All thanks to Baby Charleston Bondi 2.0 Stroller, I survived my HK trip with 4 kids aged 1 to 7 !

You may think that I am an expert in stroller given that I have 4 kids. Let me tell you the story of the strollers we had in our family.  I have lusted for many fancy strollers but my husband doesn’t believe in buying a stroller that cost 4 digit as cheaper strollers can do the job too.  My first ever stroller was a hand me down Graco stroller which came with a bassinet for newborn which serve me well for 2 kids. It was sturdy yet bulky though it has stand the test of time, used for more than 10 years!

Then came no 3 , I had another hand me down light weight Graco stroller and within a few weeks of his birth, we lost it! We lost it at a HDB car park as we forgot to unload it into our car. It was lost forever. Finally, we were forced to purchase a stroller after being parents for 4 years and for kid no 3. We brought a Capella stroller at Robinsons with minimal research (I was still harbouring hope for a fancy stroller, but hubby was wiser) which can be inverted as we thought it will be cool to face the crying baby as we never had that function in our previous hand me down . However after using it, the baby didn’t stop crying even though he is facing me. After the baby got bigger, we transited to lightweight umbrella stroller more for travelling purposes as the umbrella stroller collapses to take up a slimmer/ smaller part of the boot than the Capella.

As my family continues to grow, the boot space whenever we do our road trip is a hard squeeze. I remember we had to collapse of the one of the back row seats in our MPV just to squeeze in the long but thin umbrella stroller, else we would have to leave the stroller behind. And here is stroller no #5 and I am sure the last one of my household!

Unboxing it

IMG_1880

IMG_1883

IMG_1887

 

IMG_1965

IMG_1891

The Bondi 2.0 comes in 5 unique colours – I chose turquoise as I feel it is more gender neutral. Every stroller purchase come with a cup holder, mosquito net. rain cover, cooling straw mat and a detachable front safety bar.

14355094_1830430883857441_654655481246357248_n

Dimension of the Bondi 2.0

14445618_10157502136950173_2050031923_n

Storing it

IMG_1973

fit at the foot rest of my car

And let me tell you my greatest pet peeve. We owned an MPV by no choice due to the large family size This means that once we have reversed parked against a wall, we are unable to open the boot. So we have to come down remove the stroller, and then reverse all the way. The same goes for storing the stroller, drive out to open the boot unlike sedan, where we can open the boot without moving the car.

And when I saw  how compact the Baby Charleston’s Bondi 2.0 stroller when folded,  can actually placed it at the leg space at the baby seat (ie not the boot) I DO NOT EVER NEED TO OPEN THE CAR BOOT to store the stroller. How convenient. It is  SO COMPACT that the stroller can be carried to the cabin in the airplane as well. So we do not have to wait for the airport staff to retrieve it from the baggage storage –  picture and elaboration below.

And now whenever I go for road trip, the boot shall be solely for the luggage. I do not ever need to consider some space to put the stroller.  My only regret why didn’t I discover such a stroller before.  My husband who asked  me why do we need another stroller when I first got it is also a convert today because it is not just another stroller, it makes our lives so much easier and convenient minus the bulk and storage.

14317335_10154150309824143_3366736941411798697_ncabin size

20160926_204622

Picture speaks a thousand words, see how come the Bondi 2.0 vs my Capella or my umbrella stroller.

Using it

14202550_10154107520149143_4300450471039637178_n

As it is light weight and narrow, it is really a breeze strolling around the town, on pavements, we can push through tight spaces and gantries (at the immigration) which is unthinkable for my older strollers.

For the first time in my 7 years of parenting and 7 years of travelling with kids /babies in tow, I carried a stroller on board the plane! Typically, we will have the stroller all the way until the gate where it will picked up to be stored in the airplane’s baggage area. When we disembarked, some airports will have it ready at the door of the airplane itself or at times, at the baggage collection. It is not a long wait but when you have many kids and a sleeping toddler, the short wait can feel like its forever. With the stroller up in the cabin, this means I have instant access upon disembarkation which was a god send. We came back into Singapore at 1am and my 3 year old no matter want just couldn’t wake up, so we had the stroller opened at the door of the plane. So we had to carry him a short distance from the seats to the door of the plane and we can proceed ahead to the immigration and baggage collection.

20160926_204058

The basket at the bottom is quite roomy too. Here is after my Lillebaby carrier (folder) and a Jujube fuel cell for baby milk etc.

20160926_204156-1

Sometimes i prefer to hang it all up , the Jujube fuel cell and Super be diaper bag.

Loving it

I have been using it for more than 2 months now on weekend outings and a staycation and a vacation.

For my staycation,  it was 2 adults vs 4 kids and at one point my eldest was pushing the stroller while my no 3 was napping inside. It is very easy to maneuver. Despite it being light weight, it does feel stable and not going to topple easily especially if its a 15kg plus toddler.

However, do be careful as some of us parents have a habit of hanging lots of bags /barang on the stroller’s bar and when the “light -weight ” baby (like my #4 who is barely 10kg) is asleep , the centre of gravity will shift backwards and hence the overall weight will not be balanced with all the bags hang at the back of the stroller, and risk of toppling is exist.

If the baby is sitted up right, it is more balanced with the bags/barang at the back of the stroller, hence it is very stable despite the weight at the back of the stroller.

For my vacation, I travelled with all 4 kids without husband but with my parents.  I needed to travel light with as minimal luggage and a light weight stroller. I do not need to consider very much which stroller would follow us on the trip –  the one that is easiest to maneuver, lightest to carry and take the least amount of space when folded.

all thanks to the stroller I survived HK Disneyland with 4 kids!

all thanks to the stroller I survived HK Disneyland with 4 kids!

On our way back to HK airport, as we were near the Airport bus terminal ( I didn’t want to fuss looking for a taxi as we were just 15 min away from the airport), we took the Airport bus with 2 luggage bags , 4 kids and a stroller. As the stroller comes with a shoulder strap and I was carrying my baby using my Lillebaby , I am totally hands-free to even help my parents with one of the luggages to board the bus.

Though mine is a sponsored set, but when my husband was told the price of the stroller at the baby fair, he went “I told you, you don’t have to get a 4 digit price stroller to do the job and more!”

All my other strollers have been kept in storage as they do not serve my current lifestyle any more.

Now in conjunction with the up and coming baby fair, there is a pre-order promotion

Baby Market Pre Order Promotion at $199.00

Suitable from Newborn onwards as it can be reclined flat and up to 15kg of weight.
Freebies Freebies:
Mosquitos Net
Cup Holder
Cooling Straw Mat
Rain Cover
Front Safety Bar

**while stock last

Self Collection during 14-16 Oct, For order please see this link here

All Baby Charleston comes with 1 year local warranty.

Disclosure: I received the Baby Charleston’s Bondi 2.0 Stroller for the purposes of my review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in product.

The Magic Paintbrush by ITheatre- with Giveaway of 3 pair of passes

For its final production  of the year, I Theatre has taken a well-known and well-loved Chinese folk tale (first staged back in year 2000), adds a multitude of marvellous, madcap characters, stirs together with a highly talented cast of established local actors, and bright newcomers, and then fill the whole thing with a host of lively, memorable tunes, slapstick comedy, and just a dash of suspense.

Toni Lee, a youngster from present-day Singapore is struggling with the pressures and stress of schoolwork and parental expectations. With an accidental wish, Toni quite unexpectedly meets a Magical Paintbrush, and is transported back in time to a Southern Province of China, where Toni becomes Ma Liang. In a series of magical adventures, Ma Liang’s story unfolds.

magic-4-700x819

Meet the tuneful Phoenix who guides and helps Ma Liang with his quest. Watch out for the comical Palace Guards, Sotong and Shrimp, as they try to capture Ma Liang for the cruel, greedy Emperor and his wicked schemes!

Through the fun and laughter, a clear and strong moral message about the value of creativity, friendship, and the dangers of using, or abusing power is presented in this magical, musical family show. The play is presented in English. 

mpb016-landscape-10x15

The Magic Paintbrush
Presented by I Theatre

Dates:

Thu, 27 Oct – Sat, 12 Nov 2016
27 0ct 2016 till 30 Oct 2016
Thu – Fri: 10.30am & 2.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am & 2.30pm

1 Nov 2016 till 12 Nov 2016
Tue & Thu: 10.30am & 2.30pm
Wed & Fri: 10.30am
Sat: 11am, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 11am & 5pm

Venue: Drama Centre Theatre, Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3 National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

Recommended for three year olds and above 
Ticket prices: $32 (excluding booking fee)

Tickets available from SISTIC.

I am pleased to do a giveaway of 3 pairs of tickets for the Oct 29 2016 (Sat) 11am show. The winner will have to collect the tickets before show date between  10.30am to 5.30pm at their office at 27 Kerbau Road Singapore 219163. 

1. Liked mypreciouzkids.com on Facebook

2. Followed mypreciouzkids on Instagram and regram the The Magic Paintbrush’s photo using hashtag  #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway and tag 5 friends on IG. Please ensure your IG is on public view. 

3. Followed mypreciouzkids on Twitter (no worries if you don’t have Twitter account)

4. Liked I Theatre  on Facebook

5. Like and share this Facebook post. Pls comment “Done, Twitter: ?? , IG:??” on the same post for my easy tracking. Do set your post to PUBLIC so that I can verify your entry. Entries that are not shared publicly on your timeline will be disqualified. Giveaway ends 25th Sept 2016 (Sunday) 2359.

Giveaway has closed. Congratulations to Joanne Yeo, Brendalene Tan and Dani Kris Teo for winning a pair of tickets each for the 29 Oct 11am show. Please PM me your name and IC. The winners will have to collect the tickets before show date between  10.30am to 5.30pm at their office at 27 Kerbau Road Singapore 219163.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Giveaway : Sudio Sweden’s VASA BLÅ Wireless – Freedom, Functionable, Fashionable!

So far my review has been 99.99% kids related products. I must disclaim and admit I am not a techie person and not updated with the least tech gadgets. Hence, I have not review a tech product before as it is not my forte. I shall be honest what caught my attention of this product was not its technical capability but two things – the wireless freedom and the colour PINK! In my free time online, it is always about me sussing out things for  my kids ; lesson, products, toys classes, clothings etc. Finally,  something for myself and I may turned into a cool and hip mummy!

In the past, I had never use earphones as I do not listen to music or during my train rides etc. All the earphones that came with every new handphone set that I have gotten is as new as when I got the phone.  But ever since the explosion of the Korean drama serial Descendants of the Sun, I had renewed interest in watching Korean drama after a hiatus of more than 5 years (no thanks to apps like VIU which makes catching Korean drama serial so easy and effortless)  , I had absolute reliance on earphones for my viewing pleasure. I started digging out the many “new” earphones can came free with the handphone set. Especially when I watch my drama at night or on my train ride, suddenly a pair of  earphones become an indispensable item just like my handphone.

However, conventional earphones come with long wires which often get tangled up much to my displeasure. Well, there are things are cord organisers etc but I really do not like having to wind the cord after every use etc. My earphones cords often get into a tangle mess which was my greatest pet peeves. Thanks to social media, I came across a beautiful pair of earphones in PINK! Not only it is pretty in PINK it is wireless ! As I am not a techy person I do not normally look at new products in the market but the Sudio’s VASA BLÅ caught my eyes and it was love at first sight. Two PINK earpieces connected by a short cord (in PINK) and that’s it. No more tangle mess ever!

I will share with you the technical aspects as best as a layman or a mummy can do. Besides PINK, it comes in 3 other different colours Blue, Rose gold black and Rose gold white.

colur

Unboxing it

I wanted to write about the beauty but I guess for now I let the photos do the talking…and it comes with a matching leather pouch! In the box, the earphones also comes with 4 pair additional silicone earbuds of varying sizes,  a metal clip, charging cable, owner’s manual and quality assurance card.

14045706_10154067359419143_4748956084396042102_n

13912663_10154067359309143_4353135920783618160_n

14021597_10154067359299143_7575493472594037291_n

13920824_10154067359289143_6544844089572394405_n

Pairing it

It’s a no brainer. Just switch on the bluetooth on your handphone. There are only 3 buttons on the VASA, 2 volume control button and 1 main middle button. To turn on, press on the middle button till there is blue blinking lights. To pair, press the same button again and once it is connected you can hear it and it is indicated as “connected” on the handphone as well. To switch it off, press the same middle button and you will see red blinking lights.

Using it

On a single charge, the pink beauty can last as long as 6 to 8 hours  of usage. The sound quality is crisp and clear. It more than enough for my daily usage. So I do charge it at night every other day. For a quick charge, it is a fast at 10 minute but for a full charge, you need to charge it for 2 hours.

For Iphone user, the battery life can be seen next to the bluetooth symbol on your phone. However for Android users, you need to install a third party app in order to see the battery life. I have used both types of phones to pair with my pink beauty but I don’t really need to see the battery life on my Android devices as I charge it every other day based on my daily usage.

Loving it

I have been using it for more than 1 month now, mainly for my Korean drama viewing pleasure and listening to the Korean drama OST. I am glad that I have this wireless pink beauty with me now as I am going to start a fitness regime and some jogging/running. It will be so much easier to jog/run without a long cord attached to my phone!

Mummies may ask me for the price tag, it seems a bit steep when the “free” earphones can do the same job but to me , it is a small price to pair for 3 Fs – Freedom, functionality and fashionable!

14212183_10154104806019143_156732328802456829_n (1)

It is great as gift to husbands as well. My hubby uses earphones a lot at night to listen to music. I know he will totally love the Rose Gold Black Wireless Vasa. All purchase of earphones comes with a beautiful gift box and tag. For his next birthday, I do not need to crack my brains anymore and we can have matchy earphones!

14034930_10154067359439143_7261873729596896016_n

a complimentary gift box with every purchase

You can purchase it online here or the physical store in Singapore such as Epicentre ,Best Denki or iStudio. A complete list of Singapore stores can be found here.

If you are purchasing it online, it is free shipping worldwide. They have 14 days no question asked return policy.  There is also a 1 year warranty for any manufacturing defects. Customers can visit their website to get in touch with their customer service staff for any issues with regard to repairs.

Thanks to the kind sponsors from Sudio, I will be giving away not 1 but 2 VASA BLÅ in the colour of the winner’s choice. Please read through the giveaway steps as there is a slight change from my usual giveaway steps.

1.Liked mypreciouzkids.com on Facebook

2. Liked Sudio  on Facebook

3. Followed mypreciouzkids on Instagram and regram this photo with hashtag #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway and tag 5 friends on IG

4. Liked and shared this Facebook post. Pls comment “Done. IG ??” on the same post for my easy tracking.

5. BONUS : Liked and shared the following facebook posts – 3 Little Pigs, Little Star and Spartan Junior Race

Do set your post to PUBLIC so that I can verify your entry. Entries that are not shared publicly on your timeline will be disqualified. Giveaway ends 12 September 2016 (Monday) 2359.

Disclosure: I received a pair of pink VASA BLÅ  from Sudio Sweden for the purposes of my review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in product.

Little Star by ITheatre – refreshingly different

August is definitely a good month for the kids as there are not 1 or 2 but 3 children productions by different local theatre companies to the lucky kids in Singapore. Yes ,all truly local productions with local cast! This time, I will be reviewing the latest production from ITheatre, Little Star.

The play was based on the concept of star and the very famous song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. From the onset, all the puppeteers came on stage to introduce the puppet that they will be operating which is really good and the reason why they are dressed in black. Not many kids has been to puppet show , definitely not my kids, so it is definitely a good introduction to the kids. My older kids even asked how were the puppets’ limb being moved to make it appear so real ( I realised this is probably their first ever puppet show)

The play opened with 2 puppets , a girl name Celeste and a boy name Cosmo who were bickering as they were not interested in the same thing. One of them was interested in the science concept of star while the other find it all to difficult to comprehend and just wanted to play which led them to dislike each other.

160818-11267

 

160818-11138

Then they came across an owl and a star. Thereafter, the attention was shifted to the star which was in search of her way back home. The star was brought on a journey to the underwater and the outer space to find her place in the universe. This was the highlight of the show. With the use of lighting, luminous props, puppetry, reflective moving disco lights (my 5 year old even commented that she felt like she was moving) and floating coloured balls (which were thrown around much the delight of all the kids) , it was a wonderful spectacle to behold.

The older kids may find it too simplistic as it is more sensorial based rather than story line based (as there are minimal dialogue).  But to my opinion it is perfect for the young kids ( 2 and above) being introduced to theatre productions and those who may not be able to follow new story line or long dialogues.

160818-11282

 

160818-11231

Do not forgot to stay back for the meet and greet to meet the puppeteer and the Little Star.

unnamed

As those who are driving, show patrons are no longer allowed to park at the car park of Alliance Francaise building. The nearest buildings to park are Prudential building or Balmoral Plaza which is a stone’s throw from the show.

Little Star
Presented by I Theatre
Dates: Wednesday, 17 August to Sunday, 11 September 2016
Times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10 am
Thursday to Friday: 10 am & 2.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 am & 2.30 pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise Theatre, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
Recommended for two to six year olds
Ticket prices: $32 (excluding booking fee)

Tickets available from SISTIC.

 Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All photos except the photo of my kids at the musical are credited to ITheatre. 


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in event.

The 3 Little Pigs – my “biased” review

My kids had waited patiently for a good part of this year for The 3 Little Pigs ever since I told them that they are back this year.  We started the year with the Mandarin version of the 3 Billy Goat Gruffs, followed by the revolutionary collaboration with Imitating the Dog (UK) for Hanuman  and finally after a looonnnnggg wait, my kids most loved production is their highlight for the month of August as they know the story inside out -The Three Little Pigs.

As for me, I am also very eager to see how the English version would match up against my most memorable TLC production which was the Mandarin version of the The Three Little Pigs  back in 2013 (sorry for being a broken record yet again for those who has been following my blog). I would say that I have a rather “biased” view given my high expectations for this production as compared to some one who is watching this for production for the very first time as there were big shoes to be filled.

With Danny Yeo helming the creative direction of this production (he was the director for the Mandarin version as well) , I am sure it will be in the same quality and entertainment value as before. I was hoping for a little twist or difference especially to those who has watched it before. So it is all up to the all new English production’s cast to match up against the previous cast of the Mandarin production. 

Before that, let’s hear what Danny Yeo had to say about this year’s production which had set my expectations way up high even before catching the production.

With all TLC’s production, they opened the show with a very catchy song to set the story line and to introduce the 3 little pigs -Cha, Siu and Bao ( I loved how TLC has localised their production using local puns and terms, which adds the entertainment value to the adult audience).

13935131_1407996345882254_8034128919332669156_n (1)

“There are lots of pig tales big and small, but we think the greatest one of all is the one to do with one, two, three little pigs!”

And this was perhaps the only TLC production we have watched that we know the main songs in and out (all thanks to our TLC volume 2  CD in our car player).

tlc cd

My older kids and I were happily singing along the songs that we were familiar with throughout the show.

And my “biased” view on this much anticipating productions –

With a simple and well known story-line (with some strong family values thrown in it) it is already a sure-win formula. To add a strong cast and catchy songs/tunes, it is a home run!

There is really nothing much to critic – a well-rounded cast with acting and singing powess despite being a new cast to TLC.

13934879_1407995849215637_6191129296343868751_n

Here with their mama pig sending her 3 little pigs off to build their homes away from their crampy pigs’ sty. I am sure many mothers can relate to the same scenario many years down the road.

13932760_1407995779215644_3495778100438691272_n

This is one of the most heart warming scenes in my opinion – family sticks together! Get  it!

13880131_1407996059215616_6650846243843260103_n

And the one who stole the show! the big bad wolf! I supposed the level of entertainment went up many notches all thanks to the very “entertaining” wolf. I guess the big bad wolf is not that scary after all. I didn’t hear any young kids crying in the audience and neither did my younger ones cried or were scared of the big bad wolf. And all thanks to the big bad wolf, the adult audience were also very much entertained!

The actor who played the big bad wolf was exactly how I remembered the actor in the Mandarin productions – suave, charming and had a very good rapport with the audience. That said I still believe some dialogues and jokes are a tad better in the Mandarin productions , no fault to the cast or the script but it is the language! (if you know what I mean especially since the director was the same for both productions). So I gave George Chan (the one who played the wolf in the Mandarin production) a slightly better rating than Ian Chan (in the current production) but props to Ian , it was some pretty big shoes to fill too!

To me, there was no particular age range for this production, my 14 month old enjoyed it as much as my 7 year old ( I would say a lower primary kids would enjoy this production very much too even though its a very simple storyline) Given that it was baby C’s first live show, I must say the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf did a good job in capturing his attention from the very start with the opening song. The baby literally stopped fidgetting and watched the stage intently at the opening song!

If there is one kids’ theatre production you want to catch this year, this has to be the ONE! And do support an entirely local/Asian cast and production! And for those who has not watched a TLC production before, please book your tickets NOW before the show ends on 17 September as this is one of their best ever productions.

And since it was the morning/afternoon after Joseph Schooling’s historic win, the cast also paid tribute to Joseph’s feat by cheering at the mere mention of Joseph Schooling! Support local all the way!

And if you think there is “biasness” in my review, check out what other parents had to say about the production!

Do remember to bring your little pigs to take photo at the standee for a chance to win tickets to the TLC’s last production of the year – Charlotte’s Web with the hashtag #TLC3Littlepigs

3 little pigs

Main visual

DATES: From 4th August 2016 Monday to Friday 10am; Saturdays 11am and 2pm (extended till 17 September 2016)

VENUE: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT
TICKETING: SISTIC at 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg

Ticket Pricing (Excludes Booking Fee)

Weekdays
Standard: S$28, S$25
Family Package of 4: S$95 for Cat 1 tickets
Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2): S$107 for Cat 1 tickets
Weekends (Sat & Public Holiday)
Standard: S$48, S$38, S$35
Family Package of 4:
Cat 1 (with photo taking): $163
Cat 2 (no photo taking): $129
Family Package of 4 (with TLC CD Vol.2):
Cat 1 (with photo taking): $175
Cat 2 (no photo taking): $141

 Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All photos except the photo of my kids/CD at the musical are credited to Singapore Repertory Theatre.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in event.

Spartan Junior Race 2016 (29 and 30 Oct) with giveaway – GET READY FOR THE MOST FUN KILOMETRE IN THE WORLD

Media invite

My family is big on outdoors but I am totally guilty of not exposing my 4 kids to the outdoors on a more regular basis. It often take an event like the Cold Storage Kids Run to “force” me to bring the kids outdoors. Of course with events, it is always more  fun to have other kids “race” together. When I first heard of the Spartan Junior Race last year, it was after the event where I saw some pictures of kids as young as 4 years old doing really adventurous stuff, like scale a wooden slanted wall, crawl under ropes, walk on narrow planks and I told myself, my older kids got to join this. I as an adult lack in fitness and confidence to join the adult version, but there is no stopping my kids from joining the Spartan Junior Race! Here are some pictures of last year’s Spartan Junior Race.

IMG_1578 (2)

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

IMG_1907 (2)

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

photo credit: Spartan Junior Race

The Spartan Race was created by Joe De Sena,  a world-class adventure racer in the green mountains of Vermont. It is not just an obstacle-based race, but it has become a way of life to many who have joined the race. The founder has been advocating a lifestyle  – a healthy lifestyle by simple and achievable activities like waking up early, taking the stairs instead of the escalators, eating right by avoiding processed food and eat only when you are hungry etc. With 130 events in 15 countries and 6 continents in 2014, Spartan Race is available to most everyone in the world, and it landed on our shores late last year in 2015.

Currently there are 5 types of Spartan races in Singapore- The Spartan Sprint, The Spartan Super,The Spartan Beast, Spartan Trifecta and the Spartan Junior Race. And the very latest for the adult edition will be Spartan Stadium Race which is happening on the same dates and location as Spartan Junior Race this October (details below).

Though its just a mere 1 km for my kids aged 5 and 7 , but it is unlike typical kids fun run, there are many obstacles to clear along the way (many of which my kids have never attempted before).  It is not just about completing the 1km race, but to challenge and clear each obstacle as it comes and never give up! The Spartan Junior Race was created to help young athletes of all athletic abilities foster a life-long commitment to fitness and health. The Spartan Junior Race will provide an opportunity for kids to develop and test their fitness in an exciting, outdoor environment where having fun and getting dirty is mandatory.

On 29 and 30th October 2016 (the Deepavali weekend, for those of us who are not taking a short vacay and planning for a day outdoors, pen this in!), the Spartan Junior Race will be held at Yio Chu Kang Stadium! Currently, the early bird is at SGD 48 per child, thereafter it will be SGD 55 per child. Do register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/22316

Ages: Racers from 4 to 13 years old as of race day.

Spartan Junior Race Distances: 0.5 km (4 years old), 0.5-1km (5-7 years old), 1 km (8-10 years old), 2 km (11-13 years old)

These are the timing for the different race categories (most of the morning sessions on 29th Oct and 30th Oct have been sold out)

9.00am 11-13 years old ( 2km) ( Boys) COMPETITIVE*

9.20am 11-13 years old ( 2km) ( Girls ) COMPETITIVE*

9.40am 4 years old (0.5km)

10:00am 5-7 years old (1km)

10.20am 8-10 years old (1km)

10:40am Mixed ages 5-10 years old (1km)

11:00am 11-13 years old (2km)

11:20am mixed ages 8-13 years old ( 2km)

11:40am 8-10 years old ( 1km)

2:00pm Mixed ages 5-10 years old (1km)

2:20pm Mixed ages 8-13 years old (2km)

2:40pm 11-13 years old (2km)

3:00pm Mixed ages 8-13 years old ( 2km)

3:20pm Mixed ages 5-10 years old (1km)

3.40pm 5-7 years old (1km)

4.00pm 4 years old (0.5km)

For more race details, please visit the official website or their facebook page for more details.

Official website

Facebook Page

Registration link for Spartan Junior Race

Thanks to the kind sponsors, I have 2 passes to giveaway to 2 lucky kids in Singapore. The usual giveaway mechanics -see below:

1.Liked mypreciouzkids.com on Facebook

2. Followed mypreciouzkids on Instagram and regram the Spartan Junior Race’s photo using hashtag  #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway

3. Followed mypreciouzkids on Twitter (no worries if you don’t have Twitter account)

4. Liked Spartan Race SG on Facebook

5. Liked, shared and tag 5 friends who are new to mypreciouzkids or who are keen on this obstacle-based run by using this Facebook post. Pls comment “Done, Twitter: ?? , IG:??” on the same post for my easy tracking. Do set your post to PUBLIC so that I can verify your entry. Entries that are not shared publicly on your timeline will be disqualified. Giveaway ends 28th Aug  2016 (Sunday) 2359.

AROO, see you there!  28560d8edd0c0790ab168b5b389f81c9


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Legoland Malaysia unveils the latest blockbuster ride in Nov 2016 – NINJAGO™ The Ride

It has been almost 4 years since Legoland Malaysia opened its door to the many fortunate kids/adults (those who grew up playing LEGO) in this part of the world. From then on, they have added their themed hotel in 2013 and Water Park in 2014 so that there is always something new for the returning guests and for the new guests, there is so much to do and play that 1 day visit is hardly enough. 

My first maiden visit with the kids was in 2014 and I only managed to cover the Legoland Theme park and hotel, and totally ignoring the water park as it was just a 2d1n stay but  it was one of my best theme park trips ever – a total wholesome LEGO experience from the hotel to the park. I promised the kids that we will return for another trip to cover the Water Park. 

And before we can tick our own personal check list that we have conquered the Water Park, Legoland is launching  a brand new 4D indoor ride which totally changes the way we view typical indoor ride (which I will go into details in a bit) in November. This ride will be housed in a brand new section of the Park called NINJAGO™ World. This is the largest additional investment since the opening of the Park in 2012. Estimated at more than RM 40 million, the latest attraction promises to be a real game-changer to theme parks around the world. 

ninjago

Imagine this…with just hand motions, kids and adults experiencing the NINJAGO™ The Ride will be able to throw lightning bolts, move shockwaves, send ice soaring and emit fire balls through the use of cutting-edge technology.

Based on the popular LEGO® series NINJAGO™, which is brought to life by The LEGO® Group through a line of construction toys and a TV series on Cartoon Network, guests will enjoy interactive elements and this new ride where guests harness the power of four elements and use teamwork to battle the Great Devourer. 

The NINJAGO series tells the story of four young ninja heroes – Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane – who train under the watchful eye of Master Wu to master an ancient martial art – Spinjitzu. Guests play as Ninja warriors in training under the guidance of NINJAGO™ character Master Wu to vanquish a legion of enemies from snake tribes, ghosts and skeletons to the Great Devourer. NINJAGO™ The Ride enables guests to demonstrate their ninja skills without the use of a hand held device and instead, they simply use their hand gestures. Guests  collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. 4D effects such as heat, smoke and wind are also incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive experience.

Guests less than 48”/122cm tall must ride with an adult. Due to the high intensity of the ride, we recommend the ride is best suited for guests age 4 and older. For now, there is the NINJAGO™ Live Show: The Realm of Shadows where guests will enter the world of NINJAGO™ and join the courageous Ninjas – Kai, Nya and friends – on a mission to protect Bandit, a YinYang Dragon who will one day fully grow into a powerful Light Dragon. The evil Clouse and his Shadow Minions want to steal it and plunge Ninjago into the Realm of Shadows.

 

My family is all set to pay another visit to Legoland for its Water Park which we missed out and be Ninja warriors at the all new NINJAGO™ The Ride!


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in place.

Little Star by I Theatre (giveaway of 1 pair of tickets for 27 Aug 2.30pm show)

If I were to ask any parents , what was the first song that you sang to your kids. I am sure it will be Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Be it the English and Mandarin version, this song is a perennial favourite. I am sure my kids will also sing the first song to their kids. Now my 13-month-old is also enjoying this song where he will open and close his fists to the tune of the song.

Little Star, based on the very famous nursery rhyme, will be a highly visual and interactive production, with wonderful tunes, but minimal dialogue, exploring the wonders of the universe, and the joy of re-discovering your home and family. I am hoping to introduce the wonderful world of live kids production to my 13 month old through something he can recognised with……..the STAR!

TLS015-LandscapeWEB-670x415

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,

How I wonder what you are…

Little Star sits in the sky. She sees the other stars, the Moon, the Earth, the planets.

And she wonders…

“What am I? Who am I? Where do I belong?”

When a comet passes by, she hitches a ride, and her adventures begin.

Follow Little Star through space, down to earth and even under the sea, as she tries to find her place in the universe.

Will you help Little Star find her way back home before the sun rises?

Recommended for ages 2 to 6 years old

little-star

Little Star
Presented by I Theatre
Dates: Wednesday, 17 August to Sunday, 11 September 2016
Times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10 am
Thursday to Friday: 10 am & 2.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 am & 2.30 pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise Theatre, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
Recommended for two to six year olds
Ticket prices: $32 (excluding booking fee)

Tickets available from SISTIC.

In my first collaboration with I Theatre, I am pleased to do a giveaway of 1 pair of tickets for the Aug 27 2016 (Sat) 2.30pm show. The winner will have to collect the tickets before 26 Aug 2016 between  10.30am to 5.30pm at their office at 27 Kerbau Road Singapore 219163.

1. Liked mypreciouzkids.com on Facebook

2. Followed mypreciouzkids on Instagram and regram the Little Star’s photo using hashtag  #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway

3. Followed mypreciouzkids on Twitter (no worries if you don’t have Twitter account)

4. Liked I Theatre  on Facebook

5. Liked, shared and tag 5 friends who are new to mypreciouzkids or who are keen on this production by using this Facebook post. Pls comment “Done, Twitter: ?? , IG:??” on the same post for my easy tracking. Do set your post to PUBLIC so that I can verify your entry. Entries that are not shared publicly on your timeline will be disqualified. Giveaway ends 14th Aug  2016 (Sunday) 2359.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

The most awaited Singapore Repertory Theatre/TLC production of the year – The Three Little Pigs

I may sound like a broken record but if you have read my reviews of previous Singapore Repertory Theatre/The Little Company productions,  you will know that the show that make me fall madly deeply in love with SRT/TLC is the Mandarin production of The Three Little Pigs , I was so mesmerised by the charisma of the big bad wolf that I have new admiration for kids productions etc. Since there, I am have been a firm supporter of SRT/TLC productions hence my kids get to watch most if not all of them!

And finally after waiting for more than 3 years, The Three Little Pigs is back but now interpreted in English. I am sure the songs will the same catchy tunes as the ones in Mandarin but I can’t wait to meet the big bad wolf. I  really hope they cast a very strong actor to play that role.

Main visual

Based on the sold-out performances previously, I am very sure this will be another home run. Please do not wait any longer and book your tickets now. I know my kids cant wait to meet Char, Siu and Bao!

This musical is recommended for children aged 3 and above. The Three Little Pigs teaches little ones how success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. Filled with humour, this endearing tale will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter!

While waiting for August to come, get your kids familiarise with the songs if they don’t already know them by heart for them to sing-a-long. P/S for kids turning 3 and going to be introduced to the wonderful world of live children productions, this is one of the best shows to start with as the story line is simple (maybe to some the big bad wolf maybe a tad scary but he is so funny too) Small J, turned 3 recently is a veteran though as he gets to tag along his older siblings since the age of 1.5 years old but having seen the posters and print ads he has been asking me where are the three little pigs (when I watched the Mandarin version, he was not even born yet!).

DATES: From 4th August 2016 Monday to Friday 10am; Saturdays 11am and 2pm
PRICES: From $25 excluding SISTIC fee. Group discounts/ Family Packages available
VENUE: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT
TICKETING: SISTIC at 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Fun N Laughter play gym – a cosy and intimate venue for kids birthday party

I have organised many children birthday parties since my eldest’s 1st birthday party in 2010 with many themes  and many different venues but oddly, I have always skipped play gym as an option. The most common venue for me  is the condo’s function room purely out of convenience and cost. Especially for full month celebrations, it is easy to run up and down if its my own’s condo function room. Besides that,  the closest I did to a play gym birthday party was a full fledged restaurant in East Coast Park which has a play gym for its diners (which has since closed down). But that said, I have been to many birthday parties held at play gyms and knew how much fun the birthday kid and his friends will have and the host do not have to think too hard how to kids the kids entertained.

The mother of all play gym birthday parties would be Fidgets at the Grandstand with many party rooms and a huge play area. I do not fancy big parties as I feel awful for not being able to host and talk to each party guests. And I am very paranoid for losing my younger kids in the huge maze and structure when I do not have sight of them especially when I need to host and couldn’t pay full attention on my kids.

Normally, I keep my parties very small for my own sanity, 15 to 20 kids the max so that we can have a cosy and intimate party.  On the record, this is the first time ever in my party hosting and planning years, I am doing a joint birthday bash for my youngest 2 boys whose birthdays are 4 days apart and my first at a playgym.

Its normally a very busy first half of the year for me as all kids birthdays are all in the beginning of half of the year starting from Feb, then April and now finally June. Every 2 months in the first half of the year, there is a party I need to plan. I like to be able to plan and DIY (as much as I can but nowadays I tend to be lazy as I can get cheap customised party decor from Taobao) the kids party and give my kids a small , cosy and yet memorable party with their siblings and their friends.

So as I have 2 birthday boys aged 1 and 3,  I need a venue which is not- too-big play area which are suitable for them and also their friends up to ages 10 (ie not too kiddish). After my extensive research for a playgym venue , I found a pretty new centrally located play gym Fun N Laughter at City Square Mall. I personally has not patronise the gym before , but my kids had with their daddy before and told me its was fun. Ok, truth to be told all play gyms are fun , big or small. The kids all do have a great time, its only the parents who are the ones distinguishing a good one from a not so good one I guess.

Based on what I gather from the internet, some special features ONLY found at Fun N Laughter are a huge snack and ladder floor game, projection room, a Tayo bus ride-on. The rest will be a  typical play gym with ball pits, air blasters, slides. Frankly, as a parent I get overwhelmed with big gyms where sometimes  I had a hard time locating my kids in the play structure. So sometimes a reasonably sized play structure is all that I asked for especially for my younger ones like the 3 year old. He can actually play and climb and slide unsupervised but I won’t do that if the play structure its too huge or too tall ( I had a lost kid once at Kids Amaze Toa Payoh when I left small J to play on his own and  I didn’t have sight because the structure was too huge and massive)

And its probably one of the few play gyms who has a toy shop at the front for some last minutes gift shopping or for me, I actually bought my cake topper from them the night before the party. They stock a great selections of Tayo and Pororo toys. I was in a hunt for Pororo toys  to be used as the cake topper as small J is in love with the penguin (wanted to incorporate it into the cake some how) and besides the toy store at Pororo Park, I think Fun n Laughter is the only other brick and mortar shop which carries Pororo toys.

20160611_105542

I got the pororo toy plane from Fun N Laughter the day before my party! how convenient

There are some pictures of the play gym when I arrived at opening hours before the weekend crowd and my party guests arrive.  They even have a diaper changing facilities within the gym so that guests do not need to walk out the mall’s baby room.

IMG_6880

The entrance of the gym

IMG_6881

Pororo and Tayo toys

IMG_6884

other baby related products that is on retail

IMG_6899

the play area

IMG_6889

IMG_6914

IMG_6910

IMG_6895

IMG_6900

the super popular motorised Tayo ride on

IMG_7017

This room has a projector whereby there are interactive games. The room also has toys for toddlers and babies,  I wish they could stock it up with toys for the babies and toddler

They were so kind let me come in the night before for 1 hour plus to setup the room so that I have pretty much done most of the decor before the actual day itself. It took a whole load of stress out of me.

They only have 1 party room which can catered to 15 to 25 kids.

IMG_6926

They have kids tables and chairs good enough for 25 kids

IMG_6972

they allowed for any outside caterer (warmers allowed too) which I got from Neo Garden, the spread was placed over the shelves top . just nice without taking up unnecessary space in the room

When I was setting up my decor, the only problem I had was that the wall paper around the room was too loud for my party theme. If you have a underwater theme, this is perfect but I had an aviation theme birthday party and already purchased a banner. So what I did was to overlap a huge white background before hanging my birthday banner. Alternatively, you can easily have huge customised party backdrop of 120mx 120m/150m to cover the existing underwater backdrop.

IMG_6947

my diy dessert table setup with decor and goodies from Taobao and Oriental Trading (US)

All set for my boys’ combined bash, and at the end of the party, every kid including the 1 year old boy had so much fun, coming back to the point , to all kids all play gyms are fun irregardless of size! Of course, I have some basic requirements which are easily met – slides, ball pits, air blasters! Sharing from pictures from the parties:

20160611_111654A

20160611_113031C

20160611_114259

20160611_112003

 

20160611_115115

20160611_112800

20160611_114950

the baby spend more of the time at the ball pit and the “projector” room where there are some toys for him

IMG_7031

giant snack and ladder when the kids get tired of the climbing and sliding

I must say Fun N Laughter has one of the most reasonably priced party packages and its centrally located (trust me,  I have done my research and comparison while searching for the perfect venue for my cosy and intimate party). It is not the size of Fidgets or Polliwogs but sometimes I get very overwhelmed when the venue has many party rooms to accommodate many parties and quantity of kids from the different parties and also the walk in guests especially on weekends, so Fun N Laughter is just the perfect size for me.

And I have forgotten to add that this is probably the only play gym which allows for a 2.5 hours exclusive usage of the party rooms. Typically its only a 2 hours usage, which i feel its rather rush and hush, so an additional half hour really makes a difference. We never felt hurried to leave the party room as most of kids “refuse” to leave the play gym. I actually stayed beyond 2.5 hours as I believe there were no party after my slot. My kids were very entertained and had such a good time with their friends and celebrated their birthday in the presence of closed friends and family, what else can I ask for! Having the party at a play gym is save me a lot of unnecessary hassle and the kids are wildly entertained without a need of a party host or entertainer! This shall not be the last time I am hosting at a play gym after my relatively stress free experience hosting at the gym.

20160611_123547

Here are the admission rates for entry

admission brochure - design 3.1 (1)

and party packages rates

Bday Parties 28062016

FUN N LAUGHTER (CITY SQUARE MALL)

Address: City Square Mall #B2-32, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

Opening Hours: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily

Telephone no : 65099766

Websites: Facebook Page

Thanks to the kind folks at Fun N Laughter, they will be giving 2 winners of 1 pair of passes each applicable for non peak and peak periods too!

1. Liked mypreciouzkids.com on Facebook

2. Followed mypreciouzkids on Instagram and regram the Fun N Laughter’s photo using hashtag  #mypreciouzkidsgiveaway

3. Followed mypreciouzkids on Twitter (no worries if you don’t have Twitter account)

4. Liked Fun N Laughter on Facebook

5. Liked, shared and tag 5 friends who are new to mypreciouzkids or interested  to visit Fun N Laughter or are planning a birthday party by using this Facebook post. Pls comment “Done, Twitter: ?? , IG:??” on the same post for my easy tracking. Do set your post to PUBLIC so that I can verify your entry. Entries that are not shared publicly on your timeline will be disqualified. Giveaway ends 10th July 2016 (Sunday) 2359.

 

Disclosure: I was sponsored a classic kids party package for 15 kids. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own. I paid for the additional kids and also for the super cute Pororo cake topper/toy.


Share the article
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
This entry was posted in place.