{Review} The Phantom of the Opera is Here....Inside Your Mind...

"In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name
And do I dream again?
For now I find
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside my mind"

~ The Phantom Of The Opera

 

We knew this song before we watched The Phantom Of The Opera.  This song itself is captivating and we wonder how the musical will be.

 

 

This is not the first time The Phantom Of The Opera is performing in Singapore.  I have heard of people attending all the previous productions.  And I wonder why.

 

The Phantom Of The Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous and successful musical is the longest-running show on Broadway, winning more than 70 major theatre awards and has been seen by over 145 million people across 30 countries.

 



Photo credit : Base Entertainment





It tells a tale of a disfigured musical genius, The Phantom.  Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of young soprano Christine, the Phantom does all that it takes to lure Christine as his protégé.  However, his obsession with her soon leads to a series of dramatic events and this musical depicts the story of love and jealousy.

 

Photo credit : Base Entertainment

With a 37 strong international cast joined by a full 11-piece live orchestra playing some of Lloyd Webber’s most memorable music, including The Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me and Music of the Night, this musical is simply phenomenal.  Each act ends with thunderous applause.

 

We were told that some costumes of the soprano artistes weigh as heavy as 10-12kg.  Imagine that weight and singing at the same time.  It makes me appreciate the musical more.

 

 

I brought D to this musical because he was introduced to the book and has been listening to the songs.  Contrary to many comments on the dark emotions of the story, D actually felt that the story is romantic.  He sees more of the love the Phantom has for Christine compared to the jealousy and betrayal.  And for me, I feel sadness for the Phantom. 

 

Watching a musical lets one feel the story through beautiful voices and stunning costumes and that is what makes a musical successful.  The Phantom Of The Opera is all of that and now I understand why it is the longest-running musical on Broadway.

 

 

The Phantom Of The Phantom is here till 8 June 2019.  Tickets are available on Sistic website.

 

Event Date

Wed, 24 Apr - Sat, 8 Jun 2019

Tue - Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Sun: 1pm & 6pm

 

Venue

Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands

 

What a production!!!

 

 

 

Disclosure: We were invited to The Phantom Of The Opera.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

 

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A Woman's Best Friend - Finely Cup

A woman's best friend.  Should it be non-wired or wired?  

There has always been different schools of thoughts and debates about wired and non-wired.  However, in recent years, there seems to be an increase in the number of non-wired  bras around.  It may be the next best thing, apart from nothing.  :D

I was introduced to Finely Cup by a friend.  Serene, was reviewing the bras and being the good friends we are, she was telling us about how she felt about these little cups.  "Wireless", comfortable were all the stuff I heard.  So, try, I know I must.

Unlike going into a departmental store and choosing everything on your own, FABLife provides a very personal service of helping with finding the right fit.  Alice, the founder of FABLife, helps with the necessary measurements so that one can find the best fit.  She will also teach you how to properly wear one (erm, let's admit that most of us are possibly wearing the wrong size or do not know the correct way to wearing one.).  As appointments are needed, there is no need to worry about bumping into someone you know while in the fitting room, or feel shy about being around strangers, apart from Alice.  :D

These days, I very much fancy non-wired bras.  Wired bras get "out of shape" easily.  And non-wired ones are really more comfortable with the right sizes.  Also, as they are made of built-in memory cushion for the cups, I can feel the push-up effect as it helps with breast lifting, just like any other wired bras.  But, in this case, they are non-wired.

Comparing with other bras that I have.  Both wired and non-wired ones, you will see that the black Finely Cup bra has thicker bands/wings.  This is what I think helps with the support, regardless of one being big or small.  In fact, do not be turned off by the broad wings because it actually helps smooth and eliminate back bulge, especially for body hugging tops.

If you can't tell, I actually bought for myself another 2 sets after trying the one that was given for review purposes.  I was told that with constant wearing, these can actually prevent breast sagging and the adjustment of the bust.  If you would like to feel for yourself, do make an appointment with Alice for a professional fitting.

Disclosure: I was sponsored a set of Finely Cup bra for the purpose of this review.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.  Other additional sets mentioned are paid by yours truly.  :)

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Experience So Thai Spa During a Mummy's Trip!

2018 has been a year of travels for me.  5 trips, not including trips to neighbouring JB, 4 countries.

I wrote about my trip to Bangkok here and here.  

Blessed with a hubby who is totally hands-on, I am able to travel with friends.  Why travel without the family you ask?  And I will ask, why not?  To me, that does not make me any less a parent or a Mum.  I just feel that it is a time to reflect, make connections with like-minded friends and just relax. Back home, the world revolves around the family and work (for working mums like me).  Sometimes, I just want to wake up without the need to prep breakfast, wash water bottles, nag and babysit.  Hahaha!!!  Yes yes, i signed up for parenthood and I am not complaining.  I am just finding reasons to enjoy myself, even if it meant 3D2N.

Anyway, if you are thinking to travel sans kids, i will say, just do it!  I always come back a better human being.  And maybe that's what has been keeping me going - working, cooking, nagging......

The last trip to Phuket was indeed a rest and relax trip.  We checked ourselves into this huge villa.  And we ordered breakfast service.  On other days, we were out eating seafood, fast food.  But most times, we were just lazing in the villa, enjoying the blue skies and sea, soaking up the sunlight.

But what is a holiday in Thailand without a massage, right?  We were recommended to So Thai Spa Phuket, which has 3 outlets in Phuket.  I am somewhat picky with the massage places I go to, especially if it involves body massage.  Foot massage is fine as we all know that there are lots of shops along shopping streets at cheap prices but for body, I prefer to pay more for a better experience.

As were staying in the Surin area, So Thai Spa Phuket Privilege is just 8 minutes drive away.  Out of the Patong area, this spa's location is superb as its surroundings is quiet and zen.

Deciding the oil to use for my massage.  There is an option for aloe vera too if you are sunburnt.  

It always start off with a little treat.  No matter you are there for 2 hours or 4 hours.

A tip!  If you do not mind sharing a room with your friend (I'm sure partners are fine), it is always cheaper to book couple rooms!

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4-hour So Thai Treat which includes foot massage, body scrub, herbal ball compress and lastly, an aroma oil massage.

A treat in between.  After a shower after the scrub.

The massages were good!  So good that we went back for a 2 hour session before we flew home.  As most of the masseuses are not fluent in English, the receptionist (better command of English) will ask questions about which body part you want the massage to focus more on, any injuries so that they can be more careful.  During the massage, the masseuses will ask if their use of strength is okay.  Apart from that, I drifted off to dreamland most times.  

Refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on come what may.  

So Thai Spa has a few outlets in different parts of Thailand now and I will definitely have them in mind when I next travel to Bangkok.

Now, when can I have the next break?  Pretty soon, I am sure.  2019, please be good!

Disclosure: We were given discounts at So Thai Spa.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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{Review} Sit Tight, Laugh, Clap and Cheer at The Great Moscow Circus

Hello Singapore!  

If you have watched the short clip by the Ringmaster and his friends, you will know that The Great Moscow Circus is in town.  Till 2 Dec.

We hardly have a circus.  So this is one good chance to catch it.  Family-friendly, mind-blowing, and full of fun.  Not forgetting times you will be sitting at the edge of your seat.  Trust me, you should really watch it - I have been telling friends and people around me to go watch it.

Why?!

Because it is really that good.  With about 1,650 seats, no matter which seat you choose, you will be able to enjoy the Circus (I saw that a lot of the ringside seats are left with single seats for many dates).  Ringside seats are those that are nearest to the ring, and the performers are literally in front of you - not a must, but good if you can get those.

The boys love this act the most.  Colourful, funky and fast, these Fast Track Acrobats make cartwheels and flips look so easy.  But, I am pretty sure they are not.  

I would really love to tell you all the acts.  But no, I shall not.  Because, to be able to see and hear it is a thousand times (and more) better than just reading it.  

Juggler?  Yes

Clown?  Yes

Acrobats?  Yes Yes

Daredevils?  Yes Yes

Audience Interactions?  Yes Yes Yes

With more than 16 sensational acts, featuring over 45 circus stars, The Great Moscow Circus preserves the fun and thrills of the Circus of yesteryears, yet injects in the heart pounding experiences of today's Circus.  You will be glad to know that there are no animal acts.

One of my favourite.  The Aerialists.  At each turn and spin, the elegance and strength of the performers make me love them so much.  No safety net, no safety wires, the duo displays their acrobatic gymnastics in such an artistic, yet thrilling way.  Their fitness and daring acts are all that I admire.

If you are those who like that "heart in the throat" moments, this is for you.  For the first time in Singapore, the biggest Globe of Death will be one of the acts that make you remember and talk about The Great Moscow Circus for a long time.  With up to 5 speeding motorbikes in the steel globe, one wonders how they can speed together at the same time.  It takes an open minded, strong hearted individual to challenge this death-defying circus act.

We watch American Got Talent and British Got Talent quite abit and we saw familiar faces!  If you are a fan of this talent show, then you will be happy to see 2 of the acts in The Great Moscow Circus. 

Not forgetting the adorable and funny clown, who never fails to bring laughter to all those under the Mighty Big Top.  So, remember, it's a show not to be missed.

Not to be missed.  Indeed.

The Great Moscow Circus

25 Oct - 2 Dec 2018

Tue - Fri: 7.30pm
Sat: 12pm, 4pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm
Public Holiday: 12pm & 4pm

Tickets can be purchased at all Sistic outlets or online.

Just a friendly reminder.  No food and drinks allowed.  There are popcorn, candy floss, drinks available for sale there.  And the Circus merchandise too if you are interested.

Disclosure: We were invited to The Great Moscow Circus.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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Of Myopia and Spectacles

Do I have perfect eyesight?  No, I do not.  I started wearing spectacles at a ripe young age of 10.  Being myopic at 10 during my time was considered early.  Wearing spectacles at 10 years old for my boys' generation is almost a norm.

A first world problem, I call it.  Because of the increased exposure to electronic devices, it is pretty inevitable.  Spending lesser time outdoors (regardless of how much we try to, there is only so much we can do due to the fact that they go to school, we go to work) does not help.  Having myopic parents contribute to that fact too - myopia is genetic.

So what can we do?!  Control the progression of myopia, of course!  As much as we can. 

I mean, apart from having good reading habits such as not lying down to read and not reading in the dark, having a good pair of spectacles is important.

Do you think this is the right way to read?  Of course not!

A pair of eyeglass frame and lenses is not just to help with the vision, it is something that is to be worn for long hours.  So comfort and long hours wearability should be taken into concern.

Now, D is a primary school boy.  One who runs and plays with classmates, one who is probably not  as gentle with his spectacles as any adult.  A pair of eyeglass frame has to be durable!  At least something that will not break before his next eye checkup.

This pair of eyeglass frame from Nanyang Optical fits my bill!  Being slightly "flexible" means that I do not need to deal with breakages that occur so often.  How many times have we heard of people complaining that the hinges or side arm coming apart?

Anyway, a visit to Nanyang Optical always start with an eye assessment.  Something that is common at every optical shop to ascertain the degree of myopia, what surprises me was the colour vision test.  That is something not every shop does and I think it is a good move.

Nanyang Optical inhouse brand "Eyelet" is what D is wearing now.  He says it is comfortable and what you should also know about is the lenses that they recommend.

Like I mentioned earlier, a pair of spectacles should be one that it is not only of comfortable eyeglass frame.  The lenses should be good too.  How do we ascertain what is good then?  To me, it should be able to help with the slowing down of myopia progression.  And that is what MyoVision by Zeiss is all about.

We have all heard about Zeiss.  A renowned manufacturer of optical systems, MyoVision addresses myopia progression.  This comparison below may be able to help you understand it better but for me, what I now know is that, D has refrained from glancing through the sides of the lens because the MyoVision lenses "forced" him to look at things through the centre of the lenses.  I remember how he used to glance sideways to look at things. But he is not able to do so now because of how MyoVision lenses are designed - there is a lower focusing degree towards its peripherals.  As such, D has no choice but to turn his head and look straight at wherever and whatever he wants to see.  With that, I am hoping his myopia will be somehow controlled and progresses slower.

And ohhhh, Nanyang Optical not only sells optical products.  They educate the young ones on myopia prevention tips.  Love it because sometimes no matter how we parents nag, the effects are not as great compared to what these professionals say.

Myopia is irreversible.  All I hope for is not going to the optician regularly because of the increase in myopia.  Thus, I believe a good pair of eyeglass frame and lenses for children is indeed required.

Disclosure: We were sponsored a pair of Eyelet spectacles for the purpose of this review.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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5th Brick-Versary @ LEGOLAND Malaysia!

Happy 5th Birthday, LEGOLAND Malaysia!

It has been 5 years.  I remembered the first time we stepped foot in September 2012, with E in stroller and the many rides that the 2 of them couldn't take.  5 years later, we are back here again, with many rides done and dusted.  But pending their opening of a new exhibit!

This 5th Brick-Versary, there are many many activities going on.  Before the celebrations end on 30 September 2017, make a trip down!  If not, I am sure October will bring the Halloween events and activities.

First up, let's take a photo with the giant birthday cake and at the same time, contribute to the "making" of it.

You get a memorabilia once you completed a part of the "cake".  :)

You know how sometimes we have certain Lego Minifigures that we do not really fancy?  Well, have it traded here at selected timings!  There are many different kinds!

Apart from the existing rides, mascots appearances, one must try ride is the pretty new Ninjago Ride.  The first ever cutting edge 4D indoor ride in Asia, the children love it!  We adults thought it was very cool too.

That's not all!  Every visitor gets a goodie coupon and guess what?!  Scratch it and you could be the lucky guest to win an all-expense paid trip to LEGOLAND Japan for your family.  There are also others like discounts or free merchandise with a certain amount of purchase.  A good time and place to get your Lego collections!

Disclosure: We were invited to the event at LEGOLAND Malaysia.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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Cold Storage Kids Run 2017

The family loves going for family runs.  Since a baby in the stroller, B and I brought them out for family runs often.  Then, the number of family runs were not as many as what we have today.

One of the runs that have been around since we started our family runs is the Cold Storage Kids Run. At it's 10th edition this year, the crowd was massive!  It is heartening to see both the young and the old coming together for a great morning workout.  Be it a walk or a run, it is definitely both a healthy lifestyle and a great bonding time together.  What can be better than this?!

Who doesn't like rewards?  A medal to encourage the next run, to prove an achievement and a reminder that we reap what we sow.

The Kids Run is a very family oriented run.  With children in mind, there are lots of activities for the children.  Even milk is free for the keen little ones.

The run was carried out in different waves - one for each age group.  The good of it being that similar ages, similar capability and thus, probably easier to run.  The bad?  B had to run with E and D with me as we fall under 2 different categories.  So it was not exactly a family run.  

This run, D was tripped over by another kid and fell.  Instead of whining, he picked himself up and ran again.  Sometimes, kids show us the resilience we thought they do not have.  And I am guilty of that.

End of the day, though we were all sweaty and smelly, we thought we had much fun.  A good workout too.  We definitely welcome more family runs.  Of course, I am sure if the runs are priced reasonably, many will be interested too.

Disclosure: We were invited to the event.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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