Philips AVENT Combined Steamer and Blender Makes Food Preparation for Babies A Breeze!

Philips AVENT Combined Steamer and Blender

Baby André Aaron turned 7 months about a week ago. His appetite is growing by the day and at this stage, it is vital to ensure that he gets sufficient nutrition. I attempted to breastfeed him from the time he was born till he was about two months. I found it tough as he was impatient and somehow I could not produce enough to satisfy his appetite. Formula milk was the solution. For the first six months, baby André's diet consisted of mainly Friso Gold infant formula milk. It was great as the taste was pleasant and he did not develop any allergy. We tried to switch to Dumex as some friends recommended it, however, it was not suitable for baby André and he immediately developed rashes after consuming the milk. Therefore, we had to switch back to Friso as it works well for him.

When Baby André was about six months old, I was happy as I could start him on some solid food. It made me feel less guilty for not breastfeeding him. When I saw the Philips AVENT Combined steamer and blender, I decided to get it as it made meal preparation a breeze. Some mothers buy ready foods from the supermarket as it is convenient and takes away the hassle of preparing your own food. I am extremely particular about the freshness of food, therefore I try to prepare my own food as much as possible.

The Philips AVENT Steamer and Blender is the greatest invention ever as it is easy to use and is light and portable. The best thing is that I can steam and blend using just one gadget. Steaming with the Philips AVENT Combined Steamer and Blender helps to retain essential nutrients because the juices released from the food during the steaming process are retained for mixing back into the food during the blending phase.  With this, I can prepare nutritious meals for my baby boy conveniently. In fact, I have been using the Philips AVENT Combined Steamer and Blender religiously and I get great joy experimenting with different recipes. I feel a sense of achievement when baby André smiles while eating the food I prepared.  Food which is processed in the blender tastes sweet and the texture is very fine, perfect for infants. It is also extremely easy to use and I would recommend all mums to use this to prepare meals for babies.

Philips AVENT Steamer and Blender is available at major departmental stores such as Isetan and is priced at $159.

Here's some of the food that I have prepared for him.

Carrot and pumpkin purée

Brown rice porridge with fish, broccoli and carrot

Corn, carrot and fish porridge

Pumpkin risotto with mushrooms. For this, I used the traditional potato masher instead of the Philips AVENT Combined Steamer and Blender.

Video of Baby André Aaron eating Mummy's porridge

Beauty, Mums & Babies - A One-Stop Wellness Centre for Mums and Babies

At Beauty. Mums & Babies outlet at Paragon

It’s the Weekend! Time to bond with baby, André Aaron again. This week has been a hectic week, lots of urgent projects and work keeps piling up. I look forward to weekends as it gives me time to take a breather and be in touch with my family.

I discovered this wonderful place which offers a great opportunity for mums and babies to workout, connect and to relish lovely moments together.

Beauty, Mums & Babies is a one-stop wellness centre for mums and babies which provides many interesting activities such as Mums & Babies Yoga, Baby Spa, Baby Massage, Baby Grooming and pre and post-natal massages for Mums.

I tried three of the centre’s services, including the Mums & Babies Yoga, Baby Spa and Baby Massage. I must say that I am extremely pleased with the service and the overall ambience. For the Mums & Babies Yoga, we attended the session at the Paragon outlet and for the Baby Spa and Massage, we went to the outlet at Seletar Mall.

Mums & Babies Yoga

Bonding time with baby through yoga 

If you are looking for a place to lose your post pregnancy weight and bond with your baby, this is something you can consider. The Mums & Babies Yoga provides quality physical stimulation for you and your baby including, movement, touch, voice and deep relaxation. The session induces a relaxed, carefree and stress-free parent-infant interaction which develops as your baby grows.

Getting baby to relax during the session

The various and moves taught during the session include cat and cow, boat, camel, bridge, warrior and tree which help in the postural development of your baby from lying, sitting to walking. The movements also improve concentration, enhance body circulation, promote longer and more restful sleep and prevent indigestion and constipation. Regular yoga will also help your baby to be more nimble and agile.

Initially, Baby André was a little apprehensive and impatient and was crying as he was not used to being in a confined environment for too long. However, he was more relaxed after ten minutes and seemed to enjoy the yoga more. For first-timers, it is good not to force yourself or your baby to do all the moves as both of you may get injured. Always pace yourself and stop if you feel uncomfortable. If your baby is tired or fidgety, you can let him/ her lie on the mat and rest. The session is supposed to help you to de-stress, so do not overwork yourself.

Baby is delighted after the class

Movement combined with gentle touch is probably the best stimulation we can offer our babies. In Mums & Babies Yoga, this stimulation occurs through mutual involvement and engagement of parent and infant at a pace which is comfortable for both.

The instructor Joyce was very patient and was amazing with infants. She helped some of the mums to carry their babies when they got cranky and tired. 

Another picture with baby

After the first session, I felt rejuvenated and somehow my muscles felt more relaxed. Baby André also slept for over six hours during the night.

I will definitely be back for more Mums & Babies yoga sessions.



Baby Spa

Enjoying the spa

Babies love water as hydrotheraphy is the closest experience that replicates the environment in the womb. Baby André enjoys his daily baths as water has a calming effect on him. When we brought him to the baby spa, he was very excited. The therapists were very good with babies and managed to put him at ease. They helped him to change into his disposable swimming nappy and placed a float around him before putting him into the water. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, however he got tired after about fifteen minutes. 

The baby spa is suitable for babies above a month old. It helps to support brain and physical development, increase lung capacity, strengthen cardiovascular system, stimulate innate swimming reflexes and co-ordination and builds up the immune system. 

The professional therapist massaging Baby André 

Baby Massage

The therapists were very friendly and professional. Gentle soothing strokes were used to create feel-good hormone oxytoxin, making the baby feel relaxed. The therapists also used toys to keep him entertained throughout the massage. Baby André enjoyed the massage and the attention he was getting from the therapists. He was smiling throughout the whole session.

It is good for babies to go for massages by a trained therapist as it improves the quality of sleep, improves circulation and respiratory systems, relieves colic, aids digestion and ease constipation. It also makes babies feel more secure and loved. 

After the session, Baby André slept instantly, a testament to the efficacy of the massage. We will definitely be back!

Beauty, Mums & Babies has two outlets, one at Paragon and one at Seletar Mall.

Beauty, Mums & Babies at Paragon

#05-02 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road

Singapore 238859

Tel: +65 6235 1800/ +65 6235 5818

Beauty, Mums & Babies at Seletar Mall

#03-31/32 Seletar Mall

33 Sengkang West Ave

Singapore 797653

Tel: +65 6702 6616)/ +65 6341 6101

For more information, please visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/beautymumsbabies/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf.

Or Website

Dance your way to a Slimmer and Sexier Body with Mummy & Baby Salsa

Can't wait for the class to start

Salsa is a dance which is close to my heart. About a decade ago, I met my hubby at a salsa class and our feelings blossomed gradually as we shared the same love for dance.

Salsa, which originated in New York in the mid 1970s is regarded as the King of Latin dances. 

It is an intimate and passionate dance which has its roots in the earlier Latin dance styles such as Cha-Cha and is later influenced by other dance moves. It is a combination of different dance moves just like the sauce 'salsa' which is delightful mix of various ingredients.

When I heard that JJ Salsa Rengue is offering a Mummy and Baby Salsa dance class, I was elated and decided to sign up immediately. This special class allows me to to workout, burn calories and bond with my baby, André Aaron. I thought it was good to introduce my baby to salsa at a tender age so that it can help to develop his passion for music and dance. In addition, I can also interact with other mums.

The instructor, Kit (who is also a Mummy) was very professional during the class. The first 20 minutes was dedicated to teaching us the basic steps. It was a refresher course for me as I have not danced salsa for a couple of years.  

Striking a pose with my little dance partner

Salsa consists of eight beats with strong emphasis on the first and fifth beat. In Salsa, the man leads while the woman follows. In Mummy and baby salsa, mummy leads with baby comfortably snuggled up in the carrier. Baby André loves the class as the music is relaxing and he feels safe and secure in the baby carrier. Kit introduced us to the shines moves (footwork performed in solo salsa dancing). She was very patient and waited till everyone was familiar before choreographing a dance routine for us. The entire class was very engaging and fun and I was surprised that Baby André did not cry during the class. In fact, he was so comfortable that he fell asleep in my arms towards the end of the class.

With salsa instructor, Kit and her baby

Overall, the class offers an excellent workout and bonding time with your baby. It is also an ideal platform to connect with other mums. This class is perfect for people who have always wanted to learn dance but could not convince their other half to do so. 

Mummy and Baby Salsa is suitable for babies aged three months and above. For safety reasons, it is recommended to wear exercise attire and track shoes during the class. The next intake will commence in April. 

Snippets of Mummy and Baby salsa class

JJ Salsa Rengue is located at 1 Tras Link, #02-08, Orchid Hotel, 078867. For more information on the class, please call 6443 7223 or email info@jjsalsarengue.com.sg.  Alternatively, please visit here. 
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The Joys of Motherhood

How time flies! My baby boy, André Aaron is already six months old. I can't believe how much he has grown over the past few months. He is getting more active each day, squirming around in his playpen all the time. He is also learning to sit, which is  fantastic as he can now dine with us on the same table. I am also trying to prepare André Aaron to eat solid food. This can be a daunting task as he is accustomed to drinking only milk and gets very impatient when I introduce new things to him.

For the past few months, my life revolves around changing his diaper, feeding and bathing him. I try as much as possible to bond with him by bringing him to do fun activities such as Mummy and Baby Salsa and Yoga. Being a working mum, it is not possible for me to spend a lot of time with him, so I try to connect with him through other ways. In some ways, Baby André is like me. He is restless and easily distracted and it is impossible to get him to focus on one thing. Therefore, I have to engage him through activities. He is extremely inquisitive and seems to enjoy music, dance and rhythm. He giggles every time I carry him and gyrate my hips to the music. I guess I will enrol him for music and dance class when he is a little older.

Motherhood is amazing. It is the most beautiful and life-altering event a woman can ever experience. Dark rings under the eyes, sleepless lights, extreme fatigue.... and the list goes on. Despite the challenges I face, I never regretted my decision. Motherhood makes a woman feel complete. Baby André's smile brightens up my day and cheers me up whenever I am down. Words can't adequately express my emotions so I shall like the pictures do the talking. These pictures mark the significant milestones from the time of his birth till now.

In the Birth Room at Thomson Medical Centre.

Waiting in anticipation.

My companion during the labour process.

André Aaron, weighing 3.025 kg is finally out after 13 hours of labour.

The nurses measuring the circumference of baby's head.

My first picture with baby.

Our first family picture together

Mummy and baby exhausted after a long day.

What a big yawn! Picture taken when he was two days old.

Looking so angelic

Baby André looking so vulnerable here.

His first smile. Picture taken when he was six days old.

All wrapped up in a swaddle.

His first bath.

His full month party. Cake was made by the pastry team of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

Picture was taken when baby was two months old. His eyes somehow grow bigger as he gets older.

Starting to look at little more alert at three months old.

His first staycation at Orchard Hotel.

Baby at four months!

His first Christmas.

Baby at five months! Starting to smile more.

His first CNY.

He is finally six months old and is able to sit up on a baby chair.

And it all started from a tiny black dot, the size of a bean....
Life is truly amazing.

  

Orchard Hotel Singapore Staycation - Review

Baby André Aaron and me

It has been quite a while since we went on a holiday. Having a 2-month old baby makes it extremely tough to have a relaxing vacation. Going for a staycation is fantastic for a short getaway without having to travel overseas and go through the hassle of booking flights. 

Father and son bonding session

We were planning to bring our baby, André Aaron on a staycation, therefore I was delighted to win a night’s stay in a Deluxe Room at the Orchard Hotel Singapore at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel’s Dinner and Dance held on 22 September. 

We initially wanted to book the room on 11 November to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary, however, I realised that the voucher was only valid for weekends so we booked the room on 7 November instead.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were awed by the vibrancy of the lobby and the hospitable staff. The check-in was smooth and efficient and we were happy to be upgraded to the Premier Room located at the Claymore Wing.

Welcome message by the hotel

Upon entering the room, we were greeted by a 40-inch LED/ HD TV with comprehensive cable TV channels. The room is spacious, elegant and tastefully furnished. 

Writing desk

There is also a large writing desk, perfect for business travellers.

Bathroom

               

The bathroom is of a decent size with rain shower, separate bathtub and bath amenities.

Bath amenities

Orchard Café 

A staycation at Orchard Hotel Singapore is awesome as there are many dining choices available. After depositing our bags in the room, we decided to dine at Orchard Café at the lobby. 

The lunch buffet spread priced at $48++ is pretty extensive with a plethora of healthy salads, fresh seafood including prawns, scallops, mussels and clams, Indian creations such as butter chicken and curries, a Japanese station featuring assorted sushi and fresh sashimi and a noodle station where delicious laksa is prepared à la minute. My favourite is the Japanese station as the sashimi is sliced on the spot, tempting me to request for more.

Salad section

Fresh scallops and clams

Assorted sushi

Dory with miso cream sauce

Other perennial dishes include chicken rice, pork belly, dory with miso cream sauce, sayur lodeh and beef rendang.  The dory has a nice, smooth texture and the sauce is well balanced with sweet, savoury and creamy flavours without being overwhelmingly rich.

Chocolate fudge cake

There is something for everyone at the dessert station. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the chocolate fudge cake, rainbow cake, green tea and caramel pannacotta, berry cheesecake, apple strudel and kueh lapis.

Green Tea Pannacotta

Rainbow cake

Orchard Café is the perfect place to indulge in a wide variety of food and satiate your inner gourmand.
For reservations, please call 6739 6565 or email orchardcafe.ohs@millenniumhotels.com.

Fitness and Recreational Facilities

Orchard Hotel also offers fitness and recreational facilities for hotel guests to keep fit and unwind. Have a relaxing swim at the hotel’s 20-metre lap pool, soothe those tired muscles at the outdoor Jacuzzi or burn calories at the modern gym equipped with the latest exercise machines.

Ready for a swim

At the gym

Relaxing by the pool

If you are thirsty after a swim, you can also enjoy a cocktail or a juice at the poolside snack bar while basking in the sun.

Room Service 

Orchard Hotel Singapore also offers a decent room service menu with a selection of local, Western and Chinese favourites. Room service is great as it is impossible to enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant when you have a restless baby with you.

Nasi goreng istimewa

Seafood hor fhun

We ordered the nasi goreng istimewa ($26) and the seafood hor fun ($24). The former was tasty and came with achar, sunny side up, satay and fried chicken while the latter was equally flavourful with generous servings of fish, prawn and squid in a rich egg sauce.

Other popular items include Hainanese chicken rice ($28), lobster laksa ($32), cod fish and chips ($30), prawns with wild mushrooms ($42) and chicken with spring onions ($28).

After a good night’s sleep, we had buffet breakfast at Orchard Café which was sumptuous with salads, assorted cold cuts, smoked salmon, breads and croissants, prawn noodles soup, muffins, pancakes, prata and fresh fruits.

Smoked salmon and assorted cold cuts

Prawn mee soup

Overall, the staycation at Orchard Hotel Singapore was a pleasant one and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We will definitely be back!

Orchard Hotel Singapore is located at 442 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238879.

To find out more about Orchard Hotel's room promotions, please view here