I Won in Lego® Friends Giveaway

I won the runner up prize in the recent Lego® Friends giveaway through J Babies' Dad blog. I received 1 Friendship Diary and 1 Mia's Magic Tricks brick set. We were thrilled when the gift arrived at our doorstep!

It includes Mia mini-doll figure and a bunny and features a magic cabinet with disappearing function and magician's stage. My girl is able to use the magic cabinet's magic function to make the bunny disappear! How cool it is for a 3 years old girl to practice and witness the awesome magic show!

I must say that Lego bricks helps to develop her creativity, fine motor skills, and stir up the curiosity in her. How does the small amazing toys managed to achieve so much?

Creativity: Instead of just making the bunny disappeared, she tried to make the flower and the magician's hat disappeared too!
Fine motor skills: She fixed the flower to the branch and she fixed the mini-doll figure, attaching the magic wand and the ribbon on her hair.

We are so in love with Lego® Friends and we are getting one for her 5 years old cousin sister as Christmas present. If you are still looking around for great Christmas present, get a Lego® today!

Thank you Lego® Friends for the giveaway!

Foodie Fridays: "Old school" Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼

Tau Sar Piah literally translated as "bean paste biscuit". Is Tau Sar Piah considered an "old school" snack that has been long forgotten or unrecognized by the younger generation? 

 

 

I don't know about you, but I am one of those generation from the 70's who appreciate Tau Sar Piah. I never liked the packed Tau Sar Piah sold in supermarket because the crust are hard, fillings are dry, not tasty, and not fresh. My first encounter with fresh Tau Sar Piah can be traced way back when I was a primary school kid. I can still remember the freshly baked Tau Sar Piah from my mom's hometown in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia; is just perfect! The crust was crunchy yet flaky at the same time, and the fillings (sweet or salty) was just right.

 

I read from Dr. Leslie Tay's blog about a brief history of how the Tau Sar Piah came about, and am pleased to read about the famous Tau Siar Piah confectionery: Loong Fatt 龍發. I like Loong Fatt's Tau Sar Piah because it is freshly baked; the crust is fragrance, flaky with buttery taste and it melts-in-your-mouth. The fillings are perfectly balanced. Not too sweet nor salty, but just nice! They specialized in sweet 甜 and salty 咸 Tau Sar Piah.

 



I must admit that I love freshly baked Tau Sar Piah! Please do not claim that you had tasted Tau Sar Piah if you had only tried those pre-packed Tau Sar Piah wrapped in pink or white paper sold in supermarket. If you wanna taste the goodness of Tau Sar Piah, Balestier is where you should be heading to, as it is well known for Tau Sar Piah.

Loong Fatt Eating House & Confectionery 龍發餐室西果屋
Location: 639 Balestier Road
Tel: 62534584
Price: S$0.60 each
Closed on Sunday

Horse Riding

Did you know that horses are the most loyal animals, next to dogs?

 



School holiday is just around the corner?! Are you looking to explore fun filled activities that parents and children can enjoy together and give your family life a boost? Look no further than horse riding!

Fun Riding
Children can experience the feeling on the back of the horse as the trainer takes the children for a ride around the yard. This is an excellent opportunity to expose the young children to horse riding.
 
Jungle Trail
Besides fun rides, adults and children (with guardian) can choose to go with jungle trail. Jungle trail takes you into the adjacent oil palm estate that leads you to the Straits of Johor overlooking Pulau Ubin, Singapore. Approximately 45 minutes to an hour's trail. For many of the riders, it was their time interacting closely with horses. 

Friend riding with her 5 years old son





Friend riding with his 2 years old girl

If you are first timer, like me? No worries. Mos, the owner will take you through the lesson. All horses are tamed. We were taught how to get the horse moving by kicking on the sides of its body. To move right or left, we just pulled the reins to either side. Most importantly, we have to ensure that our fingers are holding onto the reins at all time (even when you are posing for picture).

Good news, the horse riding is open to public. No membership is required! No transport? No worries, give them a call, pick up service to&fro JB causeway can be arrange. The jungle trail horse riding is reasonably price at RM100 net/person. (Date visited: 2 November 2013)

Armigos Horse Riding
Address: Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort, Jalan Tanjong Puteri 1, 81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia (it is located within the compound of Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort)
Tel: +6012-7966806 or +6012-7772598
Email: amigoshorse@gmail.com or mousouloo@gmail.com

If you need more information, click HERE. P.S: covered shoe and long pants required. 

All About Goats: Hay Dairies

When you look at the photo, you might be wondering this is such a common picture of kid drinking milk. Take a closer look, is goat milk.

Whenever one mention about goat, I must admit that I am a little embarrassed to ask the next question, does it smell or taste "goaty"? I must say that I am surprise that it does not smell or taste "goaty"! WOW! The goat milk is a product of our very own Singapore goat farm, Hay Dairies. Hay Dairies is a small goat farm, produces milk for sale. Hay Dairies goat milk is fresh, pure and highly nutritious. It is absolutely natural and contains no additives.  

It is important to know that goat milk is more easily digestible compared to cow milk. And often, it is recommended as an alternative to one with lactose intolerance and those who are allergic to cow milk.

Some interesting facts on goat and cow:
How many teats (nipples) does a goat have and how much milk it produces a day?
A goat have 2 teats. 4 litres a day.

How many teats (nipples) does a cow have and how much milk it produces a day? 
A cow have 4 teats. 40 litres a day.

I don't know what you think of goat milk. I must admit that I am not used to consume goat milk, perhaps my girl's picture can give you an objective review of how tasty it is. The thing I like about the chocolate flavoured goat milk is that it is light-tasting compared to cow's milk, and no heavy sugar. I managed to taste the goat milk because my girl went for a field trip to Hay Dairies with the pre-school and the farm is especially kind to provide complimentary two bottles of 200ml chocolate flavoured goat milk to the children. If not because of the pre-school excursion, I don't know if I would ever try a goat milk and blog about it.

I am be glad to know that other than purchasing Hay Dairies's goat milk directly from the farm, Hay Dairies also provides delivery service. I am considering of ordering some soon. Check it out at http://www.haydairies.com.sg

The Power of Focus

Is ain't easy being a mom trying to juggle a full-time job with a family life without family member or domestic support. Working, managing the house chores , and raising 2 young children aged 3 and 1. Is it possible to balance work and family? The key is to FOCUS.

My focus is my children. I want my children to know that mommy is working and also taking care of their well being. PK shared a message which encouraged me to stay focused. The secret to concentration is elimination, cutting off every distraction.

 Success is not hocus pocus but focus. What  is your focus?

Litter Picking Day

Some time in May, my girl's childcare center was working in conjunction with the National Environment Agency (NEA) in the Keep Singapore Clean Programme. As part of the program, they have chosen a day as 'Litter Picking Day'.  The objective of this activity is to promote green awareness, educate our children on good social behaviours, and to spread the clean and green message within the neighbourhood.

Parents are encouraged to join, hence I joined my girl in this activity. As a parent, I play an important role to set as a role model to the children to keep our neighbourhood clean. This kindness movement set as a reminder for the family to take responsibility for our community.

The activity took place in Bishan Park. The children, teachers and parents were provided with "tools" to go around and collect litter. See my girl was so enthusiatic in picking up litter with her tongs.

We all have responsibilities to play our part to keep our country clean. Think twice before littering or leave a mess in public areas.

Keep Singapore Clean!

Dealing With HAZE

Haze has been a particular acute problem in Southeast Asia. This is due to fires burnt to clear land for agricultural uses. This is made worse by the the dry seasons and change in wind direction. Singapore is currently experiencing smog crisis from Indonesia forest fires.

The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit an all-time high of PSI 371 at 1pm on Thursday, 20 June 2013.

The PSI value gives an indication of the air quality:

PSI Value/ Descriptor
0 to 50         Good
51 - 100       Moderate
101 - 200     Unhealthy
201 - 300     Very unhealthy
Above 300    Hazardous

Air pollutants, the particles can affect our body in numerous ways. From the nose, skin (eczema), eyes, to the airways and lungs, and hearts. The important thing is to stay calm and reduce the impact of haze on health by drinking lots of water to flush away any irritants that get into the airways, and eat more vegetables and fruits to beef up our immune system. When the air is too polluted (in unhealthy range), avoid outdoor activities. For asthmatic, children, elder and individual respiratory problems, it be better to stay indoor and avoid physical activity outdoors.

For those who are interested to know how does the haze hurt our body, here's an article published by Singapore General Hospital (SGH):

The haze is expected to persist for the next few days. Take care especially mummies with young children and elderly.

Art Garden 2013 at Singapore Art Museum

Last weekend, together with my toddler and baby, we visited the Art Garden.

Level 1 - The Enchanted Garden City
This whimsical enchanted garden city is simply awesome! Here you find the familiar fairytales, Red Ridding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Humpty Dumpty, etc. with an Asian twist over the entire wall. In case you are wondering, where is the Asian twist? There you go - the red ridding hood in kebaya, the Goldilocks and the three pandas (bear). This "garden" is so colorful! I find myself so drawn to this beautiful garden.

Gracelle then proceed to color her version of enchanted garden. Once she was done, she passed her drawing to be projected onto the Magic Mirror. She was thrilled to see her drawing on the Magic Mirror.

Level 2 - Moving Image Gallery
Step into this gallery, you find yourself in a movie theater. Sit back and enjoy a selection of local short films and animation. Gracelle is attracted to the big screen, and of course the film screened.
Great job for the students, mainly from polytechnics who came out with the idea and the films!

Level 2 - Around the Day in Eighty Worlds
This is a fascinating world and do observe what is around you. Take a step back, can you see there's a cat with its eyes, nose and whiskers?

Photo credit: Singapore Art Museum

Again, Gracelle is occupied with the activity to paste color papers over her hot air balloon.

Level 3 - Stellar Cave II
We move on to the stunning work made entirely of screws and thread. I marvel at the beauty of the glowing stars and deers. Lack of freedom to explore as the room was dark though the stunning art work was glowing, but Gracelle felt kind of fearful :(

Photo credit: Singapore Art Museum

Level 3 - Les rêves engloutis – Glossy Dreams in Depths
Next up is to overcome your fears and explore the gallery filled with peculiar objects, 3D drawings and holograms. Once we walked in, we were invited to sat on the swivel bed to transform you into the world of 3D drawings.The room was filled with things which are more abstract and 3D images which appears to be scary-looking. Gracelle find the place scary and dragged me out of the room. Hence, lack of freedom to explore :(

Photo credit: Singapore Art Museum

Level 4 - Love. Revolve the World
There is no activity in this gallery. It does not excite my girl much. But, is interesting to know that the art piece is a collaboration work between the local sculptor with student, and toddlers as young as 18 months.

This mark the end of our visit to the Art Garden. Say bye to Walter!

Pretend Play

My girl made this art and craft from her 3 years old children church. She was extremely happy to pretend as a lamb, and she baa baa here, and she baa baa there...

The girl just loves playing pretend! Pretend play allows her to think out of the box to create entertainment and fun. Other than pretending to be a lamb, she can also do a perfect imitation of mom, dad, and teacher (I am not sure if this is good or bad?)

Let me take part in her pretend play.

Take a moment, close your eyes, and visualize.  See the loving shepherd tending his flock, gather the lamb and, carries the lamb in his arm and close to his heart. Gazing into the eyes of the lamb, the loves, the bonding that ties them together.

My girl is the little lamb. I am her shepherd. A shepherd  herds, tends, and guards his flock; a shepherd protects, guides... So do I.  I care for my child, protects, guides, and/or watches over my child as long as they need it. WOW! The power of pretend play!

Do you encourage pretend play with your children?

FREE Pap Smear Screening

May 2013 is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. 子宫颈癌意识月

Cervical cancer ranks no. 9 among cancers diagnosed in Singaporean women. According to the Singapore Cancer Interim Report 2006-2010, each year cervical cancer strikes 200 women and kill 70 of them. The good news is, it can be effectively treated if it is detected early.

What is cervical cancer?

The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), and the vagina. The cervix is the neck of the womb and is made up on millions of tiny cells. Changes can occur to these cells over time and lead to the development of cervical cancer if left untreated. (Source: Singapore Cancer Society)

How to prevent it?

You can reduce risk of cervical cancer by having regular (once every three years) pap smear to detect cervical cancer.

I think women need to empower themselves by been aware and learning more about cervical cancer and early prevention. Women, they are mother to their children and pillar for the children and husband. Women as an individual plays an important role in the family that is irreplaceable. Therefore, it is important for women to take care of their health. I want to be with my children in every steps of their life... I want to hold my husband's hand and enjoy after retirement, I want to be there to see my grandchildren... Therefore, I take charge of my health and I am going for my pap smear screening.

From 1 to 31 May 2013, FREE pap smear screening will be offered to all Singaporeans and PR aged 25 and above at participating clinics island-wide.

Say NO to this female killer. I have made my appointment. How about YOU? Be pro-active and make your appointment TODAY!

For more information, visit: 

• Singapore Cancer Society http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg
• Health Promotion Board http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/dandc-article/600

For a list of participanting clinics, click here, or call 6221 9578

Flashback Friday: The Geeky Look

Today is my first linky with Flashback Friday, and I wondered what I should publish for the first post.

 

I wanted to remember the wonderful time of my kids, who is and/or was at one time with my babysitter. Both of them spent and/or will spend their first few years with my babysitter as their mummy is a full time working mother.

 

Here is my elder daughter in July 2012 making her first appearance of her geeky look.



Taken @ 27months old

Here is my younger son in March 2013 making his first appearance of his geeky look.

Taken @ 4 months old

Looking back at the picture and reminiscing the geeky photo of my kids, it feels so heartwarming. Time is moving so quickly, it has been 3 months since my girl waved goodbye to her babysitter, it feels like yesteryear.

 

Do you have memory of your kids with their caretaker to share?

  Linking up with  

Baby Sleep Position

Three years ago, when we had our first child, we only place our baby girl to sleep on her back. Three years later, I am pleasantly surprised to see her still practice the sleep position we used to place her in.

 

Fast forward to today. I still practice "back to sleep". Since day one, I have been putting my little boy to sleep on his back, having said that, I am not able to prevent him from turning over during the night. So, half way through the night, this little boy frequently finds his own comfortable sleep position by either sleeping on tummy, or side sleeping.

Perhaps the little boy get better sleep quality from his best sleep position. No tossing and turning.

 



 

You would most probably have heard of sleeping on tummy or side sleeping is often link to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) due to the possibilities of accidental suffocation. The safest position as suggested by many articles in the internet is putting a baby to sleep on his/her back.

Of course there are alternatives to sleeping on tummy: you can try swaddling (but baby above one month is too "old" for swaddling?) or using a baby sleeping bag, put the infant to sleep on side way, rock the baby to sleep in cradle (aka "sarong"). Do what works for you and for the baby, just take the risk factor into consideration and make a choice.

For me, I will still put him to sleep on his back until he is a year old with precautions to reduce the risk of SIDS.

What is your child sleeping position?

Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next.

~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

Toe Sucking

The chinese old wave tales believe that when your baby begings to suck his/her toe, the mummy will get pregnant and soon the baby will have a sibling. Do you belive so?

A new milestone for his gross motor development. I just sit back, enjoy his adorable achievement: discovered his feet and suck his toe (sucking reflex).

No worries, those little "piggies" he is sucking are clean. Is "fresh from the oven" (after bath).

Linking up with

My "Botak" (Bald) Head

Many chinese will shave off all the baby's hair when the baby turn one month old (满月). Many did this regardless of gender, whether is a lovely baby girl or a handsome baby boy. It is believed that the after shaved baby's hair will stimulate better hair growth and allow the hair to grow thicker.

Mummy disagreed with this practice and this is one of the many unresolved minor doesmtic issue in the family frequently talked about. Daddy, because of his own insecurity with thin hair, he had 101 reasons trying to shave my little man botak. Mummy has thick hair, daddy has thin hair, the girl has good volume of wavy hair, the boy... I don't know?!

Babies often lose their hair during the first six months of life, especially during the 3rd to 4th month. My little man usually sleeps at the same position every night, so that part of his head/hair which rubs against the mattress loses its hair, but he does not have bald patches. Whenever I look at the same position on the bed, it feels like I have a shedding pet dog or cat at home. So, he is left with that thin fine hair where the fluff often entangled at the end of his hair every now and then.

THE DAY has come! Mummy decided to shave his hair botak! My little man did not cry. His head looks big without hair, still looks cute. His hair grew fast, on the very next day, his bald head does not look as bald, still handsome.

See my botak head!

Shave or don't shave? Does it matter? In Singapore, the boy will have to shave their head bald during National Service - the army boy days. So, hello fello daddies, please do not do this at the expense of making mummy unhappy.

Do you shave off your baby's hair after one month?

Do You Pick Things Up With Your Toes?

I am surrounded by my 2 kids at home on the weekend. A 4 months old baby who needs to be carry using both hands, not forgetting my active 3 years old girl who is constantly on the move. Often, I pick up small items on the floor using my toes. Why do I pick up things with my toes instead of with my hands? I did that not because I am lazy, is simply because my hands are occupied and I can't bend over with my baby on hand. I do this regularly, repeatedly, and it has become a habit.

I don't know when I started doing so, but it's something I have always done and will probably continue to do.

Little did I know that this simple routine that occur subconsciously was picked up by my girl. She was thrilled when she show off her newly acquired skill! See, she is able to grab the item tightly with her toes.

She put her new skill to test when daddy requested her to pick up her toys. She gladly used her toes to grab her small toy, raise her feet, and drop the item into her toy box. But, daddy [speechless] figure out it will take forever if she is picking up her toys with her toes instead of hands?!

What's next? She need some practice to grab the item with her toes, raise it up to her hand without bending over. Good luck, girl. Practice makes perfect!

 

Do you pick things up with your toes too?

Baby. Saliva. Bubbles.

My little man has been making saliva bubbles since he was about 3 months old. Recently, he demonstrated a newly acquired skill, blow the saliva bubbles. He doesn't drool, he just make saliva bubbles. His salivary glands must be working overtime; whenever he does that, he looks like a crab (yummy yummy, chili crab?).

 



He is not teething. Generally, the first tooth erupt through the gums after 6 months. I am pretty certain about it as his sister's first tooth erupted only after 12 months. I suppose making saliva bubbles is one of his hobby to past time. Other hobby includes sucking his "KFC" - finger lickin' good. You know, baby just lying around and do nothing much in particular, so he must be learning by experimenting. My self taught bubble master!

Babies are cute. Bubbles are fun. But saliva bubbles is definitely a NO! NO! to my girl. The elder sister loves to blow bubbles, but she definitely does not like his brother's saliva bubbles! Whenever she saw him with a mouth full of bubbles, she will shout:" mama, didi play saliva!" :(

Does your baby blow saliva bubbles? I hope my boy is not the only one.

Picture of river crab blowing bubbles adapted from nationalgeographic.com

Chap Goh Mei with Korean Gimbap

 

"Chap Goh Mei" (in Hokkien) means the 15th of Chinese New Year which also marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. This day is not celebrated with a bang hence I supposed this day is not well celebrated in Singapore? The most stunning celebration of Chap Goh Mei must be the Chingay Parade!

No treasure pot (pen chai), no feasting in restaurant. How do you celebrate? I celebrate it by a special dish at home.

I try to cook at home most of the time, including weekday. I cook simple dishes on weekday and if possible, something special on the weekend. Personally, I prefer home cooked meals and feel bad to buy takeaways for my daughter. As a mom, I thought home cooked food is always healthier. Many families have moved from cooking and eating at home to eating out or takeaway because we are just too busy or because it is more convenient? I work full time, lunch is always eating out; my girl goes to childcare, not sure if she is eating well during lunch. To give everyone at home a balanced and healthier, nutritious meal, therefore I cook.

Today's dinner, I have specially prepared Korean Gimbap (Korean sushi?). I saw the mouth watering Korean Gimbap on the website shared by a Korean-American mom and I just have to try my hand on it. I can't do it on weekday, hence I planned for the weekend.

Here's my creation:




Happy Chap Goh Mei!





 

Happy Valentine's - Belated

Be MY Valentine's

 

 

I hope you had a lovely Valentine's day celebration!

 

Faith makes all things possible

Love makes all things easy

~Dwight L.Moody~