4th Generation iPad Review

Everywhere you go, you will see someone using an iPad. Shows what a successful tablet computer it has become. It was the original iPad tablet that made tablets popular. It started a trend. Well, after 3 upgrades, we now have the new 4th Generation iPad. It's also called iPad with Retina Display. You probably heard of the iPad Mini too. That is like a sister-device aimed at competing with other smaller devices like the Kindle and Google’s Nexus.

DO YOU HATE THE 4TH GENERATION IPAD?

Some people were not too happy when they launched the 4th Generation iPad.  Mainly because the 3rd generation iPad was released only 7 months earlier. I guess you can say they felt cheated. If they had just waited another 7 months, they could have had the latest and more superior product.

IS THE 4TH GENERATION IPAD WORTH BUYING?

For those who don’t already own a 3rd generation iPad, the 4th generation iPad does represent a decent upgrade. So let’s take a closer look and see if it’s actually worth buying.

Key Specs For The New iPad

• Price Range: $499 - $929
• Storage Options: 16 GB; 32 GB; 64 GB; 128 GB
• Dimensions: 9.50 x 7.31 0.37 inches
• Screen Size: 9.7 inches
• Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels
• Processor: Dual-Core A6X; Quad-Core Graphics
• Photo Quality: 5 MP
• Video Quality: 1080p HD
• Battery Life: 10 Hours

WHY YOU SHOULD GET THE IPAD 4

• THE iOS MAKES IT EASY TO USE
  Whether you’re a seasoned Apple tablet user or not, the chances are you’ll be pretty familiar with the way Apple’s tablet operating system – iOS – works. That’s one of the biggest selling points of iPads – they’re easy to get your head around because they use what’s become the standard operating system on the market today.
  iOS is a highly streamlined operating system that makes it easy for people to navigate their device and do the things they want to do. It deliberately keeps things simple so that it can appeal to the broadest market possible, catching casual users too. iOS makes for a satisfying user experience and is a definite positive of this device.

• SHARP AND BEAUTIFUL IMAGES
  Apple’s Retina Display has become pretty famous with tablet fans. It’s easily the nicest screen on the market thanks to its ultra-high resolution and incredible pixel density. Essentially, this makes for really crisp images across the board, from the menu system and web pages to movies. If you’re a real fan of beautiful images, then the Retina Display will push all the right buttons. Currently it’s the best in class.

• BLACK OR WHITE - YOU CHOOSE
  The 4th generation iPad has the same familiar options that previous iPads have had when it comes to color. This is somewhat limiting, but remains classy. Choose between black or white, both of which have a stylish appeal that won’t spoil your chic fashion sense whatever you wear.

• 4 STORAGE OPTIONS
  This iPad comes with 4 storage options, making it the first iPad to do so. The options are 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, as standard for tablets, and a new 128GB option. This storage increase is great for heavy duty users, especially those looking to use an iPad in place of a laptop. 128GB doubles the amount of data you can store on this iPad over any previous iPad, which is a significant change.

• ONE OF THE FASTEST TABLETS
  This is the fastest iPad ever. Thanks to a processor upgrade from the A5X of old to the A6X everything flies along. Navigating the menu, switching between apps, browsing the web and gaming are all handled with complete finesse. This also means that games with more demanding graphics can also function just find on the newest iPad. It’s one of the fastest tablets on the market today.

• IMPROVED CAMERA FOR SHARPER IMAGES
  The front facing camera on this iPad has been upgraded. It’s now an HD camera that allows for sharper images of yourself – whether photos or webcam – and can also record in full 720p. This is a nice improvement over the camera of the 3rd generation iPad.

• APPLE'S APP STORE - MOST APPS AVAILABLE
  Apple’s App Store is still the best resource for apps in the tablet world. It’s got the most apps available and the lowest instance of corrupt and broken apps or virus-carrying apps of any applications store.

• LTE TO ENJOY FULL STREAMING MEDIA
  LTE is fast becoming a standard option for tablets and smartphones. It’s an ultra-fast cellular data service that can actually outperform conventional WiFi. It’s astonishingly fast, meaning you can enjoy full streaming media wherever you are provided you’re in range of your LTE network provider. This is a costly upgrade option but one that many will think is worth it.

 

COMPLAINS ABOUT THE IPAD 4

• DESIGN SAME AS 3RD GENERATION
  Compared with the 3rd generation, the 4th generation iPad doesn’t represent much of a design upgrade. It’s the same size and weight and features the exact same screen as the 3rd generation.

• HEAVY
  If you like to hold your tablet in only one hand then you may find that this is on the heavy side. It’s not comfortable for extended periods of one-handed use. However, this is true with any tablet! You can always buy the iPad Mini if you like something smaller.

• SPEND MORE ON A SPECIAL ADAPTER
  A major annoyance for owners of older iPad accessories is that this version isn’t compatible with those accessories. If you do want to make use of them with the new iPad you’ll have to pay for a special adapter, and it’s not cheap.

• IT'S EXPENSIVE
  The price of the iPad has long been an issue. Apple ride high on the strength of their brand, charging a premium price. The basic model will set you back around $500 and that will only give you 16GB of storage. If you want the largest 128GB storage option as well as support for LTE cellular data you’ll have to pay a massive $929. You need deep pockets to own an iPad.

Is The New iPad Worth Buying?

If you are looking for one of the best tablets in the market, then you won't regret owning the 4th generation iPad. It does so many things right. For many people, the biggest problem would be the price. But if money is not an issue with you, then nothing should stop you from getting it.

If you already own a 3rd generation iPad, it may not be in your best interest to make the switch. There's not much of an upgrade to make it worth spending extra money. Of course, maybe you really, really want to have the latest model. Then I can only hope that you are able to sell your current model for a good price.

It is a different story if you own a 2nd generation iPad or another older tablet. This will mark a big step up on all fronts and you’ll definitely be a satisfied customer. Highly recommended.

Interested in some FREE software?

Even though I hate the idea of kids spending endless hours on the computer, I have to face the fact that it is the computer age. I can't keep them away from the computer forever. Even so, it is important to have computer rules. Plus, if the kids are going to spend time on the computer, make sure it is worthwhile.

So, here I've found a place where you can get some discounted and really cheap software. There's stuff for you and stuff for the children. You can pick software for education, reference, business, home & life, games, children's fun and lots more.

Oh, forgot to mention that some of the software are FREE too.

Here is a sampling of some of the stuff they have available (collection is hugh).











Click Here to find 100s of Free Kids Software (+S&D)

*The links are my affiliate links

Publish Your Kids' Stories With Illustory

Illustory has been given many rave reviews. Parents are using it to encourage their children's creativity. Children get to write their wonderful stories, add in illustration and then have it published in a real hardback book. It'll look like a book you buy at the store.


This is a perfect gift to give a child who loves to read, write and draw, especially 5-7 year olds who are just beginning to write. It is a way to make them proud of their work. It is also a way for you to show them that their writings are of value. Of course you can just staple some paper together to make your own book. However, Illustory helps you create a storybook that you can treasure and keep for years.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

• 12 special book pages for your child to draw and write. Marker pens are provided.
  
• Send your work over the manufacturer in a postage paid envelop where they will reproduce the writings and drawing into a book.
• A few weeks later, you will receive a professionally bound hardcover book.
  
• You even get an "About the author" page.
• The size of the book is 7"x9.
• The cover and title is laminated.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IT?

• Have your children write a story to record a special family occasion such as a family vacation or celebrations.
• Dedicate the book to someone special like grandma or dad for Father's Day.
• Have your kids write a book (or several books) every year. They will love to see how their writing changes from year to year.
  
• Makes a great birthday or Christmas present.
  

THE GOOD SIDE

• They've made the process of writing very simple. There are instructions to follow.
  
• Also included are tips, activities, pre-planning diagrams are included to make writing easier.
• The finished product is of exceptional quality.

THE BAD SIDE

• You can only put 20 words per page and only 12 pages. May be quite limiting to some children who have a lot to say.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?
Over at Amazon, this product rates 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Here are excerpts from their feedback.

• "He is so excited and proud of himself when he shows his friends, family and teacher his publications!"
• "The books are a great family keepsake"
• "It challenged them to come up with their very own story, using thier imagination and when the books arrived, they were so proud!"
• "This really helped my niece become more sure of herself and she now loves to write! "

WHERE TO GET IT?
Illustory is available at Educational Warehouse.
To go straight to the product page, click this affiliate link: ILLUSTORY

It's Easier To Shop Online

Shopping for young children these days is so convenient. I just have to sit in front of my monitor and click-click here and click-click there. I don't have to deal with restless children in the car. No need to pack 1001 things like diaper bag or snacks. Don't have to stress that the kids are playing kung-fu in the shop. No need to worry if can find parking space or not. I can just sit calmly and take my time browsing the internet for baby and children stuff.

The only problem is you cannot feel and inspect the product first. However, if you buy well known brands, you can usually trust the quality. Yeah, they may be a bit pricey but they usually last longer. You don't know how many toys my children have got that didn't last more than a week. Heck, some didn't even make it past 24 hours. For example, grandma bought a toy helicopter for D2's birthday last year. It had lights, sound and could move. The next day, the body fell apart. Another example, we bought D1 a toy martial arts set that had a plastic sword. Not long after, it broke at the handle. So, when it comes to buying toys for children, try to get good ones that are durable. If not it's like being "penny wise but pound foolish".

Anyway, back to shopping online. It's amazing what you find sometimes. I came across a website that sells Jellycat. Do you know what's a Jellycat? Sounds like something you can eat ya? But no, it's actually a very popular brand of plush toys. Some people collect them. Every year they come out with 2 new designs.They are really, really soft and come in different sizes. The truffle dog looks really cute and hugable.

There's also the Appaman brand of clothing. Apparently, celebrity parents love to buy these. Maddox and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt have been seen to wear it. Feedback says that it's very durable and it is easy to get stains off the fabric. The designs are trendy and most important, kids find it very comfortable to wear.

Barefoot Dreams is another brand that has been used by celebrity children. Their products include luxurious blankets, throws, robes, hoodies and v-necks for children. Suri Cruise (daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise) has been photographed adorning their BambooChic Toddler Hoodie. I guess they, like so many other parents, cannot resist the super soft fabric. I wouldn't mind a cozy, soft blanket for myself.

Well, that's my little find for today. One last tip before I go, to save money shopping online, don't forget to look for coupon codes and sites that offer free shipping.

*Brought to you by your friends at http://www.loulouscorner.com/

Photobook Your Memories

Last Sunday as I was updating my family journal, I told my daughter that I should get it bound into a book, especially the photos and scrapbooks. Rather than keep everything on my harddisk, I was thinking a Photobook would be appropriate. I'd have to save money and target to do that at the end of the year.

Photobooks seem to be the trend these days. Some people create Photobooks as their wedding album . Definitely more appealing than those bulky and heavy traditional wedding albums. They are also great for other special occasions such as anniversaries, barmitzvah, christening, holidays etc....

There are many photobook services online. For example, if you are in UK, Photo Productions designs and prints Premium Photobooks. They are not like the many design-it-yourself photobooks services that give you cheap prints. They have a team that will professionally design your book using your uploaded photos. Their quality is also exceptional. After you approve of the design, the book goes through a 23 stage digital printing and hand-binding process. In other words, not only are the images vibrant but the book is durable as well.

The service they provide is usually available through a photographer. However, that makes it more expensive. They are the first UK based company to offer such services to the general public. Their website is user friendly. You'll find it no hassle at all. You also get full online proofing of the Photobook designs when they are done. They will ship to anywhere but if you are in UK, shipping is free.

If you are a professional photographer, you can apply for a trade discount. This means more savings for you. Their tagline is 'Premium Photobooks, Not Premium Prices'.

*Disclaimer: I'm getting some pocket-money from this post.

Online Shop Malaysia For Babies And Children

Do you do much online shopping? I know some of you are still apprehensive about it. I too think many times before I decide to purchase something online. However, with 4 kids it is the better option for me. It can be madness and highly stressful trying to shop with that many kids in tow. I found it especially helpful when I was in confinement and wanted to get a car seat for baby. Thank goodness Little Whiz was having a car seat sale at that time. Even then, I was in 2 minds about it: "Buy? Don't buy?" I was afraid I would not choose a good one because I couldn't physically inspect it. I spent some time doing a little research, scouting the net to hear what people were recommending. Then I also had to think about my budget restraints. Also wanted to know if it really was a good deal or not.

In the end, I decided to go ahead and made the purchase. Was really glad to know that shipping was free. Item arrived not many days after in good condition. Baby loves the car seat, thank goodness. It acts as a rocker too. I just wish it could be reclined.

This is 2 week old baby in the car seat. It's a Halford. It wasn't inclined enough so I put a lampin behind her neck for more support.

This is 2 month old baby. She's grown into the seat, so it fits her better now. She sleeps longer in the car seat then if I were to put her lying down on a mattress.

Little Whiz is a good place to shop if you're looking for baby and children stuff. They've got lots of stuff like baby furniture and bedding, baby slings, books, cds, dvds, toys, strollers, car seats, breast pumps, nursing accessories, toilet training and diapering stuff, skin care for baby and home safety products. They've also got stuff for pregnant mothers. Check them out to see their vast collection.

I notice they've got regular promotions. Their prices are not too bad. If you need to get baby stuff or want to get a gift for someone's children, do give this retailer a try. Click on the banner below and rate them yourself.

Note: The links on this post are affiliate links.

Dove Nutrium Moisture Body Wash

Finally, it's here! 2 1/2 months of waiting, and now it's in my bathroom. What is it? Dove's Nutrium Moisture Body Wash all the wayyyyyyy from U.S.

Yes, they sent me all 3 types: Gentle Exfoliating, Deep Moisture and Sensitive Skin. It's groundbreaking technology okay! This body wash has even been honored with one of Allure magazine’s 2009 Best of Beauty Breakthrough awards. So, how come I'm so lucky to have them send it to me for free? Coz' I promised I'd share with all you online folks what I think about it.So yes, I'm disclosing to you that I'm writing this review coz' they gave me free products to try. (Can you see I'm trying to be a good girl and abide by FTC new rules. By the way, if you still don't know what the new rules are on writing product reviews, you better update yourself quick.)

What's So Great About Dove's Nutrium Moisture Body Wash?
They claim that this new body wash retains your skin's moisture better than other brands. Dove's Nutrium Moisture can penetrate deep into your skin's layers whereas the moisturizers in other body wash only sits on top of your skin. No need for me to explain so much. You can just watch the video below to see how it works.



What do I think about it?

• The body wash is very thick. It doesn't just flow out. It feels like a cream. Doesn't get very foamy. However, it does clean the skin. I don't like how some moisturizing body wash leave your skin feeling oily. This Dove's body wash doesn't. 
• Does my skin feel moisturized? I don't really know. It's definitely not a "WOW, what a difference" experience. I don't think it works overnight too. If the body wash really does moisturize my skin 10 layers deep, I'm sure the results will show eventually. But I don't think it'll put me on any cover magazine :P
• I like the Gentle Exfoliating the best. You can feel the little beads scrubbing your body. Some people may not like the harsh feeling but I like the idea of scrubbing away dirt and dead cells. My son doesn't like it though. He says it tickles his stomach. Hahaha.
• The scent is very mild. In fact, the one that says "Sensitive Skin" has no scent. Definitely not for girls who like to leave a trail of sweet smell for guys to follow. You'll have to use that delicious soft skin to lure them instead :)
• I don't think guys care much about moisturizing their skin while bathing. This body wash definitely appeals more to women. And don't bother asking your husband if your skin feels softer. He probably won't know the difference. Or maybe it's just my husband. Hahaha.

 Well done Dove! Keep those innovations coming. Now, could you come up with a body wash that gets rid of stretch marks?

SpellQuizzer Review and Giveaway

Here's another effective spelling software for parents who want to improve their children's spelling - SPELLQUIZZER!

AND I have 1 free license to giveaway (valued at USD29.95)

Let me tell you a little bit about this software. I was given a license to this and have tested it on my own children. What can I say, they love it even though there are no cartoon graphics or animation. It's a simple program where you input your own list of words that you want your children to learn.

The interface looks like the image above. So first you click on "create a spelling list". There will be a place for you to type in the word. Then you record your voice and give a sentence that contains the word. So for example, you want your children to spell the word "butterfly". You type in the word "butterfly", then you press the record button and say "Butterfly. A caterpillar grows up to be a butterfly." End the recording session.

So you do this for each word until you've created your list. Obviously you'll need a microphone to record your voice. If you don't have one, you can still use this software. You'll have to type in a description of the word instead. However, it's better to do the voice recording. That way children can hear the word instead of trying to guess the word by reading your sentence.

Click here for a video on how it works:
SpellQuizzer Spelling Software Demonstrations

Don't feel intimidated about recording your own voice. It's quite fun actually coz' you can say funny things to make your children's spelling practice more enjoyable. For example, one of the words I gave my children to spell was "over", and I said "baby like to crawl over jie-jie's stomach". They thought it was so funny. Also, my daughter insisted she wanted to record her own voice. That was even better for me coz' she not only get to practice her spelling, she also gets to practice making sentences.

Actually, you also have the option of importing a spelling list. These lists have been pre-recorded by someone else. Click here to see the downloadable spelling lists.

So after you've created your list, you give it a name and then, when you want your children to practice their spelling, you go to the interface and select "quiz me on a list!" The words will be played one by one. If your child spells it incorrectly, immediately a box will pop up with both the right and wrong spelling (so they can compare and know where they went wrong).

Who is SpellQuizzer for?

• Children who have to take spelling tests in school.
• Children who want to prepare for spelling contests or spelling bees.
• Homeschoolers. (Click here for a page specially for homeschoolers: SPELLQUIZZER FOR HOMESCHOOLERS )
• Parents who want to improve their children's spelling and improve their vocabulary.
  

Here is a video of my 2yrs 8mths old son using this software. He knows the sounds of all the alphabets and can also recognize what they look like. I'm guessing he likes to "play" SpellQuizzer because he gets to type on the keyboard like us adults :) So for him I have a simple list of "a-h". His spelling lists goes something like this "/a/ for apple", "/b/ for ball" etc.... And he just types in the right letters. He does get it wrong sometimes because the keyboard is in capital letters instead of smallcaps.

This is a downloadable kids spelling software, not an online program.

JOIN THE SPELLQUIZZER GIVEAWAY!
As mentioned earlier, I have 1 free license to giveaway. This is what you need to do to participate in this lucky draw. Each action is considered 1 entry for the lucky draw.

1. Leave a comment here, tell me why you like this software. If you want to test it out for yourself, click here to download a FREE TRIAL.
2. Subscribe to my Family Book Store (http://valuebookshop.com). Go to the website and you'll find a box on the sidebar where you enter your email address. There's a button that says "subscribe".
3. Write a short blog post about SpellQuizzer. In your post, use these words "downloadable kids spelling software" and link it to http://valuebookshop.com/2009/spellquizzer-downloadable-kids-spelling-software/. That's where I have my full review of the program. Give me the link to your post.

Since my baby is due to come out 17 Sept 2009, I will have to make this contest short.
Last day for entries: 14 Sept 2009
Who is eligible: Everyone, all over the world

Once again I will assign each entry a number and then use random.org to choose the winning number. I will post who the winner is on the 15th Sept 2009. Hopefully, baby doesn't decide to come out earlier than the due date. Hahahah.

Online Kids Spelling Software: ClickN SPELL

Have you heard about ClickN Read Phonics? It's quite a popular online reading program. Well, the same company has just come up with another program called ClickN SPELL. The name of their software should already give you an idea what it does: TEACH YOUR CHILD SPELLING!

I believe you can start teaching your child spelling around 4-5 years old. However, it shouldn't be just about memorizing the sequence of letters, it helps to teach them phonics first. That way it's easier for them to spell coz' they listen for the sounds and select the letters to match those sounds.

Anyway, children are always keen to get on the computer to play games. Why not get them excited about learning to spell with this fun, interactive software. Sure beats the traditional way of writing words line after line after line....

If you have a child struggling to learn spelling, or you have no time to teach your child spelling, you might want to check out ClickN SPELL. You can learn more about ClickN SPELL by going to my product report. Just click the following link: ClickN SPELL KIDS SPELLING SOFTWARE
At the end of the review, you'll find a discount code that will get you 5% off.

Or go ahead and test out the program now. You get 2 free lessons to try. Just click on the banner below:

HugaMonkey Baby Sling Review

Do you practice baby wearing? Then you'll want to know about HugaMonkey baby sling. It's a sling that looks like a tube that conforms to your body. It is easy to put on when you want to carry your baby around. It requires no folding and doesn't use rings, buckles or tons of fabric. You won't have to worry about slipping too.

The fabric is made from 100% Kona cotton. It is a breathable, durable and soft natural fabric. In other words, it's very lightweight and comfortable. They also have baby slings made from natural organic cotton (60% organic cotton and 40% organic bamboo).
The designs are simple and the colors easy to match with your wardrobe. You can use these slings on your newborns up until they are 3 years old or 30 pounds.

How To Use It?
You can wear baby several ways with the Hugamonkey baby sling:

• Tummy to tummy carry. Baby is sitting and facing you.
• Back hip sit carry.
• Hip sit carry
• Kangaroo carry. Baby is sitting and facing outwards.
• Traditional lying down carry. Great for newborns.

Watch these videos for a better idea on how simple it is to use it:

How to put on the sling


Traditional lying down carry


How Well Does It Work?
Looking around the web, I found some testimonials by users of HugaMonkey baby slings. These people are not being compensated for their views. You can be sure they are being honest in what they are saying.

I have a hugaMonkey sling and it works great. Mine is the lightweight version for hot weather. It is a basic pouch, the fabric I have does not have stretch. Make sure you get it in the right size or it won't be secure for your newborn. Mine is a bit big, but it will work better when my LO is heavier.
(Excerpt from a comment at community.babycenter.com)


What I was looking for! I can wear it without spending hours trying to fold it. No loops or buckles to mess with. Very prompt courteous service when I had an ordering question. Recommended highly!
(Excerpt from a comment at www.affordablebabyorganics.com)


Love the sling, it was just a little too big. I worked with Carrie to determine if it was too big or not. My sling has been washed and tried on and she still said its no problem to exchange. Wonderful company. I would recommend you to any of my friends that is considering buying a sling. Thanks!
(Review submitted at hugamonkey.com)


I own a traditional sling and a Maclaren carrier. The Hugamonkey is much more comfortable. You almost feel pregnant again because the baby is so close to you. My daughter loves to be in it and almost instantly goes to sleep. I really wish I had this for my first child so I could have used it for all of them, especially my colicky son. The crazy thing is it cost me less than what I had, was shipped free to my door, is much cuter and so much better. I'm loving the Hugamonkey!!
(Review submitted at hugamonkey.com)

I was looking to find a negative review and came across only one at amazon.com. Her complain was she didn't get the right size. But from other users feedback, there is no problem if you order the wrong size. You can send it back for an exchange and the customer service is very prompt and good.

MY VERDICT
This is one baby sling I would like to get. Some of the things I look for when it comes to baby slings are:

• Easy to use.
• Doesn't hurt my shoulder or back
• Easy to pack in a bag
• Not bulky
• Baby is comfortable
• Affordable

Looks like HugaMonkey baby sling meets all those criterias.

PRODUCT OPTIONS:
The sling comes in 5 sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
They have a size chart, so do check that out to get the right size.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR HUGAMONKEY BABY SLING TODAY!

Easy Way To Print Your Digital Photos

Do you have tons and tons of digital photos stored in your hard drive like me? I love my digital camera because I can snap and snap and snap and not worry about running out of film. Unfortunately, this piece of wonderful equipment does my mother no good. You see, she doesn't have any photographs of her grandchildren to show off because their photos are all sitting in my computer.

Well, I thought this Christmas I would be nice and actually print out a load of pictures for her. I think I owe her 6 years of grandchildren pictures. So it's a good thing I came across EOE ONLINE. I don't have to leave my house. I just need to:

1. Register an account with them
2. Upload my photos
3. Select the photo sizes and quantity
4. Checkout.
5. Pay through credit card, bank transfer or bank-in
6. They send the pictures to me.
   

So very easy peasy. I signed up for their newsletter a few months ago and I gotta say, they are really quite a "happening" company. They are very good in keeping their customers informed and seem to have exciting promotions regularly. Like right now, they are having the following promotion which ends 31/12/08:

That is really a good price. I just put in an order for 50 pix (4R size) and it only costs RM15 plus RM5 for postage.

So, if you're thinking of using their services, this is what you do:

• Register yourself first. This is really to your advantage. If something happens during the uploading session, like you get disconnected or something, you won't lose everything. You just log in again and a message box will ask if you want to continue with you order. I really appreciate this feature. My internet connection has been horrible and it was taking way too long for me to upload 15 pictures. I had to close the window and thought "urrgh, I've to start all over again?" So it was a relieve to see that little message asking me if I wanted to resume my order.
  
• When you get to the main page, just mouse over "shopping" at the top bar and select "e-print."
  

I think the only downside for me was uploading the pictures. It's really not the website's fault. It's freakin' Streamyx that's been frustrating me and DH the last few weeks. So darn slow!

TIP:
If you are experiencing tortoise slow connection, don't try to upload 15 photos at one go. Do it like 5 photos at a time.

Another difficult part for me was selecting which pictures to print. Hahahaha. Anyway, my order is in with eoe online. Wait for my Part 2 of this review where I will report on their service.

p.s. Besides just online photo printing, they have other fun services too like photo competition and "shop & win" contest.

p.s.s. If you're a blogger, you can review their site too. For your honest opinion, they will give out 50 4R prints and RM50.00 review fee for each completed review. Heheheh. So you see, I was very motivated to upload those 50 photos. Kekeke. There is also a grand prize – an Olympus E-420 Digital SLR kit with 14-42mm lens worth RM1999.00 for the best written review! More details click here!

(15/12/08)
Update: PART II

"I just got a letter, I just got a letter, I just got a letter, Wonder who's it from?"
(If you've watched the children's program Blues Clues, you'll know how to sing this).
So, this came in the mail on Saturday (13/12). Can you guess what it is?

TADAH! Yes, it's my printed photos from EOE ONLINE. They didn't just throw the photos in the courier plastic bag, they wrapped it in some cardboard so the pictures wouldn't get damaged. The photos were already nicely put in the photo album they supplied.
What can I say? Very nice, very nice!

The one who has been enjoying these printed pictures the most is... BabyD! Actually, the photos were meant for my mom. Looks like I will have to print again and print more. I'll have to do that soon coz' the 30cents for 4R offer is only till the end of December.

So, what do my kids say about EOE Online? They say "Yay mommy, print more!" See, even baby has learned how to do the peace sign and say cheese for the camera.

EOE Online Summary:

• Easy way to print your digital photos hibernating in your harddisk. Just upload, pay and then wait for them to deliver.
  
• How long they take to deliver? Their promise is 3 days. True or Not? Well, I placed my order on the 8/12, which is a public holiday. So they must have received it on the 9th. I got it on the 13/12. That means the photos were delivered after 4 days. Okay-lah.
  
• Photos were delivered in good condition. No damages and printing is clear. Now I just need a better quality camera so my photo's can be more "vibrant".
  
• Save time and petrol. Everything is just "click", "click", "click". Can do this in my pyjamas. No need to think about putting makeup, fighting traffic, finding carpark, and going back to pick up the pictures. Blood pressure normal the whole process :) They also offer free shipping for orders above RM35. See, save some more.
  
• Great prices, good bargains. Better than what you get at the retail outlets.
• Do I recommend it? YES!
  
• Will I be using their services again? YES!
  

Wickless Scented Candles

Do you like aromatherapy? You know, things like scented oils, incense and scented candles? I love it, and my kids love them too. My favorite is the lavendar scent. I also have one scent to help with migraine. I usually use a burner; put the scented oil on top and a tea-light candle at the bottom.

Well, it seems there is another way to fill our house with wonderful fragrances without having to burn anything. It's by Scentsy and their way is wickless candles. What does that mean? Well, no smoke for one thing. Another thing would be how much safer it is. Yeah, I do get a little jittery when I have to light a candle, even if it's a little one. My kids get a little too excited when there are candles around. I'm always worried "something" might happen. Well, you know how little kids are.

So how does it work? The wickless candle bar is called a Scentsy Bar. What you do is warm it with a warmer rather than using heat from a candle. And the warmers come in beautiful designs too which make nice decor for your home. Here's what November's warmer of the month looks like:

With Christmas coming up fast, you could consider this as an ideal Christmas gift for friends or family. You have over 80 yummy fragrances to choose from. As for me, the cinnamon cider which is this month's fragrance sounds like a wonderful scent to have in the home. Go see what's your favorite.

Holiday Entertaining Tips: Coping With Holiday Stress

The holidays are fast approaching. There's Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Year. This is a very busy time especially for the women folk who have to prepare the home for holiday entertaining. Are you freaking out yet? Need some help coping with holiday stress? Get help with holiday entertaining tips that can be found in this useful guide: "STRESS FREE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING"




Family holidays should be a time for enjoyment. But instead, we get ourselves so busy and stressed out. If you follow the recommendations in this guide, you'll see some of that stress disappear this holiday season. You'll be able to plan and organize better. Wouldn't you like to have easy make ahead recipes? You also don't have to crack your head on Christmas gift ideas for teachers, friends and family. The secret is to prepare ahead of time and this guide will show you how.

You may think, "oh, I already know how to manage the holidays". That's what some people thought before they bought the book. And then they discovered there were many tips that hadn't crossed their mind before. Like them, you will appreciate all the time saving tips shared in this book. They are very practical. Not only that, it'll help you stretch your money too. Save time and save money, that's what you're looking for right?

Sandra Jensen, the author of the book, will help you bring meaning back to your holiday celebration. It'll bring your family back to the dinner table. That is so important. You don't want to miss this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide.

Coping with holiday stress is just a click away. The holidays can be a breeze with these holiday entertaining tips. Get your copy today and start planning.

STRESS FREE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
USD 5.97

Football Web-TV Channel

WATCH OUT WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS!

There's a new football web-tv channel recently launched by Carlsberg. If you have a husband/boyfriend who is nuts over football, then this is one channel you DON'T want to tell him about.

What will happen if you do? Well, be ready to be a football widow then. No, that doesn't mean your beloved will be dead. Physically he is around but his mind, might and soul will be dedicated to watching football. I think some of you already know what I'm talking about. If he gets hooked to www.partofthegame.tv, he'll be eating, drinking and dreaming football. He probably is already, so you really don't want to encourage him further. They have 5 channels showing all aspects about football from the classic football matches to life as a fan. There's also video clips about football funnies and rituals from the Football Magic channel. Heck, they even allow you to upload your own favorite football moments.

So, remember... not a peep about this if you want to have a chance at some romantic nights with your darling. Unless you are a football fan yourself. Then by all means, knock yourself out.

How Do You Define Real Beauty

Here's a question for you if you are a woman: Do you consider yourself beautiful?

Did you know that only two percent of women around the world describe themselves as beautiful? This fact was discovered by Dove when they commissioned a global study on the matter. I'm not at all surprised to hear this as we are bombarded everyday by pictures of "manufactured beauty" in magazines, billboards and tv commercials.

I think hardest hit are young girls - to be teenagers, teenagers and early adulthood. This is the time when their body is developing, when they are most influenced by their peers (and boys) and a time when being accepted and fitting in matters most. It's a time when self criticism easily overruns self esteem and self acceptance. I'm sure many of us (once again, I'm talking to women) have at least once in our life thought that we're not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not tall enough, not petite enough, not cute enough... basically something was not enough. We criticize our hair, teeth, nose, skin, legs, eyes, chin, triceps, thighs, hips etc....

Well, there is a new film coming up, launching in movie theaters nationwide (in US) on September 12, 2008 called "The Women." It's directed by Diane English. The show is a fast-paced, witty and emotional look at all things female, including loyalties, betrayals, careers, families and most of all, friendships. A remake of the 1939 classic film, The Women features an all-female cast of distinguished actresses, including Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cloris Leachman, Bette Midler and Candice Bergen.




BUT what you really want to watch also is a short film called the The Women Behind "The Women". This short film follows 16-year-old teen journalist Cammy Nelson behind-the-scenes of The Women to learn, first-hand, how Hollywood creates the images we see on screen, highlighting the work and people involved in making a major motion picture come to life. I liked how she got to interview the movie stars and learned what they thought was real beauty. And believe it or not, they've also had "beauty problems" when growing up. It really challenges today's beauty stereotypes. Go over to Dove.com and watch it. If you have a daughter, watch it with her.

MAMAS PARENTING TIP
So, what are we going to teach our children about REAL beauty?

• Teach them they are a child of God. They have divine potential and their body is a gift from God.
  
• Tell them they are beautiful and say it often. Have you told your daughter today that she is beautiful?
  
• Expose the truth about how models they see in advertisement look beautiful. It's not all natural. There is make-up and digital touch ups.
  
• Teach them that beauty does NOT equal happiness. To be happy is a choice.
• Real friends accept us for who we are. Not only accept us, but support us. Real friends celebrate our unique differences, not try to clone us to be one of them.
  
• HECK with the boys that do not have x-ray eyes to see through our physical appearance. Those kind of relationships don't last long.
  
• Confidence and positive character enhances beauty.
  
• Give them the bad news -- that most people's idea of beautiful are dictated by what they see in the media. That's why it's important to know the difference between "manufactured beauty" and "REAL beauty."
• ALSO, you as their mother should think yourself as beautiful too.
  

What is your idea of REAL beauty? And what message will you share with all the women (young and old) out there?

p.s BTW, Dove has a campaign called "The Dove Campaign For Real Beauty." Go to www.campaignforrealbeauty.com to read personal views of other women on the topic.

Shopping For Children's Shoes?

Once again I had to go shoe shopping for my children. Their feet grow so fast. And even if they've not outgrown the shoe, the wear it out so fast too. I'm always awed when friends past down to us some of their children's old shoes. I wonder how they keep it so nice. Don't hope to get any old shoes from us. They always end up in a state fit for the dustbin.

I have to be thankful though, that K's school shoes are still okay. Those white canvas shoes have proven durable even though they are used 5 days in a week. They may not look like the first day she started school, but after washing and a little white polish, it's presentable again. (By the way, I make her wash her own shoes. And I don't like the idea of dumping them in the washing machine). For RM23.99 each, they've been her most value-for-money shoes. That's more than I can say for her pretty church shoes that only last a few months even though she only wears them once a week. I like those canvas shoes too for another reason -- it's flexible. Meaning, I have her wear them for sporting activities too. Ya, not quite the right thing to do. She has been bugging me for some children's trainers.

Looking through Startriteshoes.com, I was impressed with their range of shoes. I asked my daughter to pick out a pair that she likes and she chose this pretty canvas shoes:
You can find all sorts of shoes: Prewalkers, first walking shoes, non-school shoes, school shoes, canvas, sandals, boots, trainers, slippers, wellies and English classics. I really like how the images of the shoes turn 360 degrees too. That way, you can see not only the front of the shoes, but also view the sides and the back.

After surfing this site and reading through their advice, I realized that there's a lot more to consider when buying shoes for our children. Definitely not the way I've been doing which is pretty much choosing the best looking cheapest pair that fits :) Getting a pair that fits correctly, gives proper support, is breathable and feels comfortable should be our priority. Especially when it comes to baby shoes because their feet are still so soft and can be damaged by ill fitting shoes.

Taking a look our my girl's feet, she tends to overpronate. Some people know it as "pigeon-toes." If you stand at the back of her, you see how her weight is mostly toward the inside of her heels. Her church shoes are all crooked. If her feet doesn't correct itself, I will have to get her some shoes with additional support for the inside of the heel.

So, how often do you shop for children's shoes and what it the best that you've found?

Baby Wearing With Sleepy Wrap

I am a big fan of babywearing and so I was elated when I received a Sleepy Wrap to try. I thought it was so cute that it came in a little pouch bag (for storage). Anyway, what exactly is a Sleepy Wrap? It is a long (5.5 yards) piece of stretchy fabric that you use to wrap around yourself and the baby. There are no rings, straps, buckles or buttons. It allows you to carry your baby comfortably and hands free. Here are some things I like about Sleepy Wrap:

• Grows with your baby. You can use it when baby is tiny and continue using it even after baby has grown big.
  
• It is stretchy like spandex and that allows it to conform to you and your baby's body. It really wraps very nicely. Baby is snug as a bug.
  
• One size fits all. Whether it be me or my husband using it, it still works the same. Doesn't matter if you are big, petite, tall or short, the Sleepy Wrap conforms to your body shape and works just as wonderfully.
  
• The material has a wonderful soft feel. Makes it very comfortable. And not too thick too. So, don't worry about baby getting too hot.
  
• When I wear it, I don't feel the burden on my neck and shoulders like other baby carriers. The way the Sleepy Wrap is tied effectively supports my baby's weight (and my baby is heavy at 11.2kg) without putting undue pressure on me. I'm not aching after I use it. That's really important to me.
  

With my baby, I often use the Sleepy Wrap to carry him on my back. The Sleepy Wrap website did not have the instructions on how to do this and so I wrote to them. They kindly directed me to a video of a mother showing how to do a back wrap. At first, it looked like pretty tricky moves. But when I tried it, it really wasn't that difficult at all. Except I would only recommend this back wearing for older babies and non wiggly ones.

You can see how happy babyD is in the wrap. I love it that I can carry him this way. When I need to get housework done and no one is around to monitor him, I just tie him to my back. He loves the closeness and of course, the piggy-back ride.

The only negative thing I find with Sleepy Wrap is doing the wrap when outside the house. Because it is long, the ends will kinda sweep the floor (in the beginning). That will get it kinda dirty. So I would advice that you tie it to your body first before leaving the house. Then when you want to carry baby, just pop him/her in. Doing a back wrap outside might catch you a few stares. Not sure if you want unwanted attention.

Overall, I believe Sleepy Wrap is one of the best baby wearing products out there. It is simple, easy, comfortable and effective. The creator of Sleepy Wrap is a genius. I bet after you use it, your babies might never want to be put down (oh-oh, is that a good thing?) Hahahahah. It's okay. Bonding with your baby is always a good thing.

If you'd like to get one for yourself, click this affiliate link here: Sleepy Wrap Baby Carrier

Luvs Diapers $5-off Coupon

Do you recognize this lady? She is mom-comedienne Anita Renfroe. Still don't ring a bell? She's known for her “Total Momsense” song to the tune of the William Tell Overture that became a YouTube sensation. I really enjoyed that song and I know many moms did too. Almost every mother was saying "you gotta listen to this song...."

Well, she is now the spokesperson for Luvs diapers. If you're Malaysian like me, you've probably never heard of this brand of diaper before. So, just a quick summary about these diapers -- they offer premium leakage protection for less than the pricey brands. In other words, you get the premium features without paying extra. Bottom line -- it's economical and efficient (and I get to try them for FREE. Yay!).
Well, back to Anita Renfroe being the spokesperson for Luv diapers. She has written another comedic song and video, a sequel to the original “Mom-sense” jingle. AND you get a peek of the video here on my blog. This video won't go live until June 25th. The song/video is about a day in the life of a mom and all the things she juggles with family life and managing a home. It's fresh, irreverent, timely and funny.



AND another treat for you-- Get $5 off your next purchase of Luvs diapers.
Head over to http://luvs.com on 25th June 2008 to grab those limited coupons. It's available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mark that date on your calendar!!!
*Sorry, offer only for US residents.

Personalize Your Cards and Announcements

When I was in the U.S., I would get wedding invitations and birth announcements from friends. I can tell you that there are much nicer than the ones we Malaysians send out. The reason being their cards and announcements are always personalized with photographs. So much so they become keepsakes. Yes, I've kept some in my journal. I mean you wouldn't throw away a photograph of a good friend would you?

Just imagine receiving a birth announcement like this:

or

* Pictures taken from Izzyprints. You can order your cards online from them and get them within 2-3 working days.

How cute is that? I'm sure every parent is eager to show off their little bundle of joy. Plus, friends always ask to see pictures of the cutie pie when you tell them that you've delivered. Now after 3 kids, I wonder why I never send out these personalized birth announcements. I guess it's just not our culture but I'm sure this trend will catch on here. Just like how digital scrapbooking is catching on like wild fire. Parents here have grown to appreciate the artistic value of combining pictures and journaling.

I think personalizing party invitations are a good idea too. Not just children's birthday parties, but any party. For example, if you are having a Christmas get-together, you can do a 2-1 card: greeting and invitation card rolled into one. Send friends and relatives a card that includes a picture of your family. Show them how your family is growing -- growing in number, growing in height, growing in maturity and maybe growing around the belly too :)

With today's technology, I don't see why we should stick to boring cards. Just look at blogs, the ones that are nice to read are ones that have pictures right? So the next card or announcement I send out, will definitely be a little more personal. Make sure if you get one from me, you stick it on your fridge yea?

Edutainment Software Mia's Reading Adventures: The Bugaboo Bugs!

Some of you may know that I do pre-school homeschooling. I don't really follow a set of syllabus. I do a lot of reading to my children and also whatever workbooks I managed to get from book sales. Usually I follow the syllabus from the workbooks. Can't go much wrong there. I also look for educational activities on the internet, especially on topics that my children are interested in. There are also interactive websites such as Starfall.com and Iknowthat.com that my children enjoy playing. Another teaching tool I use are educational softwares. To date the software most enjoyed are the Jumpstart ones.



Now there's are new edutainment software called Mia Reading: The Bugaboo Bugs!
"Edutainment" sounds like a good way to learn - education + entertainment. We all know children learn best when it's in the form of playing.



The Adventure
Basically the software is about a little mouse (the heroin of the adventure) trying to get rid of the Bugaboo Bugs from her house. Her family has lived there for generations and now, these Bugaboo Bugs put them in danger of being evicted. You see, these horrible bugs might cause the humans to call the exterminators and then, everyone including Mia, will be out on the street.

The Education
Target = 5-9 year olds (Perfect for my no.1 and 2)
The educational activities are integrated into the story.
The following is what your children will learn:

• associating images to words
• adverbs
• phonics
• rhymes
• spelling
• sentence structure
• vocabulary
• reading comprehension
• word recognition
• etc... etc...etc...

How difficult is it?
The software supports the school's curriculum from kindergarten to grade three. There are 12 reading and writing skills activities with 4 distinct levels of difficulty. So I guess you can say it is a progressive way to learn to read. Of course with all computer activities, children must be given a time limit. Educational software should be a supplementary teaching tool. It serves as a good break from mundane worksheets and boring homework.

To see screen shots of the game, visit this Kutoka's page.