Independence; Never Underestimate your Child.....

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

~Benjamin Franklin

It has come to both our consensus that we shouldn't spoon feed our kids.

we truly believe in allowing the child to explore and experience in safe boundaries.

We sent the kids to buy water in a nearby supermarket on their own.

(with daddy spying closely right behind their butts)

Did they managed to complete the task?!?!?

Watch On.....

*I apologize for the shaky video*

Never Underestimate your Child!

An Unique Birthday Experience; Build-a-Bear Workshop

With all honesty,

in my personal experience,

not many businesses in Singapore

has made the cut

of providing exceptional customer service experience.

However, I am pleasantly surprised during my recent visit
to Build-a-Bear Workshop at Vivo City.

Sophia helped stuff Pup


Sophia & Hiroshi "hearts" for Pup


Warming Pup's heart.....


Making a sincere wish....


Kissing Pup's heart....


Giving "life" to Pup


Wash & Rinse
before you follow me home.....


Let's play dress up.....


Finally, a satisfied Pup owner.....


I pledge to take good care of Pup.


You might look through these series of pictures and think
what on earth is so exceptional about the customer service?

Well, the magic lies in connecting with the child.
I swear kids are the toughest customers on earth.
Delicate Patience is Needed.

And through many small talks,
they realized that it was Sophia's birthday
and sang her a very special birthday song.


Thank you Build-a-Bear Workshop,
You have made Sophia's birthday a really Special one!!!

And because Hiroshi has always been the loving brother,
he get to choose a toy for himself too!
Storm Pegasus; Let It Rip!

Disney Junior; The best story teller of all time......

Many thanks to Georgina from The T\Junction
for Invitation to Special Presentation of Disney Junior.

Well, other than Ronald Dhal,
Disney has got to be the best story teller of all time.

Some parents take a no tv stance to their parenting approach.
I personally feel that tv is not the biggest evil.

I proudly declare that my kids watch selected tv programs.

And Disney is definitely one of those programs my kids have watched since young.

Playhouse Disney will be re-brand into Disney Junior this coming July!

Disney Junior premiums 11 July 2011


After listening to Nancy Kanter, SVP. Original Programming And GM Disney Junior Worldwide
I am convinced that Disney will continue to come out with more educational and entertaining programs.


Jake and the Neverland Pirates is of the latest line up from Disney JuniorAye Aye, Gear up and go on a treasure hunt with a crew of pirate kids....

Sing along with interactive catchy music
performed by The Never Land Pirates Band,
Loren Hoskins and Kelvin Hendrickson,whose animated alter ego is Sharky and Bones. They pop up to sing pirate ditties throughout every episode.You're gonna luv this!

I am looking forward to catching Disney Junior this July!
If you are still not on the Disney Junior bandwagon,
jump on it right now.....
Get yourselves subscribed at Starhub Cable Tv Channel 311.

And also Special thanks to Hatched for hosting us.
Marvelous service!!!
Love it, Love it, Love it~!!

Hatched
26 Evans Road. Evans Lodge
Singapore 259367


I love the menu!


Mini Omelette with Mushroom Ragout


Yes! Go ahead DROOL!


Cordon Bleu Chicken served with Garlic Roasted Mash


Waffles served with Mixed Fruits Compote & Vanilla Ice Cream


Awesome Lunch!!!!
I totally enjoyed myself!

Happy 4th Birthday Sophia

I know it is a cliche to say this.....

But, I honestly feel that Sophia is growing up way too fast.

She's FOUR!

I just cannot believe that she is FOUR so soon!

Sophia, you are an amazing little girl,

At this tender age, 

you could clearly verbalize.

You know what you want in exact details. 

And when you have your heart set on something, 

It's clearly IMPOSSIBLE to sway your decisions or whatsoever....

You've wanted to be a mermaid at 2,
princess at 3
and finally Piyo Piyo Duckie at 4.

We have never once discounted your dreams 

because we know that you can be anything you wanted to be.

I still thank God every single day for his grace of placing you in our family.

You have brought us so much joy.

And because of you,

I know I won't grow old, grey and lonely.

Your cheerful chatter will brighten my day.

We love you honey.

Many, many months ago when you were running a temperature 

we cooled you with the cold pack. 

You curiously asked about the character on the cooling pack. 

We told you it was Piyo Piyo duckie.

You fall in love with that character and insisted you want everything Piyo Piyo!

From then, your mind was fixed upon having a Piyo Piyo themed birthday party.

PIYO PIYO

Piyo Piyo is the most popular Duckie Character in Japan since '80s.
(I bet you these duckies are close to being extinct!)

A couple of weeks before your birthday,
I asked if you'll like to have a birthday party in school.
You were excited.
Your eyes twinkle.
Your head nodded enthusiastically.
I then told you that it will be costly to celebrate your birthday in school.
You smiled and said,

"Never mind, we celebrate at home...."
My heart melted at your reply.
My child is so sensible.
When I finally told you that you are having a birthday party in school afterall,
you were thrilled.
You asked me day after day,
"Is it my birthday today?!?!?"

You've not change your mind abit since many months ago.
You still insisted on a Piyo Piyo themed birthday party.
I've really got no idea how to go about creating a Piyo Piyo themed birthday party.
I attempt to sway your decisions.
Showed you a pretty strawberry shortcake cake
(which I know you won't resist)
from prima deli.
But, your decisions were affirmative.
Shook your head and said "No"
and insisted Piyo Piyo!

This was the best I came out with.

Piyo Piyo Cupcake Toppers
(which doubles up as a bookmark)

Vanilla Cupcake with Apricot fillings topped with Cream Cheese Frosting

Party Packs
(Still standing by our NO JUNK policy)
Sophia with her 1st birthday gift
handmade Piyo Piyo hairclip by Jing Ting jie jie.

In moments like this,
I gladly bake year after year.
I love her contented smile!
(made all the crazy precise cutting
of 120 pieces of Piyp Piyo bookmarks all worthwhile!)

Hiroshi is the proud brother who loves his sister unconditionally.

Happy Birthday Sophia Honey!

Our Cycling Adventures.......

We cycled all the way from Punggol Promenade

to Lorong Halus Wet Land 

and eventually ended up at Pasir Ris Farmway!

We came across interesting Fish Farms...
It was definately my first time seeing such a BIG fish ALIVE,
that pretty much explains all my "suaku" screaming in this video!

Looking at this video reminds me of my own childhood
and also beautiful memories of my dad....

I miss you daddy!

Serangoon NEX; KidzPlay, Water Play Park

This is certainly not the first time we've been to NEX,

but it is the first time I am blogging about it.....

I've got a love, hate relationship with this place!

I simply love the rooftop.

"Located on the rooftop of nex is SkyGarden, 

a fun-filled family hub incorporating a dog park and KidzPlay, 

a children's playground with dry and wet interactive play equipment. 

(Mainly WET really...)

K9 Park is Singapore's first ever dog park to be integrated within a mall."

-content extracted from nex official website

Great place for doggy and kids to have good fun...

However, the down side is there is not enough shaded benches....

It really beats me how designers would make something 

so aesthetically pleasing to the eyes 

but sucks donkey balls on practicality.

It offers little shade to the harsh sun.

And if the wind decides to blows in the wrong direction, 

be prepared to get a lil wet.

(Bring Your Own Umbrella! And make that a BIG one too! 

Otherwise change into Bikini apply tanning lotion. Great place to tan!

I guess that is the best advice I can offer as of now.....)

The washrooms are also miles away from KidzPlay.

*faceplam*

I have a strong feeling that the designers who worked on this project 

does not have kids.

 EPIC FAIL in DESIGN!

However, when I see the kids playing, laughing and screaming in joy,

I quickly forget about the surrounding harsh conditions....

It was really worth tanning for 2 hours when I see them having so much fun!

(Mental note to self: 

Next time round remember to bring 

Bikini, tanning lotion, beach chair, and a glass of yummy martini!)

As usual, Hiroshi is the more active one.

Running around, exploring and fast making new friends!

How could you not have sat around like an idiot
when you see that smile on his face?!?!?

And there was of course Sophia who prefers to stay dry.
Enjoying the finer things in life,
and tanning with mummy dear....

I swear we were 2 notch darker!
Great place to hang out,
just make sure you bring those
kick ass HUGE BEACH UMBRELLAS!

Sophia reads her 1st Chinese Story Book!

I am fortunate to have a very dedicated chinese teacher at the kids' school!

Sophia Spells her name at 3years 9months.....

You've never failed to amaze me day after day!

Stay Vacation; Swissotel

We were once again lucky enough to be able to stay downtown
in such an atas hotel because of Winnie.
*big fat happy grin*
Thanks Winnie!

Pretty awesome view out of level 43!!!

One of the many thing the kids were looking forward to.....

the amazing atas pool!

Sophia feeling happy,

because she feels safe with her life vest!!!

Sophia showing off her Red Hot Bikini

Star attraction no. 2 

The Bathtub

*rub-ba-dub-dub 2 kids in a tub*

Look at that hearty smile!
You know she's having a great time!

Hiroshi getting TOTALLY wet in Bugis Junction!

Sophia was just excited that we get to shop all day and night downtown!

We did our pilgrimage walk to MBS.
But, we didn't make the trip to see our good old friend; The Merlion
since he is under some sort of "upgrading"....
*thank god*

Once again,

Thank you Winnie!

We had a lot of fun having this perfect stay vacation!

My lil Charmer.....

Managed to trim Hiroshi's hair all my myself!

Feeling damn accomplished!

How to Survive in a Single Income Family living in Singapore.....

Honestly,

It's easier than you think it is.

But, like any other changes in life,

the 1st step is always the most difficult.

As long as you take the first stride and keep the faith,

all things are possible.

1. Make the decision as a Husband & Wife

2. Decides who stays and who brings home the bacon

Both roles are equally as demanding, 

so please do not ever think that one 

or the other party is having the easier role!

(I would suggest setting ego aside for this task.)

3. Sit down and draft out your monthly expenses.

Cut away luxury items & only spend wisely

4. NO maids.

(I really do not understand why people still need helper 

when they are FULL TIME Stay At Home Mum or Dad!)

5. Get passive income.

(a) stay in a big big house? rent out a room or 2

(b) Set up internet businesses

(c) Invest or Trade

(which I really would not suggest doing until you really know what you're doing)

6. Stick to the plan and Revise accordingly.

We did it.

I am sure you can too.

It's just a matter of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Are you willing to do that for your kids?

Just some food for thoughts.

STILL alive & kicking.....

I truly apologize  for the lack of updates on this blog.

A fair bit has happened in the last couple of months,

and I am still trying to cope with it,

and learn how to efficiently manage my time.

With all honesty,

I have been busy living my alter-ego lifestyle as

The Bimbo Investor.

~Stop dropping your jaws~

I am dead serious!

Now that I've told you what I've been up too, 

I would have to KILL you to silence you.

*big fat cheeky grin*

Nah nothing of that sort,
it only meant that I've decided to came out of the closet,
and put hung myself ON the line.
Now, I seriously got to do what ever it takes,
as long as it's moral, legal, and ethical!

Happy Valentine's Day

*smile*

Slipping Champagne and Whispering Sweet Nothings.....

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chinese New Year Celebration In School (Eco Kidd: Punggol)

I have always found it entertaining to watch my own kids perform upfront.

And I am not shy to admit, they did a great job!

Hiroshi's 1st Performance

Hiroshi's 2nd Performance

Sophia's 1st Performance

Sophia's Chinese New Year Greetings to Everyone

Chinese New Year 2011

Aunty Angelina got Sophia some disney apparels

She's in love with them!

Now she wants to wear her Rapunzel dress Monday thru Friday!

*slap forehead*

She's got Ariel too!

Aunty Angelina with Hiroshi

Thank you Aunty Angelina for all the thoughtful gifts!!!

This is to wishing everybody

恭喜发财, 万事如意

心想事成, 步步高升

and most importantly....

今年一定要年頭旺到年尾!

HUAT arr!