BFF: Best Father Forever!

I've been swamped with stuff of late. With what? I can't quite point a finger to it. Been trying to organise my photos, but technology seems to hate me and the only time I can get close to the comp without distraction is when lil bub is asleep, which by then I'll be asleep too! Been trying to catch up with my drama serials too without distractions, but once again, that can only be done when lil bub is asleep. Been trying to catch up with my many posts I mean to blog and once again, that can only be done when lil bub is asleep! Been trying to catch up with the backlog of work, but each time i pick up my pen or books, lil K would want a piece of the action too, thus I have to do it after she sleeps. Been trying to catch up with the many readings which I've amassed over the months, but that seems impossible, coz by the time i do so, I'll fall asleep and once again, lil K wants a piece of the action and would snatch my book instead of reading her Dr Seus! That's a lot to do when lil bub is asleep and honestly, if i do them all, I won't have to sleep myself! Strangely, i shouldn't be all that busy given that I've taken a backseat for my work for the last month. But being a SAHM seems to render me breathless as well! Don't get me wrong. Having children is immensely rewarding but consuming and relentless and we sometimes get lost in Motherhood. Yup, i've still been trying to find time for MYSELF! It's been a tough 19months for me (not counting the pregnancy period when I was literally hugging the toilet bowl 24/7) and my adjustment to motherhood seems to pale in comparison to how effortlessly the hubs glided into the role of Dad. He takes everything in stride and ignores the lil bub when she wails and throws a tantrum. He can be oblivious when it's time for her nap and doze off to dreamland way before munchikins. He seems to always think that time and tide waits for him and things can always be done at the snap of the fingers. No need for planning. Don't get me wrong, he is a good Dad. Cleaning up the shit, doing all the menial chores at home and sacrificing his golf games/ tea sessions with his friends at times. These I appreciate. And today we celebrate. Actually, we shouldn't only be celebrating today. In fact, the hubs isn't a believer of such consumerist occasions. But still, the lil bub and I would like to give a big shoutout to the man who has been there for us in times of need. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Template from Amanda's Parties To Go

Today's Project: Q-Tip Painting

Lil k's favourite activity -- Dot Dot. but this time i replace it with stickers. Less messy!

My fingers may be small, but I can still wrap Daddy around them!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD! YOU ARE AWESOME! ~ fm lil K

Teaching the letter F: F is for fearless

Some time back, we were at the letter F and lil K certainly exudes F for fearless! On one occasion at her playgroup, there was an activity whereby the children had to pick some creepy and slimy creatures out from a basin of cornflour concoction. Lil K was the only one who was keen in the activity and daring enough to do it! The teacher even wanted to give her an award for bravery!

Anyhoots, apart from being focus on my recovery, I've been keeping my mind active by reinstating our homeschooling activities.

I made the little roses out of felt and used straws as the stems. All materials from Diaso!

Ta-dah! The end product! F is for flower!

Introducing Freddie the Frog! F is for Frog. this project is made using some printouts on construction paper. The activity requires lil K to polish her motor skills and glue on the parts onto the toilet roll. She was however more interested in fiddling with the glue -_-

Apart from all the indoor activities, a very good pal was in town with his family and we took the opportunity to have a family excursion to the SEA aquarium located at Resorts World Singapore (Sentosa). F is for FISH!

 

Step inside the S.E.A. Aquarium and discover the life in the ocean at the world's largest aquarium and maritime museum.  This window to the ocean gave us an insight to the magical marine. Lil K totally immersed herself in this blue planet. She was fascinated by the sights and it was a great interactive learning experience for her!

Bloop Bloop Bloop

We were so mesmerized by the jelly fish!

Lil K stunned us by saying the word "OCTOPUS" ok, she said something like Octopusus but it was close!

The elusive manta stingray from afar

The myriad of marine creatures (some endangered) was a feast for our eyes.

It was a long journey but lil K didn't seem to mind. She embraced herself totally in this marine realm and didn't sleep a wink! Money well spent! FYI, one adult ticket is going for SGD33. Imagine the whole kampong going! Woohoo! Inflation max!

Review: Philips ActiveTouch Garment Steamer

Definition of Ironing = A MUNDANE CHORE

With sunny Singapore being sunnier than ever, to set up the board and start ironing is a nightmare. I used to be on top of chores like these but with an active toddler around, I can't have such dangerous activities conducted. Recently however, I had the luxury to test out the Philips ActiveTouch Garment Steamer. 

Came in timely as I had a mountain of clothes to clear. 

 

With the Garment Steamer, the arduous task was done in a fraction of the time! I kid you not. The special suction function delivered what it promised and was able to remove those creases easily. I did not need to bring my garment too near and it was able to "suck" it in for enhanced steam penetration! That has got to be the most amazing bit! The old school steamers don't have such function and one often has to pull and stretch the garment for near optimal results. 

I thought such gadgets only worked on delicate fabrics like silk and was unable to create pleats but the pleat making accessory did create that line which the hub has to have on his shirts! WONDERFUL! Lastly, you know how we are able to control the temperature for traditional irons? Well, the Philips Garment Steamer is able to do so as well so you can customize the steam output for use on different kinds of garments to prevent damage on your favourite dress. PURE GENIUS! Lots of marketing research must have gone into it.

In addition, because it came with a detachable hanging accessory, I'm able to steam my clothes at a height unreachable by the lil one. She might be screaming and shouting for attention, but I know that the steam won't get to her. Safety's always top on my consideration when the lil bub is concerned.

Ironing has always been our most-hated chore. Setting up the board is such a hassle. With Philips Active Touch Garment Steamer, I’ve just vapourized my mountain of clothes in a fraction of time, with minimal effort  

GSS PROMOTION 

During this GSS period, Philips will be slashing their prices. The Garment Steamer will be going at a special price of $249 (RCP: $279).

Do follow Philips Twitter page at https://twitter.com/PhilipsSG and participate in the Twitter games to win up to $100 shopping vouchers!

You can find out more here - http://www.philips.com.sg/e/promo/promotions/general/gss-promotion.html

Disclaimer: I am participating in an event by Philips. All opinions are 100% my own. Results obtained from usage of the product may vary from person to person. Please do your own research when purchasing products as your opinion may differ from mine.

The best long wkend yet

DAY 1

It was the Vesak Day weekend and I'm always thankful for long weekends when the hub is in town. Love it when we get to do things as a family. Sensing that my mood swings are still prevalent, the hub has put in subtle efforts in cheering me up. Starting with a nice breakie which he claimed he would make but he did not coz he overslept. So to redeem himself, he brought us to Gardens by the Bay. It was our virgin visit and Lil K enjoyed herself tremendously. It was timely too because we are on the letter F and F is for flower! what better way than to expose her to nature and see the real thing.

It wasn't difficult to find the place. Initially we wanted to hop on the MRT and get off Bayfront station, but decided against it when we had to pack to many barangs including the pram. Parking was a bit tricky as most were occupied. Fees were pretty reasonable. $12 per tix for adult should you wish to visit one dome and we were given extra 10% discount because of our SAFRA card. There was a snakelike queue that day. Seems like the fuss over this new attraction isn't quite over yet. But the queue cleared very swiftly. 

This was at the entrance of the cloud forest. An extremely refreshing and cooling respite! The aircon was powerful too and for a moment we were hoping the whole of Singapore could be air-conditioned!

F is for flower....F F Flower!

Lil K having a whale of a time playing with the mist

 

Love the view and the structure

Happy family of three + the BIL. Lil K was able to identify all our shadows.

DAY 2

We wanted to laze around at home today, but decided we should bring the lil one out for some water play. It's been a while since we did that, so off we went to Vivocity! We braved the crowds and luckily, we found a spot.

Lil K's diapers were all soaked but yet she refused to get out of the water.

 DAY 3

Advance birthday celebration for the hubs. I decided that since I'm still on "confinement", we shouldn't do the regular seafood or steak. Instead, I treated the hubs to a good brunch at Wild Honey. This place is known for it's queue but surprisingly, it wasn't that monstrous this time round. Perhaps because they opened new outlets. 

The hubs had the Norwegian Salmon Breakie

I had the Portobello Road breakie. They are all overpriced if you ask me. The hot chocolate I ordered was tremendously sweet for my liking and that small cup cost $6! The whole feast cost us over $60. hmmmm...would you pay $60 for such a breakfast?

The two loves of my life. The last 72 hours have been fantastic. Lil K's laughter is always oh so contagious and her antics are a blessing. She has learnt to say several simple sentences with guidance and I can't stop cuddling and giving her raspberries on her tummy these days.

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Review: Philips Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Cleaning the car has always been an arduous task for me. Mostly, I'll simply drive through one of those washing bays to get the car sprayed. That often doesn't last and things only look good on the outside but not the inside. I hesitate each time the hub cajole me to pay a whopping $12 for vacuuming services. So when Philips kindly sent me their Minivac Handheld vacuum cleaner for home and car, I was balled!

I have amassed a great number of vacuum cleaners in the past and this one certainly impresses me with it's lighweight and comfortable grip. The hub recently bought a ginormous vacuum cleaner which requires such effort in setting up it irks me. In fact, he's the only one using it. Men and their machines. 

This powerful 12V cleaner is in fact, it's so portable and light that lil bub was having fun walking around with it, attempting to help out with some chores. Training starts young and what better way with this home and car, bagless cyclonic airflow and aerodynamic nozzle cleaner! Such jargon! Basically, the airflow keeps the dirt inside rotating to ensure optimal, high suction power and lasting clening performance. Its 2-stage filtration system ensures that, once inside, the dirt cannot escape. The first filter blocks most dirt, while the second filter traps the finer dust particles. The aerodynamic nozzle design of the Philips MiniVac is created to ensure an optimum dust pick-up of even the most fine dust particles. the ergonomic shape of the nozzle helps you to clean even the most hard-to-reach areas. That's great stuff for a family where hygiene is pertinent.

I was pretty impressed with the wide array of accessories which came with this gadget. This includes a small and large brush tool, small and large crevice tool (very useful for those hard to reach corners!) and a long hose tube. I think they have outdone themselves with their attentiveness. All these knick knacks can then be kept in a storage bag and placed in the car boot to ensure that I have all I need to clean my car at any time! Now i have no excuse to have the interiors spic and span! 

No more cumbersome vacuum cleaners! this car vacuum is a dream with its unlimited electrical supply and intricate accessories. Now, I don't have to spend a bomb to have the car vacuumed. Keeping the car interior clean isn't that arduous anymore

With the GSS round the corner, Philips will be having a special promotion. Instead of the usual retail price of $119, it'd be going at $89!

Do follow Philips Twitter page at https://twitter.com/PhilipsSG and participate in the Twitter games to win up to $100 shopping vouchers!

You can find out more here - http://www.philips.com.sg/e/promo/promotions/general/gss-promotion.html

Happy Birthday to the man who means the world to me!

I've nothing much to say today, but am truly thankful that I have lil K and the hubs with me. Today is the hub's birthday and though he isn't reading this space, I'll still like to wish him a happy birthday! I've lost count on the number of years we've spent celebrating birthdays together, but it's approximately 14 years and counting. I thank God for his inexpressible gift! 
 

DIY confinement

Just because time has passed doesn't mean that all is fine. My sadness, and my grief hasn’t diminished with time.However, life still goes on and I have to put on a happy face for those close to me. With that said, nourishment during this period is as important as when one gives birth. It's no excuse to torment my health just because of external factors. I'm able-bodied and fully capable of doing my own confinement and I'd like to share:

First and foremost, the star of the show:

 

 I made a trip down the medical hall and got a whole lot of stuff: 

• Wolfberries; 
• Nan Dates (supposedly not that heaty as black dates and it's to invigorate the spleen, nourish the blood and calm the mind -- HOPEFULLY!); 
• Red dates; Chinese Yam; 
• Chinese Angelica Root (Dang gui which is heaty in nature and is used in most confinement recipes due to it's qualities as a uterine and blood tonic); 
• Dried Longan (used to boil my daily dose of confinement tea); 
• Cordyceps sinensis (dong Chong Cao which is so freaking expensive --one tiny bunch cost SGD500, thus I had to go for the lower grade ones. It is used as a treatment for a variety of ailments from fatigue to cancer. It is an excellent strengthening tonic for women after childbirth to strengthen the body which is susceptible to cold and flu; 
• Rehmannia (Shou Di, which is a nourishing tonic and generally used to nourish the blood and hormonal system); 
• Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong, which is a kidney-tonifying herbal medicine. Best used to treat postpartum backache which i'm having and chronic knee pain); 
• Ligusticum wallichii (Chuan Xiong, which promotes qi and blood circulation. Relieves headaches, abdominal ache and muscle age, regulates menses, treats amenorrhea and get rid of blood stasis

 

My trusty double-boiler which I used two years ago when I had lil K. 

 

The off-the-shelf stuff which includes Huiji Waist Tonic that my MIL said was good (yup, she told me to get it myself); essence of chicken -- loads left over from my last confinement namely because i hate its taste and Yomeishu which I used to take and alternate with Huiji Tonic.

 

Decided to whip myself a mean bowl of mee suah for breakfast. Here are the ingredients:

• A bunch of mee suah
• 80 g lean meat (sliced and I marinated it with a bit of soy sauce and corn starch to tenderize it)
• 1 egg 
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 10g ginger (juliennes)
• 1 bowl of rice wine or in my case i used Wincarins
• 1/2 bowl of water (but i probably added a bit more coz I'm not quite a wine person)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Tip: Do not overcook the mee suah otherwise it will turn too soft and does not taste nice. This breakfast meal is said to rid the body of the early morning "wind".

Method: 

Heat sesame oil, saute the ginger till golden brown, add meat and stir-fry then pour in the seasoning and bring to boil. Meanwhile blanch mee suah in boiling water, drain and add to the soup. toss in an egg and the dish is ready to be served.

 

TA DAH! The hubs said it was delicious! In fact, he helped me finish half a bowl coz it was too much for me.

That day, I cooked dried scallop chicken porridge (with ginger of coz) and steamed a fish (with ginger slices again) for lunch and dinner respectively. It's really challenging to have to cook all three meals by myself, thus I had foresight and ordered catered food whilst in the hospital. Talk about efficiency! I had to. Everything came oh-so-fast 

 

After some research, I decided to give Chilli Padi a shot. Namely because it's near where I stay thus I'm quite sure the food will be delivered warm.

   

 Some of the dishes I had thus far: Papaya with fish soup (which is more to stimulate breastmilk which in my case isn't applicable); Black bean pork soup (which was a tad too oily); broccoli with mushroom (I was told by my TCM that mushroom is a fungi thus we shouldn't be eating too much); Spinach with carrots (I was again, told by the TCM physician that carrots will neutralise other vitamins and medication); Liver with red and green bell pepper and some preserved veg sesame chicken (which is terribly oily and so bony! I had a hard time searching for the meats!)

But, beggars cannot be choosers. At least these are more nutritious than the economical rice at the kopitiam right?