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.

5. Movie Screening at Park

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

6. Arts and Crafts workshop (5 years old and above)

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!

8. SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends at vivocity

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.

9. Hi-5 'live' show at united Square

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 

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!

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.   

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

"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. 

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!

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.