Friday 26 February 2016

Baking galore with SpurBox

Easter day is unknowingly approaching! And that's just how quick the months are whisking by. We were most glad to have attended a Festive Children's baking class by SpurBox, baking cream cupcakes to the theme, Easter.

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Festive baking

I often rope the help of Js when baking at home. It simply gives a different experience and bond out of the usual settings. Messy it may be, but we know, parenting is sometimes a piece of unavoidable mess. So then when SpurBox invited us to bake with them, I was more than happy to bring the kids down for a session.

It was unexpectedly a wonderful time during the class. Most blog worthy of all was that all accompanying parents didn't have to pay any extra to join/bond in the class with their kids. However, kids below 5 are recommended to stay in with an accompanying adult. If your kids are older, you may notify their staff that you are doing a drop off and pick up later. Then go for you kopi break!

Upon arrival, we were loaned some props for the session, bunny ears in this case and kids' aprons for the ease of Mummies' laundry time. Other than that, dealing with batter, butter and cream on hair and skin will be termed as, fun baking experience. We had a fun time!


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Baking galore

The 90 minutes session included baking of cupcakes with fresh cream and fondant, storytelling and craft. It was all hands on with individual stations for each kid. They mixed and made batter, scooped into their lining cups, and the best part was, sticker labels were prepared to help kids label their cuppies before entering the oven. Just how thoughtful it was to label their self made bakes. Some bake classes we attended in the past simply gathered all lined batter and have them unidentified when baked. Little things do matter to kids.

While the cuppies were in the oven, the kids were shoved off their stations for a time of storytelling - A tale of Pip the chick. Pip was thirsty and tried to drink water from a pitcher, only to find out that the low water level would not allow him to drink directly from the pitcher. Together and interactively, the kids found out how Pip managed to finally succeed!

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Storytelling

After which, their workstation was quickly turnover into a station for craft. The kids made Pip the chick!

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Crafting time

The smell of the cuppies then prompted its readiness! We creamed and decorated them with edibles and fondant. Each kid had 3 chocolate cupcakes to creatively work on. They piped nests and grasses with swiss meringue frosting cream (one yummilicious type of cream), donned on candied eggs and self made fondant chicks. As much as parents like to intervene, we left everything into Js hand. So yeap, their works were as authentic as they were.

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Happy bakers!

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Jazz's creation

I could tell Js enjoyed their session tremendously! It was also one rare opportunity for their Daddy to bond with the kids over bake and craft.

The session was well-organised, carefully explained and thoughtfully planned. Every part, from beginning to end was well taken care off. The kids were given handheld boxes to keep their works for home consumption. And Js had it for breakfast the next day!

I honestly enjoy such bonding session with the kids! 

And you do need to check out their upcoming March holiday classes too (14th to 18th March), suitable for ages 4 to 9. Ages under or above are welcomed too. Just how they love kids!
Schedule as follows:
9:30am to 12:30pm OR 1:30pm to 4:30pm. 
14 Mar: Shoe making
15 Mar: Soap making
16 Mar: Pottery
17 Mar: Silk screen printing
18 Mar: Bread making.
Cost: $90 per class or $75 per class for 2 or more sign ups.
Venue: Orchard Central, #10-01 (Except for Bread making class at PoMo Shopping centre, #05-01)

Aren't they all interesting and unconventional?!! Js are already setting their interest on the Pottery and Shoe making. Sign up and details here.


Giveaway time! 
SpurBox is offering readers of Mum's calling 2 pairs of tickets (worth $80 each pair) to their Festive baking class: Pop Pop! Cake pops! A 90 minutes culinary and crafting class, suitable for ages 2 to 7 years old.

Venue: PoMo Shopping Mall #05-01, The little Arts Academy
Dates available: 6th Mar (Sun), 13th Mar (Sun), 14th Mar (Mon), 20th Mar (Sun) and 25th Mar (Fri)
Time slots:
10:00am - 11:30am
1:00pm - 2:30pm
3:00pm - 4:30pm

Class includes:
1. Storytelling - Rabbits and Eggs
2. Cakepop moulding and decoration (No baking involved)
3. Craft - Easter bunny

Photo credit: Spur Box

The 2 winners may choose to attend a class of their preferred date and time. Subject to availability.
To enter giveaway, simply complete the following steps:
1. Like Mum's calling on Facebook
2. Like SpurBox on Facebook
3. Leave a comment on this Facebook post telling us which date Good Friday falls on this year.
4. Tag 3 friends whom you think will be keen on this giveaway or are new to Mum's calling.

Best of luck!

Thank you everyone for participating. This giveaway is closed and the 2 winners are:
1. Toh Layhoon
2. Pei Qi Xie

Terms and Conditions:
  • This giveaway ends on 02 Mar 16, 11.59pm 
  • Open to Singapore residents only 
  • Winners will be picked by random.org
  • Winners will be announced on this post
  • Winners will have 48 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn. 
  • All incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
  • All entries will be verified before the winners are announced.   

Disclaimer: We were invited to attend this Festive session for the purpose of this review. All opinions and photos, unless credited, are solely ours. 

Thursday 25 February 2016

A Star Wars Theme party

Jare celebrated his 5th birthday last week with a Star Wars themed party. He requested for the theme, after which I realised it was quite a challenge, as the party stuffs were not an easy find. I do have a love for planning theme parties, but I've to pre-warn, it is one whole lot of tiring job. The satisfaction of success is immensely great though.

Here's what we did:

1. Goodie bags
As I decided to hunt for them on taobao, I had to order them early before the Lunar New Year crept in. So yeap, guest lists had to be prepared early to order the most accurate count with some spares. I have a heart for practical and fun items, so here's what I've picked out after days of 'researching.' Star Wars theme is also one unpopular find on taobao, so it does take some time to search out.

Carted out with pouches to hold the goodies, light pencil box, clips, luggage tags, black coloured notebook with luminous pens to write on. It should delight the kids, I hope.

I did not include any edibles in as we know how the snacks and sweets are often negotiated with parents. Instead, I left the snacks and sweets to the pinata and dessert table for free choice adoption.

Goodie bags!

Goodies in the bag!

2. Printable
Free printable online does make life much easier. We made masks and printed some for wraps and pastes on packet drinks and snacks.

Here are some we found. You may improvise them accordingly.

It's no perfect job when you outsource the cutting to kids. But really, it doesn't matter, we should all have great fun planning and preparing together. It's their party after all.


Job distribution


Prints on snacks


I did set up a little corner to for kids who prefer seat work like colouring or writing. The free printable worksheets with some colouring materials did help in that part of entertainment.

3. Dessert table
I had the ease of setting up a dessert table since the venue was home. Which means, I don't have to transport massive items out of home.

The snacks with printable went onto the table to help beautify. Above those, I tired to work with the colours and characters of Star Wars to plan on food. It helps when we try to think of practical food that guests would eat, not just for the sake of a pretty table. I baked chocolate cupcakes (looking like the dark side), prepared soy green beans (looking like Yoda's colour), grapes (thought of BB-8), Marshmallow (turned stormtroppers), chips and chocolate pastry. Too much cakey stuff, so the pastry was left almost untouched. 

Imagination can run wild with the food and names. As long as you like it! 



Dessert table!


Cupcake toppers from Amazon. Photo credit: SG East photography

Getting this sweet table up wasn't as tough as I thought. It helps much when we've got some ready cupcake stand and plastic wares to hold the food. Muffin cups are good snack holders too.

4. Decoration
We went simple on the decor. Nothing much was done except balloons near the cake cutting table, aka dessert table. We rented helium tank so we could inflate some black and white balloons for the kids to bring home, as well as to inflate the character balloons I bought from taobao. 

It was most wonderful to have Jasmine from twist entertainment coming in to help make light sabers. Huge and small handheld ones! The handheld red, blue, green and purple light sabers really cheered and excited not just the boys, but girls too.
 
She is sure one talented lady with creative ideas and twists for parties. She made wonderful and exciting balloons at Jareth's party last year too! 

Thank you, Jasmine!


Light sabers for take home


 And I love how impressive looking these huge light sabers gave to the dessert table. There was even a black button to light it up! Imagination counts.



Blue and red, huge light sabers!


Aren't they cool?!! I must say these really help build up the theme. The kids were delighted to take the handheld ones home, while the huge ones were left for me and my man to settle our squabbles. May the force be with me!



5. Entertainment
It's always my criteria to have the kids happily entertained at a party, especially in the venue of home. Just so they won't overturn the house. I know, I'm one smart Mama here.

We got a magician, Derrick from Cream of Maestro, and settled with his package of magic and games. We've seen him a few times and what convinced me, again, was the use of decent English. We do have some fun slang here and there, but most times he communicated well with the kids.

In line with our Star Wars theme, he got the kids enrolled into the Jedi academy of games, where the kids had crazy fun and laughter with their light sabers. I was most glad he started earlier to entertain the early birds. After which he proceeded to his magic show.

The little happy faces did convince me that they had a magical time.

Photo by: SG East photography

I asked the birthday boy if he liked magician Derrick, he went, "Yes! Because he made light out of my shirt!" Just how wonderful magic it is when it comes to deLIGHTing kids.

Good things ought to be shared, Derrick is offering a 20% off all his packages to readers of Mum's calling! Quote 'Mum's calling' when liaising. Exclusive offer valid for a year, till Feb 2017! I do think it's one awesome deal not to be missed.


6. Pinata
I had really wanted to DIY one, like last year. But while shopping around, we found one decently priced at Spotlight. It didn't take long to decide, so we bought it! However, for some reasons, we didn't have a successful pinata game. We had to manually spill the goodies out. Nonetheless, the kids went scrambling over the fallen goodies.

Filling it up

Behind the scene, Js had a great time filling the pinata up. Instead of 'fattening' it with sweets, I thought I should be kind to those little teeth by mixing in some packs of soy milk and biscuits. Though that left me wondering if these would excite them. Oh well, at least we have some lollies and gummies in there.

For bulk buy of snacks, you may consider visiting the Warehouse club at Joo Koon. You do need a membership to shop in there though.

Huge buys!

7. Photographer
Our all time favourite photographer is Swee Shiong from SG East Photography. After Js came along, I started to appreciate great photos even more. I couldn't much settle with grainy or blurry pictures. For memory keepsake, I do think an onsite photographer helps much in capturing the wonderful and unseen moments of your party. All you had need to do, is to focus on hosting and be around where needed. Leave the capturing of beautiful moments to your photographer. 

It really was quite assuring to have one highly mobile camera at the party.

Family time! Photo by: SG East photography

Drama time! Photo by: SG East photography

Greatly satisfied with his pictures. Even our furry son was not spared.  Thank you, Swee Shiong!

Enjoying the party, eh? Photo credit: SG East photography

So yeap, that's our little adventure on planning a Star Wars theme party. It didn't have to be an extensive or intensive party, but one that makes all kids Happy! We know how easily contented they are. We appreciate parents who took time off their busy schedule to come by with their kids. "Thank you uncles and aunties for your wonderful presents, and most importantly, your presence that made us felt honoured. Jare had a really fun time with his friends!"

Party is over, we left the galaxy, decided not to join the dark side and come back to Earth. Remember my hard work, son! I am your Mother.


Party contacts:
1. Twist entertainment
Facebook
Website
Instagram: @twistentertainment
Email: jnhevents@yahoo.com
Contact:  97238707

2. SG East photography
Facebook
Website
Instagram: @sgeastphotography
Contact: 91177841

3. Cream of Maestro
Facebook
Website
Email: derrick@creamofmaestro.com
Contact: 93630342


Disclaimer: Balloons and photography were sponsored. Magician was offered at a discounted rate. All opinions and photos, unless credited are solely ours. 

Tuesday 23 February 2016

The boy who cried wolf - Watched!

We are great fans of stage plays that bring across meaningful moral values. Last weekend, we were most delighted to have caught, "The boy who cried wolf."

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Enjoyed the show much!

A story about a young boy who tended his sheep and got rather lonely, so he thought of a plan to get a little excitement. He called out, "Wolf, Wolf," and the villagers came out to meet him. Some of them stopped with him for a considerable time and this pleased the boy so much that he tried the same trick again. But shortly after this, a wolf did come out and worried the sheep. The boy cried louder than before and you guessed it, no one came to his rescue after being fooled twice. 

Photo credit: itheatre

The consequence wasn't tragic as in the original story, but a spin off into an effective lesson displayed through positive reinforcement. You do need to find out! What mattered was that, the boy did learn an important lesson on lies. "A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth." I think, this would be the most tragic character of a person.

Staged with colourful props, costumes, songs and dance, this is one humourous, lively and fast moving play that will keep the kids on edge, as well as participate in some of the interactive moments. The audience had a very important role of waking the sleepy shepherd up. I could tell all the kids enjoyed and were well engaged.

This first production by itheatre in 2016, is one very well done!

Photo credit: itheatre

What I specially loved about the show was embedding a little puppet show within. It showcased the story of Chicken Licken to the boy, teaching him (and us) how a foolish mistake can lead to a very bad consequence. Serious as it sounds, it was all funny and meaningful. Js enjoyed this part especially much too!

Photo credit: itheatre

While we say counting sheep may be a boring job, and it does send us to sleep most times, it is nonetheless one noble job to watch over the livelihood of the village and stay prepared. How tricky it is when one's character is often tested over the things we consider least significant. This is really one great play that creatively relates to our kids about lying and its consequences. Not to be missed!

So then, what lies have you told? Did you get away with it? I always tell the kids, "the truth will prevail, it's just a matter of time."

Catch this play before it closes on 19 March. Get your tickets now, over at sistic!

Date: 15 February to 19 March 2016
Time: Mon to Fri - 10am, Sat: 10:30am and 2:30pm 
Venue: Jubilee hall
Ticket price: $32 (Exclude booking fees)
Duration of play is about 55 minutes. Most suitable for between 3 to 13 years old and families.


Disclaimer: Tickets were given to us for the purpose of this review. All opinions are solely ours. 


Monday 22 February 2016

Faboulous Five

The boy turned fabulously 5 last week. We realized how time swift passes us so quickly each time we celebrate birthdays. It's wonderful that he seems ready to be a big brother in 2 months time.  

Dear Son,

Last year, for various reasons, we didn't go into your school for a celebration. I realized this year, it was your first time celebrating birthday in school with your teachers and classmates. Sounding even more blog worthy now, even though it was a really simple celebration.

All easy and unconventional, we decided to bring in mini doughnuts in replacement of cake. And indeed, your friends enjoyed their miniature servings with many going for seconds and thirds. You enjoyed them too, didn't you?!! Doughnuts are your favourite.

Mini doughnuts

Just doughnuts, candles and goodie bags, you got especially delighted. It's a preschool tradition in our family that you are allowed to skip school on birthdays for a day out with Daddy and Mummy. Daddy was however too busy with work that he couldn't be us. I know you had great a day out with me and big sister. You asked to visit your favourite indoor playground and we made it happened.

Keep that cheer always

You spent a good 2 hours of fun in there, which I thought you were being kind to me. At least, I've got a table and chair to wait on, and you didn't drag me for play. You even gave me a leg massage when I told you my leg was cramped. You are one sweet boy!

Thank you for being so sweet!

I saw how well you and your sister played at moments like this. I thought, the best gift I have ever given you, would be a sibling. To play, laugh and at times, squabble with. I am comforted that you both play along well most times. 

You matured in various ways, and your contagious laughter and cheerful heart remain your trait. They inspire me. You have your extraordinary moments which often challenge my methods of discipline, but we know, it's all hugs and kisses that we ended up with. I have also began to feel that my expectation level has heightened as you grow each day. We don't do baby talks now, we get to the point and reason it out. There's so much to drill in you, but I too, get exasperated with the negotiations and repeated reminders. "The laundry clothes, clear your empty plates and bowls, brush your teeth, go shower... " The never ending nags, which we know is to make a better you. 

Looking like a happy-go-lucky chap, I know there's some good resilience built in you. Sometimes, you are more courageous than your sister, but I think a little more of it would be better. May you continue to delight everyone in our family, be our seed of joy, laughter and happiness!

Made with love!

I love how easily and simply contented you got with this home made cake for you. Always remember, we love you the same, yesterday, today and forever... Happy 5th birthday, son!


And yes, he asked for a Star Wars party with friends. Will be updating that part of party soon!


Wednesday 17 February 2016

Freezing News - Disney on Ice!

We are soooo excited to be welcoming Disney on ice, Magical Ice Festival this March holidays! From 11 March to 20 March, "For the first time in forever", we get to twirl along with Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Appearing together with the royal sisters are their well loved friends, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven the reindeer. And yes! We are excited to be going "Under the sea" with Ariel and friends, "Be our guest" with Beauty and the Beast, and "I see the light" with Rapunzel on this magical ice journey.

Some familiar tunes eh? This will definitely be one spectacular show for every young and old this coming holiday.

Photo credit: Feld entertainment

Photo credit: Feld entertainment

Photo credit: Feld entertainment

No, don't "Let it go", let your hair down with Rapunzel as we enjoy this enchanted performance. Get the kids too, to don on that princessy dress for this royal date. Mickey and Minnie are welcome.

And while we enjoy every single Disney performance, here are 10 magical moments you might want to know about Disney on ice:

1.       Disney On Ice was founded in 1981 and has since travelled to over 75 countries and 6 continents
2.       The average size of the ice skating surface is 42m x 21m
3.       There are approximately 180 costumes presented at one Disney On Ice show
4.       And more than 100 people work on these costumes
5.       It takes 18 trucks to transport all production equipment for set-up
6.       And it takes between 12-15 hours to set up one Disney On Ice show
7.       But just about 4 hours to tear down the entire production
8.       Over 80 different colours of paint are used on the 183 props for this production
9.       The youngest performer on this year’s show is 19-years-old and the oldest is 44-years-old
10.   Each performer may change up to 8 costumes in one show
It's true when we say there's hard work behind every applause.

There's something for everyone! Photo credit: Feld entertainment

Are you already convinced that this is going to be one spectacular show?!! Or if not, how about checking how huge of a Disney fan you are. Ok, maybe more for your little ones. Try this mini trivia with them:
1. In which kingdom do Anna and Elsa live?
2. Who likes “warm hugs”?
3. What is the name of Ariel’s best friend? 
4. What weapon does Rapunzel use against Flynn when he climbs into the tower?
5. What does the Beast give Belle to always remember him by? 

Answers
1.  The Kingdom of Arendelle
2. Olaf
3. Flounder
4. A frying pan
5. A magic mirror

Did you get them all correct? Whether or not, I think you should not miss this giveaway on blog. A family set of 4 tickets to Disney on ice, Magical Ice festival. Tickets will be allocated for weekend show. Winner will be notified with details. All you had need to do to participate, is to ensure that you have:
1. Liked Mum's calling on Facebook
2. Liked Disney on Ice on Facebook
3. Leave a comment on this Facebook post telling us who from Frozen likes warm hugs and
4. Tag 5 friends whom you think will be keen on this giveaway or are new to Mum's calling.

Finally, you don't have to, but sharing is caring. Feel free to share this giveaway on your Facebook wall or Instagram!

Thank you everyone for playing! This contest has closed and the winner is, Cynthia T. Congratulations! 

Love these cute notes papers I write on daily to Jazz

Disney on Ice, Magical Ice Festival
Show dates: 11 March to 20 March 2016
Time: Thurs - 7pm, Fri - 7pm, Sat and Sun - 11am, 3pm, 7pm (Final show on 20th Mar, 3pm)
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Duration: Approximately 120mins (including15 mins interval)
Pricing: $25 to $120
Tickets on sale now at sportshubtix. Toddlers below 2 years old enters free provided they don't occupy a seat.

Have a great time!

 Terms and Conditions:
  • This giveaway ends on 01 Mar 16, 11.59pm 
  • Open to Singapore residents only 
  • Winner will be picked by random.org
  • Winner will be announced on this post
  • Winner will have 48 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn. 
  • All incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
  • All entries will be verified before the winners are announced.