Friday 26 June 2015

Frugal Friday #6 - ACM

We squeezed time out into the Asian Civillisations Museum (ACM). 

ACM seeks to promote a better appreciation of the rich cultures that make up Singapore's multi-ethnic society. It's current exhibition presents the evolution of Buddhism through the art of India. 

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All set for exploration!

Upon entering, collect a mini activity booklet at its reception, go through the exhibits and complete to redeem a little prize. 

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Hunting for answers

The religious exhibits were a little too dry and heavy for Js to comprehend. The highlight for them was the Animal race exhibits. Where little ones were invited to embark on an exciting trail to uncover secrets about animals in art! This exhibition features interactive ensembles inspired by objects in the collection of the Museum that draw on artists' visions of animals in art across many cultures.

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Animal variations

We saw animals crafted in the various versions, forms and textures. We also learned more about the animal race in the Chinese zodiac, which animal came first and last, and why? Js love the interactive wall that introduces the food these animals eat, as well as their habits. 

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Interesting animals out of craft

There was also a small cosy corner for little readers to grab a book for read. These books displayed for browsing were much about our local places and cultures. It captivated Js, nonetheless.

And next was the most interesting part of our visit. Any idea what other animal related exhibit would be put up? Don't think the conventional.

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What's that?!!

Guessed it? Animals' poop! Ok, I promise you, no funny smell in there. Js had a grossed out time eeewwing and yucking to the various forms of poops on display. It's not to create disgust, but scientists study animals' poop to know more about their health, DNA and behaviour. I'm glad those were the ones that aren't interactive. Just visual.

Once upon a time in Asia: The Animal race exhibits from now till 16 Aug 2015. 

We had a very short visit that day, as a big part of the Museum is under renovation. Hopefully, all will be up in big scale soon! If not, the animal exhibit is actually quite an interesting one.

Have a frugal fun filled weekend ahead! Recharge and refresh for the school term again, next week. Don't forgot those last minute assignments that has to be completed for school too.

Asian Civilisations Museum
Address
1 Empress Place S(179555)
Opening hours

10am to 7pm (Saturdays to Thursday)
10am to 9pm (Fridays)

FREE admission to all Singapore citizens and PR (Bring identification along).

This is part 6 of the Frugal Friday series:
Frugal Friday #1 - SAM
Frugal Friday #2 - SPM
Frugal Friday #3 - Reflections at Bukit Chandu  
Frugal Friday #4 - National Museum
Frugal Friday #5 - Paranakan Museum

Thursday 25 June 2015

A day at the lawn - Superfundae

June is always a very hot-citing month for outdoor events. We had a fun-filled event over at Aviva Superfundae. Like what its name suggests, we did have a day of fun!

Weather was crazily hot, but we were glad to be battling with the sun, not rain. At the entrance, we were very warmly welcomed with goodie bags and the kids got to choose a toy of their choice in addition to their goodie bag. Nerf guns excited them. The bag was thoughtfully packed with a picnic  mat, umbrella and wet wipes! The very essentials for a hot day on a lawn. 

We were spoilt for activity choices once entered. There were so much to do in our seemingly little time. Boredom did not hit us for a single moment, the kids were very well engaged all time. 

We collected stamps for every activity we do, and completing the card game it allows us to exchange for a little toy at the redemption booth. We did the matches and dashes before cooling off to the arty and crafty work.



We did the milk and beer dashes. Oh yes, something for the adults too. Which of course, the man and I consumed the alcohol left in the cup, after the dashes. It was surprisingly, the most thirst quenching drink under that sweltering heat.




The kids had their hands on the crafty works, which they very much enjoyed.
 

 
We were simply thankful that these crafts were housed under a prop up tent, which was a thoughtful shelter and also a good hide from the sun. And I heard nursing Mums got to nurse in an air-conditioned area! So wonderful.

Js really enjoyed their time in there, every single moment of it. I thought the really exciting part was catching hold of gummies from the candy cannon that pops every hour. We collected and were generously gifted so much gummies that Js brought it to school for distribution.





The fun was physically exhausting, it sucked so much energy out of us that I thought we should end the day early. But the ever high energy kids decided that they should stay out, under the dark open sky for a movie. Oh well, what could be better than movies under the stars. We stayed on. Got dinner there and laid out the mat.


It was a very awesome day! Probably one of the best carnival we've been to and perhaps, paying a fee for events like this can be worth it at times. There were no swelling crowd, no snaking queues and just so much good play. Candies were flowing, ice cream was free and toys sent little ones beaming with smile. It was a land filled with excited kids.

I do hope #Superfundae will make a come back next year!

Disclaimer: Media invite. All photos and opinions are solely ours.

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Dads like...

Dads like when the kids run to the door and warmly welcome him home with a cuddly hug.

Dads like coming home early, just so he can still catch a bedtime story with the kids.

Dads like listening to the good progress reports Mum submits daily. 

Dads like coming to the dining table, to eat with well-behaved kids.

Dads like being greeted by happy children before he sets off to work.

Dads like how well the finances are managed in the home.

 Dads like sharing their wisdom generously.

 Dads like staying cool in midst of panic mode .
 
Dads like their private moment when it's soccer time. 

 Dads like coming back to a neat and clean home.

Dads like pleasant surprises.

Dads are like our bosses and superheroes! 

Happy Daddy's Day!


Here's Js pleasant surprise for their Dad, a bagful of creatives for their Super Daddy! A good mix of crafts made from school and home.

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Craft galore

Jazz did palm painting and led her brother into doing a 'turkey' (bottom right). It does take a little imagination to decipher that. Jazz said turkey signifies thankfulness. So yeap, they are really thankful for their Daddy! 

I held the significant role of keeping these crafts out of the man's sight, till they were ready to be presented. I'm thankful for these crafty kids (in a good sense), and hope they'll continue to delight the people around them with their handmade works.

In midst of doing these crafts, Jazz complained that she hasn't got time to work on anything for her Daddy since she's been in school all weekdays and out over the weekends. Though more of a time management, she did strike a cord in me. I will pick them earlier from school!

"Happy Father's Day! Thank you for being their awesome hero!"


Friday 19 June 2015

Frugal Friday #5 - Paranakan Museum

Introducing our adventure into the Peranakan Museum! Upon letting Js know our agenda, we had an extremely hard time explaining what a Peranakan is. It's not like an object or an expression that they can easily comprehend. We spared no effect explaining though.

The word Peranakan means 'descendant' or 'child of'. Used to refer to people of mixed ethnic origins. Chinese peranakans are the majority, but there are also peranakan of other ethnicities. During ancient times, travellers stayed and put down roots over the Southeast Asia crossroads. They married local women and their descendants are called Peranakans.

Our Peranakan Musuem showcases the finest and richest collection of Peranakan art and objects. Very much exhibited to our local history. We were very wow-ed when we entered the Museum. It was elegantly built on the outside and inside. Standing glam with 3 levels of 9 galleries. Extremely impressed too, with how well-kept the place is. 

Beautiful building

Level 1
Learn about its origins and perceive a better understanding and history of who they are. There is also a short video playing repeatedly, about its origin.


watching the video attentively

Level 2
Explore the traditional Peranakan wedding and take a peek into their wedding chamber, which is very much skewed towards the olden days of a Chinese bedroom chamber. A wedding celebration of 12 days is most definitely interesting and exciting to know about.

Wedding chamber

Level 3
Enter further into their language and fashion influenced by life in Southeast Asia. Pick up the nostalgic phones to listen to the recordings of Peranakans' conversations from the oldest days to 1975. You would notice, as the years progress, the Malay language diluted much to be fully conversed in English. It was interesting to hear them out.

Spot the 'Now' and the 'Then'

Learn also about their religions, public life, food and feasting! I love Peranakan food. So much so that we ended our night with a Peranakan feast after that visit. We saw too, the very beautiful and colourful nyonyaware porcelain used to serve their delicious dishes. 

In one of its gallery (gallery 7), do note it's where they display death rituals and mourning with funeral setting. Avoid entering if you don't feel comfy. It did get a little spooky for me, but Js were fine.

We also spotted various contributions from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's family to the museum. Mr and Mrs Lee's barrister wigs were on display for public viewing. There's was also a display of cheongsum worn by Mrs Lee during Mr Lee Hsein Loong's appointment ceremony as our Prime Minister. Yes, they are a family of Peranakans. 

You would realised too, many local streets were named after a couple of remarkable peranakans from the past.

Rich exhibits within

It was overall a very good experience and learning journey for us. Remember to register and get an activity sheet at the reception when you enter. This activity sheet is gonna keep your little ones looking forward to the different galleries, to collect 8 auspicious symbols embossments.

Making themselves really comfortable

I also love how the Museum created some interactions by casing up selected displays for us to touch and feel.

Stop and touch, please

Enter into the world of Peranakans soon! The best time to visit would probably be the second Sunday of each month, which they call it Straits Family Sunday. A family event of different theme every month, to keep you and your family well engaged. Don on too, batik shirt and sarong kebaya for a Peranakan moment.

3 months theme schedule as follows:
Time: 1pm to 5pm
12 July: Bead by Bead. Find out more about their beaded artworks and create a unique craft inspired by this collection.

09 Aug: Supersized: Majulah Singapura. Join their guided tour and make craft inspired by their collection.

13 Sep: Mythical creatures. Join the guided tour, hunt for mythical creatures and make craft inspired by them.

Peranakan Museum
Address
39 Armenian Street S(179941)
Opening hours
10am to 7pm (Daily)
10am to 9pm (Fridays)

FREE admission to all Singapore citizens and PR (Bring identification along).

And of course, many other exciting FREE activities (Other than Museums) as below:
Date: 06 to 21 June (Except Mondays)
Time: 1pm and 7pm (Tues to Fri), 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (Sat and Sun)
Venue: City Square Mall
Barney, BJ and Baby Bop are back this June school holidays with a super fun retro show featuring your favourite hits with a new twist!

Date: 11 to 23 June (No shows on Wed)
Time: 2:30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Venue: United Square
Redeem meet and greet pass with minimum spending of $50 in single receipt.

3. Catch the Ninja turtles in action 
Dates: 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th June
Time: 4pm and 7pm
Venue: Downtown east
Various locations at 4pm time schedule. 7pm at Event Square Stage. Check link above.
Have a fun-filled weekend!

Dates: 
20 June (X MEN: Days of future past)
27 June (Night at the museum, secret of the tomb)
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Star Vista, Star Plaza, B1 
Free admission for all OR shoppers can also redeem a Gold Star ticket (for 2 pax) into the exclusive Gold Star area when they spend a minimum of $150 and enjoy tasty delights.

Date: 20 and 21 June
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
Learn more about Dr Sun Yat Sen and the Chinese culture. In conjuction with dumpling festival, visitors can learn about the festival through a series of games and craft activities.


6. Dumpling Festival at Wan Qing Yuan
Date: 20 June
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Zhongshan Park 
Try your hands at the dumpling making booth, do craft and participate in the "Dragon boat race"!



7.  French Festival, International Music Day
Date: 21 June
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
The International Music Day is a tradition that started in France and now celebrated all over the world to enable music enjoyment for everyone. SWS City Swing has prepared a repertoire of swing jazz and pop music coming from a wide range of diversities including French, Chinese, American, Indonesian and many others.

8. Superhero Me
Date: Till 30 June
Time: 10am to 7pm
Venue: National Library Building Plaza ( Level 1)
Join Singapore's first costume crafting festival where children craft and star in their very own superhero film. Sign up for the various creative workshops programmes here. Event schedule here.

The second annual Read! Fest is here too. Click on link to find out the activities at various libraries within your nearest heartland.

Have a frugal and fun-filled weekend ahead!

This is part 5 of the Frugal Friday series:
Frugal Friday #1 - SAM
Frugal Friday #2 - SPM
Frugal Friday #3 - Reflections at Bukit Chandu  
Frugal Friday #4 - National Museum


Tuesday 16 June 2015

We had breakfast with Hi-5!

One of the constantly approved TV programmes Js are allowed to fix their eyes on, are the hi-5 series. When we were homeschooling, it was my filler for the subject, 'Music and movement'. They would bounce, sing and imitate the actions of their songs. They are huge fans of Hi-5! 

This Australian musical group has bagged countless accolades and won the hearts of many parents. A refresh of its members today are:
  • Stevie Nicholson (2007–present)
  • Dayen Zheng (2012–present)
  • Mary Lascaris (2013–present)
  • Ainsley Melham (2013–present)
  • Tanika Anderson (2014–present)

Last weekend, we had the privileged of an extraordinary breakfast with its casts. Together with Olimomok, we shared a table with Ainsley. Js were so thrilled! I began to dream of such a moment with Korean hunk, Lee Min Ho. Ohhh, I need to stop dreaming. The reality is, Hi-5 is here to tour Singapore! 



We had a most wonderful time chatting with Ainsley over a cosy meal. Js were very much shy and reserved when he spoke to them. Instead they decided to work on a little origami while waiting for breakfast to be served. Jazz had almost everything in her little backpack, she had papers for origami, pens for writing and soft toys! I guess she came prepared to rope Ainsley's help in folding a paper boat and probably to share her lovely toys with him.

Kids' breakfast served first

And since the kids decided they have not much queries for Ainsley, the Mamas entered to keep conversations alive. Among the conversations, I found out that Ainsley is from Sydney. Pardon this new fan. It was also through rigorous rounds of auditions that he emerged as part of the team. I asked if this was something he's gonna do for some while, he said, it's something he loves and that he loves children. I guess, we are expecting a long stay from you, Ainsley!

I asked about the food he tried locally, and he mentioned Chilli crab! Spicy food wasn't much to his liking, we found out.

We went on chatting about our local work pace to that in Australia, as well as being a parent here. We had also curiously asked what would happen to the team if a member was unwell on the day of performance. Did you know, the 3 ladies have one backup who masters the moves of every individual and another one backup for the men. Not an easy task being a back up after all.

We had a really engaging and fruitful chat. Mamas become real fans now.

After breakfast, which Js highly ignored their food for fun, we adjourned to bubbles playing outdoor. Js kept Ainsley to a little corner before deciding to share him with the rest of the kids. A coincidental smart move. Heh.


The kids had so much fun with the casts. In midst, I had very much wanted a picture with Stevie. The longest staying cast and probably, my most familiar. Guess I was too shy, only to find myself sneaking in for a picture without capturing his attention. There goes my opportunity, geez!

Thank you PR Comms for making a dream like this come true. You have planted great memories for the many kids, parents inclusive too.

 
And Ainsley parted in a nice and humble way, he spoke to Jazz (No idea what was conversed), but it was really a nice gesture to part ways proper. A hug, bye and he left. Sweet! Thanks for making their day even brighter.

Photo credit: PR communications

When we say dream big and wild, it's true! You never know when will dream come true for a moment like this. Join Hi-5 as they step foot here again in September 2015 for their House of Dreams concert! Enter the magical world of dreams as they embark on musical journeys through a jungle, fairy garden, outer space,  underwater and even in the super cool world of superheroes. Dream alive with their unique mix of irresistibly infectious songs and high energy dances!

For the groovy kids who can't stop moving to Hi-5's songs, you may catch them at their most frequented place, United Square.  Daily performances (except Wednesdays) till 23 June 2015.

Hi-5 meet and greet at United Square
Date: 11 to 23 June 2015
Time: 2:30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Redeem a meet and greet pass with $50 spending in a single receipt. 

Hi-5 House of Dreams concert
Date: 12 and 13 Sep 2015
Time: 10:30am, 2:30pm and 6:30pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Theatre
Get your tickets here
Tickets price range from $45 (B reserve) to $115 (VIP 1). 

Disclaimer: Media Invite. All opinions and photos, unless credited are solely ours.

Monday 15 June 2015

The Mutiple Intelligences in a child

When I was school hunting last year, I came by the term Multiple Intelligences (MI). It was an approach some schools adopt in their teaching. The theory of MI was developed in 1983 by Dr Howard Gardner. He suggested that IQ testing is flawed because it's based towards linguistic and logical intelligences. He proposed that each of us possesses 8 form of intelligences, which represents the broad range of potential not just in children, but adults too.

1. Musical - Appreciates music and musical patterns and excels in composing a performing music and rhythmic movements. Usually possess a perfect pitch too.

2. Kinesthetic - Excels in physical activities and has good reflexes and physical coordination. They enjoy sports, dancing and hands on tasks.

3. Naturalistic - Displays keen interest in nature, plants and animals, and is highly observant.

4. Logical Mathematical - Solves problems using logic and performs well with numbers and patterns. They get a thrill of how things work and how things are put together.

5. Visual - Thinks in pictures, visualize objects easily and often enjoys drawing or art. They have high sensitivity to colour, balance and composition.

6. Linguistic - Displays a flair for languages and communication, excels in reading, writing and speaking in more than one languages. They reason well and are generally good speakers.

7. Intrapersonal - Good at being aware of their own emotions, feelings and thoughts. They enjoy self-reflection. They learn best independently.

8. Interpersonal - Strong in people skills, communicate and works well with others. They demonstrate the ability to interact and manage people.


So we say, "It's not how smart you are, it's how you are smart."

I did a quiz for both Js at actualyse.com. A quick online quiz you can take to discover the intelligences of you and your kids. It's also an online platform where parents can get resources for life-long learning. Lots of good reads and updates within.

I found out that Jazz is dominant in the Interpersonal, Logical and the Visual intelligences, while Jare is dominant in Intrapersonal, Naturalistic and Kinesthetic. Just how different my kids are! From here, it somehow allowed me to nurture them in the right direction of learning and interests, maximising their potential.

Just last week, we brought learning out of classroom with actualyse. We tapped on the naturalistic intelligence to work on a terrarium at the plant story, which is also one of Jare's dominant intelligences. Throughout the building of his terrarium, I could identify his special enthusiasm and interest for the plant he was growing. It's true when we say learning is not confined to classrooms.

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Photo credit: actualyse

I am most glad when the different interests and senses of my child is activated. It gives us both a good discernment and expectations from the various forms of activities.

At the workshop, we learned about photosynthesis, why some plants are good staying indoor, in a glass! As well the the process to building a terrarium - the drainage all the way to the decorations on the top. Never too young to learn.

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Photo credit: actualyse

I had a great time watching Js build their terrariums and they enjoyed this part of their learning that day. For the grown up in me, I didn't think green fingers were a part of me, till I realised it can be fun growing one!

Have you discovered the dominant intelligences in your child? Take the quiz if you've not. While learning and discovery is a daily affair, I'm pretty sure the results might differ as they grow along the years. The different exposure they continue to immerse in, might tweak their interests. It is, however a good hint for parents to discover their learning style and strengthen those developed areas.

About actualyse.com
actualyse.com is a starting point to support learning for all intelligences and learning styles, needs, and all ages. They bring together education resources and information, housed within a single platform. A digital community where parents, students and adult learners can take the first step to realising their full potential.

Website: http://www.actualyse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actualyse
Instagram: @actualyse
Multiple Intelligence quiz here


Disclaimer: Media invite. Photos credit to actualyse.com. All opinions are solely ours.

Friday 12 June 2015

Frugal Friday #4 - National Museum

National Museum is the 'in' thing these weeks! Here we go, onto our Frugal Friday's list too. We know It's the Children's Season, and there's no better place to be in, other than museums! So what's up in the National Museum, together with Masak masak 2015?!!

Playgrounds on the Lawn
Every Sat and Sun, 10am to 12 pm and 4pm to 6pm
Inflatable playgrounds of the mosiac playgrounds found in our heartland during 1970s and 80s. A little outdoor play area nostalgically set up for little kids to have go on.

Level 1, Salon
A spectacular display of origami flowers, animals, big and small. With a little donation, you could get their materials for some hands on folding and colouring. After which, you can put up your creation onto the wall, among with the many others.

In the same room, look out for the puppetery performance if you're visiting over these weekends. An enchanting tale of nature, Queen of the forest, by Jermey Hiah.
Dates: 13 and 14 Jun, 20 and 21 Jun, 08 and 09 Aug
Time: 2:30pm (20 min session)

Love those origami


Level 1, Concourse
We moved out to the concourse area for some nostalgic hands on games.

Enjoying the games

Remember the eraser flag game we used to play in school? We spotted the giant sizes here and taught the kids how to play. Jare got so hooked that he didn't want to leave that station. You have to ensure that your opponent's eraser is totally pinned down to qualify a win!

Masak masak displays till 10 Aug 2015. 

Level 2, Glass Atrium
Visit the memorial exhibition of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. We had a glance at his red box and read the chronicles about his life and his political career.

Memorial exhibition

Memorial Exhibition till 28 June.

Level 3, PLAY
We shared about our PLAY experience mid last year when it first launched. A visit back this year looked almost the same, just that some props and free to play objects were almost worn out. Guess there were just too much rough handling when it comes to excited kids. 

Oh well, our museum is free for all and a non-profit attraction. Would be nice to remind our kids on being kind to its belongings. 

Here's what you can catch at PLAY on the various dates: 
My Favourite 70s show (Ages 4 to 12 years old)
Craft workshop where kids can personalised their own TV to feature their favourite cartoon. Bring that TV box to live with their own illustrated stories!
Dates: 14th, 20th and 27th June 2015
Time: 2pm and 3:30pm (1 hour per session)
Register early on site. Limited spaces.

Plant power (Create Space at PLAY) (Ages 4 to 12 years old)
Tap on the naturalistic learning - smell and touch flowers, fruits and plants. Learn about these ingredients in our food, its colour and spices. Discover too, the benefits of plants and create your own 'tree'. 
Dates: 13th, 21st and 28th Jun, 17th Jul and 01st Aug 2015
Time: 1:30pm
Register early on site. Limited spaces. We we turned down for being too on time. And so when we were there, we realised there were more time slots to just those listed on their website. For your info.


After all the fun, we travelled back time to its basement, where we turned time back to Singapura, 700 years ago.

Basement, Exhibition galleries 1 and 2
We sighted and read about Singapore's transformation from a fishing village to what it is called a clean and green city today. The exhibition went from its Archaeology to its independent. Rich history within! 


Time travellers

700 years storytelling session (Ages 4 to 8 years old)
Get inspired by the storytellers as they bring the kids through an enchanting, dramatic and interactive tale session.
Dates: 13th, 20th and 27th June, 11th and 25th Jul, 7th, 8th and 9th Aug 2015
Time: 12pm and 12:30pm (30 mins per session)
Register early on site. Limited spaces. You may also download the activity sheet here.

Singapura: 700 years exhibits till 10 Aug 2015.

Before entering or after exiting the exhibition galleries, be welcomed by the Wanderlust adventure exhibit, created with the simplest material such at plastic bags! Js had a great time tunneling in and out the structure. 

All set to venture!


That was our final stop before we decided to leave. And of course, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Our national museum is one of the best places for pictures, at least to us. I had my wedding pictures taken there 9 years ago, and so it's more photo moments whenever we set foot there.


Visit the National museum soon, if you've not. Singaporeans and PRs enter for free! Other paid workshops include, Shadow puppetry, where kids can create their own story using puppetery. Tickets can be bought over at sistic.


National Museum of Singapore
Address
93 Stamford Road S(178897)
Opening hours
Daily from 10am to 6pm
Last admission at 5.30pm

Admission
Free for Singaporeas and PR


Other Frugal events for this weekend include:
1. 28th SEA games carnival
Dates: Daily from 31 May - June 16
*Time: 10am - 9pm daily (Tuesday, June 16: 9am to 5pm)
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub
Have a go at giant inflatables in the junior zone, creative sports try-outs, Laser Tag and walk-on-water for the more adventurous. Coupled with light shows and artist performances, the carnival is the perfect option to complete your 28th SEA Games experience.

2. DBS Marina Regatta
Date: Till 14 June
Time: 11am to 9pm (Kids activities till 6pm)
Venue: Marina Bay
Singapore's biggest water festival takes place at Marina Bay. Includes performance, flea markets and a tent with activities for children and families too. Event schedule here.

3. Straits Family Sunday
Date: 14 June
Time: 1 to 5pm
Venue: Perankan Museum
Move and dance to the beat of yesteryear enjoyed by young peranakans of the past. Create your own container inspired by old gramophone and vinyl records.

4. Movies under the Stars
Dates: 
13 June (How to train your dragon 2)
20 June (X MEN: Days of future past)
27 June (Night at the museum, secret of the tomb)
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Star Vista, Star Plaza, B1 
Free admission for all OR shoppers can also redeem a Gold Star ticket (for 2 pax) into the exclusive Gold Star area when they spend a minimum of $150 and enjoy tasty delights.

Date: 13 June
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Singapore Bontanic Gardens, Vicinity of Swan Lake
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a movie under the stars amid the lush surroundings of Swan Lake. Movie screening of the local film, Home Run

Redeem a workshop if you are shopping or dining within Raffles city. Minimum spending of $30 in single receipt. 
Tile painting
Date: 14 June
Time: 2pm, 5pm and 7pm
DIY Terrarium
Dates: 19 to 21 June and 26 to 28 June
Time: 2pm, 5pm and 7pm
Limited spaces.

Meet and Greet sessions
7. Let's get groovy at City Square Mall
Date: 06 to 21 June (Except Mondays)
Time: 1pm and 7pm (Tues to Fri), 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (Sat and Sun)
Venue: City Square Mall
Barney, BJ and Baby Bop are back this June school holidays with a super fun retro show featuring your favourite hits with a new twist!

Date: 01 to 14 June 
Time: 2pm and 7pm (Mon to Fri), 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (Sat and Sun)
Venue: Vivocity
Dive into the underwater world of SpongeBob SquarePants, best starfish buddy Patrick, Krusty Krab's nemesis Plankton and Patchy the Pirate.
Date: 11 to 23 June (No shows on Wed)
Time: 2:30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Venue: United Square
Redeem meet and greet pass with minimum spending of $50 in single receipt.

10. Fun time with Mr Men, Little Miss
Date: 14 June 2015
Time: 1pm, 4pm and 7pm
Venue: NEX
Redeem meet and greet pass with minimum spending of $30 in single receipt.

11. Catch the Ninja turtles in action 
Dates: 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th June
Time: 4pm and 7pm
Venue: Downtown east
Various locations at 4pm time schedule. 7pm at Event Square Stage. Check link above.
Have a fun-filled weekend!

This is part 4 of the Frugal Friday series:
Frugal Friday #1 - SAM
Frugal Friday #2 - SPM
Frugal Friday #3 - Reflections at Bukit Chandu 


Wednesday 10 June 2015

Let's meet Barney and Friends!

What's up at City Square Mall this June? Barney fans should not miss the opportunity to get groovy to a super fun live show with Barney and Friends! A retro-themed performance, Barney's Jukebox Party is bound to get your little ones shaking and bouncing to the songs.

We met and greeted Barney and his friends, B.J. and Baby Bop last weekend. They entertained us with a couple of songs including, "The wheels on the bus" and "Itsy Bitsy spider". Always a familiarity to Js. Though Jazz seemed to have outgrown the Barney era, Jare is still very much in love with the purple dinosaur. He couldn't get his eyes off it!

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Rock and roll with Barney!

You know, Barney, Thank you for always singing "I love you, you love me... " at the end of your every performance. It gave us that extra opportunity to plant our kisses and do cuddles. A very good end to every of your show.   

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Met and greeted!

The nostalgic fun does not end after the performance, head on out to City Green park for exciting activities, the "Good Ole Fun in the Park" retro carnival will hype the kids' day with games and rides such as pirate ship, carousel, bumper car, tea cup and more!

Js had a go on the pirate ship and they love it! As described by Jare, his tummy always rumbles on it. 

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Love their faces of excitement!

There is just too much fun stuff this June holiday. Get a Barney date and time set in your calendar soon!

Barney's Jukebox Party 'Live' on stage
Date: 06 to 21 June (Daily except Mondays)
Time: 1pm and 7pm (Tues to Fri); 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (Sat and Sun)
Venue: Level 1 Atrium 
Redeem a meet and greet pass and a carnival ticket with minimum spending of $60 (Max of 3 combined receipts on same day of purchase). Limited to 50 passes per show.

Barney's Jukebox cookie art session
Date: 06 to 21 Jun (Daily except Mondays) 
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: Level 1 Atrium 
For children 4 years old and above. Redeem a cookie pass with minimum spending of $100.  (Max of 3 combined receipts on same day of purchase). Limited to 40 passes per session.

Remember to redeem these passes an hour before each session begins. Shop fast before passes run out! You may however, choose to only redeem the meet and greet pass or cookie art session. See what your little one prefers. 

Good Ole Fun in the park
Date: 29 May to 28 June
Time: 6pm to 10pm (Mon to Fri); 12pm to 10pm (Sat, Sun and Public Holiday)
Venue: Level 1 City Green park 
Tickets to games and rides may be purchased on site. 

Great gifts come rain or shine
Date: 29 May to 28 Jun
Redeem a retro-chic foldable umbrella with a minimum spending of $250 ($350 if inclusive of NTUC Fairprice receipts). Shoppers can also purchase $50 worth of City Square Mall vouchers and receive additional $5 shopping voucher for free.

Have fun and happy Shopping! City Square Mall is a very family-friendly mall. Even if you decide not to shop, you will probably end up with something just by looking at the parents and kids' attractive shops. It has bagged many awards for being family friendly. A great mall we love and perfect for any family to be in.


Disclaimer: Media invite. All opinions are photos are solely ours.

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Small Spaces - Sleep, Learn and Play

I'm so excited to be unveiling Js room! We showcased it some years ago, and here we are again, rejigged and reorganised as toys, books and clothes collection pile up. Decluttering isn't easy at times. We just can't decide which to go.

Here first, their bed of dreams. Good dreams or bad dreams, they sleep on it. But these beds get abandon on weekends, when we'll all co-sleep in my room. The chest of drawers next to their bed houses their Pyjamas and a mix of toys. For Jazz, Pyjamas and Accessories. A dual role as bedside table, it holds their little night lamp and water bottle for night sip.

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Bedtime corner

The square shelves were for a purpose. They are to be drilled into the wall to house their built up lego. We bought them not too long ago, and should getting down to work soon.  

We started our love for Lego when we could get it cheaply in the states. It got really addictive till space became a disturbing concern. The collection seems endless, perhaps till debt do us apart. Building these little blocks are also the culprit for why Js prefer to stay in during weekends to work on them. Enemy to my exciting weekend plans.

Here, a zoom in to their works of display. Jazz has her princessy and Lego friends collection while Jare has got his Starwars and Lego city collection. They really love the process of building it. I thought we should find proper solution to showcase them properly, and so here the square shelves.

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Unending collection

Some days when we catch a rather scary movie or hear of some bad news, Jazz's fear of darkness creeps in. I put up prayer posters (bought from Oriental Trading) in front of her to calm those fears. It's been most helpful and she's so diligent in praying that she dictate them word by word without looking. I should start putting up a spelling list.

Jazz's bed front is also facing the wardrobes. 

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"What do I pray?"
 
Then we talk about the more serious stuff, reading and writing! My friends always joke that I own a tuition or childcare centre, but I think the number of chairs and layout are just perfect. I keep the kids apart while I teach, I sit in the middle and if the man decides to join the education department, he has got his seat too.

While I give a piece of work to one, I'll teach the other. When my teaching is completely done, we'll have silence to work in clarity. Only disturbance is when I do reading with Jare, Jazz finds it a little distracted. My stories are always captivating, can't penalized her for that. Heh. We'll try though, not to coincide if she needs concentration. 

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And I'll sit on little blue

When we started doing the kids room, we knew it was a battle of pink and blue. We had a green wall to stay bright and neutral. For the furniture, we knew it has to come in pair. A pink and a blue. I love having storage to keep unglamorous stuff out of sight. Which I gradually realised these cupboards are too quick to utilise. Toys after toys are spilling out of its allocated space. We have to put a STOP to toys shopping. Till we find that empty space again.

Yeap, so that's a peek into Js little all-in-one room. I wished I could say Ikea sponsored their furniture, but good things ought to be shared. They do have beautiful kids' furniture at a decent price. I don't think we need a very long standing furniture, so price factor is crucial. In years to come, just a couple more years, Js will need their individual room and space. Not quite looking forward to that actually. 

How did you create your small spaces? I hope you took some pictures for keepsakes too! 

This post is part of the Small Spaces blog train, which is hosted by Mum in the Making. Click the button for a look at more small spaces!


http://makingmum.blogspot.sg/p/small-spaces-living-with-c.html


Next up, we have Susan to share her Small Spaces. Susan is a full-time working mum who find that there are never enough hours in a day. She finds herself juggling between family and work while being a nurturing mum, loving wife and a career woman. She blogs at ajugglingmom.com and hopes to inspire other mothers to lead happy and fulfilled lives.


Monday 8 June 2015

Day of National Remembrance - 08 June

Being a parent and a Mum of 2 children, my heart goes out the families and kins of students and teacher who have perished in the Sabah quake. My deepest condolences.

We know it wasn't just lives lost, but unrevealed dreams and ambitions that have been cruelly buried. I woke up one of the mornings reading the quake updates with tears flowing almost continuously. I mourn for the young people who have yet to discover the bigger and more beautiful things in life, the society that awaits the fulfillment of their ambitions and contribution of dreams. That moment too, I have a sudden fear of losing my children.

I've school going children and each time, I've to silly-ly confess, I dislike reading the disclaimer in consent forms, "The school will not be liable for any accidents that might occur..." Though a reasonable clause to fend off any possible conflicts when unfortunate accident arise, I don't quite like seeing it. It does get a little more comforting when I read on "...but will ensure that every possible care is taken for the safety of your child." A parent, an inevitable worrier. I think about the bus that brings the kids to destination, the busy roads they'll be near and whether they would unknowingly wander away from the group. The endless and uncalled worries.

Nonetheless, I signed 'consent' on every piece. I need to let go! It's just a prelude when we talk about local destinations, not even crossing the border. I often self-assure that my kids are in the good hands of their teachers, who are sometimes like their second parent when I'm not around. Their experience in managing the logistics and safety is one I should not be doubtful about. We don't need an irreversible incident to demonstrate the teachers' selfless act of love. That's the kind of trust we should foster between a school, teacher and parent. A firm believe that teachers would display parental instinct when we aren't around.

With mature minds, we have to identify the contrast between negligence and natural disaster. Which one can be controlled, and the latter not. In this incident, clearly an unpredicted earthquake. There should be no blame games. Or if myth is true, we could choose to be upset with the trekkers who decided to picture bare with the mountain and unknowingly angered it. Interesting myth I've learned.

Consenting to overseas trip without parents along may not be an easy decision. But exposures like these may not give the same learning experience as doing it within family. I won't say "Go for it!" at an instant, but I will assess. We know our child's best and everyone has different level of comfort. That deserves some respect too.

The innocent lives lost are our nation's lost dreams. Thankful too, for those who survived to tell the story of the heroes. Once again, we stand in unity on this National Day of remembrance.


#sabahquake