ZALORA | Bringing Out the Best In You

Zalora is one of my favourite online store for shoes and clothing, but the store does not limit itself to only these. It features also accessories, watches, bags, sports good and beauty products too. Renowned brands like Adidas, SKII, Fossil, Melissa, Clarks, are marketed by Zalora as well. 

What I like about shopping with Zalora is the hassle-free, and secure transactions. It provides 30 days free return, free shipping for spending above $40 (can be easily achieved!), and excellent customer service. Zalora also has ongoing sales for popular brands.

When you subscribe to their newsletter, you would get a $15 voucher. Only for new sign up!

To be aligned with the Great Singapore Sale, Zalora rolled out a "Mix and Match" scheme till 11 July 2016, 12 PM, with a "buy 2 or more and get 20% off" promotion. Many items are further discounted, and hence more savings to you. It is very easy to get 2 or more items, like a bag, a pair of shoes, and a watch to go along. Ta-da! 3 items already! And you would be entitled to another 20% discount. How cool is that!

If you would only like to spend on items $20 and below, here it is! GSS Everything at $20!

And I thought the dresses were quite a hit! Can't help but kept scrolling down the page. Haha! There are certainly more products on Zalora than you think. Take your time to go through. I am pretty sure you would find something you need. 

Hold on! There are more promotions for men:

Everything at $15, buy 2 at $25

Denim on Denim (up to 60% off)

Feeling fingers itchy? Well then, hurry up before all these promotions end! Trust me, you would not regret shopping with Zalora.

Love
BeezMom Serene

Flash Cards: Simple & Versatile, Reap Their Benefits!

Flash cards bring great learning benefits to children of all ages, but have they been used wisely?

We all know that newborns and infants see picture outlines in black and white better than coloured ones. As they grow up, bright and colourful ones would be more appropriate. There are many types of flash cards around - cloth types, thick cards, laminated cards, etc. Regardless of the type of flash cards we use, our kids can only learn when we use them correctly.

Flash cards are simple and highly versatile learning materials, for children of all ages and even adults. It is particularly good for children of reading age, as they are visually well-presented, allow for practice through recycling vocabulary, and helps the brain to familiarise with the learned words.

Flash cards are good for visual and kinaesthetic learners, due to their colourful  and eye-catching illustrations. There are studies showing that children and adults score better in examinations, than peers who do not incorporate learning through flash cards. This method of learning enhances knowledge retention through active recalls to remember a concept, and to better understand new words.

Cards like the above are introductory to children 1-3, as there are touch and feel textured panels for their little hands to explore the different materials used to represent the animals' fur or skin. They get to learn the names and species of some of these common animals too.

For older kids like 3+, cards with words that are associated with our daily lives are helpful in their learning. There are cards with prints on both sides, one side with a picture and the word, and the other side with simple descriptions for parents to read and relate to the child.

Take for example, the flash card above. Other than introducing the type of fruits and their names, both the child and parent can learn facts like where and how apples are grown, which country produces the most, and the types of apples in the world. I bet most of us do not know some of these facts, right? Neither do I. That is how parents learn with the child too. (",)

Flash card teaching method is best when it is used for 10 or more consecutive days, at least 15 minutes each session. Concentration span of a child is relatively short, thus it is advised not to over-stretch the session.

While flash cards can be bought easily from anywhere, DIY can also be an option if you have the time to do so. Bear in mind when designing flashcards - use bright colours, interesting illustrations, simple layout, useful information, and the theme of the flash cards.

All right, time for you to re-think on how you can better make full use of those existing flash cards you have at home, or consider making a set for your little one.

Love
BeezMom Serene

Make Learning Chinese FUN | More!

Continuing from my last post on "Make Learning Chinese FUN!", I have a few more good books to recommend to parents. Mainly targeting at Preschoolers and Kindergarten children, these books contain brightly coloured illustrations, easy-to-read and understand sentences, and interesting hands-on activities.

If you could still recall the simple rule of learning a language, "listen-recognise-speak-read-write" , this book focuses on developing a child's ability to recognise basic words.

Again, themes that revolves around our daily lives are introduced here. Your child can cut the words out if he is able to hold a pair of scissors steadily and with care, and paste them onto the appropriate boxes to label the family members shown in the picture. Not only can your child practice his fine motor skills, he is also having fun. Even adults are attracted to the workbook. Hee...

This book on Chinese Language Usage concentrates more on strokes, sequence of strokes and opposite words.

Same thing as usual, do not rush down to writing. Do this together with your child - raise up one finger to the air, say the strokes out loud and trace in the air at the same time. Then, your child may attempt writing. There are some simple cut and paste activities for your child to engage in too. Who says Chinese is boring?

In your free time, sit down with your child comfortably and read a Chinese book. Books like 三字经 and 弟子规 are good to begin with.

弟子规 is a book of manners that we can teach to our children. It is illustrated in the form of comic strips. Prior to that, the book also has some simple explanations. Fun to read, and manners be taught. 三字经 is taught at certain preschools, like my child's. Though not the full version, at least she is able to recite to me. I enjoy reading with my child as it fosters a stronger bond.

Okay! I hope you have enjoyed the sneak peaks of these books that are useful for your child when learning Chinese. If you wish to know more, drop me a message and I would respond asap!

Love
BeezMom Serene

Make Chinese Learning FUN

Learning Chinese used to be a simple thing of the past, but not now. Majority of the kids now comes from English-speaking families. It would be a "thank-god" if the child understood what has been said to him in Mandarin. Even if the child speaks a little of Mandarin, he may sound a little "off", just like a Caucasian beginner.

Much has been reiterated by the government that it is important to grasp the ability to articulate fluently in 2 languages, at least. English and Chinese. A 3rd one would be a bonus (not dialect, pleaseeee...). China, being one of the largest and important pillars of the economy at present, makes it more prominent to us that Chinese and Mandarin is essential.

How do we then make learning Chinese fun and easy for our children? The old-school practice - Listen, speak, read and write. Notice that writing is placed last? Yes! Even babies learn their languages through listening first. The mimicking, learning to read and write comes at a much later stage. This holds true for learning any languages.

The approach to my 5 year old at home begins with books that have single, big words, and colourful pictures. These are some basic books for preschoolers up to Kindergarten, Book #1 to #3.

For a start from Book #1, my child learns words from themes like "My Body", "Comparisons", "Plants", and "Nature". Below is a snapshot of the content of Book #1.

Learning has to be kept simple and lively. Songs and poems are good to be incorporated too. Here, my child learns the basic strokes, understands how a character has evolved from the past, and how it can be used to form a word. There are reading and singing activities too. How fun it can be!

As language can only be mastered with diligent practice, it is best to either read daily or on every other day to reinforce learning.

For Books #2 and #3, we are ready to take a step further. Themes like "My Family", "My School", "My Home", "My Pets", "Market Place", are popular amongst educators. Children can relate them to what they see and do in their daily lives. Familiarity. When they can visualise and relate, they can learn and comprehend much better.

Do note that there are Hanyu Pinyin provided beneath each word. We can slowly introduce Hanyu Pinyin to our children as we use these books. It is never too late to start.

And remember, to aid in learning, point to things and recall what they are called in Chinese when you are at outdoors.

If your child is confident holding a pencil and writing, try simple writing books like the ones shown below.

How to make full use of writing books? Do not jump straight to writing them. Read along with your child on the words. Go through the different strokes and their sequence. It is important to build a strong foundation. Then, trace the dotted words, and slowly attempt. Don't despair if your child can't seem to write yet. Hold his little hand and try again. Give plenty of encouragement, and praise, praise, praise!

There are more books that I highly recommend, and would reveal more in my next post. If you can't wait to know more, leave me a message. (",)

Useful Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ShaoLanChineasy/
http://www.chineasy.com/

I hope you find this post useful and have an enjoyable time bonding with your child through learning!

Love
BeezMom Serene

Cordlife | Easy Peasy Eye-check with Eyescreen

Fear-free, tear-free, happy, eye screening for children

What do moms think?

It is never too late to let your child go for an eye screen, as many eye -related issues can be prevented and detected with early intervention. From as young as 6 months of age, paediatric eye screen is available. A regular optical store nearby your home is not able to  assess eye health for 6 years old and below. Hence, a Paediatric Optometrist, is the one who is able to help detect as many as 11 common childhood eye problems, with the use of automated Photoscreening machine and other age-appropriate supplementary tests.

Cordlife is having its yearly eyescreen now for children from 6 months old to 6 years old. Fees as shown above. Register your child now, by clicking on the picture above, as it is never too early to start good habits.

My children went for their first check up last year, and was a pleasant experience for them. Simple, fast, interesting, and comprehensive. They even get to do some colouring and watch cartoons on T.V. by the big round table meant for kids while waiting for their turns. The test reports can be sent and/mailed to you, if you prefer.

If you have any other enquiries, do refer to the FAQ.

Love
BeezMom Serene

Baby & Mum Promotions (Updated on 22 June)

(Abbott Nutrition & S-26 Progress Gold - Discount vouchers)

I was browsing the baby product aisle at FairPrice Finest at Seletar Mall yesterday, and took a few discount vouchers for Similac and S-26 milk formula. I thought it would be a nice thing to share with everyone here. The vouchers are easily available at the stores, just grab and present them at the cashier to enjoy the discounts. Happy shopping!

Love
BeezMom Serene

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(Pediasure – New promo on 18 June 2016)

Do you have a picky eater at home? You are not alone. Many of us wonder and what exactly defines a picky eater? Let us find out. (“,)

Traits of a picky eater:
– eats very little
– accepts only a few types of food
– eats few fruits and vegetables
– refuses to try new food
– disrupts or prolongs meal times

To learn more on picky eating, visit the website www.pickyeating.com.sg

Studies have shown that picky eating persists in some children through 9 years of age. We all know that a child needs nutrients from different sources of food to support their overall growth and development. So, picky eating may increase the nutritional gap in a child’s diet. Such behaviour also affects and impairs cognitive development.

There are some things that parents can do to deal with a child’s picky eating. Setting a routine. Try to have meals at consistent intervals and stick to the schedule. Encourage everyone to sit by the dining table together, with the T.V. switched off. T.V. entertainments distracts and disrupts meal times. To make meal time enjoyable, start a simple topic with the child about the experiences of the day or what he would like to share with you. Hopefully, the child would look forward to meal times in future.

If your child likes to watch you do the cooking in the kitchen, why not get him or her involve in the process? My daughter, 5, loves to stand beside me on a stool, and offers to do simple tasks such as beating the eggs or stirring mixtures. She finds the process fun, and I have an assistant. A good deal!

Most importantly, make meal times enjoyable and forward-looking. Praise the child if he finishes the meal on time, or tries new food. Any negative remarks would discourage the child. Step-by-step adjustment is the key. Do not rush. If the child comments that his serving potion is too big, then, reduce it. Increase slowly, and monitor.

Meanwhile, parents may try giving the child Pediasure. It is complete with all the essential nutrients that are needed for a child’s growth and development. Read more about the product here. Pediasure is sold in tins and read-to-drink pack.

Here are some sample and promotion links that may be useful.
1. For samples, please click here.
2. For a starter kit, please click here. Redemption is from 31 May-30 June 2016.
3. Retailing promotions:

• SAVE $10 (with purchase of 3x850g of Pediasure). Valid for purchases between 1-30 June 2016 at Watsons, Fair Price, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage and Guardian.
• SAVE $8 (with purchase of 2×1.6kg of Pediasure). Valid for purchases between 1-30 June 2016 at Watsons, Fair Price, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage and Guardian.

I hope your child, as well as mine, would grow up healthily and happily.
Have a great weekend!

Love
BeezMom Serene

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(Biore - product samples)

Many children nowadays suffer from eczema and other kinds of skin irritation, so parents are careful not to slap any lotion or cream onto them that would further aggravate the condition. But, kids do need something gentle, yet effective, to combat against the harsh effects of sunlight. Is there a good product so far? Yes!

Biore Singapore is giving out sun screen samples! It is a 15ml Biore UV Mild Milk Sunscreen (for kids) SPF 50+ PA++++. Simply click on the picture above or paste the link (http://www.ksgpromo.com/machform/view.php?id=47448) onto your browser to redeem the sample now. 

Features of Biore UV Mild Milk Sunscreen (for Kids):
- ultra-light, smooth and milky texture
- water-proof and perspiration proof
- easily removed
- suitable for daily use
- suitable for face and body

Retail prices in Singapore
- Guardians Pharmacy ($13.90) 90ML

Click here to read more about Biore UV Mild Milk Sunscreen (for Kids) as reviewed on AsianParent SG.

Have a great day ahead!

Love
BeezMom Serene

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(Friso - New promo on 15 June 2016 @ 3:25P.M.)

Frisomum is now giving all mums-to-be a complimentary maternity photo shoot worth $300. Below are the basic terms and conditions to be eligible:

• you need to be at least 28 weeks into your pregnancy.
• validity period is 4 months upon submission of application (when you are in your 28th week of pregnancy)
• not valid for use post-pregnancy.

Click on the picture above to redeem, or copy and paste the link (http://one9ninetyapps.com/friso/mums-v3/form.php#form-content) onto your Internet browser to do so.

Thank you for reading!

Love

BeezMom Serene

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Parents, whose kids are taking Similac Gain, do not miss this promotion. GET $16 OFF any 4 cans of 850g of Similac/Gain IQ stages 2, 3 or 4 at the following participating outlets

Click on the picture above, or copy and paste this link http://abbottfamily.vintedge.com/simgain16off/ onto the browser to redeem this offer. Valid till 30 June 2016 only.

Hope you find my post useful. If you have any comments, do contact me through the contact form provided below.

(P.S.: This post would be updated regularly on offers and promotions. So, keep checking back!)

Love
BeezMom Serene

GSS 2016 is BACK ON @ Fairy Angel Shop (Babies & Toddlers Apparel) 70% OFF!!!

Fairy Angel Shop - An Online Store for Babies and Toddlers

Fairy Angel Shop carries mainly the brand"Mom&Bab". You may have heard of this brand before, besides the renowned ones like Oskosh and Carters. Mom&Bab has equally good material quality too. The store now is having its Great Singapore Sales 2016, where most of the items are going at 70% reduction in price. 

As a mother myself, I always could not resist the temptation to buy things, regardless of whether I need them or I do not. Haha! Yea, that's me. I end up carrying bags of loots home and being nagged at by my "Financial Controller" (my hubby).

To make your shopping at Fairy Angel Shop easier, I have hand-picked some items that I felt is really worth to purchase. Great time shopping and not burning a big hole in the pocket. Hee... trust me!

Bodysuits

Bodysuits! Who loves bodysuits here? Me! They make it hassle-free for diapers changing, isn't it? A box of 4 pieces of bodysuits is selling at only SGD $28.00. At stores such as Mothercare, Kiddy Palace, what price tag are we seeing? SGD $32-35!!! Do your Maths now, each piece is only at an amazing price of SGD $7.00. If you can help a lower price than this, please let me know... :X

Sleeveless Bodysuits

Living on a sunny island all-year-round and trying to keep little ones cool and fresh is a challenge for us. More often than not, we go for sleeveless clothing if we can. These 4 designs of sleeveless bodysuits, set of 3 pieces, selling at a massive discounted price of SGD $8.40 (U.P. SGD $28.00).

Value Set Dresses

One of my favourites - the value set dresses. The designs are sooo sweet, yet cooling, as the sleeves are either cap-styled, or none. Plus, the quality is really very good. Price is also AWESOME! Guess what? 2 piece pack selling at SGD $6.90 (U.P. SGD $23.00). I think these are gonna be hot-selling, and many sizes would be out of stock soon! Gotta add them to my shopping bag.

Fairy Angel Shop also carries graphic tees, like the Monster University, Transformers and Captain America. I thought the Transformers graphic tee with sparkly crystals is pretty cool. Hee... And just look at the price tag, so cheap! Awh....

Do you have enough of the sneak peek of the GSS Sale? Maybe, you should head straight to the official store www.fairyangelshop.com to browse through the other great offers! Have fun shopping!

Love

Serene

Read my other blog: https://beezmombazaar.wordpress.com