Of Ship and Garden ~ Where We Ate in Penang

We went Penang last November and if you remembered, we stayed at Golden Sands Resort, Penang.  Our reviews about that resort here!

Penang is a foodie place.  We know that.  

With 2 children, we decided to skip the zhi char type of seafood this time, skipped some Penang favourites (B and I were saying we will explore that on our own, one day.  One day.) and went to 2 different restaurants for 2 of our nights there.

Located in Batu Ferringhi, walking distance from Golden Sands Resort, we had an early Thanksgiving dinner at The Ship.

Doesn't it look like the real thing?  The boys were amused!

The service staff are dressed as ship crew, in maritime uniforms.  

The Ship can also be found in Kuala Lumpur but I am unsure if it is just with a shop front or like this, the big ship.

The Thanksgiving set dinner seems to be pretty reasonable.  For RM85, it is about SGD30 for a 4 course dinner.  And a hand towel as a gift.

This boy stole my soup and bread.

The escargots which were pretty well done up.  And they bothered with the appropriate cutleries.  Some places cannot be bothered.

Food wise, it was pretty decent.  The boys had spaghetti which they so much prefer over any other seafood fare from a seafood restaurant.  Considering how hot Penang is always, an air-conditioned restaurant is what we look for when we have kids in tow after a long day out - we were at Escape that day which is a post for another day.  

For that price, I thought it was not too expensive.  Of course, by Malaysian standards, it would have been too much.  But for some good protein, comfortable seating areas and something different (the ship as a restaurant), I am good.

The Ship

Address: 69-B Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang

Tel: +604 881 2142

Opening hours: 12pm to 1am

This second place we went to was a recommendation.  I was told that the ambience will be totally different and true enough, I was surprised.

The entrance of Ferringhi Garden Restaurant does not show any of what I am going to show you.  So, one will probably walk pass it and dismiss it as just another restaurant along Batu Ferringhi.

As it was near Christmas, Christmas decorations were everywhere!  I mean, wow!!!  Orangey and dim lights, my photos do not do justice to the decorations.  You got to see it for yourself.

Children are welcome, obviously.  :)

We had their Signature Seafood Platter.

Some photos before the night darkens.  Full of greenery, flowers everywhere.  It looks as if we were transported to some gardens.

Our food for the night.  The seafood platter proved to be more than enough for 3 adults.

Cannot help but LOL at this photo of D "fighting" the lobster.  

Having read mixed reviews about this place, I went with a "no expectations, no disappointment" kind of attitude.  Price wise, it was not cheap.  Food wise, it was acceptable, quality is okay.  Nothing to blow me away, but will not stop me from going back there.  The reason why I will be back - the place itself.  The ambience and the lovely surroundings.

So, if you are near there one day, check out that place.  And take lots of photos!!!!

Ferringhi Garden Restaurant

Address: 34 A, B & C Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi

Tel: +604 881 1193

Opening hours: 5.00pm - 12.00am

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2 is Enough. For Us.

2 is enough. 

You guessed as much as to what this is going to be about?

We attended a niece's full month last week and often at such celebrations, we get these:

Relative:  Why don't 'bo' aka gamble to have another child.  Maybe it's a girl.

Or

Relative:  Have another girl lah!  

B will often reply, "you think it's like going to the market to buy meat ah."

Often, we had to reiterate that we are perfectly fine with 2 boys.  And if we do have another, the child's gender does not really bother us.

We decided that having 2 is enough. 

The boys have each other for companionship and both of us have enough time (not exactly enough seriously) for them and some personal / couple time.

But is it really enough?  Again, this is subjective but this is what I think:

Both of us work.  Many times, a day of 24 hours is never enough.  Work starts at 8.30am and ends 5.30pm (assuming no overtime, no entertainment).  By the time we are home, have dinner and wash up, it's almost 8pm.  At 9.30pm, the children are supposed to be off to sleep.  Remember the chart about how many hours a child should sleep?  I think most Singaporean kids are badly deprived!!!

With the increased publicity about parental involvement and sitting down playing with the children, have you wondered how much time you actually spend with the children?  

Annual leaves are usually 14 days for most and we have 6 days childcare leave because our youngest is still below 7.  How is this ever enough if childcare centres and student care centres have closures of 5.5 days a year allowed.  No, I am not saying that they should not close, I am just stating a fact that we never ever have enough leaves to go around.  Especially for full time working parents without much support.

People always think the baby bonus and the CDA top-ups by the government is a lot.  And is enough to support the upbringing of a child.  But do you also know that sending the children to infant care centres and childcare centres are not cheap too?  

Both D and E were in infant care from when they were a couple of months old.  Each month is at least SGD1,000 after subsidies.  How much can those government bonuses last?  You do the maths.  

And if I were to have a kid because of those bonuses, it will never be enough.  It is a good to have, but no, it is not enticing enough to have more.  

So now, I may have people pointing at me and saying, well, who ask you to send to an infant care that costs that much when there are cheaper options?  

That is because deciding to have children is our choice and responsibility.  And for now, 2 is enough as that is what we think is within our capabilities - to send them to schools that we think are reasonable, to spend time (is there ever enough actually?) with both of them whenever we can and to feel that our lives as a family is not always in a chaotic mess and rush.  

So yes, 2 is enough for now.  Should we decide to have a number 3, do not worry.  We will let you know. 

That aside, I know of some people who stop at 1 or 2 not because they want to, but because circumstances does not allow them to have more.  They could be having problems conceiving or might have just gone through miscarriages.  So, each time before you decide to ask that very question or make that particular statement, stop a minute and maybe, holding the tongue will be better.   :) 

Disclaimer:  I am writing from my own personal point of view and this does not represent any other parent.  I also agree to disagree on any statements that other parents have.  :)

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Disney On Ice Presents Magical Ice Festival

We have been to one Disney On Ice when D was about 3 years old and E barely one.  A family of Disney fans, we have our own likes and favourites.  What impresses all of us is that in Disney On Ice, the characters skate!!  On Ice!!!
 
How cool is that?!

This year's theme, Magical Ice Festival, takes you on a sensational journey with your most loved Disney characters on ice.  Join Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel and not forgetting characters of the Academy Award winning and Number One Animated Feature Film of all time - Disney's Frozen in this winsome wonderland that is set to bring you on a magical journey.



Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite.  Do you know what Beast gave to Belle to always remember him by?

A magic mirror!



And do you know how many sisters does Ariel from The Little Mermaid have?

Six.  Do you know their names?

I know of quite a few Rapunzel fans.  If you are one, you will be thrilled to know that Rapunzel will be one of the princesses appearing in Magical Ice Festival!  Do you happen to know the weapon that Rapunzel use against Flynn when he climbs into the tower?  It's a flying pan!

With an extraordinary line-up of hit songs and most importantly, the never-before-seen characters, here are ten magical moments behind Disney On Ice to get you all excited for the show:

1. Disney On Ice was founded in 1981 and has since travelled to over 75 countries and 6 continents
2. The average size of the ice skating surface is 42m x 21m
3. There are approximately 180 costumes presented at one Disney On Ice show
4. More than 100 people work on these costumes
5. It takes 18 trucks to transport all production equipment for set-up
6. It takes between 12 - 15 hours to set up one Disney On Ice show
7. But just about 4 hours to tear down the entire production
8. Over 80 different colours of paint are used on the 183 props for this production
9. The youngest performer on this year's show is 19 years old and the oldest is 44 years old.
10. Each performer may change up to 8 costumes in one show

You have no idea about those 10 points right?  Neither do I!  But now we know~~~

If you are still thinking of what to do during the March 2016 school holidays, why not bring the children to Disney On Ice and be enchanted by a production that will leave both children and adults of all ages in awe.

 

Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival

11 March 2016 - 20 March 2016

Singapore Indoor Stadium

Tickets are available for purchase online at Sports Hub Tix.

Disclosure: We are invited to the Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs belong to Feld Entertainment.

 

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{Review} The Boy Who Cried Wolf

"Wolf, wolf!"  The young Shepherd Boy cried out loud, hoping to get some excitement as he was lonely while tending to his sheep at the foot of a mountain.  Villagers came running to him and the boy got what he wanted, which was some company.  He did the same trick again and he succeeded once more.

When a real wolf was spotted by the boy and he cried for help, nobody came.  That was because the villagers thought the boy was deceiving them again.  

The moral of this fable, "There is no believing of a liar, even when he speaks the truth".

The story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf is one that has been told and re-told.  The boys have heard of this story many times, be it in English or Chinese.  But it is the first time they are watching a play based on it.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the first production by I Theatre in 2016, is presented through puppetry, music and  physical theatre.  

As always, the boys will be engrossed with the Programme and Activity Book before the start of the play.

A friend going for theatre play together!

I shall not divulge too much.  But be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns.  I particularly like a part whereby there is a message, which I think is, for the parents too.  

A fast-paced, engaging production, one gets to participate by screaming their answers and shouting "Wake up!".  The children loved that part...

Towards the end of the play, I actually got kind of emotional.  As we all know the tragic ending of the original story, I Theatre presented the story in a somewhat different approach.  Instead of punishment and all the sad ending, this story ended on a positive note.  

As we discuss the story with our boys, we raise questions and also at the same time, reinforce the correct morals and that truth must be told at all times.  

You know your children got something out of the play when after the play, they spoke about "that sly fox and how the animals that followed it did not come out alive from the den", "that sheep are herbivores and only eats grass" and much more.

Do not forget to have a photo or two taken during the meet and greet session after the play ends.

We met fellow mum blogger, Qian Wen and her children at the play.  Read what she has to say about the play here!

Showing now on every Monday to Saturday till 19 March 2016 at Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, you may purchase your tickets online at Sistic.

Disclosure: We were invited to The Boy Who Cried Wolf by I Theatre.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own.

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Power Your Day with Quaker - Oats for Rice with Mushrooms Recipe

Have you heard about the power of oats?  Maybe you have heard about oats helping in the control of the blood pressure.  Or maybe the high levels of fiber and protein provided.

Overnight oats have been the in-thing for the last few years because of its benefits.  One can practically throw in any fruits and / or nuts and you get an awesome load of protein, fiber, vitamins and so on.  But, there are some people who do not fancy cold oats.  And some who think children should not take cold stuff.  :)

So today, I am sharing a savoury oats recipe, perfect for busy full-time working Mums like me!  

Savory Oats with Mushrooms

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Quaker Oats for Rice
1 cup rice (I used mixed brown rice)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
6 pieces of mushrooms, washed and sliced
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper 
Olive oil

Directions:

1.  Wash both the oats and brown rice.  Cook in rice cooker per rice cooker instructions.
2.  Add oil to a non-stick pan and once hot, add onions and sautéed till slightly translucent.
3.  Stir in mushrooms.
4.  Once mushrooms are almost cooked, stir them into the rice cooker.
5.  When the rice is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese.  The heat from the cooked rice will melt the cheese.
6.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
7.  Enjoy!

If you are in a rush, I am pretty sure just leaving everything (except the cheese) into the rice cooker works well too. 

Are you convinced now that oats can be added to your daily diets, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner?  It could also be added into your usual rice - it is that easy to incorporate oats to each meal!

POWER your day with QUAKER

Quaker is having a promotion at NTUC Fairprice supermarkets till 12 March 2016.  Stand a chance to win a Tiger Induction Rice Cooker worth more than $700 with every $5 worth of Quaker products purchased.  Check in store for details.  T&C applies.

Disclosure:  This post is brought to by Quaker.  Follow them on Quaker Singapore for more information and ways to enjoy your oats, hot or cold.

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The Inaugural Stroller Race Singapore 2016

The inaugural Stroller Race Singapore 2016 was held on 17 January 2016 at the Sports Hub.

We did not participate in the family run this time but instead, the boys took part in the Kids Dash.  There were 4 different categories: Stroller Run 5km, Stroller Walk 5km, Family Run 5km and Kids Dash for 5 different age groups. 

The Stroller Race Singapore is a community event that allows families to participate in races together, and to lead active lives as a family unit.  The Stroller Race seeks to build an exciting event that almost all families with young children will be able to attend - even for those using strollers, prams and pushchairs.

With children as the main focus of the race, there were lots of activities for the kids.

Starting with some activities at the Sports Hub Library, which was a surprise as most libraries should be hush hush hush....

Getting into the mood and prepping for the real dash.  :)

This has got to be the most enjoyable of all the games.  Such that even E wanted to join in.  Trying to pull off one another's 3 "tails".  

The Kids Dash was at the Stadium.  Or rather the outside the stadium near the entrances.  Most kids love a tattoo and these tattoos are really long lasting.

I really really like the way the warm ups were conducted.  Different category age groups were separated at different areas around the stadium.  And for D's and E's, they had their warm ups done interestingly!

Some examples were running under the big colourful "parachute" and stretching and moving the limbs using the almost-every-kid-will-know song "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round".    I mean, it does not even seem to be warm-ups!

One parent may run with each child.  And each time, there were only like 8-10 children running with their parents beside or behind them.  Look at E's expression!  

A milestone for D!  Running 60m on his own.  I asked if he needed me to go with him and he told me that he could do it himself.  My little boy is growing up!  There were no timings, no competition.  Just pure running fun for the children.  All races were cheered and clapped and each child was given a medal at the end of their race.

For the older children, they ran between 400m to 800m.  And I see organisers / volunteers running alongside with the children, and the last one was not left alone which was good.  

My 2 happy boys  Pleased with the medals they obtain.  A race, especially planned for the little ones, I am looking forward to the next Stroller Race!

Disclosure: We were invited to the Stroller Race Singapore 2016.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

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