Explore Khao Yai [ 考艾 ] - Day 3 PB Valley >> Farm Chok Chai >> Farm Mor Por

This is the final installment for our 4D3N Khao Yai Trip, during December 2016 and one backlog off the list after 7 months, it's like finally !! I received quite a lot of pms and emails asking about our Khao Yai trip and here you are, finally some pictures and information you can read about instead of just the name of the place. I felt so bad !

As for those of you who have engaged khemika's service, I hope your trip with her was a nice experience. =)

Third day was basically visiting:
- PB Valley
- Farm Chok Chai
- Farm Mor Por

I am not into wine but I planned in this just to show Xav the fermentation process of making wine for his general knowledge. As for wine lovers, be sure to pay a visit to PB Valley, the first winery in Khao Yai.

Located in a mountainous district, I love the unlimited supply of fresh air at the fields!

Loving the fresh air and greenary.

Guided tours were made available for guests, do make an advanced booking if you are keen to tour. But we bought tickets on the spot and booked the tour from there.

Pretty good idea to recycle the bottles and make them into a Christmas Tree.

Toured and got to learn about what kind of equipment were used for fermentation.

Steel tanks to hold the fermented wine

The cellar

Vineyards

Photo Credit: Pla

At the end of the tour, we exchanged for a glass of wine or juice with our ticket stubs. Even Vera got to enjoy a glass. Imagine her joy when she was finally allowed to take a glass by herself.

Address: 102/2 Moo5, Mitraparp Road Payayen Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand

Operating Hours: 

Sun -Thurs: 9am -8pm,  

Fri & Sat: 9am - 10pm

Tour charges: From 200 Baht / USD $5.70

Next in line was a visit to Farm Chok Chai. There is a Chok Chai Zoo as well right beside the farm but we decided to gave it a miss as we were planning for a farm visit later part of the day where we got to see animals again.

We were a little late in joining the talk on how they breed and take care of their SuperCow. If I did not remember wrongly, 3 visitors among the group could volunteer to learn how to milk. Sorry kids, you will be disappointed as this is only for adults for safety reasons.

And so, I had my virgin attempt in milking !

We were brought to another area, where we could have a full glance of how the Farm Chok Chai packed their dairy products and got to savour a cup of ice-cream each.

There was also a wagon- tractor which we hoped on for a tour around the vicinity of the farm for some picture taking.

Further into the farm, there was a Cowboy Town where we get to watch Cowboy Show and Trick Roping action !! Heee Ha !!

Sorry no photos or videos as I just want to enjoy the show with the family. Someone was so delighted to have a go at the ATV all by himself ! Initially, we did have doubts if he was able to find his way out among the tall grasses. Turned out that this young man here was enjoying himself to the max, the thrill of finally able to ride on his own and went on three rounds around the field !

Address: 169 Moo 2 Friendship Highway, Nongnamdang, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130 Thailand

Contact: 044 328 485 / 04432 484 (Fax)

Email : info@farmchokchai.com

Opening hours:

Farm Tour Schedule: - Tuesday to Friday : 10 am and 2 pm (fixed timing) Between 9am - 11.40am and 1pm - 3.40 pm, tours can be arranged on a every 20mins basis.

There will be no tours available on Monday except if it is a public holiday. - Saturday, Sunday and public holidays : 9 am - 11:40 am and 1 pm - 3:40 pm, every 20 minutes.

Admission Ticket: 300 THB  (per adult ) | 150 THB (Per Child) * Note that riding activities like ATV and Pony riding are not included) 

Farm Mor Por was the last on our to-go list! I was a tad disappointed on the 2nd day as I had badly wanted to bring the kids there but we could not locate it. What a surprise on the third day! I would strongly recommend this place if you would want the kids to have an awesome experience with the farm animals.

You can purchase a basket of carrots to feed the horses, rabbits and ponies. They were really friendly and welcoming. While I was trying to take a picture with Vera, these horsies just have to join in the fun. I was "tickled" by the horses licking me on my arm !

Photo credit  Pla

Our fearless missy, was happily feeding carrots to the horses. I believed this experience was unforgettable for her. Few days ago, she recollected the memories of her feeding the horse. I bet she had a ball with them ! One basket was not enough for both.

The chicken coop ! If you would not mind that there were chicken droppings everywhere, do not mind a brood of chicken surrounding you. Go ahead with this. Before entering, pay a minimal fee at the counter and they will hand you a basket. The kids had fun being farmers for a short moment in collecting eggs and putting them into the basket. Thereafter, yYou can bring back 4 eggs, nicely wrapped in n egg carton. On  the other hand, if your child does have sensitive airways, I would advise this is a no go for them. 

Missy was collecting and putting back the eggs, not wanting any.

Xav was happy to collect a full basket.

Last activity before we left, we went for horse riding around the vicinity of the farm. The staff was with us all the way. Older kids like Xav will be assigned to a pony while a accompanying parent like myself with Vera was assigned to an adult horse.

I was happy that we managed to visit this place, the experience for the kids, you bet that they will not forget. Even till date, Vera could relate some activities she had went through for this trip after 7 months.

No regrets to plan for this trip, I hope to be back again to visit the National Park when Vera is older.

In summary of Khao Yai 4D3N:

Khao Yai Day 1 - Sunflower field (Saraburi District) | Primo Piazza (Driver's contact here) 

Khao Yai Day 2 - Jim Thompsom Farm + A Cup of Love 

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram !

Disclaimer: This holiday is a NON SPONSORED post. All expenses are paid through our very own pocket. Just purely documenting down these lovely memories and to be shared to all who are looking into kids friendly places in Thailand!

[ Media Invite] iROO celebrates 7th Anniversary !

When I first got to know of iROO, it was a few years back at Marina Bay Sands when the unique pieces at the window display caught my attention and made my head turned back once more to have another glance. It was then recently, I spotted another outlet at Raffles City.

Last friday, I was honoured to be invited to join Taiwanese Fast Fashion label- iROO , in celebrating their 7th Anniversary at Ngee Ann City, with Taiwan international professional superstar and brand ambassador, Xiao S, 徐熙娣, gracing the occasion.

With Jenn from Mylilbookworm. 

Let's party !! @iroo_official #iROO #iROO_sg #iROO_official #7thAnniversary #Fashion #FashionLabel #style #modern #WomenFashion #Instafashion #Igers #Instalikes #Instamoments #Instadaily #Instagram_sg #Igsg #SgIg #Sgblogger #Sporemombloggers #ATMarketingSg

A post shared by Serene Seah (@xavvylicious) on Jul 7, 2017 at 3:37am PDT

To commemorate and celebrate this special occasion, iROO has launched a Limited Edition Floral Embroidery T-shirt, representing Singapore being a vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan city.

The colourful embroidery seeks to bring out Singapore's vibrancy and beautiful garden city as well. Going casual is my usual style, just a few days back, I simply just paired it with one of my favourite kicks and hit the town. I have to declare that this is the first tee with floral prints available in my wardrobe. My tops are usually plain not to mention about floral prints. I would say that this embroided floral print is not too overwhelming for me to accept. This top is available at all outlets, do check them out. It is a total comfort to wear with 95% of it made of cotton.

iROO has a total of 7 outlets in Singapore, mainly:
- iROO Vivocity 
1 harbour front walk, #01-179 - 182 
Singapore 098585

- iROO Raffles City
Raffles City Shopping Centre, #01-11
252 North Bridge Road
Singapore 179103

- iROO Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-36 
391A Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238873

-iROO Marina Bay Sands, #B2-97
2 Bayfront Avenue 
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018972

- iROO Great World City, #01-45/46
1 Kim Seng Promenade 
Singapore 237994

I also heard that iROO in Taiwan has launched their active series for sport lovers and it's material comes with UV protection and if you are in Taiwan, do check them out! I wish the sportswear can hit our local shelves soon !

Jenn was lucky to have got upclose to the gorgeous and confident Xiao S. You can also hop over to read more about it here.

For more updates, you can check out: 

iROO  

Facebook | Website | Instagram

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on : Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest.

DreamWorks Run 2017

[Blogged] This is a second run for Vera since the last Garfield Run years back! I did not want her to miss out any runs with us if possible, hence, I bought her and Don a ticket to join us in DreamWorks Run 2017.

She was all ready with a Panda Headband to "dress up" as Po (Kungfu Panda) and left early for the event site but the road was really congested. It took us quite a while to reach the drop-off point.

| 24 June 2017 | Who's going for #DreamworksDay ? Say Hi if you spot me there !! #DreamworksRun #FamilyFunRun #5km #Veraruns #MyKungfuPanda #Sgkids #Instakids #Kidstagram

A post shared by Serene Seah (@xavvylicious) on Jun 24, 2017 at 1:24am PDT

By the time we reached, queues were already forming at most of the activities and we decided to use our carnival coupons to indulge in some treats instead.

#Funrun with friends, is definately more fun ! @din0mama @mummy_ed @dreamworksday #DreamWorksRun #DreamworksDay #Mediainvite #Sporemombloggers #Sgbloggers #Sgmums #Sgfamilies #Sgparents #Sgkids #Weekend #fun #Sg #Run #SgRun

A post shared by Serene Seah (@xavvylicious) on Jun 24, 2017 at 2:15am PDT

We were trying so hard to spot the mascots but we saw none ! But both Xav and Vera were contented with just taking with the standee with their kicks !

| 24 June 2017 | Not as if the kids are going to be bothered about how poorly organised the event was but they were great to complete the 5km with no complaints of being hot or tired when they got to run with friends. And no carnival will be complete without balloons, this particular #balloonist impressed me with his on the spot dragon creation for the little gal queuing infront of us, coupled with a little humour as he twisted the balloons. He does not have instagram though but you may be keen to check out his album on his personal fb page, search for Steve Xie - Uncle Bobby (I actually asked him for it). #DreamworksDay #DreamworksRun #Family #sgfamily #FunRun #Run #Runningkids #kidstagram #Sgkids #Sporemombloggers #Sgparentblogger #Sgblogger #Sgmom #Throwback #Sgevent #Mediainvite #Sgig #Igsg #sg

A post shared by Serene Seah (@xavvylicious) on Jun 24, 2017 at 9:19pm PDT

The run was made more enjoyable under the company of friends! No matter how hot or tiring, we did not hear anyone complained.

Vera gave herself a really short distance run before she asked to sit into the pram.

I did not run this time but had a nice 5km walkathon with MummyEd and Din0mama. To be honest, this event could have been better. There were cyclists on the running path at a certain point and the water point could have been better managed. As for our boys, they were enjoying themselves and were running much ahead of us.

The captivating city skyline welcomed us when we were near to the finishing point.

The best was to be able to spot another running-mum-blogger while we made our way for dinner.

From the left: Me, Angie, Jennifer and Edlyn

I think I had better start going to see my chiropractor, get my spine aligned and make myself feel light again. Till the next running event, which will be Mizuno Ekiden 2017 !

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on           Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest.

[Discount Code] Hands-On Science with StagMatch

Science - A new subject to handle in P3. I was thankful for the parent workshop conducted by his school to bring parents through on what is the requirement of the students when it comes to answering the open ended questions. How do I handle this new subject together with Xav ?

Personally, I feel that it would be easier if the child could understand the concept well, have no fear in attempting to write long answers BUT note that it did not mean that if the answer is lengthy means the child will be awarded the marks. No marks will be given if the KEY word to the answer is not there.

I am not an educator myself, just a Stay-at-home-mum.  I hope these tips are handy for you, based on what I have been doing with Xav to help him cope with this new subject. Do share with me your tips too !

-  Weekly Assessments : Do try to keep up with what the school is teaching, so that revision can be parallel to it. This year, Science reference books and assessment books take up most of the space in the shelves. I wish I could do it on a daily basis for revision but due to his intensive training, which is almost on a daily basis, I could only do what I can when we are free from the school's homework. If you are asking which assessments are good, I prefer to go for assessment that have explanation on the answer sheet for all questions.

What do you normally do when your child gets a wrong answer? Xav's teacher told me to let him do the marking himself and if there should be any questions that are wrongly answered, get him to think, flip through the reference books or textbooks, find the correction answer and explain to me instead of me doing the job. I do think it makes sense if one could understand where he/she has gone wrong and not to make the same mistake again.

- Science Reference Books : I feel that the textbooks on their own is insufficient. Seriously, how much information can the textbook which looks like a booklet to me provides? Hence, I bought these to support his learning:

1. Marshall Cavendish Education "My Pals Are Here" Science Booster (ISBN 978-981-01-1402-2) I love the illustration and links provided to websites specially selected by Science educators within the book that the child could access to ! It will not let the child feel like as if he is reading yet another boring textbook.

2. Educational Publishing House (EPH) "Science Bites" (ISBN 978-981-4662-49-9)
If your child loves comics, go for this. Every topic is presented in a subtle comical approach with dialogues and cute characters, which attracted me to buy knowing that Xav loves comics. It contains Science notes, detailed diagrams, study tips, concept maps, additional information on Science facts, fun activities. As long as Xav is willing to read, I am more than willing to buy this copy.

3. Marshall Cavendish Education "Let's learn Science" - A handy guide for Every Parent (ISBN 978-981-01-9611-0) This book is for myself to read so that I can guide him better. This has been sitting on my shelf for more than a year and finally, I got to put it into use.

- Past years exam papers : I find that exposing to more questions did help him to familiarize and have an idea of what are the type of questions are popular and are always tested. When continual assessment  or semestral assessments are near, he will be on these on a daily basis.

- Science Magazines During his free time, apart from the usual storybooks, he loves to bury himself in science magazines. Science Adventures and Young Scientists are his favourite.

- Hands On Experiments (Learning is at it's best if all five senses can be involved, the child gets to see the cause and effect, observe and record down the observation. I had purchased Big Bag of Science when he was younger. )

And this is why I chose to sign up with Stag Match when I first learnt that they are collaborating with Science Centre Singapore on their science modulars. 

Secondly, this is not tuition but enrichment. It fulfilled what I am looking out for. I do not want any tuition for the kids as long as they can cope. I want to stay #TuitionFree !

Thirdly, Stag Match fees are made reasonable and affordable unlike certain premium centres that charges at cut throat price. Do call them up to find out the rates.

Exam results were out. This is the first time, he aced his paper. His Science SA was 100% and given the fact that Science, is a new subject he took on this year, I have to give him a big pat on his back for the job well done ! Stag Match has played a big part too in guiding and prepping him well ! Thank you !!

I made an impromptu request to sit-in and was told that there would not be any hands-on that day as the teacher was planning to give a mock test to prep the kids and going through the paper for their coming exams. I was surprised that Stag Match helps to prep the students when exams are around the corner.

Nothing beats attending a class where concepts were taught, experiments done, observations recorded down and he was also given some questions to attempt to make sure he understands and answer to the way how it should be answered.

The lesson was never boring! I would say do check them out if you are looking around for such hands on classes for the kids.

The management of Stag Match was nice to offer a promo code SMET-Serene just for Xavvy-licious' readers and friends. With the code, you will get the starter kit at the same price as I paid for at $98 (primary) instead of $168. Fees for secondary level is $98. There are limited seats and do check when the new intake is. You can also go to their website, http://www.stagmatch.com.sg/

You can also get updates on StagMatch on their social media sites : Facebook | Instagram

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram ! 
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