Parents know the benefits reading brings to a child. Not only does it improve literacy, it cultivates a healthy sense of curiosity and stretches imagination. What if these books can come alive? How much more intriguing, exciting and impactful can that be! That’s where the good folks at KidsFest value-add to a child's learning experiences. KidsFest has a penchant for bringing books to life and we love it. This time, they outdid themselves by resurrecting a group of prehistoric friends for a … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2015
In sickness and in health…living out your marriage vows
My grandma suffered a stroke on Sunday morning. What ensued were manic visits to the hospital, agonizing waits for battery of tests, scans and probes to the tiny frame that is my 88 year-old Teochew-speaking Ah Ma. A steady stream of family members rallied round her, hoping that our moral support and physical presence would do miracles to her recovery. In the 6 bedder ward where my Grandma was confined, there lie a Chinese lady (in her late 40s or early 50s), head half-shaven, being hooked up … [Read more...]
‘How to help your kids love Chinese’ – Reflections from a ‘Banana’ Dad
*Banana – a colloquial term to describe a Chinese who only appreciates Western customs thereby making him Yellow on the outside, white on the inside. “You don’t know Chinese? Why don’t you know Chinese? Aren’t you Chinese?” Ever have one of those statements haunt you for a long time? Well, mine is the question above which was hurled at my friends and I more than two decades ago when I was an undergraduate in Australia. You see, we were walking along one of the many beautifully tree-lined … [Read more...]
Peony Jade’s Eight Rhapsodies of Spring 精彩年菜迎羊年！
With our modern day hectic lifestyles, it is often difficult for extended families to meet, let alone slow down and enjoy a hearty meal together. Which is why whenever families meet and dine, particularly for a family celebrations or festivities like Chinese New Year, we want to make it extra meaningful, extra significant, extra enjoyable. Therefore the selection of food, location and service is important. Peony Jade is one of our 'go-to' restaurants when we feel like an indulgent meal … [Read more...]
Grab Tickets to KidsFest 2015 – A World-Class Theatre Festival for Children
KidsFest, a theatrical extravaganza for children 3 to 12 years old is back! Having enjoyed three successful runs in Singapore, KidsFest is prepped for yet another brilliant season with eight world-class theatre productions from Australia and London’s West-End staging right here in Singapore! Curated by ABA Productions Pte Ltd, the line-up for KidsFest 2015 promises a highly educational and immersive experience for the entire family. Set to stage at SOTA (School of the Arts Singapore), a premier … [Read more...]
The strengths in our stars – helping your children discover themselves
"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:26 (NIV) Photo Credit “ Daddy, what’s special about me? Do I have talents?” the daughter asked. Now that the daughter has started Primary 1 proper, the entire family has made significant lifestyle changes to go to bed rather early. So imagine my surprise when I was asked the above question by the inquisitive daughter at bedtime … [Read more...]
Eco-friendly CNY Shopping at Itsy Bitsy ME!
Chinese New Year is a festival of memories. As a child, I remember how my auntie would bring us to departmental stores to buy new outfits. I will also diligently help my Mum spring-clean the home. Growing up in a single-parent home, we were not affluent so our CNY preps were kept simple: one new set of bedsheets and PJs for my sister and I, a new set of curtains for the home (which I bought from Ikea with my own savings) and a few mandatory CNY snacks. Now that I'm a working Mom (with … [Read more...]
A ‘Purr-fect’ Night Out…with CATS!
Perched high above the song standard for any female singer is the moving soliloquy, ‘Memory’ - sung by Grizabella , the Glamour Cat who recounts her former glamorous days, which contasts starkly to her current down-trodden state, as she petitions for a chance to be reborn to new life to live all over again with perhaps greater significance. The song from the musical remains one of the top few classic and instantly-recognizable songs for virtually anyone who loves music. Here’s a chance to … [Read more...]
A letter to the GOs of Club Med Bali Kids’ Club
(‘GO’ stands for ‘Gentil Organisateur’. They are the ambassadors of Club Med. Led by the Resort Village Chief (‘Chief de Village’), they are the international staff who would personally attend to the needs of the Guests, run activities while still being able to jive, act, play sports and do amazing acrobatic skills each and every day. They are the essence and pillars of Club Med. Dear GOs, My apologies. This letter is long overdue. 2 years to be exact since our very first Club Med … [Read more...]
Homely Feasting at Gu Ma Jia (姑妈家)
In our Chinese culture, nephews or nieces address their eldest aunt from the paternal side 'Gu Ma' - 姑妈. So when we received the food tasting invite from this restaurant endearingly named 'Gu Ma Jia' 姑妈家 (loosely translated as 'Eldest Aunt’s House'), we knew we were in for a treat. 'Gu Ma Jia' 姑妈家 is located in the famous Sennett Estate which is dotted with many popular eateries. The founder of the restaurant is a spiritedly housewife (affectionately known as 'Gu Ma' 姑妈) who grew up on Pulau … [Read more...]