LA Madison Open House

[Sponsored Post]

Those who know me, knows that I am very bochup when it comes to pre-school education. The only reason why Steffi, Leroy and Stacci are in pre-school right now is due to practicality. There wouldn’t be anyone to take care of them when both my wife and I are working full time. My mother-in-law have to care of one infant, as well as manage two households and having 3 more kids running around in the house would be way too much. Given a choice, perhaps I would rather the kids enjoy their childhood as much as possible, before having to go through formal education in primary school.

The welcoming play area greets the little ones once they enter the centre.

Well, the first thing that the kids did to break the ice, was playing with sand and water in one of the rooms!

So when I attended a trial class by LA Madison, together with the 3 older kids, I was pleasantly surprised that they were rather enthusiastic with the activities that the teachers were going through with them and even seemed to have gone through some of those before too. So I guess that the childcare that my kids had been going to, must have done its job well. However, they were only responsive during the Chinese class. When it came to the English class, they were not as conversant as we are used to speaking mandarin back at home. Thus they would need some serious help in that aspect.

Getting to know one another when the Chinese class first started. 

The kiddoes listening attentively to the introduction of the sea creatures.

The classrooms are not that big, so I am guessing that the class size should not be too big as well, meaning that the teacher-student ratio would be good. For kids who are home-schooled or are simply being taken care of at home and not attending any pre-school, the 2hr weekend classes at La Madison may be a good option to get the kids started on some socializing skills. They will also be given personal attention by the patient teachers, especially for students who may require more encouragement. Some kids just want to be in the limelight (like my Steffi and Leroy who are the buay paiseh showoff type), while others may be a little more shy or introverted but the teachers did appear to be able to manage both types well during our trial.

How can there not be games? This game requires the kiddos to fish for sea creatures (with alphabets on them) and then to paste their catch to the matching alphabets on the wall. Training their dexterity and familiarizing them to the alphabets as well! 

The kids were also guided to do up their own aquarium / sea side view by drawing, colouring and pasting stickers.

So what exactly is LA Madison? It is an early childhood education provider and their mission statement is as follows – “LA Madison recognizes that each child is an individual; each child is an angel; that all children are creative; that all children need to succeed. Therefore, LA Madison respects the individual needs of children; fosters a caring and creative environment; and emphasizes the social, emotional, physical, intellectual development of each child.” The school caters to toddlers aged 18 months up to 6 year olds, just prior to entering primary school. The school is having an open house really soon and you can approach the teachers to find out more just by registering your interest!
 

Even Stacci was delighted with her little crab, done with the help of the teachers.

Steffi with her art box full of sea creatures. 

And happy Leroy with his own version of his view under the sea.

LA Madison Open House

Location: 1 Marine Parade Central #04–07 Parkway Centre Building opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Centre, same building where McDonalds is located.
Date: 20 December 2014, Saturday Time: 9.30am to 12.00pm
Event Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/336603329853459/

Programme talks and programme preview with the Teachers -

1. 0930 to 1030
2. 1030 to 1130
3. 1130 to 1230

RSVP for the programme talks and preview via call 82004052, email enquiry@la-madison.com or via Eventbrite.

The kiddos clearly enjoyed their time at the trial class and didn't want to go home at all!

The "Perfect" Father Special

Great news for our dear readers, for you get some special rates. Quote The "Perfect" Father blog when you register your child at LA Madison during the Open House and get extra classes for the first month. Sign-up for their daily programme (5 days/week) and get additional 4 Saturdays of free classes or sign up for their 3 days/week programme and get additional 2 Saturdays of classes for free.

Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story

[Media Invite]

The family was invited to a musical called Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story at Resorts World Theatre last week. Unfortunately Stacci and Louie were too young and didn't get to go (No admission to kiddos below 4). Steffi and Leroy were no strangers with the Peter Pan story and would have loved to watch it "live" and it was also a catch up with their friend, Dinoboy Z.

Happy siblings at the Asian Premiere of Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story.

We were seated near to the stage but on the left side and that meant our views were restricted. However, that is also where some of the characters made their appearance and the kids got to get close up with Wendy and even Captain Hook and they enjoyed it of course! The characters practically jumped off the stage at different parts of the show and kind of mingled with the audiences, much to everyone's delight.

Pre-show entertainment with one of the cast and Dinoboy Z.

Look who Steffi got up close with?

There were narratives by Tinkerbell and Wendy but non of the cast had any lines during the show. That meant the story could only progress with the help of carefully selected pop songs! My kids weren't so good in English so they probably didn't understand a good half of the musical and were asking us questions now and then.

Some very hyper toy soldiers.

I believe that at certain points in our lives, we all would have longed to fly. Just like Peter and Wendy, ever so carefree. 

I am no sound-expert so I cannot comment on the sound system etc but it sounded decent to me. However I can describe how I felt, and I felt touched by the vocals and the song lyrics. The songs were popular hits (such as "Forever Young", “You Raise Me Up” and “Kiss From a Rose”) during my time, that were given some special remixing and I was actually singing along (hopefully not too loud). Walau a, feel like going karaoke lor...

Some comedic scenes of the giant crocodile.

The Indians were basically flipping around, entertaining the kids.

The musical is a rojak of nice choreographed dances, comedic acting, magic show, beautiful singing, aerial display, puppetry, acrobatics and even some pyrotechnics. I asked the kiddos for their reviews and Steffi gave the thumbs up as she could relate to the storyline. Leroy loved the acrobats, the actions etc, but probably felt a little bored when they sang as he couldn't understand the lyrics well. My wife enjoyed the whole experience very much and as for me, my personal take on the show would be, it's definitely worth watching, especially for the older kids. But it would be a little pricey for a whole family though, my family at least.

One of the rare appearances of Tinkerbell!

The entire cast at the end of the show, dancing to great music and made me feel like dancing too!

One need not go all the way to Europe to watch this musical for the wonderful folks from Resorts World Sentosa had brought them to our shores. But even though it is called the "never ending" story, it will end on 20 Jan 2014, so you better plan in advance and not miss it while it lasts!

Useful Information

WHAT: Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story (www.rwsentosa.com/peterpan)
WHEN: From 27 November 2014, Thursday, till 20 January 2015, Tuesday
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 3pm and 8pm
WHERE: Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa
TICKETS: Tickets are priced at S$58 (restricted view), S$78, S$108, S$138 and S$168 (premium). Prices exclude SISTIC booking fees and handling charges. Tickets can be purchased via: (65) 6348 5555 | www.sistic.com.sg |

HSBC Premier MasterCard and Visa Infinite cardholders enjoys 20% off ticket prices till 20 January 2015.

Heartwarming Xmas Celebration At Din Tai Fung

Wohoo... We are making Xiao Long Bao!!!

As parents, there is nothing more important and rewarding, than seeing our kids grow up happy and healthy. And that had always been my wish since we had our first child, Steffi and it still holds true for our fourth child, Louie. Although my kids are really small sized and way below national average in terms of physical development, I am truly thankful that they are healthy and hopefully happy as well. We had a scare earlier when Louie feel ill last month but anyway, will talk about that in another post.

We were given red bean paste instead of meat fillings so that it would not be that messy! See how our bao looked like?

All the Xiao Long Bao should be consistent in terms of size and thickness, with diameter of 6.5cm.

Just on 19 Dec 2014, Din Tai Fung kicked off its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Foundation at its Bedok Mall branch. And what better time to do so, especially when we are nearing the festive season of caring and sharing? 13 children from the Children’s Cancer Foundation participated in a Junior Chef Xiao Long Bao workshop together with their family members and were also treated to a scrumptious spread of Din Tai Fung’s signature dishes after that as well. 

Leroy getting some help from a real chef!

Here's a photo with a very patient Chef who did help him dunno how many times!

I was really honored and happy to be invited to participate in this meaningful afternoon activity together with Leroy, whom obviously had great fun playing with his food, and trying to “playdoh” his Xiao Long Bao skin. Everyone present was given a chef hat and apron and all of us had the awesome CHEF seh!

Leroy enjoying the special performance by Act 3 International.

And how can one miss eating the yummy Xiao Long Bao, even though they were not made by us!

There was also a BIG yummy dark chocolate log cake for everyone to celebrate the Xmas cheers!

During the high-tea session, all the kids were also entertained by the funny folks from Act 3 International who did a funny Xmas story, much to everyone's amusement. But the highlight for the kids have to be the giving out of early Xmas presents to the beneficiaries! A successful CSR program largely depends on the directions set by the top honchos, and it is heartening to know that all the presents were personally chosen and presented to the kids by the senior executives themselves.

Leroy giving the thumbs up to Mr William Cheng, who gave the presents to the kids personally as well.

All the staff, from the waitresses, chefs, heads-of-whatever to even the CEO of Restaurant Division, Mr William Cheng, looked genuinely happy to interact and mingle with the beneficiaries and their family members. Well, we know because we were there. In the continual effort for this CSR initiative, limited edition Din Tai Fung key-chains will be sold at $10 each island-wide and all proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation in support of their mission of improving the quality of life cancer-stricken children and their families through enhancing their emotional, social and medical well-being.

If you happen to eat or pass by at any of their outlets, do support them with a purchase of the cute key-chains and do your part for the children as well! There's 3 to collect!

Complimentary Famous Amos Cookies Gift Set 

From now to 31 December 2014, diners who spend a minimum of $110 in a single receipt will receive complimentary Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies (worth $10.80) presented in a festive Din Tai Fung gift box (while stocks last). Citibank cardmembers only need to spend a minimum of $100. 

And here's Leroy with all his wonderful "Shifu" at the end of the event!

Doh Vinci - It's Child's Play

Machiam real artists sia! Steady hor?

Having tried the newest Doh Vinci by Hasbro quite a couple of times now, my kiddos are forever bugging me to let them try them at home. It's totally different when I have helpful adults supervising the kids and guiding them through the play, and being so ever attentive to their needs and whims at play events as compared to playing at home, where I risk having the doh everywhere in the house and suffering a heart failure from trying to restraint myself from shouting due to their "daddy this" and "daddy that" and having to keep an eye on the infant as well. In short, Doh Vinci events are AWESOME and we went for the last one at Food For Thought @ Botanic Gardens earlier this month, much to the kiddos' happiness and mine as well!

Steffi with her stylus!

Leroy trying his best at getting the doh out in a straight line.

The kiddos getting some much needed help from the friendly peeps from Hasbro.

Look at the big turnout! Everyone is having fun and I happily left the kids with others.. Hee hee...

For the initiated, Doh Vinci is a cool new way of playing with your doh, albeit softer doh. It is softer because the doh needs to go through the nozzle of the styler and the process is much like noodle-making and 3D printing. Although I never had the lofty idea of seeing the kiddos come up with beautifully artistic masterpieces depicted in the illustrations, I do wish that they would not end up with doh everywhere. And yes, they will still get doh everywhere (including beneath their nails) as they will often end up with excess doh expressed through the nozzle due to their lack of control on the amount of strength required on the styler. They will also end up playing doh the usual doh way with the excess doh and have them stuck everywhere in the house. How I wished that there's a way to recycle the deco pop tubes (color cartridges) by putting the excess doh back into the tubes. It would have been easier on my wallets too.

Practicing with the different colors and lines.

Look! Leroy ended up playing doh the classic way! Grrr....

And suddenly this Kor Kor came by and made Leory a snowman on his tree.

And Steffi got one too!  This Kor Kor got years of playing experience lor...

The beautiful snowman that's obviously NOT made by the kids.

I would recommend getting the starter kit which consists of a styler (you will NEED one anyway), four interchangeable design tips, as well as 3 DECO POP color tubes to try out first.  You can then proceed to the various sets ranging from simple pop-ups art board to vanity sets for the girls! Doh Vinci is available at all leading departmental stores such as Isetan, OG, Robinsons, Toy'R'Us, BHG and Metro. Erm, I just read the recommended age for the toys to be 6 years up, no wonder all Leroy and Stacci only looked forward to, was mashing up all the doh and messing up!

Steffi with the many play possibilities behind her. Note, the drying process is long though.

Beautiful finished product, no doubt by a pair of skilled hands.

Mexican styled pumpkin?

Despite the mess, Hasbro was kind to issue the kiddos a certificate of completion!

Stacci had some fun too, and here's with the friendly Jie Jies who made it possible for the kids to have doh fun!

I did a giveaway quite a while back, and now, I know of another 2 bloggers who are doing the same! So hop over to Amazinglystill.com and Dinomama.com if you wanna stand the chance to win a Doh Vinci hamper for your kids! Good luck and don't say I boh jio!

Emicakes - Log Cake Giveaway!

The wonderful folks from Emicakes sent the kiddos an early Christmas pressie recently, and each of them got a different flavor mini log cake! Chocolate lovers will not go wrong with Truffle Sparkle, while Blue Winter Oreo is delicious with its cream cheese and Oreo centre and lastly the D24 Cheer, the durian delight that needs no introducing.

The kiddos are happy to share the log cakes with you! Take part in our giveaway now!

You may wish to consider ordering your log cakes soon there is an early bird promotion of 15% off for orders of small / medium sized log cakes made by 21 Dec 2014, for Emicakes Family Card members and Standard Chartered, Citibank and UOB credit cardholders (which is like, everybody?). 

Stacci with the D24 Cheer, durian which she loves! 

There is also a special limited edition log cake called "Yuletide Brilliance" which is made with the famous Mao Shan Wang durian. It is probably the tastiest durian log cake available and priced at $75.60 for a small one, the early bird discount should come in useful for sure!

Okay, even Louie cannot take his eyes off the log cakes! I will ask Emicakes for you next time ok?

And in the spirit of giving, we have 3 log cakes worth $61 each (winners get to choose which of the 3 flavors they want) to be given to our dear readers, courtesy of Emicakes! All you need to do, is to follow all the steps listed below –

Giveaway Instructions

1. Like The “Perfect” Father Facebook page;
2. Like Emicakes Facebook page;
3. Share this photo on Facebook publicly with a note to your friends on this giveaway (you can do it once a day); and
4. Comment under the photo once all the steps are done!

Terms and Condition

1. Organizer reserves the right in the choice of winners for each of the log cakes. 
2. Prizes won are not exchangeable and winner will be contacted by Sponsor directly on prize collection. 
3. Winners will be required to respond within 24 hours of notification, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Contest ends at 2359hrs on Sun, 07 Dec 2014 and may lady luck shine on you this Christmas season! 

And if you have read all the way to this, I am sharing another Emicakes giveaway by our good friends over at SengKangBabies.com here! Don't miss it!

Yun Nam Hair Care Dandruff & Oily Scalp Treatment [Sponsored Review]

Time flies! My treatment at Yun Nam Hair Care is already coming to an end. I was supposed to complete 10 sessions in total consecutively, once a week but had to take some break in-between due to vacation and work, and not to mention taking care of the 4 kids as well! I wonder if the results would be much better if I had followed through with the treatments, but I hope with my use of the products back at home have helped. 

Leroy took this photo of me with super friendly Yun Nam Hair Care consultant, Ms Carol

I was lucky to have Ms Carol as my consultation for she had proven to be really friendly on all my visits, and was genuinely okay with me bringing my kids for the visits on some occasions when I have no other choice for there were no one else to take care of the kids. Besides wanting to see results for the hair treatment, I believe consumers like myself, would also be expecting top-notch customer service from the consultants especially since this would be considered a form of luxury treatment to many. 

Steffi and Leroy enjoys accompanying me on my visits and they get their own drinks and snacks too!

My second part treatment of Herbalogy Formula 3 was mainly for the promotion of new hair growth and the difference in the scans of my first visit, as compared to the scan I just did was very noticeable! I could make out the new growth of baby hair in the latest scan as compared to before my treatment. There might not be much difference on my looks though, for my problem was mainly oily scalp and slight hair-thinning, and thank goodness, not chronic hair loss. 

Leroy waiting for me while I get my hair steamed for 30 minutes!

Haircare treatment is not something that one can reasonably expect instant results from and very much often requires long term care. Hence as I said earlier, that this is a luxury for many due to the cost involved. However if one have unrealistic expectations, it will undoubtedly lead to the feelings of being “cheated”. This is where the consultant’s job of explaining clearly to the client is of utmost importance. 

Woohoo!Judging from my latestscans, there are lots of new hair growth already! And of course, no more dandruff!

Having said that, many cases of hair loss problems could have been identified earlier and less treatment would then be required. Do not let procrastination hinder you from a full scalp of healthy-looking hair! I have benefitted from the treatments for my dandruff and hair-thinning, and now you can too! Yun Nam Hair Care offers a FREE Consultation, Scalp Analysis and Hair and Scalp Treatment for first time customers at any of the following 9 conveniently located outlets – 

• Century Square 
• City Square Mall 
• Heartland Mall 
• Jubilee Square 
• Jurong Point 
• Lot One Shoppers’ Mall 
• Plaza Singapura 
• Tiong Bahru Plaza 
• Woodlands Civic Centre