The Great America Vacation Showcase - 11 March - 3 April 2016

It has been a fruitful one week's break and it's coming to an end in another two days' time before we return to the usual school-day routine once again.

Today, we headed towards east of Singapore and Changi Airport T3 which was planned into our to-go list for the day.  If you are still thinking of where to bring the kids should you be:
- wanting to beat the heat in the outdoors,
- doing a home-study unit on America and would like to introduce your child to some facts about it. 

Come on down to Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3 (Departure Hall, public area) which is currently showcasing "The Great America Vacation" exhibits daily from 12 noon to 11p.m daily and as well as some activities for the kids at Basement 2 (Opposite Kopitiam). There is something for everyone in the family !

What you can expect at the Departure Hall (Immigration Area) :
1. Harley Davidson Experience Zone
2. Discover USA Information Panels
3. Carousel
4. Travel Deals
5. Redemption Booth
6. Free Candy Floss, Popcorns and California Cheese sampling

Let's me bring you on a virtual tour here!

Harley Davidson Experience Zone
Harley Davidson Fans this is a good opportunity to experience the ride to freedom! Hop on Harley Davidson Iron 883 ^TM on display, put on Samsung Gear VR and have an experience of how it feels to be riding to freedom! 

 Note the safety disclaimer:
- Only for ages above 13 years only
- Not advisable for use of Gear VR if you have a pace maker, other implanted medical device, are pregnant, elderly or a sufferer from heart, epileptic or other medical condition.

Don hardly gave such rides a go but this time he would not want miss this! We spotted a fleet of Harley Davidson motorcycles cruising on the road while we did our road trip in States and was thinking what a luxury it was for the bikers !!

Harley Davidson Iron 883 ^TM 

Another Harley Davidson motorcycle, The Road Glide Special on display! My cool dude in the coolest leather jacket, with a pretty babe as his pillion. It  is loaded with attitude from the definitive styling of the shark nose fairing down to the Twin Cam 103^TM , air-cooled V-twin engine. It is equipped with a premium 6.5inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation and one-touch saddlebag.

Harley Davidson -The Road Glide Special

There is also one very cool apparel to be won ! The four most popular photos will stand to win the newly launched Slim Fit Custom Harley-Davidson 3-in-1 jacket worth SGD$479. I have just submitted mine ! Do support my submission with your likes please, would you ?

How to participate
Step 1: Hop aboard Harley-Davidson’s motorcycles at “The Great American Vacation” event site at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Public Departure Hall (Immigration Area)
Step 2: Snap a photo of your best pose
Step 3: Upload your #HDatChangi photo onto Changi Airport's Facebook account
Submissions end 3 April, 2259hrs. Winners will be notified by 30 April 2016.

Travel Deals to USA 
Planning for a trip to the North America ? There are three airlines that can fly you to the United States of America from Singapore - Delta Airlines, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines. What's more, starting from 1 June 2016, United Airlines provides a direct flight to San Francisco (13 hours flight) . This sounds more friendly than the last trip, when we tagged the two kids along with us.

You might want to check out the exclusive travel deals when you book your next holiday to USA at the event, offered by the various participating travel agencies Chan World Holidays, MISA Travel, Price Breaker and Seiki Travel.

Travel booths are only available during the event period weekends. All purchases/bookings must be made in cash or cheque only.

Date: 11-13 March, 19-20 March, 26-27 March and 2-3 April 2016
Time: 12pm to 11pm

The first 20 to book a travel package to Chicago will be given a pair of Harley-Davidson Museum worth USD$40.

Discover USA Information Panels
Life-sized information panels to learn about some facts about the different states. We were reminiscing our trip (California, San Francisco Day 1 & Day 2, Salt Lake City, Utah , Las Vegas 2014)  as we went through the panels while learning about other states which we have yet to visit.

At the 50 States of Fun - Discover USA Exhibition, spend and redeem an exhibition journey guide which lets you discover more about USA and a chance to win in the lucky draw. Complete the guide and redeem an exclusive gift at the redemption booth (while stocks last).

Answer a simple question in the lucky draw form found in the guide and drop your entry at the event area to stand a chance to win a pair of air tickets to USA!

How to redeem an exhibition journey guide & exclusive gift

• Present a single, same-day receipt with a minimum spend of S$10 in a single receipt (S$20 for supermarket purchases) to redeem one (1) Exhibition Guide and one (1) Lucky Draw contest form. No minimum spend is required for Changi Rewards members and Kids Pass holders.
• Limited to one (1) Exhibition Journey guide and one (1) Lucky Draw contest form per qualifying receipt, regardless of spending amount.
• Redemption of exhibition souvenir is subjected to the completion of the question (correct answers only) found in the Exhibition Guide.
• Exhibition guides and souvenirs are limited to one (1) per completed guide and redeemable on first-come, first-served and while-stocks-last basis.
• Full set of terms and conditions for the Lucky Draw can be found here.

Celebrate the Carnival Spirit ! Carnival fun for the kids ! Hop on the Carousel !

Free Candy Floss, Popcorns and California Cheese sampling
Who would not love candy floss and popcorns, face painting, balloon sculpting, and California cheese sampling for the cheese lovers ?!! Do note the dates and timing for the individual treats.

Date: 11 – 20 March, 25 – 27 March and 2 - 3 April 2016
Activities available at Terminal 3, Public, Departure Hall Level 2 (Immigration Area)

• Free candy floss and popcorns (3 - 5pm)
• Balloon sculpting is available (7 - 9pm)
• California cheese sampling (12 – 9pm)

The fun did not end here, let's proceed to Terminal 3, Public, Basement Two (Opposite Kopitiam) for more fun !

Lil' Carnival
Apart from the Carousel ride as mentioned above, Xav and Vera went wild with all the rides! They were well entertained with the Galloping Horses and Train Ride at Terminal 3, Public, Basement 2 (Opposite Kopitiam)

Date: 11 – 20 March, 25 – 27 March and 2 - 3 April 2016
Time: 12pm to 11pm

• Galloping Horses and Train Ride

Galloping animals all in line

She was not tall enough to step on the pedal, so daddy got to work by pressing on the seat and pushing her around. See that smile on her face! Both were happily enjoying their rides !

Train Ride

Choo Choo !

Awwww and I caught the korkor giving her a big kiss while the train was still in circling round the tracks. How sweet !

 

How to redeem passes to the Carnival Rides

• A minimum spend of S$60 in a maximum of two (2) same-day receipts (S$40 for Changi Rewards members and Kids Pass holders, S$80 for all supermarket purchases) is required to redeem one (1) carousel ride pass, one (1) kiddy train ride and one (1) galloping horse ride.

• Redemption starts from 12pm and ends at 10.30pm or when the activity passes are fully redeemed; whichever is earlier.

• Valid same-day receipt(s) from any participating Changi Airport Shop & Dine outlet in public area (except money changing facilities, medical clinics, top-up card machines, postal services, lounges, telecommunication outlets and Crowne Plaza Hotel) must be presented for redemption. Limited to one (1) redemption per qualifying receipt(s) regardless of spending amount in excess of the minimum spend required. Each activity pass admits up to two (2) persons for a single play session.

• Limited activity passes are redeemable on a first- come, first-served basis.

• The play schedule is allocated based on earliest available time slot, limited to the maximum capacity stated on-site for the respective rides.

• All participants must sign an indemnity form before participating in the activity. Participants under the age of 18 will require their parent’s/guardian’s signature on the indemnity form. Indemnity form will be provided at the event site. Alternatively, participants may download it here.

And we ended  the fun with beautiful hand painting on their arms before we left.

Face Painting
This is available from 12noon to 11p.m just right in front of the train ride.

This was Vera's first hand painting, she managed to sit still and allowed the butterfly to be completed. She was very still even after it was completed, probably for fear that the butterfly would really fly away! But she was so proud to show it to her grandparents when asked.

While Xav got himself an Ironman painted.

Before the school reopens, head down this weekend and the next before the fair ends ! Happy weekend ! Thank you to the PR team for bringing us around. =)

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Disclaimer: We were extended a media invitation  from Changi Airport Group. No monetary compensation is involved.

PLAYTime! Bunny Finds The Right Stuff & Pip's Club

Vera is now 32 months and  watched her very first PLAYtime for a PLAYdate ! I remembered exposing Xav to such theatre plays when he was around Vera's age or probably earlier. I was pretty lucky to be able to purchase the tickets as most of the dates were sold out !

Her first theatre play at Esplanade Theatre Studio, we watched "Bunny found the right stuff" adapted from a children's book from our local author, Emily Lim. I have shared on the review on Emily's award-winning toy tales series before.

It has been a few years since I went for PLAYtime shows. We had a ball today ! The show was pretty interactive and you bet Vera was dancing on the floor, along with the cast. Was glad that she managed to stay through the whole show with thanks to the songs, music, movement, props like bubbles and balloons. How they bring the kids through the magic of theatre ! We will definitely be back for more !

After the show ended, we were told that we could go one level up where kids can craft and play ! So that's PIP's Playbox ! This place is open for every member of the public and it's totally free with no admission charge. I am sure this is not new to some of you but definitely a new discovery for me.

Go ahead and craft your time away with no restrictions. Just be sure to be considerate and clear your mess away after utilizing the space so that others can have a clean space to use.

Materials like pipe cleaners, scissors, rainbow ice-cream sticks etc were provided on the craft table.

Walk in further, you get boxes of wooden cubes and some were magnetic cubes ! Wooden tracks were made available for the kids to build and let their imagination and creative juice run!

Playbox is just like a mini library ! I love how the books of local titles were made available for the children to grab a copy and read ! Teachers who bring the children on school trip can also sit comfortably in the air- conditioned Playbox and read to the children !

There is a shadow play area as well with a OHP provided. Please make sure the children are always under supervision when using this equipment.

Vera was happily playing among the other children who came for the field trip. It amused me when she gladly went to join in the queue when the teachers were getting the kids in lines. Someone's ready for school soon !

This space is a real gem ! A space where no one will tell them to hush, no talking is allowed or hey kid, no ! You cannot touch this, cannot touch that ! IT's totally kids friendly !

If you would love to go outdoors and run about in the sun, just head out ! A comfortable place where kids can play, craft and read freely for free, we will be back for more play dates and plays ! Click on PIP's Club to check out what it is about. The membership is free and valid until the child turns 13 and check out their benefits too !

This post is NOT a sponsored post nor I have any benefits or whatsoever in sharing the place. Just sharing a gem found in the iconic building on our little red dot, to parents who are along the same journey as me who believe in letting the child be playful, be imaginative and be creative.

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Kidzania Singapore Z-U in 12 April 2016

KidZania, the world’s fastest growing family edutainment phenomenon, has announced that KidZania Singapore will open to the public on 12 April 2016.

Located at Palawan Kidz City and conveniently linked to the Beach Station on Sentosa Island, the 7,600 square-metre park will open with a variety of role-play activities for kids to live out their aspirations and challenge themselves to real-life adventures.

  

Stepping into the City

All adults must be accompanied by a child below the age of 18 years to enter KidZania Singapore.

Adults, with children below the age of eight, must remain within the city’s premises while the children are exploring the city.

Guests can also purchase limited tickets on-site at KidZania Singapore, subject to availability.

Photo credit: KidZania Singapore

Tickets, starting from S$25 to S$58, will be available for advance purchase online from 11 March 2016, 11am, on www.kidzania.com.sg.  Online ticket purchases will be entitled to 5% discount off walk-in rates.

For more information on KidZania Singapore, check out www.kidzania.com.sg and https://www.facebook.com/KidZaniaSingapore/.

Kidzania Singapore is located at :
31 Beach View, Palawan Kidz City
Singapore 098008

Tel: +65 6653 6888

Website: http://www.kidzania.com.sg
Facebook Page : KidZania Singapore

Ready to have your little one's dream career turn into reality through role-playing ? Don't wait, the moment we were all awaiting for, is finally here !

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Sunday = Funday, let's make jelly balls !

Sunday, Funday ! No more pretend play but Vera got her chance to try real cooking as she lent me a hand in preparing some desserts. Make a guess, what are we going to make? Some of you probably have seen my Instagram feed. =)

I instructed and reminded her not to touch the saucepan as it would be hot and she will burn her hand if she touches it.

Always remember for safety purposes:
- the handle of the pot / saucepan must always be faced inwards or sideways.
- 100% focus on the child and never, ever leave them alone at the stove or with something hot.

She got the chance to scoop up the powder, poured and stirred them in the saucepan and at the same time, she got to associate these three new words with action. No flashcards for Vera, I knew that this is not her preferred way of learning. She likes to hands on, so here it is.

I bought a pack of Konnyaku Jelly Powder from NTUC and a round ice mold from Daiso (Waterway point). Before handling the konnyaku jelly powder, I had the dragon fruit and strawberries cut up into mini bits.

Then, dissolve the powder into boiling water and turn off the fire.

I left the mixture to cool down slightly (still watery and not harden) before I allow Vera to scoop into the ice mold. Filled up the semi circle with mixture and I got Vera to drop one piece of the fruit bits into one hole. She tried but on several attempts, she would usually have one full spoonful of the fruit bits in it.

After the mixture harden a little, I poured more mixture to cover the tray, almost to the brim and placed the other cover over it and pressed with a little pressure.

It's perfectly fine with the overflowing mixture through the tiny holes.

I left it to harden in the room temperature before placing them into the fridge to chill. Before consuming, I used a knife and gently go around the edge of each holes so as to remove the glass balls with ease.

I used my #hellokitty silicon mold too.

Used the remaining in the #WinnieThe Pooh bear silicon mold.

Since this was done with Vera's help, these were hers. I topped some of the jelly balls with the alphabet picks, forming her name.

All the marbles /crystal balls look-alike fruity jellies were gone in less than 2 mins.

In summary, these are what you need :
- round ice mold (Daiso)
- your desired fruits
- one pack of konnyaku jelly powder
- water

Have fun and I think this is great for parties ! Place the jelly balls into cups and perhaps tie a ribbon around the cup to dress it up.

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U Picnic 2016 - Space Odyssey

[Media Invite]

Singapore’s largest family picnic, U Picnic, returns this year on Saturday, 12 March 2016 at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park !

Photo credit : NTUC U Family

Picnic does not have to be by the beach ! Don't laugh at us, we have yet to try out going on a picnic with the kids. The plans were either shelved away due to bad weather or something had to come up under unforeseen circumstances. How does it sound to attend a "Space Odyssey" theme picnic at the park ? It got me excited as space is always one of Xav's favourite theme and this will be his very first picnic !

Organised by NTUC U Family, jointly sponsored by NTUC Fairprice and NTUC Fairprice Foundation as the main sponsors, the theme "Space Odyssey" is set to encourage families to look ahead to a positive future for themselves and their children while enjoying a slew of exciting outer space activities and dazzling performances. U-Picnic is a yearly signature event, a platform curated specially for families to bond and spend quality time together, establishing positive family values and at the same time, promoting an active lifestyle.

Highlights of the event :
- Moonwalking with rebound shoes
- Launching into the air with launching trampolines
- Roving space characters and planet ambassadors
- Inflatable playground for kids.

Event details:
Date/ Time : Sunday, 12 March 2016, from 5pm to 9 pm
Venue : Grand Lawn 1, Bishan - Ang Mo Kio Park River Plains
Media/ photo oppotrtunity :

Families will take part in 'Singapore's largest family picnic ‘wefie', together with special guests:
·         Mr Seah Kian Peng, NTUC FairPrice Group Chief Executive Officer
·         Mr Desmond Choo, NTUC Youth Development Unit Director

Do join in the following too :
Best Dressed Space Explorer
Best Anti-Gravity Photo Contest

 

Interested parties may register and purchase the tickets from www.ufamily.org.sg/upicnic .

Ticket prices:

$20 per family of 5 (NTUC member)
$50 per family of 5 (Public)

*FREE ADMISSION for kids aged 3 and below.

 

Families who purchase tickets will receive an intergalactic-themed picnic bag packed with goodies worth more than $40.

 

Registered participants may present their e-tickets from the smartphonesor via hardcopy print-out on the day of the event at 5pm.

On that day if you spot us, don't be shy, wave and say HI !!

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Homecooked Fried Bee Hoon

One of the very rare dish which I will cook in the mornings - fried bee hoon. All along luncheon meat is one of the most likable comfort food. I knew it's unhealthy, as such, I do not feed it to the kids. Perhaps once in a blue moon for Xav but Vera is definitely a no go for this. Too young for canned food !

Anyway, back to the fried bee hoon. This can be done up pretty fast too ! I decided to skip my usual Starbucks fix for this while missy was still in bed. Using whatever I could find in my fridge.

Ingredients used :
carrots (shredded)
mushrooms (sliced)
eggs
brown rice vermicelli (soaked for a few minutes before cooking)
luncheon meat (cut into strips)
cabbage (sliced)
garlic (minced)
cooking oil

Condiments : light soy sauce and pepper

Homecooked Fried Bee Hoon

Method :
1. Coat the luncheon meat strips with the egg mixture, pan fry till golden brown.
2. Using the remaining egg mixture,  fry an egg omelette and cut them into strips and set aside.
3. Pan fry the garlic till golden brown, add in the rest of the ingredients and gave a stir fry till fragrant.
4. Add the brown rice vermicelli ,add some light soy sauce to taste and to add some "colour" to the vermicelli and a dash of pepper too. (Add some water if it's too dry)
5. Top with the luncheon meat and omelette strips and you are ready to serve.

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Cooking with the basic condiments

Come to the point where I felt really sick of eating out, especially when the "menu" was being rotated like almost on a daily basis, on what to buy for our lunch and dinner, from the mall opposite my block.

I kept wanting to cook wanton soup for the longest time but I did not managed to find a time to wrap them. At the same time,  I was craving for my mum's stir fry roast pork in the sweet, dark soy sauce as well. Since it was a Saturday, thankful for not having the need to perform solo parenting (it's like finally!) and we decided to stay and relax at home while I plan for the dinner. Just some basic condiments used for the dishes below :
Light Soy Sauce
Dark Soy Sauce
Sesame oil
Sugar
Pepper

So I decided to wrap the wantons. I made a change this time round. I bought this brand of wanton pastry to try out instead of the usual yellow skin. I felt that this tasted so much better, at least no alkaline taste and pastry is thinner and smoother. The cons of it, it may break easily if you wrapped the wantons and leave it aside, the pastry will "melt" and stick onto the plate. Coat the plate with some corn flour if you have.

No special ingredients, just minced pork and prawns, mixed with pepper, light soy sauce and sesame oil. I sealed the pastry with a water and throw them into the pot of stock. When the wantons start to float, it means they are cooked ! Sprinkle some chopped spring onions and a dash of pepper before serving.



Wanton soup

I cheated here, totally have no time to make my own roast pork from scratch. I bought a slab of roasted pork belly over the counter from NTUC, sliced them up into strips.

Over the pan, I added dark soy sauce and sugar, let it simmer till gravy thickens. No measurement of how much to use but I go with my instinct. Sprinkle some sesame seed before serving. The outcome was, the taste reminded me of the sweet pork my mother-in-law always cook. Win - win ! This is confirmed one of the comfort food for me and  goes along well with rice or a bowl of piping hot, plain porridge.



Roasted Pork in dark soy sauce

I kept a small portion of the roasted pork strips and stir fry it with the French beans. I do not like the idea of allowing Vera to take the second dish as there were sugar content in it. So here it is, this is cooked for her in mind.

Minced some garlic, pan fried it till golden brown. Add in the French beans and stirred fry with light soy sauce to taste. The roast pork can be a little salty from some stalls, so go easy with the light soy sauce. Add in the roast pork strips, give a fry to mix them into the beans and you are ready. Do not overcooked the french beans, it's nice to have them crunchy when they go into your mouth.

For first timers who are new to cooking, I find that these are pretty straight forward to try. =)

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