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?

 

 

 

 

Little Walker

I love walking but not a big fan of heat and humidity.

In tropical Singapore, it can get scorching hot at times but decent at others. Thankfully, the Chickadee gets a kick out of walking in any weather.

Walking in Singapore is great. It is generally pedestrian friendly with big proper walkways. When you walk around, you can see the thought that has been put in to ensure the safety and convenience of people on foot.

This island has not just great pathways, they are usually decked up with the right amount of trees. Not to mention the right type of species.

For this country, I wouldn't mind strapping on a good pair of shoes and taking a stroll. 

Flexibly Ballet

There will come a point in your life when your child will ask you if she can learn ballet. I don't know why this happens. Maybe it's the pretty ballerinas or the pink girly outfits that attracts them.

I had that question posed to me even before she turned 3. So I went around to do some research.

Classes in Singapore is definitely pricier than Malaysia. However there is a lot more enrichment classes available in Singapore.  

Ballet classes normally runs for 45 mins and each class costs around $45. So it's really a dollar a minute. It's pretty standard charges by dance studios. 

If you go for those held within the community centres, they are much cheaper but I am not familiar with how the lessons are conducted. I'm guessing it would be simpler.

The dance fees is just part of the total expenses. The child will then need hair accessories, ballet outfit and shoes - the whole ballerina ensemble.
(check out more pictures here: http://zchicchick.blogspot.sg/2014/08/little-ballerina.html)

The Chickadee's ballet class ends with 15 mins of jazz. She also learns tap dancing.

I really wondered whether paying for her ballet and tap classes were just me being an indulgent parent. But honestly, I can see that she has picked up a few great values.

She learnt:

1) Teamwork
2) Discipline
3) How to listen to instructions
4) Importance of Practising
5) Rhythm
6) Physical Flexibility

All the above plus she has genuine fun on something she has a passion for.

Honestly, I no longer question my decision.

 

 

 

 

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.









 

Baby Stroller: To Bring or Not to Bring

When we go out these days, the decision to bring a baby stroller is a big one . When you do not own a car and you bring along your baby stroller, you are stuck with it the whole way.

Taking a baby stroller with you means having a makeshift trolley around to carry your things including your kid. Convenient? Yes. 

But a regular kid will not sit in the stroller all the time. 

After feeling "tired" of sitting in the stroller, the Chickadee is allowed out of her stroller as long as she walks with me. Eventually she thinks pushing the stroller looks like fun and she wants to do what mummy does. So she becomes my little helper who really is just slowing me down as I have to follow her pace and be careful not to bump into her.

I know the child labor phase will not last long and I try chatting, singing and acting like a crazy person to make pushing the stroller exciting. The next phase is not somewhere parents want to be in.

It takes a split second for the stroller to turn into a burden. The chickadee suddenly realizes the mundane work she has been doing and starts to do her own thing which means going the opposite direction of where I am heading. 

I am now stuck with a kid moving the other way and a big stroller that I can't maneuver fast enough to chase after her. I can't dump the stroller as it now carries my personal possessions (not to mention the stroller itself cost a small fortune).  

This is the exact moment, I regret bringing the stroller out.

But I learnt that Singapore is great for safety. I can leave my stroller at a safe corner to run after my child who obviously acts like she is bored out of her mind.

When I finally go back to claim the stroller, with all the excitement gained on her own, I am able to coax the Chickadee back to her rightful seat. 

Until the vicious cycle begins again..

A kid and a Dog

It was never a hard decision for us to have a dog in our home. We had our dog before the chickadee was born.

I have always had evening walks with our dog and I was adamant that the dog did not feel left out. 

The dog never paid much attention to the kid.

But the relationship that grew between them has been amazing.

We all love our dog and as part of the family, she has been relocated to Singapore with us (you can read more about it here: http://zchicchick.blogspot.sg/2014/07/bringing-our-pet-dog-into-singapore.html)

For those parents sitting on the edge, here are several positive reasons you might not have thought of to bring a pet home for your kids:

(http://www.oprah.com/relationships/10-Reasons-Pets-Are-Good-for-Kids)

• Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
• Playing with dogs may help lower blood pressure.
• Kids with pets get outside more—to go for walks, run and play—and enjoy all the associated health benefits.
• Pet owners require fewer doctor's visits.
• Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
• Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for boys to "parent play"—to practice being caregivers.
• Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.
• Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem.
• Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
• Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety.

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/

Am I (as a mummy) boring at work?

I wonder if I'm boring to my colleagues who are single or have no kids. When one of them asks me how my weekend was, instead of boring them with mummy details, I would normally reply with "nothing much". 

"Nothing much" is far from the truth. 

All mothers have another full time job at home. Once I get home, with every last bit of energy I have, I become a listener, an entertainer and a story teller. 

Weekends or not, we spoil our children with the attention that we "owe" them when we are around them. We feel guilty for not being present for a major chunk of their weekday lives . We try to be a great mum and a fantastic wife (by being a great mum). 

Obviously, this all makes for a very boring conversation just "being a mum" over the weekend. But it takes up our whole weekend and it is very exhausting. 

Occasionally, we are the disciplinarians. This is the hardest role we have to play at home. 

I will never be able to beat the couple who ate at a new swanky restaurant, the person who went for a quick holiday over the weekend, the person who caught a new movie at the cinema or the person who took up a new hobby. 

But I guess at some level (even with a tinge of jealousy), it doesn't matter if I am boring at work. I am as contented as a mummy can be..

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

Progressing Nation = Construction

Singapore is such a lovely country. I am amazed at how it has developed since I last stayed here. 

This is Singapore's skyline to me. Breathtaking. Even for a non-citizen such as myself, I take a bit of pride for choosing to live here.

But if you take a closer look, you will notice that cranes are a common sight around this island.

The cranes sit within construction areas. It is not what you see but the noise you have to endure. 

Selecting a place to stay is not easy as there are developments everywhere. Construction hours are restricted to certain timing but sometimes they have extended hours on weekdays. They work on Saturdays too. Fortunately, the workers get a rest day on Sunday.

Generally, in Singapore, construction sites are quite contained in the area they are suppose to work in. You do not get the overwhelming experience of actually living next to a construction area. 

But that said, the noise pollution is still something I am trying to get used to.

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.

Arts N Crafts

I have a-love-hate relationship for the arts n crafts session in chickadee's playschool. But I absolutely love the idea that it is in someway beneficial to the chickadee. 

ok google. Enlighten me. 

"Art involves unstructured activities in which you can explore with your imagination, whereas crafts involve structured activities with a specific goal in mind" 

Can't define it any better myself.

Here is the list of benefits from http://www.livestrong.com as summarised by moi:

1) Imagination and Self-expression
Creativity and imagination receives strong stimulation while kid is doing arts and crafts. The kid can also learn about symbolic communication through the art he creates, choosing various colors to communicate feelings, for example.

2) Individual Craftsmanship
Skills and talents developed and enhanced. Can benefit from setting goals for achievement. Child can look back at progress to note the strengthening and refinement of her skills. *wow really?*

3) Strengthening Academics
Many literacy and mathematical concepts can become easier to comprehend and even more interesting with the addition of art. 

4) Life Skills
As they create a work of art, they have begun the process of communicating visually. Also builds problem-solving skills, fine motor skills and even social skills as she works with artistic media. Learning to make her own creations and noticing other kids' creations provide important opportunities for the appreciation of other people's strengths and acceptance of her own abilities. *ok I don't think the chickadee gets this yet* A child also learns that the ability to follow directions is an integral part of the satisfaction of seeing the final result when making a craft.

Good stuff. My Chinese genes are excited. My child is reaping its rewards.

Lets just say that it started out as a torture.

I mean do I want to see my only treasure get upset after every arts n crafts session? Hell No..

Do we enjoy coaxing and holding her hand while she repeatedly pulls away with a why-are-u-doing-this-to-me face?   

But seriously, nurturing and patience go a looong way..

Now her most used phrase is "I do. I do". And that is exactly how it is at her arts n crafts session in playschool..

                                 The chickadee's own unassisted creation

Sometimes as a parent, you just gotta let go and trust that she can do it. I know we are only talking about craft here. But as a parent, you know it's a milestone.

If you are looking to work on a handicraft with your young kid, here's a few pointers you may want to take note of. 

I got this from www.kidspot.com.au which of course I summarised:

1) Don't force
Don't force if they are not keen to finish a project. simply encourage and reward when they do finish something.

2) Don't get too complex
Very discouraging if get part-way through a project and finding that you can't complete it

3) Start simple
Get familiar with tools, materials and techniques first. Complete something simple so your child can gain confidence and want to try something more.

4) Allow time and space
Give time to yourself and your child - to think, to enjoy what you're doing, to be creative, to experiment and to enjoy each other.

In short, just remember you are doing it with your child who is new at it. So just consider it as a game and have fun!