The Apple's Diary!

Early in October, we received a notification from Jon's preschool that we were to complete a project for the year end concert. It was to be a combined effort from the parents and the child and there was detail on what possible materials we could use to create the diorama of ocean creatures. I don't know about you but "diorama" was a new word to me. I had to google to understand what it really meant. Diorama meant a scene of a particular theme. Done usually with shoe box or cardboard box. I got an A4 paper cardboard box home the next day and went shopping for materials at Daiso IMM. Indeed, Daiso was a good choice to go because they offered a varieties of materials for DIY handicraft work and each item was a standard $2. Great for the pocket too! I decided to start early and work bit by bit. So each weekend morning, I would get Jon to do some simple painting. It was a deliberate plan to do a little of the project before his morning shower so I would not have to c...

Last Sunday we brought the boys to the Playhouse @ Rochester. Heard a few mummies talked about it and read some good reviews online. We arrived around 11am, following the instruction to park at the HDB multi-storey carpark and then walked over. The walk wasn't too far, just a stone throw away. We purchased a package of $50 that would allow us 10 access and there was no expiry date to it. Otherwise, a child would have cost us $8 for an hour's play, $10 for 2 hours' and $15 for unlimited. The Playhouse comprises of indoor and outdoor playground. A long bench with trays of blocks greeted us. The boys hurried over and started to build the blocks. colourful blocks I took a look around, there wasn't many kids but the place seemed messy. the supposedly kitchen dress up area I was a little dismayed that the toys were thrown all over the place and no staff was in the indoor play area to keep an eye on things. There were 2 boys that were thr...

Ever since we successfully ordered from TB, we got hooked on online shopping. We visited iherb and made our first purchase with them. Very easy, very convenient and speedy delivery. our package arrived 4 days after our checkout our 1st loot Hubby was surprised by the discounted price tag and I guess we would be regulars soon.

Jon's 1st Attempt on Canvas Painting It was supposed to be a June holiday art program but got postponed till now. Jon's preschool got in Abrakadoodle to teach the little ones in canvas painting. We paid $28 just for this 1 time off lesson which included the materials. The end result : Applause for his maiden attempt on canvas painting. Replicating such complex art from an impressionist artist - Claude Monet. This piece of art will find its way into the hall of fame!

my 1st loot from TB I have heard and I have seen how friends around me started to buy things off from Taobao (淘宝). I had attempted a few times but was daunted by the complex chinese navigation and the difficulties in ordering. Finally, I met my 师父 who guided me through step by step for my initial purchase. After 3 weeks of waiting, my 1st TB loot was in my hands. A cart of 2 books and 2 learning clocks cost me less than SG$20, included shipping and agent's fee. How attractive is that! Right away, I have checked out my 2nd cart of purchase at TB. I have been officially "poisoned"… kiak kiak…

Have you heard? Did you know? The boss behind Boon Lay Raja has planned to fold up its business following his retirement. For the Westerners (people who reside in the West) , Boon Lay Raja should not be unfamiliar. Situated in the heart of Jurong East, this unassuming Chinese restaurant is one of my childhood memories of many dinner gatherings with friends, relatives and ex-colleagues. So today, we made a trip down to memory lane, partly to make memories again and partly to celebrate our helper's birthday. entrance napkins and all helper & matt mil & jon my parents father & jon mummy & matt jon with his dazzling smile forever cool matt It was a dinner gathering with my parents together with my mother-in-law. We selected a set menu and the kids waited quite patiently for the first dish to serve. appetizer Appetizers consisted of mostly fried stuff, with ngoh hiang, prawn spring rolls, fri...

Recently, both boys are into Fireman and all their related stuff. We have been reading books on Fireman, ambulance, paramedics, fire engine and fire station. So last Saturday, we brought them to experience a real fire station and the fireman working in it. We picked Central Fire Station as I thought we could visit the gallery later but it rained towards the end so we got to keep a rain check on that another time. enjoying the fire engine ride At the open house, we were allowed to sit in the fire engine, explore their firefighter suit, see what's inside an ambulance, test how power is the water spray. testing the powerful water spray in front of the red rhino But Matt was a little cranky that morning. He wanted none of the action and instead, was adamant in playing with the water puddle. cranky matt Plus the rain that was threatening to come, we left the fire station open house first, leaving the father with Jon. I guess we would revisit the...