Funkimama's Blog

Getting Organised - use accessories

2010-10-19T12:04:00.004+08:00

2010-06-15T15:44:00.008+08:00

Wondering what to do with all the baby items you no longer need as your little one grows? Why not go to the "Swap & High Tea Party" happening on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at the Press Room, 108 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong.

Organised by Mommy Modernista, Hong Kong's Premiere Mommy Social Boutique, this Swap & High Tea party will allow modern and hip mommies to swap their "barely-used" or "not-used-at-all" baby items whilst socialise with fellow mommies over tea and tasty canapes.

What's more, each mom will receive a free gift from funkimama.com as well as having the chance to win fabulous prizes.

For further information, please contact: olivia@mommymodernista.com.hk

Mommy modernista: http://www.mommymodernista.com.hk/

朋友常常說小朋友大得很快, 面對一大埋寶寶幼時用的物品例如玩具, 服飾等等, 不知應如何處理, 掉了又太浪費, 送給朋友又不是每個朋友都適用, 十分苦惱, 與其煩惱怎樣處理, 何不參加於本月29日由Mommy Modernista於香港荷理活道108號舉辦的換物下午茶會?

歡迎所有媽咪將一些仍保存得很好, 甚至還未使用過的寶寶衣服, 物品等, 帶到會場, 趁這機會跟其他媽媽交換, 一邊享受茶點, 一邊跟媽咪們交換心得, 實屬難得

另外, funkimama.com亦會送出免費禮品一份給每位媽咪, 除此之外, 媽咪們還有機會嬴取神秘禮物呢!

如想索取資料, 歡迎到以下網址:

http://www.mommymodernista.com.hk

或電郵至:

olivia@mommymondernista.com.hk

We are in the news!

2010-06-11T13:17:00.005+08:00

Funkimama's bags are the MUST-HAVE BAGS for today's fashionable moms, according to Macau Daily Newspaper! Check out this article.

連澳門日報也專門報導, funkimama.com的媽咪袋是現今時尚媽咪最佳之選!

Clutch me, Mama!

2010-05-18T17:30:00.007+08:00

New stock available 1st June 2010. Order on-line today, free gift with purchase while stock last.

這美觀又時尚的小手挽袋, 可放入funkimama任何一款媽咪袋內作袋中袋, 亦可單獨使用, 配襯任何服飾也可, 現新一批補貨將在6月1日發售, 凡購買均可獲赠免費禮物乙份, 數量有限, 趕快行動吧!

Free gift with purchase

2010-05-07T17:19:00.005+08:00

This foldable shopping bag will be yours absolutely free with any purchase of funkimama products from our website. Take it along for shopping, swimming, park visits for instant extra storage.

Visit our on-line store today.

這個可摺疊起來的環保購物袋, 現凡於funkimama.com網上選購任何產品, 均可免費獲赠乙個, 無論帶去沙灘, 公園, 游泳或購物等, 都十分實用及方便

來我們funkimama的網址選購吧!

Bubble Couture

2010-04-13T12:04:00.007+08:00

Bubble Couture is a store that rocks! Specialising in bringing unique innovative products to you and your loved ones, Bubble Couture offers a wide variety of exclusive products for Hong Kong shoppers. Most of the products offered are limited in quantity to guarantee exclusivity and unique pieces for your babies.

What's more, Bubble Couture is joining the funkimama revolution - our products will be available for sale at Bubble Couture.

Come join the fun at their launch party on 24th April 2010 at their showroom in Kowloon Bay. You will receive a 10% off all items! This launch party is open to all and those lucky ones may win fabulous prizes. Check out details on this invite for further details:

Bubble Couture:

7A Kader Building, 22 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay

http://www.bubblecouture.com/

如想找一間能提供多種類或多款式的嬰兒, 小孩及媽咪用品的公司, Bubble Couture是一個最佳選擇, 他們的產品種類多, 但很多都是限量發售, 售完即止的, 這樣, 能令寶寶所穿的或所用的都是獨特產品

而現在, funkimama的產品在Bubble Couture也能找到了, 於4月24日前往Bubble Couture設於九龍灣的銷售點, 除了可獲九折優惠外, 還有豐富禮品赠送, 送完即止, 還等什麼, 行動吧!

For Shoppers in Discovery Bay and Central

2010-03-31T15:32:00.007+08:00

Togs Unlimited specialises in stocking high quality infant and kidswear from major US & European retailers at excellent prices.

Their stores are comfortably laid out, with lots of selection for all seasons. What's more Togs are very kid/baby friendly with their in-store play, changing and nursing areas. Making lives of us busy mommies a whole lot easier!

For your convenience, selected funkimama products are now available in both Togs' Central and Discovery Bay stores!

Togs Unlimited: Tel: 2333 7525

如閣下想買一些高品質的嬰兒及兒童服飾的話, Togs Unlimited是一個不能錯過的好地方, 她們的店舖存放了很多專門出口歐美的嬰兒及兒童服飾, 品質絕對有一定的保證, 而且價錢十分合理, 貨品種類亦十分多元化, 不同季節也可同時選擇

而現在, funkimama的產品亦可在Togs設於中環和愉景灣的店舖內有售, 十分方便呢!

電話: 2333 7525

Funkimama has arrived in Macau!

2010-03-25T20:38:00.007+08:00

Our fans in Macau can now purchase our products in Babyland Macau, a baby and parent boutique with lots of trendy products to choose from. There is also a professional photographic studio within the store for those parents who want to join the fun and capture their precious moments with their little ones.

Babyland Macau: Rua do Padre Antonio Roliz, No. 10 Sam Seng R/C-D, Macau

Phone: +853 2855 3268

各位澳門的funkimama會員, 現在可以於位於澳門的"小天地"買到我們的產品呀! Babyland Macau是一間專賣媽咪及嬰兒用品的商店, 而且, 他們還有一個專業影樓, 可為各位父母及小寶寶拍攝一輯令人難忘及充滿樂趣的相片

Babyland Macau地址: 澳門羅神父街10號森成閣地下D鋪

電話: 852 2855 3268

Capturing Precious Moments - Fancy World Studio

2010-03-16T12:04:00.006+08:00

A new photo studio focusing on pregnancy, baby & family photography will be opened 10th April 2010. Fancy World Studio will be located at 15th Floor, 151 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.

Within the 1,500 sq ft studio area will be options of either plain backgrounds or backgrounds with Disney themes.

Prices range are HK$1,200 - HK$4,800, with packages such as framed photos, photo-books and CD-Rom.

Grand opening is scheduled for 10th April 2010.

Funkimama's members will receive a complimentary photo session.

Stay tuned for further details.

Fancy World Studio是一間專為懷孕媽媽, 小寶寶及家庭提供專業拍攝服務的影樓, 而他們在2010年4月10日已正式在上環為各位投入服務, 1,500呎的影樓坐落於上環荷李活道151號15樓全層, 影樓內設有不同背景, 一些廸士尼卡通人物背景也可選擇, 十分多元化, 而價錢由HK$1,200-$4,800已包括相簿, 相片連畫架, CD磁碟片等 funkimama的會員另外都會收到一些額外會員資訊的

Do your Pelvic Floor Exercise daily

2010-03-02T15:46:00.012+08:00

Pelvic floor exercise is not only a useful exercise to do during pregnancy but also equally afterwards. In fact, anyone should make it a habit to do some pelvic floor exercise regularly.

The pelvic floor is a large group of muscles stretching from side to side across the floor of the pelvis. The openings from your bladder, your bowels and your womb all pass through your pelvic floor.

Natural ageing, pregnancy and childbirth are some of the main causes for a weakened pelvic floor. A strong pelvic floor helps support your abdomen organs, and prevents incontinence.

How do I do my pelvic floor exercise?

Contract your back passage, vagina and front passage and lift up inside as if trying to stop passing urine and hold the muscles strong and tight as you count to 8 then let go and relax. Repeat this set for up to 3 times with a little rest in between each set. This exercise may be done on a daily basis. You may do this exercise lying down, sitting or standing. Once you get the hang of it, there is nothing simpler and the beauty is you can do this exercise virtually anywhere anytime. While watching TV, changing your baby, commuting, during meetings!

As a safety measure, consult a your doctor before you engage yourself in any form of exercise.

photo courtesy of wmliu

盤骨對我們人體來說, 是不可忽視的一個身體支撐部份, 要加強盤骨的健康, 我們就須要做一些運動來加強它, 其實, 盤骨運動除了可令懷孕媽媽容易生產外, 其實對生產過後的媽咪亦有很大的幫助, 一些針對骨盤的伸展動作, 可幫助腹腔內的器官打開, 例如:膀胱, 腸道, 子宮等; 對防止失禁, 強化身體器官都十分有幫助, 而且動作簡單, 無論任何時候在家中都可進行, 十分方便但為安全, 大家不妨先咨詢家庭醫生, 了解清楚自己的身體狀況才進行, 那就事半功倍

Baby Yoga

2010-02-10T14:05:00.014+08:00

Mom and baby yoga classes provide a relaxed enviornment for you to regain strength, flexibility and a renewed sense of calm, through post natal stretches and relaxation techniques.

The Yoga Room offers "Baby and Mom Yoga" classes every tuesday at 10am. The class is an hour long and is suitable for babies from 8 weeks up to crawling and is an enjoyable way to interact with other moms and foster a deeper connection with your baby, whilst enhancing their development.

Classes are HK$150 drop in or HK$1,200 for a packet of 10 classes.

For further information, contact The Yoga Room, Tel: 2544 8398 or Email: info@yogaroomhk.com

Photo Courtesy of Blue Bamboo Yoga

Personalised Lunch Bag

2010-01-28T16:00:00.001+08:00

Yoga for All Stages in Life

2009-12-14T15:04:00.014+08:00

If you are someone who enjoys practicing Yoga in a cozy and personal environment under the guidance of fully certified teachers, then the Yoga Room is the place to be. The Yoga Room located in Sheung Wan is a boutique yoga studio offering a variety of classes to help you keep your body and mind fit. Whether it is pilates, kundalini, pre-natal, hatha, yin-yang or kids yoga, there is something for everyone.

Yoga is a form of exercise, meditation, and breathing practices with Indian roots designed to bring unity to the mind, body, and spirit. At the Yoga Room classes are small and personal where you will get the individual attention you need from the instructors. All their teachers are certified through recognized institutions in adults, kids and prenatal yoga.

Kids Yoga

The Yoga Room offers ‘Yoga Kids’ from ages 3 and up. It is taught by Hema Aswani, a certified Hatha yoga teacher and a ‘Yoga Kids’ teacher. YogaKids was developed by Marsha Wenig and has been introduced in over 23 countries. It uses Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence which is based on 8 types of intelligence to make learning easier and with a better chance of retention. These 8 types of intelligences have been expanded to 14 Yoga Kids Elements. One pose can teach the elements such as anatomy, math, peace, music, and echo earth all at once.

The benefits of yoga for children are endless. They gain the same physical benefits adults do by offering strength, flexibility and coordination. It also enhances their self-awareness. Children who practice yoga learn early on tune into their bodies. Self esteem is bolstered as the children gain control over their bodies and minds. Yoga for kids enhances their imagination and empathy. Children are asked to strike poses from nature such as snake, tree and are asked to imagine what it would be like to be those life forms. In this way, children learn early on to connect with all the life on the planet and learn more on their surroundings. Children also have fun and move their bodies in a non-competitive environment and can learn ways to relax and get control of stress in their lives. A child worried about a test, for instance, might use the meditation or breathing techniques of yoga to help her calm down and focus.

Prenatal

Prenatal yoga is an ideal preparation for labour and birth. Prenatal yoga helps improve in a calm and mindful way the ability to breath, relax and adjust to the physical demands of labour, birth and motherhood. You can start attending prenatal classes as early in your pregnancy as you like as long as you are feeling well and your doctor has given you the approval for physical activity.

Yoga Room's prenatal teachers Diane King and Maria Wong are both certified in Hatha Yoga and Prenatal.

The Yoga Room also offers Mom and baby yoga classes which provide an opportunity for you to regain strength and flexibility through post natal stretches, to bond with your baby in an enjoyable activity whilst enhancing their development and to interact with other moms. This class is suitable from 6 weeks to crawling.

For further information on rates and schedules: visit http://www.yogaroomhk.com/

3/F Xiu Ping Commercial Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, HK

Print-a-photo Bags - The Perfect Christmas Gfits

2009-12-09T17:28:00.008+08:00

Organise your Christmas presents on-line this year from funkimama's website. We offer ultra special Print-a-photo bags for you to capture those special memories onto lunch bags, backpacks and shoulder bags.

Send us a photo by email: info@funkimama.com of your favourite place, persons, image, pet, occasion, and we will print it onto a bag for you.

Adding a text message onto the photo is complimentary.

Ready within 14 days. We deliver to your door step.

For further details, click here.

在今個聖誕, 大家不妨來funkimama的網頁, 我們為你們設計了一系列的相片袋, 包括有午餐袋, 背包及手挽袋等, 用作做聖誕禮物, 就最好不過

相片可電郵到我們的網址: info@funkimama.com 相片可以是你最喜歡的人, 景, 寵物等等的

如想在相片上加上一些特別語句也可以呢!

只需14天, 我們便可為你送上, 想知更多資料, 可按這裡

Getting really personal

2009-11-05T21:46:00.003+08:00

Our ever expanding personalised gifts section gets better all the time. Be sure to visit and re-visit often to check out all our latest offers! 我們正不停加添個人專屬的產品及其他優惠, 大家記得多些瀏覽我們funkimama.com的網頁呀!!!!

A bunch of joy for the new moms

2009-10-16T17:06:00.011+08:00

Are you looking for that something ultra-special to offer to your friends who have just had a baby? Well funkimama has just the right gift for you. Packaged in a beautiful pink & white theme bouquet are 6 mulsins made with 100% cotton. In addition, these muslins are personalised with the new baby's name to make it special for the little one.

The whole bouquet is nested nicely inside a re-usable woven basket, which can be used to keep all of baby's muslins nice and tidy.

Click here to order now. Go on, she deserves it for all that hard work bearing and giving birth a child.

大家是否希望可以送一份別出心裁的禮物給剛剛榮升做媽咪的朋友呢? funkimama這款禮物就是最好選擇, 這漂亮的花籃是用了6條100%純棉嬰兒圍巾, 再加上粉紅色的絲花做裝飾組合而成, 最特別之處是, 每條圍巾還可繡上寶寶的個人名字, 令其更加獨特, 而花籃亦可循環再用, 十分環保

按下這裡訂購吧, 生兒育女這般偉大的使命, 她是值得擁有這份窩心的禮物呵!

The terrible 2s

2009-09-08T14:27:00.006+08:00

Are you constantly finding yourself getting stressed out trying to get your toddler to sit still, eat, get in or out of the bath? Funkimama was, until she adopts the principles of Jo Frost, a British nanny and the central figure of the reality television programme Supernanny.

"Darling, in 5 minutes, we will put away the toys and go to take a bath", funkimama declares clearly. She finds that letting her toddler know what he is going to be doing in the next 5 minutes has help him become more co-operative when it comes to switching activities. She has also adopted the "Naughty Step" idea and it work wonders too. Of course, there are still tears and resistance, but overall funkimama's toddler is now a lot more willing to co-operate than before, saving funkimama energy to enjoy her time with her son rather than getting stressed out.

For those parents looking for ideas on how to get the most out of your children, funkimama recommends trying Supernanny.

大家有否覺得, 要小寶寶坐好, 定定地進餐, 叫他去洗澡還是因洗太久要抹身等等, 都頗為令人沮喪, 他們彷彿要跟你作對, 專唱反調, funkimama的小寶寶就是這樣, 令她相當洩氣, 於是她嘗試照着超級褓母節目裡的照顧嬰兒專家Jo Frost的一些例子, 跟着去做, 發覺又可行呢!

例如, funkimama嘗試同寶寶話, 玩多5分鐘我們就要一起收拾玩具然後洗澡, 有了這時間上的準備, 寶寶果然非常合作, 雖然, 你會說寶寶還未知時間的概念, 但讓他有個心理準備, 知道他將要做什麼, 總比一下子就要改變或停止他之前的活動, 效果好很多, 而在改善行為舉止上, funkimama亦跟這專家的指示, 發覺真的有效, 雖然, 在過程上還是會有被打敗的感覺, 但總體上, 小寶寶真的有顯著改變, 比以往合作聽教得多

大家如果都想知多些怎樣教你的小朋友的話, funkimama提議參考"supernanny"

Yoga for mums - how to look good and feel good

2009-04-29T10:20:00.009+08:00

Mia enjoying a great yoga session with her son, Dieter

Becoming a full time Mum does not mean giving up looking good and feeling great. Before during and after the birth of your baby, it is important to try and keep a regular exercise program, this not only enables you to withstand the physical and emotional rollercoaster of giving birth but also helps in a faster recovery and later on, the energy to keep up with your energetic infant/toddler!

Yoga is a wonderful practise which you can do throughout all stages of Motherhood. Pre-natal Yoga helps maintain fitness throughout your pregnancy while also encouraging breathing techniques helpful in labour. You can start Pre-natal Yoga at any level of fitness and as gentle or as vigorous as your body (and doctor) will permit. The meditation following the exercise also allows some quiet time for both you and your unborn baby to bond.

After the birth, you can resume your Yoga practise 6-8 weeks after delivery with the go ahead from your Doctor. Not only does it help you get back into shape but it also helps balance hormones, reduce stress levels and give you that much needed time out that you deserve. If getting back to a regular class sounds daunting, try Mummy and baby Yoga. It's a great way to gently introduce both you and baby into a Yoga practise while also meeting other Mummy and babies. You will find that there are some weeks where even doing a simple task seems impossible let alone going to a Yoga class. Don't let this deter you. Roll out your Yoga mat in the living room or hallway and start a home practise. Even a few minutes a day will bring some balance to your mind, body and spirit.

Before you know, your little bundle of joy will not be quite so little anymore and will be rolling, crawling or walking. Let your infant become part of your home practise. Become a tunnel in Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and let them crawl under you. Really feel the challenge of Tree pose (Vrkasana) when your toddler tries to push you over. Before you know it, your toddler will mimic the poses and will want to learn more. Not only will you benefit from a home practise but your child will also start to learn about the importance of exercise at an early age.

While it is important to have a home practise, try to go to a class as regularly as possible for that 60 to 90 minutes of time to dedicate to yourself. If possible, two classes per week is recommended for maximum benefit. There is such a variety of different styles of Yoga, if you don't like one, try another. Styles vary from the classic Hatha to powerful Ashtanga to the precise Iyengar or jump into the hot room with Bikram Yoga. If you love the class and the instructor, you will be sure to return to the next class.

If practised regularly, Yoga will not only increase strength, flexibility and balance to the body it will reduce stress, balance hormones, increase energy levels, concentration and focus.

The above article was written by our guest writer Mia Bartholomaeus - a superfit Mother of two beautiful children aged 4 and 2. She has been practising Yoga since 1999 under some wonderful instructors in Ireland, Australia and Hong Kong. After practising various styles such as Ashtanga and Iyengar as well as Pre-Natal Yoga, it led her to complete a Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in Hatha Yoga in 2008. She teaches private Hatha Yoga classes with a focus on the individual needs of the student (both physical and emotional) as well as group classes for the Pilates / Yoga studio, "Embody" in Discovery Bay. She is also a guest instructor for Lululemon's Causeway Bay workshop.

Contact Mia Batholomaeus at 9388 7824 or email: miavisser@hotmail.com

就算要作為一個全職媽咪, 也不代表要放棄自己的外表和感覺, 在生產寶寶前或之後, 都要定時進行一些有益身心的運動, 這除了可令生產後加快生理及心理迅速復完之外, 還可讓你更有能量地應付總是活力充沛及無時停的小寶寶呢

瑜珈對每一個階段的媽媽來說都是一項不錯的運動, 產前瑜珈對懷孕期間的媽媽, 可令她們保持體態結實及可以學習一些呼吸技巧, 對生產十分有用, 無論妳已懷孕多久都可以參與這產前運動, 而且, 還可以藉以跟小寶寶在寧靜舒適的環境下放鬆一下心情, 但大前提當然要注意自己身體狀況或可先向醫生查詢自己是否適合吧

在生產6-8星期後, 如得到醫生允許, 都可以再次進行瑜珈運動, 除了可幫助修身外, 還可幫助大家平衡荷爾蒙, 減去壓力等, 自己一個人進行, 似乎孤獨點, 而這次, 可以加入和妳的小寶寶一起, 嘗試一些專為媽媽及寶寶一起而設的瑜珈課程, 同時, 還可跟其他媽媽們交換心得呢! 可能有些媽媽會覺得要照顧寶寶何來再抽時間往瑜珈中心呢? 千萬不要為了這原因而阻礙妳, 盡量利用家中的客廳或迴廊進行吧, 即使是每日短短的數分鐘也可平衡得到妳的身體, 精神以及元氣

有很多時候, 小寶寶都不會有耐性靜靜地看着媽咪做瑜珈運動, 他們可能會在妳身前走動, 務求引妳注意, 何不讓小寶寶加入成為妳進行瑜珈姿勢的一部份? 例如當做"下狗式"時, 彎起的身體就似隧道一樣可讓小寶寶穿過, 通過其他的姿勢, 亦可引起小寶寶的興趣跟妳一起做呢, 這樣除可讓妳保持身心平衡外, 還可從小培養小寶寶對做運動的興趣和習慣是非常重要的

如可以的話, 盡量抽時間定期往瑜珈中心進行60-90分鐘的練習, 提議一星期2次, 定期的練習除了可讓妳增加柔軟度, 體能及平衡身心外, 還可減壓, 平衡荷爾蒙, 加強專注力和集中力呢!

English childrens & cook books at great value

2009-04-29T09:19:00.002+08:00

If you remember, about a month ago we introduced our readers to Fun to read a specialist book supplier in childrens and cook books at amazing value.

We have news again - Fun to Read are having another road show at Vicwood Plaza (MTR - Sheung Wan Exit E), from 27 April - 30 April (Tue-Fri) 11am-8pm

Contact: Raymond Wong at +852 3105 3588

or email: raymond@funtoread.com.hk

Have fun reading!

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T11:21:00.012+08:00

Let us celebrate and participate in this 39th year of Earth Day today. Do your share in caring for this earth we all live in, show your peers and children how you can look after the earth. Here are a number of ways in which we can all participate:

1 Replace your light bulbs with energy star bulbs. This simple step can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds per year.

2 Plant a tree. Trees are Mother Nature's all-in-one air conditioner and heater.

3 Celebrate Earth Day with your friends and family, generating awareness and educate the next generation.

4 Buy local, organic food. Buying organic saves the Earth because you aren't adding harmful chemicals into our eco-system (not to mention they aren't going into your body). Read funkimama's article on a list of organic food suppliers in Hong Kong here.

5 Ride an Optibike. According to the Earth Day web site, by the year 2030 the world will consume 47% more oil than it did in 2003.

6 Use natural, non-chemical based cleaning agents for general cleaning. Funkimama previously wrote about natural cleaning alternatives, click here to find out more.

Above information courtesy of Environmental News Network. Full article available here.

世界地球日已經踏入第39年了, 大家有沒有參與慶祝呢? 有否跟閣下的小朋友及好朋友分享一下怎樣保護及愛惜大家所住的地球呢? 其實想保護我們這個地球, 方法很簡單, 以下有幾個提議, 大家不妨一齊參與:

1. 以慳電燈泡代替傳統的燈泡 - 這樣簡單的步驟就可以每年減少400磅碳的產生

2. 種植樹木 - 要知道綠化植物是有效地調節溫度和濕度呢

3. 跟家人和朋友慶祝世界地球日, 讓大家有所警惕及知識教育我們的下一代

4. 購買本地有機食品 - 有機食物可避免我們的土地及整個生態系統受化學物品破壞, 不用多說對我們身體會有什麼影響了, 如果想知有關本地有機產品資料, 可瀏覽funkimama之前有介紹過的有機產品供應商的資料呢

5. 改用自行車 - 根據世界地球日網站資料顯示, 到2030年時, 耗油量會比2003年消耗多47%以上

6. 用純天然, 不含化學劑的方法去清潔家居, funkimama亦曾分享過一些心得, 大家不妨來這裡參考一下

以上資料是由環境資訊網站為大家所提供,大家不妨去瀏覽一下他們的網址

Baking & Kitchenware - Hong Kong

2009-04-09T13:27:00.014+08:00

For those of us who have a passion for cooking, this is the shop you must know about. Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, Kam Lee Steel Products & Engineering Ltd is a no-nonsense cookware store specialises in the supply of professional baking and cookware in metal, having years of experience in supplying to local restaurants and professional food making businesses.

Their Sheung Wan retail store stocks some great quality baking ware ranging from moulds for muffin, tartlet, cake, bread , baking trays, pots & pans, teapots and tea filters, cookie cutters, cake baking accessories, you name it they have it, all at very attractive wholesale prices. For example, funkimama managed to find round tartlet moulds in metal for HK$1 each!

As the store is so very packed with lots of products, you do need take time to look for things you want. The owners are very knowledgeable and can provide advice as to usage and care of their utensils upon request.

Here is a map for those who need it.

Address: Kam Lee Steel Products & Engineering Products Ltd, Shop C4-C5, Ground Floor, 60-62 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Call: 2543 8921, or 2543 8627 for details.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm, Closed on Sundays.

對熱愛烹飪的你, 這間位於上環中心地帶的鋼鐵用品公司你一定要知曉, 他們專賣煮食用具及模具, 一些大酒樓和高級餐廳都會跟他們訂購, 而且他們所賣的用具種類頗多, 只要你想得出的, 他們很大機會都可提供, 價錢亦十分合理, 就以funkimama為例, 在那兒找到一直想要找的製撻器皿, 都只是$1一個

由於店舖所賣的種類繁多, 你或要用些少時間找你想要的東西, 不過, 店舖負責人都很樂意為你提供服務, 而且他們對各種用具或器皿的使用和保養知識都十分熟識, 如閣下有什麼問題, 他們也很樂於為大家解答

大家不妨跟以上地圖去尋一尋寶吧!

Why Toddlers don't do what they're told?

2009-03-26T10:53:00.013+08:00

Funkimama now knows why her toddler doesn't listen to what he's told - well actually he does! He's just not using it immediately but choose to store this information for future use. Intrigued? Here's an article from Live Science to tell you more:

Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told
Posted: 24 Mar 2009

Are you listening to me? Didn't I just tell you to get your coat? Helloooo! It's cold out there... So goes many a conversation between parent and toddler. It seems everything you tell them either falls on deaf ears or goes in one ear and out the other. But that's not how it works. Toddlers listen, they just store the information for later use, a new study finds.

"I went into this study expecting a completely different set of findings," said psychology professor Yuko Munakata at the University of Colorado at Boulder. "There is a lot of work in the field of cognitive development that focuses on how kids are basically little versions of adults trying to do the same things adults do, but they're just not as good at it yet. What we show here is they are doing something completely different."

Munakata and colleagues used a computer game and a setup that measures the diameter of the pupil of the eye to determine the mental effort of the child to study the cognitive abilities of 3-and-a-half-year-olds and 8-year-olds.

The game involved teaching children simple rules about two cartoon characters — Blue from Blue's Clues and SpongeBob SquarePants — and their preferences for different objects. The children were told that Blue likes watermelon, so they were to press the happy face on the computer screen only when they saw Blue followed by a watermelon. When SpongeBob appeared, they were to press the sad face on the screen.

"The older kids found this sequence easy, because they can anticipate the answer before the object appears," said doctoral student Christopher Chatham, who participated in the study. "But preschoolers fail to anticipate in this way. Instead, they slow down and exert mental effort after being presented with the watermelon, as if they're thinking back to the character they had seen only after the fact."

The pupil measurements showed that 3-year-olds neither plan for the future nor live completely in the present. Instead, they call up the past as they need it.

"For example, let's say it's cold outside and you tell your 3-year-old to go get his jacket out of his bedroom and get ready to go outside," Chatham explained. "You might expect the child to plan for the future, think 'OK it's cold outside so the jacket will keep me warm.' But what we suggest is that this isn't what goes on in a 3-year-old's brain. Rather, they run outside, discover that it is cold, and then retrieve the memory of where their jacket is, and then they go get it."

The findings are detailed this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Munakata figures the results might help with real situations.

"If you just repeat something again and again that requires your young child to prepare for something in advance, that is not likely to be effective," Munakata said. "What would be more effective would be to somehow try to trigger this reactive function. So don't do something that requires them to plan ahead in their mind, but rather try to highlight the conflict that they are going to face. Perhaps you could say something like 'I know you don't want to take your coat now, but when you're standing in the yard shivering later, remember that you can get your coat from your bedroom."

article courtesy of Live Science

"你有沒有聽到我叫你拿外套穿呀? 喂喂! 外面很涼呀....." 以上類似媽媽跟小寶寶之間的對話相信大家都試過, 就好似你所講的每一個指示, 小寶寶總是好像完全聽不明, 甚至是左耳入右耳出呢? 其實並不如表面所想的, 小寶寶是明白的, 只不過他們不會立即跟指示做, 而是儲存在小腦子內稍後運用, 現在funkimama明白為何她的小寶寶總是不會跟自己的指示做了就以上每個家長都有類似的問題, 科羅拉多大學心理學教授-Yuko Munakata就作出了研究與測試, 詳細的資料及內容, 可瀏覽他們的網址http://www.livescience.com/

Infant / Child Safety

2009-03-25T12:45:00.015+08:00

Funkimama has read a very sad piece of news yesterday about an 18-month old baby boy found dead from strangulation by a curtain cord at home in Hong Kong. It was reported that the baby was discovered unconcious by his carer, who was at the time cooking a meal while leaving the infant unattended. Both parents were away from home at the time.

This has given Funkimama a strong wish to share the importance of infant / child safety with fellow parents and carers.

Here is a booklet titled The Safe Nursery published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission with very detailed tips on what parents and carers should watch out for with regard to infant safety. Safety tips provided in this booklet are not only for infant products but there is also a section with tips on general household safety.

If you are a working parent and your children spend the majority of the day with a carer, do ensure your carer is aware of the potential hazards and how to prevent injuries from occuring. Afterall, it is better safe than sorry.

funkimama在咋天的報章上看見一則令人傷感的新聞報導, 就是有一個18個月大的小朋友被家中的窗簾布繩索勒死了, 他的父母當時外出上班, 平常都是交由工人照顧, 而今次剛巧工人正忙著在煮飯, 只有小朋友獨個兒在客廳中玩耍, 在沒有任何成年人看顧下, 意外就發生了

這事令funkimama有很深刻的沖擊, 而且很希望可以在此和各位父母或照顧者分享一些有關嬰兒/兒童安全資訊

這裡有一本由美國安全產品委員會出版的小冊子 - The Safe Nursery, 詳細記錄及教導父母或看顧者應怎樣注意兒童安全問題, 避免意外發生, 而這本安全小貼士並不是只針對兒童方面, 它還教導一些日常生活家居安全小貼士呢

如閣下是上班一族, 而寶寶通常都是托他人照顧的話, 請務必確定所托之人是會注意並懂得避免那些潛在危險的事件發生

事前注重總好過事後後悔吧!

It's fun to read

2009-03-24T10:26:00.013+08:00

It is indeed fun to read. And it will probably be more fun to read if parents can make savings by purchasing brand new English books at an attractive discount!

Fun to Read specialises in childrens and cook books in the English language. By importing directly from overseas publishers (UK, US & Australia), Fun to Read are able to offer all items at extremely keen prices to benefit their direct customers.

You may purchase from their warehouse in Kwun Tong (prior appointments necessary, see details & map here), or if Kwun Tong is a bit too much of a hike for you, follow their book fair road shows. Funkimama summarises below a couple of upcoming road shows in Hong Kong shopping malls:

1) Olympian City Phase I - Central Atrium, U/G (MTR - Olympic Station), 24-29 March (Tue-Sun) 11am-9pm

2) Vicwood Plaza (MTR - Sheung Wan Exit E), 31 March - 3 April (Tue-Fri) 11am-8pm

Contact: Raymond Wong at +852 3105 3588 or email: raymond@funtoread.com.hk

Have fun reading!

Fun to Read 這間網上書店, 現正舉行折扣優惠, 務求令各家長更有樂趣地選購心儀的英文書籍給自己或小寶寶閱讀

這書店專門出售英文兒童圖書及烹飪書籍, 而且全是從外國入口的, 包括英國, 美國及澳洲, 所有產品, Fun to Read都會以絕對優惠的價錢來優惠他們的顧客

其實, 你可到他們位於觀塘的公司購買, 不過要先跟他們預約, 地址及資料如上, 如果覺得觀塘對你來說不大方便的話, funkimama提議你可選擇他們以下的流動售賣點:

1) 奧海城1期商場 - 地下中庭商場 (港鐡奧海城站) , 日期: 3月24-29日 (星期二至日), 時間: 早上11時至晚上九時

2) 維德廣場 - 港鐡上環站E出口, 日期: 3月31日- 4月3日(星期二至五), 時間: 早上11時至晚上8時

聯絡人: Raymond Wong - 3105 3588, 電郵: raymond@funtoread.com.hk

Personalised Birthday Cakes - where to find?

2009-03-19T11:00:00.026+08:00

Organising a birthday party for your loved ones?

Looking for a cake that gives that "WOW" effect to everyone who sees it?

Or looking for a wedding cake that's classy and personal?

Funkimama is a great fan of all things creative and personalised, therefore she is also a great fan of Nina's Cake.

Offering genuine home-baked cakes with a twist, Nina will bake just the cake you dream about. Be it a 3-D train, a swimming pool filled with friends and cool drinks, a barn filled with your kid's favourite animals, or a wedding cake to mark your "once-in-a-lifetime" moment ..... you give the idea , Nina will turn this into a "super WOW" cake which is also really tasty too! Prices are totally reasonable and delivery service is available.

Contact Nina: +852 2987 5217 or email: e3kan@netvigator.com

想為摰愛安排一個生日派對? 想找一個與眾不同的旦糕, 待每個人看見都會發出驚嘆聲? 甚至乎想找一個既典雅又獨特的個人結婚旦糕? funkimama平時就對一些創作新穎和專門為個人而設的產品特別有興趣, 而今次, Nina's Cake就成為她的特別推介! Nina的旦糕全是她親手製造, 只要是你想像得到的, 她都能為你一一做出, 無論是立體火車, 一個有人物, 有飲品的熱鬧游泳池, 一個有你寶貝喜歡的動物農莊, 或是你希望擁有一個獨特的結婚旦糕而為你人生最重要的日子留下難忘回憶, 只要你有任何構思, Nina最後都會為你做出一個令人驚嘆的作品, 不用擔心, 旦糕的味道也十分美味, 而且價錢合理, 還有送貨服務呢! 聯絡Nina可致電 2987 5217或電郵至 e3kan@netvigator.com

Survive & Strive in Hong Kong's Air Pollution - how?

2009-03-17T16:01:00.018+08:00

What are the effects of pollution to our health in this beloved cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong, and more importantly what can you do about it? Find out more from yet another great talk jointly organised by Naturezone this coming Saturday, 21 March 2009, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at 3/F Amtel Building, 144-148 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong.

Call +852 2543 8300 or send an email to info@naturezone.hk to reserve your seats or find out more.

香港受污染的問題日益嚴重, 究竟"污染"對我們有什麼影響呢? 而且我們對此又可以做些什麼呢? turezone在3月21日將舉行一個交流會, 就以上問題一一為大家解答, 日期為3月21日, 星期六, 時間: 下午2:30 - 5:30 於香港德輔道中144-148號, 安泰大廈3樓

名額有限, 請各位有興趣人士先行致電或電郵至以上網址留位

Natural Healing - Naturezone

2009-03-17T10:10:00.011+08:00

For those of us who are keen on learning about the latest trends of Natural Healing, Naturezone is co-hosting a free talk with Vibrant Health on Apitherapy on 19 March 2009, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at 1001 Tak Shing House, 20 Des Voeux Road Central. The speaker for this talk is Dr. Andreas Daugsch, a dedicated scientist on food chemistry and a PhD on Propolis and its chemical compositions and physicological properties.

At this talk, you can find out how green propolis can help in protecting us from environmental toxins, viral infections and cancer treatment.

Pre-registration is required and seats are limited, contact Vibrant Health at +852 2111 5181, info@vibranthealth.hk to book your seats or for further information.

Quality infant & toddlerwear at super value

2009-03-16T13:46:00.014+08:00

Looking for high quality infant and toddler wear from major UK & US retailers here in HK, yet don't want to break your wallets? Look no more, Togs Unlimited specialises in the retail & wholesale of quality samples & production over-runs of infant & kidswear direct from factories at very attractive prices. Their Central and Discovery Bay stores are totally clean and super well organised, mother and child friendly too.

Contact by phone: +852 2333 7525, or check out their website to find out more!

想在香港找到專營外國高品質的嬰兒或小朋友衣服的零售商嗎? 這間Togs是不錯的, 她們專門零售及批發這類既高品質又獨特的嬰兒衣飾, 而她們2間店舖均儲存了很多不同款式及不同品牌的嬰兒及小童衣服, 有些更是歐洲的大品牌, 而她們對產品的分類, 在系統上亦十分完善, 大家不妨瀏覽她們的網址及店舖地點再找多一點資料吧!

Calming music for you and your little ones

2009-03-14T10:34:00.027+08:00

Feeling like having a quiet moment, either for you and/or for your little ones? No problem, you can tune in to Solo Piano Radio, for some music to quiet your world.

Funkimama is a fan of this online radio station. Founded by pianist and composer David Nevue, this station offers high quality solo piano music from various piano artists whose music calms the mind and soothes the soul. Solo piano music is especially soothing for women during pregnancy, and it can help bring about a more tranquil and secure atmosphere for your babies too.

Listeners can tune in for free online directly from their website, or through the use an internet radio tuner such as itunes or window media player. In itunes, this radio station is categorised under "Classical".

Happy listening!

如妳想和妳的小寶寶享受一個安寧的空間, 平靜的世界, 不妨收聽一下這Solo Piano Radio網上音樂頻道, funkimama十分喜歡這個音樂頻道, 尤其這兒可找到她喜歡的鋼琴作曲家 - David Nevue, 除他以外, 還有很多不到世界各地的鋼琴演奏家, 聽聽他們高水準的個人鋼琴演奏, 絕對可撫慰平日緊張的思緒及心寧, 鋼琴音樂對平伏媽媽在懷孕期間所產生的緊張心情尤其有效, 而同時亦可帶給小寶寶一個既穩定又安全的氣氛呢! 妳可直接由他們的網站上收聽, 或可以經網上播放機的itunes/ window media player收聽, 如用itunes收聽的話, 他們的頻道是分類為"classical"

Take Yoga Anywhere with yogadownload.com

2009-03-13T13:28:00.017+08:00

Whilst it is important to care for our little ones as parents, it is equally important to make time to care for ourselves. Afterall, looking after a little one, with or without a job/business on top is in itself very demanding both in terms of energy and time. We need to ensure a healthy and balanced lifestyle, both mind and body.

A great way to unite your mind and body is by way of yoga practice. Funkimama takes at least 20 minutes from her daily schedule for her yoga exercise. Apart from enrolling in a class, you may also opt for great audio classes downloadable onto your computers and mp3s. A wide variety of yoga classes are downloadable from yogadownload.com. The 20-minute classes are free for dowloading, while you may purchase longer class of your choice. There are yoga classes of varying levels and styles to suit your needs and level of fitness. Pose guides are also readily downdloadable in PDF format as a handy reference.

Always consult your doctor prior to commencing any exercise at home, especially if you have not exercised for a while and/or if you are a complete beginner. Some yoga postures may require basic yoga knowledge. Be safe and enjoy the benefits of yoga! Happy yoga-ing!

作為父母, 注意力全集中在小寶寶身上是在所難免, 無論妳是全職媽咪還是需要工作的媽咪, 總覺得照顧小寶寶所需要的時間及精神實在不夠, 其實, 大家應該要懂得照顧自己, 取個平衡, 才是作為一個擁有健康身心的現代媽咪, 如想有效地令精神及身體達至一致的話, 可做一些瑜珈練習, funkimama 每天都會抽至少20分鐘時間做一些瑜珈運動, 除了親身上堂之外, 其實妳還可以在這個瑜珈網站下載一些練習, 他們提供了很多不同種類及程度的練習方法, 20分鐘的瑜珈課是可以免費下載的, 當然, 妳亦可以選購一些時間長一點的瑜珈課, 因應個人的需要而選擇, 在這網站內, 他們亦把動作及正確姿勢提供下載服務, 有時間不妨留意一下.

大前題是在家中自行做練習時要先詢問家庭醫生, 尤其是已有一段時間沒有做運動或初學者, 自己身體是否適合, 因有一些瑜珈動作是需要本身有有關這方面的知識才可進行的, 安全地享受一下瑜珈帶給大家的好處吧!

The Parents Journal is loving our products!

2009-03-04T12:47:00.007+08:00

Our stylish products have recently caught the eyes of Hong Kong's leading bi-lingual parenting magazine - The Parents Journal. Check out how they are loving our products in their March 2009 issue today!

連"育兒天地"這本有關媽咪及寶寶的暢銷雜誌亦被我們獨特的媽咪袋所吸引, 在今期3月刊內亦特別有一專欄介紹下我們funkimama.com的產品, 大家買來看看吧!

Organic Products in Hong Kong - List

2009-03-03T15:56:00.022+08:00

For those of us concerned about the side effects of large scale commercial farming. Here is a web-site with a list of organic product stores/farms available in Hong Kong (yes, finally someone has taken the time to compile this list - thanks!). Whilst you can buy air flown-in products from the big chains, you can also choose to buy locally produced fresh items from local organic farms, it's entirely your choice. Personally, funkimama prefers to buy local - they are fresher and the more we support them, the better they will be! Happy shopping! Photo courtesy of Organic Living Hong Kong

首先要多謝用了寶貴時間做以下資料集的朋友, 將全港現時那裡有種植有機蔬菜農場和售賣有機產品的商店都集中在這資料內, 要知道"有機產品"已經是我們時下最熱門的話題了! 其實除了可在大型連鎖式商店購買得到有機產品外, 您們還可以直接跟本地有機農場採購, 視乎您怎選擇, 在funkimama個人而言, 比較喜歡買本地自家的有機產品多些, 總覺得自家出產的是比較新鮮, 而且, 外國的月亮總不會比香港的圓吧!

祝購物愉快!

Feeding & Changing Diapers in Hong Kong

2009-03-03T15:56:00.020+08:00

Check out this great blog by fellow mom Mrs Ma, who offers useful tips on feeding & changing diapers in Hong Kong. Apart from great tips on feeding & changing, this blog also has links to a list of very useful baby/parenting sites worldwide.

What's more, Mrs Ma is also a designer of these lovable nursing covers. With poka dots, florals and leopard prints, there is bound to be something for everyone! These beautiful nursing covers will be launching at Elim Christian Bookstore in April. Check them out!

大家不妨去Funkimama的另一伙伴 - 馬太的網誌參觀一下, 她提供了很多有關育兒小貼士, 此外, 她還連繫了很多不同地方國家的嬰兒/父母資訊給各位媽咪們參考, 可說得上是一個育兒小百科網站, 而其實馬太同時亦是一位嬰兒餵哺圍巾的設計員, 她設計了很多可愛款式的嬰兒餵哺圍巾, 例如:圓點, 花的圖案, 豹紋等等隨妳個人選擇, 而這些漂亮的嬰兒餵哺圍巾亦將於4月份在Elim Christian Bookstore出售呢!

Natural Household Cleaning Alternatives

2009-03-01T14:36:00.004+08:00

Cleaning House - Bucket & Mop Originally uploaded by swgrlimited

As part of funkimama's continual efforts to doing her share for the environment, she has now replaced most commercial/chemical household cleaners with 2 things: vinegar & baking soda. These 2 products are simple, inexpensive, natural and safe to us and the environment.

Funkimama recommends using vinegar to clean kitchen table tops, toilet bowls, baths and sinks, as well as for a last quick rinse for vegetables! Always dilute vinegar with water before use. Vinegar has disinfecting properties and a 20-50% vinegar diluted in water is all that is needed.

Baking soda can be used to scour pots and pans, without doing damage to the surface. Funkimama soaks her baking trays in a dilution of baking soda overnight and it is so much easier to wash off those tough stains the day after. It is also a great deodoriser, sprinkle some in the bottom of the bin after every change and you will notice the difference.

Try these great alternatives, and let's do our part for the environment today! If any of you are already using vinegar and baking soda for household cleaning, share with our fellow readers by emailing us at info@funkimama.com.

Funkimama 繼續分享自家家居環保清潔小貼士 - 就是利用醋及蘇打粉來代替一些含有化學物質的商業清潔產品, 這兩種清潔原料都是既經濟又簡單, 對我們人體及環境都十分安全的天然用品, Funkimama首先將醋用水稀釋 (大約百分之20-50吧), 然後主要用來清潔廚房枱面, 浴室洗手盆, 浴缸, 甚至可以用在最後清洗過水的蔬菜上, 而同樣, 將蘇打粉稀釋後, 可用來洗擦廚具, 例如湯煲, 平底鑊等, 不會刮花物件表面呢! 而Funkimama亦會在水漕放一盆水, 待一晚過後, 所有頑固污漬都可以容易地擦去, 除此之外, 它還有一項很好的功能, 就是除臭, 試灑少許在垃圾箱內吧, 當你每次清除垃圾時便可知有多大分別了! 由今日開始, 為保護我們的環境做點事吧!

如各位其實已有運用醋及蘇打粉作家居清潔的話, 歡迎大家電郵給我們和大家一起分享閣下的心得! Funkimama的電郵地址是 info@funkimama.com

Omega 3 Booster - Easy Salmon Fillet Recipe

2009-02-23T17:41:00.015+08:00

As we all know, salmon as a fish contains large amounts of Omega-3 which is essential to a healthy brain function and strong joints. Salmon are even more beneficial to small children for their brain developments need. As this is a fatty fish, eating once per week is sufficient. For a small child, 2-3 table spoonfuls per meal is more than enough, accompanied by other foods. Here is a simple and delicious recipe for you to try:

Baked Salmon With Seedless Grapes (for 2 persons)

-Salmon Fillet x 2 pieces (approx. 200-225g each)

-Green/red seedless grapes x 20 pieces

-Black pepper and salt to taste

-Aluminium foil

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celcius. Place the fillets on top of a piece of aluminium foil, cut the grapes into halves and lay them on top and around the fillets, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper to finish. Cover this with another piece of foil and fold all 4 sides together securely. Then place the package inside the oven and bake at 200 degrees celcius for 15-20 minutes. This is then ready to serve.

The benefits of baking food covered is that all the goodness in food are retain and the juice from the grapes gets absorbed back into the salmon, making this a very nutritional and mouth-water dish for kids and adults alike.

三文魚含有高蛋白質及OMEGA-3脂肪酸，常吃對腦部機能和關節靈活性有很大幫助。小朋友多吃三文魚也可以幫助腦部發展。宜每星期吃一次，由於三文魚脂肪高，每次份量不用太多，小朋友每餐2-3湯匙可以。

今次健美媽媽介紹一個簡單，有營養而好味道的食譜給您：

提子局三文魚( 2人份量)

-三文魚扒 2片 (每片大概200-225克)

-提子大概20粒

-小許黑胡椒/食鹽

在一片錫紙上放上2片三文魚，把提子開雙飛放在魚上，加適量鹽和胡椒粉後再用另一片錫紙把全部食物蓋好接起4邊後放進已預先預熱的鋦爐用攝氏200度鋦15-20分鐘即可。用鋦爐可以把食物所有的營養保留，原汁原味。

The Natural Powers of Bay Leaf

2009-02-23T17:36:00.005+08:00

Bay Leaf, originally uploaded by becness1.

Apart from using this wonderful herb in your Spaghetti Bolognaise, do you know that by placing a few pieces of bay leaves where cockroaches frequent will keep them away. That's right, cockroaches do not like bay leafs, instead they run away from them.

月桂葉這種天然香草, 除了可加在肉醬意粉內使其更美味之外, 原來你只要放幾片月桂葉在平常蟑螂出沒的地方, 是可以把它趕走的呢, 真的呀, 原來蟑螂本身十分討厭月桂葉氣味, 對此它們會避之則吉呢!

Separation Anxiety

2009-02-23T17:29:00.003+08:00

Scared, originally uploaded by Finn Coleman.

Separation anxiety is a fear experienced by babies as young as nine months old and this can affect a child of up to 10 years of age. Until young children understands the concepts of "object permanence" and the passage of time, their fears of a loved one or a carer disappearing are indeed very real. As a working mother, funkimama used to experience separation anxiety with her little one every morning of the week as she left home for work. She used to just slip away while her little one was engaged in an activity or with a toy, which actually made matters worst. The best thing to do, according to experts is to let your child know that you are leaving and explain to him/her that you will be back later.

Remaining calm yet firm when faced with separation anxiety is important as young children can sense negative emotions and can be affected by it. One tried and tested method funkimama wishes to share with her fellow moms is this: Tell your child that you are going to work, leave home together with your child and the carer as you leave for work in the morning, let him/her say goodbye e.g. at the bus stop or in a nearby park. This change of environment helps funkimama's little one feel less left behind, as he gets to go out with mommy. It also gives mommy an extended, albeit short, time with her little one. Funkimama also finds it helpful to let her child know of his planned activities of the day first thing in the morning, e.g. "You are going to your playgroup today!" so that he knows what to look forward to. It has worked very well for funkimama, and it is certainly worth a try.

當父母要離家外出工作, 對無論是9個月大的小寶寶至到10歲的小朋友來說, 都是一個既害怕又焦慮的經驗, 在小朋友理解即使物件沒有出現在眼前但仍然存在的道理之前, 在這段時間, 他/她們對最愛的父母, 對照顧他/她們的保母, 突然不出現在他/她們眼前, 這種消失感是非常確實及害怕的, 作為一個需要工作的funkimama, 亦曾試過跟小寶寶在每天早上離別時有焦慮的情緒, 每次都是趁小寶寶在玩玩具或進行其他活動時偷偷地溜走, 但其實這樣做只會令情況更壞, 其實最好是令到小寶寶知道你有事需要離開一段時間, 告訴他/她你會稍後回到他/她身邊

最重要是媽媽要保持冷靜, 要知道小寶寶對於你的情緒反應, 是極之敏感的, 如你也出現焦慮的情緒, 他/她們是一定感覺得到的, 以下是funkimama嘗試過的成功經驗, 可作為媽媽們參考: 告訴小寶寶妳即將外出上班, 讓他/她及保母跟妳一齊出門口說再見, 例如在車站或附近的公園, 環境改變令funkimama的小寶寶對離別時所產生的焦慮大大降低, 因他知道他是跟媽媽一起出門嘛, 而同時, 媽媽亦可趁這短暫的路程而加長了和寶寶相處的時間, funkimama每天也會跟小寶寶說他今天會有甚麼活動, 例如, 他會知道當天會上幼兒遊戲班, 或是跟好朋友玩一玩, 這令他開心地期待每一天的到來, 對funkimama來說, 這肯定是非常成功及有效, 各位媽媽真的不妨一試!

Breast / Bottle Feeding - which is best?

2009-02-23T17:21:00.003+08:00

first bottle, originally uploaded by Stephie*.

If you find it too tiring to be exclusively breastfeeding your little one, try alternating feeds with bottle substitute. Either breast milk or formula is fine. This will also give daddy or any other family member a chance to bond with your little one. My baby has always been given alternative feeds and he has very little nipple confusion and is as contented as he has always been!

各位媽咪會否跟我一樣發覺只是餵哺小寶寶吃母乳, 有時真的很累, 很累? 又怕他/她將來習慣了媽媽的乳頭而不喜歡吃奶咀, 其實妳們可以嘗試用奶樽來互相交替的, 無論是母乳或是奶粉也可, 我就是用這個方法, 成功地令小寶寶接受這2種吃奶方式, 而他也分別不到呢!

Toddlers' Menu

2009-02-23T17:18:00.004+08:00

Tri-Color pasta, originally uploaded by DTufte.

As we all know, our little toddlers are more interested in playing than eating, and many of us find it a real challenge to get our toddlers to sit still in their high chairs come feeding times. Why not make meal times as much fun as play times - try offering pasta of varying shapes and colours. For example, Funkimama's toddler favours tri-colour spaghetti and shell pasta, accompanied by a tomato and minced meat sauce, steamed with a table spoon of olive oil. You can also throw in some skinned yellow and red bell peppers. Take the opportunity to teach your toddlers the different colours too, e.g. "Where is the piece of yellow bell pepper? Yes, that's right, here it is, let's see how it tastes like ..." This type of dish looks and tastes so fabulous your toddler will have very little difficulty eating it. Happy Feeding! 要令喜歡玩多於吃的小寶寶乖乖坐定定在椅子上進餐, 想必是對媽媽的一個大挑戰吧! 其實, 我們是可以將進餐環節變成遊戲的一部份, 媽媽可將食物切成不同形狀, 另加入不同顏色的蔬菜, 這便可把普通的食物變得更吸引了, 就像funkimama一樣, 她的小寶寶比較喜歡吃意粉類食物, 於是她便將幾種顏色和不同形狀的意粉, 配以蕃茄肉醬, 加一小匙橄欖油一拚蒸煮, 這樣, 便成功地令她的小寶寶安坐位中進餐了, 除此之外, 我們亦可以加入一些顏色豊富的青色, 黃色及紅色的甜辣椒, 這類食物營養高, 賣相又吸引, 小寶寶一定喜歡, 試試看!

This season's best selling items

2009-02-13T18:22:00.007+08:00

Funkimama's bags are topping the "Best Selling" items on ShopinHK's retail chart. Go on, give yourself a good excuse - go shop, shop and shop more! You deserve it! Funkimama媽咪袋系列在ShopinHK這個網上商店的銷售榜上成為最暢銷的產品, 媽媽們, 對自己好點, 獎勵一下自己吧, 你值得的!

Organic Wholemeal Bread

2009-02-13T17:24:00.026+08:00

Funkimama has recently perfected her recipe for making tasty and healthy organic wholemeal bread for her family. The beauty of this recipe is that it is free of preservatives and additions found in most commercially produced bread, and wholemeal flour adds vital nutrients to one’s daily dietary needs. Her young toddler absolutely loves it with a thin layer of honey spread on top for breakfast. This recipe also works for bread machines.

Here is the recipe to share with those who wish to try it out:

Organic Wholemeal Bread (Makes 1 Loaf of 750g)

Ingredients:

250g organic wholemeal strong bread flour

250g organic white strong bread flour

10g dry yeast

10g sea salt

10g unsalted margarine/butter

325ml lukewarm water (approx. 40°C)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 30°C.

2. In a measuring cup, measure the required quantity of water. Dissolve in it the yeast, stir well and let stand for 10 minutes, until it starts to flake.

3. In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt, then rub in the margarine/butter.

4. Make a well in the middle of this flour mix and slowly pour in the yeast mixture.

5. Mix into a ball of dough and tip this dough onto a clean and lightly floured table top, and start kneading the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. First prove: Place this dough back inside the mixing bowl and cover with lightly floured/greased cling film. Place the bowl inside the oven and let the yeast work for about 1-1.5 hour, or until the dough has at least doubled in size.

7. At the end of the first prove, remove the bowl from the oven and tip the dough back onto your table top. Knead, punch and fold the air out from the dough for about 1-2 minutes. At this stage you can consider adding extra ingredients into the dough if desired (e.g. wheatgerm, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds).

8. If you are adding seeds, be sure to chop up the larger size ones into smaller pieces and then lightly grill them to bring out the aroma. Sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds require no chopping as they are already small.

9. Second prove: Shape the dough into your desired shape and place it into the baking tin/tray in which you will be baking your bread, lightly coating the bottom and sides with a layer of flour. Cover once again with a lightly floured/greased cling film and let it prove for another 1-1.5 hour, or until the dough has again at least doubled in size.

10. At the end of the second prove, preheat the oven to 220°C, remove the cling film and bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes. It is important that you DO NOT SLAM THE OVEN DOOR so as to maintain maximum amount of air within the oven much needed for successful bread baking.

11. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack. You may enjoy the bread immediately or freeze it in a zip-lock bag to be enjoyed later.

(If organic/wholemeal is not a pre-requisite for you, this recipe works just as well by substituting the ingredients with non-organic plain bread flour. Always consult your family doctor/pediatrician prior to trying something new with your children if you are in doubt as to food allergy)

Funkimama 成功地為家人做出一個既好味又健康的有機全麥麵包, 其實網上亦有很多林林總總製作麵包的食譜, 大多是免費教授的, 而且簡單易明, 對於新手來說也不會太複雜, 而之所以選擇全麥麵包, 是因為全麥粉是一種營養價值十分高的食品, 能夠提供人體每天所需要的營養, 她的小寶寶尤其喜歡, 因funkimama會特別為他在麵包上塗上薄薄的一層蜜糖呢, 其實做法很簡單, 以下是一份簡單食譜, 各位可以不妨一試, 這做法用在麵包機也可:

有機全麥麵包 (一條750克)

有機全麥高筋麵粉 250 克

有機高筋麵粉 250 克

酵母粉 10 克

鹽 10 克

牛油 10 克

溫水 325 毫升

(如果你不喜歡用有機麵粉或不喜歡全麥口味, 你可改用普通麵粉代替在這食譜上, 其實媽媽們如不清楚小寶寶會否對某種食物敏感或抗拒的話, 可先詢問一下自己的家庭醫生或專門的兒科醫生, 他們定可提供一些專業意見給妳的)

製作方法:

1. 首先將焗爐以攝氏30度預熱

2. 將酵母粉放入溫水攪和均勻, 靜待10分鐘

3. 將兩種高筋麵粉放入一個大鋼盆或一個大玻璃碗內連同鹽一併混合攪拌, 然後再加入牛油揉合

4. 將已混合牛油的高筋麵粉中間位置撥開一個圓形小窩, 然後把已加入酵母粉的水由中間倒入, 再慢慢由內至外地混和

5. 將全麥麵團放在已略鋪上麵粉的工作枱上, 持續搓揉(打開, 對摺, 擠壓)至圓球形狀後,然後再揉搓5-10分鐘直至其不沾手及有彈性

6. 第一次發酵: 將麵團放回盆內, 蓋上保鮮膜, 在蓋上前要先塗薄薄一層牛油或麵粉在保鮮膜上, 然後放入之前已預熱攝氏30度的焗爐內發酵, 過程大約1-1.5小時, 或至少待它發酵至原來的2倍大

7. 當第一次發酵完成後, 將麵團由焗爐內拿出並倒回在工作桌上(同樣在工作桌上要先灑上少許麵粉), 跟着, 用手拍打麵團1-2分鐘, 作用是要排出麵團內的空氣, 與此同時, 你可加入一些額外的材料, 例如麥芽, 亞麻籽, 芝麻, 南瓜籽等, 如你想放合桃或果仁這些比較大粒的材料, 便要先將它切成小粒及烘一烘, 這樣比較香又好味

8. 第二次發酵: 將麵團隨你喜好的形狀放置在焗爐盤子上, 記得先在麵團四邊灑上薄薄一層麵粉, 然後再蓋上保鮮膜 (同樣, 保鮮膜要塗上一層薄薄的牛油或麵粉), 再發酵1-1.5小時或發酵至2倍大

9. 完成第二次發酵後, 將焗爐預熱至攝氏220度, 脫去保鮮膜及放入爐的中心位置烤焗25分鐘, 千萬不要用力地關上焗爐的門, 因用力過猛, 會使爐內的空氣擠出, 而在烤焗的過程中, 是需要有足夠的空氣來配合,所以要將門慢慢關上, 這樣你的麵包便會烤得更好味及鬆軟

10. 當烤焗完成後, 小心由爐中取出放在架子上乘涼, 你可立即嘗試你的作品或待麵包完全涼透後, 放入保鮮袋內, 然後再放入雪櫃保存

Comforting a crying little one .....

2008-08-24T18:18:00.000+08:00

Cry baby Originally uploaded by photosavvy

What makes a baby cry? Hunger? Needing diaper change? Unable to fall asleep? Illness? Or is it just a simple need for mami's attention? There is absolutely no harm in picking your baby up and giving him/her a gentle hug and rock in your arms. This will make him/her feel safe and secure. In fact, most babies love rhythmic motions, so try rocking or swaying him/her gently. You can also try playing some soothing music - funkimama has tried, and it did work wonders. 小寶寶無原因地哭, 我們應該怎做好? 但媽媽當然要先檢查清楚小寶寶哭的原因, 因小寶寶還未可以講出自己為何哭呢, 所以, 要看看小寶寶是否太熱? 肚子餓了? 小尿片濕了? 生病? 還是, 只是想媽媽注意他/她呢? 如果只是想媽媽注意的話, 妳可以先抱一抱他/她, 等他/她感覺安全和受到保護, 而大多數小寶寶都喜歡別人輕輕地搖晃, 妳或可以播放一些溫柔的童謠, 甚至, 媽媽可以一邊輕輕搖晃, 一邊哼着屬於妳們的歌曲, 小寶寶很快就不哭了!

Tips on preparations for a baby's bath

2008-08-16T17:31:00.000+08:00

Baby bathing, originally uploaded by almoko.

Before undressing your little darling, ensure you have everything handy for an enjoyable and uninterrupted bathing session. Make sure you have a clean towel or cuddle robe, baby bath, shampoo, basin, clothing, creams, cotton pads and diapers all ready. Closed the door and windows beforehand and check that the water temperature is comfortable. Water too hot or too cold can chill or burn your baby. Make sure you do not bath your baby right after a meal. And the most important thing of all is to never leave your baby alone in the water. Finally, get those rubber ducks ready and have fun! 各位媽咪, 如要幫小寶寶洗澡, 記謹要先預備好以下物品才開始啊! 包括要有: 嬰兒沐浴露, 嬰兒洗頭水, 大浴巾, 小沐浴膠盆, 小寶寶的衣服和尿片, 記得要先關好門窗, 否則, 小寶寶很容易着涼呢, 另外, 媽媽一定要先試好水的溫度才放小寶寶入水中, 因為太熱和太冷會燙傷和凍傷妳的小寶寶, 而最重要一點是, 千萬不可留下小寶寶獨自在浴盆內, 因他們太小了, 很容易滑入水中和弄傷自己的, 所以, 一定要注意呵!

Baby care - night time feedings

2008-08-05T16:06:00.002+08:00

always tuck me in at night Originally uploaded by J-Rose

Did you know that babies do not physically need night feedings when they reach a weight of 5.5kg? This is good news for those first time parents who are unsure if their babies are getting enough to eat. So if your babies prefer to sleep through the night, then by all means don't wake them, let them (and you too) sleep through.

各位媽咪, 其實你們知不知道, 原來當小寶寶體重有5.5公斤時, 是不一定需要食夜奶的, 對第一次當媽媽及有懷疑小寶寶在晚上睡了後會否肚餓的妳, 是不是一個好消息呢? 所以, 如果當妳的小寶寶是選擇一覺睡天光的話, 請妳不要弄醒他/她了, 讓他/她睡過飽飽吧, 妳也可以趁這機會好好的睡過夠, 休息一下呢

sex and the city - the movie

2008-06-18T10:03:00.011+08:00

Ever since the start, funkimama has been a big fan of Sex and the City, and the recently released movie is an absolute sensation. The witty dialogues, the fashion, the scenes, and the twist and turn of each character's lives, are all totally well put together. Although the movie is some 2.5 hours long, it has left funkimama wanting more!

Sex and the City documents a social change - a society filled with independant, smart, funny, beautiful women single or not, all enjoying life to the fullest. They work hard and play even harder, go through ups and downs in life and still standing tall.

Let's give a big toast to today's independent women.

photos courtesy of Sex and the City Movie

不知從何時開始, funkimama成為Sex and the City的一位小影迷, 而最近上映的電影版本, 絕對令人驚喜, 生動鬼馬的對白, 令人目不暇給的新穎時裝, 每位主角的不同性格及生活態度, 均能集中在一起, 雖然電影長達2.5小時, 但對funkimama來說卻覺得太短呢!

這套Sex and the City反映了社會上一些改變 - 女士們已續漸變得更為獨立自主, 精明, 風趣幽默, 無論是單身與否, 她們會令自己活得自在, 享受生活, 她們努力工作之餘同時亦努力玩樂, 面對在人生所遇到的高潮低潮, 也能坦然面對, 有拿得起放得低的情操

大家為我們現今的獨立自主女性舉杯吧!

Time out for yourself

2008-06-16T10:26:00.002+08:00

policeman doing yoga, originally uploaded by Sylvain Deleu.

When work gets a bit too much, take some time out to relax, like this policeman. Go on, you deserve it. If it is only a minute or two of relaxation will help you re-focus and re-fresh. If you work in an office, take your arms up in the air and give yourself a nice long stretch, this does a lot of good to your spine. Or rotate your feet discretely under your desk to give those joints a well deserved work out. Or just take a break and walk around the block. If you are a stay at home parent, then take a nap when your kids nap. Let the housework wait until after you have had your break. You will be more productive after this small break. Do come back and check out my other posts a while later with simple office exercises.

Soothing teething pain

2008-05-18T18:24:00.000+08:00

Children Originally uploaded by valeriekyp

When your little one is teething, try giving him/her some gentle massage on the gums for immediate relief. Some theories suggest a link between diarrhoea and teething, a simple diet of congee (rice cereals) and steamed apples may be a solution. This diet help restore and stabilise baby's digestive system and is well tried and tested amongst Asian parents. Try it! 大部份小寶寶出牙仔時, 都會牙肉痛和有腹潟情況出現, 這時媽媽可以幫小寶寶按摩一下牙肉, 舒緩痛楚, 除此之外, 可以煮一些米粥和蒸煮後的蘋果給小寶寶吃, 這兩種食物有穩定胃部的作用, 有幫助舒緩腹潟功能, 大家可以試試

Healthy living specialty shop 新生農社

2008-05-14T14:31:00.003+08:00

Funkimama has recently found potted fresh Thai Basil here in HK. Now she can just pick this sweet tasting herb from her own "garden" everytime she makes a Thai dish.

This great little shop called "Healthy Living Specialty Shop" is one of funkimama's found treasures. They stock a large variety of organic food fresh and dry fruits, vegetables & snacks, as well as potted herbs such as Rosemary, Mint and Basil. They have a choice of 3 different varieties for Basil alone. And the staff members are very friendly and with indepth knowledge of what their products are all about.

This store also operates for a very worthy cause: They provide shelter, training, rehabilitation and work for the mentally disabled persons. This motivates funkimama to purchase more from them as a way to supporting this worthy cause while benefiting from their freshly grown produce.

They have 5 shops in HK currently, they also offer ecotourism too, click on their logo here to go to their web-site:

Tai Wan KCR Station Concourse

East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station

Nam Cheong West Rail Station Concourse

Tuen Mun West Rail Station Concourse

Discovery Bay Plaza

Here is the phone number of their head office: T. 2332 4343

Kadoorie Farm & Botanical Garden 嘉道理農場暨植物園

2008-05-13T23:13:00.007+08:00

If you are looking for a place to get away from the hussle and bustle of the city with your family - this is great. The Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens is located in the centre of the New Territories. Set up in 1951, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens has several scenic sights and natural formations to take your breath away. The entire place is a living legacy of the Kadoorie brothers.

To make it on foot is the best yet also the most difficult option due to it being a 148 hectare farm. The other option of transport within the premises is the shuttle bus that takes you from the Farm Produce Sales Counter and tours around the farm, stopping at significant attractions.

You can buy organically grown vegetables and fruits and potted plants from a souvenir shop within the premises called the Farm Shop too.

This is one of the greatest places for a family outing here in Hong Kong. Young children get an opportunity to observe and learn about nature and animals at an early age. On top of that they get to run around in an outdoor environment to spend their abundant energy. You can be sure that they will be sleeping tight that very evening.

For Visitors Information and directions on how to get there, click here.

Immune System Booster - Warm Lemon Water 檸檬水 - 簡單天然排毒方法

2008-05-12T22:46:00.011+08:00

For those of us living in a city, daily exposure to city pollutants is unavoidable. Walking through busy streets with buses and cars flying by, travelling on crowded subways during peak hours means that our immune systems are constantly put to the test. This may leave us feeling drained and tired at the end of the day, when our bodies utilise our stored energies to expel potentially harmful substances.

As parents, every minute counts and we cannot really afford to feel run down. Here is a simple and natural recipe for those wanting to boost their immune system:

Lemon Water

(Warm/Cold) 1-2 slices freshly cut lemon Warm/cold water This highly effective drink and all natural drink takes no longer than 2 minutes to prepare. Place the slices of lemon in your cup, use a spoon to squeeze out some of the lemon juice. Pour warm/cold water over the lemon, serve immediately. An alternative to lemon, if you prefer, is lime. You may need to use 1/2 lime per cup as the limes are usually smaller in size. Enjoy!

檸檬水 - 每天早晚一杯增強免疫力 預防勝於治療 - 每天早晚喝一杯檸檬水，就算發現喉嚨痛一喝痛楚都馬上消失。檸檬帶有大量維生素C, 還有抵抗病菌，抗氧化，防癌功效, 有效幫助身提高天然免疫力。製作方法很簡單，在杯子內放2-3片檸檬，用匙羹擠出檸檬汁，然後沖入温/冷水即可。如喜歡易可用青檸代替檸檬，大概每杯用半個青檸。

Clove Tea please

2008-04-22T13:38:00.007+08:00

photo by bitzi

Yes, you are right, cloves are one of the most important ingredients in this warming winter drink called mulled wine which skiers love. Actually, they are a whole lot more than just that …..

Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to Indonesia and are harvested primarily in Zanzibar, Indonesia and Madagascar. The buds are picked by hand when they are pink and dried until they turn brown in color. Cloves are about 1.2cm long and 0.5cm in diameter and with their tapered stem, they resemble tiny nails. This is how their English name is actually derived – from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Although cloves have a very hard exterior, their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional and flavour profile.

Cloves are warming, stimulating, anodyne and anesthetic (topical). They also possess preservative properties. Apart from using this wonderful spice in cooking, cloves have been prescribed by western herbalists to ease toothaches. This spice has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Chinese herbalists as painkillers, or for bringing warmth and circulation within the body. Cloves contain significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which is said to be useful in removing toxicity from environmental pollutants. This component is also anti-inflammatory. Cloves are an excellent source of Manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin C, omega-3, calcium and magnesium.

Cloves can also be used to aid digestion. If you are feeling a bit blotted after a meal, make yourself a cup of Clove tea. Immerse yourself in the wonderfully warming aroma of this beautiful herb whilst sipping the tea to aid digestion:

Cloves Tea 5-10 buds of whole cloves, Freshly boiled water

Place the cloves buds inside a cup and pour freshly boiled hot water over it to fill the cup. Cover the cup and let the infusion work its magic for about 15 minutes. Ready to use.

A note of caution: Although the above Clove Tea Recipe is generally safe to use by most people, do not consume large amounts of cloves or use this tea for a prolong period of time without first obtaining a medical opinion. Do not use clove tea on your child until your pediatrician approves it.