If you could customize your baby’s features, will you choose to do so?

Imagine. You and your hubby are huddled together, seated in front of the computer. A cool range of body features fills the screen. Hair, eyes, cheeks, nose, mouth and the list goes on. You move your cursor and start to select features. Big blue eyes, check. Brownish-red hair, check. Full lips, check. Nodding your heads in agreement, you click the ‘Confirm’ button. After which, your baby will be customized the way you want him or her to be. Just like how customers can create their own bear(s) at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Or like customising your own avatar! Wow. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?



I have to admit, the vain pot in me wishes for my parents to able to customize my features. It is my not so secret desire to have the ‘Plain Jane’ label thrown right out of the window! Hmm I would like to have Angelina Jolie’s full red lips, Gong Li’s high cheek bones, Liv Tyler’s gorgeous brown eyes... Alright I should stop indulging in fluffy daydreams and delve into more serious stuff here.


Although it would be great to think that there would be a lot more good looking people around with baby customising features, but being able to do so takes the fun out of many things. For instance, parents to be would not engage in the joyful fun of guessing who their newborn take after, as their little one’s features are all mapped out by them. Moreover, learning to accept his/her outward appearance is part of the process of learning to accept your little one for who he/she is and not who you want him/her to be. Therefore, as much as I would like my kid to look like the next Jay Chou or Boa, customizing my little one’s body features isn’t for me.


After having said my piece, allow me to bring the ball back to your court. If technology advancement or divine powers up there allows us to do so, would you choose to customise your baby?

Yoga for Pregnant Mamas

Practicing Yoga for Pregnant Ladies


When I heard that pregnant mamas could practice yoga as well, I was taken by surprise. I have been to my first yoga class (i’m a yoga-virgin no more ho ho) at Bikram Yoga City Hall (BYCH), and boy, was there some hot and intense action going in the studio! It was no mean feat bending and twisting in a heated environment of 40ºC and for the life of me, I could not imagine a pregnant mama executing those intense postures too. But yes, I was told that pregnant mamas could practice yoga. I am thoroughly amazed.




Let me share with you the awesome benefits of practicing yoga when expecting your little one. They include smooth deliveries, stronger lower back, higher energy level, less water retention, healthy babies and being able to get back on shape in just a matter of weeks after delivery.


Therefore, I believe practicing Bikram Yoga would be of great benefit to pregnant mamas, as it works towards unifying the mind, body and soul. Especially during the 9 months of pregnancy, it is important for pregnant mamas to keep their bodies in tip-top condition and practicing yoga would do the trick.


You could follow the Rajashree’s Pregnancy Series DVD, which is available at BYCH. If you would like to practice in a non-heated environment, in the comforts of your own home, that’s no problem. However, it is advisable to have individual guidance before starting the yoga routine.


If you are interested in experiencing some Bikram Yoga fun during your wonderful 9 months of pregnancy, do give their friendly and certified Bikram Yoga instructors ring, I’m sure they would be happy to answer your queries. :) Their contact information are listed in their website:


http://bikramyoga.com.sg/index.php


Be sure to check with your gynecologist on your physical ability too!

The Name Game

Choosing Baby Names

Choosing the perfect name for your little one can be such a delightful headache I believe. There are hundreds and thousands of names to choose from and the very fact that the chosen name will stay with your baby for the rest of his or her life makes it so important to choose the ‘right’ name.



A couple of days ago, my friends were telling me that parents these days employ off the wall ideas for their baby’s names. For instance, Amandine, Amber Rose, Leola Victoria Electra Lee, Gene, and the list goes on.


Moving on to the more bizarre names... Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q, Pilot Inspecktor, Fifi Trixibelle, Tu Morrow, Moxie Crimefighter, Audio Science, Dweezil, Zowie and so on. No offense but I’m seriously tickled. These names are certainly attention grabbing but, sad to say, they aren’t for very good reasons.


If you’d ask me, would I name my kid Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, or Diva Thin Muffin? The answer is: Uh-uh, no. As cool as they may sound, I would still stick with conventional names. Well, perhaps not dead boring ones but nice-sounding names like, Lauren, Shannon, or perhaps Canon? I wouldn’t want my kid to fall victim to tongue twisting names which nobody could possibly remember and risk being the butt of cruel jokes.


I know people who have bizarre sounding names and honestly speaking, they don’t have it easy. They are teased at occasionally, names pronounced wrong, given shortened names, that make them wish for less unusual names. Therefore I conclude that sometimes, being too creative with names isn’t such a good thing after all.


FYI: I was just kidding about the Canon part, I couldn’t resist putting that in. ;)

Feet Treats for the Young Ones

Cutesy Socks/Footwear for Infants

Do you know?! The feet is one of the most neglected parts of the body. We can spend tons of money on our face and hair, but leave our feet sadly neglected and forlorn. Having said that, it is time to answer the feet’s cries for attention and tender loving care (TLC), especially your little ones’ feet. And Citrusox is the place to get the feet treats!



The vibrant splashes of summer and pastel colours on their socks and warmers will warm the cockles of your little ones’ hearts and their feet. Let me show you what I mean by vibrant:


Pretty aren’t they? You can drop by their outlets and check out the rest of the socks:


Bishan J8 #01-28


Tel: 6353 4864




Lot One #02-K5


Tel: 6893 8004




Pushcarts (current):


Bugis Junction Level 1


Tampines Mall Level 4


Compass Point B1


Causeway Point Level 1


Parkway Parade B1




For your little ones to stay happy & healthy, give their feet some TLC today!

Positive Indulgence

Indulging in Pampering Facials and Treatments



As I have mentioned previously, our mummies deserve the best and more. Especially mummies to be. Can you imagine, having to endure the onslaught of morning sickness, swollen ankles and water retention? For 9 whole months? *shudders shudders*


Nonetheless, be ready for some good news that I’m going to share with you! ClearSK Aesthetic Centres has a fantastic range of pampering facials and treatments great for offsetting the preggie blues. However please leave out the body slimming treatments. After little one is born, you get the go ahead.
Highly recommended for our beloved mummies to be:


- Scrubber (facial) Does away with dead cells, excess sebum, make-up residues and other harmful substances on the skin surface.


- Iontophorosis (facial). Good for treating melasma and other pigmented lesion.


- Microdermabrasion. It is a great stimulant of cell growth, aged skin, acne and scars, uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and wrinkles.

These treatments and facials will be administered by certified lady doctors, who truly care and understand your intrinsic needs and preferences. They have a wealth of experience in the beauty and aesthetics industry, and are qualified in lasers, aesthetics and dermatology. Hence not to worry, your beauty and aesthetic needs are in expert hands.
In fact, be bowled away by ClearSK’s newest outlet at Orchard Central! The warm lighting, the crystal chandeliers, cosy arm chairs situated at the lounge area provide a soothing atmosphere great for stress relief and relaxation. Definitely a cosy and comfortable place mummies to be will enjoy!

For more information on how ClearSK can provide positive indulgence during the most wonderful period of your life, visit their website: http://www.clearskincentre.com/ for more details.

Till then...

Expectantly Stylish

Trendy Maternity Wear

“Girl ah! I came across this website that shows very nice maternity wear! So pretty, so sleek looking, I’ve been bugging your uncle to buy them for me! Come come, I show you the website. It’s called Mothers En Vogue. Sounds so atas right?”

Out of curiosity, I went to take a look at the maternity wear my aunt was gushing about and boy, she was right. I revel in the fact that Mothers En Vogue’s dresses and tops flatter practically all body types well, just like second skin, transforming our dearest mummies into stylish and sexy mamas. It is very unlike some maternity wear that is unflattering to the figure, emphasizing on unsightly flaws instead of doing their part in camouflaging them.

Furthermore, Mothers En Vogue’s maternity wear are very comfortable. It’s soft, silky, and the best part is this: the clothes are made from environmentally friendly alternatives that are grown without harmful chemicals. If I were you I’d be glad that these organic clothes minimizes my contact with harmful chemicals!

I believe clothes can accentuate an expectant mother’s self-image and appearance, at possibly one of her most happiest and blessed periods of her life. Mummies deserve the best and more! If your hubby happens to be beside you as you are reading this, give him a nudge and bring him along for some shopping fun at Mothers En Vogue... With his credit card of course. ;)

We want Energy!

Energy foods for mummies to fight the preggie blues

No no, I do not mean the Taiwanese band “Energy” (come to think of it, I have not been hearing about them for a long long time...) but literally, the energy that moms to be needs. It is sheer hard work carrying a baby for 9 months, as pregnant mothers produce more blood, heart rate and metabolism rate rise too. This explains why they get tired and spent more easily than usual. I’m sure many mothers out there are nodding their heads furiously in agreement with this statement. Therefore, it is essential that pregnant mothers consume energy food to fulfill their daily energy needs.

I believe many books and articles are already available in the bookstores, libraries and internet to educate us on the various energy foods pregnant mothers need. Nonetheless, please allow me to recommend a few great places where mums to be can get their energy boost:

- QQ Rice (http://www.qqrice.sg) - They serve nutritional drinks and healthy rice (eg. wheat germ brown rice and purple rice)

- Boost Juice Bar (http://www.boostjuicebars.com/franchising-international-franchising.html#/home/) - Juices and concoctions rich in nutritional value.

- Outback Steakhouse (http://www.outback-sea.com/sg/) - Well known for their New York Striploin and Rockhampton Ribeye.

- Sushi Tei (http://www.sushitei.com/) - A fantastic place to get your fresh salmon fix.

- Fassler Gourmet Singapore (http://www.fasslergourmet.com/) - For those who prefer to have home-cooked meals, Fassler Gourmet (factory outlet) sells fresh seafood products at inexpensive factory prices.

Hope these recommendations give you the much needed energy boost you need!

Featured interview with Belinda Wang & also an article written by the journalist from omy.sg

Note: The article & interview are both in Chinese.

To be the Einstein or Mozart of the future... What should your baby eat?

Brain food for Infants

As they always say, you are what you eat. In this case, your baby is what he/she eats. Do you know that 25% of your brain cell is developed before your first birthday? This fact really struck me. Little did I realize how important it is for newborns to get good nutrition, especially before their first birthday. Wow. What a revelation indeed!

I got very interested in what kind of food my aunt gives my 6 months old niece, and she happily exclaims, “salmon gunk!” I know I know that sounds a little, well, gross, but just to let you know that my little niece enjoys the salmon gunk. My aunt meshed salmon, parsley bits, carrots, and corn together. No wonder my niece likes it, it’s a healthy, nutritious and tasty combination, filled with omega-3 and all the other minerals.

With such healthy and nutritious brain food for my little niece everyday, she may very well be an Einstein or Mozart in the making!

Grill Bake Poach

Healthier ways of cooking

I was introduced to healthier ways of cooking a few days ago by a friend of mine, Jean, who believes in enjoying food by using healthy cooking methods. As I am a person who is alien to the world of cooking, she tells me the definition of these cooking methods and the benefits they entail:

Grill: To boil on a gridiron or other apparatus. Grilling requires less cooking time than other methods, and it doesn’t take away the natural tenderness or natural flavour of the meats.

Bake: To cook by dry heat in an oven or on heated metal or stones. Baked foods are tasty, juicy and flavourful as they are cooked within their own oil and minimizes the use of cooking oil.

Poach: To cook in a hot liquid that is kept below boiling point. It is a healthier method of cooking as it allows you to cook without the additional use of oil.

Wow, these cooking methods certainly sounds a lot more healthier than the rest doesn’t it? When I dropped by her place, Jean let me sample her speciality honey baked chicken, with a light sprinkling of herbs. I tell you, the chicken is really delicious and it shows that using healthy cooking methods does not necessarily compromise on the taste. Hence not to worry about about the taste factor, cooking your food the GBP way will make them taste equally delicious, or even better!

In my opinion, it is a blessing to reside in a country where there is an overflowing abundance of good food. At every turn, there is sure to be a food outlet that boasts of tasty food, or at food that appeases your growling stomach for a while. My all time favourite foods are deep fried dough fritters, fish and chips, fried chicken wings and char kway teow. Most of these foods are deep fried, definitely a very oily and sinful affair. If I am to eat this kind of food on a daily basis... My oh my, not only will I become so unhealthy, my dress size will double! To prevent this terrible fate from befalling me, I’m going to try grill bake poach. What about you?

Showers of Vitamin C Blessing

Vitamin C Aroma Shower

I have heard of geographical terms like snow showers, meteor showers, winter showers... Moving on to less scientific terms like baby showers, bridal showers... But have you heard of showers of Vitamin C? I have! Tada!

Vida-C™ Shower brought to you by H2O Life Source, the leading alkaline ionized water specialist company in this region. Allow me share with you all about it’s Vitamin C goodness and more!

The Vitamin C’s mild orange aroma gives a tangy twist to Vida-C™ Shower. Imagine yourself taking a deep breath... Inhaling its tangy and fragrant scent while taking a scrub in the tub. Ahh... Sensational. How awesome would it be indulge in a pampering shower like this when going through the downsides of pregnancy, like the bouts of morning sickness or swollen ankles? I can so imagine how fantastic it would feel.

Vida-C™ shower... Is not your normal kind of shower. It is a superb power generator of negative ions that gives your body a much needed energy boost. This will be especially useful for the mommies out there who juggle between work and family.

In fact, it filters away those icky and harmful stuff like chlorine, rust, and dirt particles.... *shudders*. Thank goodness for that! By minimizing contact with these nasty particles, your precious skin and hair will look much prettier and healthier.

Let me tell you a secret. *Ssshh* Vida-C™ will be making its pioneer appearance in local retail outlets this upcoming august. So look out for it and get some showers of Vitamin C blessing!

CordLife's BabyTalk 2010

Free Entry when you bring your gynaecology appointment card!

Venue: Bugis Grand Ballroom, Level 2, Hotel Intercontinental
              (80 Middle Road, Bugis Junction)
Date: 14 August 2010, Saturday
Time: 12pm – 5pm


- Registration starts at 12pm.
- Registration Fee: $15 per person / $20 per couple
- Online registration closes at 13 August 2010
 
Click here to register online today! Or call us at 6238 0808

Sensational Shopping for Your Little Darlings!

Bringing to you the Top 5 places to shop for baby products in Singapore, which are considered to be a couple of mummies’ favourite shopping destinations.

• Kiddy Palace (http://www.kiddypalace.com.sg/)

• Toys ‘R’ Us (www.toysrus.com.sg)

• MotherCare (http://www.mothercare.com.sg/)

• Pumpkin Patch (www.wingtaiasia.com.sg/pumpkinpatch.php)

• LifeBaby (www.lifebaby.com)

Although the Great Singapore Sale ended not long ago, I’m positive that we ladies will always be up for some shopping therapy, anytime, any day. So see you at the mall, ladies!

Musical Pleasures for Mummies-to-Be. Types of music to listen to when you are pregnant

Feeling the pregnancy jitters? Is worry and anxiety weighing you down? Now now, it’s time for some music therapy and entertainment to chase the prenatal blues away!


Studies have shown that pregnant mothers who listen to music are far less stressed, anxious or depressed at the end of the study.

According to Professor Chung-Hey Chen who led the study at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, ‘Listening to suitable music provides a simple, cost-effective and non-invasive way of reducing stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy.'

Recommended music genres for pregnant mothers are classical, instrumental, and jazz. Ahh these remind me of famous musicians like Kenny G, Vivaldi, Mozart, and the list goes on. Listening to the soothing sounds of nature would be great option too. In fact, some pregnant mothers listen to Creed’s or Elton John’s songs as well during their pregnancy. You might like to give that a try too.

Please please please, avoid any music that is likely to get you down. During this period, it is important to have the music you listen to chase the blues away and not usher in the blues. Loud and jarring music like rock, heavy metal, and rap are also a huge no-no as well. These types of music make my heart palpitate too fast for my liking.

Although research has shown that music does not help babies become smarter, but hey, no harm letting your unborn child indulge in some musical pleasures aye? As the matter of fact, do you know that there is this new music system is designed to deliver tunes for the listening pleasures of unborn? I didn’t!

Check this out:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1244663/The-latest-gadget-mp3-player-unborn-babies.html

The latest and coolest gadgets invented these days never cease amaze me. Period.

Show Me Your Love! 5 Love Languages of Babies/Toddlers

This is so true. Knowing we are loved by our parents is not the same as feeling loved by them. Communicating with the 5 love languages makes your little one feel loved and connected to you. When his or her emotional tank is full, your child becomes more positive, more cooperative, more loving and more lovable. This makes your parenting journey a much more effective and enjoyable one, now and in the near future, as you will be taking care of kid(s) who responds well to parental guidance.

In their book “5 Languages of Love of Children”, Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell identify and describe the 5 love languages of children:


• (Nurturing) Physical Touch – It is the primary love language of all infants


• Quality Time - Spending special time together having fun one on one


• Words of Affirmation – Hearing that we notice, love, and appreciate them


• Gifts – Being given gifts, in addition to, not instead of, other forms of love


• Acts of Service – Being taken care of and helped when they need it

Understandably, your primary love language may not be the same as your child’s. Make it your priority to communicate love with your child’s love language, as communicating in a love language that your child is not accustomed to does not make him or her feel loved.

Don’t fret if you are not a ‘touchy-feely’ or a verbally expressive person, so to speak. Begin with baby steps, don’t rush into it. For instance, when your infant finishes all of his or her food, you may start off with, “Good boy/girl”! Subsequently, “You did a very good job! Keep up the good work!” Slowly but surely, you will be a seasoned pro in speaking your little one’s love language.

I know I know. You may be wondering, at a tender age, like really, really tender age, can your little precious one feel and receive your acts of love? I hereby tell you today, yes they can. They can feel your love and crave for it as much as any other human being. In fact, little kids who feel loved grow up to be more loving people. We need more loving people around here!

No act of love and kindness, no matter how big or small, is ever wasted. Filling up your little ones’ love tank is a good way to start.

CordLife's 'Young Parents Fiesta' Package

Ask for CordLife’s “Young Parents Fiesta” Package!

To view All CordLife’s “Young Parents Fiesta” Packages, visit us at www.cordlife.com/sg.


All CordLife’s “Young Parents Fiesta” Packages include:


• CordLife’s AABB-accredited cord blood banking service


• The CordLife Quality Guarantee


• CordLife Circle membership


• 1-year Personal Accident coverage of $40,000


• Optional item:


Additional benefit with Sepax® automated processing is optional for all plans at a one-time charge of $214*.


We’re giving out goodie bags*! Book online NOW to avoid the queue.


Come visit us at Young Parents Fiesta 2010 for more GREAT treats!


You may book this package @ http://www.cordlife.com/sg/common/2010parentsfiesta.php from 22-27 June 2010.


OR


Sign-up @ Young Parents Fiesta 2010 (Marina Square Central Atrium, Level 2, Booth 11) from 25-27 June.


Call 6238 0808 for more details!




*Conditions apply

Showcasing Unity with Apparel. Families Donning Matching Outfits

I used to think that couples or families who wear matching outfits are committing a serious fashion faux pas. The idea of looking like Siamese twins just does not sit well with me. It is as close to a fashion disaster as being caught dead with someone wearing the same outfit at the same place, albeit coincidentally. To me, clothing is a visual medium for the creative expression of my distinct personality and dress sense. For instance, if I’m an artsy-fartsy kind of person, I would want to portray that kind of image. Clothing speaks volumes about a person’s character and mood and wearing matching clothes won’t be able to convey that.

Of late, I have been seeing a number of families wearing matching outfits in my neighbourhood, and also in a couple of shopping vicinities. I begin to wonder, why are some people into matching outfits? What is the attraction, the invisible pull behind this trend that makes people buy into it?

People have told me that wearing matching outfits emphasizes the family unit, the distinct identity of a family. It fosters a sense of belonging, a feeling of togetherness that every member matters to one another and the family. Sad to say, this sense of unity and family bonding are absent in many families in the world today, in Western and even Asian societies. But hey, if donning matching apparel helps to strengthen the family bonds and unity, why not?

Infants’ Skin Allergies, Begone! Combating Infants’ Skin Allergies with Organic Products

When I see babies suffering from skin allergies, like rashes, my heart goes out to them. No kidding. I understand how uncomfortable it feels like to be plagued with rashes. Despite my mother’s well meaning pleas against scratching, I have a tendency to scratch those infected areas. Thankfully, organic products is here save the day because... *drum roll please*  
- Organic fibers are hypoallergenic and free of chemical and pollutants that would harm your baby’s sensitive skin. This is especially important as babies’ skin are more delicate and sensitive, and tends to absorb things more quickly and easily.


- Clothing made from bamboo plant is antimicrobial, meaning to say it is a natural bacteria killer. Hence it minimizes your little one’s contact with harmful bacteria.


- Bamboo fabric is a lot more softer than it’s cotton counterparts, with texture similar to that of silk. Your baby will be ready to roll and tumble in those comfortable organic wear.

I hereby believe that organic products are one of the greatest products to be introduced into the market, beneficial for children and adults alike. Period.

Active Mums. Question: How to Stay Active After Pregnancy?

A hearty congratulations to all the new mummies out there! After welcoming your precious newborn into this world, one of the burning questions that goes through your mind may be, “How do I get active again?” Not to worry I’m not going to overwhelm you with some daunting diet plan or mind boggling scientific formulae, but just a few simple tips to get you started.
- Take small baby steps and slowly increase your momentum. Start with 10 minutes of exercise daily, gradually increasing to 30 minutes. Don’t rush yourself into it.


- Make keeping fit a simple affair. Take your baby for a stroll at the supermarket, or the park. If the weather does not permit you to head outdoors, do a little dancing with the music on or play with your newborn in the comforts of your home.


- Essentially speaking, eat well-balanced meals. The vitamins and nutrients are just the energy replenishers you need to keep you going during your busy days!


- Keep visualizing yourself as a fit and healthy mummy and you’re well on your way!

There are 101 ways to get active after pregnancy. Just remember to keep it simple and enjoy the process. You can do it!

Scrapbooking Fun

Ready to discover your hidden talent in scrapbooking? Make this journey a more fun and exciting one by doing it together with your family members! The kids will be so thrilled to add their personal touches on the scrapbook, such as their favourite photos, artwork, and so on. I find it a whole lot more meaningful than just uploading photos to a digital photo album. The whole family get to work as a team to create a sweet and awesome-looking scrapbook, containing the special and unforgettable memories the family had together.

To help you kickstart your scrapbooking journey, you can do some browsing at these scrapbook supplies websites:

- http://kck.sg/Index.htm
- http://www.madewithlove.com.sg/
- http://www.magicmoments.com.sg/
- http://www.artfrenzy.sg/

Alternatively, you could also step into their stores to have a look at the supplies and get to run your fingers over the pretty embellishments and uniquely-designed craft paper. They also conduct workshops for scrapbook learners of all levels, so if you need a little help with scrapbooking, the instructors will be more than happy to render assistance to you.

In fact, there’s an unused scrapbook nestled at some corner in my home. It’s time to gather my family members to have some scrapbooking fun and unleash our creative and artistic flair! It’s going to be fun fun fun and more fun!

Family bonding for the win!