SengkangBabies, Author at Sengkang Babies

Online shopping allows us to save money and time

( Advertorial )

Lack of time
When all the kids were still in childcare and Mummy was still working, we were really stretched for time and we have to be prudent with our savings.

Bringing the kids to and from their childcare and classes was a daily logistics affair.
When we reach home after work, a quick dinner, and it is 8pm already.
We suspect most Singapore families with working parents face the same time constraint.

What little time (and energy) left at the end of the day, we spare a little on story books, catching up with the kids’ daily activities.

After they finally decided to slumber, we have to clear the never-ending laundry and dishes. We are too exhausted to think about romance, and making love is the last thing on our mind. (no wonder Singapore’s TFR rate is under-performing)

Sorry for the digress.. but what Daddy is trying to say is “Time is never enough, we just have to prioritise”.

Money and variety not enough
Expenses need to be closely monitored.

When we travel, we will source for promotions from budget air websites or travel portals like Zuji and Roomorama. For our family of six, airfare and accomodation will be the biggest components on our travel ticket.

When Daddy had the luxury (time) to watch DVDs a decade ago, the selection of Region 1 DVDs (read uncensored) in Singapore was woeful. He had to shop online for his DVD and toys (example Legos and Thomas trains).

Amazon and Taobao are popular in Singapore, they offer more variety and sometimes cheaper products, even after factoring in shipping costs. Taobao even have third party companies to import merchandise on your behalf, minimum hassles (and save time)

Foodpanda, Foodline and other food portals solve our quest for food, we can research on price and cuisine, be it buffet, parties or caterers.

Milk powder, diapers and daily essentials eat away a portion of our salary.
Even school assessment books (which need to be renewed every 2 years) and school uniforms can add up significantly.

Whenever feasible, we try to buy in bulk for savings.
Occasionally, we do our grocery shopping in JB.

Online experience
Mummy is the savvy one at home, she will suss out deals online and offline.

Qoo10, Taobao, and Redmart for our different needs.
Online merchants provide 7×24 service, price comparison, and we can get instant updates on the latest producr details and prices.
Normally, we will clock enough purchase to enjoy free deliveries.

Coupon websites like Groupon, Deal, and FlipIT offers discounts and coupons.
We have come across Fulltime coupon blogs too!

We can buy everything (literally) off the web, from the comfort of our home.
Google knows everything, we do our comparison, and click checkout from the merchant’s portal.

Good news, Flipit has a 5% off Redmart coupon code.
More about FlipIT –> http://www.flipit.com/sg

ps.. time and money saved, means more activities for our family

Young Scientists comics brings kids knowledge and joy

[ Sponsored Review and Giveaway ]

We have always love Young Scientists comics. The magazine format and comics presentation bring Science across in a Fun way. Thanks to OpenSchoolbag, we were gifted three sets of Young Scientists.

Although formal Science education starts in Primary 3, everyone can enjoy learning about Science and general knowledge earlier. Look at our P5 Brother coaching P1 Science 🙂

At their young formative years, Science might be too abstract.
But Young Scientists comics make learning Fun (no stress).

It is just like reading a comic book. One can get addicted (adults inclusive).

Young Scientists Level 2 (for P3 and P4)

Everything you need to know about Fungi (yes mushrooms) and Ghost sightings?
Crocodile need toothpicks, are you kidding? And some fun quizzes, PSLE format :p

Daddy ask Boon Kang what is the difference between his School’s science books and Young Scientists?
Bong Kang : Young Scientists has a game in the magazine and there are sometimes funny jokes (Discovery) at the back. I enjoy reading the book as the comics are interesting.

We have seen fighter jets zoom across the sky (RSAF Airshow), and Boon Kang gets to learn about sky trails.

Young Scientists Level 1 (for P1 and P2)
The contents can be about everyday things. The comics are designed to trigger young kids’ curiosity. Daddy find the pictorial articles easy to digest and visually attractive.

Boon Yee : I learn about sharks and a new animal call the stingray. I have seen it in Sea Aquarium and restaurant(!). Boon Yee loves discovering about new Sea creatures.

Besides Science topics like Blood types and Newton’s Gravity, Boon Yee learns about Kindness too. The more questions he ask, the more curious he gets.

You will also notice Youtube links for kids to get a better understanding.

Young Scientists Level 3 (for P5 and P6)
The older kids will learn more about the environment, like what causes Haze and Greenhouse effect.

Seldom see them so engrossed. Anything else beside TV programmes and Ipad is definitely a better option. (read our earlier review about Young Scientists)

Boon Wee : I love the colourful cartoon characters and the short stories. Young Scientist helps me to enjoy Science and gain knowledge in a fun relaxing way. The simple words used in the magazine helps me to understand better.

Thanks to Young Scientists, our kids are fascinated with Science, they are asking more questions and we sometimes see them spending more time devouring Science facts.

More details about Young Scientists magazines can be found on OpenSchoolbag website and Fanpage.

Giveaway Alert
If you love Young Scientists and giveaways, OpenSchoolbag is sponsoring one reader free one-year subscription (10 magazines worth $53, choose any Level) and ten $5 vouchers (for subscribers).

Contest Mechanics :
1. Like OpenSchoolbag and SengkangBabies Fanpage
2. Leave your name and email on our Fanpage entry (or you can message us)

3. Share our Fanpage post on your Facebook Wall and tag @SengkangBabiesBlog, so that we know

4. Contest ends 28May at 11pm, and eleven winners will be randomly picked (the first one will win one year subscription)