When my confinement lady went back after 5 weeks and I took over the total caring for Ian, I started chatting to him about everything, something which is encouraged by the "experts". When Ian was 2-3 months old, I elevated the chatting to reading, not those one word per page type of cloth book, but actual storybooks that has a simple narrative and a value I agree with. I just held the simple belief that is not supported by any "experts" that my son would understand.
This initiative sent me to the bookshops frequently to look for worthy books. I have always been careful about books - I believe reading has the power to influence one's thinking. I once threw away a new novel that I had finished reading because I found the theme to be blasphemous. I would rather throw it away than give the poison to someone else. So yes, I take an extreme side to reading material.
I have some finds along the way and these are some sharings:
1. Page One bookshop, at Vivocity
This place - particularly the children's section - is a new discovery for me. I was searching for some presents and was stuck there for an hour because there's so much variety! I was carrying a heavy and asleep Ian in my sarong so I couldn't bend to rummage as much as I want, but suffice to say I found something for almost all the kids on my list. There's a whole cabinet of Dr Seuss, half a cabinet of Eric Carle (of The Hungry Caterpillar), some nicely presented displays that has books and activity sets, alot more collection of Famous Five series. Save for Kinokuniya, whose kids' section I haven't explored, Page One has the most extensive collection by far. There is also a quiet corner for kids to sit and read, that is not as crowded as Borders'. This place, top of my list of bookshops.
2. Dr Seuss collection
I never really remembered reading Dr Seuss when I was a child, although I do remember strange titles like Green Eggs and Ham. It was only when I did my mummy shopping that I found the range of Dr Seuss books in Borders. True, some are quite commercialised, like their mini board-flap books edited for babies (which Ian loves). The beauty of Dr Seuss I find is the out of this world stories being told in rhyme. I believe having this combination makes the language fun, thereby helping the child enjoy the reading as well.
I have about 5 Dr Seuss' collection of books, ranging from the simple flap ones to the actual stories. The latter I had read to Ian before, but he will only stay with me if he's in the reading mood. Will wait till he's much older before I get him to tongue-twist with me.
3. Emily Lim the author
She is one author I stumbled upon in my first search for good books. I wanted to give local authors a chance and I remember after reading the first one, I wanted to get ALL the children's books by her. She has a few titles:
i. Prince Bear & Pauper Bear,
ii. Bunny Finds the Right Stuff,
iii. Just Teddy,
iv. The Tale of Rusty Horse.
i and ii are top of my list of great children's books. The tone of the stories are innocent and direct, yet not frivolous even as the themes of friendship, belonging, faithfulness and love are played out by its characters. Emily herself is one special person, as you would find out....
4. Obama's children's book: Of Thee I Sing
I'm not a fan, really. But his book is actually a letter to his daughters that is supposed to be the most important things he wants them to know. Something along the lines of The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. The illustrations are excellent, and I like the way he preaches about diversity, which I think is as important to America as it is to multi-racial Singapore, and for that matter, to every human being since we are different in our own ways. Plus the name-dropping will pique the child's interest to know more. And who wouldn't want your child asking about Albert Einstein or Martin Luther King, Jr?
I will be visiting Kinokuniya, will return for a review on them.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Team Head signing off
This was an email I sent to my team earlier....now posted here for my own future recollection....
Hi dear team,
With CK coming on board in 2011, I will now bid my farewell as your Team Head, though I'll still be around as your Cross-Border partner, on the 8th floor.
I am not known to be politically correct or fake, so here's my personal heartfelt thoughts and thanks....
Some of you think I can't wait to move on, but some of you know I'll be sad.
Being a Team Head doesn't come naturally for me, I had my own journey to come to this place, and I had lots of help. Which is why I want to thank you all for being such a great team. Thanks for sticking together for 2010, for accepting me as I am (yes I know sometimes you have no choice but still) and accepting one another as a team. Partly because of you, I finally enjoy being a manager and by the way, I am veyr proud of being your Team Head. :] If you can't tell by now.
As always, special thanks to Jeffrey, for stepping up, for being there. Looking back, we've been through a lot and glad to say our differences have served us well. You are great! I truly hope you find personal as well as career success.
And Shirley, Michelle, Jovie and Fen, 1 year ++ is not short, thanks for being real with me and providing some sanity with you girly company, to the sometimes lonely leadership role that I am in.
And for all of you, I appreciate you for who you are. The extremities of our work have accelerated the quality of our relationship and I do hope we stay in touch. :) I believe things happen for a reason, and in this case my interactions with you have made me a better manager each time.
Last but not least, I sincerely wish each one of you happiness and good success, the kind that not just money will bring.
2010 holds many good memories for me, and with that, I am looking forward to 2011 with the new giants to conquer. May it be that way for you too!
Have a blessed Christmas and a fruitful 2011. See ya around (& on FB)...
God bless!
* No more huddles for remaining week
Hi dear team,
With CK coming on board in 2011, I will now bid my farewell as your Team Head, though I'll still be around as your Cross-Border partner, on the 8th floor.
I am not known to be politically correct or fake, so here's my personal heartfelt thoughts and thanks....
Some of you think I can't wait to move on, but some of you know I'll be sad.
Being a Team Head doesn't come naturally for me, I had my own journey to come to this place, and I had lots of help. Which is why I want to thank you all for being such a great team. Thanks for sticking together for 2010, for accepting me as I am (yes I know sometimes you have no choice but still) and accepting one another as a team. Partly because of you, I finally enjoy being a manager and by the way, I am veyr proud of being your Team Head. :] If you can't tell by now.
As always, special thanks to Jeffrey, for stepping up, for being there. Looking back, we've been through a lot and glad to say our differences have served us well. You are great! I truly hope you find personal as well as career success.
And Shirley, Michelle, Jovie and Fen, 1 year ++ is not short, thanks for being real with me and providing some sanity with you girly company, to the sometimes lonely leadership role that I am in.
And for all of you, I appreciate you for who you are. The extremities of our work have accelerated the quality of our relationship and I do hope we stay in touch. :) I believe things happen for a reason, and in this case my interactions with you have made me a better manager each time.
Last but not least, I sincerely wish each one of you happiness and good success, the kind that not just money will bring.
2010 holds many good memories for me, and with that, I am looking forward to 2011 with the new giants to conquer. May it be that way for you too!
Have a blessed Christmas and a fruitful 2011. See ya around (& on FB)...
God bless!
* No more huddles for remaining week
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Eating with Baby
I'm one of those mummies who like to be as prepared as can be. When I go out with Baby, I bring - not those pretty Kate Spade diaper bags - but the largest Allerhand sling you can find right now, which I call "The Box". This box is so that I can stuff Baby's spare change of clothes, biscuits, water, diapers, assortment of toys, nappies and hankies. Not to mention his food, which has to come in its Foogo thermos and BPA free cutlery, and a 2nd serving that comes with its seperate feeding container and cutlery. Of course, having this Box means I also need a helper to carry my bag, diaper bag, and of course the Baby. I have good help from my hubby and my helper. And my Peg Perego Pliko P3 that is very very hardy and sturdy.
So, when it comes to eating out with Baby, imagine the logistics involved in setting up the chair and wiping what i imagine to be trillions of germs and bacteria away with just 1 handy wet wipe. Then unpacking his array of feeding equipment & food. Then managing a feed myself left and feed Baby right kind of juggling routine, while trying to ensure he's entertained and not reaching the coffee at our corner or the knife for my pork chop. Very often, this routine also includes asking the eating place for hot water.
So after months of practicing at this, hubby and I are quite adept and have evolved into a smooth operation. We know what entertains him (menus and things he can bang the table with), where he should face (anywhere with older children or dogs), and we play tag team. We are refraining from bringing out the portable DVD player, Baby's doing well so far.
We have also settled on a few favourite places to eat at. Where the wet wipe doesn't show black oily stains on the table, where service staff are helpful and prompt, where environment is good. I was never a foodie till becoming a mummy where I became even less of a foodie. Now priority goes to ambience and comfort.
Here's the list of favourite eating places:
1) Big-O @Paragon
- We have considered other places in Paragon, but they're either too crowded or too cramped. So we've stuck with Big-O, because the seating areas are comfortable and spacious and clean. The service staff are friendly adn helps with carrying Ian's "Mercedes Benz" up and down the stairs, they play with him too. They don't look bored or underpaid. And Big-O has nice pork chop, steak and cheese sandwich, and mudpie.
2) Killiney Kopitiam @ Suntec (convention side)
- Every Sunday morning we attend service at Gallery West. Every Sunday we are stuck on the dismal and overpriced offerings at Food Republic for breakfast. Some Sundays we would park at Tower 4 and have fried bee hoon at the food court there. But most Sundays we head straight to Killiney, because it offers a quiet respite with decent coffee and half-boiled eggs.
3) Bab Noodle @ Millenia
- Bab noodle offers a nice and peaceful hangout place for our Sunday lunches. While the food is normal, it is not pricey. They have outside seating without the 2nd hand smoke, and they serve teh tarik without the prata smell! Teh tarik is normal.
4) Botanic Gardens
- Technically not a restaurant, but just a great place to feed Baby and let him take in the greenery, the children running around, the big dogs....
5) Ben & Jerry's @ Dempsey
- I tried this and experience wasn't too bad: eat at Ben & Jerry's, then head to Gogo Bambini beside for Baby to to work out at the indoor playgym. Free entrance for 10 months and below. Ben & Jerry's food is slightly pricey, but its spaciousness and free parking make up for it. Service level is inconsistent however. I have met friendly youth type and also act-cool-deserve-a-slap face type. And there's the fried smell.
6) Nando's @ Tanglin Mall
- A quarter chicken can fill me up just nice and you feel healthier eating roasted as opposed to fried chicken. Won't break the bank too. Service staff are attentive.
7) MacDonald's @ Forum
- Sad to say, Mac's is the most comfy and affordable eating place that can feed us in 1 serving, in Forum. We used to go playgym there so I reserve my Mac's quota for those Sat trips.
8) Cedele @ Wheelock
- Again, due to lack of choices around there. We did try the Borders bistro (if it's still called that) but Cedele is cheaper. Ambience is good but there's the fried smell.
9) Crystal Jade @ Taka
- Only attempted eating at Taka twice with baby. One was at the restaurant. Notwithstanding the price, the service staff were very good - order taker could advise on whether portions are adequate, and could pre-empt our needs with our young Baby in tow. I feel safe under the waitress aunties' care!
10) Shokudo @ Raffles City
- It's just spacious compared to the rest of the places.
There are definitely some places we went which were appalling in terms of baby unfriendliness, but rather than name the failed ones I chose to highlight the passed ones.
And btw, every foodcourt I've been to failed the wet wipe test. Sad!
So, when it comes to eating out with Baby, imagine the logistics involved in setting up the chair and wiping what i imagine to be trillions of germs and bacteria away with just 1 handy wet wipe. Then unpacking his array of feeding equipment & food. Then managing a feed myself left and feed Baby right kind of juggling routine, while trying to ensure he's entertained and not reaching the coffee at our corner or the knife for my pork chop. Very often, this routine also includes asking the eating place for hot water.
So after months of practicing at this, hubby and I are quite adept and have evolved into a smooth operation. We know what entertains him (menus and things he can bang the table with), where he should face (anywhere with older children or dogs), and we play tag team. We are refraining from bringing out the portable DVD player, Baby's doing well so far.
We have also settled on a few favourite places to eat at. Where the wet wipe doesn't show black oily stains on the table, where service staff are helpful and prompt, where environment is good. I was never a foodie till becoming a mummy where I became even less of a foodie. Now priority goes to ambience and comfort.
Here's the list of favourite eating places:
1) Big-O @Paragon
- We have considered other places in Paragon, but they're either too crowded or too cramped. So we've stuck with Big-O, because the seating areas are comfortable and spacious and clean. The service staff are friendly adn helps with carrying Ian's "Mercedes Benz" up and down the stairs, they play with him too. They don't look bored or underpaid. And Big-O has nice pork chop, steak and cheese sandwich, and mudpie.
2) Killiney Kopitiam @ Suntec (convention side)
- Every Sunday morning we attend service at Gallery West. Every Sunday we are stuck on the dismal and overpriced offerings at Food Republic for breakfast. Some Sundays we would park at Tower 4 and have fried bee hoon at the food court there. But most Sundays we head straight to Killiney, because it offers a quiet respite with decent coffee and half-boiled eggs.
3) Bab Noodle @ Millenia
- Bab noodle offers a nice and peaceful hangout place for our Sunday lunches. While the food is normal, it is not pricey. They have outside seating without the 2nd hand smoke, and they serve teh tarik without the prata smell! Teh tarik is normal.
4) Botanic Gardens
- Technically not a restaurant, but just a great place to feed Baby and let him take in the greenery, the children running around, the big dogs....
5) Ben & Jerry's @ Dempsey
- I tried this and experience wasn't too bad: eat at Ben & Jerry's, then head to Gogo Bambini beside for Baby to to work out at the indoor playgym. Free entrance for 10 months and below. Ben & Jerry's food is slightly pricey, but its spaciousness and free parking make up for it. Service level is inconsistent however. I have met friendly youth type and also act-cool-deserve-a-slap face type. And there's the fried smell.
6) Nando's @ Tanglin Mall
- A quarter chicken can fill me up just nice and you feel healthier eating roasted as opposed to fried chicken. Won't break the bank too. Service staff are attentive.
7) MacDonald's @ Forum
- Sad to say, Mac's is the most comfy and affordable eating place that can feed us in 1 serving, in Forum. We used to go playgym there so I reserve my Mac's quota for those Sat trips.
8) Cedele @ Wheelock
- Again, due to lack of choices around there. We did try the Borders bistro (if it's still called that) but Cedele is cheaper. Ambience is good but there's the fried smell.
9) Crystal Jade @ Taka
- Only attempted eating at Taka twice with baby. One was at the restaurant. Notwithstanding the price, the service staff were very good - order taker could advise on whether portions are adequate, and could pre-empt our needs with our young Baby in tow. I feel safe under the waitress aunties' care!
10) Shokudo @ Raffles City
- It's just spacious compared to the rest of the places.
There are definitely some places we went which were appalling in terms of baby unfriendliness, but rather than name the failed ones I chose to highlight the passed ones.
And btw, every foodcourt I've been to failed the wet wipe test. Sad!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
It's 1 year already....
At the same time, same day last year, I was lying in the delivery ward bed, finally being relieved of contraction pains after the epidural was given. Glenn and I still had no idea how our baby look like, or what kind of person he is.
It's now 11.16pm and there's a downpour. It's just so apt. Like God giving me memory triggers for that fateful evening when I was ordered to check myself into the delivery ward. It was pouring then too, & Glenn had initially gone to the carpark to head home for his clothes. But I just wanted him to be around so I asked him - almost pleaded - that he remain and let his brother get the clothes. I was unsure and unprepared for that new experience awaiting me in the imposing ward.
The 3 days in hospital with my newborn, it had rained every morning too, like God cleansing each day at dawn so that it's fresh and sprightly, just like my new born in his first few days. I just love it.
In about 8 more hours Ian will turn ONE. Our very first child, the one who would set the stage for the rest of his siblings, who would give us an idea of how the other children will look like, is reaching his 1 year. At this moment I just think back on those pregnant days with that heady mix of anticipation and fears, leading to the memorable delivery and first few days, leading to the slowburn joy of watching him grow. I'm so grateful and it means so much to me that the journey to ONE has been always happy and safe and smooth. The sweaty moments, the poo leaking out and all, even those were blissful on hindsight.
In a few hours' time, the one with the biggest burst of emotions will be me. Because I am his mummy, the one who felt it all from Week 5 to Week 38, followed by Day 1 to Day 365. On his behalf, I will rejoice and celebrate his birthday as Ian, as his parent, and most of all, as the proud mummy of this beloved boy who turned out to be everything we asked God for, and more.
Happy birthday, beloved. I wish you years of blessedness and of health, and of knowing how much you are loved by Jesus.
It's now 11.16pm and there's a downpour. It's just so apt. Like God giving me memory triggers for that fateful evening when I was ordered to check myself into the delivery ward. It was pouring then too, & Glenn had initially gone to the carpark to head home for his clothes. But I just wanted him to be around so I asked him - almost pleaded - that he remain and let his brother get the clothes. I was unsure and unprepared for that new experience awaiting me in the imposing ward.
The 3 days in hospital with my newborn, it had rained every morning too, like God cleansing each day at dawn so that it's fresh and sprightly, just like my new born in his first few days. I just love it.
In about 8 more hours Ian will turn ONE. Our very first child, the one who would set the stage for the rest of his siblings, who would give us an idea of how the other children will look like, is reaching his 1 year. At this moment I just think back on those pregnant days with that heady mix of anticipation and fears, leading to the memorable delivery and first few days, leading to the slowburn joy of watching him grow. I'm so grateful and it means so much to me that the journey to ONE has been always happy and safe and smooth. The sweaty moments, the poo leaking out and all, even those were blissful on hindsight.
In a few hours' time, the one with the biggest burst of emotions will be me. Because I am his mummy, the one who felt it all from Week 5 to Week 38, followed by Day 1 to Day 365. On his behalf, I will rejoice and celebrate his birthday as Ian, as his parent, and most of all, as the proud mummy of this beloved boy who turned out to be everything we asked God for, and more.
Happy birthday, beloved. I wish you years of blessedness and of health, and of knowing how much you are loved by Jesus.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Travelling with baby
We are going away on our very first family holiday....to Penang!
Spent 2 hours packing Ian's stuff, and just 10 minutes my stuff. There's so much to take note of, plus me being my usual everything-also-want mode, and you can imagine...
Here's a list of stuff I had to bring for Ian
Food
- 5 packs of Rafferty's Garden packet food, just in case we can't find porridge
- 1 plastic bowl with spoon
- 1 Foogo food jar to keep lunch porridge (hope to get porridge from hotel's breakfast)
- alittle bit of ground ikan bilis to flavour the porridge
- 1 set of baby cutlery
- 1 hot water flask for hot water on the go
- 1 empty milk bottle for milk
- 2 servings of breakfast cereal
- 1 containter of snacks
- 1 packet of spare snacks
- alot of milk powder kept in 3 seperate containers of different sizes!
- His water bottle for drinking
- His meds
Clothes
- 4 sets of rompers (2 for each day)
- 2 sets of PJs
- 1 full body PJ for plane ride back (& 1 for wearing there)
- 6 pcs of hankies
- 3 pcs of nappies
- 5 pcs of Pampers (intend to buy the rest there)
- 1 jacket
- 1 set of leggings (in case anywhere is cold)
- 1 pair of pants (extra)
- 1 thick sleeping bag (in case hotel is cold)
Toiletries
- mini sized powder and baby wash, plus diaper cream & moisturizer
- 2 towels (1 for swimming & 1 for bath)
- 1 set of swimwear + swim diaper
- The Ru Yi oil (going to carry this in the daypack)
- Changing mat
- Wet wipes
Toys
- 2 of his favourite books
- 6 of his toys
- We went to buy a portable Akira DVD player ($115) to keep him entertained during travelling et al
- 2 Hi-5 DVDs and 1 Sesame St DVDs....I'm so grateful for Hi-5!
- Specially downloaded his favourite Children Gospel CD into my iPhone
Misc
- his bolster
- his Ben-Bat travel neck pillow
- My usual sarong to bring him around
- My Belle baby carrier for my hubby
- a Mothercare umbrella stroller my friend lent
Seems like we're going on a long trip, when in fact it's just 3D2N in Penang! Well it's our first overseas trip with baby so just want to be well equipped.
It's alittle untimely that Ian fell sick on Thursday. The PD says it's bronchitis and asked us to monitor. Earlier this morning we went for a review and the cover PD says there isn't any wheezing, so he's ok to go. But anyway, our trust is in God and we just go with His flow. We trust that everything will be ok and He'll take care of us throughout the trip.
Will review the items when I return!
Spent 2 hours packing Ian's stuff, and just 10 minutes my stuff. There's so much to take note of, plus me being my usual everything-also-want mode, and you can imagine...
Here's a list of stuff I had to bring for Ian
Food
- 5 packs of Rafferty's Garden packet food, just in case we can't find porridge
- 1 plastic bowl with spoon
- 1 Foogo food jar to keep lunch porridge (hope to get porridge from hotel's breakfast)
- alittle bit of ground ikan bilis to flavour the porridge
- 1 set of baby cutlery
- 1 hot water flask for hot water on the go
- 1 empty milk bottle for milk
- 2 servings of breakfast cereal
- 1 containter of snacks
- 1 packet of spare snacks
- alot of milk powder kept in 3 seperate containers of different sizes!
- His water bottle for drinking
- His meds
Clothes
- 4 sets of rompers (2 for each day)
- 2 sets of PJs
- 1 full body PJ for plane ride back (& 1 for wearing there)
- 6 pcs of hankies
- 3 pcs of nappies
- 5 pcs of Pampers (intend to buy the rest there)
- 1 jacket
- 1 set of leggings (in case anywhere is cold)
- 1 pair of pants (extra)
- 1 thick sleeping bag (in case hotel is cold)
Toiletries
- mini sized powder and baby wash, plus diaper cream & moisturizer
- 2 towels (1 for swimming & 1 for bath)
- 1 set of swimwear + swim diaper
- The Ru Yi oil (going to carry this in the daypack)
- Changing mat
- Wet wipes
Toys
- 2 of his favourite books
- 6 of his toys
- We went to buy a portable Akira DVD player ($115) to keep him entertained during travelling et al
- 2 Hi-5 DVDs and 1 Sesame St DVDs....I'm so grateful for Hi-5!
- Specially downloaded his favourite Children Gospel CD into my iPhone
Misc
- his bolster
- his Ben-Bat travel neck pillow
- My usual sarong to bring him around
- My Belle baby carrier for my hubby
- a Mothercare umbrella stroller my friend lent
Seems like we're going on a long trip, when in fact it's just 3D2N in Penang! Well it's our first overseas trip with baby so just want to be well equipped.
It's alittle untimely that Ian fell sick on Thursday. The PD says it's bronchitis and asked us to monitor. Earlier this morning we went for a review and the cover PD says there isn't any wheezing, so he's ok to go. But anyway, our trust is in God and we just go with His flow. We trust that everything will be ok and He'll take care of us throughout the trip.
Will review the items when I return!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Update on birthday cake baker
Following my earlier post on the bakers who make beautiful 3D cakes, I had an encounter with one of them.
I had not mentioned in my post then. What happened was I went down to their Joo Chiat shop on a Wednesday public holiday noon, only to find it closed with a sign saying something like "Out for setup, back at 5pm". My hubby, baby and I hung around the area till 5.10pm, went back to the place, and it was still closed. We left for our early dinner.
That Saturday noon, we headed back there again. This time, it was opened but the lady who was there seemed alittle perplexed i should show up without an appointment. I told her I just want to drop by to look at some designs, and she disappeared backroom only to appear with an invoice book to take my order. I asked her about the designs and was told it's all on the website.
Bottom line is , it wasnt a pleasant experience at all. In fact, I felt i had wasted my time venturing to that part of Singapore just to see if I can get a cake from her. Yes, I probably should have emailed or called or something. I'm the type that likes to get into the action, and I had a few questions on the designs and the serving, so I followed my desire! Well that doesnt always turn out well....
Later that Saturday, I emailed the owner to feedback on the service as I believe she deserves to know if she's putting her time and time on her home business of sorts and letting some young girl squander her business with bad customer service.
Owner's reply was very professional and distant. She nicely asked that I arrange for an appointment between 10am to 7pm from Mon to Thurs. I replied that it would be tough for me to make that timing given my work hours, and at her invitation described some cake concepts (very simple ones actually) that I would like to consider. That on was 25th Nov Monday.
On Fri or Sat, I finally received an email reply from her. It states that she is not available on the date I needed.
I was really quite apalled by the time it took for her to revert on her unavailability. I wrote to say that I'm puzzled why she would need 5 days to check her diary of orders. Her reply - "I replied to your email immediately I read them today, no chance to read my mails for quite as many orders to be completed and things to organize."
??? !!!
Apart from the poor grammar, I am even more appalled that she should think 5 days delay is acceptable if she replies immediately after she reads the emails. It doesnt seem to trouble her that she has read her business email only 5 days after I had sent.
She must be really happy about doing that Mediacorp event and probably plans that to be her strategy for business growth next year.
I'm just glad there are other cheaper, more responsive, and nice creators of 3D cakes beside her. So she's out from my list perpetually.
I had not mentioned in my post then. What happened was I went down to their Joo Chiat shop on a Wednesday public holiday noon, only to find it closed with a sign saying something like "Out for setup, back at 5pm". My hubby, baby and I hung around the area till 5.10pm, went back to the place, and it was still closed. We left for our early dinner.
That Saturday noon, we headed back there again. This time, it was opened but the lady who was there seemed alittle perplexed i should show up without an appointment. I told her I just want to drop by to look at some designs, and she disappeared backroom only to appear with an invoice book to take my order. I asked her about the designs and was told it's all on the website.
Bottom line is , it wasnt a pleasant experience at all. In fact, I felt i had wasted my time venturing to that part of Singapore just to see if I can get a cake from her. Yes, I probably should have emailed or called or something. I'm the type that likes to get into the action, and I had a few questions on the designs and the serving, so I followed my desire! Well that doesnt always turn out well....
Later that Saturday, I emailed the owner to feedback on the service as I believe she deserves to know if she's putting her time and time on her home business of sorts and letting some young girl squander her business with bad customer service.
Owner's reply was very professional and distant. She nicely asked that I arrange for an appointment between 10am to 7pm from Mon to Thurs. I replied that it would be tough for me to make that timing given my work hours, and at her invitation described some cake concepts (very simple ones actually) that I would like to consider. That on was 25th Nov Monday.
On Fri or Sat, I finally received an email reply from her. It states that she is not available on the date I needed.
I was really quite apalled by the time it took for her to revert on her unavailability. I wrote to say that I'm puzzled why she would need 5 days to check her diary of orders. Her reply - "I replied to your email immediately I read them today, no chance to read my mails for quite as many orders to be completed and things to organize."
??? !!!
Apart from the poor grammar, I am even more appalled that she should think 5 days delay is acceptable if she replies immediately after she reads the emails. It doesnt seem to trouble her that she has read her business email only 5 days after I had sent.
She must be really happy about doing that Mediacorp event and probably plans that to be her strategy for business growth next year.
I'm just glad there are other cheaper, more responsive, and nice creators of 3D cakes beside her. So she's out from my list perpetually.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Kid's Entertainment
Alright, so if you've a bunch of kids on a weekend afternoon and you want them to be entertained so that their parent - your friends - can be entertained by means of relief, what do you do?
Engage someone, a clown or a magician, to do the job. Yes I say job because it's no joke entertaining kids. Don't talk about their wide range of interests (yes they have r-a-n-g-e, like us adults), there's the age gaps, the gender, and oh my, just the sheer energy required to keep 1 child engaged, not to mention a dozen.
If you would sit through Okto channel on a typical weekday noon, you would have watch a handful of half hour kids programs ranging from cartoons with content, cartoons with silly content, silly make-believe dinosaurs that talks, teach and sing, a bunch of adolescents singing and prancing, and so on. Not to name names, but in my humble Mummy opinion, only Hi-5 is worth the time. Even I enjoy the song and dance routines.
So here's the thing about live kids entertainment: I have a hunch that it's not easy to find entertainers worth your hard earned Mummy money. I have not had a chance to engage any, but from my internet surf, I can mention 3 that I will try if and when I get to organise 3 parties.
They are - I stress - not exhaustive and a matter of personal opinion. Mummy to mummy sharing that this is.
1. Sweetheart the clown - www.partywithsweetheart.com
I am engaging her cos she is simply the first clown I know as a person to be a clown as her occupation, and thereby the longest serving clown I know personally. If she's not good she wouldn't have lasted so long. My best friend once engaged her to entertain the kids at her wedding, and Sweetheart did not disappoint. She had the children trailing after her like pipe piper in God-knows-what-they-doing. Off duty, I spoke to her briefly and she came across as pretty professional.
Sweetheart charges $250 for a half hour show, and includes balloon sculpture in her acts.
2. Professor Popcorn - www.funengineerz.com.sg
I only had to drop an enquiry and I got a warm and ready response with the info I needed hte very next day. Kudos to Prof for being so on-the-ball! Responsiveness seems to be a vanishing value nowadays in one-man businesses so when others take this as "probably very free", I take this as professional.
I have seen Prof Popcorn perform his magic tricks from outside a function room, and I must say the kids are engaged. Perhaps it is the occasion when I bumped into him while he was rushing to the function room that made me see the stern side of him....
Prof Popcorn does a 1 hr show including balloon sculture and a few other add ons as well, for $300.
3. Magic Empire - www.themagicempire.com
I only serve this dude's website and watched his promotional videos on Youtube. He has 5 personas that involve largely ventriloquism. All seem funny except for the clown one - Billy Bonkers - which seemed funniest, and not surprisingly, more expensive.
Besides Billy Bonkers' fees that costs $349, the other 4 personas charge $299 for an hour's show including balloon sculpture.
I hope to discover more kids entertainers who genuinely enjoy what they do and love kids. Really, it's hard to tell these because I always thought I'm a kids-disliker. ;)
Kudos to all of them in the industry. I certainly am unable to entertain children who are not mine day in day out. Even my own child - whom I deeply love believe me - I can probably do it for only like...a day?! These entertainers deserve the *applause*.
Engage someone, a clown or a magician, to do the job. Yes I say job because it's no joke entertaining kids. Don't talk about their wide range of interests (yes they have r-a-n-g-e, like us adults), there's the age gaps, the gender, and oh my, just the sheer energy required to keep 1 child engaged, not to mention a dozen.
If you would sit through Okto channel on a typical weekday noon, you would have watch a handful of half hour kids programs ranging from cartoons with content, cartoons with silly content, silly make-believe dinosaurs that talks, teach and sing, a bunch of adolescents singing and prancing, and so on. Not to name names, but in my humble Mummy opinion, only Hi-5 is worth the time. Even I enjoy the song and dance routines.
So here's the thing about live kids entertainment: I have a hunch that it's not easy to find entertainers worth your hard earned Mummy money. I have not had a chance to engage any, but from my internet surf, I can mention 3 that I will try if and when I get to organise 3 parties.
They are - I stress - not exhaustive and a matter of personal opinion. Mummy to mummy sharing that this is.
1. Sweetheart the clown - www.partywithsweetheart.com
I am engaging her cos she is simply the first clown I know as a person to be a clown as her occupation, and thereby the longest serving clown I know personally. If she's not good she wouldn't have lasted so long. My best friend once engaged her to entertain the kids at her wedding, and Sweetheart did not disappoint. She had the children trailing after her like pipe piper in God-knows-what-they-doing. Off duty, I spoke to her briefly and she came across as pretty professional.
Sweetheart charges $250 for a half hour show, and includes balloon sculpture in her acts.
2. Professor Popcorn - www.funengineerz.com.sg
I only had to drop an enquiry and I got a warm and ready response with the info I needed hte very next day. Kudos to Prof for being so on-the-ball! Responsiveness seems to be a vanishing value nowadays in one-man businesses so when others take this as "probably very free", I take this as professional.
I have seen Prof Popcorn perform his magic tricks from outside a function room, and I must say the kids are engaged. Perhaps it is the occasion when I bumped into him while he was rushing to the function room that made me see the stern side of him....
Prof Popcorn does a 1 hr show including balloon sculture and a few other add ons as well, for $300.
3. Magic Empire - www.themagicempire.com
I only serve this dude's website and watched his promotional videos on Youtube. He has 5 personas that involve largely ventriloquism. All seem funny except for the clown one - Billy Bonkers - which seemed funniest, and not surprisingly, more expensive.
Besides Billy Bonkers' fees that costs $349, the other 4 personas charge $299 for an hour's show including balloon sculpture.
I hope to discover more kids entertainers who genuinely enjoy what they do and love kids. Really, it's hard to tell these because I always thought I'm a kids-disliker. ;)
Kudos to all of them in the industry. I certainly am unable to entertain children who are not mine day in day out. Even my own child - whom I deeply love believe me - I can probably do it for only like...a day?! These entertainers deserve the *applause*.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Birthday cakes for 1st birthday
My baby is celebrating his first birthday next month, and I'm the most excited person!
Basically my hubby just leaves everything to me. So, I'm packing my own party favours, ordering cakes for hte 2 days of celebration, and arranging for entertainment on 2nd day where there'll be many kids.
There's alot of stuff to share when it comes to all things pertaining to birthday celebrations. I'll just start with the birthday cakes. These are the bakers worth considering in order of "greatness", and money aside:
1. Christy - www.cforcupcakes.com
One of her specialties is making a part of the cake rotate (check out her vids) although I rather the music is more modern. She'll share her story behind each cake, which makes it meaningful and "intelligent" - thought went into the design so its more personal, and not just another design.
Her fondant craft is very good, and you can see lots of effort went into the process of designing and making the fondant cakes. Designs are one of the most original.
I especially like the Journey to One cake for the thought that went behind it, the journey to baby's 1 year birthday is peppered with many fears and joys for first time parents.
For the Journey to One cake for 20+ pax, she quoted $258.
2. Cheryl Shuen - www.cherylshuen.com
She is pretty recognised in this fondant cakes arena. Her website has loads of designs she made, which are pretty, colourful and well crafted. After searching through so many bakers' fondant cakes, I realise there can be a big gap in terms of fondant craft skill. Cheryl and Christy are 2 of the best, in my opinion.
Cheryl does both fondant and fresh cream cakes, although the latter is more limited in terms of design. She has a shop in Joo Chiat and you should make an appointment with her on Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm for a discussion. Dont try going there unannounced - like what I did - because both trips were unfruitful.
I do have a feeling that she's very busy - she takes 1 day to reply to your emails.
Cheryl's cakes are one of the most expensive. Based on her website, a fondant cake for 20 pax starts from $300. Further customisation like making a pair of cartoon characters cost another $150! *gasp* Her cupcakes are also very expensive. Sometimes I imagine I can have a whole pack of chicken rice for the price of 1 cupcake!
3. Bee Leng - http://bees-cake.blogspot.com
Bee Leng's craft is not too bad, but I'm more impressed by the 2-in-1 cake which has her fondant cake on the upper tier and cupcakes with similar theme on the lower tier.
She's very slow in replying however. I had to wait about 2 days for each reply.
She charges $80 per kg of fondant cake, with additional charges for customised figurines. Her mini size cupcake is between $1.40 to $8 depending on design.
4. Pine Garden - www.pgcake.com
Welcome to the fresh cream & budget baker at a humble neighbourhood location of AMK Ave 10. When I first went to Pine Garden, I noted there's a steady stream of people ordering birthday cakes. It was only afterward that I realise it's because PG offers tasty cream cakes and not-too-bad designs at affordable prices. For the first day of celebration, i ordered a 2kg, 2-tier Sesame St theme cake and it was $36 per kg plus a $28 additional charge for design.
Given that the cakes tastes good (unlike fondant cakes that are butter cream), this is value for money if you do not need a win-hands-down design.
That's all that I would recommend actually. There are a whole host of other bakers but I found they are either too expensive for the quality of their design or they skill is not up to mark. There are mummies who show a picture of a design they want (like castle design - veyr popular with girls) and ask a neighbourhood bakery to bake it. Of course the price is cheaper but I can see the difference in skill.
Aside from my research, I found myself musing over how expensive a children's cake can be nowadays....My hubby totally disagreed with my wanting to order Christy's cake, he says it's too expensive. But there are mummies who would spend that money.
I'm still exploring options for the 2nd day cake so will update if i find any other gems.
Basically my hubby just leaves everything to me. So, I'm packing my own party favours, ordering cakes for hte 2 days of celebration, and arranging for entertainment on 2nd day where there'll be many kids.
There's alot of stuff to share when it comes to all things pertaining to birthday celebrations. I'll just start with the birthday cakes. These are the bakers worth considering in order of "greatness", and money aside:
1. Christy - www.cforcupcakes.com
One of her specialties is making a part of the cake rotate (check out her vids) although I rather the music is more modern. She'll share her story behind each cake, which makes it meaningful and "intelligent" - thought went into the design so its more personal, and not just another design.
Her fondant craft is very good, and you can see lots of effort went into the process of designing and making the fondant cakes. Designs are one of the most original.
I especially like the Journey to One cake for the thought that went behind it, the journey to baby's 1 year birthday is peppered with many fears and joys for first time parents.
For the Journey to One cake for 20+ pax, she quoted $258.
2. Cheryl Shuen - www.cherylshuen.com
She is pretty recognised in this fondant cakes arena. Her website has loads of designs she made, which are pretty, colourful and well crafted. After searching through so many bakers' fondant cakes, I realise there can be a big gap in terms of fondant craft skill. Cheryl and Christy are 2 of the best, in my opinion.
Cheryl does both fondant and fresh cream cakes, although the latter is more limited in terms of design. She has a shop in Joo Chiat and you should make an appointment with her on Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm for a discussion. Dont try going there unannounced - like what I did - because both trips were unfruitful.
I do have a feeling that she's very busy - she takes 1 day to reply to your emails.
Cheryl's cakes are one of the most expensive. Based on her website, a fondant cake for 20 pax starts from $300. Further customisation like making a pair of cartoon characters cost another $150! *gasp* Her cupcakes are also very expensive. Sometimes I imagine I can have a whole pack of chicken rice for the price of 1 cupcake!
3. Bee Leng - http://bees-cake.blogspot.com
Bee Leng's craft is not too bad, but I'm more impressed by the 2-in-1 cake which has her fondant cake on the upper tier and cupcakes with similar theme on the lower tier.
She's very slow in replying however. I had to wait about 2 days for each reply.
She charges $80 per kg of fondant cake, with additional charges for customised figurines. Her mini size cupcake is between $1.40 to $8 depending on design.
4. Pine Garden - www.pgcake.com
Welcome to the fresh cream & budget baker at a humble neighbourhood location of AMK Ave 10. When I first went to Pine Garden, I noted there's a steady stream of people ordering birthday cakes. It was only afterward that I realise it's because PG offers tasty cream cakes and not-too-bad designs at affordable prices. For the first day of celebration, i ordered a 2kg, 2-tier Sesame St theme cake and it was $36 per kg plus a $28 additional charge for design.
Given that the cakes tastes good (unlike fondant cakes that are butter cream), this is value for money if you do not need a win-hands-down design.
That's all that I would recommend actually. There are a whole host of other bakers but I found they are either too expensive for the quality of their design or they skill is not up to mark. There are mummies who show a picture of a design they want (like castle design - veyr popular with girls) and ask a neighbourhood bakery to bake it. Of course the price is cheaper but I can see the difference in skill.
Aside from my research, I found myself musing over how expensive a children's cake can be nowadays....My hubby totally disagreed with my wanting to order Christy's cake, he says it's too expensive. But there are mummies who would spend that money.
I'm still exploring options for the 2nd day cake so will update if i find any other gems.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
My 1st Entry
I created this blog because I realise there's sooo much info out there for every new mum to discover.
From the first realisation of pregnancy to every nitty gritty of our children's growth, we make choices on where, when, what, who and how...or nots.
My boy is coming to 1 year old soon, and I'm still finding the journey very interesting.... In fact, I realise I am enjoying the research and the changes I have to face with my child's growth and with it, his changes. It kinda fits in with my character inclinations to research in detail where's the best places to get a 3D birthday cake, what are the need-to-send-to classes, why-this-place-is-good, etc.
Since there are always new mums and I will definitely have a 2nd child (& probably forget all my "research" for my first), I decided to blog out the stuff that fun mummyhood can be made of.
Yes mummyhood can be alot of fun to go through, it's like a new project every other week for me to figure out. Of course, nothing beats the raw kick of smelling and holding my little miracle, and knowing he's mine. :)
From the first realisation of pregnancy to every nitty gritty of our children's growth, we make choices on where, when, what, who and how...or nots.
My boy is coming to 1 year old soon, and I'm still finding the journey very interesting.... In fact, I realise I am enjoying the research and the changes I have to face with my child's growth and with it, his changes. It kinda fits in with my character inclinations to research in detail where's the best places to get a 3D birthday cake, what are the need-to-send-to classes, why-this-place-is-good, etc.
Since there are always new mums and I will definitely have a 2nd child (& probably forget all my "research" for my first), I decided to blog out the stuff that fun mummyhood can be made of.
Yes mummyhood can be alot of fun to go through, it's like a new project every other week for me to figure out. Of course, nothing beats the raw kick of smelling and holding my little miracle, and knowing he's mine. :)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)