Expenses to enroll a kid in Montessori pre-school in Klang Valley

My kid is now attending a nearby half-day Montessori pre-school this year, and here are the expenses we've spent so far:

• Registration: RM60
• 2 x uniform + 2 x sports wear: RM180
• Insurance: RM20 / year
• Kids Gazette: RM20 / year
• Misc. fees: RM550 / year
• Personal reading books (3 languages): RM30
• School bag: RM50
• 2-way transportation by MPV: RM90 / month
• Monthly fee: RM230 (need to pay 2 months during enrolment = RM460)

Total spent during enrolment = RM1,460
Subsequent months = RM320

The pre-school education is really very expensive in Klang Valley, and parents need to spend a lot during enrolment and for each subsequent months.

We've decided to let our kid attend the Montessori pre-school programme so that he can learn and master the 3 neccessary languages commonly used in Malaysia: English, Chinese and Malay. At the same time, it provides opportunity for him to play around with classmates from different ethics of Chinese, Indian and Malay.

Therefore, although the pre-school education is really very expensive, we still have to spend it.

PS: We feel sad that there are still some political gaffes trying to separate people from different ethics and/or religions who live in this same piece of land for so many years, and we really hope that our current and next generation can mix and unite together as Malaysian. Those political gaffes who like to create issue and tension should feel shameful to see the little boys and girls of young age can befriend and play around with each other without separation of ethics or religion.

Accor Hotels Asia offers more than 30% savings deal for MasterCard holders

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Syndacast. All opinions are 100% mine.

The world's leading hotel operator, Accor Hotels, is currently offering an exclusive deal for MasterCard credit card or debit card holders from now until 31 January 2010.

As much as 188 hotels in Asia are participated in this MasterCard Cardholder - Exclusive Deal promotion, including the famous brands of:

When you book a 3 consecutive night stay at any of the participating hotels with your MasterCard, you only need to pay for 2 nights during check out - equilvalent to a discount of 33.34% on the Best Unrestricted Rate or Premium Rate!

Note that in order to enjoy this offer, booking has to be made at least 1 day prior to your date of arrival.

Good news to Accor Advantage Plus members - you are also eligible for an additional 10% discount on top of this!

On top of that, by booking and paying with MasterCard during this campaign period, you stand a chance to win a 3 night stay in a private villa at the 5-star Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Resort!

The 3 nights private Villa prize at Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay for 10 winners is valued at approximately US$1000 each, which includes:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 King bed
  
• Separate living room
• Private garden
• Private swimming pool
• Jacuzzi
• Outdoor massage area
  

Click here for more information about this MasterCard Cardholder - Exclusive Deal, and the list of 188 participating hotels.

Auspicious dates for house warming, open house, party, gathering, etc. in 2010

Here is the list of auspicious dates in 2010 for organizing and hosting meet-up with friends and/or relatives (会友), which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.

The dates are applicable for house warming, open house, home party, gathering, and any other similar functions to meet up with friends and/or relatives.
 

 
Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2010
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010
• Auspicious dates for opening business in 2010
• Auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby
• Auspicious dates for renovation in 2010
  

Auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby

Here is the list of auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby (求嗣), which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.

The dates have good element(s) to embro/faetus. Traditionally, the dates are referred for conception planning (making love and expecting a baby to the family). Nowadays, people also make reference to them for Caesarian delivery of new born.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2010
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010 
• Auspicious dates for opening business in 2010
• Auspicious dates for renovation in 2010
• Auspicious dates for house warming, open house, party, gathering, etc. in 2010
  

Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010

Here is the list of auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in year 2010, which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

If you are going to move to a new home, don't forget to visit the "home idea" section of my blog to find out my sharing on mortgage, renovation, furnitures, electrical appliances, pest control, etc.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2010
• Auspicious dates for opening business in 2010
• Auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby
• Auspicious dates for renovation in 2010
• Auspicious dates for house warming, open house, party, gathering, etc. in 2010
  

Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010

I have posted the list of auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010 recently, and here is the reverse, namely the inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010. The list below is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.

If you are concerned, then should avoid getting married on the listed days above, especially for those born in the year of snake. Note that the dates iterate every 12 days.


You might have noticed that unlike the previous years, the mid-autumn festival day of year 2010 is indeed an inauspicious day for wedding/marriage.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2010
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010
• Auspicious dates for opening business in 2010
• Auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby
• Auspicious dates for renovation in 2010
• Auspicious dates for house warming, open house, party, gathering, etc. in 2010
  

Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010

Here is the list of auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in year 2010 (year of Tiger), which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu. (Click the image to enlarge)

The dates highlighted in pink are considered even more auspicious.

You might aware that 10 October 2010, which can be written as 10-10-10, is among the auspicious dates. Another interesting date is the Saint Valentine's day which fall on 14 February 2010 and is a Sunday. That day is also the 1st day of Chinese New Year. You can expect many couples will get married on that auspicious day.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2010
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010
• Auspicious dates for opening business in 2010
• Auspicious dates in 2010 for getting a baby
• Auspicious dates for renovation in 2010
• Auspicious dates for house warming, open house, party, gathering, etc. in 2010
  

Kids Money Management Camp

There will be a Kids' Money Management Camp during this school holiday for the kids to develop good money habits using clear, practical examples and to empower parents as good role models who cultivate a harmonious money belief in family. Among the key beliefs that will be taught are good money stewardship & responsibility and money values.

Date: 5-13 June 2009
Time: 9am - 5pm
Venue: CIMB Wealth Advisors Bhd, Financial Care Centre, Damansara Perdana, PJ, Selangor.
Fees: RM150 (for 1 child and parents)

Free dental check-up and consultation in Oral Health Month

This April 2009, Colgate and the Malaysian Dental Association are having roadshows in major shopping complex nationwide for the Oral Health Month campaign.

During this awareness programme, free dental check-up and consultation will be given to the public in their roadshows, in-store venues as well as 560 participating dental clinics nationwide.

The road show venues are:

• April 3-5: Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya
• April 7-12: Jusco Tebrau City, Johor
• April 16-18: Mydin Kuala Terengganu
• April 24-26: Sunshine Farlim, Penang

You can click here to visit to the Oral Health Month website. Complete list of locations providing the free dental check-up and consultation during this campaign is available there.

Convertible car seat for infant and young toddler

Car seat is necessary for you to carry your child in your car, and the child is not yet tall enough to use the seat belt of the car. It will provide protection to the child in case of collision.

I bought a convertible car seat for my son and has been using it since he was more than 1 month old until now (2 years+). I think it can still be used until he reaches 3 years old. The convertible car seat can be rear-facing as well as front-facing.




Here are some common senses about car seat that I would like to share with you:

• If your car has air-bag for front passenger, the car seat should be installed at the back seat and never be installed next to the driver. This is because the air bag might hurt or suffocate the child. It is even more dangerous if the car seat is in rear-facing position, imagine what will happen when the air bag blown out.
• The child should be rear-facing at least until he/she is 1 year old and also his/her weight has already exceeded 20 pounds (9.1 kg). This is because the neck bone of infant is still very soft and easy to break. With the child lying down securely, the rear-facing car seat will provide support and protection to the head and neck of the child in case of collision.
• Switch to front-facing when the legs are too long for rear-facing position.
• Consider a convertible car seat which can be rear-facing as well as front-facing, so that it can be used for a longer period (until 3-4 years old).
• You should change the car seat to booster seat for older toddler, until he/she can use the car seat belt without the booster seat, which is when the shoulder belt can rest against his/her chest and not the neck or higher position.

Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2009

I have posted the list of auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2009 recently, and here is the reverse, namely the inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2009. The list below is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.



If you are concerned, then should avoid getting married on the listed days above, especially for those born in the year of snake. Note that the dates iterate every 12 days.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2009
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2009
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2009

Click here for inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2010.

Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2009

Here is the list of auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in year 2009, which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.



Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2009
• Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2009

Click here for auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2010.

Auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2009

Here is the list of auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in year 2009, which is produced based on the Chinese almanac Tong Shu.



The dates highlighted in red are considered even more auspicious. Note that for year 2009, there is a lunar 5th month in the Chinese calendar.

You might aware that the mid-autumn festival (3 October 2009) is again in the list for year 2009. Another interesting date is 9 September 2009, which can be written as 09-09-09, and "nine" pronounces the same as "eternity" in Chinese.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

Related articles:

• Inauspicious dates to avoid for wedding/marriage in 2009
• Auspicious dates for wedding, marriage, moving home, etc.
• Auspicious dates for signing contract, register for marriage, etc. in 2009
• Auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2009

Click here for auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2010.

OSIM OS-3200 iCare 200 Eye Massager

I redeemed this OSIM OS-3200 iCare 200 Eye Massager with my Citibank Rewards Points recently. The delivery was very efficient, as it reached my house within 2 days time right after the redemption was made through Citibank Online website.

The function of this electronic eye mask is to massage and exercise the eyes. I find it effective in relieving the eye strain and tiredness.

It is very lightweight, easy to carry, and operates with the remote control with 4 AA size Alkaline batteries. It doesn't use household electricity and doesn't have a power plug.

Its 3 main massaging features are: air pressure, heat and vibration. It also contains magnetic nodes said to be able to improve circulation around the eye area and enhancing the massage effectiveness.

There are 4 modes of air pressure, 2 modes of heat selection, 6 modes of vibration. It comes with 1 automatic massage program, and 6 manual massage modes. Selectable massage time are 5, 10 and 15 minutes. I find the default 15 minutes massage time is quite long. If you are impassion, better select a shorter time period.

I have also seen this product appeared in Maybank TreatsPoints reward list before. If you plan to redeem your points, probably can consider this as well.

The 2 strollers in my home - why their price are so much different

There are 2 strollers in my home. The left-hand-side one is a Sweet Cherry, cost RM150 (after 50% discount), and the right-hand-side one is Combi Super Mechacal DX, cost RM7xx (after 35% discount).



They have similar parts and functionalities, such as:

• Reversible handle
• Foldable
• Double wheel with suspension on each side
• Front swivel wheels with lock
• 3-points seat belt
• With canopy
• Removable front guard
• With storage basket
• 3 levels of reclination
• Footrest for toddler

But the Combi stroller is about 5 times the price of the Sweet Cherry. What make the different then? Here are the features of the Combi stroller that justify its higher price:

• It is very light weight. The metal material is different.
• The fabric material is different too. The baby can stay in it for hours without feeling hot or unconfortable. My son used to sleep in it during daytime.
• The seat cushion is more soft and comfortable.
• The seat cushion is fully removeable and washable.
• The suspension is pretty good. It is not so bumpy when going through uneven lands.
• It is more compact when folded.
• Its seat belt can hold the baby better and more comfortable.
• Its front guard is soft. Not made by hard plastic.
• It comes with shoulder strap for convenient carrying when folded.
• Its canopy has sufficient ventilation windows, and can fully cover until the front guard.

All in all, I find the Combi Super Mechacal DX well worth for its price. If you plan to buy a stroller for your baby/toddler, although price is a major consideration, convenience (to you) and comfortability (to the baby/toddler) are also important considerations that should not be neglected.

How to choose a stroller for your baby/toddler

Basically, there are 4 major kinds of strollers available - made locally, made in Japan, made in China, made in Western countries. I found their differences, in general, are as follow:

• Locally made and China made stollers are generally much cheaper than other imported one. They might have similar parts and functions with their counterparts, but the quality might be different.
• Japan made strollers are generally smaller in size than Western made. This might probably because the body size of Asian people is smaller. They are also easier and simpler to operate, practical in functionalities.
• Western made strollers are generally bigger in size, and more complicated to operate. I remembered the shopkeeper shown me a few times how to open and fold the McLaren, Peg Perego, Graco, etc. but I still can't figure out the way. Same to reclining the seat. Basically, more steps are involved, not as straightforward as the Combi.

The following are some considerations when choosing for stroller:

• Light weight - convenient to carry.
• Foldable - so that you can put in your car and bring it to shopping complex and other places. It should be compact when folded so that not taking too much space in your car.
• Durability and maximum weight support - you might want to choose one that can be used from new born until 3-4 years old.
• Quality of fabric material - your baby should feel comfortable, feel cool, not easily sweating within short period of time.
• Seat cushion fully removeable and washable - the stroller can gets dirty and need frequent clean up, especially if you seat your baby in it while feeding food.
• With canopy - to protect your baby from sun and sudden rain.
• Reversible handle - so that your baby can face forward (to enjoy the scene) or backward (to get your attention).
• Multilevel reclination - to adjust the position accordingly. Infant cannot sit too upright.
• Wheels with suspension - so that it won't be too bumpy.
• Easy to operate - especially when your baby is taken care by older people such as your mother.
• Availability of spare parts - especially the rubber-made wheels which are subjected to wear and tear.
• Basket - for your convenience to carry along some diapers, baby wipe, baby food, etc.
• Safety design - the stroller should not be easily overturned. It should have emergency brakes and other safety features too.

Last but not least, your baby must like it. It is advisible for your baby to actually sit in it and "test drive" for a while, make sure he/she like it before bringing it home from the store.

Auspicious dates for moving to new house

Since I posted about the Auspicious Dates for Wedding & Marriage, several has shown interest in the auspicious dates for moving to new house.

Therefore, I have produced the following list of all the auspicious dates for moving to new house in the 2nd half of year 2008 based on the Tong Shu (通书、通胜) too.

Here is it (click to enlarge):



As reminder again, although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

If you are looking for the auspicious dates for moving to new house/office in 2009, click here.

Babyjaya mid-year sale, up to 50% off

Good news to parents in Klang Valley!

Babyjaya Enterprise, a one-stop 3-storey baby shop located in Damansara Utama (near the Uptown Office Towers) is having a mid-year sale now from 21 June to 8 August 2008.

We can expect up to 50% discount on the following babycare and childcare items:

• play & learn
• healthcare & hygiene
  
• safety & control
• clothes & shoes
• food & beverage
• feeding
• nursing
• bags & warmers
• nursery
• travel gears
• skincare
• gifts & vouchers
• children furniture

Offered brands include 4M, Avent, Baby Art, Baby Bjorn, Babylove, Babyvision, Bebe Confort, Bumble Bee, Bumbo, Chicco, Creative International, Crocs, Dr Browns, Evenflo, Fabulous Mom, Farlin, Fisher Price, Fridge-to-go, Gerber, Graco, Halford, Innoform, Kiddopotamus, K's Kids, Lascal, Lamaze, Leap Frog, Lindam, Littlepods, Lollipop, Lucas Papaw, Lucky Baby, Maclaren, Mam, Maxi-cosi, Medela, Miamoda, Munchkin, My Lovely Closet, My Dear, Neo Geo, Nestle, Nuby, Nuk, Peg Perego, Pigeon, Pitter Patters, Puku Petit, Quinny, Recaro, Seba Med, Seni Daya, Simple Dimple, Spectra, Step 2, Tenderly, The First Years, Tiny Love, Tolo, Unite Safety, Vtech, Zibos, Zooper, etc.

For example, the The Easy Fit Alarm safety gate usually cost RM329.90 is now selling at RM197.94 only.

My Family Showcase 2008 - Whiz Kidz

The upcoming My Family Showcase expo in now on its 3rd year and will be held in Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on 4-7 July 2008. Admission is free.

This family event is divided into 3 zones:

1. Kidz zone

Education related exhibition, including kindergarten, education tools, e-learning, sports academy, swimming school, ballet academy and also music academy.

This zone is subdived into the following:

• Learning Section
• Creative Section
• Fun Section
• Intelligence Section
• Knowledge Section

2. Parents zone

This zone will showcase the FMCG products (eg. milk powder, napkins, confinement, etc), health products, nutrition, food supplement, slimming center, massage chairs, etc.

This zone is subdived into the following:

• Mommy & Baby Zone
• Food & Nutrition Zone

3. Family leisure zone

This zone will showcase the promotion of family leisure and holidays by Tourism Malaysia, as well as hobby and leisure products.

There will also be an Organic Garden activity area to educate the children on the growth of each stages of the vegetables.

Some of the highlights of this 4-days family event are:

• Free dental checkup for kids
• Free breast cancer checkup by National Cancer Society
• Sharing Session of World Vision Spokesperson, Phoebe Yap (菲比, MyFM DJ)
• Children fire escape workshop
• Children financial workshop
• Talks and seminars
• Interactive games and contests
• ... and many more

Click here for more information about this event.

Auspicious dates for wedding, marriage, moving home, etc.

Many people will look for auspicious dates for the important days in their lifetime, such as the wedding day, moving to new house, commencing new business, joining new company, etc. I have even heard that some will choose to register their new car on the auspicious date too.

I chose the auspicious date for my wedding, and also for moving to my current house with the Tong Shu (通书、通胜), which is originated from the Yellow Calendar (黄历) founded by Huang Di (黄帝) of ancient China around 2697-2598 BC.

The Tong Shu is a thick Chinese almanac book, which is very popular among the Chinese families since the Qing dynasty, but not so well known to younger generations nowadays. Some of its content also appear in those "traditional" Chinese calendar, which you have to tear one piece per day to show the current date information.

Luckily, in today's information age, there are online facilities available for us to search in the Tong Shu just with a mouse click. I used the facility in the Y28 Predictions website (http://www.y28predictions.com/program/template/year/tonesing.php) for my searching. This is a Chinese website. To help those not well verse with Chinese, below are the auspicious dates for wedding and marriage which fall on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, for the next 6 months. Those dates are generally auspicious for everyone, except for people and any parents born in the year represented in the Exception column.



The 14 September is considered the most auspicious day (mid-autumn festival) among them. The moon is the biggest and brightest seen from earth by that day. To date, I have already received 5 wedding invitations fall on that day. In fact, my own wedding was also held during the mid-autumn festival several years ago. (However, this does not imply that the mid-autumn festival for every year will be an auspicious date for wedding. It need to be determined on a year-by-year basis.)

If you want me to help checking for any particular date, you can leave a comment and I'll try to search and translate for you in English.

Bear in mind that although the Tong Shu is a compilation of Chinese astrology and calendaring studies gathering wisdom of thousands of years, we should use it wisely and rationally, but not be too superstitious on it.

For the list of auspicious dates for moving to new house in 2nd half of year 2008, read my other post here.

If you are looking for the auspicious dates for wedding/marriage in 2009, click here.