I was completely over the moon yesterday when I received this piece of good news from OMY. Our Little Smarties has been selected as one of the Top 10 Best Family Blogs at the Singapore Blog Awards 2012.

Until today, I’m still a little stunned that this blog has successfully made it to the Top Ten this year. This is my second attempt. I submitted my blog for the contest last year (the first time), but I was not selected. I was disappointed, but I told myself not to give up.

This year, I tried my luck again but I didn’t pin much hope on it. Reason – there are more contestants than last year, and when I did a count on the potential finalists this year, I got more than twenty! There are a lot of newcomers, especially the Daddy Bloggers, and they are equally good as the Mommy Bloggers.

While I was reading the finalists for the Best Family Blog category yesterday, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the last name on the list – it was ME!

I just couldn’t believe it! I refreshed the page three times to make sure that I didn’t read it wrongly. Yah, I’m silly as that! When I received the official e-mail from OMY, I was so relieved and excited.

My blog, my little creative space, has finally gained some recognition. Even though I’m still unsure where this contest will lead me, but I’m feeling positive and excited about the journey ahead!

If you enjoy reading my blog, I deeply appreciate it if you can spare some time to vote for me for this prestigious award.

Public voting counts for 30% of the final score and 70% are based on judges’ decision. Voters stand a chance to win attractive prizes too! Closing date is 30 Jun 2012.

If you’re new to OMY, you need to make a simple registration before you can vote. It takes you less than two minutes to complete the registration form below, and you’ll be given a User Name and password to vote.

Voting is open worldwide. For non-Singaporean readers, you can key-in your IC Number under the NRIC/FIN No. field during the registration process. Click HERE to vote.

The important note here is that you can vote multiple times, but only once a day! So, please vote for me whenever you’re able to! (Thanks again!) You can also help spread the word by clicking on the social media buttons on the website (see picture below) to share the link with your friends.

Last but not least, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for your support and readership. I really appreciate the interaction with all of you through this blog.

I gotta go rack my brain tonight to answer some e-interview questions from OMY, as part of this contest. =)

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.

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.

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.

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.]