Daiso Haul (Part 1)

I've posted on my Facebook wall earlier that Daiso is my 2nd best friend (the first is my husband, of course) and I'll let you know why.

Reasons I love Daiso:

• Inexpensive

I think most of us will agree that $2 for each item is pretty easy on the pocket; a coffee at a coffee joint can easily cost $5 and above. I've managed to snag many items that cost more in other stores so I am happy with their price point. For example, five dry-erase marker for $2, I think the value is hard to beat.  

• Wide Variety

Daiso is ubiquitously known to stock a wide variety of merchandise. My rule of thumb in looking for household items is "Daiso first then Ikea" and for stationary (especially the fancy ones), it is "Daiso first then Popular Bookstore".  

• Availability of "Entertainment Gadgets"

I can find items to entertain my children that is within a reasonable budget easily. There is a huge section dedicated to stationary that includes markers, mini white and black boards, a huge assortment of pens, scissors, notebooks, colouring books etc. The other section that I like is the "entertainment" section, that has balloons, glow sticks, masks, flower leis, hats and other things for dress-ups and party use. Since Princess is into crafts, the craft section is a must visit each time I step into Daiso, in there you can find different coloured pipe cleaners and pom-poms, ribbons, felt material, fancy paper, beads and so on. Can you see how I tend to go crazy when I shop at Daiso? (Crafting folks, I think you will know what I am talking about. :P)

"At arm's reach"

The two Daiso stores that I frequent are the ION and Plaza Singapura branches. Since they are so accessible, I find myself going there to get two or three items to entertain Princess whenever my husband and I want to enjoy an afternoon cuppa when we are out on weekends (usually the Rock would be taking his nap in his pram).

Daiso and coffee make mummy a happy camper!

*Side note: If you are to get the liquid chalk markers from Daiso, get the "fatter" ones instead of the skinnier ones as the pigment is more concentrated. Please see pictures below for example.

Do you shop at Daiso too? What is your favourite item bought from Daiso so far?

Daddy's Creative Series - Army Daze

We have previously read "A New Coat for Anna" from the Five In A Row book list and have done a few activities that were inspired by the coat-making process as outlined in the book (which I will share in a separate blog). However, I wanted to do something related to war and army as the story was set in post World War II.

Hence I tapped into my husband's creative juices and he came up with this:

Improvised "rugged and shaggy" look helmet
as he decided to snip, snip away!

Yes, a camouflaged print helmet! After a short discussion on war and weapons, they started colouring, cutting and pasting.

One thing I found challenging was to explain "war" to Princess and the Rock. How do answer questions like:

• Why was there war?
• Why did they use weapons?

I'll like to hear your suggestions in the comments!

Badass Blog Awards 2013

I am so excited to be a finalist in the Badass Blog Awards 2013! Why Badass? It sounds like a bad word, doesn't it? I don't even dare say that in front of my children. But after a little search on the internet, I found out my favourite meaning of Badass in Dr. Jim Taylor's contribution in Huffington Post: 

"A real badass is driven by values such as responsibility, justice, honor, courage, compassion, humility, integrity, and selflessness... 

A badass is someone who stands up for the weak and oppressed, speaks the truth, and calls out those who lie, cheat, and steal. A badass is someone who takes a "hit for the team," meaning puts others' needs ahead of their own...

My mother who, while dying of cancer, kept herself alive long enough to attend my wedding and died shortly after, was a badass." 

Now being a Badass sounds pretty ok, doesn't it?

So if you can, help me perfect the art of Badassery by voting for Princess And The Rock here! My blog is nominated for Best Mom Blog and Best Newcomer Blog (2nd last category).

Thank you for your "vote" love!

P.S. Have you entered the Museo High Tea Giveaway? Do not miss this fantastic chance of winning dining for two at Museo, participate here.

Museo High Tea Giveaway!

Does Museo ring a bell? That's right, the restaurant with the awesome food and ambience that I reviewed not too long ago.

The folks at Museo has kindly offered to give away two vouchers for their delectable weekend buffet high tea for two persons to two readers. This IS a good thing to have, trust me.

Not one but TWO blessed winners get to win this awesome prize!

Go on, enter the giveaway NOW!

Giveaway ends 25 May 2013, 12am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Museo

#01-22 Quayside Isle31 Ocean way

Singapore 098375

Tel: 6734 8066

Fax: 6734 8086

Website: http://mu-se-o.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseoSingapore

"Megabugs Return!" Exhibition (Private Preview and DIY Costume Tutorial)

Bugs? Count us in! Megabugs? Lagi Bagus!

When I knew of the opportunity to attend the private preview of the "Megabugs Return!" exhibition, I signed up for it immediately as my children are crazy about creepy crawlies and such, they even have tools (exactly like the ones below) to "catch" and study them. (Rest assured that they are usually promptly released in the alive state after the studies.)

Once I received the e-invite for the preview, I knew we'd be in for a great time because we were asked to go in bugs accessories or costumes! I could not pass up the chance of dressing my family up in costumes, and not any costumes mind you, they must be BUGS costumes!

Although I received the e-invite a few days before the event, I did not work on the costumes until the afternoon on the same day of the event. You know, I was in the kind of situation when I planned to start on it (many times), then a more "important and urgent thing cropped up", (reads "the Rock pooped and needed to be washed up", "the floor needed a mop as Princess spilled her milk", "both the children threatened to put each other in jail and needed some mediation"... you get the idea). Nevertheless I managed to put something together rather quickly before the event. *Pat on my back.*

Without further ado, I present to you....

Ta-da! Incy Wincy!

Tutorial for Spider costume

Materials needed:

• Black long-sleeved T-shirt
• 2 pairs of mens black business socks
• Plastic bags
• Needle and thread, scissors
• Black gloves/mittens (optional)

Steps:

1. Stuff the socks with plastic bags, leaving only about 2cm space at the top. 
   
   

   

   I stuffed 4 pairs of socks for Papa Spidey and Incy Wincy!
   
   

2. Sew the socks to the sides of the black T-shirt, 2 on each side. 
   
   

   

   I hand sewed the socks to the sides.

3. Connect the 3 "legs" on each side, using a black string (see photo of the Rock above).
4. Have the child/adult put on black pants, shoes and the top made with the above instructions. Put on gloves/mittens if desired.

Final result:

Papa Spidey with Incy Wincy

On to the exhibition itself, I feel it is a must-go if your children are not averse to bugs as it is an awesome exhibition with the larger than life exhibits!

The whole feel was very whimsical and fun, unlike the usual exhibition atmosphere, which can be kind of serious and sterile at times. There were even a few welcomers that were dressed in fanciful and glittery costumes, very cirque du soleil-esque. A pity I could not take any photos as Princess was apprehensive about being near them, not unlike how some babies and young children are afraid of heavily made-up clowns.

I highly recommend a visit to the "Megabugs Return" exhibition, it will charm both children and adults alike!

"Megabugs Return!" Exhibition

Date: 20 April 2013 to 18 August 2013 

(This exhibition will be temporarily closed on 12 August.)

Location: Annexe, Science Centre, 

15 Science Centre Road 

Singapore 609081

Admission Fee: Adult - $20*, Child - $15*

*Inclusive of Science Centre Admission

3 Dolls - Wordless Wednessday Linky

Don't you think Princess looked like one of the dolls?

Wikki Stix - Review and Discount Code

Woohoo! New toys for Princess and the Rock to play with.

Wikki Stix are colorful pieces of yarn dipped in food-grade safe wax – the kind used in bubble gum and lipstick. They are non-toxic and gluten-free, which make them suitable craft toys for children with allergies, or for children (like mine) who explore textures and new things by placing them in their mouths! Ok, disclaimer here: although they are non-toxic, I don't recommend chomping on them as snacks like candy ropes (they look pretty similar to liquorice candy ropes!)

I tasked my husband to include them in their Saturday craft sessions and they decided to create paintings with them.

Twisting and bending the Wikki Stix

Painting made with Wikki Stix

These are some other things Princess and the Rock have created with the Wikki Stix on other occasions:

The Rock preferred to roll them into "ball ball"...

...to make a flower!

Good enough to eat...

...or accessories with.

Some things to note when working with Wikki Stix:

1. As the surface is sticky (from the wax coating), it is advisable to use a glossy or laminated surface to work on as it may lift off some paper if the paper is not glossy or "plastic-y". We had little construction paper bits stuck to the Wikki Stix when we tried to remove the Wikki Stix for repeated use.
2. Work on a dust-free and hair-free surface as everything gets stuck on it!
3. To get rid of the sticky after-feel, rub your hands with some powder before washing them, it helps get rid of the wax pretty effectively.
4. Do twist the strands of Wikki Stix together, the effect is really pretty!
5. Let your imagination run wild, the sky is the limit!

Watch the video below to get more ideas on how you can use the Wikki Stix:

Because you are SPECIAL:

Wikki Stix Asia is giving 20% discount on all online purchases. Simply key in coupon code "APR13" and click "Apply Coupon" upon check out. This coupon code is valid until 31 May 2013, so hurry!

Website: http://wikkistixasia.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WikkiStixAsia

Disclosure: We received a few packs of Wikki Stix for the product review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.