Of Pineapple Tarts, Cheese Pineapple Tarts and Prawn Rolls

Pineapple tarts are a must-have for me during Chinese New Year.  I love my pineapple tarts buttery.  I dislike pineapple tarts that have a dry crust.  

Pineapple Tarts Singapore has been selling their melt in the mouth pineapple tarts since 1979.  With much demand in Singapore, they started selling them here, together with 47 outlets selling pastries in Malaysia.

Fragrant pineapple tarts, together with a not-so-sweet filling that literally melts in the mouth with each bite.  I have finished almost half a bottle.

With a golden hue, these little buttery balls aren't that little.  Good for 2 bites, the crust is not dry, unlike some other brands that stuck to the sides of my mouth with each bite (do you get such a problem too?).  Now, these are buttery pineapple tarts and I adore buttery ones for I feel they are so much nicer than mediocre tasting ones.  :D

Cheese pineapple tarts are very in these days.  Using parmesan cheese, I thought the smell of cheese is not overpowering.  With a tinge of cheese taste, it balances the sweetness of pineapple tarts.

All pineapple tarts are sold in airtight containers which are reusable and yes, presentable.

Apparently, pineapple tarts are not Pineapple Tarts Singapore only specialty.  These commonly known hae bee hiam rolls a.k.a prawn rolls are da bomb.  If you like spicy prawn paste, this will be one of those that is simply irresistible.

Fried to a crispy golden brown texture, each bite is a crunch.  What I really like is that there is no oily aftertaste.  No oily lips.  And no weird, foul, rancid, or whatever word you use to describe that overused oil.

The above products can be ordered via Pineapple Tarts Singapore website here.  With more than $60 purchase, delivery is free!  And for our readers, key in Cynthia10 to get a 10% discount!

Eat something nice that is worth the calories.  These pineapple tarts and prawn rolls are.

Some FAQ:

1. Sampling / tasting is possible at their warehouse at 39 Jalan Pemimpin, #03-04 Singapore 577182. However, do make an appointment first!

2. Self-collection is also available at their warehouse at 39 Jalan Pemimpin #03-04 Singapore 577182.

3. For any other queries, please email to pineappletartssg@gmail.com.

Disclosure: We were given the above products for the purpose of this review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own.

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Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017!

"The days are long, but the years are short" - Gretchen Rubin

How true is this phrase.

It is 2017 now and I am thinking back how 2016 was.  It did not seem like 365 days have passed.  It seems like just yesterday.

2016 has been a challenging year (oh well, which year wasn't).  But as the proverb goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. 

2016 was the year my older boy started the rat's race.  Of school and tests and examinations.  Of formal education.  Primary 1.  Now, this is a milestone.  As much a chill mum and parents we are, the basics have to be learnt.  I do not demand 100 marks for any and everything and yes, I still believe that tuition is only to help those struggling improve and not to get better when one is already good.

D's primary one life is basically school, student care and home.  Home is rest and play.  Apart from his spelling which we test him, he does no extra assessment books or revision at home.  We play Pokemon Go whenever we think (please do not tell me it is a "dangerous" game) is appropriate, we watch television programmes whenever we feel like it.  We go for walks and runs and a round of playground whenever time and weather permits. That's our primary one life and I hope 2017 will not bring much changes.

2016 also saw me exercising more.  Staying healthy for myself and for the family.  My first time up the Bukit Timah Summit after so long (probably since secondary school).  Slacked off in the second half of 2016; hoping to restart the engine soon in 2017.  Maybe after CNY huh?

Our second couple trip since the boys were born.  It was not easy.  We are the main caregivers with no helper, thus the boys are very attached to us.    We plan our trips such that we use mostly weekends (when my parents in-laws) can help, during off-peak school times (aka no spellings, no tests), or when there is no school (only going to student care for the primary go-er son).  Not easy, but not impossible.  For the record, it was a 3 days 2 nights trip which was in fact, less than 48 hours.  :D

So much easier travelling alone (because I have a very hands-on hubby).  I hiked up Mt Batur with a group of friends.  Totally outdoing myself, it was a gruelling climb.  Up at 1am, with only barely 2 hours of sleep, we started our climb at 4am after a ride of 2+ hours.  In almost total darkness, except for the lights from our hand torches, we walked, climbed, at some times, going on fours.  But the sunrise view, totally gorgeous.  Breathtaking in fact.

What did I learn from this climb?  Mind over matter.  I came back, stronger mentally (and sore legs hahaha).

If you have realised, the 2nd half of 2016 was a crazy half.

The boys had chicken pox (why did they get it when they took the MMRV vaccine, right?).  I had that thought too and am wondering how "lucky" we are to be those few whom will still be infected despite taking the jab.  But oh well, it is possible.  So why the jab?  So that the pox will be lesser and thus, lesser risk of scarring and crazy itchiness.

So there I was, thinking what to cook for the 2 "sick" boys, one after another because the Chinese believe that some food are deemed "poisonous" to be taken during chicken pox.  So one of these days, I shall blog about the food I cooked, and the food good (photo above) to be taken during chicken pox.

2016 also marked the year I organise something for special needs.  Till today, I am still excited and happy about it.  Together with a group of friends, we did a #RunToUnlabel campaign.  Details here.  We have finished running 484km for S$4,840 raised.  Will I do something like this again this year?  Why not?!  If you have any suggestions or advice, let me know!

My first 10km run!

My first half marathon!

Some people think I am crazy.  I might be.  I did my first 10km run as well as 21.1km run in 2016 (both sponsored).  Both runs made me feel that once one sets her mind on completion, it is never impossible.  Both runs made me challenge myself, physically and mentally.  I might not have been able to do it if not for constant support from the family and constant encouragement from like-minded friends.  Maybe a full marathon this year?  No.  :D

Why was 2016 challenging?  Partly also because E was hospitalised.  For pneumonia for 4 days.  It was a challenging period as much was going on in December and our first cruise holiday was just 2 weeks away from his hospitalisation.  Luckily, he recovered fast with the care of the nurses from the hospital and the correct and immediate medical attention by the doctor in-charge.  How important is a doctor to a child, how important are parents' instinct too.  That's a story for another day.

As for now, I am glad 2016 is over.  And hoping 2017 bring us better luck, good health and a year full of achievements, big or small.

Good or bad, a year has ended.  Times flies, but memories last forever.  Happy 2017.  :)

#PokemonAtChangi - Get Ready to Catch Them All!

The boys are all into Pokémon these days.  And I believe many children are too, judging from the turnout at the Pokémon launch at Changi Airport yesterday.

The three new characters from Nintendo's new Sun and Moon series - Rowlet (left),  Litten (middle) and Popplio (right).

These not-so-little cuties have turned the world upside down, especially this year with the launch of Pokémon Go.

Whether you are travelling this holiday season or not, I bet Changi Airport will be one of your must-go place.  Not only because of Pokémon but also because of the pretty decorations, such as the Gingerbread House at Terminal 3 (T3) Departure Hall where one can catch a glimpse of Santa's workshop and Mrs Claus' Confectionery which are filled with children's toys and yummy goodies.

Also be treated to a light show with music and dancing trees amidst falling "snow" from now to 8 Jan 2017 (2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on weekdays.  An additional show at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays) while taking photos with a 7-metre tall Pikachu, the largest character installation at Changi Airport.

Together with the giant Pikachu, Pokémon trainers, like you and I, can have more fun at the Airport by hunting for the 26 Pokémon at various locations across Changi Airport.  Take at least three photos at the Pokétrail sites and share them on social media platforms with hashtag #PokemonatChangi to stand a chance to win a premium.  More information can be found here.

Kicking off the launch of Pokémon at Changi yesterday were 10 life-sized dancing Pikachu.  With a Pikachu Parade, both kids and adults chased them like never before.  Although there will be no more such parades, there will be meet-and-greet sessions on all Saturdays and Sundays (except 3 December 2016) at 6pm and 8pm till 1 January 2017.  So, get your cameras ready!  They are too cute to resist.  Really!!!

Located at T2 and T3 Departure Halls and T1 Departure Transit Hall, visitors can have fun having their faces painted onscreen or show off some moves at the Z-Moves activity kiosks.  

As you can see, the boys really enjoyed themselves!  These motion sensor activities are of course motion sensitive.  Especially for Z-Moves, if your child is not the one playing, it will be much appreciated that he/she stand out of the range of the sensors so that the machines can recognise the correct pair of hands of the player's.

This is definitely going to bring on lots of smiles.  For both adults and kids.  The very cool thing is that videos of these moments can be shared with families and friends through social media platforms!

At T2's Departure Hall are three life-sized Snorlax lounging at the Snorlax Garden.  Of course, this is a photo opportunity not to be missed!

You know what the boys want?  The full set of the limited-edition Pokémon plush toys!  Available exclusively at Changi Airport, these eight characters and the Poké Ball can be purchased for S$9.90, with a minimum spend at Changi Airport.  Details can be found here.

So, time to catch them all at Changi Airport!  I think I will be there almost every weekend.  What about you?

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

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{Media Invite} Puvay's Fruit Puree-based Collagen Drinks

Age is catching up.

Yes, it is just a number.  It is the mind, heart and the soul that matters.

Appearance matters too, no?  I am just human.  More specifically, a woman.  LOL

So, yes, maybe I should start taking collagen drinks.

When June invited me to the launch of Puvay's 2 new fruit puree-based collagen drink flavours, I was like hmmmm....  it's time to give it a try.  I have never really bothered looking into collagen drinks.  Lazy to make, lazy to buy, yucky taste, weird smell - whatever reasons you can think of, I might fit my reason into one of them.  Just put it that I was never attracted to them.

With the launch of its newly formulated range of 100% natural, fruit puree-based collagen drinks, Puvay redefines the taste of beauty supplement drinks.  With 800mg of "Korean Marine Collagen Peptides", which features specific shorter collagen molecules, they help the body better absorb the benefits more quickly as they are smaller in size.

Also to note is that Puvay is one of the few companies to use a high dosage of Korean Marine Collagen Peptides with fruit-juices.  With this 100% natural ingredients and fresh fruits, Puvay's collagen drinks are lower in calories and sugars (oh yesh!).

Drink it on its own, chilled which I did.  It was not very sweet in my opinion and I can taste the fruits.  My only problem with it was that it was capped very tightly.

Or use it in a fruit dessert which I did here!  What an awesome combination of fruits, nuts and collagen.  I especially like the nuts with it.  On shaved ice, no less.  A crunchy feel to the drink and you do know that most nuts are packed with tons of benefits, right?

Puvay's collagen drinks can be bought online (how convenient) at Wellness Hut.  You get to enjoy 10% storewide with any purchase when you enter "PuvayCynthia" upon checkout!  Maybe a Christmas gift to a girl friend?  Or that bird nest for the parents?  :)

Disclosure: I was invited to the media launch.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own.

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{Review} The Magic Paintbrush by I Theatre

To the Director, Composer, Cast and Crew and production team of The Magic Paintbrush, this has got to be one of the best production.  And I was telling hubby, I Theatre ended the year with a bang.

Why?

The play started with a very important message.  And ended with another important message too.  Not just a play for the children.  It is something for the adults, the parents too.

A Chinese folk tale transformed into a musical theatre show, it is about a youngster from present-day Singapore, Toni Lee.  Struggling with the pressures and stress of examinations and parental expectations, she wished to be Ma Liang, the character in the storybook, The Magic Paintbrush.

Photo Credit : I Theatre

Quite unexpectedly, she was granted her wish and was transported back in time to a Southern Province of China.  

Photo Credit : I Theatre

A series of magical adventures unfold.  Of Ma Liang helping the poor villagers.  Of the magic paintbrush that creates things. 

Photo Credit : I Theatre

With the use of puppet and lively music, the story of the greedy emperor and his comical guards kept us laughing.

Photo Credit : I Theatre

But also kept us thinking.  Thinking about family, friendship and if gold is more important than talent and creativity.

Photo Credit : I Theatre

D enjoyed it so much that he requested we buy the book for him.

If you are still thinking whether to go for this play, I will say YES!  Book your tickets at Sistic.  From now till 12 November 2016, it is a production not to be missed.

1 Nov - 12 Nov 16
Tue & Thu: 10.30am & 2.30pm
Wed & Fri: 10.30am
Sat: 11am, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 11am & 5pm

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

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One-for-One Main Course at Morganfield's with the Entertainer App

We do dine out quite a bit.  On weekends usually.  With family and friends.  And with the year-end festivities coming, it meant more gatherings and more dining out.

We were introduced to the Entertainer App, which, many of our friends did not know about.  We did not know much about it too initially but realised so many of the F&B merchants that we love and / or going to try in their merchant partner listing.

The Entertainer is in fact a leading provider of buy-one-get-one-free incentives across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe and is full of offers for restaurants, beauty salons, health & fitness, leisure activities etc.

Find it on the App Store, Google Play and Samsung Apps

 

One of the F&B merchants on the Entertainer App

One of the F&B merchant offering one-for-one main courses at their Star Vista and Suntec City outlets is Morganfield's - the place for good old fashioned, prime pork ribs slowed-cooked and smoked to tender mouth-watering perfection. 

Called "Sticky Bones", their signature dishes of smoked ribs is sure to blow one away.  Both by it's size and tenderness.  A full slab ribs is definitely good for 2 persons (no kidding) and if you prefer something spicier, there is always the Spicy Asian BBQ Spare Ribs or the maybe the Smoked Peppercorn Spare Ribs.  I like the basic Hickory BBQ Sticky Bones.

 

Full Slab - Hickory BBQ Sticky Bones

 

(Left) Garlic BBQ Sticky Bones, (Right) Smoked Peppercorn Sticky Bones

I think my younger son can finish this Crayfish Mac & Cheese on his own.  Yup, it's good.  Creamy and delicious.

By becoming a member for S$85, I believe I would have easily saved half of that price paid in 1 meal just at Morganfield's.

If you think Morganfield's is only good with their ribs, the above Mac & Cheese and this Beer Battered Fish & Chips will prove you wrong.  Simple, non-pretentious, crispy fish & chips fried to a nice golden brown.

 
If burgers are your loves, here are 2 of the few options:  Smokehouse Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken BLT.

 



 
Though desserts are not in the one-for-one offers for Morganfield's, do try their Chocolate Lava Cake and end a good meal with a happy tummy.

F&B merchants aside, I saw quite a few beauty and fitness merchants that I am very interested in : BBounce Studio, AsterSpring and how can I forget recreational attractions and leisure for children like Bounce Singapore and Kaboodle Kids.

If you would like to download the Entertainer App and give it a try for 2016, be sure to use the promo code SGBLOG2016 as it gives a S$10 off the retail price of the app.

Disclosure:  We were invited to the food tasting at Morganfield's by the Entertainer Singapore.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs, unless otherwise stated, and opinions are true to my own.

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Where Your Children can Learn to Handle the DSLR

Have your kids ever said, "Dad, Mum, can I take photos with your camera?"

I get that all the time.  From both boys.

It is apparently a growing up thingy.  They love to explore, they want to try.  Sometimes, they are fascinated with it.

But parents are very beware of it, as some cameras are not cheap!  Some parents pass the older version, or a cheaper version of a compact, snap-away camera for the child to explore.  My boys sometimes use my iPhone, sometimes we give them the older compact camera.  Much often than not initially, we had to try to teach them how to use, where the object of interest should be etc.  And of course, many will agree that sometimes parents are not the perfect people for this job.  :D

So, was I glad when one of the activities at Kidzania Singapore is to be a photojournalist!

Waiting patiently in line for their turn.

Brought to us by Canon, in the 20 minutes, they were taught how to handle a DSLR, where the viewfinder is and what some of those buttons are.  Basically, it is about learning proper camera techniques.

Like a professional!

In the Imaging Academy, there were different backgrounds and objects for them to try taking photographs of.  

They were then brought outdoors, around Kidzania to take some monuments.  Look at how at ease E is handling that DSLR.  And how proud he was, showing me the photos he took on screen everytime he took a shot.

Definitely a good place for the children to learn about handling the camera.  What's more, they were paid (KidZos) and given a certificate each!

Disclosure:  3 of us were invited to check out the Canon Imaging Academy in Kidzania by Canon.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

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