Library Hop #1 - Let's Hop to Bukit Merah Public Library

Mentioned earlier in my post 10 reasons we love visiting the library, today (last day of the year) I am going to blog about Bukit Merah Public Library and its recommended reads.

This medium size library (4,149 square metre) is located at 3779 Jalan Bukit Merah. It is a 3 storey stand alone library. It was the fourth full-time Branch Library built by the National Library in its decentralised plan to bring library services nearer to people's homes. It was opened on 28th December 1982. Then it was closed for 8 months from 28th June 2004 for major upgrading. Finally, reopened on 25 February 2005. 

The ground level contains Children's Collection, magazines, newspapers, Audio Visual materials, multimedia services, borrowing stations and an exhibition area. The second storey features the unique Comics Corner, a Quiet Reading Room , Adult and Young people Section, Reference Collection. On the uppermost level are the Radin Mas Lecture Hall and Swordfish Meeting Room, which are available for rental. (Note these 2 names are some what related to Bukit Merah)

Exhibition area

Christmassy ambience at the Recommended Reads Area 

As one of the first public libraries to offer audio-visual loan services with video and CD-ROM lending, the library has over 14,000 materials for the public. 

It is also one of the 2 libraries who currently loan iPads tablets for free to members of the library. The iPads are to provide users with access to the National Library Board's (NLB's) eResources on eBooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers, language resources, a music library and much more. Loaning the iPads comes with a compulsory 1 hour workshop to learn using the device. Registration is required before loaning. You can email to helpdesk@library.nlb.gov.sg or call their hotline at 6332 3255 for more details regarding the loan.  Of course, if you have your own smart phone, you can access the same resources as well.

I remember sourcing for references at this particular library during my schools days. (Those were the pre- renovation days) There were plenty of references in the Reference Collection (located at Level 3 then). I love studying and researching at the same time. Then, library was a very quiet place. I don't remember seeing any toddler books, not to mention baby books around. It is very much different, children are encouraged to go to the library. Of course, being toddler friendlier environment, you do not expect the library to be in absolute silent but to be considerate to others, parents or caregivers are to supervise their kids and keep volume as low as possible.

10 Reasons why we love visiting the libraries

1. Wide collections of books and you can borrow for free! 

You are allowed to borrowed 8 library items (including 3 audio-visual materials) with a basic membership. Of course, materials in the Reference section are not to be loaned out of the library. There are even reading corners in the library for you to browse the books. During the June and December school holidays, you may even double your loan!

2. Story telling session for kids 

These are free. Need I say more?

Note how far I sit away from the group . :P

3. Fun programmes for children and adults too!

Library can be quite a fun place for learning, both adults and kids alike. Check out their workshops and programmes. For adults, there are interesting workshop the pin hole photography , Pottery, even Beatboxing! Most sessions are free but registration is required. Otherwise, a minimal fee is applicable. You can check out on brochures in the library.

The Golden Apple

4. Movie Screening 

This is free too! How cool is that?

5. Surprises in Mystery Brown Bags

Clementi Public library is the first public library to offer this service. This is specially catered for working adults who wanted to read some books but have no time to browse in the library. You never know what you gonna get until you check the item out of the borrowing counter... heh... And a recent surprise I have got comes in the form of Christmas pressie in Bukit Merah Public Library. Cool!

I am going opening it soon!

6. Storytelling Kiosks 

These Kiosks are interactive. The children could choose to watch a animated story or to play with the interactive games.Currently, I know they are available at Clementi Public Library and Central Public library. Moms can rest for a while the little one interact with the kiosks.

7. Exhibits

The libraries we visited so far all have a mini exhibition area whereby they showcase art and crafts, heritage, etc.
Occasionally, they would showcase exhibitions as well. The Singapore Biennale 2013 chose The National Library Building for exhibition some of the artwork. Check them out! 

Cool display at the Book Display Area

8. Do research

Where is the best place to go for research besides the internet? The library, of course!

9. Anniversary Celebration 

It's a party complete with activities and workshops! We have yet to attend any but this sounds interesting! Check out the library brochure as well. 

10. Libraries with a Theme 

Green Learning @ My Tree House, first Green library for kids
Performing Arts @ The Esplanade Library
Chinese Arts & Culture @ the Chinatown library
Lifestyle, Applied Arts & Design theme @ the Orchard Library

Have I got you interested in visiting a library? If so, come library hop with me.
I would be introducing at least 1 library per month and also introducing recommended books which we think your children would enjoy! Stay Tune!

Christmas 2013

How are you celebrating your Christmas?

Going to visit an igloo?

Looking at Fancy Christmas Decoration?

Watching live performance?

Taking photo with Mascots?

Visit Sugar Mountain in Garden by the Bay?

Spotting reindeer?

Looking for the prettiest Christmas tree?

Visit Christmas Wonderland? 

Take a ride with Thomas ?

Touch the snow?

Writing to Santa?

Watching a wonderful Christmas musical?

Or the very tradition way of walking down Orchard Road?

Last but not least, getting presents for your loved ones.

source

Essential Eames: A Herman Miller Exhibition

I have been pondering how I should pen my thoughts. We have been to the exhibition during the National Day. It was a free admission courtesy of Marina Bay Sands to celebrate Singapore's 48th birthday. I am a green horn when it comes to designing physical stuff. This exhibition, I hope, would open my eyes to the world of designing. I embraced the free admission whole heartedly as I could bring little one to the exhibits without worrying too much whether it would be a waste of money if she finds the material too dry. 

If you think the exhibition is only about chairs and furnitures designed by the famous couple, Charles and Ray Eames, you are wrong! It also include original paintings by Ray Eames, photography, films, toy making, a special chair designed for Pope John Paul II, Eames house (Their very own architecture design) and interactive objects from the Eames Mathematica exhibition explaining complex Maths concept in simpler form. (Wish I have more time to read through but little one was running everywhere.) 

And was the kid bored? I think you know by now , she wasn't. She was running everywhere! This is because the exhibition was so colourful and interactive.

12 days of Christmas - The Forum Shopping Mall

Christmas is around the corner, I am sure most people will be going round shopping malls to get Christmas presents. Probably, you would see some live shows performance going on. I went to a couple of shows on purpose actually. I chose those my little one would enjoy.

Among all the shopping malls show I've picked, I enjoyed this most. Probably due to the reason I love that carol and Ballet is featured in this delightful musical including Christmas Carols such as "The little drummer boy", "All I want for Christmas is You" and of course, "The 12 days of Christmas". This performance does brings in the spirit of  Christmas especially when the song "When you wish upon a star" (Not a Christmas song I know but it fits so perfectly in the show) and "The 12 days of Christmas" were played.

The Musical starts off with 2 Elves playing with bubbles. Little One's attention was caught immediately.

Bubbles when the princess come in.

The Golden Apple (Positive Values to instil your kids with)

I had been disappeared for about half a year due to very hectic work life and could not really find a work life balance. Yes, finally I threw in the towel especially after knowing my kid's childcare is going to increase school fee. I have decided to be a SAHM again. Yeah!!! 

This month is the month of giving. There are a lot of activities going on to bring kids around. Besides, live shows in Shopping Malls, Children's Performances at various Theatres, I brought my girl to an 1 hour programme in Queenstown Library. The Golden Apple (Chinese Drama Performance for kids 4-12 years old.) This is highly recommended.

Our 1st Trip to Univeral Studio Singapore

Hubby planned for this before his Reservist is due. We tried almost all the rides. 
Recommended Transformers : The Ultimate 3D Battle, Jurassic Park Rapid Adventures.
Enjoy Action Packed movie? Watch Lights, Camera, Action! and Water World. Thanks to our family members, making this trip possible! =)

Daze without Hubby- Day 14 - Helping out day!

Little one has been rather good recently. She has been trying to help out in the house.

She keeps her toys when I asked her to. I am trying to encourage her to do so automatically but I think that will take a bit more time.

Daze without Hubby- Day 13- Papa called Home!

Little one has been missing Daddy too. Hence, I've got Daddy to call back home. Look at her happy face chatting with Daddy.

Daze without Hubby- Day 12- Pizza day

It was a last minute decision.

We went to Jack's Place for pizza.

Thin Crust Pizza

Apple pie with ice cream

Daze without Hubby - Day 11 - Missing him day

A little note to my Darling...

___________________________________________________________________________________

Darling, I have been missing you...I know it is still a week plus to go and I know you have been missing me.

A home without you is not very much the same. Everyday, I kept worrying about going off work on time because I had no one else to rely on. The house is... err... slightly messier than before. It is really hard to cope single-handedly our daily needed routine, doing chores, spending time with little one and educating her. After dinner and bathing, the time left is only 0.5 -1.5hr. Hence, I put priority spending time with her and the rest just take a back seat. However, little one has been helping out tidying the house. Although it's still not neat enough but she is learning. 

Recently, her favorite food had been soft boiled eggs. She had been requesting that so frequently that I lost count how many exactly she has eaten this week! Her teacher praised her for being more talkative. She was so quiet before.

As for me, I have been turning into she-hulk more frequently as little one can be quite stubborn and would not admit that she is wrong (although I have tried to explain , then ignore her tantrum-throwing, whatever tactics that was mentioned in the web) It is only the cane works. Although it is very much against my will, I have to use it to threaten her. I felt very much like my mama in her younger days. So this is probably retribution? heheh...

Yes, Darling, I will be waiting here for your safe return. Let's do continue to Wadsapp and send photos from that media.

See you soon!

Daze without Hubby - Day 10 - Old school day

We have been playing old school games today. Remember paper dolls? We are playing with sticker dolls instead.
They works almost the same way. We get to change clothes every time but you get to stick them everywhere! Probably help my girl develop a fashion sense!

We also played with plane chess game, a very old school game. whereby the first player to get all his/her planes (total 4 no) home, is the winner of the game.

I love love particularly to play with this. Not just that it makes me remember the good old times, it also help my girl to learn.

She learns to:-

-count , be it the number of steps or the number on the dice, 

-basic rules of board game,

-take turns

Best of all, she learns to enjoy board game!

Pardon the poor quality of the photo. My handphone camera just could not take good photo in dim lighting.

Daze without Hubby - Day 9 - Dining out again

Little one says she wants to eat fish and had requested Fish and Co.
So after work, we went to Clementi Mall to dine.

Love the chalk art

They have Kids Menu and I encourage little girl to play with the crossword puzzle. She is to name the pictures and write out the words herself while I spelt out the name.

Our dinner

Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti 

Daze without Hubby - Day 8 - Special request from Little one of course!

After a day's work, little one told me she wants to eat instant noodle. When we reached home, it was already 7.30pm. As I do not want our dinner to be entirely instant food, I prepared fresh ingredients.
Adding in the minced pork first, then corn and xiao bai cai last. Meanwhile, little one also request for hard boiled egg which I used a second pot to prepare the food.

Daze without Hubby - Day 7 - Rest Day

Thanks to Wadsapp, my hubby and I have been communicating without burning a big hole in our pocket. With advanced technology, communications had been made easier. He said he had bought a hello kitty toothbrush and mug for her. :)

I shall blog less since it was suppose to be a rest day. In the evening, I brought her over to Xin Wang for dinner. We ordered simple ham and toast for her. She had quite an appetite and could almost finished the whole plate, except for a piece of ham and a piece of bread!

Daze without Hubby - Day 6 - The trip

I sort of plan this trip with little one. I had told her before that we can only go Clementi Mall during the day because we have so much to do there.
We went there after our nap and had a late lunch at The Soup Restaurant.

I was happy to say little one finished her good, completely clear everything from her plate.

Prior to this, I had difficulty getting her to agree to eat lunch first before going to the playground. She had such a meltdown, I had to walked away threatening that we were to go home straight away if she was not to listen to me.

After our lunch, we went to the public library for a rest. After which, we headed to the playground for her to play.

This is her favorite part in the playground. This was taken sometime ago. I did not take any photo on that day. 

She enjoyed herself very much and was very happy. I was happy as well. At least this was a break from our mundane life.

Daze without Hubby - Day 5 - Tabao

After a tired day at work and my nose started running, I did not feel like cooking.  So I thought having takeaways (Tabao) instead. How do I convince the little one?

Initially, little one was still very insistent about going to Clementi Mall. I knew why she kept mentioning that place because it has an indoor playground which she enjoyed quite a lot.

Soon, there were insects flying around again and she asked why these creatures were out. I told her that these insects like to come out at night and tried persuading her not to go Clementi Mall because it was too late.

We Tabao Wanton noodles from the nearby stall which only opens at night. My hubby misses this stall. Then we bought some tau sar pau (little one's favorite steam red bean buns) and headed home.

We ended sleeping at 10pm +, almost the same time as the day before. I prefer to have takeaways at home because there is no washing ups to do and I can get my household chores done.

Daze without Hubby - Day 4 - Her insistence

Fetching the little girl from school on Day 4

So, after crying for 30 minutes or so, she still refused to bulge. In the end, we went to Star Vista not because she gave in but because she did not like to stay there any more as there were insects flying all around. There again, she had her favorite soft boiled eggs .

When you have little kids who are so insistent, what would you do?

Daze without hubby - Day 3 - Off Day

The first 2 days, I have not really tested how exactly it would be like when I had to juggle work and home single-handedly, without any help from any where.

On Day 3, likewise, I have yet to get back to work. Reason being I ran a fever last evening and my boss advised me not to go to work. I had this nagging headache that refused to go off. I had to force myself to nap. Finally, when I did, I nap for almost 4 hours!

It was time to fetch little one again. I told her I would be cooking instant noodles so I served her fruits first.

Fruits before dinner

Then, I finished up all the household chores before proceeding to make our dinner- Koka Purple Wheat Noodles with egg and XiaoBai Cai. This time she finished her dinner and she said it is very nice. I have not made instant noodles for her and probably she find this refreshing?

We finally settled down 10 + pm and yes, she did asked for DVD again this evening. I told her firmly that she could not watch unless she would agree that she should stop watching when I asked her to. She agreed without throwing any tantrums and I have no difficulty getting her to bathe. It seemed like everything is going on smoothly with this method. I shall use it again.

Daze without hubby - Day 2 - The Road to Recovery

Little girl woke up late despite she slept early last night. Again, having to deal with her " I don't want to go to school" tantrums, finally she settled and agreed to go to school. She had half boiled eggs for breakfast and my appetite resumed. There was no fever.

After sending her off to school, I did 3 rounds of laundry and made my own lunch. I did not feel like sleeping though my head hurts. Soon it was evening and I had to rush to fetch my girl.

After fetching her, I realised I was running a fever again! Despite the illness, I still have to use magic clean to clean up the floor. Yesterday, I did not clean my home because of the high fever. I made dinner, a simple multi-grain porridge and did 1 more round of laundry. Unfortunately, my girl did not like the food and request for cereal. By the time, I have completed everything, it was 9+ pm. My girl refuses to go to sleep as she wanted to continue watching DVD. Hence, I told her, I am going to ban DVD on weekdays since she does not cooperate. When she finally sleeps, I realised I am having insomnia.

What do you do when your little kid throws tantrum? Would you have react the same way as I did?

Daze without hubby - Day 1 - Feverish day

My hubby went for reservist for 3 weeks. . He is my soul mate for pouring all the woes regarding baby and work. :P He helps me out with household chores. I cannot imagine life without him.

My hubby was running a high fever the day before his flight was due. I was seriously worried. Can he really go on for training like that? He went any way since his fever had subsided.

On the first night without him, I couldn't really sleep well. Something keep bugging me to look at my phone. I saw his message, he was going to board the plane soon. Still worried that he had not fully recovered, I wads-app him to take care. After that, I try to go back to sleep.

The next morning, after coaxing my reluctant daughter to go to school, I went to work. On board the MRT, I felt chills, I had the feeling, I may be falling sick! True enough, when I reached office, I felt chills again. My throat and head felt very warm. I felt a nagging headache whenever I cough. I applied for sick leave and headed home to sleep. My temperature was 38.5C. After sleeping, my temperature rose further to 39.8C.
As it was mid afternoon, I went to the polyclinic to get diagnosed. After doctor's prescription, I went home. I have got 2 days MC.

Feeling sick, I went to fetch my daughter from school. I was supposed to make dinner but I guess I could not do anything nice with such ill health. In the end, we bought dinner back. I truly had no appetite for food, after a few mouthful, I could not eat any more.

I bathe my girl early despite her complain that she did not get to watch any DVD. After which we went to bed early and ended the day.

I did not expect that I would have fallen ill on the first day of his absence. Who would, anyway?

Long time no see!

It has been quite sometime since I last blog. I have been busy with work, family commitments, outings ( I don't even have the time to blog on those yet!)

Anyway, it has been a good snake year, the fact is, the above are just excuses, I am eating snake (lazy)!
Soon, I will start to blog again. Tune in.

Little house of dreams

I had been wanting to go to this little bakery for tea. Look at their facebook page. With such tempting desserts, wouldn't you wanna give it a try? ~wink~

When I first pass by during lunch time, the shop seemed empty, no one was dining in. I am pretty shy. If I see not much people in the cafe, I probably will not step in. However, on several occasions, I see it prettily decorated as if there was soon to be a function there. Strange place it seem not much of a crowd and I never pick up my courage to enter the shop. Until one day, I brought my little fellow along and she saw the fake rainbow cake on the display window. Below is not the exact display we saw. It was only 1 slice of the cake.

Credit: Little House of Dreams

What wonderful colours, so tempting to be eaten. My little one fell in love with it and wanted to eat it. So in we go, together with my hubby.

Star Vista, here we go again!

We had visited Star Vista for the nth time because it is the closest shopping centre to my home. Usually, we visit during the weekends to dine.

Star Vista ( Nightview)

One day we went for breakfast, as Ah Kun was quite crowded, we dropped by the nearest bakery at the same level, i-Bake.

Outside i Bake

Rehab, Home for new year and Part time maid

This is a late post but Yeah! My mom will be  is home for Chinese New Year! I guess this is very important for her. I guess typically elderly will not want to spend their new year in hospital. Regarding why my mom was admitted, you can read here.

My mom has been home for half a month in my brother's care. Now that he returns to work, I take over before the maid arrives.

Happenings prior to home coming- at the rehabilation centre

Did I mentioned my mom was in the rehabilitation centre prior to coming home? Talking about it, I am still angry. It was a bad experience dealing with a particular social worker there. Whilst we understand and respect the hospital policy that no patient is to stay there for more than a month if he/ she is not critically ill and is substantial enough to take care of herself if she has a care taker at home. We have problems looking for relatives or neighbours to take care of my mom while she is at home. We (the 3 of us) have no choice but to take leave to take care of her. My sister has only 7 annual leave, even taking leave on Saturday is considered as one day leave and I just started work so my leave was all prorated. What was worst was that my brother was due for reservist! So that will mean my mom would be totally alone certain days. We were told the maid will be here early February, provided she passed the medical examinations. We will all very lost, what if the maid is not able to arrive. We talked to the social worker and request her help to write a letter to NS that he would like to defer. The reply we get was surely we could get someone to take care of her when we are not available. (Hello! If we can get someone to take care of her, we would not need to take   our precious leave, isn't it?) Then she also said, don't play play with NS, there were 3 of you, surely the sisters could take care of my mom when my brother goes NS. (fuming mad!) Come on lah... what if the my sis or I falls sick? That would mean one of us would have to take unpaid leave should that happened because our combined leave are already not enough! If my brother is exempted from the reservist, it will be best ,at least, we are sure there is some one to take care of my mom should my sister and I could not make it. 

Life is so unpredictable. The social worker fell sick and the other social worker took over her job was so much more helpful. We got the letter and my brother was exempted from reservist to take care of my mom. 

Part time maid

So now I am part time maid, helping out around the house.

As for my mother's health, it is not that good. Her feet will swell when she walked too long. This photo was taken a few days ago. Now the swelling is almost gone. She refuses to go to the hospital for check up. Sigh!

Probably we would get her compression stocking. Can't really think of what else to do now. Hope everything is gonna be alright in the coming new year!

Enrichment for Childcare Centre? To opt or not to opt?

Little one was promoted to N2 this year. After receiving a book list from the childcare, we received yet another letter for enrichment course. Fortunately, it is not compulsory. Being just started work only a couple of months ago and that having to spend quite a sum of money employing a new maid for our mother, I can say that I am financially drained once again. Hence, never really wanted to send my kid for the enrichment courses although the courses are conducted by good schools, such as Julia Gabriel, which I am very much interested in.

However, upon attending the teacher conference session, I couldn't help feeling a little stressed up when I heard a couple of the parents wanted to send their kids to the enrichment course. I can't help but feel if I were not to sign little one up, will she lose out in the end?

After returning to home and discussing with hubby, in the end, we decided not to send because we believe in she would excel better this way. Since the enrichment course will be conducted during normal childcare lesson time, we find that it is better for her to be reinforced the same school lesson over and over again until she remembers rather than to send her different courses and risk having her not remembering anything at all.

We have made our decision and decided to go against the flow. I guess there is no right or wrong answer at this point of time. She is still so young! So long the child is enjoying her childhood, that is what matters most!

Who are these Stars of yesteryear?

Happened to chance upon this set of photo when I brought my girl out for early breakfast

 Any idea who they are? Please leave a comment.