Mini Tic Tac

I made an amazing discovery of a mini tic tac and couldn't resist buying it for the little chickadee.

I think they are totally adorable.

They are easy and light to carry.

There are minimal tic tacs in there, so kids are not able to overindulge.

The little chickadee loves it. Perfect mint size for little kids. 

Make-up for kids? Go with lip balms

I personally will never apply any make up on kids. Unless of course it's for a once-in-a-blue-moon stage performance. 

I am aware that there is probably a demand in the market as there are now toy make-up sets for kids in shops. My niece received one during Christmas recently which she immediately opened to use. It did not work for us. We used the brush provided, rubbed it against the colors, but we could not transfer the color to her face. It never came off the brush.

I would still not have put it on the chickadee's face. I have put too much effort scrutinising the things that go into her toiletries to wreck it with toy make-up.

I would still let the chickadee play with my spare make-up brushes. You will not believe the imagination a kid has.

But to further appease the chickadee, I went with the closest thing to a lipstick - The Lip Balm  

l have fallen in love with the twotreehouse brand which is handmade in Australia. They are perfect for kids.

After testing it on myself, I have the chickadee using them now. Here are the reasons why:

1) They are natural ingredients which are great for kids.

2) It moisturisers her lips.

3) I do not worry even if she over applies (which kids normally would)

4) They come in three kid perfect sizes (lose one, use another)

5) They come in three different yummy flavors (bored with one, use another)

6) Comes in cute matchboxes which we recycle to keep other trinklets.

 

 

7) Mummy - daughter bonding item. We can both use the same product 

8) It fits perfect in her hands.

9) Kid friendly

10) They are great chilled too! Just pop them into the fridge

 

She loves them. I love them.

 

Official Website
http://twotreehouse.com/

Mid Autumn Festival (Mooncake & Lantern)

Here are facts I found interesting about the mid autumn festival.

1) This is celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese

2) It is similar to Thanksgiving with families getting together

3) There is always a full moon on this day and the roundness of the moon symbolises family unity and harmony

3) The Chinese legend. Here's my summary: There used to be 10 suns in the sky which was killing a lot of things with its heat. A guy shot down 9 of the 10 suns and became a hero. He was awarded an elixir to ascend to heaven and become a God. But he chose to stay with his wife. One day in a struggle for the elixir with a bad person, not wanting it to fall into the wrong hands, the wife took it. She immediately ascended but stopped at the moon as it was the closest to earth (where her husband is). The hero was devastated and so were the people. From then on, they would worship the goddess on the moon on this day.

Here's a few suggestions on things to do with your kid during Mid Autumn Festival (MAF):
1) Gaze at the moon and tell the story

2) Eat a mooncake
Mooncake is a symbol of family reunion. The cake is traditionally cut into pieces that equal the number of people in the family.

3) Walk around with a Mid-Autumn lantern
There is so many designs available these days. Some still go with the traditional candle lit ones. Just be careful if you hand that to a kid.

Historically, there would be a handwritten riddle placed within each lantern which was hung from a tree. Children who could properly answer the question from their selected lantern would receive small prizes.

Isn't culture and its history interesting?

 

 

 

 

Daiso - hair accessories

Having a girl means spending on hair accessories.

I searched everywhere to find value for money rubber bands and pins. I have learnt not to overspend on these items as the Chickadee loses them all the time.

I have to say, I am now officially a big fan of Daiso. The Chickadee is an ambassador of Daiso when it comes to hair.

Look at what they offer for S$2! Wear it lose it. It does not hurt me as much. They come in various sizes and colors. 

They were even packaged in a small pretty pink bag. We have since recycled it by stuffing the chickadee's drawing items for her to carry out.

They also have heaps of small black or dark brown bobby pins in various packaging for you to choose.

I bought these sparkly hair pins for her. 
 

Look at how cute they are.

You can find Daiso in a few malls. Next time you see one, have a look inside. I found a lot of little treasures for the chickadee there.

Tip: Daiso Singapore charges items at S$2 and Daiso Malaysia costs RM5 per item. Not much difference but it is cheaper in Malaysia depending on currency fluctuation.

Details
This site lists out the location of Daiso shops in Singapore
http://search.insing.com/s/daiso

A Different Route to MRT

Taking an MRT has never been the same for us since having the little Chickadee.

We used to have such easy access to the MRT.

With a stroller, we now need to wait for longer and travel further to get to the same place.

So for those of you who do not need the lifts, please don't take up its space. You have a shorter route than us in and out.









 

Foreign Driving License -> Singapore License

Being a legal driver in Singapore takes a bit of time and effort as a Malaysian.

For foreigners who wish to convert their driving license, it is compulsory that you sit and pass the Basic Theory Test.

Reserve a seat for this test early as there is usually a 2 months waiting period. It costs $6 for the test. But you will need to purchase (or borrow) the theory book to read for the test. It took me 15 mins to complete and pass the online test.

Then it starts getting tough.

There are only 3 centres you can take your test and convert your license in - Ubi, Woodlands and Bukit Batok.

Unfortunately, the closest to me is Ubi and I believe it has the most crowd. The wait is really long. They have only 3 counters. Although the staff are fairly efficient.

For Malaysians, the additional document required from us is the JPJ extract. The idea of visiting one of our government offices is dreadful. And do they not realise we are now based in Singapore?

There are "speculations" when it comes to the JPJ extract. I got mine done in JPJ Old Town and it was RM10. 

Two things I did not know:

1) If you have two vehicles (motorcycle and car) in your extract, you will need to get the JPJ officer to indicate the dates of issue separately for each vehicle. Alternatively, I finally got mine accepted (without the split) with my first original license.

2) If you are a PR, bring along your Entry Permit document. That is the original yellow document (with your picture) issued to you when you received your NRIC.

Here is the new thing the traffic police departments wants us to go through. As of 1st July 2014, all foreigners converting their licenses have to sit through this "Road Safety Video". This video runs for about 15mins. 

They will not proceed with payment ($50) for the license until you watch this video which has nothing to do with safety, rules and regulations in Singapore. No. The Traffic Police has decided to show clips on accidents and victims.

I was looking at some poor young kid (excited about her first license) looking freaked out.
 

 

 

Back to the police counter and the officer gave me a printout which works as my license pending the delivery of my physical card. They say that it is a month's wait.

 

But who cares. I can officially drive in Singapore!!!

 

I just need to get a car now.....

 

Useful Information 

 

3 Traffic Police stations for Conversion:

 

Woodlands Driving Test Centre

Level 1, co-located with the Singapore Safety Driving Centre ( http://www.ssdcl.com.sg/ ) at 2, Woodlands Industrial Park E4 Singapore 757387.

Bukit Batok Driving Test Centre

Level 2, co-located with the Bukit Batok Driving Centre (http://www.bbdc.sg ) at 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5 Singapore 659085.

Kampong Ubi Test Centre

Level 2, co-located with ComfortDelgro Driving Centre (http://www.cdc.com.sg) at 205, Ubi Ave 4 Singapore 408805.

 

 

Useful Site:

 

More information on how to convert your driving license

http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg/services/driving_in_singapore/services/information.html

 

Simple process on how to convert driving license

http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/Topics/Pages/Driving-in-Singapore-How-to-convert-a-foreign-driving-licence.aspx

Bringing our pet dog into Singapore: Quarantine station

Making the decision to relocate your pet with you is easy. Going through the process is hard.

For pet owners migrating to Singapore, please do read through the process carefully. It may take up to 6 months before you can bring your pet in with all the compulsory tests and injections.

The process is quite clear. You can even hire professional pet movers who will advise you each step of the way.

For those who will be going through the same ordeal; all pets that require a quarantine period will be placed at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station. 

 

The staff at this station is great. This is evident from the numerous thank you cards pinned all over their bulletin board

 

  

The size of the room is decent. They have two types of rooms; with aircon or a fan. We opted for the fan. It is an empty room which you can leave your pets make shift bed, toys, pillow, snacks. Make sure you leave a water bowl.

The room with the fan comes with a "balcony". Dogs can get a bit of sun from there.

The Sembawang station has several closed up mini fields. Each of these fields are double gated for extra security. Bags are provided for owners to clean up after their pets.

We would bring along our dog's water bowl and snacks. Do make sure you have your mozzie repellent with you.  

The fields are great fun for families and pets. Even if you are unable to visit, the staff will help take your pet out for a run.

There is also a bathroom for you to bathe your dogs. Just make sure you bring the toiletries and towels. A set for yourself as well!

This place is amazingly clean. For a place filled with dogs, I did not get any nasty whiff of unpleasantries. There was no hair flying around. Everyone was polite.

Clearly, they love animals here.

 

 

 

Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station

10 Lorong Chencharu Singapore 769197

For reservation of quarantine space, please contact AVA headquarter
Tel: (65) 63257544 or AVA_Import&Export_Animals@ava.gov.sg

For enquiries of the status of your pets in Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station
Tel: (65) 64822724

 

Important Hours to note:

 

Exercise hours:
Mon - Fri	:	4.00pm - 5.30pm
Sat	:	3.00pm - 5.30pm
Sun and PHs	:	Closed
Visiting hours:
Mon - Fri	:	4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Sat	:	2.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Sun and PHs	:	Closed

 

 

 

Useful Sites:

Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/ImportExportTransOfAnimalRelatedPrd/PetsPersonal/

More Details (step-by-step instructions) on Quarantine Station

http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/ImportExportTransOfAnimalRelatedPrd/AnimalQuarantine/

Living Legally in Singapore

Obtaining Visas and Work Permit can be quite an exhausting task. But they are to-do items which cannot be avoided if you are moving to a country where you are not a citizen.

Here’s a few pointers I would like to share with those who will be going through the process like me in Singapore:
(I have listed some useful sites at the bottom)

 

Work permit for your Domestic Helper
1. Your domestic helper is known as a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)
2.  Before the application process can begin, all employers (aka you or your partner) will need to take an online course and test called the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)
3. She is not allowed into Singapore while her application is being processed
4. She is required to attend the Settling in Programme (SIP) within the few days of arrival
5. The bond can be covered by insurance which is a fraction of the actual bond amount required
6. There is a number of agencies who can sort out the process for you at a fee.

Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for your kid

1.  You can only apply this when your child gets into Singapore as they require the reference number from the immigration disembarkation white card
2.  Register via the e-VP website. You will need a Singpass
3.  Register as soon as your kid arrives as it will take time. Chances are you will need to request for an extension of Short Term Visit Pass
4.  Once the LTVP is approved in principle , you just need to pay and schedule in an appointment to clear all formalities
5.  Bring your kid along for the appointment
6.  Jump queue by printing your e-Appointment and scan that at the kiosk for your queue number
7.   If you can't get the picture requested right , just take it in the ICA photo booth. The Q moves fairly fast
8.  Took me less than half day to clear the process. It's easy for kids

Useful Sites:

Ministry of Manpower
www.mom.gov.sg/

Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)
http://www.mom.gov.sg/services-forms/passes/work-permit-fdw/Pages/eop.aspx

View shared po

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

www.ica.gov.sg/

 

 

How to apply for LTVP
http://www.ica.gov.sg/services_centre_overview.aspx?pageid=376

e-VP to submit your application online
https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/eltsvp/main.do

Groceries: Singapore vs Malaysia

Lets talk groceries.

Coming from Malaysia, it is rather hard to get the same figure salary in Singapore as they will normally bring up the "exchange rate difference". Most of them will tell you that food is cheaper in Singapore and conveniently forgets to mention the hike in housing rental and public transport. Also "food" means groceries and some foodcourt items.

 The cost in figure for groceries is indeed lower than what you would find in Malaysia. But as mentioned earlier, your salary figure would also highly likely be lower.

For example, the picture below shows the pricing in the two countries for a herbal packet drink. In Malaysia, it would have cost me RM3.80. In Singapore, it costs S$2.05 (RM5).

For fruits, it would normally cost around RM10 for 10 apples and RM5 for 3 bags of veges. It's around RM6 for 2 bags of vege in Singapore. 

Groceries aside, lets take a look at groupon. Groupon obviously provides for the best discount on certain items.

For a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen in Malaysia (without groupon), you will need to fork out RM18. For the same bowl of ramen in Singapore (with groupon), it is S$10.90 (RM28)

It is better not to convert the dollar into ringgit when you do groceries. It has been difficult for me coming from Malaysia. I suppose it will take time to adjust to these prices. 


Take your time and shop around for the best prices in your neighborhood. Sometimes I feel that some hypermarkets has cheaper veges than the wet market. So be a smart shopper.

I can see why people take the advantage to go to Johor over the weekend. And I bet they are mostly Malaysians.   

The Heat and Rain

The one thing that we are still trying to cope with is the weather in Singapore. You would think the weather in Penang and KL would prepare me for this. You would think as a full bred Asian, I would want every part of me to soak up the glorious sun and not complain. 

Here's the first lesson about Asians and our weather. We get the sun pretty much all year round. When you get one thing long enough, you tend to not want it so much.

Another fact about Malaysians; we all drive. This is not because we are a rich nation. We just have to because our public transport is not exactly top notch. So imagine us hopping in and out of our air-con cars to get to places.

Our mode of transportation in Singapore so far has been tough. When you are on a shoestring budget (please refer to earlier post, we are not expats!), you are your own transport. 

My only comfort is that we are living a healthier lifestyle as we are made to walk everywhere. Don't judge us with our umbrellas until you have lived in this heat as long as we have.  

Occasionally, we get a break from the heat. We get torrential downpours instead. 

Now you understand how important this great creation is for us. In Asia, no matter the size of the bag we are carrying, one will still be able to whip out that wondrous gadget to shield us from heat or rain.  

We are not as big a fan when it comes to raincoats. But they are rather cute.

From North to South

I have decided to give this blog a new look to celebrate the chickadee's promotion to toddler-hood. This blog is now colored pink or within the same color spectrum. Pink is the only color acceptable at this age. I kid you not.

So Big News - We have migrated.     

We have gone down south to the Lion City. 

Migrating is like a big breakup. You are saying goodbye to your world of familiarity and comfort. Your country has done just about enough for you to willingly let it go. You have stopped listening to the old and your ears have now leaned towards the whispers of a better life from the new.

There are lots of articles covering migrating as a single person or an expat. 

Moving on an expat package is just cheating. It is similar to going on a tour where you do what you are told and everything is sorted out for you. Try backpacking. 

There is just not enough credit given to parents who move with their kids on a local package. It can be financially challenging when you are moving to one of the most expensive cities in the world and you have to do it on your own. 

But with our "pros" outweighing the "cons", we lifted our roots, packed everything into boxes and made our big move.

Loving WeePooh (aka Winnie the Pooh)

Our house is now filled with all the joys of WeePooh (as the Chickadee calls him). 

Not only does she know WeePooh's lovely heart warming original theme song, she can now name ALL the characters. 

Eeyore was her first choice.

Then it started growing...

This was the first toy she received from the WeePooh family. Good old Tigger. 

As her interest intensifies, the guilty need-to-shower-baby-with-over-the-top-love Gen x mummy went on a shopping splurge..

My mum is laughing that our house is being plastered with stickers. Apparently we did the same when we were young. But I clearly remember ours being restricted to specific drawers..

I am so pleased to have found this! Plus it has the non-slip at the bottom.

Also quite pleased with this bargain buy. Discounted original magnets. The workmanship is pretty good.

Ahh and books. This one carries several mini books with a few pages of simple stories.

This is my favorite. A present from her Ee Ee who knew before I did that the chickadee would probably fall in love with Winnie the Pooh.

This is what I call a children's book. Filled with pleasant easy-on-the-eyes colors, good stories and set in an environment where you wish you were Christopher Robbins. 

I love the original Winnie the Pooh. Oh that Cubby chubby silly old bear. Nothing beats the classics.

I'm really happy that the Chickadee is loving him too. So much better than having a bunch of birds with pissed off faces around the house.

Tupperware: Shape-O-Toy

A toy from Tupperware? Who could have guessed. 

The Tupperware Shape-O-Toy helps shape young minds. It allows toddlers to identify shapes, develop coordination and dexterity. (yes I got this off its brochure).

You can tell it's Tupperware just by its packaging (in multi languages)

Ok. So, it looks good but what's so different about this toy compared to the rest?

Lets go back to the box. Interesting. And I thought I had the toy figured.

1) Ball
Tick. Smooth and rolls like a charm.

2) Shapes and Corresponding Holes
Tick. Main purpose of this toy.

3) Numbers and Corresponding Dots
Tick and Tick.

We also counted and lined up the numbers.

The Shape-O-Toy then became a bowling ball. Kids and toys. They find ways..

4) Mould 
Tick. Why didn't I think of this one?

The ball is definitely easy to handle. Just be careful if you let your child open and close it. 

The little chickadee having two hand-me-downs of the same kind of toy goes to show that parents like this sort of thing for their kids.

So out of the three, how does the Shape-O-Toy stand out?
1) It feels great. It's smooth and gloss where the rest is more plastic. 

2) Definitely more durable. I mean we were encouraged to rattle and play ball with it. One of the chickadee's older twist-and-lock is having difficulty doing just that.

3) It's Tupperware. You know it's non-toxic and as safe as Tupperware knows best.

4) It has its own handles. 

I guess when Tupperware throws you a ball, you just know you are in for a good time.