NDP NE Show 2022 - Stronger Together, Majulah! 🇸🇬

As a true blue Singaporean, I've always love the National Day Parade.(NDP)

The ambiance is mesmerizing, it feels ecstatic to watch live performances and there is a strong sense of nation pride and honor as we celebrate this special event with many fellow Singaporeans, singing the National Anthem and waving the Singapore flag as one united nation.

But darn! I didn't manage to get any NDP tickets again..It's been ages since I watched live NDP, but thankfully, my son who is in Primary 5 this year get to attend the NE Show. (*aka National Education Show)

The Lucky P5!

The previous NE show was cancelled due to Covid safety restrictions and...finally, after 2 years, the NDP is open to public (*ticket balloting) and the primary school children get to watch the NE Show live at The Float@Marina Bay.

            

Every year, the neitzens are excited about the design of the NDP Fun Pack and what's the goodies inside...

NE Show - NDP Fun Pack 2022 

So here's the NDP Fun Pack 2022. The items are pretty standard, but useful as always and the reusable tote bag is good quality. (My mom is going to love this for her grocery shopping!😄) 

Personally, I like the Merlion keychain most! I'm a keychain collector, it's something to keep as a memento and the chocolate cookies from Khong Guan taste pretty good too! Mmmm...

                 

My son enjoyed the live fireworks, he came home so eager to share the highlights of the event. I'm glad he had a wonderful time and a fun experience at the NE Show.

Here's an edited compilation video and random pictures captured from the mobile phones.(*Not the best video quality, but I love the fireworks and the cheers from the crowd!🥰)

                        

                      

                      

The National Day on 09 August is an annual grand event, a day we celebrate Singapore's independence, our nation milestones and achievements as we progress...

Singapore has been through so much challenges and adversity for the past few years since Covid in 2020. The battle against the virus isn't over yet, we are experiencing global recessions and inflations too, but I am sure we will get through this tough time together! I firmly believe...The storm will pass and the sun will rise again!

Every National Day, I get a little 'emotional' and there is a song that keeps ringing in my mind...

🎶"This is home...surely, as my senses tell me, this is where I won't be alone...and this is where I know it's home.."

Yeah! Home by Kit Chan is my all time favorite NDP song and I never get tired listening to this song, every National Day! 

It reminds me that Singapore is truly our home! Regardless our race, religions and any differences, we should stand hand in hand as One People, One Nation, One Singapore! 

           

Wait! Don't feel disappointed...

If you didn't get the NDP tickets, don't be upset! You can still join the Heartland Carnivals at the designated locations and watch live fireworks & performances and celebrate National Day with your family & loved ones!

Check out more information : NDP Heartland Carnivals 2022

                          (Scan to win vouchers & more)

Let us stay strong and be united always. Together, we can build a better and brighter future for our generations. Be resilient and roar like the lions! 

Stronger Together, Majulah!💖🇸🇬

                               

Review : Canvas Prepaid Visa Card

With the innovative technologies today, the world is moving towards a digital society. The industry experts believe that mobile payments are the future.

Cashless payment has seen a surge in popularity since the global pandemic and statistics have shown an increase in online transactions when majority of the populations are working from home and practice social distancing.

The cashless economy isn't something new in the modern cities we live in. Many businesses such as, restaurants, food courts, transportation, online retailers, delivery services, etc have adopted cashless payment for years. Slowly but surely...more schools are joining the cashless systems too. My son who is in primary school is looking forward to cashless payment for recess when school reopens.

As an active online shopper and a passive investor, I made online transactions daily. Hence, digital payments are not new to me. Personally, I think it's efficient, fast and convenient.👍

Canvas is a Prepaid Visa Debit Card and App for kids and domestic workers. It allow users to make payment online and in stores. It's a great way to manage family finance and household expenses for parents & employers. 

The Canvas Card is designed for kids and helpers that enable parents & employers to monitor the child's pocket money and groceries spending through their phones. Eligible for children age 6-18 years old. 

The Canvas Card is accessible to anywhere that accepts Visa.

So I got the Canvas Card for my older child, it's fast and hassle-free!👍

All you need to do :

1. Download the Canvas App on your mobile and fill up some information.

2. The card will arrive in your mailbox within 10 days.

3. Activate the card with the token code at the back of the card.

4.You can transfer/top-up the fund almost immediately.

5. The card is ready to use. (Time to shop!🛒)

I love that the Canvas App is user-friendly, simple and clear layout, you can set a personal pin, fingerprint or face ID for login security. 

I've made some online purchases with the Canvas Card just to test it out, it was a breeze and all the transactions went smoothly. The Canvas Card works pretty much like a regular debit card and I love the warm, vivid colors. Sweet!

With the Canvas App, parents/employers can track their children's spending or household groceries for domestic helpers. You can easily top-up/transfer funds via the Canvas App on your mobile phone, view transactions history and even lock the card (*in case of misplaced or loss of card) to prevent unauthorized usage or set a spending limit.

The Benefits of Cashless Payment :

• It feels safer when you don't have to carry too much cash.

• Lower crime rate. (Eg; theft, robbery and counterfeit money)

• Avoid physical contact and promote better public hygiene.(social distancing)

• Reduce waiting time and long queues at banks/ATMs.

• A greener environment for the reduction of printing currencies.

• Transactions can be done after business hour, in the safety and comfort of your home, rain or shine. 

As a work at home mom with a busy schedule, I have to multi-task. I like to get things done quickly and efficiently as possible. Digital payment literally save so much time and banking trips for me when almost everything can be done online instantly. Eg, ordering food/groceries, online shopping, paying bills etc... it really make my daily routine much productive and organised.

For that, I encourage and recommend the Canvas Card to parents and employers.

The digital transition may be overwhelming as it will change our lives greatly, but it could possibly improve the quality of living for the future generations. I truly look forward to a better global economy and a secure digital lifestyle in the near future! 😎

👉Sign Up Today! :) 

Enjoy 30 days free trial and $10 credit for kid's card activation.

Download the Canvas App at : 

Google Play / App Store

"Payment made convenient with Canvas..." 

Go Cashless, Go Digital.

Connect with Canvas 

Website | Instagram | Facebook 

(*Disclaimer : This review is a sponsored collaboration with Canvas. All opinions and thoughts expressed are based on my personal experience.By Mommywarrior77)

The Myths Of Motherhood ⚠️

Ok mama! I'm sure we've all heard some myths of motherhood.

I remember when I became a mother. Friends, relatives and even random strangers will offer some interesting information about motherhood; the classic myths, the old wives tales but sadly, social phenomenon can sometimes do more harm than help and that makes motherhood a lot harder than it is. 

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being a mom and I'm thankful to have 2 lovely children but the struggle is real! From conception, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting...The different stages of motherhood brings different emotions of excitement, fear, joy and many overwhelming experiences. 

The journey of motherhood is challenging but it's definitely worth it! However, many misinformation and misconceptions can often caused moms to get judged brutally and unfairly, these myths impact many moms that made them feel bad, guilty and shamed. 

Here are some myths that I have heard, in my journey of motherhood...

Myth #1 : "Breastfeeding help you lose weight..."

Well, I heard this one all the time but too bad it didn't work for me!Lol. I breastfeed for about 15months for my firstborn and the truth is (*at least in my personal experience) I get super hungry after I breastfeed many times a day and I actually eat more, I don't see a significant drop on the scale so this one is busted! (*for me)

Myth #2 : "Breastfeeding is a natural thing!" 

We all know "Breast Is Best" and I fully support breastfeeding campaigns and giving our babies the best nutrients, but sometimes it's not always easy for new mothers. Breastfeeding is a process that requires patience, determination and proper techniques.

Personally, I love the bonding and the skin-to-skin contact when I nurse my baby but breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, exhausting and inconvenience especially when you are in public places and there is no nursing room nearby. It can be quite embarrassing when the milk leaks, imagine walking around with a soaked blouse, oh gosh! Nonetheless, my breastfeeding journey has been a memorable experience but I don't miss it! 😅

I strongly believe every mom wants the best for their child so whether you breastfeed for a month, for a year or even longer, it doesn't make you less or more of a mother. 

I see many new moms struggling with breastfeeding, feeling immense shame for poor lactation and blaming themselves for not providing enough breast milk. Please don't be too hard on yourself, mummies! Not all moms have a milk supply of a fountain. Breastfeed as long as you can and it's OK to stop when you need to. 

Myth #3 : "A mom should dress like a mom." 

This is one hilarious remark! I mean seriously, is there actually a mom's 'outfit'? Ok, I get the point but in my opinion, I feel that every mom should allow to dress whatever that makes them feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. There is nothing wrong if the mom wants to wear the mini skirt or that bikini, etc...The way we dress has nothing to do with the status of motherhood.  

Myth #4 : "You are the mom, you should fix the problems!"

We often see people pointing fingers and start blaming the poor mother when the child misbehaved. People are too quick to judge without a clue what exactly happened. Hang on! Moms are not problem solvers, we are only humans. Be kind to mothers, we are learning, we trying very hard everyday, we get tired and we made mistakes too. Be more supportive and encouraging instead of mom-shaming. 

Myth #5 : "Csection isn't a real birth..." 

The controversy of Cesarean vs Natural Birth is totally pointless. What matters most is the safety of the baby and the mother. 

I had Csect twice, probably the most nerve-wrecking ordeal of my life when the gynecologist told me I had to go for an emergency c-section when the dilation was slow. I was scared and didn't know what to expect but I didn't care about the procedure and how long the recovery would takes, all I wanted was to bring my baby out safely. 

Not all labors are fast and smooth, some are long and traumatic. The birthing methods should never define the labor of love and motherhood. All births are amazing, it doesn't matter how it happens, both takes much courage and strength.💪😎

Myth #6 : "You will enjoy being a mom every day!" 

As much as I love my kids and they are my world, but there are some days I wish I can take a day off, just relax, do my own stuff and hang out with my besties. Kids can sometimes get you so annoyed and stressed-out with their constant whining and tantrums. We all have bad days, mummies need a little break and some space too. 

Myth #7 : "Asking for help is a sign of weakness..."

No, surely not! Mothers are multi-taskers and they play many roles. It is not humanly possible to manage everything alone! We all need help from time to time, so don't feel weak to ask for help, it's better to get some help than dealing with all the meltdowns that could affect your emotions and mental well-being.

As mothers, we need to take care of ourselves first in order to take care of the children and our family. Don't be afraid to reach out for some support and assistance. 

The judgement from society can be unjustified and cruel, we need to detach the myths of motherhood from reality, besides, there is no fixed formula for motherhood. Every child and every situation is different, do not let negative beliefs and stereotype criticism affect your role as a mother. Do what is best for your children and the family! 😉

"A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional and forever..."

What are some interesting myths you heard, share with me and comment below.

Fun Things To Do At Home 💡

An outbreak sucks! 😷

Since early this year, the world is dealing with a major health crisis and I know it's been a very stressful time for everyone.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of stress, fear, anxiety everywhere, it also caused many destruction and inconvenience in our daily lives. 

Some countries are lockdown, schools are closed, we see panic buying and social distancing etc...With so much tensions around, people are staying indoors now, outings and travel plans are not encouraged. Mass/group activities and social events are either cancelled or suspended and the next thing you find yourself 'grounded' at home and nowhere to go!

I'm outdoorsy, so it's kinda miserable to be stucked at home all weekends.(I miss playing Basketball and Jamming with my UkerManics) but looking at the current situation, it make sense to stay at home and avoid crowded places as a precaution.

Though the Covid-19 has put humanity to a big challenge, but looking on the bright side, it may be a great opportunity to improve relationships and strengthen family bonds.

Here's a list of fun things for you and your family to beat boredom.

Fun Things To Do At Home :

Play Board Games

Ok Mummies and Daddies, it's time to put away your phones/laptops and get on the floor to play some games with the kids. I love board games, it's fun, entertaining and it reminds me of my childhood, "Who's turn to roll the dice, now?"

Declutter The House
With the nasty virus out there, it's good to keep the house clean and tidy everyday! I have been doing a lot of spring cleaning this week. You can clean up the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, reorganize books/toys shelves, changing the bedsheets/curtains, cleaning out the closets and donate some unwanted stuff to the charity or the garang guni.

Baking /Cooking Time

Get the little helpers to bake some cookies, muffins, making sushi rolls, homemade pizza or simply trying out new recipes.

Art & Craft

You can do simple DIY projects with the kids. It's so cool to make your own jewelry & keychains as gifts.

Read Books or Magazines

Reading is a great pastime but I prefer magazines though.lol

Take A Bubble Bath or A Power Nap

It's OK to relax & recharge...and a glass of wine shouldn't harm. Cheers!

Netflix and Chill

Let's not forget the beloved spouse. Couple time is very important in every relationship. Dim the lights please! 😄

Write A Song or A Poem

Dedicate your work to a friend or to someone special. 

Play An Instrument

Playing the Ukulele everyday lighten up my mood. You can practise your piano, guitar or drums, etc.. just enjoy and have fun!

Call Your Bffs

Instead of texting and chatting on the phone. Try FaceTime or video chats but do avoid gossips and spreading rumours. (Positive vibes ok?) 

Family Karaoke Time

Singing out loud can reduce stress. Get the kids to sing their favorite Disney songs and parents can sing along too.

Movie Nights

Watch your favorite movies together as a family. Comedies, horrors, animation, korean drama whatever...but don't forget the chips and popcorn!!! 

Home Workout

If you can't hit the gym for now. Try indoor exercise, like skipping, hula hoop or sit ups, etc..you can still have a good sweat, even at home.

Dance

If you feel like dancing, why not practice your favorite K-pop dance moves? (chumchu ja) Keep grooving!

Home Manicure/Pedicure

Try different colors and designs on your nails or try out a new beauty face mask. Pamper yourself because you deserve it!

Listen To Favorite Music

Music is a great therapy! Put on your headphones and feel the beats...

Indoor Gardening

If you love plants, you can grow some herbs and build a mini home garden.

Online Shopping

I'm an active online shopper! I love online shopping because it save time and it's so convenient! I'm glad I can get almost everything I need, without stepping out of the house. So ladies, go get that dress and the stiletto!

Spend Time With Your Pets

While bonding with family is important but don't forget to cuddle your pets and give them some attentions. Pets are family too.

For those who are serving the LOA (Leave Of Absence)/SHN (Stay-Home-Notice) for 2weeks Home Quarantine/Self-Isolation etc... Please hang in there, do your part and stay at home. Keep your spirits up and try to keep yourself occupied at home, the 2 weeks quarantine order will soon pass... 

It's perfectly normal to panic, feel worried and scared during such crisis but we have to remind ourselves to remain calm, be prepared and stay positive during this difficult time. I believe if everyone stand hand in hand, we can overcome this together and.......
Storms Don't Last Forever!

Let's all be social responsible, practice good hygiene and stay united always...Peace! 💗 #SGUnited