6 Mommy Budget Hacks

Hi!!! Having three children isn’t a walk in the park. Nor are they friendly for your wallet. That’s why over the years I’ve become very savvy with spending on a budget. I’m still learning and discovering new outlets but so far, I think I’m doing good. I’ve never been this earth friendly until I have 3 kids!

1. DIAPERS

The most budget friendly at this point will be cloth diapers. I thought about it, even purchased a bundle in 2013 but decided against it because it didn’t fit our lifestyle. So I settled with the next best thing – bulk diaper buying.

My kids wear Drypers. So far they’ve been very practical and does containment exceptionally well. Currently I’m using 2 different sizes, S and L. So I buy them in a box usually from Lazada or Tesco (online of course). They cost me an average RM75 per box.

If I have to buy them loose, I’ll pick a packet from 99speedmart. Their prices are the lowest.

2. MILK POWDERS

Ibrahim, my 2nd born is on soy milk, Isomil. An 800g tin would cost around RM80 in Aeon. Different 99Speedmart has different pricing. But so far the cheapest is at chinese supermarkets. My place is near a few of these chinese supermarkets. Their selling price for a tin is RM69. The catch? No debit/credit. Only Cash.

3. ONESIES & CLOTHING

Onesies are a babies staple clothing. My babies at home are in onesies 99% of the time. They’re just so convenient and versatile. I get nice Gap and Next rejects at Plaza Massalam for RM10 each.

4. SECOND HAND ITEMS

I promise this isn’t as icky as it sounds. We Malaysians love shiny new things. Why not go green and get second hand items. You have to be smart about buying 2nd hand. For me personally, I try to choose items that are NEW or LIGHTLY USED. Yes, they exist on the second hand market… and usually at a fraction of a brand new price. NEW/LIGHTLY USED items I’ve purchased before: sneakers, baby rocker, pregnancy waist extender & car seat.

Not everything secondhand is good. You’ll have to be picky but I assure you that it’s worth it and very satisfying when you score a great bargain. Some sellers only use things once or twice before deciding they don’t want something. Proceed with caution though, because bargain hunting this way is very addictive.

For important items, I always do COD, which means that you go pick up the items personally so you can see the condition with your own eyes.

My secondhand bargain port: Carousell App for nice novelty items, Preloved Facebook group, Preloved baby goods Malaysia Facebook group, Mudah.my, Expat KL group for furnitures

5. GENERAL EVERYDAY

Always try to shop at one place and get a membership. One that allows you to collect points and redeem vouchers sort of thing. I choose Tesco because I can either shop physically or online and it allows me to collect points both ways.

6. FURNITURE/ELECTRONICS

Always compare prices on LAZADA. They have the best prices hands down. I’ve done comparisons with Seng Heng / Aeon / Courts / Harvey Norman etc but LAZADA takes the cake for cheapest price. This goes for bigger brands like Panasonic, Tefal, KDK. We’ve purchased beds for our homestays on LAZADA. Cheap & arrives within 2 weeks.

Do you have any favorite hacks to share?

Messy Box

Staying in the condo, in the city means that I don’t have a backyard. You know, I think having a backyard can save a lot of headache. Whenever you’re out of ideas to entertain your kids, you can let them go loose in the backyard or front yard, whatever you have.

Sensory play is so important for little kids, because it’s part of their learning process.

Here are 5 reasons why sensory play is beneficial:

1. Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
2. Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
3. This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory
4. Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child
5. This helps children learn sensory attributes (hot, cold, sticky, dry)

We went to a few indoor playgrounds, and one of Naila’s favorites is the cassia pit. She loves sitting down, pouring the cassia seeds into the truck and digging. When we got home, I just thought of an idea of a makeshift sandbox.

At first I was thinking of using an inflatable pool, but storage would be a nightmare. Then I thought of really buying a sandbox at Toy’r’us but I saw the price and was like, no way! So I went to good old Ikea, and I found this perfect transparent, lightweight SAMLA box. I took the biggest box. The measurements are 78x56x18 cm. I also bought the cover, so the total I paid was a grand RM55.

SAMLA box with lid.

Next was what to fill it with. Cassia seeds are hard to get in KL. I think the indoor playgrounds import them in large quantities from China or something. Then I came across the ‘pouring station’ idea from another blog. They used flour, rice, different sized containers, funnels and spatulas. Perfect! Everything I need is already in the kitchen.

 

Pouring station set-up.

I didn’t even buy a funnel. I simply made them from scrap paper. It’s better to use a hardier paper like manila card so the funnel can retain its shape. Setting up took 10 minutes.

The verdict? Naila got excited the moment she saw me pouring flour, she couldn’t wait to jump in! So she stayed in the box close to an hour. It was magically quiet. She had loads of fun pouring the flour and mixing the rice with a spatula. After play, I just bring Naila to the showers, and done.

 

Naila obviously having the time of her life.

We still have the set-up after two weeks. Having the box lid is also very helpful to keep things tidy. To be honest this messy box idea trumps any other toys that she has in terms of longest alone playtime. It’s also very versatile, you can simply substitute the contents later with water, or balls, or even sand! It builds their fine skills and they’ll love it so much!

If you have any ideas for toddler playtime, do share! I’d love to hear more ideas because right now, I’m on a roll!

Where to Rent Baby’s Gadgets In Malaysia

Since Naila’s first month until now, there’s one website that I go to when looking for baby gadgets TO RENT. It’s www.rentatoys.com.

We rented the Fisher Price Open Top, battery operated swing when she was a month old.

Then rented the Bumbo seat plus tray when she was 5 months old…

…Little Tikes Toy truck/excavator when she was 9 months old…

VTech walker when she was 10 months old.

The renting process is pretty simple and can be found on their website. The rental is very cheap, compared to other rental websites. For example, the VTech walker is RM29 per month.

Mothers know that a baby outgrow their toys or equipment as fast as they change diapers. These toys cost a bomb too, which adds to the mountain of other things we have to spend on. It’s only economical to rent certain items like rockers, or electronic toys. It’s just that you have to understand that some toys aren’t brand new. You have to be ok with toys that are missing a knob, or chipped a little bit on the edges.

Usually I disinfect the toys with soapy water before giving it to baby. But the trade-off is that you get to keep a few hundred ringgits! I’d say that’s fair.

I like that they have a huge selection of gadgets to choose from, ranging from birth to 2 years old. I even planned in advance when I looked at their product page.

The service is prompt, my order is received usually a day after payment. For returns, simply inform the owner and they will schedule a pick-up for you.

So guys, if you’re looking for baby rental equipment and toys, please check out www.rentatoys.com and give them a try!

Top Ten IG Shops for Mommies!

When I discovered the magical world of instashops, I was hooked. Not only are they selling cheaper than normal retail shops, they are also selling things you simply can’t find anywhere else in Malaysia! Most of them also deliver to your front step, making it super convenient. Of course since I’m a mom, most of my favorite shops are mom-centric.

My criteria for this list are 3 things--updated almost daily, very niche items, and having good feedback.

Let’s begin!

1. RTW Store

My favorite among favorites! Cheaper than retail strollers and travel systems, with a variety of brands to choose from. No wonder they have almost close to 30,000 followers!

Sells: Cosatto, Babyjogger, bugaboo, babyzen yoyo, maxi cosi, nuna etc. There’s too many to name! Just give them a visit and you’ll see!

2. The Posh Poufs

My favorite among all headband makers. Gorgeous, carefully made headbands for your little princesses. Custom made and ready made alike.

3. Bebe Bundo

They recently launched their webstore. The premier baby and kids moccasin shoe makers in Malaysia! A batch of new collections just came out and I wanna cry at their fabulousness.

4. LilMunchkin Store

Look out for USA baby brands like Carter’s, Old Navy, Baby Gap, Ralph Lauren and Timberland. You buy on pre-order basis, but the cheaper price justifies waiting.

5. Charms & Beads

First of the non-mommy variety! I know Pandora is already in Malaysia but have you seen the prices? One word—cut throat! This instashop solves your woes .. get a bracelet or charm at a fraction of the price in Malaysia! Yes, it’s pre-order basis.

6. Sweettoothville

I was getting bored of the usual cakes when I stumbled upon this inspiring instashop! The cakes are made to order and they can sculpt almost anything. They’ve made custom cakes for Nora Danish, and the king!

7. SJ World of Babycakes

Who doesn’t love macarons? and homemade? Enough said.

8. EZ Diet

Healthy 7 day meals sent to your doorstep. Endorsed by Sazzy Falak, the fitness enthusiast.

9. Kufi On Kanvas

Gorgeous gorgeous Islamic artwork from very talented people. Price ranges from RM 200 and above.

10. Lisda Home Spa

This last one is so awesome because let’s face it, after a massage session, you really just wanna sleep. You can, because they’ll come over to your house for the massage.

Hope the list was useful to you. Give them a try and let’s support small businesses.

Look Fab with Running Shoes

I must admit, when it comes to footwear, at most I can boast about having one row of black leather shoes. Maybe some crocs mary janes in between. Yup. That’s me. When my hubs actually took me to shop for shoes, I’ll be the one like, OH YEAH and headed straight for the monochrome section. More so now that I’m a mom and monochrome is the easiest to match outfits! You know how Steve Jobs has hundreds of the same black sweater? I’m like that with shoes.

But there’s an exception. When it comes to sports shoes, I go wild! My pick is always running shoes because they’re so versatile. You know how sports wear can be a bit drab? I thought, why not spice up the whole outfit with fabulous running shoes?

How do you choose a good running shoe?

1. Must be COMFORTABLE. Exercise is no walk in the park I tell you. (No pun intended!)

2. Choose the correct size

3. Matches your personality

Some girls might prefer a pink colored running shoe…

while others might adore another colour.

However, do not wear a running shoe too tight or loose as it could cause an aggravated problem.

One of the problems caused by wearing a shoe smaller than your foot size are blisters. The painful blisters are formed with the frequent friction of a rough spot from the shoe to sensitive areas of your foot. For example, the part normally forms blisters are the back of your feet. Once you have the blisters, it would be very hard for you to walk. The pain just isn’t worth it.

I walk a lot but the ladies and men who participate in marathon events will surely acknowledge that a good comfortable pair of running shoes is what contributes to the confidence of the wearer. Well, even running in the park needs a really good pair of shoes!

Sublime Lime.

A person’s energy level may quickly decrease if the shoe for running does not provide comfort and support. The lack of support will bring feet and ankle pain. This is because long distance walking and running adds pressure to our tired feet especially if the shoe has thin padding.

Due to the same reason, you will experience heel pain which is the inflammation of your heel and sometimes your whole foot sole. The inflammation is mainly caused when you haven’t been active for quite some time or a dramatic increase in your physical activity routine.

Take it down a notch and do not put pressure on your feet especially when you are slowly starting to be active. Rest them well and follow your own pace when exercising.

It’s also important to change your running shoes after a while, because believe it or not, shoes have mileage in them. And like a car with high mileage, sometimes it’s time to say bye bye and change to a new one.

Soo the big question is, where do I find these fabulous running shoes? Your answer is Zalora. I’m sure you’ve heard of Zalora. They’re everywhere! Try and have a look at Zalora website as they provide a wide range of running shoes suitable for both men and women. They have local and international brands made available so you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

My personal favorite?

These!

Purplicious they say.

Take care and happy shopping at Zalora!

xoxo.

-This is a sponsored post-

-All shoe photos are taken off the Zalora website-

Baby Hiking

Look what I found!!

A baby hiking gear! For rental too!! Visit them at www.babybarnitems.com 

Weekend Round-up: Online Shopping

Who doesn’t adore online shopping? Saves time and in most cases, money. Because face it, if you stroll the mall to find pants, you’ll find pants and ten more items. Worst case scenario, you find ten other items minus the pants. Happened to anyone else before?………. Maybe it’s just me =_=

Anyways, a few criteria to the list.

1. Consistent good customer service & good feedback.

2. Active website (meaning, the website refreshes their product frequently and we don’t have to wait until election for updates)

3. Having a proper shopping cart and check-out system. Allows payment via many channels.

That’s it! Now on to the list of the best online shopping in Malaysia.

DRUMROLLLLLLLLLLL

 

NUMERO UNO. the Pop Look.

Okay I know that everyone knows them, but I just have to mention the pop look because they’re too awesome and they NEVER dissappoint.

Buy: chiffon and jersey dresses, accessories & their pants. Recently they came up with a hijab line!

 

 

DOS. Fashion Valet!!!

Love love love. Stalking Malaysian designers collection has never been easier.

Buy: Statement necklaces and one of a kind tops. Keep an eye for festival season like raya etc, eye popping collection.

  

 

TRES. Radiusite!!

Sigh. To buy hijab in your pajamas. Couldn’t get better.

Buy: Many types of tudung at affordable prices. Casual & dressy. Also inner hijab.

 

CUATRO. Azorias

Sophistication is their middle name.

Buy: Preppy clothing for work or play. Check out especially their blouses. Theirs are very well made.

 

 

Er. NUMBER FIVE. Alhumaira Contemporary

So many designs to choose from! So colorful!

Buy: Muslimah wear including scarves and tops

 

So there you have it. I love online shopping but sometimes you can’t really trust certain websites. Dodgy selling and all. These are okay!

Check back next week for another 5 top online shopping websites!

Disclaimer: Credits for photos goes to respective websites and does not belong to me. Clicking on the pics will take you to their shopping sites.

What’s in Your Makeup Bag?

Last weekend, I decided to reorganize and recount my makeup collection. Though I’m not actively seeking to add up to my collection now because let’s face it, makeup is expensive!

I laid them out and behold:



I thought I had loads more, but I threw some out so I’m left with only these. Not much but this is my personal collection. I don’t share this with anyone, nor am I a makeup artist of any sort (so maybe I did a friend or two).

I collect more brushes than anything else because I believe that the tools are more important than the makeup itself. Plus they last a lifetime. Plus brushes don’t make your face break out or turn red.
Second most important in my book is foundation. Foundation covers most of your face and depends on how you apply it, they can appear cakey; or, they simply blend in like second skin. On normal days, I skip most of the makeup except foundation (after moisturizer).

For me, it’s important for the foundation to have at least SPF 15 because my face burns easily and I hate to endure people asking ‘why you so red’. After a week, the face turns ashy and I have to answer to questions like ‘why you so tan, you went holiday is it??’.

I keep 5 foundations because I tend to change color alot so yeah. 

Also I looove liquid and gel blushes!! People can’ t tell that you’re wearing one, they think it’s natural!

Owh and I just bought a new brush set by Real Techniques via The Fashionette. By the way, they’re SUPER affordable, you’ll be surprised. I’ll review them once I’ve got my hands on them.

After much blabbing about makeup, naturally I’ll have to show you my go-to look.

It looks like this:


Believe me, this look can go far. I’ve used this to go to kenduris, gatherings. I even used the same stuff for my wedding! Except for more foundation, eyeliner and mascara for added drama.

So that’s it for my what’s in the makeup bag post. Usually I carry a small bag containing only essentials. Talk about that next time!

Till then, xoxo!

What Are You Willing To Pay For Yourself?

Hi, happy weekend peeps!

I just thought to share something that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. In 2009, I bought a long t-shirt from Giordano for RM99. I’m still wearing the shirt till today.

I once bought a handbag for RM35 which lasted me 5 months tops. It wasn’t nice to the touch and the quality wasn’t anything to die for. In the end, I only ended up using the bag a few times.

So the question is, how much are the stuff that you buy actually worth?

It isn’t always about the price. You can buy a book that costs RM150, but gain unlimited knowledge from it. You may buy a t-shirt that costs RM10, but begin to have loose threads after the second wash and totally unravel after the tenth wash.

Value of an item is really subjective. Sometimes I hear people saying, I can’t afford to buy organic food or they simply can’t be bothered. Which is really sad, because organic food might actually prolong your life for 5 years (God willing). And keep you healthy for that 5 years. Who wouldn’t want health in old age?

I’ve always liked the idea of value buying. Price should come second, if the value of the item is justified. I mean, come on, what is a couple hundred ringgit if the item lasts you 10 years, for example?

There’s just way too many people who are money-centric these days. Why should you attached yourself to money so much instead of looking beyond it to see the value of what is it that you’re buying? Why say a RM150 bracelet is too expensive when it’s made out of Swarovski crystals and silver and probably last you 5 years? Instead of, let’s say, RM15 that would break in 5 months and doesn’t look as nice. That is, if you’re looking for a bracelet.

Someone I know last time asked, why do you love to buy expensive handbags? (Relative to others) Answer is, I don’t love to buy expensive handbags.

I’m very rough with my things, and I lead an active lifestyle which requires me to open and close my handbags many times a day (ok Lol it’s true). And I go from markets to offices to malls. And also to travel. I’ve got 3 handbags tops and I use them till their crushed. Usually that takes around 3-4 years each. That translates to about RM3 per month value!

How to calculate value? A basic calculation is:

Price of item / no. of months item is use = value

So next time, really think about what is it that you want. Is it worth your money? Do you wanna have it replaced after 1 month? Are you really saving money like you think you are or are you just fooling yourself into thinking that you are?

Happy value spending & happy weekend!

Fave Product #1: L’occitane Shampoo

I love the L’Occitane shampoo range because a) they smell heavenly b) they personally remind me of my Bali trip c) they make my hair so soft and smooth d) they use the safest ingredients & contain essential oils.

There were lots of types of shampoo with different essential oil blends, depending on your need. Mine is especially for sensitive and irritated scalp. The main essential oils are chamomile, mandarin, basil, and lemongrass.

I wasn’t too crazy about this brand a while ago. But one time, my mom sneaked in a sample set of their shampoo into my cosmetics bag and I took them to Bali with me. I opened the bottle, smelled it and immediately fell in love with it. At that moment all I can think of is “I gotta get this.” Oh, worthy to note that the hubs love the smell too



Just to indulge ourselves more, we also bought their diffuser which made our home smell like the forest in winter.

So anyway, I’ve used the shampoo and conditioner for two months now and I LOVE it. Worth paying RM150 for them. At least your hair doesn’t smell like chemicals, and they get unbelievably soft.

Plus, Loccitane stuff are all made in France. If this is the closest I get to France, so be it.

Where To Find Winter Boots?

One fact that I’d just like to share: Playing video games makes you irritable and anti-social. At least for me, because I get that irritated feeling whenever someone calls my name to “help out” or do something.

I don’t always discuss work stuff but yesterday was weird. My work lets me meet a lot of different people. Some hot some not so much. So yesterday after an appointment, my colleague Steve and I stopped by a company’s office and asked if we can talk to the manager.

The lady sitting down by the reception looks 38-ish, with a dazed expression on her face. She said no. Steve continued, anybody else in this office besides you? While pointing into the office and making gestures for emphasis. With so much of a hint of life in her, she shakes her head. So Steve said, can you give me the contact number of the person in charge? She said no. Dazed. Looks down at paper on her table.

Steve tried again, saying, so maybe you can give us some promotional brochures or anything that we can take back? She gave a small nod, woke up and went to the back. Veery slowly. Steve looked at me and was like, “wtf?”

I looked away and pretended to look at the models, all the while laughing my head off inside. My soft toys looked more alive than her! And also a drugged person was 5 times more responsive. Two words, aunty on crack –_-

By the way the main reason I’m writing is because I just realized that its HARD to find winter boots in KL! I’m talking about the 2 inch thick, made for snow ones. I’ve been looking for them everywhere! Where are they?

Drool.

Drool.

Drool.

Drool.

Drool.

Drool.

On Monday night I will be going to

Long story short, the original plan to Mecca is being cancelled (Saudi’s fault) and we’re replacing it with this. (Can’t really call it replacing because the purpose of going to each is totally different but yeah).

But if any of you are looking for winter boots, you might as well just buy them at wherever you’re going or order online. But that would cost a bomb. So which one? I’m going to say it depends on you really. I’m choosing the latter.