My First SPREE with SMH Mummy

 

My first spree order

My membership with SMH http://www.singaporemotherhood.com is almost 10 months already. Though that long months, I wasn’t got any post with any thread nor creating my own topic. I didn’t even though that I was already a member in this online community website till I tried to login my username, and whoa it successfully logged in.

Browsing around here gives you a wide array of topics regarding parenting/motherhood and a lot more. I even let myself come into their Market Place group topic. I saw there’s a lot of SPREE thread, posting here and there. Reading all the facts where other mummies can post what products they want to purchase with other overseas website.

Since Aleina’s birthday is coming in 3 months time, I’ve tried to use one of the SPREE organize by junetns in Party City. I navigate through http://www.partycity.com website and choose what items should I need to order for my baby’s party. After I have come up with my list, I send her an email about my order and pay via fund transfer (ib). I was just fortunate that day coz that day got a 20% discount with partycity and the junetns as an organizer, will place our orders before 11pm that night. She placed my order in my behalf, coz there’s a restriction in this thread where if a member joined in less than 1 year, s/he is not allowed to post in any section of the MarketPlace.

The organizer prompted us from time to time. She was good in handling our order and most importantly she gave us the status update from time to time; from the moment she placed the order, and from our orders to shipped to Singapore and up to the collection.

When our orders arrived in Singapore; almost 3 weeks from the date the order was placed. It was in fact, on time. The organizer watsapp me to informed when to collect my orders and how much $ do I need to topup for the shipping. Surprisingly I still need to pay $26.36, as I think that it’s quite expensive coz my total orders only worth $55 and most of it are just small items like stickers, banners, swirl decorations, banner, scene setter etc. I just wonder how she calculated my items though... Anyway, I’ll just charge it to my experience.

Confuse Meee

As of now, I'm really confuse of whether should I go to Pinas for 3days trip on Nov 1-3 for my baby Arthenian (first baby) or stayed here for my baby Aleina?

My mother died when I was 4 years old. Since then, we're having November 1 a gathering in my mother's tomb as our family tradition; stayed there through the day, watching till the candles melt, meet some relatives who also visits my mother's tomb. Even when I grew old (not that too old lol) and working in Manila, we're doing this; it only stopped when started working here in SG.

My first baby (baby Arthenian) passed away about 1.5 yrs ago. For his 2nd death anniversary, I'm sure I cannot make it to pay a visit to his tomb, I can only do is pray. I'm feeling guilty that I cant do anything for him. How I wish that I can go to PH to spend sometime...

Since I cant go for his 2nd death anniv, I'm thinking of visiting him this coming Nov 1; planning to stay with him in his tomb whole day. My only concern is baby Aleina, I'll leave her here in SG with her daddy and tita Irish. Though I feel a bit secured for that 2 to handle baby Aleina, it still gets me worried. I feel something that I need to be there... I'm now totally confused... Oh GOD, please help me decide. Please enlighten me if I really needed to be there; please give me just one sign, just one sign.

2013 Christmas Celebration in PH | Ticket Canvas

As early as now, I've been planning to celebrate our December vacation in the Philippines. Reason is that it's more fun in the Philippines, can feel the spirit of Christmas! with my family, gift giving to kids. And, I would want to celebrate there as long as Aleina got a discounted airfare ($50 for Jetstar for infant fare, fare difference in infant varies depends on each airlines). Once Aleina reaches 2 years old, her fare will be like as adult fare, so will grab this opportunity to travel back to PH.

Now, I've into canvassing our airfare tickets for 3 adults and 1 infant. So far, the ticket selling price is quite reasonable. But when it is close to December or even "ber" month, the price will increase as high as I know... It is highly recommended to purchase the tickets as soon as possible.

Below are the list of airlines and tickets in total for us.

SG to PH December 2013 | 3 adults 1 infant

SGD 711.85 | Jetstar | 24 Dec @ $171.95 | 50kg checkin, inc taxes

SGD 406 | Jetstar | 31 Dec @ $70 | 50kg checkin, inc taxes | arrived 10am

SGD 641 | Cebu Pacific | 24 Dec @ $149 | no checkin yet, inc taxes

SGD 491 | Cebu Pacific | 31 Dec @ $99 | no checkin yet, inc taxes | arrived 4am

SGD 496 | PHP 16372 | PAL Express | 25 Dec @ 2,678

PAL Express Fare | SG to MLA | Php 2,678 Dec 25-Jan 06

As you can see there in my canvas, 2 dates are given - 1 for around 24-26 December and the other 1 is 31st December.

Since we're planning to attend to our dear friend - Myra's wedding this coming January 20, 2014, the December 30/31st flight is put into the consideration.. So not I'm weighing these 2 options:

Option 1: Leave for PH around christmas (by Dec 24-26 depending on ticket price) then come back after 2 weeks so most probably come back to SG by Jan 11-12, 2014; will leave Aleina in PH for almost 10 days - same situation as we left her there last year. Then go to PH again on 18th January and pick up Aleina from there, then attend Myra's wedding on 20th January. Then fly back to SG by 21 January. Return to work by 22 January.

               

    Annual Leave to be Taken: 11 days + 2 days = 13 working days

    Cons:

    - We'll leave Aleina in PH for a week while we're back in SG to work.

    - Will expend more on our tickets and other transporation means.

Option 2: Leave for PH by December 31 but still we can celebrate New Year noche buena there, arrived in Lucena by 10am or so. then stayed there longer, no need to travel back in SG yet compare to the option 1. Attend Myra's wedding on 20 January and fly back to Singapore by 21 January. Return to work by 22 January.

               

    Annual Leave to be Taken: 15 working days

                Cons:

    - Will not be separated with Aleina...

    - Will take more annual leaves compare to Option 1

    - Will we be allowed to leave from work for 3 weeks? This is my primary concern here for both of us!

 

Below is the ticket canvass if we avail option 1:

PH-SG-PH January 2014 | 2 adults

Cebu Pacific | Return Ticket | Php 16,948

PH to SG: 13 January 2014 | 0540-0905

SG to PH: 18 January 2014 | 0040-0405

PAL Express | Return Ticket | Php 13,772 | Express Deal

PH to SG: 12 January 2014 | 08:25-12:05AM (13 Jan)

SG to PH: 18 January 2014 | 12:45-04:30AM

Weighing these options, I prefer option 2 for many reasons. Top 1 reason is that, we will not leave Aleina in  PH, we can save more money here. The budget for our ticket can be place as our budget in our vacation, saves more time and money on travelling. Expected $ to save for about SGD 700, quite huge amount of money, can topup to our budget allowance!

Unfortunately, I wasn't be able to check the ticket price with Jetstar as they only allow to book a ticker till December 31, 2013.

Hopefully we could decide to which options we will take so we could book a ticket as soon as possible; till there's a bit fare air ticket price.

Niela's first visit in SG

It was my promise, a gift for her 18th birthday last August 2012, that she will come here to Singapore to spend her vacation here. Since, she jas just finished her 2nd year (in college), I think this is the perfect time to visit coz by next year she'll be unable to do it, coz she might be on her ojt (on the job training) and/or busy with her thesis.

Niela & my baby Aleina @ home

Irish, Yohance & Niela @ MBS

Niela @ Gardens By the Bay

Niela with her niece Yohance

Since hubby was in PH last April 6 to attend to our dear friends' wedding TJ & Rio, he also pick up Niela and Irish from PH to SG. Coz we know that if the two travel alone, there's a high chance of being offloaded by the PH Immigration. So better to have them hubby to justify their reason of travel and their relationship as sister and cousin, respectively.

April 8, 2013 Niela and Irish came in Singapore. It was Niela's very first out of the country trip. She visited these SG attractions:

Singapore Zoo

Snow City

Science Centre

Universal Studio Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Marina Bay Sands

Gluttons Bay / Makansutra

Sengkang Swimming Complex (@ Anchorvale)

S.E.A Aquarium

It was a great time spending her vacation with us though we could only make it up only during weekends coz most of us needs to go to work.

She stayed for almost 2 months, from April 8 May 27. And I believed that, she had enjoyed her stay here.

My little One got sick

It was a heartbreaking when I see my baby is down with fever and cold. Afterall, it was my fault for having her caught fever and cold. These last weekend we brought him outside for 3 days, wasn't be able for her to take a nap properly.

First day, was in mall along Orchard. Second day, was in Marina Bay Sands then Gardens by the Bay then dinner @ Makansutra or Gluttons Bay. The weather was hot. In the end of the day, she was still ok. The next day, her 3rd day of strolling round and round! We went in Universal Studio Singapore, Sentosa. It was so hot that day then she was also expose in some air-conditioned room in some of the USS attractions; worst there I think when we brought her in Shrek show where there's a little splash of water towards us.

That very night, I think something is wrong though my hubby thought I'm worrying for nothing. Yeah, its true coz that night she hasn't got a fever yet. In night time, her temperature went a little bit high (about 37.2c), the next morning even got some 38c. I have to go to work but I could not just leave her, so I've decided to work from home to monitor her. The next day, I've decided to go to office eventhough she is still sick. Unfortunately, I was informed that she's sometimes having 38c+ temperature. I was a little worried already, wanting to rush home and check for myself, but could not do it coz it's only 1 hour left and my shuttle bus will arrived soon so I've decided to stay and wait for the shuttle bus.

On my way home, I call at home again to check them esp baby Aleina and was informed that she hits 39.4c temperature! I was really worried now and rushing home, almost running from the lrt to my home. When I reached home, I saw Aleina carried by Irish. Really down with fever. My heart was breaking, blaming all this to myself! Why am I allowed this! I've checked her and carried her, trying to comfort her. Luckily, eventhough she is down with high fever, if I sing to her she somehow dance, if I point her an object, she smiled. She still got the energy. She can still eat properly and drinking milk on her regular basis.

I was hesitant whether to bring my baby to the pedia (especialist) though we already had her check up with a GP. Coz I know that she got fever and cold due to our 3 days strolling in SG. So I read some article in the internet about fever and when to bring your baby to the clinic, hope this link helps you to decide - http://www.babycenter.com/0_fever_84.bc Based on the information I have read in the internet about fever, I think that I dont need to bring her to the pedia and I've just prayed hardly and ask for miracle that my baby will get well very soon...

As hours have passed, my baby's temperature was cooling down. At least, I was a bit free of worry. From 39.4 to 38.6 then 38.4 then 38.0 then 37.6. It was a relief! I've told myself I will monitor her closely especially this over night time. At wee hour, I checked her temperature again and again and saw that her fever was almost gone! I've reading it like 37c to 36.8c! It was indeed a miracle!

The next day, her fever was 100% gone! I thank you LORD so much for hearing my prayers, for healing my baby Aleina and for keeping her awar of her sickness. I know I believed that this one was indeed a miracle.

MyPalengkeSG - Review

http://www.mypalengke.com.sg/

I saw this website from the PinoySG ads, posted under the Classifieds section. Once visited the site, I checked on the products they're selling. All of it are Filipino goods/foods and some are toiletries and beauty products; which is usually can be seen or buy at Lucky Plaza. I also checked their pricing, it's quite reasonable and I think theirs are a bit cheap compare to the price in Lucky Plaza, cheap in terms of cents!

I was hesitant to place my order in an instant. Worrying that the service might not be good or might be this is just a scam. So, what I did first was to try them in a form of inquiry. I did registered too in an instant coz membership is totally FREE.

So I inquire using their Contact Form here http://www.mypalengke.com.sg/contactus.php Check whether how long they are going to reply for my inquiry. The next day, the did reply to my inquiry which I received via email. Seems to be ok as they are quite prompt with the emails and/or inquiries receiving so I gave it a try to buy from them.

I ordered most of Grocery products worth at least $20.20. Btw, $20 is the minimum amount of your grocery so you can be entitled of FREE delivery and they do delivery only during weekends. You got to choose the timing they have preset.I placed my order on Wednesday and set the delivery on Saturday 9am-12nn.

On that Saturday, the scheduled delivery, my ordered products came at around 11am. Products are wrapped in a plastic bag properly, all items ordered are there, no missing items or goods.

My feedback or needs to have an improvement here, is that when I was ordering, it's quite difficult to navigate to my shopping cart. There's no direct link somewhere in the website to view the shopping cart in just 1 click.

Overall their services are really cool and highly recommended. In fact, I've posted their website in my FB timeline and recommend this to my SG Pinoy friends.

My First Bake

My First Bake - Sponge Cake

Yesterday, I've bake a first cake and my very first time to bake, will use this cake for Aleina's 10th Month celebration. Aiming that high, instead of doing cupcakes or cookies first, I really wanted to bake the cake first. I want this to try and so can bake my cake in my own custom design for the future celebration in my family. Also, I'm a fan of a fondant cake especially when it comes with the designs. I've envy those bakers who can bake an awesome 3d (fondant) cakes! This makes me inspired to to train more and bake more.

I left the office as early as 3:30pm, yes it was considered as undertime. Thanks to my lead who allowed me to go home early! Once I arrived at home, I immediately prepared all materials I need in baking. I used the RED MAN Cake (Pre) Mix, and mix altogether using a mixer I bought just recently. After mixing, put into overn to bake for about 30 minutes.

while mixing the ingredients....

While baking, I prepared my buttercream frosting (I only print the recipe I got from the internet). I noticed that my ingredients are not complete! I forgot to buy a milk or cream for frosting, since I don't have time to go to the store to buy the milk, I've just use evap milk! Yes, evap milk! After 40minutes of mixing together using the mixer, the buttercream frosting result was quite good.

Going back into baking, after 30 minutes, I removed the cake from the oven and leave for about 15 minutes to cool down. Then moved the cake into a cake board (holder). And the cake result - top is a bit toasted, but the bottom is still uncooked! Feel frustrated and ask why the result turn out like that? No choice for me, so I need to put the cake again into the oven, this time I I placed the toasted top as the bottom and bake for another 15minutes. After the second baking attempt, it was now a bit ok. Both top and bottom are a bit toasted but not really that toasted as you expected :), the tastes also not toasted taste. I left the cake to cool down for sometime and placed in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

My First Cake - Failed! :(

Meanwhile, I prepare my rolled fondant, my buttercream is done by this time. I only have a ready-made fondant bought in the store. I dont have the confidence yet to do it myself from the scratch! I put lots of icing sugar on the table before I rolled fondant, which is a mistake! coz this made my fondant crack! I'm still determine to present something today. I've placed the fondant as the cover on my cake, eventhough some parts are showing the cracks! Then placed some decoration there and add the candles on top.

It was really fun! I know that my fondant cake was not successful, it challenge me to bake even more. Hoping that my next bake will be a successful one!

with buttercream + fondant finishing

Btw, we still managed to eat the cake...

Aleina's First Birthday Preparation - The Venue

After tons of reading forum and blogs from other mummies, and changing decision of changing the venue... I finally managed to book a chalet in Costa Sands - Pasir Ris.

At the very first, I planned to hold baby Aleina's first birthday party at home, where I think she is more comfortable there, got proper sleep or nap time. But then again, while browsing the net and accidentally visit the Costa Sands website, I checked on the perfect timing for the event, I found out that 2D1N stay is allowed and our timing is still available... I feel some excitement to book here now.

Now that I found out that Costa Sands Pasir Ris seems to be ok now as our party venue, I will stick to it. Browsing again to their website, looking for the information on catering services, I found out that external catering services is not allowed! Unfortunately, the dont have any lists of catering services/company and only allowed only 1 catering - Bibik's Catering. Bibik Catering is not in my lists to order the food but I was wondering other mummies (accdg to their blog), how they manage to order their food from an external catering.

Before I go for booking this chalet, I've drop an email inquiry to the NTUC Club found in their website. And request to engage with external caterer for some reason. For about an hour, I received an email reply from them that they are allowing me to engage external caterer but with some conditions.

To be honest, I haven't place any order from any caterer I have listed before. And, I've just replied them that I'll inform them once I finalize it. I also provided them my booking details so they can help me book a chalet neat the pool....

I'm looking forward to have a nice party blast for my baby Aleina! Hope everything will turn out fine :)