Giveaway! Sum of Fun bundle deal! Includes an entry to Underwater World Singapore + Buffet at Island Cuisine

Dumpling inherited the love of all creatures underwater from the dad. The two would spend time visiting various aquariums and the dad would indulge her buying fairly unusual ‘creatures’ such as apple snails, shrimps, etc. :)

We were recently invited to Underwater World for an all-inclusive-morning. Why all-inclusive? It is because they are currently running a 3-in-1 bundle promotion for just $19.90. What does it include and how was our morning? 

Here’s our day:

From 30 May to 28 June 2015, Underwater World Singapore will be hosting a special Sum of Fun bundle deal.

Enjoy up to 65% off the bundle deal which includes an entry to Underwater World Singapore + Sumptuous buffet at Island Cuisine + Other Fabulous Perks for only $19.90* per pax! 

(Meet the Dolphins and Fur Seals sessions: 11am, 2pm (excluding Wednesdays), 4pm & 5.45pm daily)

Looking forward to a fun-filled morning? I have not 1 but 5 pairs of tickets to give away!

Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win the tickets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember to leave a comment on who you would like to bring to Underwater World Singapore and why?

To find out more about the promotion, please click here

Terms and Conditions:

1.     Promotion is only applicable to local residents of Singapore. (i.e. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Holders of Employment Passes, work Permit or Dependent's Pass)

2.     Promotion is valid for both adult and child.

3.     To qualify, visitors are required to produce relevant identification, subjected to one admission ticket per local ID.

4.     This promotion is not applicable with any ongoing promotions.

5.     This promotion is not applicable for group tours.

6.     This promotion is only valid for watching the dolphin show. Charges are applicable should invited visitors wish to participate in the dive or have contact with the dolphins.

7.     Point-of-exchange for promotion: Underwater World Singapore ticketing counter.

8.     Promotion is only valid for communicated date of visit

9.     Guest must retain and present this invite for entry

10.  Guest must retain and present this invite to redeem buffet meal at Island Cuisine.

11.  Guests are only allowed to use this invite once.

12.  UWS reserves the right to refuse redemption, entry and/or participation if the above conditions are not fulfilled.

13.  UWS shall not be liable for cancellation of any programmes due to wet weather or unforeseen circumstances.

14.  Island Cuisine will offer local delicacies in a buffet format daily from 11.30am - 3pm (Last seating: 2.30pm) and 5.30pm - 9pm (Last seating: 8.30pm).

15.  Island Cuisine is not a Halal certified restaurant. Dishes do not contain pork/lard.

16.  UWS reserves the right to substitute the buffet meal with another item of equivalent value.

17. Winners will be contacted via email and should the selected winners do not respond with relevant details in 48 hours, I will reserve the right to select another winner. UWS will issue the tickets to winners.

18. Each winning ticket only permits a complimentary entry into UWS and a one-time buffet at Island Cuisine.

 Disclaimer: We were invited to visit Underwater World Singapore and Island Cuisine to give our opinions of it. We were not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours.

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Review + Giveaway: Aureus Academy!

Dumpling has been learning the Violin for more than 2 years. Learning this instrument has brought out both the good and the bad in us. :p I personally find the violin a hard instrument. Unlike a piano / organ that rarely goes out of tune and the notes are as what you play on the keyboard, for a string instrument, it is so much more technical and even by moving slightly, a different note is played.

Learning an instrument to me, may not be the same thing as appreciating music. I ,sometimes, find the daily practice a tad too routine and as it leads up to exam days, it can get very dry. So I have always been quite conscious of introducing Dumpling to a range of musical exposure – from attending the Children’s Carnival by SSO to watching musicals and to listening to various genres of music in our car.

What I also wanted to do very much was to also expose Dumpling to camps and acquire a wider exposure to music. So we were really happy and excited when she got to attend a 2-day Camp at Aureus Academy: Aureus Spring Camp.

Aureus Academy specializes in 1-to-1 classes and is started up by 2 brothers. I had the opportunity to understand more about its approach in a recent interview. 

:: Synopsis

The 2-day camp is the first public camp by Aureus Academy; the previous camps were only offered to its existing students.

The Spring Camp is designed to introduce and exposure children to a musical knowledge, not limited to their existing instruments (if applicable). 

For the 2-day camp Dumpling attended, on a daily basis, the rough structure of the programme is as below:

- Ice breaker games

- Instrument Exploration / An Instrument a Day / Musical Masterworks

- Studio time

- Theory 

- Performance / Concert

The ice breaker games were really fun for the children and all the games played were related to music. It was a great way for the children to warm up. Based on my understanding, the children were pre-grouped to age and if they have any prior musical experience for a better fit of class dynamics.

(Above: "passing the parcel" game where the children learn something about music eg: fun fact about the 

 orchestra or experience something that is written on the card that they draw - eg: blowing the trumpet)

The Instrument Exploration was something which I feel was fun for kids as they got a chance to try out various instruments. Dumpling had the chance to have a go on the trumpet as well as the piano.

This was something which she really enjoyed as she got the chance to go beyond her comfort zone, and it is rare that she is able to try out the trumpet. They were taught the various parts and terms of the instruments and how to play them. For eg for trumpet, she learnt how to position her mouth and what force to use to blow a higher note and for the piano, the position to take on while seated, what the octaves are, etc. 

Other instruments available during the Spring Camp included the guitar, flute, piano and the violin.

The children were also introduced to different works by famous masters and the pieces. Dumpling was introduced to was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 while on another day, the children explored Peter and the Wolf, by Sergei Prokofiev. 

In the latter, the teachers introduced the various instruments and its sounds to them and explained how different instruments take on a different 'persona' where they represent a different animal.

Children also had the opportunity to be split into various groups for private studio time.

This means that for children who are learning an instrument, they will then move on to a studio to have 1:1 time with the teacher that is teaching that instrument.

(Pic above: teacher leading children through their pieces during Piano Studio time. Each child gets a 1-1 time with the respective teacher.)

Additionally, for those who are learning an instrument, they had the chance to practise some pieces for a recital at the end of the day. 

Now, for others without the experience, the children will be grouped and would for eg be exposed to rhythm and beats using percussions (photo below).

:: What I like about the camp

From a parental standpoint, as an introduction for children to music, I like that there's many layers of musical elements being introduced. The children did not just had the chance to work on their own instruments for the end-of-day recital but also had the chance to learn about note values and even singing. 

From warm up games to trying out the various instruments, it gave the children a chance to understand the different facets of music and that it is so much more than perhaps learning to perfect a song on their instruments. 

I like that the games also teach team work - different children has different parts where all elements come together to form a tune / a musical show. (Clip is taken during the 'rehearsal'. As I was trying not to draw too much attention so as not to disturb the class, the clip is a tad 'dark' due to where I was standing)

During dumpling's studio time, there was no rush and I like that the teacher did not just zoom into the prep work for the performance piece but she checked and corrected the basics such her posture which is an important aspect in playing the violin.

For Dumpling, she enjoyed learning about the various popular works as well as the chance to try her hand at the trumpet. Being the performance bug that she is, she also enjoyed the end-of-day recital. I like this element too as the recital gave children a chance to build up their confidence as well as to have a platform to perform.  

What I would like more of is for Aureus Academy to have a Masterclass which caters to the various instruments where it further adds more understanding and depth of the instruments and the pieces the children are learning. The technical bit are delved further into, pieces are explained and explored further which leads to a longer studio time. 

All in all, Dumpling enjoyed herself tremendously. Surprisingly she enjoyed the singing classes and exploring the famous masterworksz We will definitely be keen to try out the next camp with the addition of Masterclass!

Interested to know more about Aureus Academy and its unique approach? 

I am pleased to share that I have 10 FREE TRIAL passes worth more than $500 to give away!

Enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do remember to leave a comment on the comment section on "Which instrument would you like your child to trial and why?"

You can share this post with your friends on your FB page for extra credits!
(For Singapore residents only) 

The more credits you earn, the higher your chances of winning! :) 

:: Terms and Conditions:

- Entries that do not fulfil the requirements stated will be disqualified without notice.

- Winners will be notified by email, through the email address provided. 

- This giveaway is for Singapore residents and for new students only. 

That's not all! Aureus Academy is running its Summer Camp in 2 weeks too! 

QUOTE BEANIE N US AND RECEIVE A ONE-TIME 20% DISCOUNT OFF THE CAMP! Call Aureus Academy (Rochester Mall) at 6235 6488 to register!

Mother's Day: The Low-Down on Motherhood!

Six plus years ago, I set foot on the most amazing journey - motherhood. From dealing with Post Natal Depression to understanding the 12 rules to parenting a girl, to learning how to parent an emotionally intense child, my journey has been a most interesting one.

There have been good moments and there have been the blood-boiling-blood-pressure-hitting-through-the-roof-I-wish-that-I-do-not-have-to-yell moments too. 

This Mother's Day, I reached out to some of my blogger mummy friends and asked them to share on what they enjoy most as a mum and what is the hardest thing about motherhood? 

Here's the low-down from some of our favorite blogger mums! :)

"I enjoy micromanaging the finest details of my children's life which satisfies the control freak in me. At where they are now, this fussing over them is how they feel loved and cared for by me, from counting the number of multivitamins they eat to deciding what school to send them to.

The hardest thing in motherhood, then, naturally, is to have to know when to let go, when to trust your child, when to release my grip."

Elizabeth Kao
Mother Kao

"Through motherhood I learned to live in the moment because things only happened once and at that moment.  With a snap of the fingers memories are made each and every second, we can make it an unforgettable wonderful memory or forgettable nightmare.  Of course we want beautiful memories that our children will be talking about it for many years to come. 

The hardest part of motherhood is to teach my son all the necessary life skills he needs to be able to survive in the society. Some battles and issues have to be left for him to go through and learn it the hardway."

Jennifer Lim

Dino Family

"What I enjoy most as a mum is to be able to share about the fun things in life with my kids, and showing them how to enjoy life to the fullest while navigating through the not-so-easy things in life.

What is the hardest thing about motherhood: To me, the hardest thing about motherhood is how to correct wrong behaviours and attitudes in the most loving manner that can get through to my kids. I am an impatient person by nature, so having to explain certain concepts patiently and many times over is always a challenge for me!"

Klessis Lee

The J Babies

""What do you enjoy most about motherhood / being a mum?" Having kids means having legitimate reasons to indulge in toys, childish activities and priority seating in public transport. Haha!!

Letting go and resisting the urge to help them is hard. Maybe I have OCD... I need to be reminded that they need to learn to fail in order to succeed."

Liza Poh

Mother of Xander

"What I enjoy most as a mum is to see my kids growing up with their own personalities and quirks but all stamped with many experiences and values that I've been a part of.

Hardest thing about motherhood is to see them go through realities of life like friendship issues, tremendous homework, waking up in the morning and next time BGR… and know that it’s painful but so needful."

Jiahui

Mumseword

"Ever since I became a Mum, I have realised that children can often reveal so much about our own lives. They are free spirited, free of inhibitions, and enjoy little pleasures because they have manageable expectations. We can learn so many things just by observing them, even though we supposedly 'know' more about living life compared to them.

Caden has taught me a great many things. He's made me a better person just by loving me and accepting me as who I am. He's made me see things in different perspectives, and stopped me from being perpetually suspicious, critical and judgemental. He's made me able to laugh at myself, and my mistakes. He has made me see that many of the childhood dreams I thought I had outgrown or given up are still inside of me. Motherhood has taught me patience, made me quick to forgive, and shown me unconditional love."

Regina Moo

Mummy Moo

"Motherhood brings out the better sides of me, makes me know more (good and bad) about myself, makes me want to learn more, do more, to improve on, to love and enjoy life more. It's a wonderful feeling to know that my children need me that much, teach me that much, love me that much, and that I need them, teach them, and love them as much, if not more. Being a mum completes my life!

What is the hardest thing about motherhood?

Not to be judgmental. I constantly remind myself that every child is unique, every family has its own challenges and limitations. I have learnt and I am learning to look at things objectively and at different perspectives. To be more positive and appreciative of what we have and what we don't have." 

Tzer Jing 

The Kam Family

"As for me, what I enjoy most about motherhood is the privilege. That privilege to be able to grow a life, to then have the opportunity to make a difference in the little one's life and to laugh every day; the "knowing" that I was chosen to be this special child's parent, that brings a smile to my face every day. 

The hardest part about motherhood is that it is a continuous process in learning how to deal with your child as she grows - what works today may not work tomorrow. And of course, there is then the process of letting go and "tough love" where we let them learn the hard work through the school of hard knocks. :p"

Alicia 

Author of this blog :)

Review + Giveaway! JJ's Science Adventure - Magnets

Science was a very big part of our homeschool journey at home when Dumpling was a preschooler. As a young girl, I was always intrigued about how things work. It is with this same curiosity that I got Dumpling onto the same path as we would read up about life sciences, conduct experiments and where I would teach her to ask questions and discuss hypothesis.

Aurelia Tan is an ex-educator who has taught Science for more than 15 years where she has observed that children acquire information differently based on their learning styles. Hence Aurelia's Comics for Education (ACE) was 'born' where it uses stories to engage young readers to learn about science through their adventures. 

:: The Story

JJ's Science Adventure - Magnets is Aurelia's first book which she took 2 years to complete. Mapping back to the MOE syllabus, the story is set in a Science fiction fantasy where Jonathon and Joyce, a pair of siblings, are the 2 main characters.

It was Jonathon's and Joyce's birthdays and their grandfather Professor Tan, a Scientist, invited them to his laboratory where he has prepared their presents. Mr. Sinister, a villain, stole a box - World Maker before the siblings arrived who, in a twist of fate, accidentally claimed it back. They soon discovered that one of the bags which their grandfather gave, transforms into a robot while the other is a portal bag. With a ‘key’, the twins entered through a portal into a different realm and that started their adventure into ‘World of Magnet'.

:: The Learning

Dumpling read the book in one seating and she was able to discuss properties of magnets after the book. The concepts were clearly explained through the plots like how ‘like’ magnets repel and ‘unlike’ magnets attract.

What I also enjoyed was how knowledge was also infused into the story line using real examples such as how the MagLev in Japan uses magnetic repulsion to reduce friction. :)

Another example was the use of magnetic stripes in our key cards as well as some credit cards. The information is brought down to a level where children are able to understand easily.

:: The Illustration

Unlike the other stories Dumpling has read, this story is depicted in a comic form. Though there were more complex properties being explained, the illustrations were useful as they were easily understood.

There were humourous moments too which had Dumpling giggling as the expressions on Joyce’s and Jonathon’s faces. 

Some dialogue also cracked her up.

This book is a really easy read and informative if you wish to introduce Science to your children. And here's the exciting part!

I have not 1 but 3 autographed copies of JJ's Science Adventure - Magnets (with a personalised message) worth a total of more than $50 to give away!

Earn credits using Rafflecopter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do remember to leave a comment on the comment section on "What is your favorite Science topic in Primary School and why?" Please include age of your child. (See Terms and Conditions below).

You can share this post with your friends on your FB page to earn extra credits!

(For Singapore residents only) 

The more credits you earn, the higher your chances! :) 

:: Terms and Conditions:

- This giveaway is for families with Primary school students only. 
- Entries that do not fulfill the requirements stated will be disqualified without notice.
- A comment must be entered to qualify for the giveaway. 

- Winners will be notified by email, through the email address provided. 

- This giveaway is for Singapore residents only. 

About Aurelia Tan

As an educator, Aurelia has encountered students with a myriad of different learning styles. Some of them are unable to reach their maximum potential owing to a mismatch between the way they acquire and process information and the way information is delivered to them. This has often impeded the students' ability to learn, particularly those with learning difficulties. It was also observed that most of these students are not motivated to read and many of them do not find Science interesting. Thus, Aurelia has endeavoured to produce an enjoyable learning tool - JJ's Science Adventure as an alternative medium for children to learn Science.

Aurelia is trained as a primary school teacher at National Insitute of Education, Nanyang Technology University. She has more than a decade of teaching experience and has taught in local primary schools and in Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC). Aurelia pursued a psychology degree from Murdoch University (Australia) in 2008 and graduated with First Class Honours in 2011.

Goodbye Mr Lee Kuan Yew

I am not a regular follower of politics. I don't even subscribe to newspapers preferring to read online. It has taken me a while to gather my thoughts on this, after all I am no expert in this field nor was I there to experience first hand the tumultuous times before Mr Lee Kuan Yew became Prime Minister. 

But what I am, is a product of the first generation of citizens under his leadership - the 2 children policy, the emphasis on a quality education and English as our first language. And though I do not agree with all the policies, I have been blessed. 

I have been blessed because I grew up having the opportunity to study and at a subsidized rate by the government. I grew up at a time where the government was slowly improving the lives of its citizens where the blackouts and water disruptions / rationing I experienced slowly trickled to a stop. 

I also grew up witnessing and benefiting from the economy boom where jobs were created and we had better quality of life as compared to my parents' younger days. I recall one of my most exciting excursions as a young girl was when my parents brought us to try out the MRT when it was first launched. Family outings for us included trips to Singapore Botanic Gardens and Chinese Gardens. All these, were part of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's plans for our country, to transform us into an efficient Garden City. A small red dot with no natural resources unlike some of our neighbors but we had people and the focus was to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy. 

My daughter and I took a vacation to Krabi last year and we went on a day trip for elephant trekking. At the waiting area, my daughter commented on the strong stench and was visibly uncomfortable with the bathroom as the sanitary facilities were not as clean or as modern as she was used to. That scene brought me back to years and years back where I possibly was her age and Chinatown was also in a similar state with an overpowering stench due to the state of its sewage system. How our country has grown. 

I can't help but marvel how clever our leader was with the foresight on including the clause on water supply in our separation deed from Malaysia, how corruption was eradicated and how girls are given equal standing in society. As a mother now, I look around and truly appreciate how much he and his team have done to create a better Singapore not only for himself, but for us and for the generations after. Perhaps if I were not a parent, I would have taken many of these living 'conditions' for granted. But motherhood has opened up my eyes where I view things differently. I am blessed because our children are able to run around in parks and playgrounds freely, safely. Our children are also given a chance at world-class education so that our country remains competitive globally.

I am also blessed in his vision of creating a multi-racial society as my marriage is one that is inter-racial. From it, I have a beautiful daughter whom I give thanks for, daily. Being a product of this education system has given me the ability to homeschool my daughter in her preschool years too where we had many wonderful experiences and adventures. Sure, not all our policies are perfect but at 35, I was still learning to be a mother to my child. At 35, Mr Lee Kuan Yew became responsible for many lives. 

I have been reading reports that have been sprouting non-stop on Facebook on overseas visitors, from Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka Shing to Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart to dignitaries who travelled to Singapore pay respect and say their last goodbyes to Mr Lee. And I am proud and I am amazed. 

That a man, in just 50 years, became internationally recognized as a powerful statesman and a much sought after 'advisor' whom other world leaders treasured his insights and counsel. He and his team certainly helped put Singapore on the map, and not just any dot but a prominent red dot where our country is known for its highly-qualified workforce, and for its safe and stable environment.

To Mr. Lee Kuan Yew: 

Sir, my daughter and I caught a glimpse of you last year at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It brought me great joy and pride to explain to her who you are and what you and your team have done for our country. You will be sorely missed this National Day as we celebrate the Jubilee year. But I am comforted in the fact that we will still 'see' you through your works - from our award winning Changi airport to our public transport system, from the flats we stay in to the parks and beaches our children run in. Thank you Mr Lee, for your dedication and for this nation which we can truly call our home. May you rest in peace.