Aug 31, 2011

Kids' Activities for September School Holidays 2011

No comments :
The one week September school holidays are upon us once again!


And here is a list of fun stuff to keep the kids busy in the holidays and beyond.


The Smurfs Meet & Greet

Be one of the first 50 shoppers from Fridays to Sundays and get your photo taken with Papa Smurf, Clumsy or Smurfette.

Date: 26 Aug - 11 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: Various Frasers Centrepoint Malls
For more information on meet & greet timings and venues, please visit here:
http://www.fraserscentrepointmalls.com/promo/smurfsinthemalls/schedule.html

OR you can meet the Smurfs at the following John Little Stores too!

3 Sep 2011 - Marina Square (L2) at 5.45pm
4 Sep 2011 - Jurong Point (L2) at 11.30am


Transformers Meet & Greet

Date: 3-4  & 10-11 Sep 2011
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: 3 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Suntec; 4 Sep & 11 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Vivocity; 10 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Forum
FREE


Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2011
For more information, please visit here: http://chinatownfestivals.sg/default/

Street Light-up
Date: 30 August – 25 September 2011
Time: 7pm to 12 Midnight (Sunday to Thursday); 7pm to 2am (Friday & Saturday)
Venue: Along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, inner streets of Chinatown and Garden Bridge

Festive Street Bazaar
Date: 29 August  to 12 September 2011
Time: 11am – 11pm  (Sunday to Thursday); 11am -12 midnight  (Friday & Saturday)
Venue: Along Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street and Smith Street

Mass Lantern Walk & Celebration
Date: 10 September 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 7.30pm – 10pm
Venue: Starting Point – Hong Lim Park; Ending Point – New Bridge Road (main stage in front of Lucky Chinatown)


Kite Festival 2011 - Kite Flying Days

The highlight of the NTUC Income Kite Festival 2011 - one can look forward to a festive atmosphere that is enhanced with international artistic and cultural performances from musicians and dancers; exciting kite flying demonstrations by international kite-masters from China, Thailand, Malaysia and United States, and a Food Fiesta!

Date: 3-4 Sep 2011
Time: 4pm-8pm
Venue: The Promontory @Marina Bay
Admission is FREE
For more information and programme schedule, please visit here:
http://www.act3international.com.sg/kitefest-programme.htm


Mickey & Minnie Mouse Meet & Greet

Date: 3-4 Sep 2011
Time: 3pm & 8pm
Venue: City Square Mall, L1 Atrium
FREE


Sentosa Buskers Festival 2011

The Sentosa Buskers Festival is back this September school holidays with 12 new international acts. With jugglers, puppeteers and magicians from more than five different countries, the festival promises a rewarding time to play and bond.

Date: 3-11 Sep 2011
Time: 4pm-10pm
Venue: Various locations - Imbiah Stage, Kodak Stage @Merlion, Siloso Beach & Songs of the Sea Forecourt
Event is FREE, but usual island & car fees apply.
For more information and various performances schedule, please visit here: http://buskers.sentosa.com.sg/


KEN & BARBIE @Changi Airport

Let your little ones hang out with Barbie and Ken, the coolest couple at Changi Airport this September!

Date: 3-11 September 2011
Venue: Terminal 3, Basement 2 South

3-4 Sep: Meet & Greet at 1pm & 4pm
*Spend a minimum of $10 in a single receipt on the same day to redeem a photo pass. Changi Rewards members need only spend a minimum of $5 in a single receipt. Limited to first 30 families per session per day on a first come first served basis. Photo passes will be distributed 1 hour before each session.

5-10 Sep: Dress Up Contest at 12pm-8pm with Finals on 11 Sep (Sun), 7pm.
Dress your little ones in their best outfit or choose from our wardrobe and be made up by our artist on-site. Simply spend a minimum of $10 in a single receipt to participate and stand a chance to win up to $500 worth of Changi Dollar Vouchers.

5-11 Sep: Barbie Workshops at 1pm & 4pm
Let your little ones display their creativity through a series of workshops including tiara making, jewellery making, puppet making and nail painting. Simply spend a minimum of $40 (max 2 combined same-day receipt) to sign up for a same-day workshop. Changi Rewards members need only spend a minimum of $30. Limited to first 30 families per session per day on a first come first served basis.


Moonfest - A Mid-Autumn Celebration 2011

An annual Chinese arts festival held in celebration of the mid-autumn festival, it seeks to inspire and expose audiences to the intricacies of Chinese language, arts and culture through traditional Chinese performances, workshops and talks. Featuring both ticketed and free programmes, highlights of the festival include Chinese opera, ensemble performances, puppetry, dance, lantern riddles, cross talk and the popular lantern walkabout.

Date: 6-11 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: The Esplanade
FREE & Ticketed programmes available.
For more information and various performances schedule, please visit here: http://www.moonfest.com.sg/2011/calendar.html


'Sweet Dreams' Play

A new interactive play, “Sweet Dreams” about a happy little girl named Lisa, whose life turned around when her parents met with an accident. Aunty May took over the care of little Lisa and her sweet dreams soon turned into nightmares as things started to change. Learn how Little Lisa overcomes her fear and problems and as a result, changes things for the better! Performed by The Necessary Stage for children aged 7–12, parents and caregivers.

Date: 7 & 8 Sep 2011
Time: 3-3.30pm
Venue: 7 Sep - Auditorium at Woodlands Regional Library; 8 Sep - Activity Zone at Jurong Regional Library
Admission is FREE.


Science Buskers Festival

Catch the Science Buskers this September at Plaza Singapura - it is Science with Style!

Date: 9-11 Sep 2011
Venue: Plaza Singapura, Front Plaza, Level 1
Time: 10am - 8pm


Sentosa Day - FREE Island Admission

Mark your calendar for 10 September 2011 to enjoy free island admission on Sentosa Day! As part of the first-ever large-scale charity initiative, Sentosa Gives, the public can enjoy free entry via the Sentosa Boardwalk and Sentosa Express from 7am to 11.59pm. This is Sentosa’s way of thanking all guests for their strong support over the years.

Date: 10 Sep 2011
Time: 7am - 11.59pm
Venue: Sentosa
Admission is FREE.


Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Parade

Programme highlights for the event includes Dragon Dance, Chinese Cultural Dance, Wushu Performance, Lantern Quizzes and Stage Games. The evening will then come to a grand closure with the Lantern Parade being led by a lighted dragon that comes to 'life'! Free lanterns will be given out to the first 100 NTUC Plus! / nEbO Plus! / Plus! Cardholders based on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Date: 11 Sep 2011
Time: 7pm
Venue: Downtown East, Event Square
Admission is FREE.


Parks Festival 2011

In conjunction with World Parks Day on 17 September 2011, come discover what our parks have to offer during the inaugural Parks Festival from 17 to 25 September 2011, and join in the free activities NParks is organising to celebrate our parks.

Date: 17-25 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: Various Park venues
Activities are free, unless stated.
For more information and the calender of events, please visit here:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parksfest/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21


HAVE FUN!!!



Email to a friend
Aug 30, 2011

10 months

No comments :
(Daddy reminisces)

The diva is 10 months old. Today. 

And after this last post, which was only a mere 1.5 months ago, she has seemed to have grown to be more knowing and definitely more vocal in getting what she wants.

I may be biased, but how can you say no to such a face right?


Either way, Daddy would just like to tell you this:

Hi sweetiepie,

10 months ago, you were brought to this world oblivious to your surroundings. But you sure packed a strong pair of lungs then (and even a stronger pair NOW). Life for you back then was just all about cry, milk, poo & sleep. Looks like nothing has changed huh.

9 months ago, you went for your first-ever overseas road trip to Port Dickson with us. And funnily, the hotel bed was the highlight of your trip. You just seem to light up whenever you come into contact with it. And yes, you have learnt to master your smile and melt more hearts too.

8 months ago, you were slowly learning to lift you neck more while lying on your tummy. Daddy & Mummy loved seeing you trying to make the effort to lift your neck and steal glances at us. It was such a joy back then, and it is still such a joy now just looking at you.


7 months ago, you were getting more & more curious - the slightest sound or movement would make you stop drinking your milk and turn your head in that direction. Mummy thinks that you are distracted easily. I think you are just so cute.

6 months ago, you reached your first major milestone. You were able to you were able to flip onto your tummy unassisted. The first time! And it was also getting easier to flash your cheekie smile for the camera, which never fail to make my day.

5 months ago, it was milestone #2 - Solid foods were also introduced to you for the first time and like your 2 brothers before you, the 1 or 2 teaspoons of cereal were never enough for you. You loved eating back then, and you still do now. Mee goreng for supper with me soon?


4 months ago, you were becoming more and more talkative. But in a tradition reminiscent of your 2 brothers, you were only in an extremely wonderful mood  in the mornings. Afternoons were best left for milk and sleep for the cranky you. But still, you adore both your brothers, and especially love talking gibberish to them. Also, you had your first official dip in the swimming pool but let's just say it wasn't love at first sight then.

3 months ago, you got the licence to sit upright all by yourself, although still a P-plate then. But you certainly didn't need any help in putting objects into your mouth - as long as you could get on any objects, into your mouth they will go. But I know you can't really help it, because the real culprits were the 2 bottom teeth forcing their way out of your pinkish itchy gums.

2 months ago, you were getting more and more clingy, especially to Mummy. She would not be able to go out of your sight at all. And if she did, you would bawl your eyes out. Yes, very poor thing - Mummy, NOT you. Also, you have taken an interest in crawling and you never seem to get tired of it. During bedtime, you have the habit of climbing all over us and treating us as some kind of obstacles. Your 2 brothers certainly weren't as mobile as you were back then.


1 month ago, you were able to stand up on your own for a good 5 seconds and thrill the people around you by laughing at the silly antics that they do. Well, actually it's mostly your eldest brother - you just love to laugh at whatever things he does or says. And most often than not, he is the first one you look for whenever you wake up from your afternoon naps.

And now, you are the expert in getting people to be smitten with you - by making funny sounds, waving bye-bye, clapping your tiny hands and your killer move, blowing a flying kiss. No wonder both your grandpas turn to mush with you around. Okay okay, me too.


Happy 10 months, Ale! Daddy, Mummy, and your 2 brothers will always love you. :)


Email to a friend
Aug 29, 2011

Wave Rider

No comments :
Over the weekend, di-di & I checked out a new indoor playground - Amazonia, at Great World City. And my oh my, the place blew our minds away!

Especially this tall wave slide, which we lost count of the number of times we slid down.



YAH, it is that fun! Daddy promised to blog more about it... so, stay tuned! :)


Email to a friend
Aug 26, 2011

Cebu after-thoughts

5 comments :
(Daddy reflects)

It has been almost a month since we returned from our Cebu holiday. And I think it's safe to say the whole family has been missing the place badly, albeit for different reasons. The wifey & I yearn for its beautiful beaches...


While the monkies long for the waterpark...


But that's a good thing because it meant that all of us had thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and also lived to tell our experiences.

I'm kidding when I say, "lived to tell our experiences".

Mainly because the first impression most people get when we mention "Cebu, Philippines" is whether it is safe, especially for kids. I don't know about other cities in the Philippines, but Cebu is pretty much the same as Phuket or Bali - only less crowded.

And here are some travel tips if you are planning a family trip to Cebu.


Climate

The rainy season falls between June to November, with the dry season occupying the other half of the year. The hottest & driest months are between February to May, so slap on a more than generous layer of sunscreen if you do go then. Before our trip, we were extremely worried that the rain would literally dampen our glorious holiday plans.


But as we found out, it didn't rain throughout the day and if it did rain, it was usually passing and intermittent. There were heavy thunderstorms but luckily for us, those occurred in the middle of the night, hence gifting us beautiful sunny skies in the mornings. Also, the low season meant that the hotel rates are much lower and the beaches less crowded. So I think I can live with a little rain. :)

People

The Filipinos are quite friendly on the whole, and are generally helpful. There are touts aplenty lying in ambush outside the resorts though, with most trying to sell various tour packages. But they are not too aggressive, and they usually drop away with a friendly 'no'.


Obviously, language isn't a problem there with English being spoken widely. Or maybe perhaps you might want to learn some Korean too. Why? 'Cos the place is teeming with Koreans! We were even mistaken to be Koreans too. The first thing the locals say when they see us? Ahn-hyung-ha-se-yo!

Well, it turns out that Cebu is a popular holiday destination with the Koreans, and also many Koreans go to Cebu to learn English because it is much cheaper than other countries. But no, I didn't spot the Wonder Girls there, else I would have sunbathed with them.

Food

No worries about toddlers being starved in Cebu. Rice & noodles are staple food there, and for the more angmoh-inclined little ones, there are pizza and pasta as well. Also, with the swarm of Koreans there, there were many Korean restaurants that served pretty authentic Korean food.


Ash loved the sio-bak (roasted pork) rice there, while Ayd adored the fried noodles so much that he declared that he wanted to have it EVERYDAY. As for Ale, we brought along jar food for her but occasionally we fed her rice which was mashed in miso soup.

Getting around


Taxis are the most obvious mode of transport in Cebu. The taxis are metered, but they almost always never use them. The most common reason we encountered was that it was spoilt. So the important thing is to negotiate the fare before you get into the taxi. But if you die-die want to use the meter, you can just wait for the next taxi that comes along.

We made 7 cab rides throughout our stay in Cebu, and only ONCE did the cab that we were in use its meter. I don't know if that meant that we were lucky or unlucky. Haha.

And if you are feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can hop onto the locals' mode of transport - the Jeepney. It's very much like the Tuk-tuks of Thailand but it functions like a bus. So it can get really crowded and often we saw people just clinging onto the outside if the vehicle is full.

Oh, and unless you are just going to stay within the four walls of the resort, leave your pram at home. The walkways in Cebu are definitely not built for strollers. Well, unless you intend to buy a new one.

Shopping

We devoted one day of shopping in Cebu city and for that, we went to the SM City Mall which was the largest shopping centre in Cebu. And it was huge with lots of shops & food outlets. It was definitely better than we had anticipated, even with our local brands like Breadtalk, Charles & Keith and BYSI.

But with our monkies, the word 'shopping' has the same meaning as the word 'boring'. And it never fails to illicit such a response.


But luckily, there is an amusement arcade for the kids, with each token being only 17 cents. I would have played some games myself even if the monkies didn't want to! And if the kids got tired, there are shopping buggy cars for rent at about S$10 per hour.


So there you have it, I hope that you had found certain bits of information useful if you are planning a family trip to Cebu too. There are other kids-related stuff that we didn't get a chance to do, like the Mactan Island Aquarium and the Sky Experience Adventure where one gets a chance to walk along the edge at the top of the tallest tower in the Philippines.

Well, there is always next year time. I hope. :D


CEBU HOLIDAY Blog Posts
Part 1Part 2 - Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
Part 3 - Island Hopping in Cebu
Part 4 - Shopping in Cebu City
Part 5 & Part 6 - Imperial Palace Resort & a Water Park (!!!)


Email to a friend
Aug 25, 2011

Self-made Ice Cream Date

No comments :
(Daddy retells)

The last time I accompanied Ash on a cooking class in June, Ayd didn't get to go. So I had no choice but to promise him that I will bring him to one as well - just the 2 of us.

Ayd has got a sweet tooth - gummies, marshmallows, cakes - he adores them all. Quite markedly different from the older brother, who loves all things salty. Which is good in a way since they wouldn't clash over the same food then.

So anyway, after some extensive research (read: 5 minutes), I decided to let him make his own ice cream!


I came across Scoopy's & Cream - an ice cream parlour at Downtown East E!hub, which organizes self-making ice cream classes for both kids and adults alike.


So ice cream it was! Ayd would definitely love it. And that would be the topmost reason why I chose it. Definitely NOT the 50% discount (U.P. $50) in class fees per person promotion.

Ayd was absolutely thrilled the moment he found out that he was going to make his own ice cream. In fact, he proudly declared that the flavour he wanted to create would be strawberry, with bananas & seaweed. Luckily for my palate, there were no bananas or seaweed available at the class.


The class teacher first went through a brief history and the different basic ingredients of ice cream.

But someone was obviously too excited to pay attention.


Before the flavouring, we had to make the ice cream custard base first. And for starters, Ayd got to crack the eggs and separate the egg yolks & egg whites.

Then the fun began, as Ayd was to whisk the egg yolks until smooth.

You spin me right round baby right round like a record baby right round round round

Sugar was added, and more stirring ensued.


After a while, he gave me the my-hands-are-so-so-so-tired-so-can-you-help-me-whisk look and since I had also paid the class fee, I had to make my money worthwhile too, no?

Once the custard mix was thick enough, we had to add hot full cream milk to it.


The full cream milk was heated to 80 degrees Celsius, so as to cook the egg yolks. But any hotter, the yolks might be overcooked and that is a big no-no.

The flavour of the day was Oreo Milo Ice Cream. And so, once the ice cream custard base was ready, it was added to the ice cream maker machine together with smashed bits of Oreo.


And while waiting for the ice cream to be ready, Ayd asked the teacher if he could have his fave Strawberry ice cream as well.


And he got his wish! Haha...

Gooey Strawberry syrup to make his fave ice cream!

And once the ice cream was fit to be eaten...


Was there any surprise that he had extra helpings of the ice cream he personally made?


But he did leave some for the Mummy and his brother too. :)

We enjoyed ourselves on the whole, and the biggest lesson I took away from the class? 

No, not the fats from the ice cream. Rather, it reminded me that we need to bring our kids out individually sometimes so that there could be uninterrupted bonding between the both of us. And that to me, is priceless.



Email to a friend
Aug 23, 2011

Convivial Cebu (Final Part)

4 comments :
(Daddy recounts)

Day SEVEN, and our final full day in Cebu before we bid a teary farewell to our holiday destination.

And Ale seemed to know it as well, because she was up bright & early before any one of us were up! I think she has an in-built light sensor within her, which prompts her to open her eyes when daylight breaks. 

Unfortunately (for me), daylight breaks at 5.30AM in Cebu! So much for lazing in bed...

So what's a Diva going to do when the rest of the family (except me of course) were still snuggling in bed?


Check out the Cebu landscape from our hotel room lobby, that's what.


I've got to admit - it was pretty serene and peaceful just sitting out on the balcony early in the morning.

And of course, the company helped too. :)


The little girl seemed to enjoy the view, as she was making all sorts of sounds and  gesturing excitedly while looking out into the green landscape. 

As for me - as early as it was, I was just content to spend some time exclusively with Ale.


The 2 brothers soon awoke, and joined us at the balcony. And though Ale was really overjoyed to have her 2 brothers with her, I think she was rather intrigued by the older brother's out-of-bed look. Haha.


As soon as all of us washed up and got changed, we headed down for our breakfast. It was going to be a whole day of Waterpark fun for the monkies and I was pretty confident there would not be any objections to that.

Although Cebu's rainy season is between June to November, we were blessed with good weather throughout our entire stay there. And today was no exception.


Perfect weather, coupled with high tide at the beach gave us the perfect opportunity to go snorkeling right the resort's doorstep. The snorkeling gear were provided free of charge to resort's guests, and so the 2 boys & I needed no invitation to submerge ourselves in the blue sea in a bid to see some fishes.


And if snorkeling isn't your kind of fun, you can just do what the wifey & Ale did - laze on the deckchairs and basically stare right into the sea horizon. In other words, stone.


When the monkies had enough of saltwater, freshwater was next on their minds. And this time, Ale came along with us to the River pool!


We brought along her very own mini floating tube, and she thoroughly enjoyed drifting with the currents. Well, she did have a personal chauffeur at her beck and call.


Time really does fly when one is having fun, 'cos it was soon time for lunch! Expectantly, the boys remarked that they were not hungry yet, and that they still wanted to play in the water for a little longer.

This all changed when I told them that we were going to have our lunch right in the pool. You should have seen how fast they swam to the pool bar!


All thanks to the pool bar & float, the smallest monkie also had a fuss-free feeding session. In fact, she walloped her lunch in record quick time. Perhaps we should feed her in our home bathtub in future then.


And thanks to pool too, the 2 boys had something to keep them occupied while waiting for our food to be served.


At least they didn't ask for the iPhone. :P


Perhaps we should REALLY feed ALL 3 of them in our home bathtub in future then.


When the food did come, they were at it like a pack of hungry wolves.


Nothing like an ice-cold Strawberry Shake to counter the sun's heat huh?


Ash ordered, predictably, his fave pizza.


While Ayd craved for the burger that he had devoured the previous day.


The wifey had her sandwiches, while I had the usual - whatever was unfinished by all three of them. How to lose weight like that?


After lunch, it was back to the Kids' Play pool area as requested by the boys.


Not that I had any complaints with that, 'cos it was the perfect opportunity for me to keep an eye on them while lazing on the deck chair. That, to me, was the perfect exercise after lunch.


I find it amazing that they (and other children) can keep going on the water slides and never get bored with them! But as long as they are having the time of their lives, I am happy too. (As long as I don't budge from my deck chair.)


Incredulously, we had already spent 6 hours at the Waterpark. And with the need to give our skins a break from the sun, we made our way back to our room albeit reluctantly.


After washing up, all 3 monkies hit the bed like sacks of potatoes. The afternoon nap lasted for 2 hours before the boys awoke as they remembered the promise the wifey & I made them before they slept.

This was the promise.


The resort also housed an indoor playgym for kids and since it was the final day of our holiday, we decided to let the kids have one last treat.

Admission wasn't free though - it was about S$8 per hour for kids aged 3 & above. Pretty decent, and the place was very clean so I felt the charges were pretty reasonable. Besides, Ale had loads of fun in the toddler's play area too - for free!


Needless to say, the 2 brothers had their share of fun as well.


They even took some time out to have dip in the ball pit together with their mei-mei. Heh.


Or simply just entertained her by bouncing themselves silly on the huge trampoline.


After one hour of play, we made our way to the resort's seaside restaurant where we had our dinner right by the sea.


Yummy seafood & cool sea breeze - a fitting finale to our holiday if you ask me.


Ayd asked innocently after dinner, if we could stay for another one more day at this Waterpark resort. Ash nodded furiously in approval upon hearing that. I secretly wished so as well, but the answer was always going to be no.

But I guess we would love to go back to Cebu next time - especially with Tiger Airways starting flights to Cebu from September onwards. The last I checked, a return ticket to Cebu on Tiger is about S$80-S$100, inclusive of taxes. What a perfect excuse to go again! Hahaha!


We had a final dip at the Waterpark the next day before we checked out, just to satisfy the monkies. And as we made our flight back home, mei-mei was an angel once more - sleeping more than three-quarters of the journey. And this can only mean one thing. MORE trips! :D

The wifey & I agreed that this had been one of the more enjoyable beach holidays we had. Ample relaxation, minimal travelling between places, beautiful beaches and of course, lots of water (both salty & fresh) for the monkies to splash around.

Stay tuned for my personal after-thoughts on our Cebu trip!


Email to a friend
Newer Posts Older Posts
................... Home ...................
TOP