Belly view of planes

Sometimes, the perfect weekend would be to go slow with no planned agenda within. We just snailed by an unusual weekend where we could really plan our day by ear.

We did planes viewing! Activity that helps slow life down a little, setting you to deep thoughts about appreciating the value of family and bonding. It takes no mega event or big crowd for fun, simplicity is good.

We drove to Changi beach park (Carpark 7) to catch sight of landing planes. Though Jazz seemed to have outgrown this simple form of entertainment since our last visit, I'm glad that Jare was evidently enjoying it. He was really excited over the planes that flew above and past us. Quite a gigantic view too, as it nears. So yeap, while they are still young!

Our local pride - SIA

You may bring your scooters or bicycles to ride along with the breathtaking view too. Evening time would definitely be most perfect. Since we stepped into the month of November, considering the seasonal wind change, we thought landing view would be caught at Changi Business Park, but nah, we caught nothing much there. We zoomed over to Changi Beach Park.

I feel that landing view is more breathtaking than taking off, maybe factoring in the feel of homecoming. It gives an awesome belly view.

Popping from our car roof to view

A simple and costless activity that got the kids well-entertained. If weather permits, I think it's really cool to just sit by, watch planes come in and enjoy that drink in hand. We'll definitely be back with our scooters and perhaps, some snacks and drinks too!

Unpopular isn't inferior - Piano

We recently added a new piece of 'furniture' to the home, a piano! 

Jazz has been on piano lessons for about a month before we decided to get a little more serious on investing in a piano. Keyboard, digital and upright pianos were all in our options. Major considerations were, how long would that piano journey last and how long will passion keep her motivated? Investment should be logically pegged to passion and diligence. Since an unknown future factor and with hope in another child, I think we are able to invest in an upright piano. Learning music didn't last too long for me, with much regrets I was a piano drop out. I hope Js will persevere and excel in music.

Streaming down the options, we decided to go for a pre-loved, Yamaha exam graded piano. Which floats between $2000 to $4000 in the resale market, and mostly of an age of 10 to 20 years old. I was almost choking when someone was selling a 40 years yahama U3, rather exuberantly. We searched around a little and decided to shop at piano master for a pre-loved we have in mind.

We heard raves of pianos made in Japan and Indonesia, and had never considered one made in China. I knew it will never be in our choice. So then, either the salesman was a well-trained sweet talker or the product was worth the buy, or maybe both. We bought a brand new piano, manufactured and assembled in China - Hailun. Definitely a refreshing choice for us. We know salesman are always sugar coating their words, so we did some research before making a come back. There was no hard selling at all, in fact, Mr salesman told us to go back for serious consideration. Instead, we spent 20 minutes googling on Hailun in our car. On the very same day, we surrendered our card for purchase. 

Our new furniture!

So why Hailun?

1. If we can own a brand new piano at the cost of pre-loved yamaha U-series, I think it makes more sense to buy brand new. The model we got was HL-125 (125 cm), suitable up to grade 8. And if my Js ever complete to this grade, I'll say bye to uprights and reward them with a grand! Oh wait, how much does it cost?

2. It gives us 10 years warranty compared to none or no full warranty when buying pre-loved. A piano doesn't last forever.

3. Pre-loved pianos do not usually have that anti slam feature. I'm loving this feature in our brand new Hailun. No fears of getting those tiny fingers caught.

4. Its gorgeous sound is very comparable. Although I'm a music drop out, I can hear it's competitive tone and feel its responsive touch with other reputable brands. My turning point was when Mr salesman played a piece on it, I was wow-ed! Hearing is believing after all.

5. Piano master is the sole agent for Hailun, they been around since 1990. They have a reliable buy back system for Hailun after 5 years, at 50%. We got ours at $3800, depreciation after 5 years would be $1900. Which is still cheaper than renting a piano for 5 years.

6. Hailun started up with designing and manufacturing piano parts for high-end piano manufacturers around the world. It is of international quality at a very affordable price for a similar western product. The string, hammer, touch and action is of very high quality. We viewed the interior and it was indeed beautifully refined. 

Big sis is a good teacher

Nope, ain't getting any commission for successfully referring a buyer. I only know, good things are to be shared. And of course, if budget is not a constraint for you, then yes, there are other branded pianos of better quality sound for your consideration. Popular brands are pegged to an exuberant price of course. Getting a piano is very much situational, I'm buying for my kids who are just stepping into the world of music. As of now, I think we've secured worthy long-term investment.

I do hope Jazz will hold a persistent attitude in this piano journey. And that Jare will be constantly inspired by big sister, while waiting for his enrollment.

Disclaimer: Nope. I wasn't sponsored or paid for advert. We share an experience.

Creep into Christmas with Junior Claus!

We flew speedily into November! And Christmas is just the month after it. Woah, where did time go?!! For sure, we had a wonderful time yesterday with the Junior Claus musical. Where Santa's only son, Junior was heir to an immense empire in North Pole. Santa fell into deep sleep because the Belief-o-meter fell to a dangerously low level. While all things looked beautiful, Grumpo the greedy elf assumed power as Chief inventor in Santa's workshop. Junior ran away from home and Grumpo attempted to achieve his goal of ruining Christmas.

This musical had a very beautiful storyline which kept us anticipated if Junior will return to rekindle the Christmas spirit and wake Santa from that deep sleep. We were captivated to watch how Junior and his friends race against time to bring Christmas back. It was 23rd December on their calender.

Photo credit: Singapore Repertory Theatre

Photo credit: Singapore Repertory Theatre

Junior Claus is an enchanting musical brought to us by The Little Company. It stays true to its goal of producing quality plays for children, based on the belief that children deserves that same quality play as adults. I testify that after watching Nightingale (mandarin) by them, and even more convinced now with Junior Claus. I am extremely impressed with their script, stage props and costumes, and even Junior's inventions! Nothing cheesy at all. The whole set up was as true as bringing us into a winter wonderland journey with the casts.

It unfolded a lovely and meaningful story through a blend of acting with songs, dialogues, humour and audience interactions. Definitely a great entertainment for watch! We got further excited when we caught our first appearance of Santa this year. Though the show is recommended for 5 years old and above, Jare being 3 was totally immersed in it. They would yak non-stop about the show.

Well parents, you know after every magical show, we need to anticipate questions like, "Is Santa for real?" I had that coming from my 5 year old. It keeps me wavering between a beautiful white lie or pop that bubble of fantasy. We successfully survived our Christmas Tale last year and we know 'lies' aren't forever. But, it's just too cute even if it exists for a moment!

Sink into the Christmas mood with Junior Claus. Get your tickets soon!

Event Date

Fri, 31 Oct - Sun, 14 Dec 2014
Mon - Fri : 10am
Sat & Sun: 11am, 2.30pm
(No shows on 09th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 24th Nov and 01st, 08th Dec)

Venue: 
DBS Arts centre - Home of Singapore Repertory Theatre
20 Merbau Rd, 239035

Tickets pricing:
Weekdays (Mon - Fri)
Standard: S$35, S$32
Family Package of 4: S$119 for Cat 1 tickets
Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2): S$131 for Cat 1 tickets
Weekends (Sat and Sun)
Standard: S$45, S$42
Family Package of 4: S$153 for Cat 1 tickets
Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2): S$165 for Cat 1 tickets

Duration: Approximately 1hr 30mins (15 mins interval)

It's probably the best family show this coming season. I enjoyed every bit of it, even as an adult. Here's a good news to lead you into. The kind people at SRT are giving a set of 4 tickets to Junior Claus, to a lucky reader of Mum's calling. Tickets are for the 08 November (Sat), 11am show.

To participate, simply enter the following steps in the rafflecopter widget below. Do ensure you've completed at least steps 1 to 3 in rafflecopter to qualify. Step 4 gives you additional winning chances. Good luck!

1. Like Mum's calling on facebook

2. Like Singapore Repertory Theatre on facebook

3. Like and share this post

4. Follow us on instagram @mumscalling (Optional, but nice)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

• This giveaway ends on 05 Nov 14, 11.59pm 
• Open to Singapore residents only 
• Winner will be contacted using the contact particulars provided when entering this draw
• 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. 
• To be fair to our sponsors, please note that all fake Facebook accounts (eg. accounts set up purely to take part in contests with no or very few real friends) will also be ineligible to win."

Disclaimer: We were given 4 tickets to the musical. All opinions are solely ours. Photos are credited to Singapore Repertory Theatre. 

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