An Afternoon at Playeum@Gillman Barracks- Making It Home

It was our first time visiting Playeum at Gillman Barracks. Playeum is a non-profit creative centre for children that delivers hands-on exhibitions surrounding different themes. The current theme for the month of April is: Making It Home.

The mediums used in this exhibition "Making It Home" are common materials found at home such as; fabrics, pipes, carton boxes, pegs, etc. These mediums make it easy for Miss Kwek to make associations with as she has seen most of the items before.

The place at Playeum had been transformed and divided into different "rooms" with different mediums to explore and experiment. 

There is a dark room included in the exhibition with color lights and some everyday objects. Together, interesting shadows can be created. Children are welcome to use the objects to create shadows and make their own stories.

Included in the exhibition is an Art & Craft corner where older children, together with their parents, can make some craft with the recyclable materials provided. 

Miss Kwek was too young to appreciate such freestyle creativity. Instead, she doodled with the colored pens available on a long scroll of paper.

Miss Kwek had fun running freely around exploring the various mediums. 

The only con about Playeum is that it allows wearing of shoes into the play area. Hence, in terms of cleanliness, it gets a slightly lower rating. Moreover, there were two sand play areas when we were there. Hence, the place was a little sandy as some of the older children were literally throwing sand up in the air.

Otherwise, Playeum is a great place for some creative-experimental-sensory weekend's fun away from the usual children toys play.

Other similiar places we visited:

An afternoon at Baby Stage & Baby Space, Goodman Art Centre

An Afternoon at Busy Tables at Rochester Mall

An Afternoon at Busy Tables at Rochester Mall

We spent a Saturday's afternoon at Busy Tables. Located at Rochester Mall, Busy Tables offers both classes and programmes as well, walk-in experimental plays. We were near the area and decided to drop by for a walk-in two hours session.

Busy Tables is a relatively big place. When we were there, there was only another family around. Hence, Miss Kwek got to run around exploring all the various learning materials.

Busy Tables is categorized into different sections consisting of different learning materials/toys. Each area has a proper play mat laid for comfortable play. This, impressed me much! There are also a couple of tables and chairs placed around the area for proper table play.

There is a puzzle area with a vast variety of different kind of puzzle plays, a reading area with mini sofas and books, a shelf of learning/educational materials and a dark room.

Most of the learning materials and toys are neatly placed in transparant containers. Each consist of a label that clearly state the learning objective/outcome of play and the age range suitability. This earned brownie points from me!

The only toy I do not approve of is this puzzle pieces seen in the red play table below. I do not know the name of this toy but I read  how it couldn't be removed after being stuck in children's hair. 

Though there is a print-out placed together with the toy to warn about the danger, I doubt children will read it/know how to read it. Hence, I think it will be better if this is being taken out.

Otherwise, Busy Tables is definitely a great place for some family bonding/ children play, if you are around the area. Quiet, clean and lots of good learning/educational play materials.

Miss Kwek played for the full two hours without fussing at all. By the end of the session, she was exhausted and slept on the journey home!


Other similiar places we visited:

An afternoon at Baby Stage & Baby Space, Goodman Art Centre

An Afternoon at Playeum@Gillman Barracks - Making It Home

SAHM: 6 months and counting

Just not too long ago, I popped a champagne to celebrate surviving 6 months with Miss Kwek.

Well who would have guessed I managed to survive as a SAHM till date? 

Probably no one, including myself.

It was hard. It is still hard. In fact, sometimes I think I might have a easier life going back to the corporate world and just make contribution to an IFC.

Not a single day passed in a breeze. I mean, c'mon, children have more tantrum than anyone around. They can't speak and so cry when they are hungry, cry when they are scared, cry when they are lonely, cry when they got stuck, they cry for almost everything and anything!

It is mentally draining.

The month after confinement was the hardest. Having to cope with Miss Kwek's needs, the house needs and my own needs. In all honesty, then, I was praying real hard for a place in the IFC and perhaps get my butt back out to the corporate world.

It didn't help that people around were bugging me with questions "when are you going back to work?", "If you don't go back to work now, it will be hard to go back in future."

Obviously, I know.

All things happened for a reason. We didn't managed to secure a place in any of the IFC we registered interest. So, I continued what I am already doing - be a SAHM.

Fast forward 6 months, I am amazed at how well I am coping. Much better than expected. Learning and growing with Miss Kwek is seriously not the most fun (learning curve is oh-so-freaking steep) yet it is rewarding.

Watching Miss Kwek grow and meeting each and every milestones is such an amazing experience. That sense of satisfaction? Well it's even better than that I get from hearing praises about how great my pineapple tarts and kueh lapis are.

And no, I don't get praises for Miss Kwek's well being nor for up keeping the house. In fact, most people think it's a piece of cake, juggling JUST a child and housework.

Unlike a day job (minus the financial aspect), that JUST a child and housework is literally YOUR business. You can't just walk out of it anytime if you hated the "shit" you are getting.

It seriously ain't easy.

Lucky for me, Mr Kwek is very supportive. He entrusted the household decision as well as Miss Kwek to me. Not only is he bringing the bread home, he also does help around the house on weekends and is a very hands on dad.

Blessed.

My journey as a SAHM so far has been great! Not the most glamorous, no pay, no promotion, no leave, no recognition, etc... but definitely doesn't lose in terms of being challenging!

 

"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

So true.

I've learnt much and is continuously learning everyday. I've grown so much, from being taken care of to taking care of another little being. And well, am still learning to be more patient for I am not the most patient person around!

A privilege, a sacrifice. 

Being a SAHM is a double-edged sword. To me, it's a privilege as for a reason or another, not everyone gets the chance to be home and witness the every first of their little one. Being there for Miss Kwek and having her always wanting me over others, makes me feel special and important.

like Indispensable Me? lol.

This, makes me very privileged and blessed.

Yet on the other hand, it's literally sacrificing most of my me-time for the little one and some parts for the house. No free space-out time especially on weekdays when it's me vs the little one and the house.

In other words, no time to eat snake.

Overall, it has been a positive life changing experience. No regrets for the choice made.

As the saying goes:

When the going gets tough,
The tough gets going.

Till the next post! :)

2016 Expecting the Unexpected

Alittle late but better than never! Here's a summary of my 2016:

Started the year being part of Hong Kong's history by witnessing the coldest weather in decades during the Kderellas' trip. 

Came back and baked my way through to a great CNY! That sense of satisfaction amidst all the tired sleepless nights was just pure pleasure.

March was pretty much a lull period where there were the occassional cake orders,  us and our weekly runs, and I, starting to plan for our mid-year vacation that we booked during 2015 year end air fare promotion.

Mid April saw the hospitalization of FIL. What seemed to be a harmless stay turned out to be much of a serious business came May. Ironically, at the very same moment, we found out that our family will be expanding with a positive testing on labour day. 

With only 28 days to our long awaited mid-year trip, we decided to cancel it. Then and there, things started going down hill with the passing of FIL and the start of my morning sickness "detoxing" journey. I had no choice but to stop baking altogether.

June, supposingly a month of celebrations, saw me lying in bed and vomiting my days away. 30th Birthday turned out unexpectedly awful. But I am thankful how it was made slightly better with the mini surprise from the Kderellas on the eve and le family feast on the day itself.

Things got slightly better in the second half of the year. Nothing interesting happened. Just pure peacefulness of me growing mini-me and the start of preparing the nursery for her. 

As we see the end of 2016 nearing, we start our count down to meeting mini-me. Accomplishment for the year seems small but I guess just spending time growing mini-me is a great great accomplishment in itself considering all the changes I had to adapt in such a short notice and I survived through the pregnancy feeling unwell like half the time! 

Pregnancy is probably the most challenging event in my life. (Will blog about it some other time) I am thankful for all the care and concern from family and friends who so kindly donated their knowledge, baby clothings and maternity wears to me. Not forgetting those who share the same level of excitement as us about mini-me! :)

This concludes my 2016. 

2017 will see us in a whole new phrase in life call parenthood! Hopefully I will enjoy the journey! 

Till then!

Food Review: High Tea at LIME restaurant (Parkroyal on Pickering)

Sis treated mum and I to high tea on a fine wednesday afternoon. After much consideration, we decided on having tea at the LIME restaurant at Parkroyal on Pickering.

Location: 
Located just a stone throw away from either Clarke Quay or Chinatown MRT, the 5-stars hotel was easily located. The nature-like structure pretty much stood out from it's surrounding. It's central location is a plus for those who don't drive and for those heading for some shopping after their high tea. Address: 3 Upper Pickering St S058289

Atmosphere:
Themed around nature and greenery, the atmosphere of the hotel was pleasingly calming although there weren't much view to talk about, considering the restaurant is facing the buzzing road. The restaurant was surprisingly empty when we were there.

Service:
Despite the restaurant being relatively empty, the staff took some time to attend to us. Also, there were staff polishing/cleaning the floor with the machine while we were there. Doesn't feel like the most appropriate time to be doing such things in a hotel setting while guests were eating.

On the other hand, although we only ordered one set of high tea, we were left in peace for the next three hours without being pressured to order more food from their ala carte menu/display counter.

Food:
The high tea set for two is priced at $38++ with unlimited refill for coffee or tea. The 3-tiers consists of sandwiches, sweet pastries and macarons. By the side, freshly baked scones were served with jam and cream. Although the set was for two, the restaurant allowed a set to be shared among three of us.

Serving size was pretty value for money as it was more than enough for three of us. We agreed that the pipping hot scones were the nicest among all the food. The rest were too forgettable with the sandwiches being the most homemade kind that you won't pay to eat given a choice.

Will I be back?
Probably not in the near future. Not quite convinced this is worth the sugar rush and calories intake.

Other Information:
For those interested, here is the photo of the ala carte menu and display counter offerings of other food the restaurant serves.

Current Playlist: [[ 小幸运 & 梦想.起飞 ]]

永远记得青春的勇气。。。

Always remember the courage of youth...

Original youtube link: https://youtu.be/_sQSXwdtxlY

This is my favourite take away from this awesome movie- 我的少女时代，Our Times. It gave a big thug in my heart when I saw this phrase. 

It has been 4 months since I decided to become a home baker. Counting my blessings, I have some really nice and kind people around who give me a hand and constantly help and support me through this journey! I am fortunate, my Mister is supportive of my decision too.

Having the courage to take this one big step was seriously not easy. It's never easy to do anything out of the ordinary. But I'm glad I did, at least, I have no regrets in life. Hence, that phrase reflects my current status really well! Finally taking a step out to fulfil my dream of spreading happiness through my bakes! :)

The song 小幸运 is currently one of my favourite song as it makes me feel very fortunate to have met Mr Kwek! :)

Another on my current playlist is 梦想.起飞 by Oliver Ong. So so so motivational! :) I have included the youtube here for your hearing pleasure!

Enjoy!!

Original youtube link: https://youtu.be/7QQZ1-KQzKU

Random Musings: Dinnerwares from 3 Little Picks

I contemplated for the longest time before giving in to purchase my much wanted dinnerwares from 3 Little Picks.

Why?, you may ask.

Well, I am a taobao stalker and most of my wants can be found in taobao. However, I am usually lazy to coordinate the direct buys myself and recently, an agent company which I frequent, pissed me off! Hence, my sinning on taobao had been minimal these days.

So coincidentally, 3 little picks was having some sales. Being tempted constantly by their mailing list emails, I decided it's time for some retail therapy for my home! :p

I was much surprised by how efficient their service is. Within 2 days, the courier man was knocking on my door! :)

Opening the box, it was a pleasant sight, a free gift and my items all nicely wrapped. Not two or three but four layers of protective wraps!!!

Crepe papers - bubble wrap - cling wrap - thin styrofoam paper

Very impressed!

Unlike taobao, which seller always uses soOOoo much styrofoams and I always had a hard time cleaning up the styrofoam bits, 3 little picks items were neatly but tightly wrapped. I needed to employ my trusted home scissors help! No mess, no need to clean up!! :)

 I was a happy girl by the time I am done with unwrapping my buys!

3 Little picks may not be the cheapest shop around but it definitely offer the much required convenience with affordable courier service!

This is not an ad. I just wanted to write about this because, before I buy from any internet sources, I like to read reviews and experiences about sellers and products quality. I don't seem to read about this anywhere and thus, my post.

Afterall, it's a substantial sum of money. Not a big amount but the money could have been used for better purposes instead of bad buys, right? :)