Aug 31, 2013

Homemade Shrinky Dinks

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(Daddy crafts)

If you remember shrinky dinks, or know what they are all about, then it probably means we are from the same generation! 

Shrinky dinks are fascinating stuff. They are made from flexible plastic sheets and when heated in an oven, shrink to about one-quarter in size to become smaller and harder without changing the original shape nor color. They are mostly used for making personalised plastic jewellery and charms.

In fact, I was so inspired by ahappymum's DIY Shrinky Dink project that it gave me the perfect excuse to pitch the idea to Ash and Ayd just as they were mulling over what to gift their teachers for Teachers' Day. Needless to say, they embraced it (Woot!).

Obviously, the magic cannot happen without the most important ingredient of the project - the shrinky dink plastic. I have read online that you can get them at those craft shops at Bras Basah but you would probably have better luck getting the plastic from Daiso. Not to mention it is cheaper too!


The $2 shrinky dink pack comes with 2 A5 white translucent plastics and one keychain ring holder. Daiso sells the clear plastic ones as well but personally, I feel the colours stand out more on the white translucent ones.

As for the colours, you can make do with normal markers and colouring pencils but for best results, oil-based markers are most ideal.


And then, it was time to get cracking!


The two boys decided to make Minions keychains for their teachers and I printed out A5-sized pictures of those yellow cuties for the boys to trace. The important thing to note is because the plastic shrinks to one-quarter of its original size, remember not to make your drawings too small.


Once the tracing and colouring are done, you may even include words or names for that personalized touch. Then, cut out the shape and pop it into the oven to let the magic begin.


Oh, and here's a reminder - if you are making a keychain, remember to punch holes BEFORE sticking it into the oven! And speaking of oven, a normal toaster oven works fine as well. Just line the tray with either aluminium foil or baking sheet, turn up the heat and watch the magic happen before your very own eyes!


Please do not freak out when it starts to crumple and curl like a ball. It is all part of the show! I think this is the most fun part of the entire craft process for the boys as I could clearly see their excitement swelling as the plastic went shrinking in the oven. Eventually, it will flatten itself out and become a thicker and harder version.


Once it is flattened, wait for another 5 seconds before removing it from the oven with a pair of tongs. While it is still soft and malleable, you may want to press it with a ruler to make it perfectly flat.

When it has completely cooled, attach the keychain ring holder and TA-DAH - A homemade personalized shrinky dink keychain! Amazing process isn't it?


So after the first successful attempt, mass production duly followed.


In fact, it looked so fun that I just had to give a go myself too - by throwing an Evil Minion into the mix. Heh.


I hope that both Ash's and Ayd's teachers will like their small gifts for Teachers' Day. Actually, I reckon it will be the perfect craft activity if you want to keep your kids busy for a few hours.

Happy Shrinking!


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Aug 29, 2013

Fibre gives Broadband a Boost

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Advertorial
(Daddy blogs)

Like it or not, the thing about technology nowadays is that there is an increasing need to stay connected. Even more so for me, especially since I am a Financial Planner by profession and moonlight as a Daddy Blogger as well. So not only is it important for me to remain contactable with my clients, I depend on the various social media platforms to engage with my blog's readers.

And trust me, it can be a terrible nightmare if my home internet connection fails me at the crucial moments.


So my criteria for a home-based broadband connection is simple - fast and stable. Come to think of it, these are the exact same conditions that apply to my monkies when it comes to their e-learning. 

Ash's and Ayd's primary school has been embracing the e-learning aspect more frequently and there are times when both of them need to complete some of their homework via e-learning websites. And I shudder to think of what will happen should the home internet connection fail when they are midway through their homework!


Luckily though, that dreaded scenario has not happened, all thanks to M1's Fibre Broadband - Singapore's first home Fibre Broadband with symmetric speed. I know most people tend to view download speeds as the most important aspect of a broadband connection but did you know that upload speeds are equally important as well?

To receive data, a device sends an initial request upstream so one can start surfing or downloading. The faster the upload speed, the faster the request is being sent which undeniably results in a better surfing experience! So, upload speed affects not only your file sharing capability but also your overall surfing experience as well.

And with symmetric speed offered by M1's Fibre Broadband, the monkies have been able access their e-learning websites seamlessly, and also view their favourite online videos at blazing speeds - all thanks to us being able to enjoy maximum upload speeds as fast as download speeds concurrently. Ditto for me - processing, streaming and uploading of photos and videos for my blog has never been speedier.

Of course, I wouldn't go so far as to claim that M1's Fibre Broadband is infallible. Because nothing in the world is. But in the event it does happen, you can be assured that M1 listens to its every consumer's needs. More than ever, ensuring connectivity is not just a simple business model but it is all about maintaining relationships and ensuring consumers getting exactly what they need. 

To walk the talk and show M1 is indeed committed in making sure each of its customers gets what he/she deserves, M1 is now holding a Facebook contest which calls for consumers to submit their own videos and say what they enjoy on Fibre Broadband. And because it is named The M1 For Every One Contest, this contest is open to EVERYONE, even non-M1 customers!

Participation is easy. All you have to do is to create and submit your own video and upload it via M1's Facebook contest page or on Instagram. If you are uploading your video through Instagram do remember to hashtag it with #M1foreveryone. To get started, get hold of a large sheet of paper or whiteboard and write down what you enjoy on Fibre Broadband.


Then take a short video with you holding up the paper or whiteboard and say into the camera what you have written.


Upload your video onto M1's Facebook contest page or Instagram and cross your fingers, toes and eyes! (Note that you have to 'like' M1's Facebook page in order to gain access to the contest app)


And what of the prizes you ask?

There will be a total of TEN winners. Five winners selected fortnightly and have their videos stitched together into one winners’ video, which will then be uploaded onto the Facebook contest page. And these are the prizes on offer:

Weeks 1 & 2 -  5 x HTC One 
Weeks 3 & 4 - 5 x Samsung Galaxy S4

Other than ten winners, there will also be a lucky draw. This will open to everyone who has submitted a video (videos are subjected to moderation, not all content will be considered valid) and they stand to win:

Weeks 1 & 2 - 10 x Sony Xperia Tablet Z  
Weeks 3 & 4 - 10 x Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 

The M1 For Every One (What do you enjoy on Fibre Broadband?) Contest is from 29 Aug 2013 (0000 hours) to 11 Sept 2013 (2359 hours) and submit a video for a chance to win fantastic gadgets!

Oh and remember, this contest is open to everyone. You don’t need to be a M1 customer to be eligible! So what are you waiting for? Visit M1's Facebook contest page now!


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Aug 27, 2013

Philips Sonicare Airfloss - A Fun Way to Floss!

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Advertorial
(Daddy reviews)

Okay, I admit - I hardly floss. Yes, I hate flossing more than anybody can imagine and I won't do it regularly. And apparently, 63% of Singaporeans have the same thought as me and think that flossing is too time consuming. This was from a recent survey conducted by Philips and it also showed that 88% wish there was a product available that could make brushing more effective for them because there is nothing like a nice smile, coupled with a set of good teeth.

So like it or not, flossing forms a very important part of oral hygiene and to make it a more efficient and less irritating experience, Philips has introduced the Sonicare AirFloss.


The Philips Sonicare AirFloss features microburst technology that delivers air and microdroplets of water to remove plaque between teeth. This device is safe and gentle for implants, veneers, and orthodontic brackets too.

To get started, just fill up the reservoir with water.


Then quite simply, the process is all about Point and Press - place the tip of the nozzle between your teeth and press the activation button. A burst of air and water will be shot in between your teeth for an effective yet gentle cleaning. Repeat with all the other spaces between your teeth and you can be done cleaning of your entire mouth in 60 seconds, while using less than one teaspoon of water.


I have used it for about 2 weeks - that is how long one charge of the AirFloss lasts by the way - now and for me, this is the best way to floss, ever. I love how effective it is in blasting away any debris and built-up food between my teeth. And best of all, it is so easy and fun to use! So for a person who rarely flosses to one who now uses the Sonicare AirFloss daily, I think that itself is the best testament.


And if your excuse is a lack of time for not flossing, there is no excuse now because the Sonicare Airfloss is waterproof too! So it is absolutely safe to floss while in the shower - saving even much more time for busy parents.


And since the Philips Sonicare AirFloss is able to clean in-between all teeth in 60 seconds, Philips is launching the Philips Sonicare 60 Seconds Challenge!

Just head on down to the Philips Sonicare Singapore Facebook Page and click on the “60 Seconds Challenge” application to participate. Broadcast what you can do in 60 seconds that improves your life as much as the Philips Sonicare AirFloss does and submit your challenge via a write-in, photo or video.

The public will then vote on the challenge they like best (1 vote per day) and you can share your entry with your family and friends and ask them to support your challenge by voting. 10 lucky finalists will make it through to the second round, where they will then perform their challenge in video format, and submit to Philips.

The videos will be posted on the Facebook application and be subjected to a public vote. And the last one standing will walk away with an AWESOME Grand prize - a 60-second shopping spree at the Philips Singapore (Toa Payoh) Showroom! The winner will be given a gift box and anything that you can fit into it is yours to keep. And yes, I have been assured by Philips that the box will be of a substantial size.

But there are other prizes to be won as well - the 10 finalists will each receive one unit of the Philips Sonicare AirFloss, while one lucky voter will receive one unit of the Philips Sonicare AirFloss during each of the two phases of voting.


So if you are drooling at the thought of adding more Philips products to your home for FREE, brainstorm something that you can do in 60 seconds or less that can improve your health like the AirFloss can and submit your challenge at the Philips Sonicare Singapore Facebook Page now!


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Aug 26, 2013

Dads & Kids Cookin’ Together

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(Daddy cooks)

For many parents, having kids in the kitchen conjures up images of splattering sticky mess from floor to ceiling or to put it simply - a war zone. But it does not have to be that way. Putting your kids in the kitchen can be safe and fun for everyone.

And there are lots of reasons why parents - and especially Dads - should cook with their kids. First of all, it's fun... if you can get over the fact that half the flour in the cupcake recipe will end up on the floor. In all seriousness though, not only can getting kids into the kitchen teach basic cooking skills, math skills, reading skills and safety, increase confidence, and help improve picky eating habits, but making a meal together offers a prime opportunity for family bonding.

Okay okay, so in between hectic workweeks and piles of homework, we are often tempted to just whip up something quick and mindless or resort to takeaways instead of having to explain and delegate while we cook.

But you know something? Cooking with your kids does not have to be a major production. And it is with this in mind that Electrolux has teamed up with MediaCorp actor and host, Ben Yeo to produce a series of four cooking videos. Titled “What’s Cookin’ Daddy!”, each episode introduces a delicious and nutritious recipe suitable for the family and even the culinary-challenged.


Each episode is only about 3 minutes long, with a new episode being broadcast every Thursday at 10am. The first episode was aired last Thursday where Ben introduced a breakfast dish perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings - Egg Cupcakes!


Download the recipe HERE (pdf).

I love it how it is so simple for even kids to get involved and prepare the dish too. In fact, I think this will no doubt surpass the previous effort by Ash & Ayd where they dabbled in some ham and omelette cooking for Mother's Day!


As an added bonus, stand to win Ben’s new cookbook, “这样煮,宝宝才爱吃” and Electrolux appliances by answering a simple question (5 winners each week) at Electrolux's Facebook Giveaway page! Be sure to 'Like' Electrolux's Facebook page too to be kept updated on the new “What’s Cookin’ Daddy!” episodes each week.

So get ready to have a fun-filled time with your kids in the kitchen, because let’s face it - if the kids can cook, it has got to be a good thing for the whole family in the long run. How great will it be for them to cook for us in the future?


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Aug 25, 2013

How Dads Can Help With Breastfeeding

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(Daddy blogs)

Would it surprise you to know that the single most important factor in a new mum’s success with breastfeeding is the support she gets from her husband?

After all, when it comes to breastfeeding the science is clear - there is absolutely nothing better than breast milk for an infant. But not every new mum will find her breastfeeding journey easy. So one crucial thing that will help all mummies who are breastfeeding is the support of their partner. In fact, studies have shown that the attitude of the baby's father is the most important factor in whether or not a mother begins and continues to breastfeed.

And it is precisely with this in mind that I was one of the two Daddies - the other being Andy of SengkangBabies - who were invited to last Saturday's Breastfeeding Seminar organised by Philips AVENT.

Photo courtesy of Philips AVENT Singapore
We were there to give the Daddy's perspective on breastfeeding, and how we as husbands can do more to make the breastfeeding journey a little more pleasant for our wives. In fact, I was on air last Tuesday with 938Live during its 'Body & Soul' segment where I shared with listeners on the importance of Dads being involved in breastfeeding.

And when it came to the Breastfeeding Seminar proper, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many Dads present in the audience as well - definitely a good sign!


So what role can Daddy exactly play?

Be supportive. The best way you can help is simply by supporting your wife's decision to breastfeed. Learning about how breastfeeding works can make you be a better part of the team as well. 

Connect with baby. Take every opportunity to carry, cuddle and bathe your baby. And because babies adore skin-to-skin contact, putting them close to your bare chest can help settle them and help you bond.

Make yourself useful at home. Help out with the household chores so that Mummy can feed the baby for as long and as often as the baby needs.

Let Mummy rest. Remember, Mummy cannot produce enough milk if she is not getting enough rest. So for night feeds, consider helping to bring your baby to Mummy to nurse. After the feed, take him/her for a burp and nappy change, and lull him/her back to sleep if necessary. Just that few minutes a few times a night will make a big difference to your wife.

Help Mummy relax. Be her extra pair of hands - offer to prop her back with another pillow or offer a shoulder rub. And because breastfeeding can make her hungry and thirsty, help by bringing her a cup of warm drink or encouraging her to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Be the human shield. You know how in some instances, other family members or relatives will question the decision to breastfeed or perhaps they will suggest to supplement breast milk with formula milk? These are the times where Daddy needs to step in, be the protector and deflect these counter-productive words from his wife. Also, when the baby needs to nurse in public and a nursing room is not available, Daddy can help keep Mummy protected from prying eyes or curious onlookers just by shielding her.

Photo courtesy of Philips AVENT Singapore
Dads are important to babies no matter how they are fed. An important role of a Dad is to teach his baby there is more to love than food and a Dad can find his own way to get involved and have fun with baby too. Because at the end of the day, forging your own relationship with your baby will enrich both your lives - and Mummy's too.


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Aug 24, 2013

Media Feature: Sydney Travel in Scoot Supplement

2 comments :
(Daddy blogs)

If you have gotten your copy of The Sunday Times last week, you might have come across some familiar faces in the Scoot Supplement that came with it as well.


Yes, that's us - showcasing the best that Sydney has to offer for families with young tots. So if you are planning for a holiday in Sydney and its surrounds, do click on the picture above to read what I have to share!


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Aug 23, 2013

Get Nocturnal with Singapore Night Festival 2013

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(Daddy blogs)

How is it more often than not that kids always say they aren't sleepy when it comes to bedtime? If that sounds familiar to you, then good news - you can get all nocturnal with them these 2 weekends when the Singapore Night Festival 2013 illuminates the entire Bras Basah-Bugis precinct. 


Back for the sixth year, the festival will be held over two weekends of 23rd and 24th August, and 30th and 31st August 2013 (7pm to 2am). And even better - this year's festival covers an unprecedented area, stretching from Plaza Singapura to Raffles City through Armenian Street, and includes locations such as The Cathay, School of the Arts (SOTA), Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum of Singapore!

The main spectacle of the 23/24 Aug weekend will be the shows at National Museum's facade beginning from 8.15pm, where performers will be bouncing off walls, aerial dancing and playing with fire.


Vertical Extraction by Compagnie Retouramont saw dancers embark on a vertical journey up the façade of the National Museum and break into a rhythmic dance on bungee cords. But the one performance that had the monkies' attention - and craning their necks up into the night sky - was Compagnie Retouramont's Pyramid Of Void.


In this dance segment, a pyramid structure made of ropes is suspended in mid-air. Dancers demonstrate their acrobatic creativity and agility as they negotiate the minimalist set, with the ropes acting as their only form of support.


The Singapore Art Museum is also another interesting place to be and EVERYONE is invited to become a lighting artist simply by using tablets and working on your own huge canvas – the musueum’s façade! An interactive video-mapping programme will magically translates sounds generated by mobile devices into gigantic visual creations onto SAM’s facade, right before your very eyes!

Photo courtesy of Singapore Art Museum
The Night Festival is more than just a huge arts performance though as there will be something for everyone - ranging from entertainment and dining to late night shopping around the festival grounds. Check out www.brasbasahbugis.sg/SNFPortal/CalendarofEvents for a full listing of all shows and activities.


We didn't manage to catch as many shows as we would have liked, primarily because the monkies got a tad tired since it was a weekday evening. But at least bumping into a giant cow mascot more than made up for it... uhm okay, perhaps only in Ale's eyes.


Oh and here's a final bonus -  enjoy FREE late night admission to National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Peranakan Museum and The Substation Gallery during the Singapore Night festival nights!


The Singapore Night Festival is on 23/24 and 30/31 August 2013 from 7pm to 2am. For more information, kindly refer to the following links:



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Aug 22, 2013

It’s time to shop, shop, shop

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Sponsored Post
(Daddy blogs)

It was only after I became a parent that I realised how much I loved shopping for kids' clothes! I can balk at paying more than $60 for a pair of jeans for myself, but yet have no qualms dishing out the same amount for a smaller pair of jeans for my kids. Silly I know, especially since one pair of my jeans can easily spawn at least 6 pairs of kids jeans - and that's a conservative estimate.

So to go easy on my wallet, I make it a point to go for kids clothes that are not only well-designed and of good quality, but also provide value for money. And for the past few years, FOX Kids & Baby stores have sort of become a regular haunt for the wifey and I, where we stock up clothes for the monkies.


In fact, our patronage at FOX Kids & Baby started waaaay back in 2005 when Ash was still a teeny weeny infant. And I've got the photos to prove it.


Yea I know, I don't do colour-matching on babies too well back then. Well it comes with experience you see, though I admit that these days, the boys are getting more vocal in dictating the clothes that they wear.

So it was a good thing too that FOX Kids & Baby approached the monkies for a collaboration, which gave them a legitimate reason to pick out the clothes that they fancy in the shop!


I might be wrong, but this must have been one of the rare instances where the boys were clamouring for me to snap photos of them. Even Ale couldn't resist joining in the fashion show!


After some meticulous browsing, she was immediately in love with their range of cartoon tees. After all, who can say no to Disney characters (and at $25 for 2 pieces at that)?


No, Ayd wasn't about to choose a Minnie top for himself. He was actually in love with another Disney character - Phineas & Ferb - and it was exactly this tee that became the first to enter his shopping basket.


Ditto for Ash who gunned for Perry the Platypus from the same Phineas & Ferb cartoon series. Ale, though chose to stay faithful to Minnie.


We had visited the FOX Kids & Baby outlet at JEM Shopping Mall and thank goodness it was rather spacious - enough for the monkies to create a ruckus in the fitting rooms!


And after all the trying-ons and mulling, this was the loot we had to show for in the end.


In addition to the Phineas & Ferb tees, we picked out 2 striped pullovers - which would come in handy in slightly cooler climates - and 2 pairs of oh-so-comfy linen bottoms. As for the lady, the wifey picked out a gorgeous retro-looking polka-dot dress, romper and a pair of floral jeans. Oh, and not forgetting the Minnie top which Ale refused to let go while in the shop.


What of the bill? It came up to about $100 per monkie - not too bad considering the number of pieces that each of them received.

There are tons of other collections that I have not showcased but you can see the brand new Fall Winter 2013 Collection here. Better yet, head on down to your nearest FOX Kid & Baby outlet to see the entire collection up close!

Stay tuned too, as we continue to bring you the latest news and promotions from FOX Kids & Baby in the coming months!


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Aug 21, 2013

Safari Adventure with Emicakes

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Sponsored Post
(Daddy reviews)

I have to say Emicakes' timing has been rather impeccable. The last time they sent over their newly launched Peach Mango Sunshine Cake, it was the wifey's and my wedding anniversary. This time around, it so happened to be Ayd's Birthday when they offered to let us review their latest range of cakes targeted at kids.

Say hello to the Safari cakes!


There are a total of 8 different safari animal faces to choose from and obviously I had to leave the decision-making to the Birthday boy.

Guess what he chose?


See the small dent on the right side of the cake in the above photo? Apparently, Ale was so taken in by the cuteness of the 'Terry Tiger' cake - yes, it has a name - that she couldn't resist taking a swipe at it.

Luckily, common sense prevailed with the mandatory Birthday song sung and family photo snapped.


And with the cake-cutting out of the way, the monkies were given the go-ahead to perform the all-important taste test. And their verdict?

They loved the soft luscious chocolate sponge which was tucked in between layers of creamy chocolate mousse. And even though the chocolate was rich, the wifey and I didn't find it to be overly sweet. In fact, my parents loved the cake as well!


Suffice to say, all of us didn't just stop at one piece.

And if you are thinking of ordering one for your kids (or yourself), Emicakes is having a promotion now! From now until 31 August 2013, get 10% off on the new range of Safari Cakes! For 15-20 cm cakes sizes only. While stocks last. Standard delivery policies apply. Not valid in conjunction with other discounts and promotions. Other terms and conditions apply.

Orders can be placed via Emicakes' website www.emicakes.com.sg or through the various outlets island-wide.



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