Before I had my first kid, I was already pretty forgetful. I would always misplace my things because I don't put them back to the same place. I would basically leave them in the most random place and would need to retrace my steps sometimes to find them. It is particularly frustrating for myself and people around me when it comes to critical items because I end up delaying everybody's schedule.
A solution - Tile came into my life and it is such a life-saver. Basically, Tile is like a tracker and it worksvery well for people who doesn't use Apple ecosystem. I found a video that describes very well how it works. You just it up and on your bluetooth and you are good to go.
Although I got the set that comes in 4, I didn't really need that many so my FIL actually took 2 and set the rest in his phone. (Not all has to be tagged to the same phone). They all works the same, but just that different sizes may fit wallets etc. better. I placed one in my wallet and another in my kid's bag. What I really like about it is that it works 2 way. If my phone was missing, I could also press the button from the tile in my wallet and my phone would start singing a tune.
The technology is definitely pretty cool. I did flaunt it a few times at my workplace. The kids were also very impressed. During hide-and-seek, they would press their tracker to ring me out. Not how it was meant to be used, but yeah. The more people that uses it, the more timely the tracking would be. My only grouse is that the batteries can't be changed.
You also link it to your other devices that are tile-friendly. My fitbit and dell laptop are smiling :) Generally, for Singaporeans, most people attach it to their pets, kids' bags, car keys and other personal belongings that are of value. Would definitely recommend this buy. I feel less anxious now that my items don't go missing anymore. My quality of life is way better.
Ever becoming a Mum, one of my biggest highlights are my day outs. I just want some me-time to do my alone stuff. Quite an exciting day for me because I manage to get a slot for the Chanel Parfumeur. I have always been a huge fan of the history of Chanel but quite honestly I don't know as much on their perfumes.
Boy, Chanel sure doesn't disappoint. We were ushered into nice dark room with their bottle perfumes on display like art pieces. It was great fun whiffing through the luxury perfumes, reading the history and description while enjoying the visuals. I also love how the staff provided us personal space and time to enjoy the moment.
Each of the attendees also enjoyed a personalised scent session which honestly felt so much like a therapy session. It was so casual as we basically talked about my problems and my choices. I shared my favourite scents - Beige and 1932. But it ended up my personality was more of a Beige LOL!
If you wanted, you could also purchase on the spot and bring home your choiced and matched scent. But I didn't do that cos I spent a lot that day already. All in all, it was such an enjoyable session. This can be a group or single activity depending on your mood :)
Ever since I fell sick, I realise the beauty of flowers...literally. I finally understood why people send flowers to perk others up during sad moments. Because flowers do have the power to lift moods. Received some flowers from Golden Gift for Mother's Day. I went for the freestyle flower arrangement because I like displaying my flowers on my table top. If it was a bouquet, I would have to rearrange myself into the pots and to be honest, I suck at flower arrangements.
They arrived nicely in a transparent bag, looking in full bloom. You know something, photos of flowers never have to be edited because they are always beautiful as it is. Immediately after receiving the flowers, I cleaned up our messy dining table (it has been neat ever since). I even propped myself to work beside my bouquet because that was how much I love staring at them and enjoying the scent of nature. Usually, I hate things that create more housework for me. When the petals fell (the purple ones), I felt like the Beast trying to reverse time, haha.
On a separate note, I thought I would share a little more on Golden Gift and their fresh flowers services. They have flowers catered for every occasion/ events and have quite a variety for add-ons like balloons, chocolates and even alcohol. Same-day delivery is also available (great for last minute lovers).
My personal favourite are their freestyle products (which I went for) not because I have no idea what to get, but because I like the surprise element. Also, it doesn't hurt that it is more affordable and sustainable too, since the florists uses whatever fresh flowers they have for that day. Another favourite of mine is the bloom boxes - an affordable option for people who like having fresh flowers on their work table.
It was truly quite the perfect gift for mother's day! We have a 30ml customised bottle already at home (read post here!) which sits quite nicely at the vanity area. I am rather pleased to know that Maison 21G has release a more portable packaging of (5ml * 5ml).
Like its name, it is only the size of a crayon and slips quite nicely into even the smallest clutch bag. For someone who can't really make up her mind, this crayon is perfect because you get 3 scents. You can pick 2 of your favourites and mix it up for a 3rd scent. Personally, I like the surprise element the 3rd scent gives.
To choose a scent that suits your personality, you can first do a test. Based on my test, I am "The Free Spirit". Most of the time, I don't really trust such things. But when I took a whiff of my mother's recommended scents. Oh gosh, I could barely take it! LOL!
Among the 8, I chose my favourite 2. They well split under "Chill and Relax", "Seduction", "Special Occassion" and "Work & Social". I would say I like 6 of the scents. Eventually, I chose Muguet Muse and Raspberry Redemption simply because I haven't quite smell any fragrance like this elsewhere.
The dual crayon cost around $40 which I find it quite reasonable. It makes a very nice gift for friends/ colleagues too because of its lux looking packaging. Yes, I am still a sucker for pretty packaging!
During this period, I have to admit the most of the shopping or site-shopping given that we are all forced to stay in, has been mainly baby's. But, there are certain gifts that are really for the Mother more than the child. One of them is the breast pumps. The Breast pumps is going to be one of the bigger investments during the journey.
I am quite proud to say despite the constant tummy cramps, I managed to convince the baby in me to cooperate so that we can do some reading-up together. Whether you would even need breast pumps would depend on whether you are able to produce any breast milk. Some mothers would advise doing the necessary read-up first then purchasing what you need, so that you won't panic when you need it.
One key thing to consider when you decide to get a breast pump is whether you want a manual or electric one. An electric pump is a lot more convenient but will set you back in terms of finance a bit more. You can easily get a manual pump within a hundred dollars but an electric one would usually be around $300-$400 for a reputatable brand.
The second question you need to ask yourself is whether if you need a single or double expressor. If are time-strapped, go for the double pumps. I am a working mum, so I wanted something that helps me save time and is easy to carry about. For me, Hegen is quite a good choice.
First of all, the packaging is awesome. This actually makes a very good maternity gift for friends/ co-workers. I have been in quite a bit of pain lately and receiving a pink package nicely bowed up really makes me feel young, lovely and very feminine. I was very pleased to know that the pumping machine came charged so you could immediately use it (not that i need to) without charging. It is also very light weight and came with a manual pump.
Before I received my set, I asked around my "mothers cult" on Hegen. Many people just told me that it was highly reputable but expensive. But I think a lot of people missed out the reason why there was a price premium to it. The pump machine didn't just act as a pump and could be used as a massager before or after birth. You can also customise the massage and suction to obtain more milk. For one gift set, you are actually receiving quite a bit. And I think many people miss out the point that if you have one portable pump, you don't need to invest in two.
Although the advise I have received thus far is invest after you are you have breast milk, I don't quite agree with that. The pumps mechanisms are a bit more complexed than what I expected and I actually read the manual (first time ever). I think you also need to take into account the cleaning instructions for the specific parts. I actually even highlighted the important parts. Haha.
The thing is if you are going to hurriedly buy a pump 4-6 weeks after birth, would you even be in the sane mind to process the manual? Cos the manual does provide very good information on the storage of milk etc. Also, I have to admit, I fumbled a bit with the bottles initially, but after a few practice I was quite smooth. I can totally imagine if a newborn was wailing away, I might have spilled precious milk and be so frustrated with the pump, myself and the baby.
Here are some Hegen videos which I find quite helpful for the assembling of the breast pumps. On a side note, Hegen is running a campaign for a group of women doing extremely commendable work. For a year-long, Hegen will be giving 1000 sets ofHegen PCTOTM Express Store Feed Starter Kit (worth $175) to pregnant healthcare workers from the medical institutions in Singapore dealing directly with COVID-19 cases.
To these mums-to-be, my heart goes out to you. Please redeem for youself the kit because you more than deserve it. It must be tough going through the days (with nausea, morning sickness, body aches) while saving lives. I can't imagine myself (with my crazy, paranoid mind) in the same situation as you. Please find the redemption information at Hegen's blog. Also, readers, do share this information with your friends whom you know are eligible for this campaign! Lots of love to all and please stay safe.
