Your thoughts #1 ~ Outdoor Education

I have recently come to realise that I enjoy talking to people; I find it interesting to know a person and listen to their experiences. From food courts to the rink, I often end up exchanging a couple of words (in a nice way of course!) with absolute strangers. 

And it is through the course of chatting, I learnt so much from these lovely people who are kind enough to share their tips and thoughts with me. :) Hence I am starting this series amongst reviving some of my old ones. 

To kickstart this series, I had the chance to chat with Yvonne who works at one of our gardens as an Education Manager. She is also an ex educator having taught in both in an Elementary school and a Secondary School. Here's her thoughts on Outdoor Education! 

"I hope that parents will recognise the immense learning opportunities in nature that cannot be taught in the classroom or bought at a  shopping mall. Nature offers children the space to be curious, to question and explore. Think about it, how did you learn about “the birds and the bees”? 

I feel that parents should start getting their children interested and aware in the natural environment from young. This teaches them so many important values such as care and respect for plants and our biodiversity. If we want our future generation to be able to enjoy the Gardens and greenery we see today, we have to start them now! J"

~ Yvonne Chong

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Through her eyes #10 - Ring a Ling

How many of you remember this? :)

As a kid, a treat for me in school will be these triangular packets of Magnolia milk. These days, if I wanted an ice cream, 'branded' ones would come to my mind immediately - Ben and Jerry's, Cold Stone Creamery, 

Häagen-Dazs, etc. 

What I took for granted is a rare treat for the kiddo! She'd listen out to the familiar "Ring-a-ling" and rush down with me in toll, excited about her treat? This small humble van is what kids' cold dessert dreams are made up of! 

Do you prefer a cone or wafer? Or if you are adventurous enough, why not try it with "roti"? What about flavours? Choices are a plenty - vanila, chocolate chips, blue berry, mango, raspberry ripple (my personal favourite!) or the local delights - coconut, red bean, sweet corn? 

I thoroughly enjoy my weekly moments with the kiddos as we dash down to the carpark where this magic van awaits us. :) What are your favorite flavours / concoction?

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Through her eyes #7 - A different perspective

There are many times when I feel old and jaded especially after having a bad day. However, when I reach home daily and I see the smile on my child's face, to hear her peals of laughter as she runs excitedly towards me, everything melts away.

And there are days that I marvel at the simple way children are able to find great joy in simple things. Dumpling said "Look mama, I am flying, just above the clouds!"

Perhaps sometimes, all we need is a different perspective, a different angle. :)

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Wordless Wednesday - Minion, Cookies & Dogs!

In the story of minion, cookies and... dogs

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram! 

Wordful Wednesday - the dull ache in the heart

Long before I became a mum to Dumpling, I became one to 2 lovely lovely dogs. They are as different as day and night in appearances and personalities - one is very independent while the other is a lap dog. Both have one thing in common - their lovely temperament. They have never once snapped / bitten us and despite our initial worries about them being jealous of Dumpling when she was born, all 3 girls bonded beautifully.

For non animal lovers, I guess they are not really able to understand the affection dog owners have towards these companions. Long before Dumpling was born, the 2 girls were already with me. They have seen me through days when I was when I was direly unwell and through nights when I was up from kicks in the tummy, compliments of Dumpling. They comforted me through tears of heart ache, sat silently through the nights watching me as I pace along, alone, in the silence of the night, battling Post Natal Depression and during rows with the hubs.

These companions do not judge and do not have many demands. They do not care if I am a high flier or not, and they certainly do not judge if I lose it once in a while yelling at Dumpling. All that they require is just some of my time and perhaps a good scratch behind their ears. Such is that unwavering loyalty and that unconditional love.

On this night as I am typing this, I have been rubbing my chest, unconsciously, the whole day, trying to ease off a dull ache.

Goldie busted her ligament among other things a few days back. Having reared dogs for more than 20 years, training, experience and instincts told me her gait is not quite right and the creaky sound emitting near her knees do not sound good.

True enough, her injury was serious to warrant a surgery. A surgery that took a pretty long time. When I picked her up from the vet, she was shaking, could hardly move and was just so bone weary that she could barely keep her eyes open. I felt as if a part of my heart was being chiseled off. Still, she did not growl at me. Instead, once she was in my arms when we got home, she buried her nose in my chest (as if she felt the ache and was trying to ease it) and she gave in to fatigue.

Such is the trust, love and loyalty of my wonderful Goldie. I could not have asked for a better companion.

Wordless / Wordful Wednesday - Heirloom Wedding Gown ?

I must admit that I have a pretty peculiar taste when it comes to clothing, accessories, etc.

I do not subscribe to / follow any particular trend, instead I buy and wear things which reflect my personality and mood. When it came to my wedding gown, I had pretty much the same thoughts.

I knew that an off-the-rack gown would not work for me. It's just too 'predictable' and too 'flat'. I wanted something FUN, dramatic yet classy. At the back of my mind, I was hoping to create something which is also uniquely timeless as I hope to keep it for my daughter. :p

It was quite a tall order when I went gown / designer hunting years back. I met up with a few designers but none was able to reflect and capture what I wanted. Thankfully I found Patrick of The Wedding Present. I showed him a few of my doodles, pictures of some gowns which I like and with God's grace, he got it!

Rather than going backless for my gown, I decided on a short bodice but with an "overlay" made of organza which forms a train. More than that, I wanted embellishments for the train using feathers, vintage lace and shredded tulle (yes, it was indeed shredded to create the torn effect :p). The designer was brilliant with the materials chosen and he also created it to be a A-symmetrical line. It was in short, perfect. :)

Did you keep your wedding gown for your kiddo too?

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Wordless Wednesday - Priceless Treasure

A heartwarming moment is when my child draws and writes this. :) I do wish for time to stand still once in a while, so that I can relish in such moments and bask in such love forever.

Cook a pot of curry - Devil's Curry!

What do you do with leftover Christmas meat - turkey, pork knuckles, ham, roast beef?

Cook a pot of Curry - specifically Devil's Curry! :)

We just had this last evening when we visited Dumpling's Gramps. Known by other names such as Curry Devil and Debal Curry, etc, this is a spicy tangy curry which does not require coconut milk.



What did you have for your first dinner in the new year?

Advent Activities - Dear God...

Dumpling is showing interest in writing since a few months back and hence from a homeschool front, our English focus has been to read tons, discuss and explore whatever ideas / thoughts there are from the stories and expand her vocabulary list.

During this Advent season, as we lead into Christmas, this is what Dumpling wishes to tell God

his activity is part of an Advent Activities series where my co-host Jennifer and I aim to share on a daily basis the various activities we are doing as we lead into Christmas! 

<center> <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/search/label/Advent%20Activities "><img border="0" src=" http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p541/Beanienus/Picture1.png " /></a></center>

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PS: Jennifer and I are doing a DVD giveaway as part of her review on Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas. Head on over for some Dr. Seuss whimsical fun! 

If you have any posts where you can share on the spirit of giving (gifts), joy of sharing (resources/tips/ideas) or the importance of loving (musings/parenting thoughts/values, etc.), please do link up and grab our badge!  

Wordless Wednesdays - I'd say a little prayer for you!

We have been encouraging Dumpling to participate in prayers for some time and for the first time, we asked her to lead one before our meal time. :) 

It was very heartwarming as we listen to her little voice saying grace and being thankful for our blessings. 

 

This activity is part of an Advent Activities series where my co-host Jennifer and I aim to share on a daily basis the various activities we are doing as we lead into Christmas! 

<center> <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/search/label/Advent%20Activities"><img border="0" src=" http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p541/Beanienus/Picture1.png " /></a></center>

If you have any posts where you can share on the spirit of giving (gifts), joy of sharing (resources/tips/ideas) or the importance of loving (musings/parenting thoughts/values, etc.), please do link up and grab our badge! 


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Wordless Wednesdays - Superhero!

Dumpling's latest interest - Superheroes. I can't blame her, after all, I am a fan too. :p

So, guess who's her favorite character for the moment? LOL

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesdays - DIY sandart candle

With X'mas coming up, you can create your own sand art candle as gifts! All you need:
- glass / jar
- wick
- gel wax
- sandart
- small shells / even small charms for decoration

Scatter the sand art in the preferred colour combination, add sea shells, melt the gel candle, stick in wick and slowly pour the gel in.

 

Wordless Wednesdays - A little bit of Potter in the bag

Custom party favors need not be direly expensive. All you need is just a healthy dose of fun, some imagination and a dash of creativity!

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Wordless Wednesdays - Sugar and spice and everything nice!

I am thankful. I truly am. 

This was taken on my BD last week where I had a big weekend which included a nice birthday luncheon at Triple 3. The restaurant had some activities as it was Children's Day. Dumpling went with her grand aunt and participated in the activities. I was chatting away when I heard her soft voice "Mama, Happy Birthday."

And this was what I saw. 

Very unexpected, pleasantly surprised, totally touched and completely loved. 

Grandaunt told me that she refused help as she wanted to do it on her own "because it is for my mummy. It is her birthday." 

Thank you Lulu, I love you very much too 

~ Mama Sue on her 3Xth BD.