I know I have been quiet of late. It's not that I've suddenly given up on blogging, but that I've been busy with some personal projects offline.
Plus Kenan has been sick - he has been coughing for about two months now and developed a high fever on Friday. He was still having a temperature yesterday but thankfully, it's been coming down. I just hope that he will recover fully real soon. But I have a strong hunch that the slow recovery with the cough has something to do with his recent vaccinations - twice he had his jabs when he was almost well and the cough would return the next day.
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Mummy Is Busy
Sorry for my lack of posts on this blog. I was busy with a couple of things last week, that included attending a very inspiring workshop on starting a small business by Mums @ Work. I have no concrete plans to start a business, but entrepreneurship has been something close to my heart, especially since I work on a freelance basis. There have been times when I wondered if perhaps I should register a company and offer my writing service on a more formal level but I need to find a way to better manage my time first, so shall just mull over it for the time being.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Mutilation
On Sunday, at a carnival at Marina Barage, two parents waited patiently in line for about half an hour at a balloonist's stall to get the artist create a Mickey Mouse for their little toddler.
People around the stall watched with fascination - the balloonist took a few balloons, twisted and turned them about and five minutes later, the well-loved cartoon character was created.
People around the stall watched with fascination - the balloonist took a few balloons, twisted and turned them about and five minutes later, the well-loved cartoon character was created.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Every 'Pro-Family' Supermarket Should Have This
Recently, I met up with a good friend for lunch at Nex shopping mall. Since it's been a long time since my friend last saw Kenan, I decided to bring him along. But it was with some degree of anxiety that I did that. The last time I took him out for lunch with another friend, he was so restless that we had to rushed through the meal, leaving me feeling really apologetic and telling the little one, who looked at me with innocent eyes, that mommy's gonna ground him. But of course I won't be so mean to him. And perhaps he understood my message; he was really well behaved throughout the meal that day.
After a nice lunch and some great conversations, we decided to head to the NTUC supermarket to do some quick grocery shopping. To Kenan's delight, we discovered this:
After a nice lunch and some great conversations, we decided to head to the NTUC supermarket to do some quick grocery shopping. To Kenan's delight, we discovered this:
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Slice of History (Part 2): Walking the Railway Track
Following the closure of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, many people have since moved on to walking the 26km railway track, with yesterday being the last day where the public could walk the stretch between Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands.
But before you go hanging your head in disappointment, there's still a chance to enjoy a bit of the history. The track from Rifle Range Road to Rail Mall will stay open till the end of the month. You only have about two weeks more, so hurry.
And that's what the hubby and I did two weekends ago. We drove to Bukit Timah, parked our car at King Albert Park and began our journey. We wanted to bring Kenan along but he was slightly feverish from his vaccination, so left him at home to rest.
We were planning to visit the Bukit Timah Railway Station (which is along the track now closed to public) but once we started taking photos of the bridge, we ended up walking along that part of the track and forgot all about the Bukit Timah Railway Station! It was only when we returned to the starting point that we remembered. By then, it was past 7pm; the sky was getting dark and we were both hungry. So we decided to call it a day.
Here's sharing some photos from our short walkabout...
But before you go hanging your head in disappointment, there's still a chance to enjoy a bit of the history. The track from Rifle Range Road to Rail Mall will stay open till the end of the month. You only have about two weeks more, so hurry.
And that's what the hubby and I did two weekends ago. We drove to Bukit Timah, parked our car at King Albert Park and began our journey. We wanted to bring Kenan along but he was slightly feverish from his vaccination, so left him at home to rest.
We were planning to visit the Bukit Timah Railway Station (which is along the track now closed to public) but once we started taking photos of the bridge, we ended up walking along that part of the track and forgot all about the Bukit Timah Railway Station! It was only when we returned to the starting point that we remembered. By then, it was past 7pm; the sky was getting dark and we were both hungry. So we decided to call it a day.
Here's sharing some photos from our short walkabout...
I've also trawl the internet for some posts with gorgeous (as well as 'gruesome') photos of the railway tracks, hope you enjoy them!
The Green Corridor: Wildlife, Alive and Dead, along the Tracks (be warned: this one contains 'gruesome' photos of dead animals... but that also made it one of the most interesting posts I've seen!)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Family Lounge at PS
As a WAHM, I don't necessarily go out everyday. So hubby is normally the one who opens the mailbox.
Yesterday, he came home with a large pile of letters and ads. Guess because the GSS is here, plus the school holiday is starting this Saturday, so retailers are all out to woo the shoppers. I briefly went through the ads (some I didn't even bother to open up to look inside) and something in one brochure caught my eyes.
It's a brochure from Plaza Singapura. The last time I was there was a few months ago for dinner and we didn't stay to shop because somehow, I just didn't quite like it there. Perhaps it was the layout of the mall or the mix of tenants, I just never have the shopping mood whenever I'm there. I also remember the nursing room in PS - it was possibly the worst I've ever used - old, dirty and smelly, I told myself never to set foot in it again.
So what was it that caught my eyes? The Family Lounge. Yes, apparently they now have a Family Lounge on Level 4 and comes with the following facilities:
BUT wait.. there's a catch. I called to enquire if shoppers need to pay to use the Lounge and found out that you need to spend a minimum of $50 to use the facility (can accumulate up to three same-day receipts). There are some terms and conditions for the use of the Lounge, you can read about it here (rules such removing footwear and wearing socks before entering the playroom, including adults; usage of the Lounge is limited to an hour and admits one adult and two children, children below ten must be accompanied by an adult etc.).
Honestly, I do applaud and appreciate the move of offering more family-oriented services. But I would be happier if we could use the Lounge without having to first spend $50. I mean, won't it be a good place to 'park' the husbands and kids while we women shop? If I have to spend first in order to use the Lounge, then I might as well get all my shopping done and then go off? But guess it's better than not having such a facility.
Yesterday, he came home with a large pile of letters and ads. Guess because the GSS is here, plus the school holiday is starting this Saturday, so retailers are all out to woo the shoppers. I briefly went through the ads (some I didn't even bother to open up to look inside) and something in one brochure caught my eyes.
It's a brochure from Plaza Singapura. The last time I was there was a few months ago for dinner and we didn't stay to shop because somehow, I just didn't quite like it there. Perhaps it was the layout of the mall or the mix of tenants, I just never have the shopping mood whenever I'm there. I also remember the nursing room in PS - it was possibly the worst I've ever used - old, dirty and smelly, I told myself never to set foot in it again.
So what was it that caught my eyes? The Family Lounge. Yes, apparently they now have a Family Lounge on Level 4 and comes with the following facilities:
- Cable TV with the latest movies, sports and news updates
- Fashion, health, parenting magazines, books and newspapers
- Massage chairs and drinks
- Toys, board games and Xbox for the children
- Mobile phone charging and locker service
- Wi-Fi and surfing stations
BUT wait.. there's a catch. I called to enquire if shoppers need to pay to use the Lounge and found out that you need to spend a minimum of $50 to use the facility (can accumulate up to three same-day receipts). There are some terms and conditions for the use of the Lounge, you can read about it here (rules such removing footwear and wearing socks before entering the playroom, including adults; usage of the Lounge is limited to an hour and admits one adult and two children, children below ten must be accompanied by an adult etc.).
Honestly, I do applaud and appreciate the move of offering more family-oriented services. But I would be happier if we could use the Lounge without having to first spend $50. I mean, won't it be a good place to 'park' the husbands and kids while we women shop? If I have to spend first in order to use the Lounge, then I might as well get all my shopping done and then go off? But guess it's better than not having such a facility.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Looking for Space-Saving Furniture
Before Kenan came along, I have a study room where I get to work in peace and quietness. Now, the study room has been converted into a bedroom for the helper and my current work space is just a small corner of the dining table in the dining area. No longer can I enjoy the quietness I used to have - which is so important to me as a writer and sometimes, this really frustrates me.
So now, I am exploring the possibility of recreating a work space in the bedroom that was previously the study.
A while back, I saw a video clip on a friend's Facebook account that showcased some really cool space-saving furniture. I was especially intrigued by what are known as wall beds. As the name implies, the bed can be folded and tucked away in a 'wall' or cabinet. You can see the video here.
I began looking for something similar here and found one company that produces what they call the 'hidden wall beds'. I sent an enquiry to them and they responded quickly with a call followed by tonnes of photos of projects they did for clients living in HDB flats and private condominiums. I thought I'll share some of them with you, starting with this single-bed with attached cabinets and table:
Here's another one; it's a queen-size bed and I certainly prefer it in white.
This one shows two single beds, it's a good idea to have it flushed against the wall:
However, I must admit I'm not really excited when I see these local wall beds, after being so impressed by what I saw in the video clip. The design and finishing of the European furniture are really so much more sleek and stylish, but of course, the prices will imaginably be equally impressive.
I went to the website of the company that posted the video clip to find out more. I saw one that I love - it comes with a single bed, a wardrobe and table. Here are the pictures:
So now, I am exploring the possibility of recreating a work space in the bedroom that was previously the study.
A while back, I saw a video clip on a friend's Facebook account that showcased some really cool space-saving furniture. I was especially intrigued by what are known as wall beds. As the name implies, the bed can be folded and tucked away in a 'wall' or cabinet. You can see the video here.
I began looking for something similar here and found one company that produces what they call the 'hidden wall beds'. I sent an enquiry to them and they responded quickly with a call followed by tonnes of photos of projects they did for clients living in HDB flats and private condominiums. I thought I'll share some of them with you, starting with this single-bed with attached cabinets and table:
However, I must admit I'm not really excited when I see these local wall beds, after being so impressed by what I saw in the video clip. The design and finishing of the European furniture are really so much more sleek and stylish, but of course, the prices will imaginably be equally impressive.
I went to the website of the company that posted the video clip to find out more. I saw one that I love - it comes with a single bed, a wardrobe and table. Here are the pictures:
picture from Resource furniture
picture from Resource Furniture
What's really great about this one is that when you bring down the bed, the table gets tucked neatly underneath without having to remove the things placed on it! There's also more storage space by the side of the bed, in addition to the wardrobe on top.
I really wish someone would bring in these European furniture. Singapore's apartments (HDB and private ones) are getting smaller and smaller, these furniture will help solve our space shortage problems. And I rather pay more for the better design and quality.
Oh, while I was researching about wall beds, I found someone sharing about his renovation works in a forum and this person actually flew all the way to Italy to buy a wall bed and then arranged for it to be shipped back. Wow, I wish I have that kind of money to do such a thing! He bought a simple wall bed, without all the additional cabinets and storage space, and got it boxed up so that it flushes with the wall. If you have time, go through his thread and see the amazing transformation of his entire apartment. I was super impressed, and he's got lots of cool, high-end stuff in there!
Anyway, back to the local wall beds produced by the eponymously named company Hidden Wall Bed. The price of a basic single/super single wall bed ranges from about $2,000 to $2,400 and queen beds are from about $2,400 to $2,800. Prices exclude mattresses. Additional storage cabinet is charged by per foot run.
I probably visit their showroom to check the beds out. But how I wish I can have one of the European wall beds!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Channels to Donate to Japan
If you are keen to make a monetary donation to help the Japanese quake victims, you could do so through some of the following organisations:
1. The Japanese Association, Singapore
Public can make cash and cheque donations, which will be collected at the front desk. Please make cheque payable to "SINGAPORE RED CROSS SOCIETY". On the back of the cheque, state "Japan Disaster 2011", your name, contact numbers and address.
2. Singapore Red Cross
The SRC is accepting donations from the public through the following means:
Cash Donation
For walk-in donations, the SRC is open during the hours:
Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-9pm,
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 9.30am – 6pm.
Address: 15 Penang Lane
Cheque Donation
Cheques to be made payable to the “Singapore Red Cross Society” At the back of the cheque, please indicate:
i) Name
ii) IC/Passport No.
iii) Address and Contact Number
iv) “Japan Disaster 2011”
SMS Donation
Donors may donate via their mobile phones to 75772. For every sms, S$50 will be donated to the “Japan Disaster” fund.
Link up with local banks
The SRC has also linked up with local banks OCBC, DBS and UOB to facilitate the donation process. For more information, go to here.
2. World Vision Singapore
World Vision is rushing relief supplies such as shelter, food and hygiene sets to Japan. As the organisation focuses on helping children, they will be providing psychosocial support to the affected young ones. Assistance will also be given in terms or rescue and rebuilding efforts.
Tojoin in World Vision's efforts, you could make an online donation. For updates on their relief efforts, go to here.
To play his part, here's Kenan saying "Gambette, Japan!"
1. The Japanese Association, Singapore
Public can make cash and cheque donations, which will be collected at the front desk. Please make cheque payable to "SINGAPORE RED CROSS SOCIETY". On the back of the cheque, state "Japan Disaster 2011", your name, contact numbers and address.
2. Singapore Red Cross
The SRC is accepting donations from the public through the following means:
Cash Donation
For walk-in donations, the SRC is open during the hours:
Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-9pm,
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 9.30am – 6pm.
Address: 15 Penang Lane
Cheque Donation
Cheques to be made payable to the “Singapore Red Cross Society” At the back of the cheque, please indicate:
i) Name
ii) IC/Passport No.
iii) Address and Contact Number
iv) “Japan Disaster 2011”
SMS Donation
Donors may donate via their mobile phones to 75772. For every sms, S$50 will be donated to the “Japan Disaster” fund.
Link up with local banks
The SRC has also linked up with local banks OCBC, DBS and UOB to facilitate the donation process. For more information, go to here.
2. World Vision Singapore
World Vision is rushing relief supplies such as shelter, food and hygiene sets to Japan. As the organisation focuses on helping children, they will be providing psychosocial support to the affected young ones. Assistance will also be given in terms or rescue and rebuilding efforts.
Tojoin in World Vision's efforts, you could make an online donation. For updates on their relief efforts, go to here.
To play his part, here's Kenan saying "Gambette, Japan!"
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Japan Crisis - No More Nuclear Energy Please
The last few days, I've been keeping a close tab on news about the Fukushima nuclear power plant. I'm not so much worried that the radiation will affect Singapore, instead I'm deeply concerned about the potential meltdown and the hundreds of thousands of people who will be affected.
At the same time, I've been praying earnestly that God will intervene and prevent a disaster from happening. I'm praying especially for the protection of the workers at the nuclear plant. Whether they are doing it voluntarily or otherwise, I still think they deserve our admiration for carrying out their duties at the risk of their health and lives, in order to try and salvage a grim situation.
But a question has been plaguing my mind. Why would any government want to be use nuclear energy, when they know that there's so much risks involved? Hasn't the Cherynobyl disaster been a good enough lesson for the rest of the world? And why would Japan, an earthquake prone country, even want to build nuclear power plants in the first place?
Then when I was searching the net to read more about nuclear energy, I was surprised to find out that the Singapore government is considering the nuclear option. As a mom, I really hope that my children and their future generations will not live in an environment where their lives will be put at unnecessary risk. If Singapore does build a nuclear power plant, I will seriously consider migrating. It's good enough reason for me to pack up and go. So perhaps the Fukushima incident comes as a timely reminder of the dangers of nuclear energy and hopefully this will stop our government from considering this option. Afterall, Singapore is such a small country. If a nuclear disaster happens, we will likely all perish.
So I hope all governments that are considering to tap on nuclear energy will discard the idea. While nuclear power may solve the energy shortage problem, the potential risks to the population and environment are simply too great to ignore.
Some relevant reads:
1. End the Nuclear Age
2. Nuclear Waste
3. Fukushima Nuclear Accident – a simple and accurate explanation -Tries to explain in simple terms what happened at the Fukushima plants. The article garnered some very interesting comments from readers, worth going through them (and I don't usually read all comments).
At the same time, I've been praying earnestly that God will intervene and prevent a disaster from happening. I'm praying especially for the protection of the workers at the nuclear plant. Whether they are doing it voluntarily or otherwise, I still think they deserve our admiration for carrying out their duties at the risk of their health and lives, in order to try and salvage a grim situation.
But a question has been plaguing my mind. Why would any government want to be use nuclear energy, when they know that there's so much risks involved? Hasn't the Cherynobyl disaster been a good enough lesson for the rest of the world? And why would Japan, an earthquake prone country, even want to build nuclear power plants in the first place?
Then when I was searching the net to read more about nuclear energy, I was surprised to find out that the Singapore government is considering the nuclear option. As a mom, I really hope that my children and their future generations will not live in an environment where their lives will be put at unnecessary risk. If Singapore does build a nuclear power plant, I will seriously consider migrating. It's good enough reason for me to pack up and go. So perhaps the Fukushima incident comes as a timely reminder of the dangers of nuclear energy and hopefully this will stop our government from considering this option. Afterall, Singapore is such a small country. If a nuclear disaster happens, we will likely all perish.
So I hope all governments that are considering to tap on nuclear energy will discard the idea. While nuclear power may solve the energy shortage problem, the potential risks to the population and environment are simply too great to ignore.
Some relevant reads:
1. End the Nuclear Age
2. Nuclear Waste
3. Fukushima Nuclear Accident – a simple and accurate explanation -Tries to explain in simple terms what happened at the Fukushima plants. The article garnered some very interesting comments from readers, worth going through them (and I don't usually read all comments).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
