We Bid Farewell to The Baby Cove

An open letter to all our devoted blog readers...

Hello everyone,

We've turned three recently and we told Mama that we are no longer "babies" and she thought it's time for us to "migrate" to another blog.

Fortunately there was no other uncreative people around the blog world using this name so to continue being a part of lives and gain an insight of our adventure, we present you Iain Plus Aden.. Ta-da! Told you it wasn't very creative of her to come up with that name but she explained that life recently has been rather hectic and she has to get used to handling us AND the house without a helper so we forgave her. Guess it isn't so bad and we need to grow to like it because it's going to stick with us for at least another 3 years till we are no longer preschoolers.

So to end this last post of The Baby Cove, Mama and we would like to thank all the faithful and regular readers for being together with us in this journey.

It has been a terrific three years since our birth. We've learnt much but we know we still have lots to learn (we get you, Grandpa - no hands when eating!!)

Lots of love,
Iain and Aden xoxoxo

P/s: A treat for all of you...a blast from the past...

the day we were to be born...

Mama cannot imagine that's how she looked shen we were both inside her...that's monstrously huge! And she put on 20 kg for our sake...

The Twins' Speech

We entered the lift one evening to encounter a towering man inside. One of the boys remarked, "This uncle is very tall!" to which my reply was, "That's because he eats lots of food!"

Upon hearing this, the tall man answered, "Healthy food!" and I agreed, "Yeah and lots of milk!"

At this moment, a couple entered the same lift  and the man was comparatively much shorter.

And this was what one of them said matter-of-factly, " This uncle eats lots of sweets!"

 after the Letter N class with Mrs Shah

with Wrinkles

What We Have Been Up To

Alas, it's been awhile, isn't it?

After we were back from our Redang trip, the boys were under the weather one after the other culminating with Aden contracting hand, foot and mouth disease and thus house-bound for the past week.

At the same time, our household is undergoing some drastic changes as our helper of three years will leave us soon and we have been scouting for a few childcare centres. We have only looked at two and will soon make a decision as to which one we will send them to and get them accustomed to the idea of school before our helper leaves.

And, we bought a waffle maker yesterday (finally) to add some new breakfast ideas to our existing repertoire and in the midst of searching for waffles recipes, I came across these fabulous food blogs (and noteworthy food photography) that you may want to check out.

Kitchen's Corner has an exhaustive list of home-made (mostly baking) recipes - cakes, bread, chiffon, ice-cream, that if you try one every week, I think you'll take years to finish!

She has a list her own favourite food blogs too so do check them out too!

And while Aden was nursing his sore lips and mouth and a few horrible ulcers on his tongue, his main diet was strawberry milk and jelly. In the midst of searching for recipes of homemade jelly (so that I can make healthier versions), I stumbled upon Christine's Recipe, a "family cooking blog with simple Asian and Western recipes". This will come in handy!

And lastly, a women's blog that encompasses all- parenting, fashion, food. Karen Cheng's Fashion and Life has won numerous award that I'd do her a disservice to briefly mention it here. To read more about Karen, click here.

Really, with the internet, who's bored nowadays?

Jack and the Beanstalk by The Little Company

SYNOPSIS by Sistic

What happens when you wake up one morning to find a giant beanstalk outside your window? Join Jack on his madcap adventure as he climbs the beanstalk and meets the wonderful and lovable characters that help him outwit, outplay and outdo the Giant! An original adaptation of a well loved classic fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk is the one musical that will have you singing, dancing and spilling the beans!    DATE 4 Nov - 11 Dec 2011                 Tue - Fri, 10.00am & 2.00pm Sat - Sun, 11.00am & 2.00pm Mon (7 Nov), 11.00am & 2.00pm DURATION Approx 1 hrs 30 mins Interval Approx 15 mins VENUE(S) DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee) Standard S$28 - Weekdays S$38 - Weekends (Inc. Public Holiday) Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.        For more ticketing information, please click here.

The Elves and the Shoemaker by I Theatre

SYNOPSIS by Sistic

A musical with… sole!

There was once a shoemaker, who, by no fault of his own, had become so poor that at last he had nothing left but leather for one pair of shoes.

Have you ever wondered why?

Come with us to a little village, on the edge of the forest, just beyond the city, and visit the Shoemaker’s shop. It stands between Old Geppetto’s Toy Shop, and The Gingerbread Bakery.

And where are his customers?

Walking along the street, meet Madam Imelda, with her two daughters. Trailing behind them, like a servant, her stepdaughter, Cinderella. They are just NEVER satisfied with the shoes he makes – and always demand that he remakes and repairs them at no cost…

This, you might realise, is where the story begins…

There was once a shoemaker, who, by no fault of his own, had become so poor that at last he had nothing left but leather for one pair of shoes. Have you ever wondered why? Walking along the street, meet Madam Imelda, with her two daughters. Trailing behind them, like a servant, her stepdaughter, Cinderella. They are just NEVER satisfied with the shoes he makes – and always demand that he remakes and repairs them at no cost… A brand new, crazy, magical and tender-hearted musical for Singapore, based on the famous story by The Brothers Grimm – including special appearances from a few more famous characters you might recognise! Are we all getting too cynical for this? Or is it time to revisit, and celebrate, with children everywhere, the glory of the gift, and the wonder of the wish!

DATE
28 Oct - 13 Nov 2011
Tues & Wed - 10:00AM & 2:30PM
Thurs, Fri & Sat - 2:30PM & 7:30PM
Sun - 11:00AM & 5:00PM

DURATION
Approx 110mins

INTERVAL
Approx 15mins

VENUE(S)
Drama Centre Theatre

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard: S$32, S$28

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

As a Friend of I Theatre, quote "Cobblers" at any Sistic outlet, hotline or internet purchase! (This discount starts 11 Aug 2011. )
 
For more ticketing information including prevailing discounts, please click here.

Morning Inspiration

Iain woke up one the mornings at 7 and decided he'd start his day with a burst of colour. And that was what he did.

Sleeping Beauty by Dufflebag Theatre Company, Canada

SYNOPSIS by Sistic:


Awaken your imagination with this side-splitting parody of a very famous classic fairy tale! Just as the actors begin to spin a fantastical world of castles and fairies and lull the audience into a false sense of familiarity, a hilarious twist will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Expect to participate in group or solo parts in this very unique experience of interactive Children’s Theatre. This is not your average ‘sit, watch and learn’ performance, but a ‘get up, do and learn’ affair. Enjoy the magic of Dufflebag through its winning combination - a passion for drama, a gift for storytelling and a love for interacting with the children!

For kids 5-12 years old

DATE
28 Sep - 16 Oct 2011
Mon - Thu, 10AM
Fri (except 7 Oct), 10AM
Fri (7 Oct), 11AM & 4PM
Sat & Sun, 11AM & 4PM

DURATION
Approx. 60mins

VENUE(S)
ACT 3 Theatre
126 Cairnhill Road

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard S$25

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

For ticketing information, please click here.

Boy by Players Theatre

From the company that brought us James and the Giant Peach - Players Theatre:

SYNOPSIS by Sistic

BOY is a beautiful, simple story inspired by Shel Silverstein’s classic book, The Giving Tree. Set in the Far East, this original folktale and fable tells the story of a pair of best friends - a boy and a tree. Together, they have everything they need in the world. But one day, when a princess wanders into the boy's world, he suddenly becomes painfully aware of all the things he does not have. In the boy's pursuit of the girl's affections and her father - the Emperor's - approval, he finds that he is lacking in so many things. The boy goes to his friend the tree and - again and again - the tree gives everything she can until there is nothing left to give.

In a bittersweet ending, the boy comes to realise that he already had everything in the world he could possibly want, he just didn't know it.

This heartwarming production will be told as an Asian folktale and borrow from Asian influences.

BOY is a wonderful way to experience the valuable life lesson of not taking for granted the love that is freely offered by those who care for us the most.
This is strictly a limited run so be sure to book your tickets early!

DATE

17-18 Sep 2011
Sat, 11am
Sun, 1pm

DURATION
Approx 1 hr 10 mins

VENUE(S)
SOTA Studio Theatre

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard - S$24
Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

Ticketing information can be found here.

Amannagappa, Redang Island, Malaysia

a simple bed and breakfast with a reasonable 3 days 2 nights package that can be found here. 

the place is simply decorated with Malay accents

the chef whipped out traditional and international meals including an unforgettable potato salad, fruit rojak and the above irresistible local dessert which used natural blue colouring from certain plants 

Besides hitting the beach, the boys kept themselves busy with their travel essentials of crayons and stickers

one of the daily meal companions

the tides were pretty strong when we were there

 at dusk...

 soft, powdery sand...

Amannagappa - not for those who expects a butler service with all the luxurious frills but for those who yearn a weekend of idyll, privacy and a hospitable, warm Malaysian service.

Spin Art

What you need:

• salad spinner (our is a $9.90 Ikea's)


• paints (different consistency will produce different results, so experiment!)


• pre-cut circles (use the sieve inside the salad spinner to trace and cut. One circle is insufficient!)

Since it was Great-Aunt Angela's birthday on that particular day, I decided to let the boys make an owl using the spin art creations.

To make the owls, use different-shaped triangles for legs, beak and ears, circles for the eyes and hearts for the wings.

Maddycakes Muse

Came across this blog while searching for ideas to do with adorable-looking cupcake liners which I've bought from Daiso months ago but couldn't find any use for them.

Maddycakes Muse is a craft and party planner site so take a look at those ubberly-creative ideas that people have when throwing a party!

For the cupcake liner lampshades tutorial, please click here.

N for Noodles

didn't know that glue looks yummy

very focused ... at least for ten minutes

Aden and Iain: It's a porcupine!

Was tidying up the larder one day when I realised there was an expired packet of soba stashed deep in the cupboard and hence this activity came up.

All you need is somee rough paper with sufficient thickness, noodles and glue!

Kite Festival at ION Orchard and Marina Bay

ION Orchard 29 July - Aug 7
Marina Bay 3-4 Sept

A free event presented by Act 3 International. More details can be found here.

Beat the Summer Heat - Visit Museums

Extracted from Finder Magazine Online:

Singapore museum roundup by Jassmin Peter

ArtScience Museum

This 50,000 square feet of gallery space now open at Marina Bay Sands features a permanent exhibition titled A Journey Through Creativity showcasing influences from art, science, media, technology, design and architecture.
Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue.
Open: Daily 10am-10pm.

Asian Civilisations Museum Spread over 11 themed galleries, this microcosm of Asian civilisations focuses on the rich material cultures of Singapore's multi-ethnic society.
1 Empress Place.
Open: Mon 1pm-7pm. Tues-Sat 9am-7pm & Fri 9am-9pm.
Tel: 6332 2982.

Changi Museum

An important educational institution and resource centre, this museum honours those who lived and died during the Japanese occupation in Singapore at the time of World War II. The chapel at this Museum has also served as place of solitude and remembrance for prisoners-of-wars and their families.
1000 Upper Changi Road North.
Open: Daily 9:30am-5pm.
Tel: 6214 2451.

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (Fire Station)

Housed in the Central Fire Station, discover the evolution of fire engines in Singapore since the 1800s and experience real-life fire fighting action through interactive stations. Visit the gallery's public education corner to learn how to handle a real-life emergency.
62 Hill Street, Central Fire Station.
Open: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.
Tel: 6332 2996.

Ford Motor Factory
This is the historic site where the British surrendered to the Japanese in 1942 and captures memories and reflections of the hardships faced by those who lived through World War II. A garden plot behind the gallery features wartime crops including tapioca, sugar cane and bananas.
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm & Sun 12pm-5:30pm.

Maritime Museum

View a collection of South-East Asian ship models, rare maritime charts, photographs, equipment and artefacts including a 100-year old steam crane. Learn about the evolution of shipping as well as the ingenious fishing methods of bygone days.
Artillery Avenue, Sentosa.
Open: Wed-Sun 10am-6pm.
Tel: 6275 0133.

MINT Museum of Toys houses nostalgic vintage toys and childhood memorabilia, with over 50,000 one-of-a-kind examples. Originating from more than 40 countries, each toy reflects international cultural trends and century-old historical events.
26 Seah Street.
Open: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm.
Tel: 6339 0660.

National Museum of Singapore

This architectural icon is custodian to 11 National Treasures and houses the Singapore History gallery, Singapore Living galleries and the PlayDome - which invites children to enjoy play activities based on visual inspiration.
93 Stamford Road.
Open: 10am-6pm (History Gallery), 10am-8pm (Living Galleries).
Tel: 6332 3659.

Peranakan Museum

Explore the living culture of Singapore's Peranakan communities - of mixed Chinese, Malay and Javanese heritage - through authentic collections via interactive state-of-the-art audio, visual effects and multimedia stations.
39 Armenian Street.
Open: Mon 1pm-7pm,Tues-Sun 9am-7pm.
Tel: 6332 7591/ 2982/3275.

Red Dot Design Museum examines the concept of great product and brand design, featuring world-class and award-winning exhibits.
28 Maxwell Road #02-16.
Tel: 6534 7001.

Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum

Discover on ground and suspended aircraft displays, armament and air defence artillery, including the Bloodhound Missile, support equipment and aircraft engines, such as the Rolls Royce Bristol Viper.
RSAF Museum, 400 Airport Road.
Open: Tues-Sun 8am-5pm.

Singapore Art Museum (SAM)

Marvel in modern and contemporary South-East Asian artworks or visit SAM at 8Q - the museum's extension building - for diverse, contemporary art practices including painting, sculpturing, installations, film and video, performance, sound art, new media and photography. SAM 71 Bras Basah Road. SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen Street.
Open: Daily 10am-7pm & Fri 10am-9pm.
Tel: 6332 3222.


Singapore Fort Siloso

Asia's largest collection of guns and cannons dates back to the 17th century. Explore underground tunnel complexes and view original war memorabilia. Visit the World War II Surrender Chambers tableaux depicting the British and the subsequent Japanese surrender.
Sentosa Island.
Open: Daily 10am-6pm.
Tel: 6275 0388.

Singapore Philatelic Museum

Showcasing Singapore's archival philatelic material from the 1830s to the present day, themes include science, technology, history and culture.
23B Coleman Street.
Open: Mon 1pm-7pm & Tues-Sun 9am-7pm.
Tel: 6337 3888.

Singapore Police Heritage Centre

Relive famous police cases through aural history excerpts and interactive games. View former Police Commissioners' personal collections, specialised equipment used to deal with rioting crowds, police paraphernalia and other artefacts.
Police Headquarters, New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawady Road.
Open: Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm.
Tel: 6478 2123.

Singapore Science Centre
Home to more than 1,000 interactive science exhibits and shows, this is a science playground for both children and adults. This Centre houses a five-storey dome-shaped Omni-Theatre, screening IMAX - movies promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
15 Science Centre Road.
Open: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm & Fri 10am-9pm, Omni-Theatre: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm.
Tel: 6425 2500.

Sports Museum

Honouring the nation's top athletes, sports treasures include the country's first Olympic medal, won by Singaporean Tan Howe Liang, the All-England Badminton Cup and a selection of gold medals from the World Games.
Singapore Sports Council, 230 Stadium Boulevard.
Tel: 6500 5114.

For exhibition listings, ticket prices, free activities and upcoming events visit each museum's website.

Taking in the Sights of Saigon, Vietnam

a very contented-looking Palm with his 3-in-1 Vietnamese coffee loot

An Dong Market at Cholon, Ho Chi Min's Chinatown - what wares do they sell? Lots of helmets!

the Parisian-looking boulevard surrounding our hotel

the boys learnt what is iconic of the city - there are alot of motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh! says Aden (above) as he poses with a horde of motorbikes who happened to stop at the traffic light. C

We stayed at Rex Hotel in the heart of the city, a majestic-looking hotel with a list of boutiques on the ground floor comparable to those Paragon Shopping Centre. The room boasts an extensive list of amenities including toilet rolls pasted with a little Rex Hotel symbol of a crown but because it was located in the old wing, the spacious interior was very retro-looking. Nevertheless when you circumnavigate the exterior, it gives you a very grand and colonial feel.

Somehow every trip I make to a developing country brings me closer to earth. It is in these countries that you find peddlers (sometimes young, sometimes elderly) selling their ware in front of swanky designer boutique shopping malls. Although we didn't see any beggars on the street, we did see a young boy no more than five year old being encouraged by his father to ask us for money. The twins asked what he was doing and I tried to put it across to them as simple as I could and told them he had no money for food so he's asking for it. I took the chance to tell them that one needs to work in order to earn some money to buy food. And one of them said, "When I grow up, I want to work for you so that I can buy food."