Halloween Themed Full Month Party

Covid has been quite a downer on everything. Initially, we thought of shelving the month-old party and throw a 100-days party instead. But the hubs side being uber traditional (said it sounded like the mourning for a funeral), we trudged ahead with the one month party. Being just out of confinement and still breastfeeding, I am drained as hell. But I thought no matter what, I shouldn't shortchange my boy. 

His one month didn't fall exactly on Halloween. As it was very, very close to Halloween, I thought why not make it a Halloween themed! At least, we can all have a bit of fun even if it is for the family and the 5 guests (which is still family members) LOL!

1. Red Eggs + Ang Ku Kueh + Cakes

This was the first thing that had to be settled. Because quite a bit of our colleagues were still working from home, we needed a place that could give vouchers. In the end, we decided on Bengawan Solo because they had many outlets which made collection easy. Also, they were very reputable and did not have bad press of mouldy cakes (shall not name who here). Although, comparitively, I think their price was a little on the high side, the packaging and taste made up for it. What you pay is what you get. 

2. Food

The next thing we had to settle was food. We did think of engaging a caterer but the Hubs and I agreed that the quality of food may be sub-par and for the same value, we could get food that we really wanted to buy. Most of the items are homecooked except for the sushi platter (Umi Sushi), curry chicken loaves (Golden Pillow 933) and Johnson Duck. To make the food match the theme, we used cupcake toppers ($6.90) from Give Fun. I have to say it looks pretty good for a home affair. 

3. Dressing to the theme

Sigh, this was supposed to be the easiest, but it turned out to be impossible. What I never did anticipate was his growth spurt and he could no longer could fit into his Thor hat from Sunflower Bee. In the end, I had to find some new gear to suit him out. He is still holding his little hammer. Haha. I think he still looked kinda of dapper, just a little more mismatched fashion. But oh well, kids always look good in tacky colours/ style. So a good deal of this time, he was sitting in his Babybjorn rocker while the guests snapped shots of him. Haha. 

4. Decorations 

This may seems like a frill but it makes or breaks the whole party. As silly as it may sound, the party "became alive" because of the balloons. My little boy is too young to appreciate the balloons. But the adults were obsessed with them. Not only did the balloons liven up the whole atmosphere, they also looked good as backdrop. Psst...as part of the party agenda, baby had his hair cut ceremony. And...the ballons were framing the shots taken cos the BIL was bringing them wherever someone was taking a photo. Hehe.

After the whole event, the baby did have some slight staring session with the balloons. He is curious but still not at the age he would want to prod them. You can get them all around a $100++ bucks (with helium gas). We also got some $1 halloween headbands which you will see more in our hair cut ceremony.  For the amount of joy it brought to the guests, even if you are on a cost-saving spree, you shouldn't cut this out. [Update] The balloons lasted a good 3 days with Boo! still going strong.  

5. [Optional] Cake 

If you know me, I am a super extra person. This was one of our highlights of the day. This is baby's first cake. We even had a cake cutting ceremony for him but the little one was not very impressed cos he was probably drained by then. He gave a very annoyed look with furrowed brows and all in the photo which I find it very cute. Not sharing our family picture because I was having a fever already and looking very pale/ horrid. Also, I have changed out into my sleepwear to be more comfortable. 

I am not sure about you guys but my friends were really impressed with the whole mini party when I shared with them the photos. I am only sharing a few selected ones here because we have another whole post on his hair cutting ceremony which is a lot more picture-heavy. Happy Halloween to you guys too! Who says Halloween is not an appropriate theme for a kid's party. Just get the cute stuff and you can wing it like me!

All Glam Up with Filly Fellows

 

By now, some of you may have realised that I absolutely hate confinement. I hate not getting to bathe and I hate the continuous non-stop sweating. I also abhor the fact that I can't really go anywhere (guess that's how the term came about). I am also a little annoyed that because of all the tedious steps and must-dos, I barely have any me-time to write and do things that I like :'(

So here's a celebratory post because I dolled myself up (yet again) in my room and I am kinda of glad that the sleep deprivation hasn't taken a toll on my skin yet. Say hello to my latest collection from Filly Fellows. Are you ready to see me all glam up? Hehe. 

1. Dianne ($13.90)

This isn't exactly my typical style. It is quite a simple design with a twist (no pun intended). Lol. Initially, I felt that it might look a bit too mature for me. Guess, I forgot I am not that young already. I have to admit it looks really good on me. I think my leopard prints shawl makes this a more cougar vibe. I think if you pair this with something brighter and younger, it can even give off a rocker feel. Definitely my favourite piece in the collection!

2. Colour Block Geometric Block Earrings ($10.90)

The earrings may not be my favourite but his series of photos of myself are! My boy hasn't exactly morphed into either of his parents looks yet but so far many people are siding towards the Hubs. But this series, especially the smile and expression confirm that my son actually looks like me la!

Once again, these earrings aren't my typical style. But now that I am a Mum, I think I should try embracing an occassional more serious look. Although pink is one of my favourite colours, I have to say I generally look quite horrible in pink. I am kinda of pleased that this blush pink actually looks quite decent on me! 

3. Daphne ($6.90)

If you are on a tight budget, you should go for this piece. This has a similar vibe to Dianne at a fraction of the price. I am not much of a brown person when it comes to fashion pieces but I think the pecan brown design actually looks much better than the navy blue (too dark to see the details). You can't exactly see from the selfie, but this piece comes with a nice shimmer and patterns. Depending on what you wear, this piece can look either formal or casual. Versatile max!

If you are into this style, head on to Filly Fellows as they have more designs there!

My First Booster: Cookies from Milk Making Mummy

The battle to increase breastmilk supply is real. Sigh. Before becoming a Mum myself, I never knew the obession with the concept of every drop counts and why on earth are these women "crying over spilt milk". And you know what, I am actually guilty of both. Every pump, you will see me trying to squeeze out every drop from my pump to the storage and there were days I was so exhausted, I spilt milk over myself. I didn't cry...but some cuss words may have been muttered. 

My miserly milk supply was getting stagnant so I decided to give boosters a go. And the first booster I tried was lactation cookies. According to many lactation consultants and my gynae, these cookies won't make much difference. But, I had a sweet tooth and decided that there was no harm trying. Cos at least they are yummy!

These are from Milk Making Mummy. I tried their 2 more popular flavours - Chocolate Chip with Almond ($20) and Chocolate Chip with macadamia and chia seed (S$25). To deliver to your house, you would have to have an additional $10. First of all, you would have noticed these cookies ain't cheap! That's because apart from being sinful, it is packed with a lot of nutritious goodness that a Mum would need to produce more milk. The question is always - Is this your booster?

Between the 2 flavours, I actually prefer the chocolate chip with almond because you can taste the chocolate more. The other cookie tasted a lot healthier and chia seed as we know is a superfood and helps to reduce water retention. I have to say the cookies from Milk Making Mummy came in whole sized and they were generous with their ingredients. I even had scraps of almonds and macadamia falling to the bottom of my packets. Yum. 

Did these cookies work for me? I have to say somewhat. My supply used to be at a miserable 20ml and it increased to a 50ml. Even after I stopped taking the booster, it managed to remain at the level. For info, the cookies from Milk Making Mummy is halal and the main milk-producing ingredient is flaxseed. There is no brewer's yeast.

Would I eat it again? I think so. When I am desperate to increase my milk supply. The thing is I am very, very torn between going totally formula milk because this breastfeeding journey is so disappointing and tiring. I just wish someday someone will say formula milk is better and our nipples can be saved from the agony and deformity :(

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Follow "Breastfeeding Journey" tags for tips to make the breastfeeding experience bearable!

Try and Review: Loreal Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence

Whee...now that the little one is out, I am open to using beauty products. Unfortunately for me, my pregnancy glow is definitely gone. Also, I don't have time for any elaborated skincare regime. Anything that is simple and easy works best! I recieved the Loreal Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence from Try and Review to try out for 7 days. It is supposed to (i) brighten and smooth skin, (ii) refines skin texture and (iii) minimise pores. 

I like the lightness and non-sticky texture of the product. However, the product doesn't work as it promises for me. My skin texture is slightly refined, but my pores don't seem to have grown smaller. I don't think my skin brightened either. Either that, it is difficult to beat the pregnancy glow. I probably won't be continuing using this product because I don't believe in using anything that shows no effect. 

Clara Moon: Accessories that bring tranquility and joy

Quite honestly, being confined at home, in bed is terrible. I think this is the first taste of how it would be like at old age when I am bed-ridden and you know what, I absolutely abhor it. I really can't wait for confinement to be over. The thing is although I am mentally and spiritually ready to bounce about and play with my baby, my body isn't. Every part of me is hurting big time. 

During this period, I still receive some mail (though less) and this really makes my day, especially when the content is gorgeous. So you can totally imagine the joy when I received my nice accessories from Clara Moon. The faux leather is so pretty. I haven't been dressing up much lately, but these crystal sets made me so perked up that I felt my back was better and I was even in the mood for some selfies :D

I received the sweet Strawberry Sugar Set and the bold Riptide set (doesn't that remind you of the gender reveal accessories? Hahaha) Personally, I prefer the Strawberry Sugar set, simply because I seem to be going for softer hues after labour. But oddly, I have been wearing Riptide (made of kyanite, blue quartz, ice blue agate and moonstone) because my temper over my discomfort has been better ever since I wear it. I even wear it when I bathe and so far there is no rust!

For those who are into crystals, the strawberry sugar set is made of moonstones, madagascar rose quartz and strawberry quartz. Technically, these crystals helps to comfort a lonely and wounded heart (which is neither what I am feeling now). But this set matches my new bag darn well. Look out for my LOTD! For now, I need to work on nursing my baby and contracting my big fat tummy so that I can look my best! Fighting!!!

2020 Huggies Club Top Referrer

Baby Talk was started as a series for the Hubs and I to document our parenting journey. Because the pregnancy of our precious little one took place during the Covid period, there was barely no courses...nothing. So we had to do our own research online. We thought...why not just consolidate everything here and other parents can also benefit from it and even discuss with us if we have gotten it all wrong. 

Voila...we attracted a new demographic. Honestly, at first I thought no one was really reading this series until I started getting emails. And...we were the top referrer for Huggies Club! Wow, and thank you all so much for using our referrer link. Apart from that we have also been getting upgraded status on forums/ apps for being active and informative! FYI, we are now a VIP Parent on The Asian Parent App and also an ambassador for SuperMom Voices! (Use referral code - ChaaYen for $2 credit!)

Our lucky little boy ended up getting his first 3 months diaper needs covered. When my family received the boxes, they did get quite a shock. It was almost like a bad prank. Yup, your eyes didn't quite play tricks on you. We are looking at 10 cartons of diapers/ wet wipes. It was mad!

We even received an Ergobaby carrier as part of the prize, which is really awesome cos I haven't quite invested in one yet! We will probably be also working on a review on the carrier as well. So far, I don't think I will be the main user since my back still hurts like shit. Guess, Hubs is the lucky one and the "manly black" really suits his dark soul. Once again, thanks for supporting our new series, we will continue working hard on this...and pssst..our next series is coming out real soon. So stay tune, kidults!

Kiasu Mums: Under the Moonlight

I have to admit that I am quite a kiasu mum (even though I have told myself countless times that I will not be one). Guess it is had to live up to them. But, I guess there is no harm in starting young when it comes to cultivating reading habits, especially when it comes to reading Chinese. I have to admit, when it comes to Chinese books, the last time I read was when I was 16 (Lol, managed to force myself to read one recently). Baby just have to grow less sleepy and we can start flipping books for him...hehe...so he doesn't grow up like me :P

For mothers who are also keen to start your children's reading journey, you may check out Under the Moonlight. You can either get books based on themes that suit your children's interest or purchase individual book titles. For budget Mamas, you can also check out the sales and defect section for cheaper books. :)

Recently, Under the Moonlight launched book bundles gift sets as presents for baby full month or birthdays. You can include even a personalised message or a gift wrap upon request. For my gift bundle, it came in a box and I have to say it is very cute. The books I received were suitable for the baby from 0-12 months. Generally, we start off with the black-and-white books before moving on to the coloured books and then books with more difficult words. The gift bundle option is not available on their website yet but you can email Underthemoonlight.sg@gmail.com or contact them via instagram (@underthemoonlight.sg) to find out more!

For those who sees this post early, Under the Moonlight is now currently having a month-long promotion to celebrate their third year anniversary in October. For 1 to 4 October, there will be a 20% discount, thereafter there will be a 10% storewide discount untill 31 Oct. In addition, there will also be a giveaway of 3 sets of felt busy book, play mat and sensory play set for 3 lucky readers. For every $10 spent, you will get a chance! Seems like a pretty good deal if you ask me.