“ The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents.” ~ Carl Jung As our daughter turned 16, I invited my husband to to pen his thoughts and wishes for our daughter. He struggled a little before coming up with this piece. The Emperor Years ago, my daughter's piano teacher posed a simple question: "What is your favorite piano piece?" Without hesitation, I mentioned Beethoven's 'Emperor,' performed by Dana, referring to the renowned composer's … [Read more...]
Review – Disney’s FROZEN the Hit Broadway Musical
“We loved it Mommy, we wish it wouldn’t end!” This review was contributed by our eldest daughter who accompanied her brother to enjoy a musical from a Disney animation feature which like many kids her age then, grew up with - FROZEN. My parents had two tickets for Frozen the Broadway Musical, and we were debating on who should come along when they suggested that I watch it with Buddy. Before I knew it, we had braved the manic evening traffic and were seated in Sands Theatre waiting … [Read more...]
2022 In Review – How life has changed. Or has it?
Every year end, I would invite the Hubs to pen his thoughts on the year that has passed. Here’s his review on 2022. Photo: Cozying up at Queenstown New Zealand. June 2022 We all lamented the opportunities lost when the world came to a Covid stand-still in early 2020. But what were the first few things you did when Singapore and the world started reopening? Since the passing-away of my late father 38 years ago while I was still 13, I have always lived with the … [Read more...]
Hokkaido Hotel Review – Hinode Hills Niseko Village
One of the many reasons we are delighted about the reopening of Japan’s borders is that we can share about one of the finest hotels we have stayed-in in Hokkaido: Hinode Hills Niseko Village. We will always remember the warmth and comfort we got at Hinode Hills. Part of YTL Hotel group, we stayed at Hinode Hills Niseko Village during our very last trip to Hokkaido pre-COVID in December 2019. It was newly opened then and we were among its first guests! Unfortunately, as March … [Read more...]
DIY Family Travels with Kids – Itineraries | Reviews | Tips
16 Countries from Canada to Cambodia, Japan to USA, Scandinavia to Indonesia, Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand, (and God-willing many more 'lands'!). Cities include: Bali, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Osaka, Penang, Queensland, , Reykjavik, Siem Reap, Tokyo. Activities include: Ski lessons in Hokkaido, Self-Drive Iceland, Self-Drive Hokkaido, Farm stays in Taiwan, Northern-lights and Santa Claus Park in Finland. Theme Parks include: Disneyland (Anaheim); Tokyo … [Read more...]
“Feels like an Astronaut,” GMT Ergonomic Backpacks From Norway
“Wow, Mommy, this bag makes me feels like an astronaut...” The son remarked excitedly as he unboxed the newly delivered GMT Light Ergonomic School Backpack. “Why do you say that Buddy?” I asked bemused. “Because it’s light and strong!” was his ‘matter-of-factly’ reply. The Rigours of School As Buddy enters Primary Two, the rigours of school life slowly creeps in. With that comes thicker and heavier textbooks, more stationeries and other items for his afternoons at the … [Read more...]
Slowing Childhood Myopia with Essilor® StellestTM Lenses
The Inevitable So, the inevitable has happened – our youngest, Buddy has myopia. A visit to our trusted optometrist confirmed that last month. Sadly. This is despite our many attempts at avoiding it through good eye-sight habit – ensuring that he reads only in good light, managing his screen time judiciously, bringing him outdoors often and giving his eyes enough rest. Perhaps it’s hereditary? Perhaps it’s lifestyle? 'Myopia Capital' of the world. Whatever it is, we do live … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids To Save and Spend Cashlessly
‘Stay away from the Bookstore’ Most parents will agree that teaching kids to save money is an essential life skill. Beyond just ‘staying away from the school bookstore’ (think varieties of colourful ,and some flavourful, erasers, a variety of sharpeners with glitter and, yes, those ‘Frozen’ merchandise.), the importance of teaching our kids to save for a rainy day may sometimes be overshadowed by seemingly more pressing matters like academic pursuits, CCA, DSA and yes, prepping for … [Read more...]
Family Biking in Ubin
Here's what the daughter had to say: “ During the trail, we encountered steep slopes, which required us to change gears quickly, rocky trails which were bumpy and fast downhill tracks. With perseverance and constant encouragement from Uncle Tony, my daddy and my friends, I made it through the ride! It was thrilling!” “ Looking back on the day’s events, I was glad that I was able to do my favourite activity – mountain biking while being in one of my favorite environment – around lush … [Read more...]
DIY Penang with kids – ESCAPE Park Review
Tips, FAQs and Review (Including new Waterplay area!) Maybe it’s mummy and daddy trying to shed off those extra calories from enjoying all that Penang food but one thing for sure, since our first experience at ESCAPE Penang back in 2015, we have always tried make it a point to devote 1 day to spend at ESCAPE Penang. This huge forest adventure play park situated deep within Teluk Bahang Penang, has, in a way, becomes a default resilience training ground for our kids and an … [Read more...]
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