Sesame Street Character Breakfast - Littlest turns TWO!

The littlest turns TWO! We brought him out for some celebration fun at USS, because he loves anything Sesame Street! He had a blast of his time with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and Oscar. We honestly were not expecting much fun for the older kids since it was for Juboy that we were trying to 'dream' again. 

Sesame Street Character breakfast is on every Saturday at USS. That made our celebration idea easy. Tickets can be bought on site at $50 per adult and $35 per child (4 to 12 years old). USS annual pass holders get a slight discount, adult at $45 and child at $32. Ticket is only for breakfast. Entrance to the park is not inclusive. 

If you have some special arrangement like wanting Elmo to present a birthday present (one that you have prepared) to your child, then yes, you may have to pre-arrange with the staff. If not, a simple celebration doesn't require any prior booking or arrangement. Upon arriving, just inform them that you have a child celebrating birthday.

We arrived at 8.45am, when the park was still closed. We had some great photo opportunity with no photobomb-mers. Breakfast venue is at the Loui's NY pizza parlour, next to the Spaghetti chase ride. Upon arriving the restaurant's entrance, Juboy was squealing with excitement. Sesame street character standees were placed outside to welcome guests. With that baby-ness in him, he waved 'hi' to them.

Before the park opens!

Character standees!

'Birthday cake' table!

Breakfast spread wasn't a big feast, but a fairly decent spread of western and Asian mix. It's buffet style. I guess because there were not many guests to prepare for. The buffet table was very beautifully embellished to sesame street theme. There were character cupcakes and toast to delight the kids! 

 

The treats!

Hotdogs, tomatoes, toasts etc.

Cute cuppies!

At about 45 minutes into our breakfast, Elmo and Cookie monster made their appearance! They moved from table to table for individual photo opportunities, after which they lingered around for more photo taking fun! That morning, there were only 4 families. We had ample time! The next pair who appeared about 15 minutes later were Grover and Oscar. 

Just the kids

Love how they got to his eye level

Anyone needs hug!

Love that stinky shoe Oscar has

Together with Elmo and Cookie monster, we sang Juboy a birthday song. Though he didn't seem to know what went on, he enjoyed our singing very much. A small rainbow cake was presented to our birthday boy. The staff were kind to give Jazz and Jare a slice each too. They really are in the line of making every child happy.

We spent much time taking pictures, and the staff were more than happy to take over your camera for these moments. 

After all the meet and greet, there was a mini game segment for the kids! A simple quiz session on Sesame Street. It was intended to be easy so all kids get to win a cute little Elmo plate. Even Juboy had one too! 

Quiz time!

Elmo plate as quiz prize!

The whole session ended at about 10.30am, which by that time, the park got very crowded! The older kids scooted off for the shortest rides they can find and Juboy caught the Elmo TV show with me. Breakfast with Sesame Street characters is one you have to do, only if your kids are fans of Sesame Street.  

So yeap, we had much fun over breakfast that morning. Most importantly, the birthday boy had really enjoyed his morning. Being a Mum of three, I hold this constant guilt towards the youngest. It felt like he has been short changed in many ways. While that will be another story to tell, I'm glad such moment alleviated that guilt a little. 

Happy 2nd Birthday our third born! 

 

Information accurate as at 24 Apr 2018.

Disclaimer: All posts tabbed under 'Good things must share' are not endorsed or sponsored. We went undercover to tell our tale because we enjoyed it!

Books Bug at NLB

Are you a frequent visitor at the National Library? We are! It is however only this recent that we started hunting and collecting book bugs! This initiative must be Pokemon inspired. Instead of using a device, walking everywhere to catch mons, we collect bugs by borrowing books. Each loaned receipt allows you to tikam for an envelop of 2 bug cards. If you have 5 members, like us, in the family (each has a card), you can get up to 10 cards.

What do you do with these cards? There's a game to it, which we have yet to discover. Collection in process.

Photo credit: NLB

There are a total of 84 cards to collect. 60 basic designs and 24 shiny designs. To collect basic cards, simply present the receipt of 8 loaned books at the redemption booth (Only up on weekends). To redeem shiny cards, we can attend a programme at the library OR submit a completed discoveRead activity sheet at the redemption booth.

Mystery Items come in the months of June and November. We missed June and so we've no idea what this mystery is. We'll be doing it this month! Complete the quiz at the bottom of the discoveRead activity sheet, and bring a matching book bug card to the redemption booth.

So yeap, the same activity sheet for both shiny card and mystery item.

And then, there's the playoff, where you can receive the limited edition book bugs badge. Join the playoff to battle against other Book Bugs collectors and stand to win a prize. Visit the different Book Bugs zones where you can catch a live demo of the Book Bugs game, mingle and trade cards with other Book Bugs collectors. Exchange the original Swap Pass at the Swap Pass booth or participate in the activities in the craft zone to redeem a Shiny Card that you missed. Registration required here.
 

The original Swap Pass will be available at the redemption booth. This playoff is only open to the 7 years old and above. 

I have to applaud NLB's initiative with this buggy programme. It really did get the kids frequenting the library more! Instead of bi-weekly, till the loaned books due date bug us to return, we are going weekly. These book bugs will definitely send your kids bugging you for library trips! 

And remember, redemption  booths are only up on weekends. At all libraries, except Chinatown, Esplanade, Orchard and Sengkang. But, if you happen to be there on a weekday for borrow, keep the receipt and come by to redeem on weekends! 

When do you start? Now! Collection began in June and only till December 2016. Never too late. The ultimate goal is not about completing the bugs collection, but the process of collecting and all parents will love... getting the kids excited about books! Over and over again.

Another good things must share post. We gotta go catch them all now.... not Pokemons, finally.

Pasir Ris Swimming Complex

There's always some low cost and good fun within our hot sunny Island, and you do get more conscious about budget fun when the number of kids in the family expands. Or FREE fun if you have signed up for the activeSG membership (scroll to bottom).

Public swimming complexes have been around for decades. However, only 5 of these complexes consist of fun water activities for families. Mainly, Sengkang, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East,  Jurong West and Pasir Ris Swimming complex.

Some weeks ago, we explored the Pasir Ris Swimming complex. It has been around and added with fun water features since 2011. It's a shame that we only stepped in this recently.

What's in there?

Competition pool and Teaching pool

There was the typical scene of resident swim coaches conducting classes, but there's still ample space for individual swimmers. I love that the pools are partially shaded, which is awesome for the Mama who's often avoiding the sun. Pigmentation is a scare you know.

Jacuzzi

 A comfort pool for parents who like a little of relaxing effect. Js had much fun in here too.

Slides

This duo slides looks really fun eh? It's meant for those above 1.2m tall. I do find the height limit very much conservative as many kids below this height are capable and independent with these slides. I guess that's because the dip at the slide end is rather deep. Being tall or able to swim is crucial.

Toddler play

This is definitely the highlight for little swimmers or non-swimmers. It needs to be for children who are almost independent to play. Reason being, grown ups are not allowed to get on there for play or even to chaperon. Lifeguards are really onz and they would whistle you off if spotted. No idea why. And I don't think the structure would give way with a few grown ups on it. Having water fun as a family together would be nice.

Next to this, there's a wading pool for the little ones to water play.


Shower facilities are clean well maintained. I've such terrible memory that I can't recall if there was warm water for shower. I think there was. There's also a children's shower area with ample cubicles to shower down. Lockers are available too, if needed.


There really isn't much to whine or be unhappy about because entrance is only:
Weekdays:
$1.50 (18 to 55 yrs old)
$0.80 (1 to 17 yrs old and above 55 yrs old)
Weekends:
$2 (18 to 55 yrs old)
$1 (1 to 17 yrs old and above 55 yrs old)

Good and budget play isn't it?!! There are a couple of eateries within the Sports and  recreation centre, grabbing a bite after some work out is really convenient.


ActiveSG
Did you sign up for your ActiveSG membership? Register and get FREE $100 (limited period) credited to your account. This amount can be used to pay your entrances at swimming complexes! That's what we did. Other areas you can use, include gym admissions, ActiveSG programmes and activities, as well as facilities booking. You just have to benefit from it!

Good things much share, and this is why we are all so into ActiveSG. Our banners are up in some of the complexes!

'Ambassadors' we are! Ok, unofficial. It was a photography assignment we took on even before Juboy came along. And Auntie and Uncle were our 'mocked' up parents.

Let's try weave in an active lifestyle as a routine. Sign up for the activeSG membership today! FREE $100 credit which you can use to pay off 30% of the fitness programmes like parent-child zumba! 

Operating Hours

Daily 8.00am - 9.30pm
(closed on Wednesdays except public holidays)

Morning Swim:
Competition Pool
opens 6.30am on Fridays 

Slide operating hours: 8.30am to 8.30pm

Address

120 Pasir Ris Central
Singapore 519640

NEWater preschooler's tour

Our long awaited visit to the NEWater visitor centre, preschooler's tour finally happened after gathering 26 little ones! Tour was more comprehensive than our previous visit as all galleries are fully up after renovation. We are so glad to be there for the full experience.

The preschooler's tour was very different from the tour we booked online as an individual. It was light hearted with no heavy information. Nonetheless, still very edutaining. All participants were welcomed by a short video about water and Singapore. The video was very much catered and narrated for little children to comprehend easily. The number of reservoirs and the 4 National taps that provide water for all were introduced. After which, the guide did a little quiz and story session with the children.

The character, Water Wally was introduced during the short story session, which taught the kids ways to conserve water. I was gleeful in heart that they are reminded about conserving water again. This time, not their mama. 

Captivating story time

We moved on to the next gallery of interactive stations where the kids were given some time to freely explore.

Game time!

We gathered back again and walked through a mocked up DTSS (Deep Tunnel Sewerage System) tunnel, which led us to a very colourful gallery for that experience of  'walking on the water.' The kids were very thrilled, so was I.

We then emerged into the next gallery and pretended to be treated water molecules going through the stringent cleaning process. The kids went 'swish swish' through the microfiltration process which keeps out dirt and bacteria.

Microfiltration process

The kids then went 'blup blup' through the Reverse Osmosis process, whereby viruses are kept out. At this stage, water is already of high grade water quality.

Reverse Osmosis process

The final stage was UV disinfection, ensuring that all orgasms are inactivated. The kids had an invisble stamp on their hand which came on clear and visible when they put their hand under the UV light. They went 'zap zap, zap zap' as they walked through it. Just how creatively fun NEWater crafted this tour for the little kids.

UV disinfection

Oh yay! The water is now super, duper, ultra clean for drinking. And yes, you'll be treated to bottles of NEWater at the end of the processes.

We adjoined to a classroom for the final stop of getting those little hands on crafting a mini raingarden. The kids learnt how a raingarden helps to clean water through filtration and improve water quality. Always a brilliant idea to take advantage of rainfall to care for our plants. And if it didn't rain for more than 3 days, we will have to wise up to water it. It was an easy project which the kids brought home and cared for like a little gardener.

Engrossed in her raingarden

If you are keen in making your own raingarden, which can be easily done with recycled materials, you may read here for details.

It was undoubtedly a very fruitful and engaging trip that morning to NEWater. The guide got the kids totally entertained and staff were extremely helpful and friendly too. We are so glad that this initiative supported by PUB is Free and was specially catered for us on a weekend upon request. Free activities can be just as wonderful.

We had little souvenirs to bring home too, other than the raingarden - a shower cap, bottle strap holder and of course, NEWater! We are so thankful too, for all parents and little ones who have came and constituted the minimum number for the tour to proceed. Hope everyone enjoyed!

If you are keen, you may too, gather a minimum number of kids and book a tour. More information here. Apparently, they seemed to have reduced the minimum to 10 instead of 20 kids. Sounds easier to gather for a tour now.

Keen on Adult Ballet?

What do you do during your 'me time?' For the past few weeks, I managed to find some time to fill in a little workout every Friday morning. I did adult ballet! Yes, I have a special love for it since I was young. Never too late to learn. And nah, I'm only a beginner at it. I did try to pass on my passion to Jazz, but she wasn't keen.

What made my commitment possible was signing up with a friend and paid for a number of sessions. Totally no reason to procrastinate or get lazy about it. My friend did the research of schools, and I tagged along. It's not easy to find a suitable time slot for stay home Mums to do a class. What we barely have on hand, is time when the kids are in school.

Photo credit: M.A Ballet

Photo credit: M.A Ballet

We chanced upon M.A Ballet and thought it was perfect for being centrally located with a Friday morning time slot. We did a trial, decided it was our learning pace and went on to sign in 10 lessons. So you know, it's not a sponsored post or paid review. 

Our instructor, Mayu is a professional dancer and teacher with much awards and accolades under her belt. Having been teaching here for the past 6 years in Singapore, she often acclaims she's more of a Singaporean than Japanese. Her passion for teaching is much displayed during our lessons, when she would spend every effort to explain and correct a move. It's true, ballet is not without fret. From the slightest breath to the smallest body part, they make up a team. It's much work within a simple move. I often spot myself tangled in the various moves and sequences, but I will say practice makes perfect. It's always a great workout at the end of each session. 

Mayu conducts children classes too, but does not sit them for exams. She believes in learning for passion and joy without the stress of going through examinations. This is what some parents firmly believe in. 

So yeap, if you haven't tried an adult ballet class, I'm here to notify you that M.A Ballet is conducting free adult trial class at the moment. You will have to hurry, before they decide to end the free trial. Also, if you're keen to further your lessons with her. You may quote that you read about her on my blog for the waiver of registration fee (till 31 Dec 2015). 

Adult ballet classes for beginners are scheduled on:

Thursdays: 7:30pm to 8:30pm and

Fridays: 10:00am to 11:00am

Location: Dance On Us Claymore, 8 Claymore Hill Road #01-03 to 06, Singapore 229572 

(10 minutes walk from Orchard MRT) 

For more information or to book a trial class, you may contact Mayu at: mayu@maballet.com

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The little red brick show - SG50 edition

It seemed a little delayed since its launch on 01 August, but we're most glad to have sighted those iconic and nostalgic build ups, made with Lego bricks! The Little Red Brick show is held in conjunction with Singapore's jubilee birthday as part of the Singapore Memory Project. It presents 50 memories of Singapore's past, and each exhibit unfolds a unique story of its past and present.

In honour of more pictures and less words, this post will be overloaded with pictures. Oh well, beautiful things are ought to be shared!

One of my favourite at the exhibit were these Peranakan heritage shophouses, which are still existing today at Joo Chiat! Discover how meticulous they built every piece of it, even the trash bins.

Our iconic tourist attractions all in a picture!

PSA Container cranes

The scene of a wet market! Spot the interesting bricks of crabs. 

This red house bakery in Katong was very well known for its pastries in the early days. It was however shut down in 2003 when its structure was deemed unsafe.

This is still very familiar looking to date. Just how much have we progressed.

The nostalgic days of my life as a student, mode of transport to and fro school.

Millennium kitties! Ok, I confess, I had been part of the crowd. I'm definitely not gonna advocate my kids in joining such queues. My buys went into the trash after several years. The past is often a lesson to reflect.

Parliament house - Remembering LKY. Flag was on half mast.

Great World, the World of cinemas. Nah, I wasn't of that generation. I would guess, instead of popcorns, they had kachang puteh as movie companion.

The first National day parade in 1966. Also the first largest National event since independence. How vast has time changed.

A red riot truck of the 1950s. Definitely one we won't wish to see it being deployed.

Another of my favourite exhibit is this! That tingkat and biscuit tin filled with icing biscuits are just too lovely. Love too, how they dated the calendar to independence day.

Childhood playgrounds! Looking familiar with the 1970s and 80s.

The dragon playground is one still standing firm at Toa Payoh.

While these pictures are just some I've snapped for teaser and memory, I don't think I'm doing justice to the live exhibit itself. You may get a good glance of them by making a trip down. There are much more on site for viewing and appreciation. This Little Red Brick show is made happened by a group of local Lego enthusiasts, the AFOL (Adult Fan Of Lego) club. Maybe I'm considered one too!

Exhibit is free for everyone, from 01 Aug to 28 Aug 2015, at Central Public Library (outdoor foyer). After which, you may bring your little ones into the library for some cool down moment with books. We did just that on a lazy weekend.

Address: 100 Victoria St, 188064

And of course, if our little ones can't focus or appreciate those nostalgic exhibits like we do, you may park them here to play some bricks.

Have a great weekend ahead!

Birthday party planning

And so we found a place to party, I needn't worry about food and entertainment. I just needed to focus on the other fun characters to make up the oomph!

We did our own pinata! I contemplated and decided we should never pay for a pinata, unless that's a quick solution for the lack of time. The fate of a pinata is fairly short and rather tragic, especially the ones that we brutally whack open with a stick. Since it doesn't last and what mattered more was the fillings, I anyhow-ly made our own pull string pinata. Tender age, tender game. No whacking this time.

Together with my man, we figured this out:

1. Take a rectangular box. Any small size box you think is of good fit for a pinata.

2. Wrap its bareness with wrapping tissues. We used white as we've plenty of it.

3. You may create some texture/design by cutting patterns on the wrapping tissues. I cut strips and pasted it all around the box. Normal glue is good enough.

4. You could punch in 2 holes at the top of the box for holding purpose. We forgot this step, and did it only at the last.

Looking better than the raw box now

5. Cut a square opening at the bottom, with one side still attached to the box. Opening size depends on your fillers.

6. Punch a string through the flap, somewhere nearer to the easy opening side. Loop it round, as shown in bottom left picture. Secure it! That's the winning string.

7. Next, we'll just need to put in the strings of false hope. We simply used tape to secure and was rather gentle in transporting it. Number of false pull strings depends on the number of kids playing (Got these strings from Diaso).

8. Conceal (Bottom right picture)! Just so no little cheekies would peep under for any clues.

Looking good

9. The exciting part now - Put in the fillers! A bunch of our favourite snacks were threw in with some party clappers too.

Good for play!

10. Decorate and paste on some printouts of the party theme. It's ready for play!

There are two ways to play this DIY pinata. One, each kid may take a turn by pulling one string at a time. Two, each kid holds onto a string and all kids pull at the count of 3! The latter ensures every child gets a chance. 

So yeap, that's our simple DIY pinata. However, I need to confess that it wasn't as successful because the goodies weight dangling from the holding string proved it too heavy for it to bear. Delicious yummies comes with weight, I guess. It gave way and the box fell part from the holding string when the kids pulled. Nonetheless, the game hosts were quick to redeem our pinata by quickly picking the box and pouring out the fillers! It excited the kids still. I love pinata for the expressions we'll exchange to see on the kids' faces. Too cute!

All set!

Pinata aren't selling cheap locally. If you have time, it is sure easy to DIY one. Just ensure that the goals of opening it up and exciting the kids are met. There isn't much effort of excellence in the crafting of it because it's of rough handling anyway. 

As part of the excitement factor, we also brought in a balloonist and an airbrush artist. Balloon sculpturing is always an all time favourite among the kids! Airbrush artist was another wow factor to the party. Think cute temporary tattoos.

Jasmin from sgballoons has got amazing twisting skills. You name it, she sculpts it! Did you see Elsa?!! That melted the hearts of many sweeties. She also asked our birthday boy if he would love a dinosaur balloon, as to the theme. Jare took on the offer and was soooo pleased with his airy and chubby dinosaur! She's very good with children and does very beautiful balloon arches too! I wished we had one.

Lovely creations!

To add onto the party atmosphere, we had Nicole from Sgairbrush services. She did tattoos for the little kids that day, and I did one too. It lasted for some days on my arm. There were a good variety of stencils ranging from heroes to princesses! She was extremely patient and good with the kids while they excitedly chose their favourite characters to get it painlessly tattooed on. Parental approved too!

Batman tattoo!

Lastly, not to forget about preparing a goodbye prop and thankful gesture for our little friends who took time to stomp by the party for celebration. A goodie bag! It was with much thoughts that I decided to plant in a little indoor plant with a dinosaur figurine. Somehow dinosaurs always give me a forestry feel, and that's how the idea came about.

For the little green fingers!

I do hope they are well taken care of by those sprouting green fingers. In anticipation that the plant might not excite some kids, I've included some snacks and little toys in the goodie bags. It should make all kids happy this way.

Thank you for coming by, friends!

We gotten these plants and potting mix soil from one of the nurseries along Thomson. Didn't take note of its name, but was the first nursery from where you drive in. I uprooted and planted the big bunches into smaller plastic pots and topped off with a dinosaur figurine. All looked too pleasing. Small pots and dinosaurs are bought from Oriental trading, my favourite source for party supplies from an overseas website.

Indoor plants are not just good for those little eyes, they are also easy to maintain with minimal water and some dose of fluorescent light or sunlight. These indoor plants called, Fittonia are perfect for little caretakers.

So yeap, that's our fun and not too exhaustive planning behind the scene.

Balloonist and airbrush artist were kindly sponsored and we are very thankful for their time and services in making this party extremely memorable. Thank you, ladies!

Balloonist - Twist entertainment
Facebook
Website
Instagram: @twistentertainment
Email: jnhevents@yahoo.com
Contact:  97238707
Airbrush artist - Sg Airbrush Services
Facebook
Website
View her works at Instagram: #sgairbrushservices
Email: Nicole@sgairbrushservices.com
Contact: 81830477