Wishtrend Favs Restock

Basically, I am just re-stocking this time round. The next time will also probably be a restock because hehe, I am slowly emptying my favourites. :)

1. Klairs Supple Preparation Body Soap ($11)

Can't remember if I have shared my experience using their soap. Here goes. So basically, I use soap for my body. Odd I know, but it is said to be more environmentally friendly and there was a point I had so much cake soap at home. My only problem I have with them is that they are not very portable, unhygienic if shared and some brands are drying to the skin. This one is great because it is foams wells and doesn't dry my skin too much. Also, it keeps its shape in my toilet (some of my soap melts which is annoying).  It does come with the Klairs marking on them, just that I forgot to take a "before-use" photo. Oops. 

2. Klairs Daily Comfort Hand Wash ($30) and Klairs Daily Comfort Hand Cream ($30)

As mention before, after seeing the hotel toilets having a moisturiser, I decided to do the same for my house. Even my kid's toilet get to have its own set. It does make his toilet looks so much more sophisticated. Maybe it is because of my new craze, fun fact: my kid is also pretty obsessed about moisturizing his hands.

Quick updates on the handsoap, sadly I might not be compatible. The little eczema bumps on my fingers get ruptured every time I wash my hands. I think the scrub bits might be too much for my fingers to bear. And so...I am dropping this off my favourites until they have another version without the scrubs. 

Help, I paynow the wrong person

And so, I fucked up. I bought something on carousell and transferred to a wrong party. I admit I shoud have been more careful. Usually, I don't keep checking the number I am transferring to and to make matters worse, I am actually a little dyslexic when it comes to number. The only reason why nothing like this happened because the mobile numbers I keyed in were wrong/ not tagged to any user and I had to re-check. 

This time, the number looked right and the name seems correct too. I was buying some kid's stuff and a lady's name popped up. Sounds about right. The only reason why I knew I transferred to the wrong person was only because the seller spotted it and told me she didn't receive my funds. 

I freaked the shit out ($ wasn't substantial) and immediately tried to research how to get my money back. And fortunately, I did. The first thing I did was to call the bank, who isn't that helpful. They told me to (i) contact the payee and explained the situation and hopefully they transfer you the money back. If that fails (ii) submit a form to get the bank to do a bank recall. So basically, the bank would call the payee and ask them to transfer you the fund. However, they have a choice to not obey and then (iii) you would have to file an official police report. 

I did manage to get my money back at (i) while subtlely hinting that I would proceed to (ii) and (iii). Note: Filing an official police report would leave a record in the payee's file. My payee never picked up my call/ responded to my messages at first. It took half a day before I managed to close this. Not sure if this helps, but I also addressed the payee by her name. It was so tedious and draining on me. Going to be more careful in future. Sharing this because the research is already done anyway LOL.

Food Tour 21 - Meals with my Friends

 It has been so long since I last wrote for this series. Now that Covid restrictions ain't as strict and I sort of am more open to eating out. Check out some of the yummy food I had. :) Here's a series of the good food I stuff into my tummy with awesome friends LOL!

1. St. Regis Afternoon Tea with Burberry ($48 per pax)

I feel so stupid, but I kept asking my friends if we were eating at a Burberry store initially haha. Basically, you have it at the beautiful St. Regis (you can read what I wore and take a peep at their gorgeous ballroom here). I won't say that the high tea is particularly outstanding. It is really sweet for sure, like most high tea. I am not particularly into the sweet treats but we had seconds for the savory platter and the soup was delish. Their signature tea was absolutely fantastic. Won't think I will come here again (I can't take my sweets as well as before) unless it is with a bunch of lady-friends because company does matter. 

2. Plaza Sing Delights - Cajun on Wheels and Nana's Green Tea

I haven't been town as often since Covid and this might have been the first time I stepped into Plaza Sing. Some eateries do look a little foreign. Settled on Cajun on Wheels with my friends cos in my words "the people in silly bibs make the food looks so good". We bought a bucket and added on fries and buns to share between 3 girls (whooping $140+), but I guess that's the price of darn yummy seafood. Special shoutout to the yellow rice and Mango Peach drink, which was absolutely heavenly. I was so thirty I took half a cup of my friend's drink. (Gosh!) and till now I have no idea how to wield the hammer effectively. Felt like an idiot pounding the crab as bits flew around. (Not a Thor for sure)

I had Nana's Green Tea with different group of friends before so I pretty much knew what to expect. Always loved their desserts and am happy to see them still thriving. My friends said the green tea was bitter, but walao eh, that's how authentic green tea taste like. I had sesame by the way (having quite a bit of craving for it)

3. Blue Label (again) and Dal.komm Coffee

I guess one of my life goals is to try all their pizzas there. Managed to convince another group of girl friends to go as well so that we can try 2 different flavours. I don't know why but I always end up at the Orchard Outlet. Summer in San Sebastian is quite an acquired taste (but the husband and I love it) When I was with my friends we had the special - Wu Tang Clams (which I was punished to eat the whole thing cos they commented it was too garlicky and salty. I thought it was ok, but after 3 pieces I've had enough) and Alberto Toma (in my friend's words - atas tomato and cheese) which pleased them greatly.

Blue Label was a bit of a bitch this time round and chased us out after 1h+ on a weekday. Didn't help that we came in a little later than the reservations timing. Ended up having a drink at dal.komm coffee instead and to whisper a birthday song to a very unimpressed friend. Personally, I didn't really like what was served here. Had walked pass this joint several times and should have walked pass it too this time round just that the selection at Orchard is quite limited after Covid and on a weekday, sigh.

KidsSTOP - Fun, educational and value for money

Am so happy to share this place - KidsSTOP with you guys, this was where we initially wanted to go on the eves but there were no slots. No wonder because we only spent $4 (free for kids below 18 months). It was rather fun and instagrammable. It ticked all my checkbox. 

From baby's perspective, he probably still preferred Pororo Park more since everything was made to his height. And there were structures for him to climb very safely. KidsSTOP, in comparison is a little more suitable for a toddler and every station seems to forcefully put in some science concept. 

Basically, KidsSTOP is under Science Centre and it feels more like a government non-profit project. For Singaporeans, it is $2 for adults on and $5 for a child (above 18 months) during off peak. The husband bought a ticket for our kid by mistake and even managed to do a refund at the counter rather effortlessly. Profiting attractions probably won't do that. 

Given the price tag, I wasn't expecting much. But I was blown away once I step in because all the exhibits were so thoughtfully put together. It has everything what an indoor playground (which charge you an arm and a leg) has at such an affordable price. The space area was also huge. My child only managed to play (maybe a quarter) of whatever that is available. 

Not every exhibit/ station is suitable for a toddler and even within the exhibition, some probably won't be appropriate either. The farm area was one place we played the longest and I even managed to chat with a tourist Mum and gave some insights how the education is like. So, my poor kid has been labelled "home-schooled" because we decided to let him start school like in our time around 3-4. 

But this apparently is perfectly normal overseas. To cast all this name-calling, I will be doing a post/series on the "curriculum" I have for my kid so that more parents would feel assured taking this normal route. For info, my kid is still considered advanced as per the PD. That's why I always get a bit riled up when people speak of my child like he is going to be a retard simply because we didn't choose the kiasu route. Proud Mummy moment was when my son followed the other older kids and managed to slide down himself too!

Exhibits suitable for them apart from the Farm includes the nice shiny sand play to dig for Dinosaur bones (my son hates sand haha), tessellation glow in the dark exhibition (nice photos but he doesn't stay too long inside cos there isn't much to do), engineering area (super fun but limited number of people can go in, I was stuck outside while the guys had fun) and the supermarket area (which apparently had a cooking area which my kid didn't venture to cos the area is pretty big)

But don't worry, cos kids make their own fun. Even in the unsuitable exhibitions, you can just keep a watchful eye over them so that they won't trip and fall. I took him on a hurricane stimulator (bad idea!) and it probably left him scarred. Bad Mummy moment, oops. I do try a lot of things with him sometimes to find out what ticks him hehe. 

My boy was obsessed with this wind generator which spells danger everywhere. He did learn how to move a wheelbarrow and mustered courage to walk through a veil. So, money well spent. The toilet is also very children friendly. This boy was so at ease he took a dump in the middle of his play. 

KidsSTOP was even fun for us parents! And after a good play, there are lots of lunch  and shopping options at JEM, West Gate and JCube. Whee~~Will probably sign up a membership for him when he is older because we do see ourselves going there quite often!

Exotic CNY snacks from ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove

 

Although the number of visitors per house will be dropping this CNY, I am determined to not let that deter me from my feasting. Did I ever tell you how much I love my CNY goodies? This year, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove came out with The Auspicious Trio, which consists an exotic bundle of 3 different flavours - Organic Pineapple rolls, spicy Hei Bee Hiam Pineapple Tarts and Parmigiano Reggiano Cookies for S$78+.

Decided to give it a try because feasting for me pretty much binging on goodies and letting my friends and families know which brand is the best this year. Hahaha. Here's my ranking of the goodies!

1.  Parmigiano Reggiano Cookies

This is my absolute favourite. It looks rather unassuming but it was one of the most delicious cookies I've had this year. In fact, I think every house should have at least 1 box of it. It is a nice fusion and a yummy addition for all the cheese lovers. Because it is also not the traditional taste we are used to, I would think this is a good snack for our everyday chomps too!

2. Organic Pineapple rolls

For the healthier folks, you can try out the organic pineapple rolls. Compared to other pineapple fillings, this version isn't as sweet. At the top, you can also find a dash of Himalayan Pink Salt which gives the usual sweet treat a savory taste. Personally, I find the saltiness a little odd (maybe because I have a sweet tooth and is too deeply rooted in the traditional taste for it). So I brush the salt away for mine (what a waste, I know!) I am sure some people would appreciate the taste as it is. 

3. Spicy Hei Bee Hiam Pineapple Tarts

In terms of appearance, I thought this set had the cutest appearance. I was also the most excited for this since my fav. CNY snack is the spicy prawn roll. Sadly, this didn't quite rub me right. It wasn't spicy enough for me so it felt neither here nor there - not a pineapple tart and not a spicy prawn roll. For me, it is a combination gone wrong, but never try never know right. 

If you are someone who is more adventurous, I would recommend stocking up 3 different flavours to try. If you just wanna follow me, stock up on the Parmigiano Reggiano Cookies. There is even a 20+% discount if you are a member of the ONE°15 Marina!

New Year New Hair

Sorry for starting a post with so many selfies of myself but I am really digging this look. Basically I highlighted my hair (no bleach, no cut). After much thoughts, I decide I am going to grow my hair back so that I can experiment more hairstyle since my son is not interested in pulling long hair. I am sure many of you must be thinking why I didn't opt for a bleach. I am trying to improve the quality of my hair so I didn't want my hair to go through too much chemical this time round. 

I really wanted was some colour. But one thing I didn't know is that my son is so dang clingy. I was even late for my appointment because he woke up earlier to make me change his diaper. So much for a day out. Despite the limited time, I am glad Toni & Guy (Mandarin Gallery) managed to squeeze some colour onto my head. 

I am not sure about you, but I am always most amused with the tools the hairdresser use. This time round I had a halo revolving around my head which reminded me a lot of a spaceship. So much for me-time, I was immediately reminded of my son's love for aliens and took a few selfies to send over to the Hubs to show him LOL!

Guess, I must really look chio cos my husband decided to take me out for a date after. I love thee Mandarin Gallery outlet for its location. It has a lot of my favourite places. Usually I would grab a drink at Providore and would dine either at Blue Label or Wild Honey! Quite a nice way to start the new year. Remember fellow Mummies, dates are a must to keep the romance alive!

My toddler has his own toilet

I think I am starting a little too early. But this was a very exciting project for the family. We decided to convert the common toilet to a child-friendly loo for our little one. I was very inspired after checking out my friend's toilet and decided to do the same for ours. It is still a work in progress, but I am proud enough to share it and obtain some ideas as we vamp it up. 

Before we added the furnishings, this toilet used to be empty and we used it mainly as a toilet to wash the bulkier items. It has no shower screen (otherwise the bathtub and an adult would be really squeezed) which was really good advise by our ID. And we had a stainless steel basin cabinet to prevent any rusting. There was also no mirror as well because I couldn't find anything nice/ suitable at that point. 

1. MomnLittle Potty training step letter ($61.63)

One of the most obvious thing we added was a potty training step ladder. As some of you know, I am really into aesthetics. I managed to find something that was quite aligned with our neutral house theme and within an acceptable price range. It was delivered within a week and the parts were quite easily assembled.

The height could be adjusted accordingly and the padding (to make the toilet bowl smaller) was really soft. My friend's kid had a try and love it! (I am now known Aunty with Steps in the toilet). Currently, my son uses it as a step to climb up and down. It is a good start, I will be slowly sharing more on the tips once I successfully toilet-train him!

2. Basin Step Stool ($8.90)

The other item we added was the Bolmen step stool from Ikea. Am very happy to update that my kid would stand on it as we wash his hands. It makes things a lot easier because he is getting a lot heavier. He used to be dangled over the basin, so this was definitely a safer option. 

In addition, I would sit on the stool as I bathe him so it is nice that everything is now placed in one area. The toddler is also getting a lot more playful so a stool is required now (in the past I could still squart) as he will spend a long time playing with water and his bath toys. 

3. Shears Foldable Bathtub has a home ($39.90)

It used to be just placed in the bedroom to dry and oh gosh, bedtime routine was quite a killer when this little dude attempts to climb in and out repeatedly. I would have to even wipe it dry sometimes cos he is so impatient and his clothes would get wet. The bathtub is still used a ball pit sometimes till this day. But it feels more right to have it in the toilet. 

Now we just need a good place to store his toys! For Mummies who need help on the bathing a baby, you can ready my post here!

Only indoor playground available: Kidz Amaze

 I feel bad for my kid. Not only am I a clueless first-time parent, I am a super last minute one too! We were considering bringing our kiddo out during the eves but twice we would only sit down in front of  a computer to research the day before. Not that it helps, because all the tickets were snapped out!

Initially we decided to explore a garden (not revealing anything here yet), but boo to rainy days. So I tried to find an indoor playground which still had slots. And voila - we found Kidz Amaze.

Kidz Amaze is located in the far-flung of Boon Lay (maybe that's why it wasn't fully booked even on a peak). And we managed to squeeze a slot. There is no toddler's corner and lots of loud noises. Some kids may be terrified. Ours was a little startled but he wasn't quite willing to give up play-time so he braced himself along. 

There were a lot of tall, climbing structures which our little one struggled with. Most of the time, we were climbing the same few "flights", picking up balls along the way. The bigger kids were engaged in faster-paced games of shooting but they were all really sweet to pause every time our boy got in the way. (well-bred children)

Each slot was about 1.5 hours which is really more than enough for our little one and us. We paid a total of $22 because the husband didn't manage to renew his Safra membership in time. It is probably one of the least value for money indoor playground so far (cos it isn't free for kids less than 2 YO) But we may consider signing up a permanent membership when he is older. 

If you are still planning to bring your baby there, there is quite a nice slide. And after the session, you can still enjoy quite a nice meal/ shopping trip at Jurong Point :D