Hi, may I know how one can distinguish between a refurbished and a new violin? I read that the label inside the violin can be tampered with. Thanks.

Hi ladies, i have hired an ex-sg maid. During her interview on the phone everything was ok. She's now here for 2 weeks & wants to transfer. I was too foolish didn't see this coming as her mother has been working here for over 20 years. This maid's previous employer was a rich expat who gave her ipad as b-day present & her bedroom is huge with fridge & TV (so she says). Over at our place, we are those who can only buy her a cake or treat a movie for her b-day & a small size bedroom. She is an executive maid if there is a name for that! For 2 weeks that she worked for us, she keeps hiding in the toilet & she keeps going to the room to snack on titbits. We are quite flexible employers in that we allow her to eat everything & she is given lunch money as well (she told agent 'not enough food' bcos we gave her maggi noodleS for lunch/dinner which we never did). She is also allowed to nap in the afternoon & use her phone any time except certain times like crossing the road etc. Our kids are in full daycare & primary school so there isn't much to do. However since she is an executive maid who has taken us for a free ride to singapore & a stepping stone, we are thinking of sending her back. Biggest drawback is her loan of about S$2000. We are still considering whether to send her home or let her transfer. $2000 is a lot of money...can even buy a prada bag however certain money must be spent to send a clear message to these maids that we are not to be played with! Please advice. Thanks.

dear mommies, not sure if i missed out but can anyone please tell me if there is any sale going on for the zojirushi breadmaker right now? i am thinking of getting it this weekend. i saw it selling online for S$318. thanks.

hi, saw this thread and just wanted to comment on the school. my daughter has been in pats arena for a couple of years now. we visited a few daycare in the west and pat’s was the best. the ratio was like 1:3 at the time. the principal back then (think christina) was quite nice too. pretty laid back and don’t come on as a money minded person. it has changed a lot since then. now, the new principal (chen) tells me that she is planning a ratio of 1:10 for the toddlers. she is pretty talkative (sometimes over talkative) and she sounds to me more like a business woman than a kindergarten principal. the teachers behaviour have also deteriorated (think they can’t cope with so many students) and my daughter has had few ‘accidents’ at the playground. everyday she comes home with bruises to her legs and one time the teacher even dared to ask me what happened to her leg (implicating i hit my own daughter). my daughter is still at pats but i am now thinking whether it is worth it to send my toddler as well.