Two days ago, I set up a Facebook Fan Page for my blog. Okay, I admit it. I only did it because everyone else is doing it. After ‘vomiting two buckets of blood’, I finally installed the right plug-in to display the Facebook Fan Page correctly on my blog.

Then, I struggled with this question for a while – what content should I put on my Facebook Page? I know I shouldn’t duplicate the content of this blog. If they have the same content, then I don’t see the reason of having a Facebook Page. It should be something additional that adds values to my blog.

I googled on this topic and I found a few good reasons why I should have my own Facebook Page and what I should do with my Facebook Page.

1. It will be nice when readers “like” me.

I mean it; it’s really nice to know that you “like” me. A click that adds motivation to me to continue blogging and write stuffs that you’ll enjoy reading.

2. I can connect to all my readers easily.

I know that some of you have been following my blog for a while, and I really want to know all of you. This Facebook Page is the place where we can “meet” online, share updates, ask questions and have discussions.

3. I can share random things like shopping or dining deals, events and promotions quickly.

When I’m too busy to construct a proper blog post, I can still write a quick update on my Facebook Page before it goes out-dated.

If

If you’re a faithful follower of my blog, do join me on my newly created Facebook Page. I’d like to make Our Little Smarties Facebook Page a place where we can all meet online and discuss on parenting issues etc.

All you need to do is to click on that tiny blue LIKE button on the right sidebar of this blog (not the picture shown on your left!). Thanks everyone for your support!

Special thanks to my sis – Stevie, Irene and Cynthia for being the first three readers who like my Facebook Page.

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I took a little longer than expected to complete it but alas, it’s ready to be published today. Check out the new “Getting Started” page on this blog. The button is at the center of the navigation bar.

Over the last couple of weeks, there are a lot of new visitors to this blog. I received quite a number of e-mails and I apologize for my delayed response. I thought it would be better to put together all the important posts in one page, so that it’s easier for readers to navigate through this blog.

So, here comes the “Getting Started” page.

I’ll update this page regularly so that readers can access the important posts seamlessly.

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Picture from TNP

The article that was published on The New Paper last Sunday is about parent bloggers who write product reviews on their blogs and the different approaches they use as compared to other media advertisements. I was so glad to be selected for the interview.

When I started my blog in year 2007, my intention is to capture my son’s childhood and to update my family and friends about our little family. Gradually, I was motivated to share the knowledge that I learned on my parenting journey to a wider audience. In the process, I also received a few invitations to write reviews of products.

Personally, I don’t believe in accepting a payment or free products and then write a glowing review about them. I will only advertise products that I personally tested and that I genuinely like before I can confidently recommend them to my readers.

I was asked about how different my approach is, as compared to other media advertisements. I think the main difference will be the testing process. I must have hands-on experience and not just write a review on something I’ve read about or glimpsed at a friend’s house.

Before I write a review, I’ll try out the product. I need to use it, try it, wear it, smell it, taste it, apply it and in another words, I need to know the product inside and out. I offer my thoughts and feelings about them. I also talk about the results that I’ve experienced after using the product.

This approach is very different from other media advertisements which only focus on promoting the products. Readers are more interested to know a reviewer’s thoughts about a product rather than seeing an online advertisement. As a matter of fact, an honest review is much more valuable.

I was also asked about how I sustain my credibility among readers. Now that I’m a blogger, I realise that the lure of freebies and money can be very tempting. However, at this point of my life, I feel that my integrity and personal values are the most important. I will not risk my credibility for something free.

Recently, I rejected an invitation to write a review about spa services from a renowned beauty salon in Singapore. I was offered an attractive spa package but I had to reject the job. First of all, I’m not knowledgable about spa treatments, products and equipments. I don’t think I can deliver a good review about it. Secondly, I know that my readers are mostly busy moms. How many of us can afford the time to soak in a milk bath? Not me definitely. Thirdly, it’s unfair to the salon too if I can’t bring out the best of their services to my readers.

Product reviews are still my passion but I’m also selective on the type of products to review. The main satisfaction to me is when readers bought the products and share with me their opinions after using them. I’m happy if they like the products and get benefits from them. It’s something that I truly enjoy.

Moving forward, I hope that I can share with my readers more product reviews and hopefully I can get sponsors for giveaways and contests on my blog.

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You can see me and Little Edison in the newspaper today. Say it with me… Awwww!

Not the classified ads section definitely. Check out The New Paper today at page 20. The story is also available online. Click HERE to read. OR click HERE for the pdf version.

It’s probably the first time I see my face in a national newspaper. Gosh, it feels so surreal.

Here’s a snapshot of the article. It’s about me and my blog.

[Special thanks to Crystal for the interview and photoshoot.]

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“Mommy blogs” is one of the interesting things that the internet has created for us. Our mothers didn’t have it twenty years ago. These blogs are about parenting and family issues, mostly written by women. Recently, I’ve seen a few daddy blogs too. It’s really nice to read about parenting from the men’s perspective.

Mommy bloggers blog for many reasons. While most of them write about the joys and trials of motherhood, some mommies are branching out into other areas of interest like food, fashion, arts, photography as well as politics. Some mommies even reached the internet celebrity status because of their informative, thought-provoking and fun-to-read blogs.

Some of my personal favorites include Karen Cheng’s Snippets of Life, Leonny’s Our Everyday Things and Bing’s Story of Bing. I like to read fashion updates and shopping ideas from Karen. And I learn a lot about photography from Leonny and Bing.

Besides parenting tips, I can find honest product reviews, medical advices, solutions to common childhood problems and recommended local services from mommy blogs. They are flooded with information, better than any parenting book in the store!

Interestingly enough, I find myself trying very hard to write my own motherhood experiences on my blog to share with others too. I blog mostly about what’s going on in our family. My blog also serves like a journal of my son’s development. I’m constantly snapping photos and making mental notes about what I’ll post next on my blog.

Another important aspect that is worth mentioning here is that my blog keeps me in touch with my loved ones. My family members and close friends get regular updates about us through my blog. I write about birthdays, weekend outings, important events and Little Edison’s growing up stories. Although I don’t meet-up with them so often now, but they can see us on my blog regularly.

Lastly, blogging makes me part of this ‘mommy bloggers’ community from which I share my experiences, knowledge and encouragement. It helps me connect to the help and support that I need to be a better mom. I lost count of the number of encouraging comments from my readers when I’m faced with problems. And I also get useful advices to help me through a tough parenting spot.

Blogging is a really awesome hobby to me; it enriches my life and it keeps me updated with the latest trends in the world of internet. Occasionally, I get e-mails from readers who like my blog. I’m very happy to read these encouraging e-mails.

To readers who sent me e-mails, I want to thank every one of you! I apologize if I couldn’t respond to you promptly but I’m really touched by your words of support. I appreciate your thoughts in writing to me.

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