for years are amazed when they see me in the same office wear. Well, as long as the piece is clean, no holes, no glaring faded areas, no damaged zips etc, they are as good as new to me, no scratch that, they are way better than new! Cos they are all broken in and wearing them is like coming home :)

Parenting magazines? Erm, no as well. While I am definitely not an expert, I agree that each child is way different and there is no "free" size or one size fits all solutions. I also prefer to enjoy the child as himself/herself. I do not wish to compare and they are all unique in their own ways.

Moreover, I see bits and pieces of me here and there though according to hubby dearest, all the good traits are from him (HA! And it will snow in Singapore)! So, thanks but no thanks to parenting magazines especially when every 1 article is interspersed with so much advertising that I don't really know if I am reading the article or the advertisements!

What do I read then? CRAFTING MAGAZINES!

My utmost favourite? WHERE WOMAN CREATE by Stampington & Company

I started off with this magazine the very first time it came to Singapore a couple of years back. This magazines goes into the homes and studios of different artists and show us literally where creation takes place. To me, that's Heaven! I can go into their studios, without being slapped as a trespasser, I can go into nooks and corners, I can see in detail how they do it and best of all, I can re-visit them as and when I like!
 

This was the very first issue that started me off and I never look back since! I have missed some issues here and there but hope to buy them back slowly :)

Artful Blogging by Stampinton & Company

 

I chanced upon this about 2 years ago. Different bloggers are featured in each thick issue where you get a glimpse of their blogs and what they talk about. I "discovered" many very interesting blogs from here and it opens up my world where so much can be shared so generously by the simple blog.

 

 

Art Journaling by Stampinton & Company

My firstborn loves to doodle so I bought this for her to give her ideas, spark her creativity. I was never a doodle-r, in fact, I can't draw for nuts!

 I remember my still life drawing class back in secondary school. We were supposed to draw a basket of fruits on the table. My art teacher took pains to explain light, shadowing etc. Upon handling up my work, I was called back almost immediately. My art teacher was puzzled as why had I drawn many bowling balls and only one pin? Actually what I drew (or so I thought) were some oranges and apples (all round shapes) + a pear :p I think you get the idea how 'good' my drawing abilities are!

I digress.

Anyway, Art Journaling showed me how doodling can be a form of art and how feelings can be expressed through these. As my gal approaches her teenage years, I hope that art journaling can give her space and permission to express herself and not bottle it up.

So there you go, just these 3. Yes, only 3. I wish I have the time to read more but I don't. Even these are sneaked in during toilet breaks etc so do pardon me if I seem rude not to let you borrow my magazines. I don't feel right doing so when I know they are more in my bathroom than on my bookshelves!

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✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014 for all purchase above $5.00. Read here for details of getting free post.

 

✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Bigmomma SG while stocks last! Read the post here on how to get your free postage!

 

Weekend Links - Last but not Least

 

I have re-started my blog for a month. Long? Not really but enough to allow me oversight of some reading trends. I did some tweaks here and there, hogged the statistic counters to see what kind of post draws the most reads. Well, expectantly, posts with giveaways and treats are more "interesting" which then translate into high readership. Abit sad to say that out loud but well, its true!

It then leads to more tweaks and further refinements. So, there will be one tweak here that is more major aka major tweak? Anyway, I have decided, with the stats as supporting "evidence" to NOT do weekend links post. As mentioned, readership numbers are on the sad side of things and though getting the post up is normally not too much of a hassle, but to have interesting contents, now that can be tricky. What is interesting to me may be BLAH to you so I may do a monthly interesting links post somewhere in a month but the weekly links post will end with this one.

Its a step into the unknown, yet again. Trying to find my next step in the dark and hoping I wouldn't fall flat on my already flat nose. The current format of Tuesday and Thursday will remain as I find that it gives me motivation to write and yet allows me the flexibility to change things around if need be :) Oh, the mini series that I was running on "Blogs I Love", it will continue on the usual Tuesday and Thursday schedule.

So without further ado, I present to you, the "last, official" Weekend Links...

 

I am so motivated by THIS to get some felt and get trying!

 

 Amazingly simple to make yet it creates waves (pun intended)! Look HERE

OMG! I had better not let my no. 2 see THIS!

 

Leftover BRADS anyone?

 

THIS blew me away! Not only the kids play, they learn and DIY at the same time!

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✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014 for all purchase above $5.00. Read here for details of getting free post.

✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Bigmomma SG while stocks last! Read the post here on how to get your free postage!

 

 

End & Start of An Era - Tuition: Group VS Home

My firstborn had all along been going to maths group tuition since 2 years ago. Despite my misgivings about sending her to tuition at such early age (yes, I am a non-believer as u can tell) I had to admit that even with my best efforts, there are some questions that simply make me tear my hair out! So, in view of keeping some resemblance of hair and retaining my sanity, we decided to send her to a very highly recommended group tuition.
 

 

Mind you, despite it being group based, the fees were not cheap. I remembered raising my eyebrows when we saw the fees but sighz, like all parents, I signed her up for it, feeling all guilty that I wasn't able to teach on my own and had to subject her to so much more extra stress :(

My firstborn, though not overjoyed, understood and consoled me even that now I could keep my hair intact :P She gamely took that up and even though it was quite the distance from our house, she saw it through, keeping a smile on and hardly giving me problems, just the occasional grumble.
 

2 years on and despite the efforts from both herself and the teachers there, her results slipped :( I chatted with the teachers several times, trying to find out what was wrong. After several sessions, we established that though she likes the company and "competition" of being in group tuition, she was severely lacking in the focus and attention span area, making it difficult for her to reap the full benefits of it.
 

Some background...my firstborn is dyslexic. She was diagnosed pretty late, only at age 5 going onto 6. I was very shocked and saddened by this, blaming myself for not noticing the signs earlier and getting help for her faster. I remembered how hard It was for her to recognize alphabets, how she will get a slap on the hand from me for being "mischievous" by writing mirror images of the alphabets.

Oh! How much I regretted all these! I knew there was such a learning disability yet it never occur to me that my own child could have it! I shielded away from calling her "special", hated the words "learning disability" and hated myself most for not noticing earlier. It was a very demoralizing and very hurtful period for me, as a parent and mostly, as a mommy :(
 

To cut a long story short, having short attention span was part of the bigger dyslexic problem. We had to find some ways to overcome this. After much discussion, we agreed on home tuition.

Yes, finance is already tight, being single income family now.
Yes, we need to literally scrimp and save to make sure there is enough to go around.
Yes, there is no guarantee that home tuition will definitely do the trick. 

I felt bad for laying this on my hubby :( but I am truly comforted by his usual gruff and short words "even if we had to double the money paid, if it helps her, we can do it." There wasn't any finger pointing, grumbles etc, just acceptance, find best possible solution and move on from there.
 

The end of the group tuition era was emotional for my firstborn. After all she had been with the class for 2 years. Friendships were forged and companionship appreciated. She prepared some gifts for them, took time for a class photo and she came home contended, knowing that she now need not waste traveling time that leaves her simply exhausted. It is times like these that I am heartfelt-Ly (yes, I know, there is no such word :P) thankful for a mature and sensible firstborn.

She doesn't make a fuss, listens and tries to understand from our point of views, accepts and move on. Oh! She does have her moments of freaking out, when she is overwhelmed with stress. She cries, hides in her blanket and refuse to face the world. Yet she had always been able to reconcile within herself, talk to me and then move on from there. My heart simply pains from all the hardships that she has had in her route in academic studies but she had shown me how much strength she has and I hope that she will grow even stronger as she blossom.
 

The start of home tuition was eventful. She was un-used to such focused attention from the tutor and her short spans of attention doesn't help too. I stayed in for the first 2 sessions, wanting to make sure she is comfortable before leaving her alone. She has now gotten (more) used to it but still wary and not entirely comfortable. Alot better but this will take time :)

A comparison between the 2 types of tuition...
 

A) Home tuition is definitely more expensive but if like us, you need to factor in travel time (loads of it) and the exhaustion then home tuition may still end up a better choice.
 

B) Attention and focus wise there is of course a huge difference. Despite her group tuition having a small class size, if your child similarly has very short attention span then group tuition may not exploit her full potential. Yet at the same time, be wary of the one-on-one pressure that comes from home tuition though group tuition has its fair share especially with competition in the class. My gal's class was fortunate that it was mostly friendly competition.

C) The friendship that comes out from group tuition can be quite strong aka being in the same boat in terms of assignments etc. Then again a good home tutor can be equally effective in terms of motivation and push factor.
 

I am actually pretty surprised that so much can be written on this topic! There are quite abit to consider especially when we try our best to take consideration of all factors including her feelings. I spoke to her before making the final decision, wanting to know her feelings if we go ahead with the change. My sensible gal said that she is definitely happy not to have to travel so far for group tuition and return home exhausted *doing a jiggle* but she wasn't sure how home tuition will be like *grimace* :) A typical reply from my little expressive young woman who still is a child at heart!
 

To lighten up this heavy post, here's some true but hilarious look at dyslexia. If my gal at the tender age of 5 could face it with a smile, then I will definitely learn from her!
 

 

 

 

 

 

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✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014 for all purchase above $5.00. Read here for details of getting free post.

✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Bigmomma SG while stocks last! Read the post here on how to get your free postage!

  

Winners of Mama Republic Giveaways!!!

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the late announcement. Had some problems with my server and just couldn't do it on time, me bad :(

 

Let's not waste more time! The winners are........
 *DRUMROLL*
 

SUMMER SOH for the Owl Floral
 

AND
 

CHRISTINA THNG for the Birdie Paradise

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

A BIG, HUGE  thank you, once again to Mama Republic for her generous giveaways! Visit Mama Republic at www.facebook.com/mamarepublicsg for all her useful and gorgeous essentials for babyhood!


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 ✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014 for all purchase above $5.00. Read here for details of getting free post.

 ✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Bigmomma SG while stocks last! Read the post here on how to get your free postage!

 

Review on BigMomma SG + Treat for all my readers!

 

I had been looking for a certain set of books for my younger gal to help her in word recognition. As different as chalk and cheese, my gals differ in hobbies as well. My no. 1 simply loves reading and will devour any book she has chosen. On the other hand, getting my no. 2 to read is like bringing her to the dentist to have her tooth extracted! Her reluctance to read bordered on the edge of intense dislike which doesn't quite make sense to me seeing that both hubby and myself love reading and I thought apples do not fall far from its tree? Her "flight" seemed very far :(

In a desperate attempt to get her to read or at very least to recognize more words, I chanced upon a set of books called "Now I 'm Reading". Though it was supposed to be for preschoolers to recognize words and to read, I found it to be quite useful as the words taught were repeated throughout one little booklet. It helps to reinforce the words and makes it easier for her to recognize. With 81 booklets in all, I reckon she would know quite a number of words thereafter! Unfortunately, the place where I first found the books, it was out of stock :( Henceforth start my quest to find these books.

On one of my nightly visit on Facebook (which simply means I can't sleep becos baby isn't sleeping or I'm feeding!), I came across this very set of books and to top it off, its selling at such a steal! I immediately explored the page more and BigMomma SG did not disappoint!

 I end up buying enough to qualify for free delivery! Wonder what I bought? Here goes.....

 

This is the set of sought after books - "Now I'm Reading". As you can see, words taught are repeated constantly and there is even a Chinese version behind :) The books are small, slightly bigger than palm size and with about 12 pages, its perfect to hold her attention and not long enough to make her yawn. There are  a total of 81 books at only $50!

 

 

 

 

"Miss Rumphius" - A wonderful story of seeking adventure in faraway places and fulfilling dreams. A good read to feed the imagination of my eldest.

 

 

 

"我的成长书"  - this is a set of 35 books, all about things around you. Helps to build awareness in the environment around you. Though it is suitable for 3 years old onwards, I bought it for my oldest mostly to better her Chinese language especially Chinese nouns.

 

 

Now for some fun and games for my little one. With 2 older sisters ahead of him, it meant that I hardly have any boy's toys. Apart from an odd ball here and there, there really are very little toys to engage his interest. My 2 gals are very girly gals, prefers all the cooking and dressing up games more than anything else. I have tons of pots and pans to which my boy had been happily banging away on but I do want to give him some boy's boy toys and I was very happy to find some suitable ones at Bigmomma SG too!

 

 This is Noah's Ark by SHELCORE. With 4 pairs of adorable plush animals that can be removed and attached again using Velcro, these plush doubled up as finger puppets too! There is also a mirror surface at the top of the ark for some peek-a-boo play :) My boy particularly loves this one and had so much fun removing and reattaching the animals! And becos the animals are in pairs, I could even ask him to find the identical animal, triple duty!

 

 

 

Rolling cars where the 4 "cars" given rolls from ramp to ramp, making their way down. It makes for a laughing induced play as my boy tries to catch the cars as it moves down :)

 

 

 

Mini Spiral Wire & Beads that makes for some quiet time. He is fascinated with how the beads can travel from this spiral to that and he could move them at will. The mini size meant that he could handle this on his own and it is not too heavy for him.

 

 

 

TOLO Big Ben Activity Clock with moveable hour and second hands. He is definitely too young to learn time yet but he's definitely have fun turning the hands around. There is even a mirror on its back and the large handle with counting beads makes it easy for him  to carry drag around :)

 

 

I am so glad to have stumbled upon Bigmomma SG. The large variety of items it carries meant that I could satisfy all 3 kids with just 1 purchase! With kids as big age gaps as mine, this is really no mean feat as I find myself having to go different stores to get for all 3 kiddos as most stores specializes in a particular age group. The inclusion of Chinese books are a bonus as I find it hard to get good quality Chinese books at reasonable prices for kids.

 

Take a look at their large repertoire of items and if you want to get something then don't forget to mention how you come to know about Bigmomma SG for they are generously giving FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST to all my readers! Just let them know that you learn about them from Wahmummy blog post and you will get FREE POST! This offer is while her stock lasts before Bigmomma SG takes a short break and reorganize her store. So  do not wait to get your items as once sold out it will NOT be restocked!

 

The above review is in no way affiliated nor compensated in kind or monetary. It is purely a personal review on products that I had bought. All opinions expressed are of my own. Photos are provided by courtesy of the store owner.

 

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✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014 for all purchase above $5.00. Read here for details of getting free post.

 

✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Bigmomma SG while stocks last!

 

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Weekend Links

Taking a break from all the reviews etc, I will be interspersing interesting weekend links with the mini series on "Blogs I Love" :)

This week's weekend links features many from crafting to interesting videos, receipe, renovations to photography tips on iphone and more!

1) Interesting Umbrella Designs

http://www.boredpanda.com/umbrella-design/
 

2) Touching video

http://sfglobe.com/?id=2894&src=share_fb_new_2894

 

3) iphone photography tips

http://www.artifactuprisingblog.com/expert-advice/mastering-mobile-photography/
 

4) tempted to get this baby carrier

https://www.alldealsasia.com/daily-deal/ada/singapore/japanese-minizone-x-type-baby-carrier-keep-your-little-one-comfortably-clos?utm_campaign=ADA_2014-09-18_17-56-44&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ADASubscribers&utm_term=1579460

 

5) WOW!!! These are awesome!

http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2014/09/september-make29-behind-the-scenes.html

 

6) great tips on photographing your scrapbook pages or PL spreads!

http://findingnana.com/2013/10/photographing-project-life/

 

7) woooooo......i luv thissssss!!! Gotto try this!

http://jeanstitch.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/recipe-onde-onde-nyonya-dessert/

 

8) make me want to go the nearest Daiso and grab some thick wool! Another project to keep in mind for my gals during the sch hols!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPer3Xv2QSM

 

9) nice & easy!

http://iamdoe.blogspot.sg/2014/09/tutorial-friday-by-soraya.html?m=1

 

10) amazing home renovations!

http://blog.qanvast.com/10-beautiful-singapore-home-renovation-projects-that-wont-break-the-bank-under-50000/

Have an AWESOME weekend!

 

 

 

Review on Craft Explorer + Special Treat for Readers!

Craft Explorer, a new online store that I came across while on Facebook. I was drawn by their very attractive and reasonable prices for things crafty and more recently, their new inventory on Frozen items. Yes, I fell 'victim' to the Frozen movie spin-off items as my gals were enamored with the movie. Its also hard to resist when the prices were great and there were just so many different items!

Firstly, let me state that this post is in part sponsored in kind by Craft Explorer who had sent me some items to review. These items are puffy stickers, mini note pads and a page marker. You can see the items as shown below.

 

 

Apart from the sponsored items, I bought also the following

Frozen notebook with a pen attached. These are good for them to use in school, small yet functional.

Bought Elsa and Anna respectively for my 2 gals.

 

 

Bought the pink and the blue one each. There are 8 colors on each pen.

 

 

These were a fantastic deal at only $9.90 per set, you get a functional watch and a wallet!

My gals couldn't wait to use them in school! There are a total of 4 different designs

 

Bought these for them to wear at night. There were 2 sizes for you to choose from.

 Sleeping in aircon room meant their feet will get cold so I made them wear socks to sleep :)

 

A set of this after much begging as it seems the current craze were scent infused pens and these are fruit scent infused.

 

 

A set of these badges for them to decorate their bags.

 

 

Last but not least, stickers! These are only $0.30 a sheet, such attractive price!

 

 

So, how did I use the items that I was given for review? I love love love the puffy stickers! They send me right back to my childhood! I used them in my planner and calendar, un-bashfully :P  Totally in love with the heart stickers as they are so versatile! The alphas were used to decorate the front of my planner and the expressions on Tweety bird were so good to use on expressing the day's events! I have yet to get to the Pokemon stickers as yet but probably will use them the same way as Tweety as the expressions were so apt :) Some examples of how the stickers were used...

 

 

The page marker was a godsend for my planner as now I can go straight to the page that I am on instead of having to flip through previous entries. Its not bulky and it fitted the corner easily. I actually inserted all the pages behind into the slot, making it neater. With a price tag at only $1.00, its a good deal for kids and adults alike! There are 4 colors to choose from :)

 

 

The adorable notepads were used to highlight my actual blogpost topic. I used washi tapes to secure the top so that I can flip below to see my brainstormed train of thought for that particular post. Makes for an easier way of referencing :) There are so many different designs and all are so adorable!

 

 

 

Overall the stickers, notepads and page marker were all put to good use with some creative thinking. Never say that stickers are just for kids. I love how my planner and calendar look  after I have used the stickers as they are now so brightly colored and cheerful looking :) It makes for a trip down memory lane too!

 

Craft Explorer is by a pair of friendly sisters who love crafting and cute stationery items. They have many other stationery items on their Facebook page that will make you grin as it brings you back to being a child again :) I particularly liked their index stickers as they are both cute and functional! LIKE them on their Facebook page for updates on their new arrivals and special promotions.

 

As a special treat, they are offering all my readers FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST for purchase of $5.00 and above! Just mention to them the code "Wahmummyfree" when placing your orders :) This promo will be valid till 02 October 2014.

They are also having special promotion for their puffy stickers - Every 30 pieces at only $8.00! You immediately save $1.00 from the usual price of $9.00! Best of all, they allow you to mix and match from ALL designs of their huge range of puffy stickers! This gave me a wonderful idea of buying these stickers as Children's Day gifts. It will be well received and best of all, it wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket even if you are buying for classes of 40 kids!

So, do check them out at www.facebook.com/craft.explorer and LIKE their page so that you can receive news of their latest arrivals and any new promotions! Remember to place your order before 02 Oct to take advantage of the special treat of free normal local post for my readers!

 

All photos were provided courtesy of Craft Explorer other than those of my own. Many thanks to Craft Explorer for the generous sponsor and I have truly enjoyed using them!

P.S. In case you were wondering if my photography skills had deteriorated because of the many blurred photos, these were done on purpose to maintain some privacy :)
 

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✴ 2 PAIRS OF PRE-WALKERS SHOES GIVEAWAY  by Mama Republic!
Read post here for details to enter!

 

✴ FREE NORMAL LOCAL POST by Craft Explorer till 02 October 2014
 for all purchases above $5.00!

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