Just yesterday, we went for 2 hour LED Christmas Card Making Workshop at Just Fly It and Xav went home with his very own hand-made LED Christmas card !
Applying STEAM concepts, he built his own circuit with real Chibitronics LED,
batteries and conducting tape. Xav said that he wanted to design his own Christmas card and not wanting to use the given printed copy.
With Joyce, going through how the circuit should work and how to plan his circuit.
Taping his circuit
Call me a suaku but I am so amazed by this copper tape.
All ready ! His Pokemon themed Christmas Card with a lited Pokeball!
All ready ! His Pokemon themed Christmas Card with a lited Pokeball! Simple as it seemed to be but this simple circuit got him thinking. He questioned and experimented by himself, what if there is a piece of paper in between the copper tape and battery, will the current be cut off ? He tried it, seen it and affirmed that the current would be "interrupted". How about having more than one LED lit on the card, is it doable ? I love to see how he asked and self-explained. Learning Science should be in such a way, isn't it ? The benefits of self-explaination can help children grasp the underlying concepts better.
Just Fly It has an extensive range of hands-on workshops cover four main areas: aerospace, electronics, programming and 3D printing. Parents and children alike can immerse in DIY fun while applying STEAM concepts through workshops like the LED
Christmas Card Making Workshop or the Parent-Child Drone Workshop! There is a special promotion for this School Holiday, make use of it before the new school term opens ! Quote "YE17FOLLOWER" to enjoy extended early bird rates ! These are the various programmes but they are left with a chuck glider workshop for Dec. You can try checking if they are going to open up new classes for those you are keen in.
You can register by calling Joyce at 9675 6325 or email joyce@justflyit.org.
For friends who knew that I love to craft to destress, this period I have also been trying to pick up better photography tips. Another interest which I would love to learn to take better pictures for sharing on my Instagram (Xavvylicious) and on the blog. I readily say YES when Claudia from The Loving Mum invited me for a workshop on "Creating Better Content Online" (using Canon cameras)
Claudia was very generous in sharing her tips on how to garner higher following on her social media sites via her new found video editing and photography skills. Incase if you would like to start building up your social media sites. These are Claudia's tips: On Creating a Video:
Have a storyboard in mind
Wide, Medium, Close-up
Wait for it
Frame your shot
- Use BASIC Background.
- NATURAL light is always or perhaps the most important step when comes to improve your photography. Best area to take is near to the windows but do make sure to avoid those lurking shadows.
- FILL in gaps.
- Leave enough SPACE in between the items. Remember to allow plenty of breathing room. Do not be afraid to play around with the props. Move them, place them until you feel that is the best composition.
- Keep the frame (Square or not) full . If you plan to upload the picture onto Instagram, then square format photos will be the best. Else use an app to crop till you get a square.
- Think about HERO piece.
- Play with different-sized PROPS. Props add a special touch to the picture. It can be anything from flowers, magazines or even inspirational quote prints/cardstocks.
- Vary LEVELS and ANGLES.
- Pick things that LOOK GOOD from top.
- ENHANCE saturation , lighting and/or warmth.
- Think of COLOUR palette. Focus on the colour which you would like to bring out. Gather whatever knick knacks that you have which are in the similar shade or tones. It can be a coloured cardstock, beads, markers, coloured straws ......(the list goes on)
- BUILD your prop box.
- TRIPOD is essential if you do not want to end up having blurry, eye-hurting shots. Otherwise, holding your breath may help to stabilize your shakey hands during photo-taking.
And if you would like to go a step further into Video/ Photo Editing, Claudia had also shared the following apps with us: Video Editing Apps
Photo Editing Apps VSCO - Use this app for its filters. Canva - Use it to create creative post for use on social media. It works on desktop too ! Phonto - Use this app for square cropping and adding of text/ elements. Over - Use this app for creative text or quotes.
I got to learn about Mary Kay a few years back and I started off with Botanical Effects Mask Formula 2 after leaving the workshop. Personally, I do not like anything on my face as I am always out and about and under the hot sun. I think the heat would probably melt the makeup away should I be putting on any. In addition to looking after the two kids solely all by myself without a helper, in-laws nor my parents' help, I do not have the luxury of time to put on the layers of powder. The only time I am with basic makeup on will be when I am attending a wedding dinner. Most of the time, I go out with a bare face. Unless my dark eye rings are really bad that I have to have some coveraage.
Previously, I bought Mary Kay CC Cream with SPF 15 and this has became one of my favourite. The texture is really light and all I need is just a little dot to cover the dark eyebags on both eyes. The area under my eyes brightened up after the application!
In early July, I was invited to attend Mary Kay's K-pop Makeup class at Florinda's Pink Office. I thought why not, it is good to learn something which I know nuts about. Anyway, here's my attempt on colouring my face.
After the workshop, came Q&A section. I took the opportunity to ask which range of product is good for acne as I had quite a bad outbreak, especially on my jawlines, chin and cheeks. The acne comes in clusters of clogged pores and blackheads, which I strongly believed that it has definately got to do with the following factors; late nights, insufficient intake of fluid, excessive intake of sugary food or drinks (blame it on myself for loading my body with bubble tea almost every alternate days) , hormonal changes, as well as my poor diet, fried food and junks and poor digestion of food. This is quite a clear indication of having the need to detox my congested liver. I think it is pretty interesting if you can google "face mapping". The face mapping will roughly show you the different areas on the face, is linked to certain organs in our bodies.
All along, I have an oily combination skin type. I really hate it because by the mid noon, my T-zone and nose will shine. So if you have the same issue like me and residing in a country with hot and humid weather all year long, I was recommended to give Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Systema try and I agreed as I usually go for non-comedogenic and fragrance free skincare products.
From the left:
1. Clearproof Clarifying Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin. This is a clear gel cleanser which converts into soft foam when lathers, oil and fragrance free, suitable for Sensitive skin type and non-comdogenic. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and oil-free. I would prefer if it comes in a pump bottle though. 2. Clearproof Blemish Control Toner (contains 2% salicylic acid, a common medicine in helping to remove the outer skin hence, it's commonly found in many skin care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, warts etc ) - fragrance free and non-comedogenic.
3. Clearproof Oil-free moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin - oil and fragrance free, suitable for Sensitive skin type and non-comdogenic. This tube goes a long way ! I am still using it now since I got it in mid July. You do not need alot for the face, just a size of half a 5-cent coin perhaps, it's lightweight and it does not leave your skin feeling sticky. Can I say that based on the size, it is really value for money. 4. Clear Proof Spot Solution for Acne Prone Skin - oil and fragrance free, suitable for Sensitive skin type. The solution comes in a light, matcha green. Looks pretty yummy and leaves no sticky feel after the application. I will use this before the moisturizer.
After the first usage, I felt that it made a difference to my skin by balancing up the oil secretion. Infact, my problematic areas did not shine by mid noon, I could feel that it was still "matte" to touch. My face only started to get oily by the early evening. But it was not as oily as before. By Day 4, the affected area got better.
I decided to bring this set with me to Spokane, not expecting the weather in Spokane to be that dry. After two days of usage in the States, my face felt tight and I saw that my face kind of wrinkled up. I was at that point of time, trying to find out which was the product that could have cause the tightness. Hence, I decided to try taking out the toner because though it completes the cleaning process and may help with reducing the number of acne pimples and black head but the salicylic acid may cause excessive drying to the skin. I only resumed the application right after I am back to Singapore. Yes, for the humid weather in Singapore, I would say this range is the one to go for !
Recently, I was told that Clear Proof Deep Cleansing Charocal Mask was one of the best seller!
Sounds good for my combination skin type, hence, I bought to try out. The benefits of the mask are to help unclog pores with the activated charcoal, absorbs excess oil and reduces shine. I could feel that my face is cleaner after I wash off the mask. The silky smooth texture of the mask made the application easy too!
I am giving away 3 tubes of Clear Proof Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask to three lucky readers ! Just nice to pamper your skin after all the pre and post Christmas partying and to welcome the new year! Just follow the simple steps below:
1. Follow Xavvy-licious and Florinday Tay on Facebook.
2. Share the love! Like and tag a friend on the Facebook post with #XavvyMKGiveaway. Share the giveaway post if you would like to (but not necessary) and be sure to set your post to public.
3. Contest runs from 19 - 25 December 2017 and ends at 2359 hours.
4. Contest is for residents residing in Singapore only.
5. Winners will be notified by email and a new winner will be picked should there be no response within 48 hours.
6. All winners will need to self collect the prize at Bugis Cube.
Should you be keen in the above range or Mary Kay products, do reach out to Florinda Tay ( Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant) and I would love to tell you to visit Florinda's Facebook, she is always sharing her awesome makeup techniques and tips. If you are thinking of picking up some makeup tips, go watch her live makeup sessions if you can catch it.
Should you be keen to attend any of Mary Kay's Free Workshops, just click on "Send me a message" to Florinda at the bottom of the page.
There are also other Mary Kay products being featured, you can hop over to MummyEd and Mummy Lynn to read more about the other Mary Kay products review.
Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on :
14 December 2017, we had the priviledge to attend the media launch for the opening of Madame Tussauds' latest attraction - Marvel 4D Cinema, the first ever in Asia! Superheroes fans out there, you are in for a real treat! The Superheroes have arrived in Madame Tussauds Singapore !
Three most loved Avengers - Spider-Man , Captain America and Iron Man were made and displayed! Get ready all your poses! SPIDER-MAN swings into the spotlight, hanging off the side of a building over the Singapore landscape featuring the iconic Marina Bay area, sporting his classic blue and red suit. Step into the movie and take the opportunity to make interactive, wild and fun photos with Spider-Man as if you are hanging off the side of the building with him!
Similar to the rest of the wax figures in the museum, Captain America has his head made from wax and body from fibreglass and he looked as real as the one on screen!
IRON MAN, our favourite billionaire superhero blasts his way into Madame Tussauds as well, sporting in his armoured suit, with a built-in LED display. Visitors get to try on the iconic suit of armour and experience what it feels like to yield the power! Unfortunately, Xav needs to grow much taller before he can give it a try.
Looking forward to enter the Marvel 4D Cinema which houses 47 seats! Duration of per show is 10 mintues ! So get ready to have 10 minutes of thrill !
From Xavier: The show was awesome as it featured the Avengers fighting against Dr Doom and Loki. The graphics were very realistic and it had special lighting effects to enhance the show. When Dr Doom's droids were being destroyed, we had water sprayed onto us, wind blowing past our ears and spotted bubbles floating down during the scene when Loki fired the bubble gun. I highly recommend the show and would suggest to children 6 and above to watch so that they can accept the loudness better and to the adults too of course. Do note that at certain parts of the show, the lighting can be a little blinding. Overall, the experience was awesome !
Say what ! I read A Million Little Echoes mentioned that she even smelled a tinge of mint when Ice Villian came into action ! Meanwhile, I burst out laughing at my softest, together with the girl seated next to me when we got "poked" by the seat. And I have to agree with what Xav had mentioned with regards to the loudness because our dear Vera clung onto me halfway through the show, buried her head into my chest and covered her ears till the end of the show. But on the other hand, the boys loved it !
On top of the thrill, the kids went home with a racing experience as a racer in Madame Tussauds' full size VR car stimulators. As far as I know, there is no minimum age requirement to play but meimei was happy enough to have a picture taken! The seat of the car is pretty deep, the friendly staff will be more than happy to pass you some cushions to allevate to the desire height. Note that entry ticket does not include this.
We went off for lunch and returned to go on Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride, using the same ticket you can also get to visit Images of Singapore LIVE! One ticket, four areas to visit! Definately worth a visit! Thank you again Madame Tussauds for having us.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
40 Imbiah Road, Sentosa
Admission prices: Several packages available. Do check out your preferred package HERE.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10am – 7.30pm (last admission 6pm),
Sat-Sun & PH: 10am – 9pm (last admission 7.30pm)
Getting to Madame Tussauds Singapore:
Madame Tussauds Singapore is located on Sentosa, Imbiah Lookout
1. Cable Car - To take the Cable Car, alight at HarbourFront MRT and take Exit B for HarbourFront Centre. Follow directional signs leading to Singapore Cable Car station at HarbourFront Centre. Get into Imbiah Lookout via Cable Car and be rewarded by an aerial overview of the Island.
2. Public Transport Bus - Take a bus and alight at VivoCity shopping mall and transfer onto Sentosa Express or take a leisurely stroll down the Sentosa Boardwalk. Alight at Imbiah Station for easy access to Madame Tussauds Singapore.
3. MRT - Alight at HarbourFront Station and transfer onto Sentosa Express or take a leisurely stroll down the Sentosa Boardwalk. Alight at Imbiah Station for easy access to Madame Tussauds Singapore.
4. Foot - Take a leisurely stroll from VivoCity down the Sentosa Boardwalk. Hop onto the Sentosa Express or Sentosa buses to Imbiah Lookout for easy access to Madame Tussauds Singapore.
Visit the following social media sites to get the latest updates:
About Madame Tussauds Madame Tussauds is the ultimate celebrity experience and the world’s best known and most popular wax attraction. There are currently 24 Madame Tussauds attractions around the world. Each of the attractions is unique and tailored to the host city and visitor demographic to feature both local as well as international figures. These attractions are continually endorsed by celebrities, sports stars, royalty and global politicians.
Founded in London in 1835, Madame Tussauds’ amazing wax figures are so high quality and so lifelike that even the celebrities themselves do a double take when they see them – and all in stunning interactive themed sets designed to excite, amaze, and surprise, including some with unique animated features! And, with no bars, ropes or barriers around the figures, visitors will have no problem believing that they really are standing beside their heroes and the photographs taken with favourite stars will be a special memory for ever.
The result of 200 years of expertise and painstaking research every figure takes Madame Tussauds’ gifted sculptors a minimum of three months to make, and costs more than $300K (Singapore dollars). Most contemporary figures are also produced following sittings with the celebrities themselves and are the result of hundreds of separate measurements, hours matching skin tone, eye and hair colour – with every individual hair inserted separately. Celebrities and film studio wardrobe departments often supply clothing for their figures, or designers will reproduce significant or iconic outfits as exact replicas, only for Madame Tussauds. Inclusion in one of Madame Tussauds attractions around the world is seen as a huge honour and recognition of an individual’s contribution, status and achievement.
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What could be a better way apart from using ply cards to identify your seating? I was told "Go look for your photos and that's your seat!" I felt that it was something really different, with a personal touch. I spotted a photo of our recent trip to Miffy Cafe, printed and placed on a mini christmas tree and that's where we were seated.
=)dd
In another room, we were welcomed with a photo wall display made up of fairy lights and photo prints of the attending guests.
These prints were printed using Canon Pixma printer. I love the square prints, perfect to print out photos from instagram too as most of the format were in squares.
There were some new products ( including cameras like m100) being showcased
and what caught my eye was this palm sized gadget. My mind was totally blown with Canon's palm size, mini projector, Canon Rayo S1. It's so sleek and compact! I was imagining going for my presentation without having to lug my laptop ! Just slip this into my pouch and am good to go !
All you need to do is, just plug in your USB to run your presentation or mirror it from your phone if you are watching youtube. I will definitely prefer this than the kids fighting over who to hold the phone when watching the clips on YouTube. There is an inbuilt speaker and browser as well! Technology rocks, isn't! I am putting this on my wishlist!
- Project video through embedded memory / USB memory stick.
- Built in battery (up to 2 hours)
There is a current promotion going on. Purchase the mini projector by 25 February 2018 and receive a $30 NTUC voucher.
Had an intimate bonding time with Xav decorating our mini Xmas tree with not just ornaments but our favourite photos as well, as decorative prints using Canon Pixma printers.
She is an inspiration, a retiree of 20 years, proved that age is not a hindering factor to become an entrepreneur again at the age of 70 !
Nestled in a corner on level 2 of Far East Plaza, you will find Ganbanyoku. Founder, Greta Ng, personally experienced and benefitted the healing effects of hot stone therapy whilst in Fukuokua and decided to embark on this "Wellness" business, bringing Ganbanyoku, a form of traditional and holistic healing to share with people in Singapore.
What is Ganbanyoku ?
The origin of Ganbanyoku dates back centuries. It traces back to Tamagawa natural hot springs located in the Akita Prefecture, in Japan, where people with injuries and illnesses have cured themselves by lying on the rocks heated by the natural hot springs. It has then become a popular form of holistic therapy, now also used by urbanities in Japan and all over the world.
How does it work?
It is also known as "Rock Bathing" in Japanese, using precious magma stones from Japan to heat the body from the outside in. Right from the start, Gretal was adament to use the best materials from Japan. She engaged a Ganbanyoku specialist from Japan to help her set up the spa in singapore (Gonda San from Granite Co. Ltd, based in Fukuoka)
Only Tensho Seki stones are used and the heated stones naturally release Far Infrared Rays (FIR) and negative ions to speed up the release of toxins through persipration.
These stones are embedded in the form of comfortable, smooth slab beds, which are heated 24 hours.
A total of 16 stone beds, lockers to store your bags and belongings,
there were also shower rooms should you would like to take a shower after your session but it is advisable not to shower immediately after the Ganbanyoku session. I will share more about my experience soon !
