A First with Canon

April 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Event Sponsored by Canon Singapore

I lost my scrapart virginity to Canon, when they held a ‘Connecting with Canon’ event at EatPlayLove Cafe specially for the mommies and their children (I went alone though :P). And it was awesome!

As usual, I was the ‘class clown’, with more than one funny incident to ice break. Haha!

The very first incident happened when I just arrived.

There was one available parking and it was a parallel lot. I’m okay with parking parallel, if the lot is on the left. But this was on the right! I totally blanked out! I have never parked parallel on the right ever since I got my driver’s license cos the parallel lots at my mom’s place are all on the left. Thankfully, Cherie came to my rescue! Crisis averted! Phew! Time for me to go practice somewhere!

By the time I entered the cafe, everyone knew I had problems parallel parking, and some even came forward to tell me it’s ok, cos they aren’t very fantastic either. Hehe. It was a good ice breaker for sure!


Made it in time for Sin Yee’s introduction of the new products by Canon Singapore

After which, the mommies took turns to have a go with the Canon Selphy CP910, while I ate, and ate, and ate. Hehe. When the coast was close to clear, I went to get my photos printed!

The ease of using the printer was so awesome! And I could connect via WiFi and print from my mobile! I didn’t fully explore the printer that evening because it wasn’t long before another funny incident happened.

You see, while I was printing, everyone was putting together their own scrapart of awesomeness on canvas. I was still printing when someone announced that we were only left with 30 minutes till we have to wrap up! I panicked! Everyone looked at me cos I was still standing at the printer, waiting for my photos to be done. And I was the only one who have yet to start!

I then asked specifically for a square canvas, cos I’ve only ever done up photo collages on my mobile for Instagram posting. And with less space to fill, it should be done faster, right? Haha! That got quite a number of them laughing cos I actually said all that out loud. Haha!

So when my photos were done, I quickly made my way to the art and crafts table, and everyone very graciously made space for me, handing me everything I might need to do up my canvas. Susan, one of the experts in scrapart, helped me by sorting out the photos to use, saying it’s easier when there’s a theme (either occasion or colour). Thank you, everyone!

With all the help rendered and my policy of “anyhow paste will still look nice, cos it’s scrapbooking, right?” at that time, I managed to complete my art work before they started clearing! Yay!


Posing with my canvas proudly :D


Together with Irene, Cherie, and Estella :D

The only thing I was left to do was glaze the canvas with glue. I didn’t have the time to do it on the spot cos it won’t dry in time. And the very kind people at EatPlayLove Cafe packed a little tub of art glue and gave me one of the brushes for it! Thank you, thank you! I really appreciate it!

I came home and showed it to the husband. He said it was beautiful and that it should be displayed! Hehe. He also suggested protecting it further by wrapping it with clear plastic wrap. And my very first piece of scrapart on canvas has been standing proudly in the living room for all to see ever since! :D

Disclaimer: I was invited by Canon Singapore to test out their latest photo printer (and to do scrapart on canvas!) and some of the newly launched cameras, but I only got to use the printer cos, well, read above. Haha! Other than having all scrapart materials provided, I receive no other compensation and opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Nakayla’s First Swim Class

April 11, 2014 by 2 Comments

About two weekends back, Nakayla joined Blake in the swimming pool for her first swim class. Her class was just before Blake’s which meant only more water play time for the boy, which made him super happy. Haha!

Before we left home, I asked Blake if he thought Nakayla would cry on her first lesson. He just replied a simple, “No!” He did give a longer speech the following week, though. Haha!

So how did Nakayla fare in her first swim class? Well, there were a lot of crying, especially when she sees me on the sides taking photos. Haha.


My dad easing Nakayla into the pool with all the toys


She was both cold and scared


Cue the cries, when she spotted me


Then she got a little too close to the water for comfort


But she did pretty good, able to keep her legs straight and do some kicking!

Nakayla’s first swimming class was completely unlike Blake’s. Main reason being, Blake was about 3 years old and totally into swimming by then, and baby girl started just after she turned 16 months old! At 16 months old, Blake also just started on his journey to overcome his fear of swimming pools! Hehe. So, give and take, in about 2 months time, I think Nakayla will be super happy to go for swimming classes!

Filed Under: nakayla's second year, swimming

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Singapore!

April 7, 2014 by 2 Comments

Sponsored Tasting Session by Menchie’s Singapore

If it hasn’t been obvious enough, here’s me declaring it – I’m a HUGE dessert fan. I don’t need appetizers or mains for meals. But I really need desserts. I happily had ice cream buffet twice for lunch in a week once, but didn’t manage to continue cos no one will go with me. Hehe.

So when I got an invitation to visit Menchie’s Singapore for a delightful evening with my family and friends, the answer is an absolute ‘Yes!’


With my baby girl, Nakayla, and the huge selection of flavors behind us. Over 90 flavors on rotation!


I love how it’s self-serve (but you can ask for help!) cos I’ve always liked filling up my own ice cream cup


And I can determine how much rainbow sprinkles I want! Hehe!


Just throwing in some of my favourites – Longan and Nata de Coco


My yums – Tutti Frutti Sorbet mixed with Peach Sorbet and Red Velvet Cake topped with Rainbow Sprinkles, Longan, Nata de Coco and Mini Oreos

I absolutely LOVE Tutti Frutti Sorbet! I can still remember the refreshing tropical taste! Yums! Based on what I remember, it’s a blend of a few fruit flavors, of which I only remember pineapple and coconut. Haha. It’s crazy delicious!

Besides Sean and the children, I had also brought my younger sister, Sonia, along cos she’s a huge fan of frozen yogurt. She fell instantly in love with the flavor, Peanut Butter, and filled her entire cup with just that. I have shots of her rapturous face at first taste of Peanut Butter, but I’ll be nice and, you know, not put it up. Haha! But honestly, her expression was so epic that the staff were just so amused! Menchie’s, your frozen yogurt is just too orgasmic! Hehe.

Speaking of the staff… They are a great bunch of cheerful people! They constantly have a smile on their face, and are always more than ready to assist. Super friendly! Thumbs up!

Sean and Blake joined us a little later, and I could tell that the boy was really excited to be in Menchie’s. The bright and colourful shop, filled with Menchie’s own cartoon characters, makes everything look super happy and fun. Very enticing for any child, that’s for sure!


Blake found it funny when the ice cream came out of the machine. Hehe!


And he had a lot of fun watching it swirl into his cup!


“Only rainbow, mommy! Only rainbow!”


That’s a big cup for a small boy!

Blake had Cookie & Cream (I like this too!) and Caramel, topped with rainbow sprinkles. He was so spoiled for choice that he didn’t know what to choose, so the husband and I picked out the flavors for him instead, and he loves them! Hehe. My baby has a sweet tooth, just like mommy! :D

Remember when I said earlier that it was a delightful evening with family and friends? Well, Irene and her family were with us too! We had the entire party room to ourselves! Hehe.


With Irene


There were also props for us to take photos with!

I had such a great time that evening that we stayed till almost closing before leaving. It’s a really great place to go and just relax with friends. I must return for more Tutti Frutti Sorbet soon!


Thanks for having us, Menchie’s!

Oh yes… You can catch Menchie’s mascot every Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

And now, for the best part!


GIVEAWAY ALERT

The very awesome people over at Menchie’s Singapore is giving away $30 worth of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt each to 3 lucky families! Yay!

To enter this giveaway and win yourself $30 worth of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, simply follow the steps below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Update: Congratulations to our winners!

Sorry, I have no idea how to display the winners in the newly upgraded Rafflecopter widget, so I screen shot the winners instead :P

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Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Vivo City
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-113/114
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9323
Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm

Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
1. Open to all living in Singapore
2. Giveaway ends at 2359 hours (that’s 11:59PM) of 13 April 2014 (Singapore time)
3. Incomplete entries will automatically be disqualified without notice
4. Three (3) winners will be randomly picked and announced on my Facebook Page by 14 April 2014, Monday
5. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook
6. Confirmation emails will be sent to the winners
7. Winners to present confirmation email at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt to enjoy the giveaway
8. The giveaway is valid for $30 worth of frozen yogurt. Any additional cost incurred will be borne by the guest
9. Winners can enjoy the giveaway from 1st May 2014 – 30th June 2014

Disclaimer: We were invited to a frozen yogurt tasting session at Menchie’s Singapore for the purpose of this review. No additional compensation was given. All opinions reflected in this post are my own :)

Filed Under: blake and nakayla, contests and giveaways, family photo, product review

Conversations with Blake #1

April 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Inspired by Cherie’s documentation of conversations with her son, Jerry, I thought it’d be fun to jot down some of the things Blake says too! Hehe.

Last week, Nakayla had her first swimming class (will blog about that soon), and she spent most of it in tears.

This week, when I was getting the children ready for their swimming class…

Me: Blake, will Nakayla cry during swimming class today?

-Silence-

Me: I think she will cry, like last week.

Blake: No, mommy, no! Nakayla is happy! No crying, ok! Nakayla is happy!

Turns out, Nakayla cried a lot less this week! :D

Filed Under: blake and nakayla, blake's fourth year, conversations with blake, nakayla's second year, photos taken with xperia z1, super proud mama, swimming

Timeout Thursday: Old School Memories Before I was a Mother…

April 3, 2014 by 4 Comments

Linking up with Gingerbread Mum’s Old School Memories Linky

… I was once a young child driving my parents nuts too.

And today’s Timeout Thursday is specially dedicated to those years where I was being the pain in my parents’ neck. Hehe. Something I’ll soon be going through myself in time to come.

The reason behind this post that dropped out of nowhere?

Well, Gingerbread Mum, Adora, said something to the tune of, “Let’s talk old school!” Haha. So I went rummaging through old photos to dig out as many as I can. Friends who are reading this, please don’t be too horrified by the photos I dug up and put on this post. I made sure to keep the unglam shots away. Haha!

Let’s start from as young as pre-school…


I was a St. Hilda’s kid!

The pre-school years are pretty much a blur, but I remember we used to walk pass our former president’s, S R Nathan, home to get to school and sometimes, we’ll see him in his super relax home gear of singlet and sarong, watering his plants in the garden.

I also remember picking up a $10 note (that’s like $1000 for a pre-schooler!) and my grandpa saying that I can use the money to buy one ice cream home. Hehe.

I also remember I had my first boy-crush then. I only remember his first name – Andrew – and that he was as pale as Edward Cullen. Haha!

I also remember that the set of white and yellow clothes I wore to perform were my favourite clothes until I outgrew it.

Then I entered primary school, only to wear the uniform for the next 11 years (with changes in between of cos!).


Can you spot me?


Only the best teacher I’ve ever had! Mrs Singh! She’s still teaching in the school!

Primary school was fun. There were tons of freaky ghost stories being told, and I remember being very, very afraid to enter the basement level of the school, especially the toilets there! Anyone remember the ‘ballerina’? It still gives me the creeps, to be honest. Yikes!

My results back then were also pretty ‘amazing’. I scored scored ‘Band 1′ for all my subjects in primary 1, ‘Band 2′ for my all my subjects in primary 2, ‘Band 3′ for all my subjects in primary 3… You get the drift? Oh, and I remember scoring 0/10 for my first spelling test too. Haha! Needless to say, I wasn’t the most academically inclined person back then.

I was more into sports. I was a P.E. monitor, and I could do crazy high jumps in a game of zero-point (think jump at waist level without touching and more than one hand length above head high) and jumping to box number 6, landing on one foot, in a game of hop scotch… Sadly, I can’t do any of these amazing feats anymore. Now I ponder and wonder how in the world I managed to do all that!

I was also always the catcher in the game of catch cos I think no one else wanted to be, and I was told it was hard to catch me. And I love a good game of dog-and-bone. My favourite numbers to be were 2 and 3. Hehe. Oh gosh! I could go on and on!

I took part in tons of races and competitions (running and skipping mainly) and could pull off crazy stunts (triple-under, anyone?), but I never really settled on a particular CCA, until primary 6 when I found netball. A game of inter-class sealed the deal for me.

And so in secondary school, I joined the team – no photos of the whole netball period though. No crazy instagram-ing of everything that’s happening back then. And most parents just drop us off for our games, so there’s no one to take photos for us. Haha! I’m sure we have a team photo in the year books, but erm… I didn’t keep my year books. Haha!


The very last day I spent with friends from my original year


Racial Harmony Day


Prepping for one of the school events, where we made and sold pizzas!


I just realized we got photobombed here. Haha!

Secondary school was a bittersweet period for me. Some of the memories from which I try to block out. I won’t go too much into this period because while the first two years were awesome, what followed the years after were kind of painful for me.

What I will say is, I had tons of fun times with my friends – performing, being part of the many events we had (anyone remember Pebble Pang? I think I still have one of the pebbles at my mom’s!), hanging out at Parkway Parade, and playing netball. I especially love netball carnivals, where we will play from 7am – 7pm on a Saturday. Hehe. That’s one day I totally live on just sprite and pure endorphins. Hehe!

Oh, I just have to include this one particular incident that happened during our secondary one orientation camp. The camp that ended all camps in the school compound, I believe. Haha!

The police were called in close to midnight cos the people living in the neighbourhood called to complain that we were too noisy. Haha! That was my very first brush with the law. Not that there were any after, except a parking fine many years later. I was quite the goody-two-shoes.


I got retained in secondary 3, and these ladies gladly welcomed me into their cliques, making the transition a little easier :)


Just some of the best achievements I’ve ever gotten in my 11 years dressed in blue. The rest went out the window (figuratively speaking, of cos!).

Outside of school, the years through primary and secondary school, one other thing was a constant for me throughout. Drama.


It started out at Sister’s house


Then we all shifted when the Sisters moved back to their home country


The final drama gang :)

I’m thankful for some of the events that unfolded during these years, cos one thing I know for sure is, if I hadn’t gotten retained, I wouldn’t have been part of the New Media Pioneers at Republic Polytechnic. And I wouldn’t have gone to Murdoch University the year that I did and met my BFF, Nicole.

And I just realize something, from pre-school up till the day I stopped wearing uniforms, I was always in blue and white!

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* * *

There is only one rule for Timeout Thursday, and that is,
STRCITLY NO KIDS ALLOWED!
This linky is all about indulging us, the parents!

Grab the code below, link up back here with your post URL, and it’s all good to go!
Linky party will be open for 3 weeks from the first Thursday of every month.
For more details, please read my first Timeout Thursday post

Amazingly Still

Filed Under: linky post, photos, school, timeout thursday, trip down memory lane
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