Let's pop some corn!

POP POP POP!

When I was young, my mum used to pop corn kernels once in a Long while. We didn't have a pot with a transparent glass lid so each time, I would just stay near to hear the sound of the kernels popping and hitting the lid. The sound tickled me and it was always a very happy moment for me. 😆😆

Last night, I decided to make some popcorn with the kids and I found this confirm-won't-fail method that would make sure your popcorn comes out not burned and will be crispy!

And I'm gonna share it with you!!!!!

You need:

(1) corn kernels (cheap cheap from Sheng siong)

(2) canola oil (don't use olive oil, it burns too fast!)

(3) butter (I used salted butter to give some balance to the sweetness)

(4) icing sugar

Making the sweet but light coating

I used a microwave-safe container with lid that would be used to store the popcorn later because I don't want to wash so many things.

Melt some butter in the microwave and stir in the icing sugar until totally dissolved. I added a little bit of water to aide the dissolving process. 

Before

After

Now we are going to pop pop pop the kernels!

Step 1: Pour some canola oil in the deep pan on medium high heat

Step 2: Put in 3 kernels and wait for them to pop. 

The reason for this step is to Ensure the heat is just right for the actual popping.

Step 3: *important* Pour in the amount of kernels you wish to pop AND remove from heat and count 30 secs!

The kids and I counted together loudly and as we counted, the popping started! The kids went crazy, going into this all giggly mode!

Step 4: Return pot to medium heat and shake the pot here and there to trigger more popping. You could tilt the lid a little to let the air out so the popcorn will be even crispier and drier. 

Step 5: when the intervals between the popping drags out to a few seconds, remove from heat.

Step 6: Pour the popcorn into the coating mixture we prepared in the beginning and keep tossing until evenly coated!

You are done!

Look at these happy faces!

I had to stop the kids before they polished off the entire box!

You could make the session more meaningful by teaching about:

(1) POPCORN (when corn pops, it become pop-corn!)

(2) 爆米花

The popcorn indeed looks like a flower (although I was told there are the mushroom species and butterfly species and the kernel we used belong to the butterfly shaped popcorn, I cannot be confusing them by saying 爆米蝶！).

So 玉米🌽 ➡️爆炸💥➡️爆米 ➡️像花🌸🌼➡️爆米花🍿！

Alright, now it's your turn to try! Have fun!

[Singapore Zoo] The Feeding Trail!

How do you usually plan your visit to the zoo?

Do you just go in then just walk and look see and maybe try to go for 1-2 shows then have KFC and then go?

We figured we have been doing just that over the past few years when we visited the zoo. Earlier days, we were more concerned for a rest area and the timing that kids have to sit down to have their meals. (Now, we are much chillllllllllllaxxx)

Back to the main point.

Today the Foong Family decided to visit the Singapore Zoo with a different itinerary!

We went with a theme in mind: lunch time for the animals!

(We had previously visited the zoo at another timing hoping to try out another trail but it started raining so heavily, we could not complete what we planned. 🙁)

The rain stopped about 9+ this morning and the weather looked very promising 🌤and we headed out at 11.30am after just bumming a bit a home.

We reached the zoo about 12pm. The kids wanted to watch a show so we thought we could accommodate that before we begin our quest. We reached the Amphitheater at 12.15pm. It was a fast walk, we stayed focused and we did not really stop to look at any animals along the way.

The thing about themed visit is you have to keep to what you have planned. Else, the trip would end up with you missing one planned activity, then snow ball to missing subsequent ones and end up becoming a usual roam around visit.

I think one disclaimer is there is NOTHING WRONG about casual walk about. We just wanted to make things a little different since we frequent zoo quite a bit. :)

After the Rainforest Fight Back show, it was about 12.45pm. We took a casual walk to the circled area in the map below.

Along the way, we were well entertained by our Orang Utans! We were watching a mama orang Utan hugging and cleaning a baby orang utan.

We read a book about Meerkats previously and we observed them for quite a while! The posture and behaviour is exactly like the book! Amazing!

Alright! It is time! This is the trail we embarked on and I'm going to give you the ultimate tip!

We reached the white rhino enclosure at 1.15pm sharp and there was already a big crowd. For token feeding (indicated on the website with an asterix *), you have to reach early to either queue or get the queue number. For example, the giant tortoise feeding (which is Super fun!!!!) there are only seven cards for grab. You get to enter the enclosure and walk side by side with the tortoise. U can even touch the tortoise! You will be brought around by the zookeepers and briefed on how to feed Cherry tomatoes to the tortoise. 

WHITE RHINOCEROS

For the white rhinos, the zookeepers will issue you with a basket of melon slices after you put a minimum $5 donation into the sealed box. I say minimum because you could give more to the conservation funds if you want to. :) you will stand on an elevated platform and feed the rhinos!

(Taken from http://cdn.secretearth.com/production/12475/banner_12475.jpg)

AFRICAN LION

**this is where the trail really begins!**

The lions were all in front of the glass viewing chamber and we were waiting to see the viewing there since 1.20pm! After waiting for 10min, there were no sight of the zookeepers but we saw the lion looking at a certain direction. Our very alert papa Elvin immediately went out and saw the zookeepers standing at the other side of the enclosure where the main pavement is. We rushed out and stood next to the two zookeepers. One was with the portable microphone telling the audience about the habits of the lions while the other was calling out to the lions and throwing big pieces of raw meat to them. 

(Love the viewing chamber, esp when the lions are so up close)

After feeding the lions with one full pail of raw meat, the zookeepers asked the interested ones to follow them on the trail! So we just walked with them as though it was a private guided tour! As we walk, the zookeepers shared about the zoo and the animals eating habits and behaviour. Very interesting! 

Together we reached the next site!

MEERKATS!

The zookeepers told us about the habitat, explained about the small sand dune and how the meerkats could stand upright for a good 1 hr to mark its territory! The meerkats were fed with palates and meal worms.

WARTHOGS

Here, the zookeepers were throwing big chunks of sweet potatoes to the warthogs. You can ask phoebe what she knows about warthog! She would tell you that they like to roll in the mud because it is their insect repellent. Who did she hear it from? Our "personal" guides! The zookeepers!

AFRICAN PAINTED DOGS

Long legs, rounded ears and three coloured patches were one of the information we learnt. The zookeepers not just fed the dogs but also did simple precision training with them. Very interesting to watch. One funny moment was Phoebe acting to "spit/vomit" food into Nathan's mouth because she was imitating the board about how the Mother painted dogs would store food in her mouth to warm it up before giving to the puppies.

(Phoebe didn't want to act it out properly for me when I requested for her to do it again for a photo, so papa Elvin had to take over!)

That was the end of the trail with the accompanying zookeepers. We didn't go for giraffe token feeding because the queue was mad Long and we have seen it before.

We took a cooling break at the polar bear enclosure. And when it is 2.10pm, we started making out way to the OTTERS. we love otters!

OTTERS

The feeding time for otters is 2.15pm. When we arrived, the feeding has started with the zookeepers talking about the habitat and scent. Otters are fast swimmers! Love how they glide around! After the feeding session, the zookeeper stayed around for visitors to ask questions too!

(We changed our position to beside the zookeepers and this is how close we were!)

We ended our visit at the zoo with a posey photo by the kiddos, before heading to the River Safari for part 2 of the feeding trail!

But apparently when we were near the exit, about 2.30pm, these beautiful lemurs were being fed too! We are so in theme!

BUT BUT BUT if you want to stay on, we recommend that you move fast to the Hamadryas Baboons enclosure for token feeding at 2.30pm! Baboons transform into Olympic level gymnasts and athletes, doing the sprints, jumps, rolls and dives! We enjoyed the feeding so much the last time, we donated two rounds so we can have two baskets of fruits for feeding!

As the passes we had that day was for both zoo and River Safari, we had a late lunch at KFC and proceeded for a casual walk through river safari. Personally, I like river safari because it is cooling and the information at every enclosure and display is clear and interesting.

There was no afternoon feeding for the manatees (which was really very intriguing to watch when we had a chance to last time) but we still love the humongous aquarium at the end of the trail. So peaceful and the air con is shiokkkkk. 

(See those rectangular floats? During feeding, those floats are filled with lettuce! And you can see the manatees nibble and pull the pieces!)

GIANT OTTERS

Finally we went to another of our Favourite site. The giant otters! They are really entertaining! (Although baboons are still TOP on our list) the way the otters interact with each other is just so funny! We settled down at the viewing window and saw one of the otters waking the rest up one by one. We were wondering what it was doing. It was hilarious seeing the otters in such drowsy state and how they ignored the enthusiastic otter and pushed him away. In actual fact, this dude is the SMARTEST.

At 4.30pm, there was call out and the zookeeper started "showering" the otters with buckets after buckets of small fish! The otters demonstrated their ability to dive, swim and glide. Then came the big chunks of salmon. The otters literally pushed themselves out of water and caught the pieces on the air and took their corners to munch and enjoy the treats. So so so interesting!

(This is a blur screen shot of a video.)

It was already 5pm when we walked out and we had a very pleasant surprise! Canola the manatee mascot was out to bid visitors farewell!

If you have been going to the zoo quite regularly but wish to boost the visit with a special itinerary, we hope you will find this post useful! 

For those who think that zoo is a boring place or it's just for kids, please give it a chance again! It is not just walking around seeing animals and animals and animals. There are interesting trials and experiences that deserve another chance from you!

We are going to the zoo zoo zoo!

How about you you you?

You can come too too too!

We are going to the zoo zoo zoo!

8 Tips to Enjoy Art Zoo 2017

8 Tips to Enjoy Art Zoo 2017

 

Tip 1: Decide the time slot you want to visit

We recommend (i) 5.30pm to 7.30pm or (ii) 7pm to 9pm.

We feel that 1.5hrs is quite sufficient for kids as frankly, too much of the jumping and playing is actually not gonna be too good for the night's rest. Imagine over-hyper kids right before bed time!!

For (i), you will get to see Art Zoo both in the day and when it is lit up. After playing, you can just head out for dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay for local delights or Esplanade for restaurants (expensive ones, other than Toast Box). THEN take a walk around the area to search for iLight at Marina Bay displays.

 

For (ii), try to have dinner before 6.30pm and something that is not over filling. If not you will not only see Merlion spitting water opposite the zoo, you will also see your kid vomiting inside the zoo. 

For us, we went in about 7pm and came out at 8.30pm so we took a stroll along Esplanade, bought a drink and some popcorn and just look look see see. Left Marina at about 9.30pm. :)

 

Tip 2: Clear your bowels before entering the zoo

I know this tip sounds totally weird but you better follow and make sure your kiddo squeeze out the last drop of pee in his/her bladder because THERE IS NO TOILET IN THE ART ZOO! AND once you exit the zoo, YOU CANNOT RE-ENTER!

 

Tip 3: Bring a good backpack

In some of our LIVE videos, you would see my kids holding bottles -> mama took over the bottles -> bottles disappearing because all went into papa's back pack!

The kids are jumping and having any loose item is just super dangerous. Having a good backpack means all these loose items go into the bag. 

For the one carrying, just tighten the straps and you can still hang around in the enclosure with your kiddo!

BUT GENERALLY, TRAVEL LIGHT.

Tip 4: There is NO wet weather plan.

If it rains, no refund! Because you can just happily turn your experience into a wet one! WATER PLAYYYYY!

However, if there is lightning alert, of course, it is indoors for everyone. :))

Bring along a small towel and change of clothes if you already know the weather isn't great. If you wanna be even more hardcore, just dress your kids in wet suit then! 

Word of caution: it gets really slippery when it is wet. Every jump may means falling. You will not be injured because inflatables are bouncy and there are no sharp edges but be prepared for muscle aches like what we are experiencing now.

Tip 5: Don't be a Cinderella! You need the correct shoes for play!

Tapered slip-ons are the best shoes for best experience at Art Zoo.

• If the weather is dry, jumping bare footed is shiok, so you will need to put on and take off your shoes very often. 
• If the weather is wet, you will be wearing your shoes most of the time and you will not want wet, soaked socks in your shoes.

I strongly discourage slippers. It is dangerous to jump in slippers. You either cut yourself or end up spraining your ankle. Just take them off when you are on the inflatables.

Tip 6: Read the information board at each zone

We love to make everything educational. *obsessed with teachable moments* at each zone, there is an information board that will give you the name of the zone and also what animals or plants or insect you can find in that particular inflatable. 

We recommend that you

(1) point at each animal on the board and read it to your kid. If you child is older, have them take note of the spelling; 

(2) ask your child to explore the whole inflatable and search for the animals in this display.

 

 

If not, you can also just let the kiddo jump jump jump then go to the next one then jump jump jump again then onto the next one. :)

Tip 7: We are Drivers too!

If you're driving to Art Zoo, you can either park at the Esplanade or at Marina Square. Personally, I would advise that you park at Marina Square BUT enter the carpark from the Raffles Avenue entrance (just before Mandarin Oriental). That way, you park literally opposite the event location! Also, Marina Square will help to fulfil your toilet/dinner needs (food at the Esplanade is just generally a lot more expensive too). There's a traffic junction there too, so you don't have to worry about jaywalking (both illegal AND dangerous!).

Tip 8: Cheap cheap tickets please!

There are many famous (more famous than us for sure!) bloggers who offer discount codes for their readers.

I found 2 so I'm just gonna share the love!

For 20% off online purchase of tickets, just type '20AZCHLOE' or '20AZJAYNE'.

I feel a bit bad... because I don't even follow them... :p

*updated: Mother Care also has discount code! '20AZMC'.

**updated: Passion Card holders and Safra members also get 20% off!

This 20% off is actually cheaper than the 4 tickets package offered by ART ZOO. 

You can purchase 4 tickets for $50 online or $54 onsite.

Single tickets are at $15 be it online or onsite but with promo code, ONLY $12!

So I got 4 tickets for $48!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now with these 8 tips, I hope you can enjoy the Art Zoo thoroughly and make your $12 sooooooo worth while! 

Frankly, I won't even mind going again with the kiddos! Maybe The Foong Family will see you there!

HAVE FUN, FOLKS! :)

 

P/S: our Favourite zone is the WHALE! Make sure you visit that!

 

Other general information:

1. ART ZOO IS FOR ALL AGES! Ah Mah and Ah Gong also can! :)
2. FREE admission for children below two years old BUT accompanied by two paying adults
3. Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm on WEEKDAYS and 2pm to 11pm on WEEKENDS

The 5W1H of Kidzania Singapore

Although this is topic was not in the voting list, as we just went Kidzania and we have several of you asking about the experience, we are going to give you the ultimate tips to have a fruitful trip to KIDZANIA SINGAPORE!

 

WHERE is Kidzania?

Sentosa!

Going to Sentosa Beach station then walk is the best way to go. :)

 

 

Palawan Kidz City. 31 Beach View #01-01/02 Singapore 098008

WHO should go?

If your kid is under 4, I think we can save the money and go for Port of Lost Wonder, just opposite Kidzania. (Oops! POLW is closing in Dec!?)

Most (or all) of the establishments would require some basic ability to understand and follow instructions, IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN. This is because they do not allow parents into the rooms, you can only view the kids from the big big glass window.

Look at this photo! Phoebe was alone on the second floor because she wanted to be a nurse for the nursery and take care of babies. I literally asked an older girl in the queue to help take care of her... because there is no way I can look out for her.. because I cannot even SEE HER!

 

Although tickets are sold for 0-3 years old (half price), they are only allowed into two establishments: kindergarten and home. 

For me, Phoebe was 3yr 2months when we visited. We upgraded her to the normal child admission ticket hence she could go for the activities. I guess she could manage the activities because she is slightly more advanced in her literacy ability, more daring and most importantly, Nathan (5years old) was bringing her around and taking care of her when they were inside.

 

We saw some crying young kids when they have to be detached from their parents at entrance of each establishments or ended up exiting the room early as they kept wanting to go back to their parents... so don't say I didn't tell you first ah! Kidzania tickets are not cheap and they do not offer annual passes so make you trip worth while by only going when the kids are ready.

I would recommended Kidstop as an alternative place for jobs exposure for young kids. Parents can follow, participate and facilitate the learning themselves.  

 

📸: http://www.thewackyduo.com/2014/10/kidsstop-singapore-science-center.html?m=1

HOW should we start?

1. You must have TICKETS.

You can either go search the internet for some promotional tickets or like the Kidzania Facebook page for promotions. 

Tickets are priced at:

 

2. Dress comfortably and with good walking shoes. 

For adults, be prepared for quite a bit of standing while waiting for your kids to finish each activity (20-30min per activity).

For kids, preferably no skirts for girls.

Here's a photo of my mama standing there for a good 20 min to watch the grandkids finish the session.

 

PSST! There is also a parent's lounge for you to chill! Especially if your kid is older and more familiar with Kidzania, just go rest up! We were in there only for 15min.. because there is no viewing window at the Aviation school.

 

 

WHEN should we go?

1. Weekdays are good, if not...

Weekends and school holidays are definitely gonna be crowded.

2. *IMPORTANT* Be there EARLY.

Although Kidzania opens at 10am, be there at least 30min earlier to get your tickets and get tagged/checked it. We were there on a Saturday at 9.40am and we only got in at 10.20am. Hence, we missed the opening parade at 10am. :)

See the crowd?

 

Getting tagged...

 

Purchasing the tickets and getting the boarding passes...

 

And finally at the departure gate... here's Nathan with his ATM card and some kidzos!

 

WHAT should we do?

1. Go STRAIGHT to Aviation School and Sticky station

These two establishments issue queue number by batches. The moment you enter Kidzania, go straight to these two establishments to get your queue card. It runs out fast because each session only allows 6 children to enter.

At 10am, they will release queue number cards for 10.30am, 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm and 12.30pm sessions. At 12.00pm, they will release the queue number cards for 1.00pm, 1.30pm,.... you get my point la.

With the cards in hand, you can go for other activities but return to the establishment 10min before your session.

2. DO NOT GO STRAIGHT TO THE BANK to activate your debit card or bank in your money.

You can do the activity using the cash which I kinda like it more. When my kids finished cleaning the windows and their boss gave them 6kidzos in cash, it is definitely more shiok then handing your boss your debit card and he/she transact the money into the card on the computer.

 

Payment time!

 

 

Also, you can always activate it when the queue is shorter at the bank. (EVERYONE rush to the bank once they enter. Don't join them.)

Here's phoebe only going to the EMPTY bank at like 3pm VS Nathan going at 1pm

 

 

3. GO TO THE paZZport OFFICE (Level 2)

You have to get the passport. With the passport as a naturalised citizen, you will earn 2 kidzos more at each establishment and if you collect 18 stamps, you will be upgraded to the next citizenship tier which allows you to earn 4 more kidzos each time!

You will also get discount at the merchandise stores!

 

 

4. DO NOT HESITATE. JUST DO IT. ✅

Do not keep wanting to check out each establishment. You see one with a short queue or no queue, just do it first. 

This is how Kidzania works. Each establishment will have a sign at the entrance telling you:

(1) how Long the session is

(2) how many kids allowed to enter each time

(3) the recommended age

(4) earnings/payment

 

So if the establishment allows 6 kids each time and the session just started, you have to wait for 20-30min. And if you are in the queue but you are the 7th person in the queue, means you have to wait for 40-60min for your turn. And by the time you finish the activity, you have spent 90min at ONE stop. At ONLY ONE STOP! You have so many more to cover you know!

So go for those with no queue or short queue, there is some learning point at every establishment. As a parent you can manipulate the minds of your child to go for anything and still enjoy, I know you can. :)

One more tip, there are some establishments on level two that are not very visible so always no queue. Like interior design and flooring.

WHICH are the must-go?

1. KFC or PIZZA HUT

Not because I like to eat, BUT the kids will be making their own burgers/pizza and that would be just nice for lunch! (Save some 💰💰! The tickets already so expensive!)

We planned our timing such that we go for these activity at about 12+pm or 1pm and the kids can just eat the food they prepared. We bought our adult portions (with real cash/cards) while waiting for them and all could sit down for a meal once they finish their job!

 

2. A&E and Fire station

Because you get to sit on the ambulance or fire brigade to travel to the fire site or accident site.

 

3. Paddle pop/ water quality control/ hand soap/ Pediasure / sticky candy

Because I'm an auntie and these places give FREEBIES.

 

 

4. Make up / body art

Yup yup, vain I know but after earning some kidzos, why not just use it? I brought phoebe for her first make over. 

 

5. Hourly clock tower show

The clock tower has an hourly performance put up by the kids. The kids have to report to level 2, a little wooden door beside Pizza Hut, 15min before each hour. The Trainers there will dress the kids up, teach them the dance steps and when clock strikes, the kids come out and do their moves! Suuuuuper cute!

 

 

 

6. If your kid is taller than 130cm....

Go for the high element activities or the driving school!

(I didn't manage to go for many, hence not in the best position to recommend more BUT I don't think there is one establishment that is boring or non educational)

WHY must my kid go?

As the slogan says, it is a place that dreams come alive. 

Kids are not just exposed to different occupation but they were also taught to be polite and to be brave and effective in communicating with other.

Kids have to say "Kai" with two fingers on their chest when they greet people. They have to ask for permission before doing things, introduce themselves during performances, etc.

There are just so many learning points and teachable moments!

In closing, I hope this post is helpful in some way but if you really need only ONE TIP, I shall go with:

BELOW 3 years old, DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. :)