Amby Mummy

Carrefour - Free Home Delivery

2012-02-08T13:05:00.000+08:00

Grocery shopping has always been my favourite thing to do (Any reason to go shopping).

I used to find comfort in libraries but ever since I became a plus 1 (and now a plus 2), I find great pleasure and comfort in....supermarkets.

Yup, I am a weirdo.

Damn proud of it, thank you!

So when we would go for our HUGE shopping spree, I choose Carrefour.

Why HUGE, you ask?

Because we would stock up on all the household items like toilet rolls, kitchen towels, bags of rice, cooking oil, washing detergents etc.

These grocery shopping trips are our family bonding opportunities (Told you I'm a weirdo).

It's actually fun searching for the items on the shopping list (and usually a few other items. *wink* *wink*).

By the end of the trip, our shopping trolley would usually be full (sometimes "overflowing").

But for a car-less family like us, that would be a problem because the last thing we want to worry about is the hassle of carrying 5 over plastic bags home.

So I am totally raving about the *free delivery that Carrefour provides.

What's more, the service they provide is absolutely commendable.

Not only are they fast (it can be same-day delivery for non-peak season), they are also efficient.

Just look at how the items that we bought are neatly packed.

Amazeballs!

Love, love, love it!

Eventhough our HUGE shopping spree are done every 4 months, it is truly a great convenience for services such as the one that Carrefour provides.

So the next time you decide to organize a HUGE shopping spree (like ours), I would strongly recommend Carrefour.

If you happen to go to the store at Suntec City Mall, we might just bump into each other.

See you there!

*Free delivery is only applicable for purchases above SGD$150. But if you're anything like my family, reaching SGD$150 is not a problem.

Silver lining after my hurricane.

2012-02-01T10:03:00.006+08:00

During my 4 months maternity leave, I constantly wondered if I would enjoy being a stay at home mummy (SAHM).

In that 6 months (4 months of maternity plus 2 months of summer holidays. Woo hoo!) that I was at home with my little darling, I did everything!

I cleaned, cooked (at least tried to), do the laundry, cared for our firstborn, socialised (barely because everybody else was at work) - you name it, I did it.

I'm not going to apologise for saying this but I actually enjoyed it.

Some people think of household chores as brainless activities.

But you CAN clean the dishes AND read Shakespeare, no? (Not that I did, though. Heh)

However, I believe the main reason why I fully enjoyed my short SAHM experience was because I was still receiving my paycheck.

Okay, I heard you.

Money isn't everything, you say?

Yeah, it isn't but what do I do when the bills start rolling in at the end of the month?

Money isn't everything but it is essential

That's reality.

But I am not one who likes to dwell on negativities so I had to find the silver lining at the end of the hurricane.

Alhamdullillah.

You can't change reality but you CAN definitely CHANGE your mindset.

Are you a SAHM, WAHM or a full-time working mother secretly wishing to be SAHM/WAHM (like me)?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Breathe and count to to 10.

2012-01-28T07:11:00.009+08:00

If you feel like slapping your cranky 11-month old, take a breather.

If you feel like you are losing your mind trying to figure out what your sick infant daughter needs, take a breather.

If you are frustrated because nothing is going as per what you planned, take a breather.

If you feel like turning your whole house upside down from having to do EVERYTHING, take a breather.

If you feel like killing someone because your stress levels are off the roof,

TAKE. A. BREATHER.

Even if it was for a mere 2 minutes, TAKE A BREATHER.

You will be glad you did.

How do I know it?

Been there, done that.

Just yesterday, actually.

I am proud of myself for being brave enough to shut out Fayrah's cries and take a breather.

I forced myself to do it because I know the consequences of the actions that you did in a moment of stress and anger is not worth it at all.

So take action by taking a breather.

It will not just save your life - but those of your loved ones too.

Dragon Mission.

2012-01-23T06:11:00.008+08:00

While we are still in the first month in the year 2012, let's chat about "New Year's Resolutions".

Do you still practise them?

Do you follow them till the very end?

My answer?

No and No.

I have long since banish the practise of making resolutions for the new year.

Why?

Because I have never followed it through.

For some reason, my unconscious mind associates "resolutions" with "a half-way done project".

So nowadays, I would rather create "Mission for the Year (insert year here)".

The concept is still the same - things that I would like to accomplish.

But somehow, I am able to achieve more with the revised title.

Weird, huh?

I like to limit my goals - just so that I won't be overwhelmed and pressurised if I can't make time to accomplish all of it.

I am human after all.

This year, I have 3 :

1) Adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle

With regular exercise (eventhough how light it may be) and smarter food choices (of course, not forgetting those occassional indulgences), I may just have MORE energy to accomplish anything.

2) Improve my time-management skills

Juggling being a full-time working mum, wife and still being myself is no easy feat. But with proper planning, I can be better at "having my pie and eating it". Insya ALLAH. Even heroes need help.

3) Be realistic when I plan my day.

Not being able to complete all that is on my to-do list just stresses me out. So I am learning to limit my daily to-do list to just 4 goals/day. Even superherous need help.

So what are your MISSION for this year of the Dragon?

On a positive note for the New Year.

2011-12-31T22:32:00.004+08:00

In less than 3 hours, 2011 will be last year as we excitedly usher in 2012 - this year.

As you look back at 2011 and find nothing but regrets, well I hate to be the one to break it to you.

But you're a tad bit late for that.

But fret not jolly people because 2012 is here to the rescue!

2012 promises more fun, excitement & a whole lot of craziness!

Throw out those new year's resolutions because you are never going to stick to them anyways.

Instead, make it a point that in 2012 you will constantly remind yourself to just live it - live YOUR LIFE like you may not get to experience 2013.

I'm not kidding.

Make Mr. Procrastinator your No.1 nemesis and NEVER allow it to enter your heart - not even for a split second.

Procrastination is a disease.

It seems harmless initially but as it accumulates, it destroys your dreams, life and everything else that matters to you.

A little dramatic, you say?

Well, better safe than sorry.

Anyhow, whether you're out and about partying and getting drunk with a whole bunch of strangers or in the comfort of your home snuggling up with your loved ones (underline your situation), have fun and enjoy it while you can.

May we all have a blessed and fulfilling 2012!

Early complementary feeding.

2011-09-26T10:06:00.000+08:00

Mak kept telling me about how parents, in the olden days, would feed their children solids even before 6 months.

Being the Gen-Y mum that I am, I researched on the Internet and found out that it was safe to feed a 4 month old solids.

(Read here for early signs of complementary feeding)

I chose rice cereal as it was the easiest and fuss-free choice for me.

(Read here for an alternative first food for your little ones)

Fayrah started off with as little as just 1 teaspoon of rice cereal once daily.

I did the 4-day rule - just to see if she had any adverse effect with the rice cereal ( Symptoms that I looked out for was the regularity of her bowel movement, vomitting, allergic reactions etc)

This was how Fayrah's schedule looked like at 4 months.

Fayrah's schedule at 4 months - rice cereal once a day, 210 ml of formula milk every 4 hours.

7 am - (E) Milk

7.45 am - (A) Bath and playtime!

8.30 am - (S) ZzzzzZzz..

10.30 am - Feed cereal.

11 am - (E) Milk

I gradually increased her cereal portion.

Now at 6 months, she is eating 1 tablespoon (or sometimes 1 1/2!) of rice cereal.

I hope that helps.

Have fun, parents!

P/S: Just a word of warning - feeding your little one for the first time can be messy. VERY messy. But don't give up, keep on trying. However, remember to NEVER force your little one. She should view eating as an enjoyment rather than torture.

Complementary feeding

2011-09-16T15:39:00.000+08:00

Definition: Complementary feeding is the process of moving your baby from a total milk diet to one the includes solid food too.

Though milk will continue to supply many of the nutrients your baby needs for some time, solid foods will become an important part of the little one's diet as he becomes more active.

Complementary feeding is both an exciting and essential part of a baby's development to ensure a healthy growth - both mentally and physically.

Additionally, the proces of complementary feeding is about getting your little one used to the feeling of having food in their mouth.

The experience of eating from a spoon and introducing new textures to baby over the next few months will help to develop their swallowing and chewing skills. Over time, they will eventually manage lumpier textures and simultaneously develop the muscles they'll use for talking later on.

Based on the guide I received from Dumex Mom and Baby Club about complementary feeding, these are some of the telltalle signs that baby may be ready for more than just milk:

1) Crying or demanding more after a full milk feed
2) Being irrtable and impatient for the next feed
3) Hand chewing - This was Fayrah's obvious sign.
4) Waking up for a feed when they've previously slept through the night
5) Not settling down during the day
6) Waking up early from naps
7) Staring at you when you eat - You should see how Fayrah stares at our food.
8) Trying to reach for food you're holding - We had to remove anything that was within Fayrah's reach.

Complementary feeding requires patience and determination from us, the parents. Though it can be fun, it is also a messy and gradual process.

Your litttle one may not take onto a particular food immediately. You need to know when to back off and try to subtly get baby to try it another time. Forcing a particular food may have a negative impact of baby's mind regarding eating. He may hate eating altogether!

Like being in a relationship, you got to take it slow. d;D

(Here was how Fayrah started complementary feeding at 4 months.)

Time for solids!

2011-09-14T15:12:00.000+08:00

Fayrah is now officially 6 months old!

Alhamdullillah.

Why am I so excited, you ask?

Simply because she can now start complementary feeding.

(Read a detailed definition on complementary feeding can be found here.)

Actually, Fayrah started eating solids 2 months ago.

The only difference is that now, there is a wider variety of solids that she can be exposed to.

FUN!

First up, carrots!

Eat away, my hunny bunny!

Quick & Nutrituos Breakfast Ideas

2011-08-19T12:51:00.000+08:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Unfortunately, many of us neglect breakfast. And there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that your body and mind will suffer unless you have a healthy breakfast each morning.

You spend six to eight hours sleeping. After that time, your body needs fuel to keep going.

Without breakfast at home, your options for on the run nutrition may amount to too much fat, too much sugar and too many carbs. And, that convenient run to the fast food joint is not as convenient and time saving as you think if everyone else has the same idea.

The fifteen or twenty minutes spent in line could have been used to fill your belly with something good from home.

If you are the type to skip breakfast, here is a solution to starting the day with a good breakfast which will help you keep hunger in check as well as give you the natural energy boost to start your day.

1. Fruit SmoothiesThese are good any morning but particularly on a hot day. You’ll have to blend the ingredients together in the morning, but the prep work can be done at night. Cube your fruit and place it into a container. Instead of frozen yogurt in the morning, use a cup of plain yogurt. Add ice cubes, a little water and blend.

2. OatmealThis food makes a good hot meal that contains lots of filling fiber to keep you from getting hungry later on in the morning. Depending on your taste, you can take five minutes to fix it on the stove or use the microwave for instant oatmeal. Kids tend to like the variety of flavors that come with instant oatmeal. The night before, put together a container of add-ins like blueberries, strawberries and bananas that can be tossed on top for a bit of antioxidant power.

3. Egg sandwichThe eggs can be cooked the night before and placed in a sealed container. In the morning, warm up the eggs in the microwave. If you want, add some chopped veggies or shredded cheese. Serve on toasted wheat bread. The night before, place two pieces of bread into a Ziploc bag for each family member. They can toast their bread as they get up and place the sandwich in the bag for easy transport in the car to work or school.

4. Yoghurt with Granola FfruitSome people like to eat yogurt. But, yogurt by itself won’t keep you from being hungry. Add some granola and a few blueberries to the mix. This makes a great breakfast idea for those mornings when you are running late. Keep small bags of granola and blueberries in the fridge next to the yogurt so you can grab them and run.

Are you fighting the breakfast battle? To get a filling meal you don’t have to opt for too much fat, calories or carbs. These quick and easy breakfast ideas can be made within minutes and are a much healthier alternative to skipping breakfast or grabbing a high fat alternative.

Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy Moms

2011-08-07T09:08:00.001+08:00

It seems like there is no rest of the weary. And, the weary person is usually mom. Moms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her? If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.

Personal time is a right of being a person. Each of us has the capacity to nurture others but that type of care takes its toll.

A car is filled with gas to make it run. Eventually the gas runs out and your car won’t move unless the car is replenished with fuel. The same goes for you. Emotional issues can develop when you don’t take the time to take care of your emotional well-being, not to mention the physical results of emotional neglect.

Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure. Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes doing nothing. In the springtime, relaxing in a hammock under a tree is the perfect getaway from the pressures of the day. Reading a book for 30 minutes can also seem like heaven to many moms.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:

1. Get up early if you have to. When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

2. Turn ordinary experiences into major events. When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.

3. Ask your significant other for help. Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.

4. Use the Boy Scout motto. Always be prepared and you can spend more time in a relaxed mode. Fix lunches the night before. Iron clothes for the next day and place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out. The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family and not experience burnout.

5. Take exercise breaks. When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching implications. Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles. Also, stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system. Do jumping jacks during a television commercial or jog to the bus stop to pick up the kids.

6. Laugh at regular intervals. Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site. Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly. It also keeps the abs tight.

Moms, take care of you. Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them. You owe it to yourself and you deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

Doa Awal Ramadan.

2011-08-01T06:42:00.004+08:00

Ya ALLAH,

I bear witness that there is no God except you and that Muhammad s.a.w is your Messenger.

Grant us the strength and determination to get through the holy month of Ramadan with utmost patience and faith.

Ya ALLAH,

Increase our iman and strengthen our faith - especially Muslims who are going through difficult times.

Amin ya rabbal alamin.

Salam Ramadan to all my Muslim brothers and sisters.

May Ramadan this year be better than the last.

Insya ALLAH.

It happened to me too!

2011-07-21T08:25:00.001+08:00

While enjoying the bus ride en route to Far East Plaza last Saturday, a conversation between 2 teenage girls (in school uniform) about their love lives brought me back to my teenagehood (If they spoke loud enough for me to hear, that does not count as eavesdropping...does it?)

One of them just got her heart broken by this guy whom she had LOVED for so long.

LOVE? Seriously?

Anyhow, it was hard to resist the temptation to share my "Banish the Breakup Blues" wisdom to the younger generation. Heh..

But if I were her, this is what I would do.

1) Move your ass!
As in exercise, exercise, exercise! No medicine can make you feel better about getting your heart broken, then getting your heart pumping. The sweat and the adrenaline rush you experience after a satisfying workout is way better (and HEALTHIER) than stuffing your face with 2 pints of ice-ceram topped with fudge. The endorphins will perk up your mood in no time.

2) Prioritse your life
Take a breather and turn back the focus on YOU! Think about what are the steps you are going to take to realize any dreams that you had before he/she-who-shall-not-be-mentioned came along. Take steps to take of YOUR life.

3) Start anew.
De-clutter your life. Go on a cleaning spree and tidy up your room (or house) and most importantly, toss away anything that reminded you of he/she-who-shall-not-be-mentioned. With a clean room (or house), you can nopw think straight and charge on with greater enthusiasm and a positive spirit!

I was reading a magazine and it stated that according to a recent British survey, teh average woman has had her heart broken 5 tmes before meeting Mr. Right - in that case, I must have been above average because my number was definitley not single digit.

Whatever it is, have faith that you will meet Mr/Miss Right.

Tried and tested. d;D

Playdate at BHC

2011-07-04T23:27:00.000+08:00

Fayrah had her first playdate a few days back and I have to say that I am super proud of her!

She was very sporting when Yasida carried her and played well with Sarah.

Great hosts and sporting guests makes a successful playdate!

Well done, Fayrah!

Ibu love you! Muahks!

Any mummy (or daddy) up for a playdate anytime soon?

Recipe for a Happy Baby

2011-07-02T07:52:00.003+08:00

Each time she's awake, all Fayrah wants to do is to either be sitting up or standing.

That means someone always have to be with her.

So when I am alone with her at home, I would just prop up dozens of pillows (Okay, I exaggerate),

or put her in her beloved Bumbo green chair (Thank you Kakak Mia & Kakak Ana),

switch on Disney Junior and she's a happy baby...for like 30 seconds.

Some downtime.

2011-06-28T10:52:00.004+08:00

Today is the first day after a really long time that our little one here slept for more than half an hour.

For a (long) while, it seemed almost impossible to get her to take her usual 1 1/2 hour nap.

Alhamdullillah.

To-do List

1) Shower

2) Blog

3) Online shopping

4) Read magazine

Okay, now back to being a mummy.

Fayrah, feeding time darling.

PandaiPhone

2011-06-12T21:41:00.000+08:00

I CAN'T PUT IT DOWN!

Amby Mummy

Carrefour - Free Home Delivery

Silver lining after my hurricane.

Breathe and count to to 10.

Dragon Mission.

On a positive note for the New Year.

Early complementary feeding.

Complementary feeding

Time for solids!

Quick & Nutrituos Breakfast Ideas

Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy Moms

Doa Awal Ramadan.

It happened to me too!

Playdate at BHC

Recipe for a Happy Baby

Some downtime.

PandaiPhone

Fayrah's Khatan

Do NOT Disturb!

Dog Whisperer

*sings* Our most favourite thing...

What's Next?

Best Laid Plans

Nobody is perfect & Fayrah is nobody. I love nobody.

Money (can) make the family go round.

The day it all changed

For all that I have.

Before the delivery suite, there was..

Part-time parents

Surviving Parenthood

Oh what a night!

It does pay to be patient.

Don't smoke your life away.

A little organisation would do you good.

When all else fails..

The simplest things are the best.

If I sing it often enough, it might just come true?

MyBudakTapai's favourite past-time

Gong Xi BBQ!

Let me know what you think.

New Sony Digital Photo Printer FP-65 with box

Like a Ghost town.

Patience is a virtue.

Mr. Golden Sun

Gong Xi! Gong Xi!

Khlomar Preggers!

Be careful what you ask for. It might just come true.

True love does exists.

Focus on what you have - Not what you want.

Impress them judges, Sayang!

You should NOT have done that!

When are we really ready?

There are others worse off than you.

Worth the money.

School starts when..?

Lower Back Ache

Aim right!

This is my confession.

Word of Advice: Stick to your day job, Kim K.

Born this way.

Kim "Greek Goddess" Kardashian

Lazy, Lazy me.

Blissful Life

Dsihonest Business People

Back from Hiatus

Success takes time.

BUMPer

Body Heat.

If I Had You

Week 17

It's my hormones.

About time!

That good cause

Don't open a restaurant if you can't cook.

Not forgotten, just busy.

Homeward Bound.

SQ 235

Show off

Not-so-independent

I am where I want to be.

sings Our most favourite thing...