We adore audio books and have amassed a sizable collection over the last few years from our favourite online book stores (namely Book Depository and Amazon). Listening to audio books is a great way for young children to internalize the fluency and expression that comes from reading longer stories. It is an excellent way to develop their auditory skill which is neglected in this multi-sensory world we live in. Whenever we played an audio story, it is helpful to have the kids follow along with a … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
Asian Spice Kids: Star Anise Superstar!
I use quite a lot of Asian spices in my cooking and Dana enjoyed the holiday camp on Spices at Kids Gallery early this year so when we first discovered this children's book devoted entirely to Asian Spices, I thought it was an ingenious initiative - what a great way to introduce a part of our Asian heritage to the younger ones. Star Anise Superstar is the first title in the bilingual Asian Spice Kids series written by Linn … [Read more...]
Cold Storage Kids Run 2014 – Reflection from a Pseudo-Coach
There are many things I take for granted. One of them is the fact that, as a lively, energetic 6 year-old, my daughter would have no problem running (since that seems to be her default mode from getting to one place to another, like many preschoolers); that she would have a stamina that would outlast mine and that all I needed to do was run a few laps around the stadium with her to prepare her for our first ever Cold Storage Kids Run. I couldn’t be more wrong.Standing with the early blazing … [Read more...]
Drive Safe. Drive. Save! Part 1
Singapore is well-known for many things…among them is the astronomical prices of cars. While that has helped to curb colossal traffic jams, it is a major financial expense for families with children who find having a car is quite essential - not only for the convenience of bringing us to far-flung places locally and bringing the extended family out for meals but more importantly, for those emergencies, particularly during bad weather or peak ‘got money no taxi’ periods.So while we know that … [Read more...]
Mothers’ Day 2014: A few of my Favourite Things
Mothers' Day this year coincided with my birthday, making it doubly special. My Mom told me I was born on Mothers' Day so you can imagine my joy when I finally qualify to celebrate this day after Dana came along. For my birthday, the husband sent a rose floral bouquet and a dear friend surprised me with a cheery yellow Gerbera table arrangement which instantly warmed my heart and lit up our home.My Fav Birthday Surprises...After church, we joined the extended family for lunch at the Peony … [Read more...]
Art and Style @ Pumpkin Patch
We spent a fruitful Mothers' Day weekend. It started bright and early on Saturday morning with Dana and I invited to Pumpkin Patch's Art Jamming event at their Vivocity outlet. It's a rare opportunity for me to take a break from my weekend routines to spend time with Dana and I relished the session. The teachers from My Art Studio handed the kids a canvas board each and gave them free reign to draw/paint anything on the theme 'Summer'. Since it was Mothers' Day, Dana wanted a painting of 3 … [Read more...]
NY for Kids: The Big Apple Circus!
We've never been to a circus. Our knowledge of a circus is limited to books and movies like Madagascar. But come next month, we'll get to experience it LIVE under the iconic Big Top in the Big Apple City of New York where we've saved up for our 15th Wedding Anniversary. Big Apple Circus Website The Big Apple Circus is an award-winning, not-for-profit, world-renowned presenter of live family entertainment. In their 36th year, they would be … [Read more...]
5 No-Tears Ways To Help Kids Love Chinese
Dana speaks Mandarin fluently and we've often been asked by friends and readers how we enthuse her in learning Chinese. It's no secret really, we do it these 5 ways:1. Through TravelsOne of the key uses of language is for communication. Travelling helps children see the language come alive and when you are in a foreign country, they see first hand how useful the language is. For this reason alone, we've brought Dana to Taiwan twice for language immersion. She saw how we interacted … [Read more...]
Happy Mothers’ Day 2014!
Motherhood is an awesome privilege...one which I am immensely thankful for. But mothering is hard work, some days, I feel stretched at all sides till I am losing it...This Mothers' Day, I am reminded that I have the best job in the world but I need to set my priorities right in order to be the Godly mother that God intended me to be. Can't be more grateful than to be a Mom...One of my favourite Christian Pastors, Ted Tripp (author of Shepherding a Child's Heart) once said: “Parenting will … [Read more...]
Sunday Lunch, the way it was meant to be…
Idyllic setting by the waterfrontLike most salaried folks, we slog through work commitments, errands and chores during the weekdays, leaving precious weekends to spend meaningful quality time with our family. Like most, these meaningful times would often revolve around a good meal. Sadly, while buffets are not lacking in Singapore, we sometimes let form, or should I say ‘food’ overrule the substance - the actual purpose behind the meal itself. While the adults may be busy tucking into their … [Read more...]