Bricks4Kidz – A Great Place for Creative Learning and Fun for Kids!

Posted on January 25, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

I’ve adored Lego since I was a young girl. I can still recall making robots, houses and human figures using those colorful plastic mini bricks. Somehow, those simple small things can bring so much fun and joy to a child. Looking at the world that our children live in today, it seems that the happiness of kids have become so high-technology (and more costly, by the way). They now have iPads, XBox, Play station, internet games and other mobile devices. Classic games that I enjoy during my time has been lost: hide and seek, snakes and ladders board game, scrabble using the classic letter tiles playing against friends who are in front of you and not strangers sitting somewhere around the world in front of their laptop or tablet. Technology has been great and we’ll definitely die without those things that we have now; but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if our children are missing out on things that we enjoyed during our childhood?

My 4-year-old son, like a lot of kids nowadays, is also exposed to iPad games but I add a lot of educational apps to ensure that his iPad is mainly for learning and not playing. I don’t let him play for long hours and I make sure that we do something ‘traditional’ every day. We draw, we wrestle, we paint, we play toys, and we read books. A few months ago, during one of his shopping sprees with the grandparents, he bought sets of Legos and I was happily surprised to see his deep interest in fixing those bricks. It’s a delight to discover your child’s creative interest!

Some people are surprised when they find out that, although I specialize in marketing management, my educational background is actually Interior Design. Yep, I was a licensed interior designer. And, yes, I have an eternal love and passion for creative things. You can just imagine how happy I was to bring my son to this amazing place in Kota Damansara — Bricks4Kidz!

Reaching Malaysian shores for the first time with its inaugural opening in Sri Petaling in September, the Bricks4Kidz (B4K) enrichment centre provides one-of-a-kind, essential enrichment educational programmes to children from ages of four until twelve. Centred on innovative project kits and theme-based models that effectively combine education with play, children can ‘learn, build and play’, as the tagline goes, with LEGO® Bricks. B4K programmes have been lauded for their success in 16 countries worldwide and over 300 locations in the United States of America (US).

Isn’t it amazing that there’s actually a learning program to help our kids with their brain development through Lego bricks? Bricks4Kidz has different programs for each age group up to 8 years old. The program is aimed at enhancing their thinking skills such as coordination, analysis and creative thinking. As the managing director of Creative Child Development Sdn Bhd and Master Licensee of B4K, Mr. Demitrius Lam said, “It’s like teaching a child how to walk before he can run. Creative thinking through Lego-building trains them to figure out things or solve problems and not give up, the way that we should be in real life when we grow up and face bigger challenges in life.”

bricks4kidz-learning-program-with-lego-bricks

Mr Demitrius Lam, managing director of Creative Child Development Sdn Bhd

I don’t need much convincing. I started playing Lego bricks at a young age. Although I won’t attribute my creative skills entirely to that, I do believe that it helps in training the mind for bigger things, as we get old. When you’re playing with Lego bricks, you learn to think that there’s always a way to go around building something you want to create. You learn to imagine more and visualize things beyond the norm.

My son was the first to arrive at Bricks4Kidz that Saturday morning where other mommy bloggers from the Butterfly Project and I were invited to an exclusive introduction session. Very much familiar and in love with LEGO®, he started playing around with the bricks, wanting to build a car, as usual. Mr Demitrius Lam was very kind to play with my son and patient enough to attend to his requests.

Mr Demitrius Lam playing patiently with my naughty son

Check out this genius display for Year of the Horse Chinese New Year!

bricks4kidz-chinese-new-year-with-lego-bricks

Welcome the Year of the Horse!

And more display of beautiful, creative figures:

Aden’s class started with an educational lesson from Cik Siti about an octopus. For a simple exercise of building an octopus figure, I find it incredible that Bricks4Kidz provides an interactive lesson to make kids learn more about what they’re about to make. Cik Siti explained what an octopus is and gave interesting facts about this animal before diving into building the figure. I’ve never seen my son so attentive like this!

They provided a step-by-step guide, printed huge in full color, which is easy for the kids to follow. Aden patiently followed every step. Watching him closely through this class, I was very happy to see his eagerness and patience to achieve the mission.

Lego Step-by-Step guide for building the octopus

Chubby hands fixing Lego bricks

Aden’s octopus finished!

Octopus in red, yellow, blue and black Lego bricks

After the octopus exercise, Cik Siti gave the kids a quick exercise to build blocks and to color. Aden also enjoyed this part and happily colored his paper and even wrote his name.

For older kids, Ms Lisa Ong, managing director and owner of B4K in Kota Damansara, conducted an interesting exercise that involved a more advanced level of constructing brick figures.

Ms. Lisa Ong, managing director/owner of B4K in Kota Damansara

There are several rooms for different age group classes. Notice that each room is colorfully painted and tables are in creative shapes that also come in different colors. Visually stimulating and fun for the children.

One of the rooms at Bricks4Kidz

And check out this signage. This has got to be the cutest ‘Toilet’ signage I’ve seen! Well done, B4K!

Me and my fellow mummies spent a bit more time talking to Mr Demitrius Lam about the learning program. “In all of our 130 subject lessons based on (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics, B4K adopts a hands-on method where our students are coached by qualified teachers who guide them through new projects and challenges each week. For example, to teach children about the Laws of Motion, we have designed six project kits over the course of six weeks that will teach them about the essential principles discovered by Sir Isaac Newton such as inertia and mass. It sounds extremely complicated, especially for kids as young as four to eight years of age. However, by using simple words and encouraging them to build a clock or a see-saw using LEGO® Bricks, they will be able to understand the concepts better and will ultimately develop a positive attitude towards science,” explained Mr. Lam. “Having LEGO® Bricks as our main teaching tool will not only make the classes more interesting and fun; it will also help develop the children in other ways. This include fostering sequential problem solving skills, advancing spatial and relational thinking, enhance EQ, foster teamwork as well as social and emotional skills, and nurturing process-oriented thinking,” Mr Lam added.

What are the educational and developmental benefits of going through the Bricks4Kidz Program?

Following step-by-step directions
Sequencing
Fine motor skills
Spatial/ relational thinking
Visual/ Kinesthetic learning
Organizational skills
Process-oriented thinking
Social/emotional skills
Self-esteem
Teamwork and cooperation

Aden was very happy after finishing one lesson at Bricks4Kidz. At home, he excitedly opened his new Lego set from B4K and we started building the figures. He really enjoys this and I’m so happy to do something fun with him! Well, yeah, I already admitted that I’m a Lego fan, too, right?

Aden’s Lego village

I think that Bricks4Kidz learning program is an amazing, genius way to develop our children’s minds and attitude as well. This is a unique and fun way for our children to cultivate sets of skills that are not necessarily developed in basic school subjects. In Aden’s first class, I’ve observed his full attentiveness and patience in following the lesson, which is quite rare for me to see. And even at home, he was more jolly and obedient after the class. Amazing!

To find out more about the class schedule and fees, get in touch with B4K at:

Bricks4Kidz – Ms. Lisa Ong

Tel. No. +603 61505439

HP No. +6016 322 3525

Email bricksinkd@gmail.com

Unit C-12-2 Sunway Giza

No. 2 Jalan PJU 5/14

Kota Damansara 47810

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Get connected to Bricks4Kids Malaysia through their FB page at:

http://www.facebook.com/BricksINKD

To find out more about Bricks4Kidz international, visit them at:

http://www.bricks4kidz.com

Bricks4Kidz provides enrichment programs, preschool programs, birthday parties and holiday camps.

About Bricks4Kidz™

Bricks4Kidz™ (B4K) is a child enrichment centre which offers essential education programmes to complement children’s existing curriculum at school. Founded in the United States of America (US) in 2008, B4K programmes have since been internationally recognised in 16 countries worldwide and over 300 locations in the US.

Following its tagline ‘we learn, we build, we play’, B4K programmes are conducted using LEGO® Bricks as its main teaching tool, providing children with a fun yet educative learning environment. Specifically designed for children between the ages of four and eight, B4K programmes require students to build structures out of the LEGO® blocks using set project kits and theme-based model plans that enhance their knowledge on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) principles. B4K programmes are also designed to help develop essential life skills among children on a personal, emotional, and social level.

Welcome the Chinese New Year with Great Deals from Wine Talk!

Posted on January 17, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

With the Chinese New Year just 2 weeks around the corner, preparations are getting more and more hectic as the big celebration comes close. In my husband’s family, Chinese reunion dinners bear a big importance in keeping close ties and are the best times to catch up with cousins who are overseas. And as dinners are filled with sumptuous Chinese dishes, it is also the time for merriment together with some drinks: beer, whiskey or wine.

Celebrations with wine

Putting together a great re-union feast is no mean feat, something the current Y generation would be hard pressed to do. But fret not, as you can add to the joyous occasion by turning up with a good bottle of wine that goes well with the Nian Ye Fan menu. Wine Talk ushers in the year of the wooden horse with great deals that are perfect for this season.

Want to bring wines or send wines without adding load into your already-loaded car? This lunar New Year, Wine Talk is offering customers FREE DELIVERY for orders above RM300. Send wines to your home town or for your loved ones without the hassle of carrying the bottles! Wine Talk makes your celebration fun, easy and travel-friendly by delivering the wines for you. Simply place an order via www.winetalk.com.my and key-in NODELCNY on the voucher code box upon checkout. Place the orders on or before 24^thJanuary 2014 to get the wines delivered in time for Chinese New Year’s Eve.

FREE Decanter for orders above RM500 on red wines

The love for red wine around the world is also shared by a lot of Chinese for its health benefits and maybe because red wines are red! Wine lovers can take home the perfect gift for 2014 or add a piece of beautiful crystal ware to their homes. Upon purchase of RM500 on all normal priced red wines, Wine Talk customers will get a FREE Crystal decanter by Luigi Bormioli, made in Italy. Perfectly shaped for the perfect pour; Luigi Bormioli decanters add the right amount of sophistication to any table. This mouth-blown, hand-crafted glassware can hold up to 2.6L and also rivals other fine crystal in appearance and elegance. For more about Luigi Bormioli, visit www.luigibormioli.com

Wine Talk sommelier and self-professed “wine geek” David Stephan said, “This lunar New Year, savour our wine selection with your CNY feast. I’ve carefully paired some of the red wines in the Chinese New Year festive packs as they go well with the traditional Chinese New Year dishes like fish, chicken, yee-sang and dumplings (jiaozi).”

Moet and Chandon at special price

And what can be even more stylish and classier than adding a burst of bubbly to the occasion? Fans of the world’s most iconic champagne Moet & Chandon can enjoy a bottle for only RM180! “This is the best price in town!” said David. Champagne lovers can choose to order 3, 6 or 12 bottles in time for your Chinese New Year celebration so you can Gong Xi Gong Xi in style!” he added. Moet & Chandon’s style is distinguished by its bright fruitiness, seductive palate and elegant maturity. Limited stocks available.

Food vouchers from Room Service worth RM88

For any purchase from now until Chinese New Year, Wine Talk will be giving away RM88 worth of Room Service MyDeal food vouchers to 8 Lucky Winners every day from now till 30^th January! Simply make any order at www.winetalk.com.my to be part of the draw. Every order of any set of wines entitles a customer to an entry. Vouchers will be delivered together with your order of wines so you can order food to be delivered once you have your wines from Wine Talk!

If you want to receive your wines in time for CNY, please make your orders thru Wine Talk by 24^th January 2014. Wine Talk wishes everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Need advice on which wines to serve? Easy, breezy. Let Wine Talk’s French sommelier do the choosing for you. Give Wine Talk a call at 1300 88 9788 or email at info@winetalk.com.my for the best wine advices. Visit www.winetalk.com.my for more details.

You can also get connected to their FB page at
http://www.facebook.com/winetalkmalaysia

Our Today Moments, Our Children’s Treasure

Posted on January 15, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

10 years ago, I thought that I will always be single and free. Free to make my choices, free to go anywhere, free to choose a job that I really want without thinking of how much commitment it requires, free to be what I want to be. I didn’t even dream of getting married, much less of having my own child. I was a dreamer, a go-getter, and I was ready to conquer the corporate world.

But life had a more challenging and meaningful turn for me. To my family’s and close friends’ surprise, I got married and moved to a foreign land. It was probably the toughest time I encountered (before having a child). I was in Malaysia with no friends, no family (except my hubby and his relatives) and no job. I’ve never been jobless since 2002. Immediately after graduating, I was lucky to be hired for a job then I took a short break to take my board exam then got back to work. I got pregnant a few months after arriving in Malaysia in 2008. After giving birth in 2009, I excitedly hunted for a job and was lucky to find one early in 2010. I’ve been working since then.

Being a working mother is never easy. Wait, being a mother is never easy, period. Trying to balance work, life, marriage and motherhood is the toughest job that a woman can have. To be brutally honest, it is a love-hate relationship. I love working; I’m definitely a woman who enjoys a busy, challenging career. I enjoy the corporate world; I enjoy dealing with bosses, both difficult and easy. I enjoy accomplishing missions and I enjoy building teams. I became a brand manager at the age of 27, with several departments to run and manage. It was tough but I loved it. However, a job like this while being a mother at the same time can cause a painful toll on a person’s stress level and emotional condition.

Working for a very challenging work environment has caused an imbalance in my life. I found myself so stressed with work and I was barely spending good time with my son. There are even times when I would snap impatiently at him when he disturbs me. The sad part is I snap when he disturbs me at home and still doing work on my laptop. And he simply wants me to lie down with him while he tries to sleep. It was terrible. I was terrible and I was such a bad mommy.

And it’s not just work that gets in the way of not spending quality time with my son. Daily activities such as preparing him for school, taking care of him, bathing him, making his milk, washing clothes, cleaning the house, going to the market are tasks that consume any mother’s time. These barely leave sufficient time in a day to really do something fun and memorable with our child. And I’m only talking as a mother of one child, by the way. What about those with more kids? I’m sure it is even more challenging for those mothers. They need to prepare several kids for school, bathe and feed them, pack their snacks and bags, wash and iron their clothes…oh, it’s never-ending. How can we, as mothers, find or set aside good quality time for our child/ children?

It was a good chance that I encountered “Our Today’s Moments” from Friso Gold. Our Today Moments refers to the time we spend with our children, the time we set aside our daily to-dos and focus on “today”. In other words, it’s about us mothers making the effort to make every moment count with our kids.

When I participated in Friso Gold’s Mum Survey, I realized a lot of things:

I don’t spend enough time to monitor my son’s progress in school
I don’t really spend fun time with him on outdoor activities such as swimming or cycling
I plan my child’s activities based on my free time and not based on what he needs or wants to do
I rely heavily on technology such as television or iPad to keep my child occupied and not really planning for good activities for him

It’s really a struggle to keep everything in our lives in the right place and become a good mother. Trying to balance family and career is probably something we hear from a lot of people as one of the challenges in today’s life. It’s no surprise. According to survey findings:

While the Malaysian mum spends an average of 6 hours 45 minutes with her children in a day and considers 60% of her time spent with her children as “quality time”, the working mum spends less time and considers a lower portion of her time spent with her children as “quality time”.
Overall, a working mum spends about 2.5 hours lesser than a non-working mum or housewife with her children, and she considers only half her time with her children as “quality time”.
More than half of the working mums surveyed also feel she does not spend enough time with her children.

While I admit that I try to be strict with my child and train him to be a disciplined person (this is very, very tough, trust me), I still want my child to see me as a friend, as his loving mother who will guide him through his journey of growing up, no matter how tough the challenges become.

At this time and age, everybody wants everything fast. We all want faster phones, faster internet, faster notebooks, faster cars (or actually, faster traffic), faster skin problem solutions, faster weight-loss and more. But there’s one thing that we should appreciate every step of the way at the right timing and pace, and that is our time with our children. Time already flies fast, and if you miss your child’s moments, those special times when he learned how to write his own name, when he learned how to cycle, to swim, to paint, to hug you and kiss you and tell you ‘I love you’, you will never get it back or reverse time to witness it again. And before you notice it, your child has already grown old enough to make his own choices.

One of the small things we can do with great love is to create Our Today Moments. Now. Let’s make every day or moment count for our kids. Let’s do something fun and memorable with our child. It can be something as simple as making paper planes, painting, drawing, reading, cycling together, swimming, writing his or her name, learning numbers and more. It doesn’t have to be a trip to Disneyland. Our child’s happiness may lie on simple things we do together with them and we don’t notice it.

So while we have the chance, let’s make precious time for our children. I believe there’s no such thing as ‘no time’ for our kids. We need to create it; don’t wait for time to be ‘free’. Because time is not for us to save but to use wisely.

To find out more about Friso Gold ‘Our Today’s Moments’, visit

http://www.facebook.com/FrisoGrowingUpTogether

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion Product Review

Posted on January 14, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

I haven’t tried a Neutrogena product for a long, long time. I still remember that the first time I bought one was during my teens, when acne breakouts are probably the saddest thing to face everyday. My first Neutrogena was the Acne Bar. Some of you probably have never heard of this item before. It’s a miracle soap bar that really helps in clearing your face from those nasty pimples.

As time passed, I’ve switched to other brands not because Neutrogena wasn’t good but more so because my skincare needs have changed and I looked for products that address those needs such as balanced hydration, aging, etc.

Neutrogena Skincare products

Recently, I had the chance to try Neutrogena products again. I really got excited to rediscover what Neutrogena has to offer for a woman my age. The first product that I was itching to try was the Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion. The timing was perfect; I just almost finished my Make-Up Cleansing Oil and I was planning to buy a new one.

Is it necessary to use a makeup remover or cleansing oil? If you do wear makeup, even just foundation, it is best to use a makeup cleanser followed by a gentle facial cleanser to ensure that your skin is clear of makeup and impurities. Those with sensitive skin, of course, need products that are specially made for their skin type. Nowadays, hypoallergenic cleansers are easily accessible in every pharmacy or beauty shop.

I believe that a good skincare regimen starts with cleansing. In as much as we take meticulous steps in getting good serums or moisturizers, we should also get really good cleansers to ensure healthy skin. After all, how can our other products be effective when applied on a face that’s not cleansed well?

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion caught my attention with the words ‘Deep Clean’. Every night, after coming back from work, I spend a good amount of time to make sure that I remove all my makeup. ‘Deeply Cleansed’ is definitely what I want for my face.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion

This cleansing lotion comes in an opaque bottle with pump same as most cleansing oil, lotion or milk products. I just hope that it will someday come in a transparent bottle, as I prefer to see how much is left and re-stock before it finishes. The manufacturing and expiry dates are clearly stamped under the bottle, which is good as it informs users of the life of the product.

Neutrogena Cleansing Lotion with manufacturing & expiry dates

The pump is very easy to use and dispenses a controlled amount of lotion, much better than my previous cleansing oil pump, which is a bit difficult to control. The lotion itself is pristinely white in color and very easy to spread on the face. It has a very light scent that does not cause uneasiness.

Neutrogena Cleansing Lotion

It was very comfortable to use, no discomfort to the eyes at all and, by the way, Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Lotion is ophthalmologist-tested, perfect for contact lens wearers like me. It thoroughly removes my waterproof eyeliner and reveals a squeaky clean skin. I love the fresh, clean feeling! This product is good!

Before and After cleansing with Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion

Considering that I’m the type who wears several layers of products on my face and eyes every day, Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Lotion does a great job in removing makeup. At a price of RM29.90 versus my previous makeup remover worth RM44.90 of the same 200mL size, Neutrogena is a must-have product for a great cleansing regimen. Highly recommended for makeup lovers!

What the product says:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion thoroughly cleans and removes all types of makeup, even waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipstick, plus other skin impurities that can accumulate in your pores.
Its gentle emollients works at the skin’s surface to effectively sweep away all makeup without irritation, excessive rubbing or any greasy feel
In one easy step, both face and eye areas are refreshingly clean and free of pore-clogging residue
Soap-free
Oil-free
Alcohol-free
Fragrance-free
Dermatologist-tested
Ophthalmologist-tested – I think this is a great plus!

How to use:

Apply to face and massage gently. Remove residue using a cotton pad or tissue or rinse off with water. Follow with your regular cleanser.

Where to buy:

Major pharmacies (Watsons, Guardian) at RM29.90 for 200mL – that’s only RM0.15 per mL)

Did you know that…

Neutrogena is an American brand of skincare, hair care and cosmetics, that is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Neutrogena products are distributed in more than 70 countries. Neutrogena was founded in 1930 by Emanuel Stolaroff, and was originally a cosmetics company named Natone. It is now part of the United States-based Johnson & Johnson conglomerate, which bought the independent company in 1994. (source: Wikipedia)

Neutrogena has been around for more than 70 years now and has a long roster of famous celebrities who have been spokes models for the brand. Some of them were:

Kristen Bell
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Vanessa Hudgens
Diane Lane
Queen Latifah

Vanessa Hudgens for Neutrogena

Get connected to Neutrogena Malaysia via Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/myneutrogena

Be Fabulous this CNY with Gorgeous Headbands from Sereni and Shentel!

Posted on January 11, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

Chinese New Year is here! Everybody is getting busy with all the preparations for food, ang pow money, travel, plans with the family and, of course, looking fabulous for CNY dinners and gatherings.

I bet most of the ladies are spending much time on what dress and shoes to wear. Some are even planning on redoing their hairstyle, having their manicure and pedicure done among other things to look beautiful for the season. Like them, I’m also thinking of how to look my best on those important days. Being married to a Chinese, I celebrate Chinese New Year together with his family and relatives. New Year’s Eve dinner is an important occasion when everyone will be sitting together to enjoy food and exchange warm wishes to usher the New Year in.

So, yeah, I also need to plan on what to wear and how to look nice. While flipping through one of my favorite monthly magazine, Female, I stumbled upon this amazing and interesting online shop — Sereni and Shentel.

My first reaction upon reading the article was, “How come I’ve never known this brand before?” Oh, my goodness! This is such a revolutionary and extraordinary brand!

Accessories can make a huge difference to how attire makes its impact and an individual’s personality. I used to collect a lot of headbands with different colors and thicknesses. Well, I particularly love thick ones because they put my hair in place more efficiently; I used to have dry, messy hair until I met ‘re-bonding’. Haha! But it’s not easy to find really good headbands. I don’t like those types with ‘teeth’ that make me uncomfortable. Some materials are also too hard and can give me migraine throughout a day. Most of all, it’s not easy to find pieces that blend with, complement or fire up your attire.

When I saw the headbands by Sereni & Shentel, I was awestruck. They are so charming and fabulous! These headbands are really a fashion statement on their own. So I check out the website, www.sereniandshentel.com, and I was even more captivated. The designs are out-of-this-world, in a good way, and all the headbands are handmade, which makes the details look very elaborate and attractive. Sereni & Shentel offers online shopping for their gorgeous headbands and provides free shipping to Malaysia. Shipping is also available to other selected countries with applicable shipping fees.

Enough said, I’m just delighted to share what the brand offers. Take a look at all these great items and, by the way, these are just some of what they have in store. There are so many collections I can’t even decide which ones to post here!

For Chinese New Year dinners where you want to be in your beautiful cheong sam, these pieces are great accessories, whether or not your dress is in red!

Sereni & Shentel CNY Pom Pom Headband

CNY POM POM

RM129

Giant pom poms in red and pink sewn onto a Shocking Pink headband. Made from Metallic ribbon and wool pom poms. Headband has Sereni & Shentel 24K Gold Plated trademarked charm.

sereni_and_shentel_shiny_red_headband_cny

Sereni and Shentel Ice Ice Baby Shiny Red Headband

ICE ICE BABY SHINY RED

RM156

A classic headband for the girl who wants to add some bling to her outfit. More colours available.

Sereni and Shentel Mini Matte Tangerine Headband

MINI MATTE TANGERINE

RM135

Not as in your face as ice ice baby, this mini version still packs a punch in the bling department. Great for the girl who wants to be quietly ostentatious.

Sereni and Shentel CNY Bejewelled Lolita Bow

CNY – BEJEWELLED LOLITA BOW

RM100

A CNY edition Lolita bow in Gold with shiny gold stones, sewn onto a Petersham headband in Chocolate Chip. Size & Fit:  Headband thickness is 1.3cm. Bow is 85mm wide. Made from Rayon for the headband base and Metallic ribbon for the bow. Headband has Sereni & Shentel 24K Gold Plated trademarked charm.

Sereni and Shentel CNY Velvetine Blair

CNY – VELVETINE BLAIR

RM129

A CNY edition tangerine Blair sewn onto a Velvetine headband in Russet Orange.

Size & Fit:  Headband thickness is 1.3cm. Made with acrylic stones, metallic ribbon and velvet ribbon. Headband has Sereni & Shentel 24K Gold Plated trademarked charm.

Sereni and Shentel also offers lovely gift sets for all occasions. Great gifts for fashionable friends, great buys for you!

Sereni and Shentel Velvetine Gift Set

VELVETINE GIFT SET

RM120

The best gift for the girl who can’t just have one.  Any three colors of your choice.  Headbands come with a white dust bag.

Sereni and Shentel Borneo Gift Set

BORNEO GIFT SET

RM285

The ultimate Borneo gift set includes:

1 x Borneo Lolita of your colour choice 

1 x Borneo Block Party of your colour choice 

1 x Borneo Blair of your colour choice 

1 x SS white dust bag

Sereni and Shentel Somewhere Over the Rainbow Gift Set

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW GIFT SET 2

RM377

This gift set includes:

1 x SS Rainbow Blair 

1 x SS Rainbow Ice Ice Baby Mini 

1 x SS Rainbow Bow Down 

1 x SS white dust bag

Sereni and Shentel Mini Trio Gift Set

MINI TRIO GIFT SET

RM240

This Mini Trio gift set includes:

1 x Lolita of your colour choice 

1 x Mini Block Party in grosgrain of your colour choice 

1 x Ice Ice Baby Mini of your colour choice 

1 x SS white dust bag

This next one is probably the most rare set I’ve seen:

Sereni and Shentel Velvet Bunny Gift Set

VELVET BUNNY GIFT SET

RM520

This gift set includes:

1 x SS Showgirl Velvet Bunny 

1 x SS Showgirl Lolita Glove 

1 x SS Showgirl Collar & Cuffs 

1 x SS white dust bag

This one contains headbands that will really turn heads and eyes on you:

Sereni and Shentel Be Seen Gift Set

BE SEEN GIFT SET

RM500

This gift set includes:

1 x Empire Rose of your colour choice 

1 x Sunny Hill of your colour choice 

1 x Peek A Boo of your colour choice 

1 x SS white dust bag

Valentine’s Day is also just around the corner. Having any special parties? Bring out the glamor in you with these pieces from the Showgirl collection.

sereni_and_shentel_showgirl_headband_kuching_cat

Sereni and Shentel Showgirl Kuching Cat

SHOWGIRL: KUCHING CAT

RM135

Rev up your Valentine with some pin-up glamour this Valentine’s season. Take this Sereni & Shentel pin-up inspired headband from dinner to the boudoir and bring out your inner Dita Von Teese. Select from hues of blush, black and vanilla in our popular classics or be daring in our new sequin cat ears and large satin Playboy bunny ear inspired headband. This collection also introduces a set that features a Sereni & Shentel collar and a pair of cuffs to spice up your date night.

Size & Fit: Headband thickness is 25mm at the top. Bow width is 185mm. Made from Grosgrain ribbon and Acrylic stones. Headband has Sereni & Shentel 24K Gold Plated trademarked charm.

Sereni and Shentel Showgirl Pussy Cat

SHOWGIRL: PUSSY CAT

RM207

Maybe you prefer subtle yet stylish head pieces, you can opt for the mini styles that come in fab colors:

BLOCK PARTY MINI

RM78

Rock your block with a pop of colour in this mini version. Smaller than the Block Party, the headband measures 25mm in width. More colours available. Size & Fit: Headband thickness is 10mm at the top. Bow is 27mm wide. Made from Sparkle/Metallic/Grosgrain ribbon. Headband has Sereni & Shentel 24K Gold Plated trademarked charm.

Another endearing fact about Sereni & Shentel is they have collections for babies and kids! What a genius way to make the little ones more posh and even more adorable with these headpieces!

Headpieces for babies!

Lovely headbands for girls!

Ordering online is easy. Several payment options are accepted: PayPal, credit card, online banking and direct bank transfer. And, yes, Sereni and Shentel offers free delivery to all orders made within Malaysia. It will roughly take 10 business days to receive your order, as all items are handmade.

So what should we expect from delivery of Sereni and Shentel headbands?

Headbands have the legally trademarked 24 carat gold plated or rhodium Kuching Cat charm, and security tagged. This is a sure way of telling if you have bought a genuine Sereni & Shentel product.
Headbands come together with cream and gold pouches packed in signature yellow and gold Sereni & Shentel box.
It is important that you register your accurate phone number when you check out as the courier company will call you when they make delivery.

International shipping rates are based on weight and is calculated at checkout. They only ship with FEDEX for International orders. If you have shipping enquires, send an email to info@sereniandshentel.com

Shop this CNY season and get a set of limited edition Sereni and Shentel ang pow packets with minimum purchase of RM100, while stocks last.

Enjoy 15% OFF on online orders until 31st Jan 2014 (excluding gift sets and sale items), just key-in NEWYEAR upon checkout.

I haven’t made an order yet but I’m definitely thrilled by this brand! I’m still taking some time to go through the collections and designs; I can’t make up my mind!

About Sereni & Shentel

Sereni & Shentel was founded by best friends Sereni Linggi and Shentel Lee in 2009. Shentel is a graphic designer and Sereni is a Mall Manager with a Property Management company. They are a perfect marriage of creativity and practicality.

The brand was founded in 2009, spurred on by a wardrobe crisis. Excited to be attending a Lady Gaga concert in Singapore in October 2009, Sereni and Shentel thought it was only fitting to make an effort to dress up a little out of the ordinary – an homage to the Lady herself.

The girls jumped online in search of appropriate headgear and found Gaga-esque moulded hair bow headbands to wear to the concert.

When the parcel arrived and the girls excitedly plucked them out of the box, they discovered that the headbands were so poorly constructed that they literally fell apart within minutes. Devastated and only hours to go before they had to depart, they decided to salvage the situation and create their own version of the Gaga bow using ribbon and rhinestones.

Sereni & Shentel headbands are handmade headbands made in Borneo by a team of artisans with a love for head turning and whimsical hair accessories. The headbands range from hand stitched bejeweled pieces to pearl encrusted bridal tiaras to demure Lolita-esque bows.

Sereni & Shentel is all about decoration without explanation. It is about having fun and a laugh with your look and injecting individuality into any fashion situation. The pieces are conversation starters; they are not dull or discreet. Eye catching, memorable and mad with a bit of humour is what the label is all about.

Choose from a wide range of headbands for adults, children and babies for any occasion ranging from Hen’s Veils for the bride-to-be, rhinestone encrusted party hats for the birthday girl to elaborate yet comfortable baby bands for baptisms.

Sereni & Shentel also offer custom headbands and have an interactive online application that allows customers to customize their headbands based on their popular Blair and Block Party styles.

For more info, collections and online shopping, visit

www.sereniandshentel.com

You may even request for a Look Book by filling up the form on their home page.

Connect to Sereni & Shentel Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/sereniandshentel

Up Close and Personal with Be Green Bebe founder Caryn Lim

Posted on January 5, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

This past decade, we’ve observed a surge in popularity of organic products that range from food to cosmetics to clothes. And with more and more celebrities going ‘green’ or organic for the health of their kids, it’s no surprise that organic products are becoming even more popular these days.

But going ‘green’ is more than just a fad; when it comes to clothing, organic products play an important role in making life better for babies and children, especially those with unique conditions.

Did you know that most people suffering from skin allergies and sensitive skin can wear organic fabrics with little or no side effects? “Most people suffering from skin dermatological conditions can comfortably wear garments made from organic fibers such as organic cotton or bamboo. Depending on your level of skin sensitivity, you may need to wear hypoallergenic, dye-free clothing. Bamboo Fabric is naturally antimicrobial, and will not harm those with skin sensitivities. No chemicals have been added to achieve this value added benefit.” (source: www.babyclothes.about.com)

Be Green Bebe – eco friendly wear for babies and children

Good news for parents in Malaysia; you now have access to good quality organic clothing, and what’s even better, it’s easy with a click of your fingertips!

Caryn Lim, founder of Be Green Bebe at www.begreenbebe.com, has returned home to Malaysia from years abroad in London and realized there was a lack of chic and organic children’s wear in Malaysia. She wanted to introduce a range of clothing that was both sustainable and stylish, whilst remaining practical and most importantly comfortable for babies and kids.

I was very curious about the concept behind this brand and I was lucky to have some small talk with this remarkable lady. I asked Ms. Caryn Lim a few questions about Be Green Bebe:

Caryn Lim, founder of Be Green Bebe

1) At what age did you decide to set up your own business? How long did it take for you to create Be Green Bebe?

I have always wanted to start my own business and after leaving my full-time job in finance, I felt ready to try something different. The concept behind Be Green Bebe took a year to conceive. I liked the idea of a multi-label boutique as I like mixing and matching fashion and during that period, I attended numerous children’s trade fairs abroad, met with suppliers and worked closely with a designer to develop our brand and website.

2) What or who was your inspiration in launching an eco-friendly clothing shop?

When my goddaughter was born, I spent plenty of time hunting down the most adorable outfits and accessories. Along the way I discovered organic children’s clothing and learnt about its benefits, in that it is extremely soft, breathable and hypoallergenic. I found that there is a lack of chic and organic children’s wear easily accessible to all in one place and hence started my search for the best in kids fashion that is both sustainable and stylish, whilst remaining practical and most importantly, comfortable.

3) Do you travel a lot? Do you personally inspect the clothes or do you have a team who closely works with you?

I do like to personally inspect the clothes and have handpicked the entire first collection. Going forward, this may not always be practical to travel to the US and UK but I have no doubt as to the quality of the clothing as I choose the designs myself and they are all certified organic.

be-green-bebe-organic-clothing-price-malaysia

Be Green Bebe items are personally selected by Caryn Lim

4) Do you also advocate for organic diet?

I was brought up in a household that advocates a healthy lifestyle, of which an organic diet is a huge part. It isn’t always realistic or easy to eat organic all the time, but a little organic is better than none at all!

5) What challenges are you facing now in promoting Be Green Bebe to Malaysians? Are they easily convinced of organic clothing?

The response from Malaysian mums has been great so far. Organic clothing is much more popular in the West than in Asia but it is interesting to see that many young mothers are increasingly aware of organic products and are pleasantly surprised to find out that organic clothing actually offer comparable prices and value to that of the non-organic variety.

Be Green Bebe school bags

6) Are most of your customers local? Expatriates? Celebrities?

Most of my customers are local Malaysian mums.

7) What can we expect from Be Green Bebe in the next few months? Will there be new products, styles, etc.?

I want to grow Be Green Bebe into an iconic lifestyle brand, which is the go-to destination for stylish organic clothing and accessories in Asia. We are bringing in new products all the time, and with Spring/Summer 2014 being shipped this January, there are lots to look forward to!

Be Green Bebe bags are great gift ideas!

GREAT NEWS!
For mothers, expecting mothers or mums-to-be, Be Green Bebe will be at the 7th Maternity and Children Expo in Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from the 24th to the 26th of January 2013 and will be at booth 209!

Be Green Bebe carries several trusted brands from around the world. All a genius and unique in its own design field, these brands ensure that our children get the comfort they deserve while taking advantage of the organic properties of their clothing. Here are some of the brands from Be Green Bebe:

Aravore 

Winner of Walpole “British Luxury Brands of Tomorrow” 2012, Aravore combines soft, dreamy colours with simple shapes and extraordinary detailing – all of which have become their trademark. Stunning additions like lace and piping, elegant cuts, hand-picked trims and peter pan collars help to achieve a luxurious look with a vintage feel that is modern and very wearable.

Why you’ll love Aravore: Handcrafted, understated luxury with beautiful detailing for a contemporary-retro look

Babysoy 

Babysoy’s baby layette line is designed by designer/mom, Amy and approved by daughter Harper, who refers to Babysoy as her “comfy clothes”. Using simple and fresh designs, Babysoy has created a sustainable and modern baby wardrobe for eco-babies without sacrificing comfort or style. All products are made of soybean protein fiber (Azlon) and other eco-friendly fibres such as organic cotton and rayon from bamboo.   

Why you’ll love Babysoy: Classic simplicity at its best

Broken Tricycle 

Broken Tricycle was created by Patricia Murphy in 2010, a designer with 16 years experience in babywear. Combining her experiences as a designer and mother, she has created a beautifully designed range of modern babywear essentials which hint at innocence and nostalgia.

Why you’ll love Broken Tricycle: Comfy, everyday clothing with a twist

Coq en Pâte 

A young French accessory and book publishing house for kids which places ethics at the heart of all creative processes. All products are manufactured in India out of labelled organic cotton (GOTS/Global Organic Textile Standard) and communicate a poetic, fun and educational message in their creations.

Why you’ll love Coq en Pâte: Fun, graphic animal prints and bright colours

Indikidual 

Indikidual is a unisex capsule collection for all kids aged 3 months to 7 years. The range allows for layering and encourages mixing and matching to create individual looks and styles. All garments are made using organic cotton and are designed to be practical and comfy as well as fashionable and expressive.  

Why you’ll love Indikidual: Quirky, cool style for fashionistas  

Kate Quinn Organics 

Kate Quinn Organics was launched in July 2006. Featuring stylish apparel made from the finest 100% certified organic fabrics, the company strives to care for the earth and its community without sacrificing fun and style.  

Why you’ll love Kate Quinn Organics: Elegant lines and fresh, nature-inspired colours  

Kickee Pants 

KicKee Pants is a family run company based in US, with fabrications and styles based on the idea that children should feel unrestricted by their clothing, even when they are dressed up, and that apparel for little ones should celebrate the innocence of childhood. The super-soft casual clothing line with a strong celebrity following is made with eco-friendly, sustainable bamboo.  

Why you’ll love Kickee Pants: Super-soft designs which are easily mixed and matched  

La Queue Du Chat 

Pretty, fun and cuddly-soft, this line of clothes from the French fair-trade and organic label La Queue du Chat (“The Cat’s Tail” in French) aims to be both beautiful and ethical. Since its foundation in 2005, the vibrant and cutie-pie brand is just that: good for the Earth, sensitive to the wellbeing of the cotton farmers, and tender on the sensitive skin of the babies who will wear it. Only pure Organic Cotton, grown without the use of pesticide or chemicals is used in the production of the brand’s range. All cotton products are made from 100% organic cotton certified GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).  

Why you’ll love La Queue Du Chat: Their signature drawings of strange animals, vibrant colours and whimsical prints  

Mini Rodini 

Founded in 2005 by Swedish illustrator Cassandra Rhodin, Mini Rodini designs fashionable, modern, high-quality organic cotton clothing with a playful and fun twist to them, for both babies and children. With sustainability and quality in focus, Mini Rodini creates clothes that modern and conscientious parents want to dress their kids in, and that kids love to wear.  

Why you’ll love Mini Rodini: Quirky graphic prints and quintessential Swedish style  

Old Rectory 

Founded in 2010 by sisters Joanna and Stephanie Sloan in Ireland, the range was borne by their passion for vibrant prints and a desire to deliver to parents’ clothes that are kind to children and to our environment.  

Why you’ll love Old Rectory: Vintage-inspired prints reminiscent of a British countryside  

Organic for kids 

Organics for Kids was founded by Jane Shepherd in 2004, based on a lifelong passion for textiles and a deep interest in environmental solutions. Several years and a lot of hard work later, the range has taken on a life of its own, combining the finest and softest organic cotton with unique but classic designs and a serious attention to detail at every stage of production.   

Why you’ll love Organic for kids: Classic and contemporary style  

Piccalilly 

Piccalilly was founded in 2006, when Hannah Evans found a gap in the market for stylish organic children’s clothing, after having her second child. Piccalilly has created a new generation of ethical clothing, by merging adorable designs with Fairtrade certified organic cotton and low impact environmentally friendly dyes.   

Why you’ll love Piccalilly: Bright colours, funky prints, cute knits and gorgeous shapes  

Purebaby 

Purebaby is an Australian owned fashion label creating unique, organic clothing for babies and children. Established in 2002, Purebaby was born out of a desire for beautiful and simple products made with awareness and care.  

Why you’ll love Purebaby: Clean lines with beautiful detailing  

Rosy Cheek Cosy 

Founded by Tess Lambert, Rosy Cheek Cosy specialises in stylish and natural comfort blankets and baby gifts – all lovingly designed and made in Bath, England.  

Why you’ll love Rosy Cheek Cosy: Soft and snuggly gift options

(Find out more about what Be Green Bebe has in store through my post, click HERE)

For more information, visit Be Green Bebe at

Website: www.begreenbebe.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/begreenbebemalaysia

Email: info@begreenbebe.com

Benefit Beauty Bash with Butterfly Project

Posted on January 4, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

Happy New Year! It’s the beginning of 2014 and I had to keep reminding myself to write ‘4’ instead of ‘3’ on dates. Lucky I use an erasable pen.

I wouldn’t let this month pass by without sharing a post about one of the most fun beauty event I’ve attended as a butterfly with the Butterfly Project. Last month, me and other gorgeous butterflies had a chance to discover tips and tricks for applying make-up in a few minutes. Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia at Starhill (that’s on a floor above Sephora Starhill) held a gathering for beauty bloggers who are simply in love with Benefit.

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Lovely Benefit make-up collection and pretty pink balloons

I haven’t tried a lot of Benefit products yet but I personally love POREfessional. It’s a great quick fix for my huge pores! (Check my review on POREfessional, click HERE)

benefit-cosmetics-malaysia-porefessional

Benefit POREfessional, my hero product!

The Benefit Beauty Bash was such a wonderful start for a great Saturday morning. Sweet, pink balloons adorned the shop, which gave an immediate feel of something wonderful for the day. I was the first blogger to arrive so I didn’t waste time by taking photos of the pretty set-up.

benefit-cosmetics-malaysia-starhill-shop

Benefit boutique at Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang

Pink balloons scattered on the floor!

Benefit loves Sephora balloon

One by one, fellow gorgeous bloggers arrived. It was great seeing and meeting all or most of them. A few of the girls I finally met in person were Shivani Balraj, Sabby Prue (Sabrina Azmi), Innanie Ariffin, Wiida Ribbon, Ayna Jalal and more (so sorry if I missed the name of some). Everyone was wonderful and I really enjoy attending events with the Butterfly Project because everyone is simply friendly and approachable. Kudos to our good friend, leader and mother, Ms. Tammy Lim.

Here are the girls having fun chitchat while waiting for the others to arrive…

Beauty bloggers having fun at Benefit boutique

Check out the pink-themed snacks and drinks for that day…

Benefit Cosmetics pink-themed snacks for the day

The event started with an introduction from James of Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia. He gave a very good tutorial on how to complete a make-up look in a few minutes; I’d say around 15.

Benefit Cosmetics quick makeup demo

Pretty Sabby Prue was the make-up model for the day. James did a really good job in transforming her eye into an even more captivating one. Sabby already has a naturally beautiful pair of eyes but with James’s makeup technique (here seen on one eye first), Sabby’s eyes became more gorgeous and perfect for going out or for an event.

benefit-beauty-bash-before-and-after-makeup

Left eye transformed by Benefit Cosmetics

After the tutorial from James, we were challenged to do our own make-up look using any of the Benefit products displayed in the boutique. It was fun looking around and trying different products! The activity was also a contest wherein we need to post our before and after shots to Instagram with tag to Benefit Cosmetics.

Here are my top picks for my own make-up look…

My top Benefit picks for my look!

And here is my before and after look…

Before and After applying Benefit Cosmetics

There are so many interesting products but I didn’t have much time. One of the most useful and practical products I noticed was the set collection. Each set contains several items that are perfect companions for make-up. And the sets come with a tips and tricks booklet attached to the box cover. Cool and genius!

benefit-cosmetics-beauty-bash-makeup-set

Benefit make-up set: How to Look the Best at Everything

The contest time finished and Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia announced the lucky winner! (Sorry, I didn’t catch the pretty blogger’s name, if anyone would be so kind to comment her name that would be so great)

beauty-bash-benefit-cosmetics-blogger-winner

And the tall, pretty blogger won the contest!

This was such an enjoyable event with the bloggers and the Benefit Cosmetics team!

Me with the Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia team

(Check my post about Benefit Holiday Look, click HERE)

Stay connected with Benefit Cosmetics, visit their FB page at:

http://www.facebook.com/BenefitCosmeticsMalaysia

Follow Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia on Instagram via:

BenefitCosmeticsMY

Or visit Benefit boutiques at:

1 Utama Shopping Centre

Starhill

Or visit a Benefit counter in:

Parkson KLCC, Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion, Gurney Plaza

Robinsons The Gardens

Sephora Starhill, KLCC, Paradigm Mall

Metrojaya Mid Valley

Colours & Fragrances, KLIA

Stride Rite Shoes for Babies & Kids

Posted on December 31, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

I love shoes! Who doesn’t, right? As much as I enjoy shopping shoes for myself, I definitely enjoy shopping shoes for my son! I was addicted to my son’s feet since he was a newborn and I admit that I am still nibbling his feet every single day. No day passes by without me spending a few seconds or minutes playing with his feet.

Naturally, my shoe shopping for my son takes as long as shopping a pair for myself, even longer. I’m very particular with the appearance, colors, materials and comfort. I also look for shoe types that will be easy to clean. My son used to vomit a lot; well, he still vomits occasionally while traveling and the shoes are easy targets for vomit stains.

I look for materials that look durable. Kids my son’s age (he’s 4 years old now) run a lot and, unlike us adults, they don’t really care whether their nice shoes get messed up or not. It takes a certain age to be conscious of that. So if the material doesn’t last long enough, your child will only be able to wear those pair of shoes for a few times.

Most important for me in buying shoes for my child is comfort. He must be comfortable and happy to wear his shoes, just like adults should. If he’s not comfortable, he’ll be fidgeting and taking it off frequently.

I first heard of Stride Rite in Malaysia in 2011 and was delighted to learn that this brand has reached the country. Since having a child in 2009, I’ve begun to be fascinated by those cuddly, adorable, tiny shoes. Being a baby foot addict, I want nice, good shoes for my son’s feet.

It’s very interesting how a shoe brand puts significant importance to children’s feet. Did you know that Stride Rite has been around for more than 90 years? It was founded in Massachusetts, United States. Only Stride Rite has introduced a first walking shoe that is clinically proven to reduce the number of stumbles and falls when learning to walk. Until now, it continues to provide shoes that were specifically made with an in-depth knowledge of how children walk.

Stride Rite: Rite Steps System

I admittedly don’t know much about the science of children’s feet. Maybe I didn’t explore or try to understand more about them. But here are some interesting facts from Stride Rite that are worth taking note of:

Bones are not fully formed in a child’s foot until age 5. While the foot is still developing, the cartilage can be easily influenced by ill-fitting footwear.
Babies’ feet do not have arches. Arches do not start to develop until 2 years old.
The 52 bones in the human feet make up one quarter of all the bones in the human body.
Babies’ feet perspire two times more than adults, so always look for breathable materials such as leather and mesh or anti-microbial linings.
The heel is the one bone in the foot that helps to balance baby’s entire body.
Similar to your body, your feet are still growing into your late teen years. So your tenth pair of shoes is just as important as your very first.

And did you know that you should never hand-down baby shoes from one child to another? According to Stride Rite, baby shoes, especially shoes made of leather form to a child’s foot once they are worn for a while. A person’s gait is much like their fingerprint; it is unique to them. If a child wears hand-me-down shoes, his or her walking pattern may be affected since his or her feet are now trying to form to the gait of another child. (Of course, this shouldn’t stop us from donating shoes in good condition to the needy. A worn pair of shoes is still better than no shoes at all. So please do save your old shoes for people who have none.)

Stride Rite has very adorable collections for ages 0 to 10, both boys and girls. Check out these wonderful, cute shoes!

Stride Rite Cars/ McQueen shoes – RM159

Stride Rite shoes for baby girl – RM149

Stride Rite has Princess collection shoes for the little princesses, too!

I finally got to buy Stride Rite shoes for my son. I bought 2 pairs of blue shoes that can be worn for school and for going out. My son loves blue and he personally chose these pairs. 1 pair is open-toed, which is great for long travels. The 2^nd pair is closed shoes but is designed to allow his feet to breathe and comes in breathable mesh, too. Both pairs can be washed easily and since they have dark blue color, I think I wouldn’t have much challenge in cleaning and maintaining them.

Stride Rite closed shoes in breathable design and material

Stride Rite open toe shoes for boys

When I purchased these 2 pairs, I also got entitled to be part of Kidea – Stride Rite’s new membership programme, which gives members/kids a lot of privileges to watch out for. Any purchase of RM80 or above allows you to be a member of Kidea for free.

Stride Rite Kidea Rewards Program

See this cute package of the membership cards and booklet in a nice blue folder with their signature Kidea icon. Let me try and see how this Kidea programme works for me and my son, then I’ll share more about it in the near future (that is if I’m satisfied, haha!).

Stride Rite Kidea Rewards Program cards

So now my son is looking forward to wear his new shoes! Just like mommy, he also loves nice, comfortable footwear!

About Stride Rite

Stride Rite’s rich, deep heritage is found in every shoe. Nowhere is this more evident than in The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) grant of its Seal of Acceptance to several styles of Stride Rite’s baby shoes, the first baby shoes in the industry to carry the Seal.   Throughout the 70s, Stride Rite maintained the position as the leading manufacturer of quality children’s footwear. The company saw significant changes taking place in the shoe industry and found a new opportunity for growth. In 1972, Stride Rite opened its first company-owned retail bootery, bringing more than 60 years of experience and expertise in children’s shoes to the public.   Stride Rite has remained committed to providing the best fitting shoes for children. The entire collection, every single shoe, is created from an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how children walk and grow. Stride Rite studies have led to important breakthroughs and new technologies in children’s footwear.   So whether children are taking their first steps or are off and running, Stride Rite understands the significance of every step and will continue to innovate and provide the most advanced children’s footwear.

You can visit their website at http://www.striderite.com.myfor more information.

Or better yet, get connected to Stride Rite’s Facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/strideritemy

Find shoes for your kids at these Stride Rite Outlets in Malaysia

Suria KLCC

Address: Lot C 202, Level 2, Jalan Ampang 50088, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Tel: (60) 03 2788 0738

Business Hours:

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays:

10:00am – 10:00pm

1 Utama Shopping Centre

Address: S139, 2nd Floor, Lebun Bandar Petaling Jaya, Bandar Utama 47800

Tel: (60) 03 7722 5818

Business Hours:

Mondays to Thursdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Fridays and Saturdays:

10:00am – 10:30pm

Bangsar Village

Address: F9b, 1st Floor, No. 1 Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: (60) 03 2282 3975

Business Hours:

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays:

10:00am – 10:00pm

Paradigm Mall

Address: Lot 1F-27, First Floor, No. 1 Jalan SS7/26A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Tel: (60) 03 7887 5638

Business Hours:

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays:

10:00am – 10:00pm

Empire Shopping Gallery

Address: F27, First Floor, Jalan SS16/1, Subang Jaya

Tel: (60) 03 5631 6771

Business Hours:

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays:

10:00am – 10:00pm

Johor Premium Outlets

Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura, 81000 Kulaijaya, Johor Darul Takzim

Unit No.: Suite No. 825

Tel: (60) 07 670 8037

Business Hours:

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Find a Home Tutor Near You in Just a Few Clicks!

Posted on December 28, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Time for school again!

Year-End holidays are almost over and it’s back to school soon for our kids! Some may be excited about it while some are dreading facing home work, exams, waking up early, and, of course, massive traffic jam that’s worse than what we faced this December. For us, parents, it’s that time again when we need to help the young ones with home work or find a good tutor to guide them.

Education is the greatest treasure we can give to our children and even if we are paying good schools for their education, it is still important to have someone who will pay attention to their progress on a more personal level. If you’re a working parent and your job is too demanding, it can be a tough challenge for you to really monitor the progress of your child and teach them everyday. And, seriously, do you still remember those kinder or grade school subjects? I shiver at the thought of trying to teach my son his Chinese lessons. Being a foreigner in Malaysia with no basic understanding of Chinese or Malay, I am definitely incapable of guiding my son on a lot of subjects. Help!

Good news for parents and tutors as well! Technology has caught up with our needs. To parents, what if you can find a tutor around your preferred location within a few clicks on your notebook, tablet or phone? Now, you can easily search for the right tutor online. The most established and user friendly website for home tuition industry in Malaysia, www.hometuitionjob.com, gives you easy access to tutors who can help your child in their studies and development.

Home Tuition Job matches tutors based on your needs

www.hometuitionjob.com provides you with choices for potential tutors and is very simple to use. When you visit the website, you will be welcomed by a photo stream of tutors who have registered their credentials and details with Home Tuition Job.

Home Tuition Job Malaysia homepage

When you click on ‘Find Tutor’, you’ll see the entire list of tutors for you to choose from. Most tutors post their real photos while some might place other icons. It depends on you as a parent if appearance is something that you consider important in finding a tutor. Personally, I would prefer to know how the tutor would look like so I know exactly whom my child will be studying with. Not that I will judge by his or her looks but I would prefer someone who’s honest/ confident enough to show his/ her real face on the website.

Find Tutor page – where you’ll see potential tutors

When you click on a tutor you find interesting, you will see the full profile showing his or her credentials: full name, location, age, qualifications, tutor fee, level as a tutor and more. The details are quite sufficient to make a good judgment.

You can see the tutor’s credentials and choose to HIRE the tutor

Wouldn’t it be great if you can find someone nearby your area? It’s easy with www.hometuitionjob.com! You have the option to filter available tutors within several distance options. This makes your search more efficient and avoids wasting time on talking to tutors who might be too far away from your place.

Home Tuition Job lets you filter your search by distance

It’s free to request for a tutor and it’s very simple. Once you’ve chosen a tutor, you just need to click to hire and it will bring you to a request form. Simply fill-up the details so Home Tuition Job can check and match based on your needs.

Now that’s great technology at your fingertips and on the go! Don’t let your kids face homework and studies alone if you barely have time to guide them. Hire a tutor now and make studying more fun for your kids!

If you are a tutor in Malaysia or if you think you have what it takes to be one, join www.hometuitionjob.comcommunity as a tutor and let the jobs find you! For more details, you can check out my post for tutors HERE.

Home Tuition Job has recently expanded to India home tuition industry, making tutors more accessible to parents in a few clicks. Indians can even find tutors in Bangalore. For more information, log on to www.hometuitionjob.inor connect to Home Tuition Job India via http://www.facebook.com/hometuitionjobindia

Tutors Can Now Find Jobs Easily!

Posted on December 28, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

home-tuition-job-students-tutors-teachers

Are you a tutor in Malaysia? Or do you think you have what it takes to be one? Here’s good news for you!

Home Tuition Job via www.hometuitionjob.commakes finding students and jobs easier for you with just a few clicks. And best of all, it’s FREE!

Tutor-Hunters find Teachers via http://www.hometuitionjob.com

Think of it as a job street specifically made for tutors. You get to advertise your credentials to tutor-hunters and you become part of a tutor-student-parent community. It increases your chances of finding a suitable job as a tutor/ teacher because the site caters to this targeted market. Isn’t that great and cool?

Find tutor jobs easily

You don’t necessarily have to be a professional tutor or teacher by practice. Even students can take part, too! Some parents who have pre-school or kindergarten children also need help in guiding their kids to write the alphabet, learn numbers, paint, color and other simpler lessons such as learning language basics of Chinese, Malay or English. I would personally need a tutor for my 4-year-old son soon as I am a foreigner in the country who doesn’t know Malay or Chinese. For students who want to earn extra income, being a home tutor is a great option and is a fun way to share your knowledge and skills to younger students!

Don’t waste your skills; make money out of it!

How do you get started as a tutor at Home Tuition Job? Simply log on to www.hometuitionjob.com and click ‘For Tutors/Teachers (We Help You Get Jobs)’.

home-tuition-job-register-as-teacher-tutor

Registration for Tutors/ Teachers is FREE

Go through the Registration Form, which is completely FREE! Here you will create an account. The great thing is you have the option to sign-in with Facebook. Don’t you just hate creating too many accounts and having to remember passwords? With the Facebook sign-in, you have easier access and account registration.

Take note, when I wrote this post, Home Tuition Job has already helped tutors earn more than RM2,000,000. Imagine if you can take a percentage from this by just spending a few hours of your time every week to help a student finish his homework.

Once you’ve created your account and specified your relevant details, parents/ students can easily find you via www.hometuitionjob.com. Your profile visible to public will look like this:

Tutor/ Teacher Profile

And if you need good pointers to improve how you write your profile, you can check out the support page where Home Tuition Job provides articles to help you in finding the right job and, of course, earning good income from tutor jobs!

This website is a brilliant idea to serve the needs of parents, teachers, tutors and students. But just an advice for tutors, be cautious and careful of potential jobs, as there are still a lot of possibilities where bad/ evil people can take advantage of you. I’m sure you’ve heard of news where there were job ads and interviews that led to mishaps, especially for the ladies. There are a lot of things that we cannot foresee or control, so just a word of advice: be careful. If you were asked to meet a client for interview or meet-up, always make sure that it’s at a neutral place. If you were invited to a house, make sure somebody comes along with you and maybe wait for you outside while you’re meeting the client. Best is to meet the client at a coffee shop or at their condo’s clubhouse. For the parents or clients, be wary of whom you invite to your house, especially if you’re alone. If I were to meet a potential tutor, I’d probably meet him or her outside and not in my house just yet.

Home Tuition Job is a great service where as a tutor/teacher, parents/ students with specific needs that can be solved by your skills find you. When writing your profile, it is best to identify your key strengths and subjects your good at. Don’t forget arts and creative skills. Some parents might be looking for these skills for their child’s development.

If you have creative skills, don’t forget to add them on your profile

So if you’re a tutor or teacher or you have what it takes to be one, visit www.hometuitionjob.com now and start marketing your service. Don’t waste your time and skills; make money out of it. And it will even be a rewarding experience to help a student succeed in school!

If you’re a parent or student looking for a home tutor, find out more about how it works through my post by clicking HERE.

Celeste de Jesus

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