Category Archives: Reviews

May11

Making Language Fun for Children

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Making Language Fun for Children

When and where I was growing up, we’ve always had to learn at least 2 languages at school. This started when I was what the Victorian school system would call Prep. In Singapore (where I was from), it was and still is called Kindergarten. So at age 5, we were already taught the basics of another language other than English. Usually there are 3 languages – Malay, Chinese and Tamil (Indian). Most schools would either offer Malay and Chinese, depending on the availability of teachers to teach Tamil. Then when I got to primary and secondary school, again, you could choose which of the 3 languages to learn as your second language and in most cases the students and parents would choose their mother tongue, in my case, Malay, which is similar to Bahasa Indonesia. The same goes for secondary school. In my opinion, having grown up in a country with a diverse culture from people with so many different backgrounds, I thought learning a language other than English was a good thing. To me, it broaden my horizons and in fact, thanks to watching those Chinese dramas, I’ve even picked up speaking Mandarin pretty well – more conversational and minus the correct intonation – which is always a bonus when wanting to gossip to my Chinese friends without my parents knowing what I’m saying. Thanks to my religious background – I’m a born Muslim – I also am able to read Arabic. Only read, but not know most of the meaning. So in effect I actually have a pretty broad base of knowledge of other languages. Does that make me special? Ummm…no I don’t think so, but it does help when you’re trying to decipher what others are saying when they don’t realise you do know their language.

I was thrilled when the previous primary school that Miss 10 attended during her Prep to Grade 1 years had LOTE offered. They had German. Strange, but hey, it’s still a language and it’s pretty interesting to hear your child rattle off words in another language. Now, you would think my kids, having parents who can speak another language would be able to do so as well? Unfortunately no. Mr. C speaks Cantonese (yes, I’ve picked that up too) and I speak Malay (no, thank goodness Mr. C hasn’t picked that up!) so, it can be a bit tricky to sow those seed into our kids when we both can’t converse to each other in another language other than English. We did try, but failed miserably. So now that the kids are a bit older, we’ve enrolled them in Chinese school, to learn Mandarin. And yes, the only person who can actually get what they’re saying is me?! Ironic isn’t it? At school, they have LOTE for those from Prep to Grade 4, learning Italian. Master 6 has picked that up so easily, and that’s probably because he’s learnt it from Prep. I for one have absolutely no idea how to speak the language but do love listening to the words being rattled off by my two kids.

Package from Glottogon

So how do you try and encourage your child to continue developing their love for another language and also get in on the act? Thanks to Glottogon, now I can actually join in the journey with my kids when they’re learning Italian. Set up by Karen Mennie, who found that bringing up her own child in a biligual world wasn’t as easy as she’d thought it would be (hmm…sounds familiar!) she decided to source books and products that will help in languages other than English from International publishers. Glottogon carries a collection of books and educational tools that are fun for both kids and even adults. With 10 languages for kids from 0-10, you will be hard pressed to find a foreign language that you won’t like!

Foam Padded Books

Foam Padded Books

Seeing that my kids have learnt the basics of the Italian language, I thought I’d give that a try. The “Educational” range had simple foam core books that had very simple sentences for the kids to read and even words with pictures of the some words. They were separated into “My Week”, “My Manners”, “My Body” and so much more. Basics that even those with no Italian language background can learn. Then there’s the large flash cards, which come double sided and includes the English word as well – for doofus like me who have no idea what is going on. Their “Learning with Animals” flashcards are HUGE in large writing and teaches you not just the animals in Italian but colours and numbers too.

Large Flash Cards

Large Flash Cards

The range of books for older kids who are more fluent are just as exciting, but I think I’ll leave that for later. What’s the trick to making learning fun instead of making it like something they HAVE to do? Find a time that you’re all relaxed, and let the kids go through the easy, basic books first. You would be surprised how much they actually do enjoy it. Well, I know my kids do because they find words that sound different rather funny and peculiar. So it’s more the curiosity that’s burning their minds.

Inside the book "Learning with Animals"

Inside the book "Learning with Animals"

Would you like to join in this journey of discovering another language with your child? Thanks to Glottogon, I’ve got a $50 gift voucher to giveaway to one lucky winner. To enter, simply tell me which language you would love your child to learn and why. Entries close 18th May 2012.

Terms & Conditions:

  • Open to Australian residents only
  • ONE entry per person, per household
  • For EXTRA entries, tweet this giveaway (click that  retweet button) and let me know that you have in the comments section, and/or share it on facebook and let me know via the comments section.

*I received a Glottogon package for consideration in accordance with the site’s Disclosure Policy.

May9

Kids, Sports and Safety (or Over Protecting)

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Kids, Sports and Safety (or Over Protecting)

Having 2 girls and a boy, especially when the youngest is the boy, I often get asked these 2 questions: a)Did you plan to try and get a boy b)Do you find it different and much harder with the boy being the last one? To the first question, I often smile and say, no and add, none of my kids were planned (and it’s true) when in fact deep down inside I really felt like saying, “Oh yes, you see, there’s this special button on my tummy that allows you to choose which sex you can get for your next child!” With the second question, as stereotypical as it may sound, it is true, I do find it a lot more different when dealing with girls than boys. Their temperament, their tantrums and even academically my girls and boy are just different. It could be a gender thing or it could be their individual personalities, either way, they’re different.

My girls have never really been into sports. Sure they’ve participated in the school’s sports activities, but when it comes to sports, the only thing that makes my skin crawl is seeing them do flips on the bars at the school playground. And rightly so, because Miss 10 once hit her face on the base of the monkey bar and slightly fractured her face! But, these are things that happen in playgrounds, if I could have cotton wool padding all over the place, I would, but I can’t and I won’t. It’s just things I have to learn to accept – accidents they call it.

Master 6 however, has suddenly grown an interest in footy. Not watching the game but actually playing it. I thought at first he was just running around with the boys at school, playing catch, but no…he actually knows how to play the game! Yes, I’m surprised, because Mr. C, although watches footy has never been one to play it. So after a year of begging us to let him join Auskick, we relented and signed him up this year. The difference though is that there’s no tackling at Auskick, so to me, it’s still pretty “safe”. Call me a helicopter parent, but, the thought of anyone tackling my little tiny boy does scare me! The same goes for their play at school. Although they have been told that they CANNOT tackle, boys will be boys and yes, they still do. I was fine with that until one day the school rang to tell me that his glasses snapped in half! Eeek! Then a few days later, he got tackled by the same boy and he had a nose bleed and yesterday, the penny finally dropped. Master 6 got tackled again and hurt his foot – apparently it hurt a lot. So he went up to his teacher – who coincidentally is a VFL player – to let him know. Thankfully they’ve been warned no tackling – doubt it’ll last. So, with a broken pair of glasses, a nearly broken nose and a nearly broken…foot(?) how can I the helicopter parent prevent any more injuries bar from stopping him playing footy at school? Ok, so this won’t really prevent injuries, but at least cushion any impact on his face and head – mouthguards.

Shock Doctor Mouthguards rrp$29.95 available at Rebel Sport

Shock Doctor Mouthguards rrp$29.95 available at Rebel Sport

It is said that less than 20% of 5-17 year olds wear mouthguards when playing contact sport. I wonder why that is when the professional players themselves wear one. Probably because we often think it won’t come to that? But some kids can get carried away – like the same said boy who tackled Master 6 over and over again. They don’t mean any harm but when caught in the moment, can just let things fly. With the cushion support of a reliable mouthguard, it can help minimise damage to the delicate soft tissues in the mouth, cushion teeth against impact to the head and absorb and spread the force of an impact to the face by protecting the jaw and facial bone structure. Sounds good to me.

So now, I guess I’m going to have to get him to wear one. Just in case. At least I won’t need to a)chain him up and not let him play footy b)make him wear an armour when he does play footy! I think that should be a pretty good compromise. Do your kids play contact sport? If so, what sports do they play and what sort of protective gear do you make them wear?

 

*I was given a set of Shock Doctor Mouthguards for consideration in accordance with the site’s Disclosure Policy.

Apr20

Satisfying Woking Noodles at The Noodle Box

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Satisfying Woking Noodles at The Noodle Box

This was the first week back at school for the kids – I can’t say how glad I was that we’re back to some kind of routine. Although the last few days of the school holidays had bee strangely calm and fun, I can’t say the same for the first week. At Day 2 of the school holidays I was already about to throw in the towel and cry, knowing I had another week and a half of bickering, fights and whinging! So, on Day 3 of the first week of the school holidays I decided that we all needed to venture out of the house.

Thanks to the people at Noodle Box, I got some vouchers for the new kid’s meal so I thought we should go give that a try. The one in Chadstone was located on the outside area. It featured an open plan Asian style kitchen, with an Asian chef. The ingredients were right there for us to see the chef prepare the orders. So yes, they were freshly made.

There were three dishes to choose from the Kid’s Meal – Honey Soy Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork and Teriyaki Chicken and besides the box of juice or a small bottle of water, it also came with a pair of chopsticks and a Mr. Men topper. I think the kids were more rapt about the topper than the prospect of having a freshly prepared meal.

Miss 10 with her Mr. Bump chopsticks topper and chopsticks

Miss 10 with her Mr. Bump chopsticks topper and chopsticks

The meal came in a cute Mr. Men box and yes the kids absolutely loved their Honey Soy Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken. The portions were just enough for the kids and the regular sized adult noodle boxes might look small but they were big on taste and proportions! I asked Chris, from Noodle Box the idea behind the the kid’s meal and why the three dishes. According to Chris, they wanted something that will transcend generations, and with these three flavours, which are a lot easier for the kids to get a taste of Asian cuisine, something with not too much spice and relatively familiar. To them, Noodle Box is all about fun and so that is translated through the collaboration with the Mr. Men series. For those who are interested in getting extra chopsticks and toppers as gifts, you can get them separately for $3.95.

Especially for my readers, I’ve got a prize pack worth $63.55 from Noodle box and it the pack are:

  • 2 x Kids Meal Vouchers ($7.95 each)
  • 2 set of x  Mr. Men and Little Miss chopsticks and Toppers ($3.95 each)
  • 1 x Mr. Men LIttle Miss Doona Cover ($39.75)

To win this, simply leave a comment stating what flavours would you like to see Noodle Box create next for their Kids Meal. You can view their “adults” menu here. This closes on the 27th April 2012. Remember to also enter your details via the Raffelcopter box.

 

Read the rest of this entry →

Apr5

Bloggers BBQ: Fun for Kids, & Some Exciting Discoveries for Me!

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Bloggers BBQ: Fun for Kids, & Some Exciting Discoveries for Me!

Last week saw me running around like a headless chook, trying to organise things for the family before I embarked on what I would call a whirlwind weekend. It all began on Thursday night, where all the fun began, the Digital Parents Conference Pre-Conference Drinks. Then followed by the Digital Parents Conference itself, that took all of my Friday. Like all conferences, the highlight of course was meeting my online friends. That connection I thought was the best part of any blogging conference. Then we had another event on Saturday, the Bloggers BBQ hosted by Kids Business. This time, the event was held over at the Powerhouse Function Centre in Albert Park, just across the road from The Sebel Hotel, where the Digital Parents Conference was held. Smart choice in my opinion.

It was an event where the whole family can attend and my family was just Miss 10 and Master 6, as Mr. C decided to back out at the last minute, and so I thought Miss 8 can go with him instead. Besides being greeted by a lovely lady at the entrance, I was also given a rose – love it when there are special touches like these. The brands that were showcasing their wares were:

  • Target
  • McCormick
  • Britz
  • Cottees
  • Crayola
  • Ellas Kitchen
  • Fressure Foods
  • Lenards
  • Nad’s
  • Hotmail

Kids Business Bloggers BBQ

L-R: Anya with Miss 10 at the Ella's Kitchen corner with their face painted thanks to Britz

L-R: Anya with Miss 10 at the Ella's Kitchen corner with their face painted thanks to Britz

That's me with Anorina from Samelia's Mum

That's me with Anorina from Samelia's Mum - Finally got to meet her in person!!

Needless to say, food was the main draw card of the day, with the team from McCormick showcasing the latest in spices – I’m so far loving their Grill Mates Classic BBQ spice mix. I’ve used them in a few dishes, even though it’s more meant for seasoning your meat for the BBQ. But hey, it’s a spice mix and I think that’s the beauty of it – you can use it in most recipes! The team also prepared a delicious bite sized kofta for us to try.

The Lenards team had a whole BBQ set up, with delicious kebabs and Miss 10′s favourite that day – the chicken on a stick! Miss 10 actually stood in front of the stand waiting for the next batch to be ready. Thank goodness I wasn’t any where near her to witness that!.

What was showcased at Bloggers BBQ

Clockwise from left: Target stylist sharing her tips, Avocado from Fressure Foods, the "Free Flow Open Bar" from Cottees

Fressure Foods was introducing some deliciously freshly packaged Avocado Spread. There were 3 flavours to choose from – Avocado, Mild Guacamole and Spicy Guacamole. I did ask the  representative why would anyone choose to buy packaged avocado instead of the fresh ones that were available. Besides being able to get fresh avocado within reach that is already ripen for you, it also lasts a lot longer than the fruit itself. There is a preservative in there – salt. Yes, that’s it – salt, and only a pinch. I think this would be perfect to bring along when you go camping, by keeping it in your ice box.  Convenient and dare I say, DELICIOUS!!

Some gifts from the goody bags

Clockwise from the top: Crayola, Ella's Kitchen, McCormick NEW Stir Fry Sachet, Cottees jug, Matrix Hair Care products

The kids went straight up to Crayola to check out the products they had and were given a bag each of their goodies. And boy were they great goodies! There was also a table where they could use the different Crayola products, to keep those little hands busy!

I skipped Ella’s Kitchen, thinking they were food for babies. Well, was I wrong, because Miss 10 went up with Anya from The Diary of Joni & Anya to check them out. Miss 10 had the “Oh So Creamy Chicken Sweetcorn and Mash”. Yes, it is designed for babies – food made from organically natural ingredients in convenient pouches – but Miss 10 surprisingly loved the taste. They also have some “Smoothie Fruit”, which Kate from Picklebums suggested would make great lunch box ideas! Yes! Why didn’t I think of that! Also, she suggested using those as toppings for ice creams or yoghurt. Again – great ideas! What I was also thinking was that the foods in their Stage 2 ranges would make awesome lunch box meals too. Or for when you’re on the go – yes even for those with much older kids. It’s quick, nutritious and actually delicious. I tried The Yellow One – bananas, mangoes, apricots, and apples – don’t laugh, because it actually tasted pretty good!

Products from Nad's

Products from Nad's

Then there was Nad’s , that specialises in hair removal. If you’ve read my other blog, you would know that I’m not one to wax. I run from that. Noooo…but, the lady convinced me this was different. It wasn’t as painful as the normal wax because they use all natural ingredients like molasses, lemon juice, honey and vinegar. Hmm..interesting, but how does that reduce the pain – no idea. Anyway I thought I’d give their Facial Wand a try for my eyebrows, and also took with me their Hair Removal Gel & Cream to try out at home. Stay tuned for a review on that on  Baubles, Bubbles & Bags Style File.

Finally, Target, the main sponsor of the event. I was intrigued by what the stylist had to share with us on the day. Some great tips that I will share with you on the styling blog. She shared tips on layering, dressing for your shape, which I thought is a really important aspect to dressing well and other hints on using one set of items and styling them in a myriad of ways – all from Target’s Winter collection.

I thought the highlight for my kids was what I call the “Free Flow Open Bar”. What’s that you ask? It’s the Cottees stand of course! They had different flavours all mixed beautifully for you to try in those free flow dispensers! The kids had a ball hanging out at that station, filling up different combinations. They did learn a thing or two from the interactive Cottees thing that was on t.v (I have no idea what it was but Master 6 seemed to have enjoyed it!). And there were dancing, games and entertainment for the kids from the team at Cottees too!

All in all, the kids had a ball, entertaining themselves with the activities that were there, keeping most of us bloggers free to roam and learn more about the brands that were there. Thanks Kids Business for a really fun afternoon.