Freemie with Medela PISA

My maternity leave is coming to the end. As I am going to resume work soon, I have been busy pumping to build up my breastmilk storage.

I am glad to be given the opportunity to try Freemie by XuaAn Best. I am currently using Medela PISA, however I find it inconvenient as I need to hold the 'horns' for the milk to flow into the bottle. With Freemie collection cups, I can pump handsfree with my shirt on and multitasks.

How to connect Freemie to Medela PISA
It is rather easy to connect Freemie to Medela PISA pump. Basically you just need Freemie's Quick Connector and Tubing and connect to Medela's tubing.

Since there are some mummies posted in facebook network that you can get the same or more yield if you replace Freemie's valve with Medela's valve, I have decided to give it a try.

My thoughts after using Freemie with Medela PISA

1. Yes, you can get the same yield using Freemie with Medela's valve.
2. To prevent leakage, it is best if you position your body straight upright.
3. You need to ensure that your bra is tight fitting enough to hold the cups to your breast to avoid loss of suction. This may be a challenge if you need strong suction to draw out milk from your breast.

Where can I buy Freemie collection cups?
XuaAn Best is selling Freemie at RM340 with free shipping (including to Singapore too). Currently they are having a 5% discount storewide --> Price after discount is RM323. If you are unsure whether Freemie will work with your pump or not, they can offer you a free trial with a minimum deposit. This is definitely a plus point for those who wants to try out before purchasing it.


Coming soon...Milk storage and bottle feeding


- HX

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Travelogue #9 Seoul Korea - How to Spend only $733 for a 5days Ski Trip in Korea

Seoul Ski Trip

Well, people always brag about how many days they spend in Korea with the minimum spending.

But if you really look into their itinerary and food list, I bet most of you would not want to go on that trip because TRIP is all about ENJOYING all you CAN, right? Personally, I think at least, I have to go to all the must see and enjoy all the must eat list.

Let me share with you my itinerary for my recent Ski trip in Korea.

I really put in much effort compiling this ladies. Give some like on my FB please <3 As encouragement :)



Of course since my trip highlight is ski then let me share with you the cost breakdown in Gangchong Ski Resort.

Price is per pax:

Of course also my food highlight of this trip is my visit to Naryangjin Fishery Market.

Price as follow:

All price stated are in USD.





I really put in much effort compiling this ladies. Give some like on my FB please <3 As encouragement :)

Will be writing details of my trip soon. Stay tune! Love you girls!

Love,
Hot MaMa love to travel~

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Why I hate Freemie and it's improved version

Freemie - Improved Version

When I first purchase Freemie, I was so happy because of the hands free function but the longer I used, the more flaws I discovered. One of the most annoying lacking features of Freemie is that the cup is faintly tint. I could not see what is happening inside the pump (i.e. whether the suction is good, if I position my nipple correctly and etc.).

I hate Freemie because of all these but then, the improved version impressed me :)

If you remember my previous sharing about the cons of Freemie, today's blog post will be a good news for mummies who have the same concern.

There are a few improvements on the new cups, which will be very beneficial for all mothers :

1) The new Freemie cups will come with transparent cups instead of translucent cups, so that mothers can see directly into the cups while pumping to see the amount of milk collected.

2) The Freemie logo, funnel sizes and milk measurements in Ounces will be engraved into the cups!

3) All Freemie cups will come with 2 backflow protectors and all the accessories needed to pump with all brands of breast pumps.

My previous sharing as follows:

My sharing on Freemie will be categorised as below so that it ease your search.

• Where to buy a Freemie and what should I look our for before I buy?
• How should I assemble a Freemie?
• If I am using a non compatible pump (like me, I am using Medela Freestyle), can I self modify / enhance the parts to suit my pump?
• What is the pro and con about using Freemie?
• FAQ

Love,

Hot MaMa

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Yoomi – A Feeding Revolution

How did you come to know about Yoomi?

I was passed a set of the Yoomi self-warming bottle and an extra warming pod for the purpose of this review. However, it does not in any way affect my review and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This was the first time I’ve heard about Yoomi and the packaging itself differentiated it from the other baby bottles on the market. Besides the standard parts that you would normally find when buying a baby bottle, there was an extra pod and warmer inside.

What would you say is so special about Yoomi?

Yoomi is the first self-warming baby bottle on the market. According to yoomi.com, this revolutionary product is able to gently warm your baby’s feed to the natural temperature of breast milk in just 60 seconds.

It’s also user-friendly with its 3-step approach:

1. Charge the warmer – this can be done in 2 minutes using a microwave oven or 30 minutes in a pan of boiling water.
2. When it’s time to feed, simply press the button on the warmer to start warming.
3. Just wait for 60 seconds and voila, your baby can now be fed!

The warmer also stays warm for 1 hour in case your baby doesn’t finish the feed at one go. It even comes with a nifty chart for you to mark how many times you’ve charged the warmer!

How was your experience with the Yoomi self-warming bottle?

For this review, I tested the Yoomi when I was out shopping with my girl and even at a wedding, as she prefers to latch directly when we’re at home.

Pros:

• I like that there is more than 1 way to charge the warmer – as I do not own a microwave oven, I put the warmer into a pan of boiling water for 30 minutes to charge it.
• I no longer have to lug around a thermal bag with her feed and worry about it getting cold. Now my baby can have a warm feed each time.
• With this Yoomi bottle, it does allow me to dress as I please and not be too concerned about dressing to nurse her in public.

Cons:

• The warmer does tend to add a bit of weight to the bottle, but this is a minor drawback when compared to the convenience.
• 30 minutes is a relatively long time to charge the pod. The mitigating factor is that multiple warmers can be charged at one go.
• Once the warmer is charged, it takes about an hour to cool down (using the warmer when it’s still hot may damage the product). So, a bit of planning ahead is needed.

Conclusion:

• It does indeed bring convenience to parents who bottle feed their babies as they can dispense with having a separate warmer at home and thermal bags when they’re out and about.
• As it warms the milk up in 60 short seconds, night-time feeds will also become more bearable for parents who are already surviving on little sleep.
• Having said that, parents eyeing this should bear in mind that having more than one warmer will make it even more effective.

Where to buy:

PumpLove +016 774 9968


** This review is contributed by a friend of mine who is a full time working mother with a 10mo baby girl. Thank to her kind review and sharing tips :)

Love, 
Hot MaMa

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Travelogue #5 Seoul, Korea Winter 2014 Insa-dong & Samcheong-dong

(source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/) 

I was considering whether should I go for Samcheong-dong or Insa-dong and there, I found rebecca did a good write up on these two places.

If you are wondering of the differences between Samcheong-dong and Insa-dong (though the title of both of my posts would have explained it), it’s pretty simple – both are ancient yet modern streets, but Insa-dong offers more shopping for beauty and cosmetics brands and as well as traditional craft while Samcheong-dong leans more towards boutiques with local designer products (clothes, bags, jewellery) plus pretty cafes.

Source: http://www.rebeccasaw.com/insa-dong-seoul-korea-food-cafes-arts-souvenirs-shopping-leisure-cultural/

Ssamziegil is within Insa-dong and is famously know as mini insa-dong inside insa-dong. It has very fabulous graffiti and packed with shops that sells sourveniors and handcrafts gifts.

Read more here and here!
How to get there?

Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 100m straight, then turn left.
OR
Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 3.
Go straight 300m, and turn left at the 4-way Intersection.
Go straight 100m, and take the left road towards Insadong-gil Road.

Love,
HotMama

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Travelogue #4 Seoul Korea, Winter 2014 Attractions & Travel Guide

A thesis titled Where to Visit during winter at Seoul, Korea (Just my two cent thought in fact) 

Happily bought the ticket when YOLO told me there is AirAsia Sale. Impulsive buying again. Gonna make full use of this trip since this is going to be my second honeymoon with my hubby.

Seoul, Korea.
Winter.
Me + Hubby.
It is gonna be an awesome trip!

First, let me start with the recommended 5 days travel itinerary by the Korea Travel website.
Link: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr

Day 1: Seoul: City Tour Sightseeing at Changdeokgung Palace → Insadong → Cheonggyecheon Stream → N Seoul Tower → Hotel or shopping at Dongdaemun Market
Day 2: Sightseeing in Suwon Depart from Seoul to Suwon → Sightseeing at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Everland → Back to Seoul  
Day 3: Namiseom Island Depart from Seoul → Namiseom Island → Gangchon Resort (go night skiing and spend the night at Gangchon Resort) 
Day 4: Seoul Gangchon Resort (go skiing in the morning) → Back to Seoul

What I can see from the suggested itinerary of what are the must visit are, heritage palace, food market, amusement park, night market and ski activities. Thus I make sure I visit all these attractions but which to go is the decision to make.

After all the research I keep contemplating which should I go for when I only have 5 days! Thus, let me share my research (all information that I can find online) with you. After all the hard work, I actually feel I have completed a thesis. LOL

Place to visit

Heritage Palace (Top 5)

• Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) 
• Gyeonghuigung (경희궁) 
• Changdeokgung (창덕궁) 
• Changgyeonggung (창경궁)
• Deoksugung (덕수궁

My choice: Gyeongbokgung - simply is the grandest and most well keep and Changyeonggung the secret garden as recommended by the late emperor LOL My review here

Amusement Park

• Everland Park
• Lotte World
• Seoul Land

My choice: Everland because it have both outdoor and indoor, more variety in terms of sight seeing and rides.

Ski Resort

• Bear Town
• Jisan
• Konjiam
• Yangji
• Gangchon

My choice: Sharing my compilation and review here. Opt to go for Gangchon because it is nearest to Nami Island.

Shopppping

• Gwangmyeong
• Insadong
• Dongdeamum
• Namdeamum
• Ssamziegil
• Ewha university (nearby night market)

My choice: Going for all if I can make it.

Must Try Foodie

• Strawberry and Banana Milk 
• Hotteok (3 main types)
• Gingseng chicken
• Bugolgi 
• King crab
• Bimbimbap
• Korean BBQ
• Sujebi
• ..

My choice: Too many!! I will update everything that goes into my mouth :P

Hotmama tipsss

Seoul Tips! Rent a pocket wifi for your stays in Seoul. Although many cafes and hotels have free wifi, it's always handy to have them with you for google maps

Seoul Tips! Average fare from Incheon Airport to Seoul is about 10,000W - 15,000W, travelling time 1.5hours - 2 hours. Subway rides around city is about 1,000W - 1,500W.

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Groupon M Square Salon review - 2015 new year hair do for breastfeeding mum (it is ammonia free hair colouring!)

Chinese New Year is coming and my favorite salon is fully booked. Well, decided to give Groupon a shot to see if there's any good deal of the day to give my hair a little love :p Decided to give M Square Salon a try because (i) not bad review thus far (ii) use ammonia free product (good/better for breastfeeding mother) and (iii) it is new!

Breastfeeding mother like me often ask, is it safe to do chemical hair services while we BF? Will the ammonia pass thru my BM? Well,experiences mother say it is actually safe to do that, you may refer here, here and here! Even research say it is fine but then again it is up to you, read more here!

Anyway, if you are a little sceptical like me (or we call ourself the kiasi mummy) then opt for organic or ammonia free chemical service -lah (ok my hubby say i am just try to console myself anyhow)

Who don't want to be pretty during CNY?!

My review on M Square Salon.

The shop is newly open in November 2014. They have two outlets; Puchong and Klang respectively. Puchong outlet have 3 stylist and 2 assistant (also a lovely receptionist). It is located upstairs of a coffee shop which is corner, easily spotted when you drive nearby. They are able to accommodate 6 customers at the same time, 2 VIP in another room plus a comfortable area for the mani and pedicure.

My verdict: Location is easily accessible but located above coffee shop is a little bit not my thing. Imagine walking out smelling good and pass by the chicken wing barbecue uncle.

My hair coloring. I bought voucher which entitle me to do a hair coloring - ammonia free using Eugene Perma Hair Care Product from Paris. It also include hair cut, blow and wash. Eugene Perma is excluse trio of plant and mineral which have ingredient that is essential for hair.

My verdict: When I was doing my hair colouring, there was not scent of the strong chemical smell at all! I feel so organic ammonia free natural happy! Haha I give it a 5 likes!

I was lucky enough because they are new so there are promotion going on in the shop. Only MYR88 for this hair colouring. Then again I was peeping at their menu and realise it is the same price if you walk in (just that it is without hair cut). Buy groupon from here!

My verdict: I was given a range of selection of color to choose of. No limitation of color. No hidden cost. Stylist is not push on my to buy anything extra. For the result, highly recommended!

Peace (Y) That's me and Jacky :) Have a nice day!

Psssstt! They having MYR28 promotion for mani and pedicure now! Using OPI products! I am gonna try it soon. Well, dear M Square Salon owner, can you give me a free mani and pedicure since I am your returning customer?

Love,
Hot MaMa

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Travelogue #3 Seoul, Korea Winter 2014 Palace Heritage & Must Visit

(source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/) 

1. Deoksugung Palace
Location : 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

2. Gyeonghuigung Palace
Location : 55, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Location: 161. Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-820, Republic of Korea

Nearest train station: Gyeongbokgung train station line 3, exit 5

4. Changdeokgung Palace
Location : 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

5. Changgyeonggung Palace
Location : 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

6. Unhyeongung Royal Residences

Location : 464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tips #1 

Decided to go for Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace because Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most upkeep and grandest of all while Changdeokgung Palace Secret garden is a must visit according to those who went before.

Tips #2

Not joining the tour for Gyeongbokgung Palace because it takes 1 hour long and Changdeokgung Palace - Secret Garden tour guide is a must for entrance which consume 90mins of my valuable time. 

Tips #3

Make it a first trip in the morning so that you are still full or energy to walk. 

Tips #4

If you are a heritage lover and have time to visit all 5 palaces then get the book combination ticket at a lower price. Can be purchase at any of the palace.

With the purchase of a book of Combination Tickets (adults 10,000won, Youth 5,000won), one admission for each of the five different palaces is available within one month. (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung - the Secret Garden included, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo Shrine).

Tips #5

Book online for Secret Gardens as it cater for 100visitor per tour only.

Information:

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Admission Fee: 

Age 19~: 3,000 won / 2.400 won ( group, 10 or more ) 

Age 7-18: 1,500 won / 1,200 won ( group, 10 or more ) 

* Free: Children(ages 6 and under),Permanent Residency(F-5) Status Holder(Age 65 and Older) * 

Opening hours:

09:00~18:00(Final admission at 17:00) 

June through August 09:00~18:30(Final admission at 17:30) 

November through February 09:00~17:00(Final admission at 16:00) 

Closed on Tuesdays

Tour in foreign languages 

English : 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 

Japanese : 10:00, 12:30, 14:30 

Chinese : 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 

Tour starts in front of Gyeongbokgung Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate. Tour lasts for an hour to an hour and thirty minutes

Changdeokgung Palace

Admission Fee:
Regular Tour (Changdeokgung Palace)-Adults 3,000 won/Children 1,500 won
Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area)-Adults 5,000 won/Children 2,500 won

Opening hours:

General Palace

09:00~18:00 (Final admission at 17:00) 

June through August 09:00~18:30 (Final admission at 17:30) 

November through February 09:00~17:30 (Final admission at 16:00) 

Secret Garden - all operating time closed 1 hour earlier 

Closed on Mondays

※Visitors to the Secret Garden are required to join a guided tour.
※There are only 100 tickets available for each tour. 50 Internet booking in advance and the remaining 50 are sold at a ticket office on the day.
※The tour time and course are subject to change due to the weather conditions

Interpretation Services-Changdeokgung Palace:
Korean: 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30

English: Mar - Oct 11:30 13:30 15:30 Nov - Feb 11:30 13:30

Japanese: 12:30/Chinese: 16:00

Duration: 90mins

Unhyeongung Royal Residences

Hours & Admission

Apr - Oct 09:00 - 19:30 (Last admission 18:30)

Nov - Mar 09:00 -18:00 (Last admission 17:30)

Close on Mon

Admission ticket

Free

Tradition custome

10:00 - 17:00

3,300 won for 10mins

How to get there

Line 3 (Anguk) Gate #4

Line 5 (Jongno 3ga) Gate #5

Source: 

http://everyday-im-travelling.blogspot.com/2014/01/korea-seoul-gyeongbokgung-palace.html

http://kampungboycitygal.com/2013/02/seoul-itinerary-day-4-changdeokgung-palace-huwon-tour/

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264348

Love,
HotMama

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Discover Scuba Diving! PJ KL City Folks

Discover Scuba Diving!

Well, try everything at least once in your life, huh?

Lucky me that one of my colleague is a Pro - instructor. A stylo-pretty-cun lady who have much passion in scuba diving. She gave us a free introduction class (yeah, free!) to let us experience how it feels to breath under the water.

Let it begin..

There's a few things to get ready prior to the DSD session. 

1. Necessary paperwork to be filled in
2. A briefing video to be watch - learning the dive equipment, sign language (you can talk underwater ya :) 
3. Have fun!

BRING IT ON!

We headed to PADI DSD at PJ, Jalan Gasing for our first session. Instructor began to introduce the equipment, safety rules and explanation on sign language will be used once we are under water.

First rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Golden rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Important rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

It is so so important that you death and life fall on this rule. ok? 

In total there are 9 hand sign , 8 basic equipments and 1 rule to remember. We equip ourself with swim wear ( or muslimah wear) with t-shirt and shorts outside.

My experience 

Picture says more than words.. Just scroll down and you make your judge!

This is my style instructor! Cool right? Tell me about it.. *drool*

Learning how to breath and let the water out when it accidentally slip in.. I drank A LOT OF WATER in this session..

This is me after finally conquer the skill of breathing and clearing the water.. A victory pose :P

It is us! We enjoy so much! Time to swim after all the skills acquired.. Mermaid on the way.. Excuse me!

Well.. I look less mermaid than my instructor..

Photo bomb!!!

We really have so much fun for the day. Would want to share some useful information with you.

Useful info:

• Take you course early of the year as the monsoon season allow DSD at certain island only (thus restricted your dive travelling date choices)
• Stick with a instructor that you like because you gonna stick with her till you are and Advance or Master Diver (you can't dive alone) plus you have to see her for the whole Open Water Dive for at least a month!
• PADI have a few place that you can go the the DSD
• PADI website http://www.padi.com/scuba-diving/padi-courses/course-catalog/try-scuba-diving/
• Go for certificate as you do not want to risk your life
• My instructor name is Audrey, based at Jalan Gasing PJ

Love,

Hot Mama

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Christmas Celebration Dinner Idea - Family & Baby Friendly Menu Set

Merry Merry Christmas!! 

It's mid week but folks staying in KL or Klang Valley are spoilt by various Restaurant that offer wide range of menu!

Let me share with you a few short listed restaurant that I would love to patron:

• Reasonable priced
• Kids & baby friendly
• Good food

1. Antipodean

Photo source: MakChic

My review: 

Antipodean is located at Bangsar which can be easily located at Telawi. The food is good and environment is comfortable. The reason of me coming back here for twice is mainly because of the food and the kids play area. 

Weekend is rather packed (like almost for whole day starting from 10am till late lunch). The only thing that would hinder you from coming is the parking! Finding a parking in Telawi is a nightmare so if you can, get hubby to drop you at the shop and park at BV.


Price Range: ~ RM30/pax
Kids Meals: -
Website: www.antipodeancoffee.com/v2/
Address: No. 20, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03-2282 0411


2. Good Friends

Photo source: MakChic

My review: 

It is Fusion Shop! A lot of friend visit and gave good comment. However, my experience was not that pleasant because that day was too packed! Plus, food is not up to my expectation. The only plus point is that it is near my house.


Price Range: RM10 – RM30
Kids Meals: Available by request
Address: Good Friends Cafe, 15&17,  Jalan SS15/8A, 47500 Petaling Jaya
Phone Number: 03-5613 1415
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodfriendsrestaurantandcafe

3. Fit for 2

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

I am an typical Asian mum who appreciate very much on freebie! LOL 

Baby muffin and baby cino was given to me for free! Even thou the food is nothing to shout about, limited range but the environment is just nice for mummies to catch up.


Price Range: RM4 – RM 20
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.fitfor2.com.my/new/Address: Fit For 2, Lot 3F-1B, Third Floor, Bangsar Village II, 2 Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03 – 2287 5001

4. Marmalade

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

Love marmalade! Loving it! Food is good, toys are clean, spacious dinner area, and it is BV! Meaning shopping comes together after the food. I always come and leave my kids with my hubby here while I do a quick shopping on my own. 

Mummy need some ME-time, right?


Price Range: RM5 – RM 30
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.ilovemarmalade.comAddress: Marmalade, 1F-18, 1st floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03-2282 8301

5. Wondermilk Cafe

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

Wondermilk have got the cutest play area. Cozy and clean. Conveniently located inside the mall (my favourite plus point - a non crowded mall) enable you and your friend to gather quickly without much effort of worrying finding parking.

This shop is not very crowded so if you are coming with a big bunch of friends, this is where you should meet.


Price Range: RM10 – RM20
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.ilovewondermilk.comAddress: 41 Jalan SS 21/1A Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya; Lot G-48 Citta Mall, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Phone Number: 03-7725 8930


Hope you find this useful. Have a good holiday :)

Love,
Hot MaMa

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