Wonderland: Another exhibition at Artscience Museum

There has been quite a hype on this exhibition, Wonderland at ArtScience Museum already. In case you haven't been there yet, I thought it might be useful to let you guys know that this is not an Alice-in-Wonderland sort of exhibition. Be prepared to tumble down the rabbit hole and go through the film-making process of Wonderland.

The whole exhibition is very interactive, however it may not be entirely suitable for the your kids. I just don't think they are at the age where they can appreciate the props, sketches and background tidbits of Alice. And to be frank, not all the adults could fully appreciate it too...(heard a guy behind muttering this is truly a riddle and he has no clue what is going on...lol)

I think it is really about your expectations, because to be fair, I too expected a Disney experience and less so on the evolutions of Alice. But this exhibition did spark my interest in Lewis Caroll. I even bought an original book *giggles*. I googled quite a bit on Alice's quotes and am just quite fascinated how much truth these seemingly frivolous quotes hold. Here's a few of my favourite:

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
'I don't much care where -' said Alice.
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
'- so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.”

“Alice:How long is forever? 

White Rabbit:Sometimes, just one second.”

“I can't go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”

Here's some animation and videos I recorded of my experience. Enjoy~!~ And a lame contest between the hubs and I on who can design the best imaginary character. Haha. I won the poll by the way, just saying. Personally, I don't really find this exhibition worthy of the typical insta-hype. But if you are keen to learn more about Lewis Carroll and the tale behind the tale (love this self-made riddle), then you have to pop down for a visit! For a better deal, check out Klook and yes, it is cheaper if you buy a bundle and visit more than one exhibition in a day.   

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" for 5% Discount For All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Top 10 Must Do Things in Macau

You must have known I went to Macau, the gambling city. Compared to Hong Kong, I absolutely love this "city of fake lights". The energy etc. excited me endlessly. Although some people may hate how curated and man-made it is. But if you ever pop by, here's the top 10 things you CANNOT MISS!

1.Live in a fancy suite

The guys got the fancy-ass suite. To be honest, the suite would be too big for 2. But for their poker night and gossip boys night, the the round table is perfect. I am very, very in love with the bath tub and the free breakfast selection at the club's lounge. Other than that, my room was not too bad. In a casino city, you really should stay like a king, cos it is dirt-ass cheap as compared to the other cities.

2. Visit a casino (and place a bet)

Quite honestly, you are going to end up at a casino in this maze. Here's a survival tip remember to bring your passport along, otherwise you are going to stay trap and walk forever. I really wanted to place a bet. But your girl here has no money (boo hoo hoo) and when I was observing the banker he was annoyingly lucky. Quick tip: Go to the the casinos near the St. Paul ruins if you are no high roller, as the bets are lower there. 

3. Visit Taipa Village 

Most people don't really go to Taipa Village if they only have a day there. This place is a true gem. In fact, I love this area more than the other side of the Macau. There is a whole streets of food and if you explore the cranks in the streets, be prepared to find novelty shops. Pss, their products are priced very reasonably too. If you wanna get your Koi Kei Bakery 鉅記手信 biscuits, they are cheaper here! Oh ya, don't miss the Lady of Carmel church, it makes a good insta-photo!

4. Eat the food at Taipa Village

It is kinda obvious my love for Taipa Village is real. The food there is so good too, so keep some tummy space for it. The food ain't exactly the cheapest but it truly spark joy!

Some recommendations:

1. Crab porridge at Seng Cheong
2. Lord Stow's egg tarts (I like his wife's version better though
3. Pork Chop Buns at Tai Lei Loi Kei (Singapore sells it cheaper though)
4. Pork Chop Bun at Sin Kee Cafe (it was OOS when we got there so we had their overpriced coffee and beef noodles instead)

5. 贏到粥

Since we are at the topic of food, the other side was rather disappointing except for this place I found. OMG, it was freaking yummy, I just wished I had more tummy space to add more stuff to my Garlic clam hotpot. Note: You might need to make reservations as it can be quite full at time. It is only available in the evening, so if you don't stay at least a day in Macau, you are going to miss this dish. (Note: This is the only dish that made me have cravings!)

6. Mandarin House

This is actually one my favourite attraction in Macau and it is free too. I can totally envision a photoshoot in the Shanghai tan vibes. Still I think it is not for everyone, cos some people may feel that you can see similar sights in China. Regardless what everyone thinks, I love this place cos it is quite well preserved and this old Cheena feel that I am starting to dig now that I am older (Is this me trying to trace my roots?) And I would strongly recommend you to pop by (this place is huge by the way!)

7. O-Moon

I didn't buy anything from the shop (cos I felt it was too exp. at the point of time and I wanted to conserve the money for something bigger like gambling). But now, every fiber in my body regretted it. The bags there are so darn gorgeous. And there is a whole series of Hello Kitty products. Much love. I mean I saved money, but why am I not happy about it :( I want my bags!

8. Take some insta-shots

Just to caveat, the St. Paul ruins and Senado Square doesn't look as awesome in photos because there is just too much tourists crowding around. There was a slight drizzle the day we were there and hurray the pesky tourists dispersed for a while, allowing me to take a clear shot of these mandatory places, otherwise it is like I haven't truly been there. Lame reason but it is the truth.

9. Gondola Rides at the Venetian

I know, I know...Singapore has its very own. But our seats ain't that comfy and we don't glide though a mall under fake blue skies. And, please play the video. Our gondolier has literally the voice of an angel. She makes the ride so worth it. Plus she is so engaging. Sorry, but Singapore's gondola is really nowhere near Macau's standards.

10. Eiffel Tower at The Parisan Macau Observation Deck

Yes, it is gimmicky. No doubt it is touristy. Still we went up to have a bird's eye view of the city of lights. And boy, the lift going up bring out the fear of heights in me. So stand further away from the glass lift if you are uncomfortable seeing yourself soar up. Yikes.

And pssst...the souvenirs at the giftshop is surprisingly reasonably priced. For those who are looking to bring home some trinkets, here's the place to be! #Betterthanthestreets My pick of to-dos, which I have done all, haha. I can't wait to go Macau again <3

Floating Utopias: One of a kind exhibition

My family was feeling quite refined weekend and so we popped by the ArtScience Museum to check out one of the exhibition - Floating Utopias. This is quite a specialised exhibition, depicting inflatable object and its history. I guess compared to the other exhibition, this is not the most interactive.

But you take away quite a bit new info (because who really reads up about hot-air balloons etc. in their free time). And personally, I thought the pieces which was displayed there was quite intriguing. It did feel like some creative parts of my brain was awakened. :D

If you are just there to take instagram photos, you will be pleased to know that there are a few landmark giant floats and models. Wheee~~~But if you are really an artsy fartsy, then do check out some of the interesting pictures and balloon designs. I absolutely love those! In fact those triggered quite a lot of imagination in me.

My personal favourite (and I think would be a favourite for many) is the moon. There were loungers around it and you could just lay down and enjoy the view. You just can't help but feel in awe by the beauty and realism. Yup, silly as it sound, but people around me were all raising their hands to touch the moon...the closest we would ever be...

If you wanna float away with me, the exhibition is on from 25 May 2019 to 29 Sep 2019. And psss...just to share a deal, go for other exhibitions as well and you can get a better deal :) Go with your family and viola, you pay less. The other 2 exhibitions are Wonderland and Futureworld: Where Art Meets Science, which is a lot more interactive and fun for kids. 

And oh yea, while you are there, check out the shop. Cos they sell reasonably-priced souvenirs that is so darn unique. Yup, if you are a tourist (or not), grab your decorative there. Yes, I know, the posts in this photos looks awesome! Told ya, the arty part of my mind was unleashed!

Luvpurple Collection: Making girls happy

Lately, life has been stressful and so to make life more cheery, I have been getting a lot of packages. Much to my delight and the chagrin of my family. But hey, the packages contain good stuff ok. And one of them contain lovely lanyards, keychains and hairclips!

My recent life motivation quote has been "we all need a bit of magic". I have to admit my style is swaying towards whimsical, colourful and dreamy. I guess the next few packages will be exuding such vibes too. :D

I guess it is pretty obvious that all these items are customised. And I love how they fit me to the T. Rainbows, unicorns and pineapples. Everything I love. The only issue that is troubling me now is what do I hang them on...Just to share a bit more, these beauties are handmade from Luvpurple Collection.

Personally, I love all their designs cos it is so colourful and instantly makes everything feel so much better. :) You can opt for something simple like the pineapple, or bring it up a notch with customised stars (like my rainbow lanyard, zoom in to see, they are so darn cute) or just add it alphabet charms :D Gah...my only grouse is that there is no design on the other side of the strap, otherwise these babies are peeerrrfffeect!

Lucky me also got some pretty kawaii hairclips to go along. At first sight I really love the pom-pom clips and the lacy ribbon clip. But you know what, I totally can't pull off the pom-pom one hahaha...cos I not cute enough. Shall save it for a baby girl (if I ever have one).

The lacey one does make me look quite dainty, but I have to say the brown clip, though plain, is very easy to pull off. <3 <3 <3. If you have a lady to cheer up, do check out Luvpurple Collection. It brings the little girl out in them because it is just so difficult to not gush at something so delightful!

Seafood Feast at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road

Mmm...yum what a spread right? If seafood buffet is your thing, you will be excited to know that the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is back at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road. Do note that this is a weekend thing, so if you want to enjoy the Fried Slipper Lobster Black Bean Sauce, Chili Crab with Mantou, Black Pepper Crab and Salted Egg Crab, please don't pop by on a weekday.

I can assure you the food taste as good as it looks. Personally, my favourite were the fried slipper lobster (cos it is convenient to eat), followed by the salted egg crab, then the black pepper crab. The gravy of the chilli crab was not spicy enough for my liking. But the mantou was delish. I would have popped down a few of them if not for tummy space constraints.

Apart from the seafood, the buffet at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road has a cook food station, Japanese station, Indian station, salad station, seafood desserts station (that includes a Chendol machine) and DIY Mocktail station. For the price point of $48 to $58 (depending whether it was lunch or dinner), I thought the selection was quite a spread.

I didn't get to try the salads and the seafood this time round because I filled myself with as much seafood I could (lol). But for what I did try, I think you can give the Japanese station and cook-food station a pass if you are not much of a eater. I have to say the local flavours such as the satay and XO beehoon fish soup at Spice Brasserie (the restaurant in Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road) are totally a notch above the rest, so try to save some space for them.

Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road is located in Little India, so it also provides a bit of the Indian cuisine for the guests to have a teaser. I had a bite here and there but it is good so don't cross them out. Other dishes I really like (which may not be in the collage) are the soups and the fried food station. The sambal chilli is awesome too by the way. I dipped my food in it quite unnecessarily at times because I love it so much. (Haiz)

In the Jap and Cook Food section, which I wasn't that big a fan of, the fried egg omelette was actually pretty good (didn't try yong tau fu by the way) and the sashimi was also quite alright if you are not picky. So you know what, just skip lunch, so that you can eat more for dinner...haha. Cos with the food I am recommending, you definitely cannot finish everything in 1 visit.

Only at Spice Brasserie, you have the most fun thirst-quencher. Don't worry non-alcoholics, it is just mocktails made by syrup and soda water. I have to say it was rather enjoyable to make your own blend. Psss, not all the syrups in the recipe are available, so be creative and make your own. Don't worry, cos most of the time you will be pleasantly surprised.

For me, I am just for the colours (so frivolous, I know) and I would pick more unique flavours which I think I would like. Yup, no particular strategy and they still taste good! Like I say, Spice Brasserie also has a chendol ice-making machine. But this girl here doesn't eat that much so I didn't "chendol-ed". Next time ok, I will share some tips and tricks when I try it out.

Spice Brasserie takes their desserts very seriously. Despite not having a big space, a good whole area is dedicated to the hot and cold desserts of Singapore. Whether you are in for cakes, kuehs, or sweet soups, there is something for everybody. On my lucky day, I found tau-suan in a pot, can you imagine it? Most buffets don't even serve that.

 We managed to squeeze in some vanilla ice-cream and durian pengat (which is as good as the one at Lime). I honestly regretted not starving the day before for this. But on a bright side, I managed to eat so much succulent crabs and lobsters #happy. Leaving you some more photos of them to make you guys jealous... Hehe. Only until 16 Aug hor, if you don't wanna miss it *slurps*

Treasure Trove for your ears: Psycho Lab

So yes while I was in Hong Kong, I actually donned new earrings :D I am not exactly was that even a good choice even to wear these new gorgeous there, because I am mostly drenched - either by the rain or by my own sweat. Sigh. But these earrings from Psycho Lab is worth every penny.

From the box and design of the earrings, you would think I have spent quite a bit right? (I got questioned by my Mum and Hubs on the damage T_T) But, guess what, all these cost less than $50!! Shocking right, and there is a 30% promotion if you use the code "PL30", you pay way, way less!
** Quote has expired, but please use "ChaaYen" and you will get a special discount! :P

So here's some of the photos of me wearing the beauties. When I was in Hong Kong, I mostly wore the Sunflower. You could wear it on different orientation and it is almost like a new piece already. :) For the wedding, I wore the Elegant Pearl (OOS now by the way). It is such a statement piece, there is no way you would miss it! Haha, don't even need to zoom to have a look at it. In Macau, I wore the dainty Daisy Fleur.
In collage, from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Day 2 (Hong Kong) - I woke up at 6-ish to try and catch Chow Yun Fat. Haha, eyes were red and face were puffy. Was wearing the Sunflower cos it was the most cheery piece and I thought this piece would brighten his day and make him more agreeable for a photo. Btw, I wore this for my high tea too!
2. Day 3(?) (Hong Kong) - Wedding Day! Wore the Elegant Pearl only once. I think this is the only piece that can't really be made casual. Was actually contemplating on getting this cos of its size. Glad I did in the end, cos it is so gorgeous, by itself and on me. *Updates* My Mum has rudely taken it for herself.
3. Days 4 and 5 (Macau) - Zoom in to see Daisy Fleur. I think she is quite a versatile creature, cos I can imagine pairing her up with a fancy dress. :D

Personally, the bulk of Psycho Lab designs appeal to me. I think the store is named that way because every shopper who enters the site, goes berserk by the choices. I changed my mind so many times, I had to literally tell myself, "Please decide!" And it was so hard, because some of the designs were so cute...and so exclusive.

But out of the greatness of my heart, I will still share this shopping spot with you guys, cos you need to buy out some of the stuff to stop the shopaholic in me from trying to rear its ugly head. More photos of me in Psycho Lab? If you have a sharp eye, you will notice them time to time in my future posts :P

HK High Tea: Yum Cha at Marco Polo Hotel

When most people are in Hong Kong, you are bound to "yum cha" aka drink tea. But after yumming so much tea, we really wanted to try out the English High Tea. Yes, I am quite a fan of high tea now since the last one we had in NZ (you can read more here!

If you are in Hong Kong from 21 May to 31 Aug, check out the British Wardrobe Afternoon Tea. Inspired by Phase Eight and elements of Britain, the talented pastry chefs at Marco Polo Hotel have created the stylish afternoon tea with nine sweet items and four savoury teatime treats to showcase a gorgeous ‘wardrobe’ .

I am not kidding when it is a whole wardrobe. And do drop by on an empty stomach as the set is substantial. We totally had difficulty munching down everything because of its sheer volume and aesthetics. Everything is so pretty you will start off the whole journey feasting with your eyes, your phone then your mouth.

Every piece is so intricately made, it seems to do such injustice to the chef if you don't capture each and every one of them. I have to admit, half the time I was playing with my phone, arranging it left and right and trying out different combination (Sheepish).

On the whole, the taste of the pastries also come with an element of surprise, particularly for the savory one. There is more dimension to the taste, so you may not like all that is being served. Nonetheless, they provide a good break in taste to the rest of the sweet delectables. For the sweet pastries, they are generally at a good level of sweetness and in no way fall into the category of "surfeiting".

My personal favourites are the New York Cheesecake with Blueberry, Strawberry Roll and Raspberry Cupcake. The Hubs thought their mango tarts were really good. Go in pairs for the tea and you will get to enjoy it at a discounted rate of $488 for two persons (Psss it cost $368 for one person). Although I am not sure if the hubs was the right partner to go with, because this tea set definitely appeals to the ladies more.

A huge shout-out to the tea itself, cos the selection was amazing. Instead of trying the usuals, I opted for a rose tea which pleasantly surprised me. It was so good. I think I slurped down 3 pots of it. And the ambience is amazing (though the dim lights is challenging for photography). There was a pianist in the background. After long walks on the unfriendly, wet streets of Hong Kong, it felt so good to sink in the couch and just...chill.

And because I was so comfy, I was in the mood to take tons of selfies. Oh yea here's a photo of me devouring a headless white chocolate figurine (comes with the tea by the way). I swore not to eat it and really wanted to tabao it home...but erm everything must try right and you know what it tasted really good, I shouldn't have saved it for last.