FRI, 26-11-10 : A SPONGEBOB BRUSH

When Ryan was much younger. he really hated brushing his teeth. He still does ... but at least the screaming & crying is long gone. Because it was so difficult to get Ryan to open his (small) mouth, much less to brush his tiny teeth, I had the (brilliant but expensive) idea to buy the rotating (kid's) toothbrush.

It really worked!

Never in a million years did I imagine having to buy one of those expensive toothbrushes. I mean ... do we really need to spend so much on the humble brush that cleans the teeth!?

As you can guess, I (really) wasn't keen ... but a parent does what she has to do.

Even if it means having to spend (a lot of) money, she does it.

Even if it means that the child's toothbrush, is (an exorbitant) eight folds more expensive than the measly-dollar ones that she & her Hubby uses.

Sigh!  If it works, buy it ... right?!

 They have blue ones too. We are thinking of changing the toothbrush to another one (either from another Colgate range or Watson's). Will update when or if it works out.

Cheapest one we could find in Singapore (or Malaysia). This was purchased at Mustafa in Serangoon Road, Singapore.

THU, 25-11-10 : OUR DATE WITH HARRY POTTER

On (very) rare occasions, we do go out to the movies.

Its tough bringing a squirming, active 3 year old to a dark & "scary" movie-hall, not to mention that its very expensive! So we seldom indulge ... only very occasionally.

But yesterday was an exception. Hubby managed to come back early ... so on a whim, I decided, watching a movie would be a great idea. The only movie (on screens now) that's worth our money is Harry Potter - The Deathly Hallows. So off we went!

When we were about to buy the tickets, my boy suddenly exclaimed "Mummy, I dun wan to see mobie".

Huh?!

I'm like - Are you kidding, my dear boy?! Do you know how often we get a chance to see a movie ... on a weekday? Arrgh!!!

Fortunately, Hubby decided to make an Executive decision (phew!) & asked me to get the tickets anyway. I was actually skeptical as I didn't want to bring in a (loud & screaming) child who doesn't want to see a movie ... but his parents forced him to. Yep, I don't want to be one of those parents that has to leave the cinema-hall because of the badly-behaving child (yes! there's plenty of them).

Luckily, Ryan decided to behave himself. But he wasn't exactly being very quiet.

I guess having to sit in his own seat (with a booster-seat) wasn't part of his plan. When Ryan didn't need a ticket, we used to pick the couple's seat. That way all three of us could squeeze in it (nicely). But now as Ryan is three (almost 4), movie passes are no longer free. My boy needed a ticket of his own. The tickets were 6 bucks per person (for Cathay Cinemas - on weekdays, when paid by NETS), so our (grand) total was 18 dollars. We did not purchase any snacks or drinks (we brought our own from home, to save money) but we did have an early dinner (at the nearby foodcourt) before the movie started.

Ryan loves these free poscards that's posted nearby. These are from the "A Pet Is For Life" campaign. The animals are so cute (especially the cutie-pie cat) ... & so are the slogans. I am a great supporter of responsible pet ownership ... as I believe, its the only way to be humane, kind & responsible to those not born humans. All my pets were taken care of till their end of days, none were given away nor abandoned.

Ryan wanted to take another photo with his "precious" Batman (a free toy with a McDonald's Happy Meal, a few months back). 

 Ryan also insisted on taking a photo of his Daddy.

What Ryan had for lunch - Chicken Rice. Errm ... this particular stall's is actually not very tasty but its the only thing that he will eat here (other than prata ... again?). Both me & Hubby don't understand how Ryan can swallow eat this. I guess most kids are usually unfussy when it comes to standards in taste, huh?

Once in a while, only a kiddie ride will do! 

In my opinion, The Deadly Hallows movie was damn good! Its like on a different level altogether. The director, David Yates gets full credit. It was full of suspense (for those who haven't read the books, like muah!). The acting was also more matured, especially for the cast of youngsters. The plot is a bit confusing for those who have not followed the series but I'm sure if you're watching the 7th installment, you must have watched the 1st six.

There were some very scary moments (actor Ralph Finnes as Valdermort, was especially evil) & shock-ing scenes but overall this movie is darker & more sinister. The main characters acted well, especially actress Emma Watson (Hermoine Granger). Her role was meatier & she really shined this time. It was a blast! The movie was also about 2 hours & 15 minutes long (my boy was bugging me throughout the movie - " Mummy finish yet?" ... Not yet!.

To quote my Hubby - "Its the best Harry Porter movie!" .... so far, my dear. Wait for the last installment, next year.

Can't wait!

WED, 24-11-10 : A FISH BALL?

We were out for dinner the other day. What did we have ... but prata!

There was a small shop (SKP) selling knick-knacks & stuff, so we stopped by. We saw this strange toy & my boy loved it & wouldn't put it down.

It is actually a transparent rubber ball with water inside, with colourful green mini-confetti, a plastic toy fish & an apparatus that lights up when hit correctly. I know, I know ... it sounds weird but I don't know how else to describe it. (Maybe I should video-tape the "fish-ball" in action ... we'll see).

On to the pics ...

The fish-ball cost $ 3.60. Not that cheap, right?

 Are we looking bored, Ryan?

 Nope, just feeling cheeky!

 Now ... for my suave-like look.

Yay! Aren't we feeling happy today! 

Pratas for everyone.



TUE, 23-11-10 : A TRAY OF EGGS

Eventhough the pic below is just a large tray of (common-variety) eggs, I wanted to put it up ... as it is one of the few reminders (for me & my Hubby), on how we've turned frugal & more thrifty, these couple of years.

We used to buy only the (usual) 10-eggs per tray thing, for many many years. But since we've been on our austerity drive, we have never bought the smaller tray again. It just made more sense (to us) & saves some of money (especially if you love devouring eggs, every other day). Eventhough we're not great egg-eaters in this house, it still beats buying 2 trays of 10 eggs, every week or so.

(Updated : The price of a single small tray these days is between $1.90 to &2.50 or more, at times).

I mean ... have you noticed the price of normal eggs lately?! (a few days ago it was an expensive S$ 5.25 per tray of 30 eggs at Shing Shiong). They are not even organic eggs for goodness sake! (Its almost the same in most of the major supermarkets in Singapore).

Trust me ... you can save a little (maybe not a whole lot) by buying in bulk (for certain household items or groceries).

Just remember to wipe down all the eggs, with a slightly damn wash cloth (don't wash them!) & place them in the fridge, narrow side facing down (if you can). This way your eggs will keep fresh, until you need to use them.

Just one way to keep small costs down.

Remember ... every little bit counts!

MON, 22-11-10 : HEY! THERE'S HAIR IN MY POPCORN!

Yep, as you can read in the blog entry title ..... I recently found hair in my VERY EXPENSIVE popcorn. If you read my Sentosa entry recently (You can re-read it here), I was gushing about the very tasty popcorn that we bought on Sentosa.

As this family loves popcorn, I did not hesitate to purchase the Garretts popcorn when we were there. And because they allowed tasting before you purchased your choice, I was very assured that I would love the taste. And loved it, I did!

Unfortunately, as I neared the bottom of my Tupperware container recently (I placed the remaining popcorn in the container to keep it fresh & crunchy), I found hair on a single popcorn. At first, I thought that it was my strand of hair that got in the batch ... but it wasn't!

Why was I so sure that it wasn't (anyone's hair) from my home? Because the hair (it was also a little brownish - no one has brown hair here) was stuck underneath a layer of (thick) caramel, that has surrounded it. So it must have belonged to the people preparing it!

Double Yucks!

 Unfortunately my digicam is not very good at taking close-up shots, so this was the clearest ones I could get.

I was very turned off by the fact that I found a strand of hair in my very expensive popcorn (Thank God it wasn't curly or springy!!!). But I also know that it wasn't done on purpose (better not!).

But how do you let it go just like that?

Is it a hygiene-safety issue or carelessness on one person's part? I shudder when I think about it!

I can't promise that I will boycott their products EVER but I will definitely think twice before I buy it again (even if their popcorn is the best I've ever tasted).

How about you? Will you buy it again???!!!  

SUN, 21-11-10 : STICKERS, STICKERS EVERYWHERE!

Ryan loves his stickers - especially ones that depict his favourite characters.

Lately he's into "textured" & "sponge" stickers. He doesn't stick the stickers on things ..... he likes to hold individual stickers in his hand.

Yep, my kid's a little bit odd when it comes to stickers.

Usually, what Ryan likes to do ... I'll let it slide, if its not too nonsensical or remotely dangerous. (Yes, I try to be "lenient" whenever I can ... coz most times I am really quite strict with Ryan).

If holding up stickers makes Ryan happy ... then all I have to do is buy more stickers, right?!

We bought these stickers at the local pasar malam (beside Causeway Point). The top three stickers (Spiderman, Heart-shapes & Cars) are 3 for $2, the Ultraman ones are a dollar each. (The stickers with hearts was purchased as a small gift for Ms Ayra).

 Ryan wanted to put his hand in the picture. Oh well!

 A cheeky grin!

Pouty lips!

SAT, 20-11-10 : RYAN'S BED-FACE

This is what Ryan (usually) looks like when he wakes up.

His hair goes in all directions (haha ... just like his mum's) but luckily he's not as grouchy as her when daylight breaks (Thank God!).

One extra-grouchy person in the family is more than enough! Thank you very much!!!

Can you see a stuffed toy behind Ryan? Its actually two toys - but an optical illusion created, made it look like one. The left is his purple Barney bolster & on the right is "Pinky" the caterpillar (a pre-loved toy given by his cousin, Ayra). Dunno why both toys look pink in the photo though.

FRI, 19-11-10 : RYAN'S BUY OF THE WEEK : BATTLEFORCE 5

Battleforce 5 is a new toon on the Cartoon Network by the Hot Wheels maker. As you might have guessed, my boy loves this show. (Why am I not vaguely surprised?)

What is it with boys & cars?! Really ....

I guess being a (young) girl growing up ... I was never really interested in them. I know I will never really understand the male's obsession with cars & other engines.

Even at a very young age, Ryan is already obsessed with cars. Although I kinda understand (& sorta encourage Ryan to like boy stuff), its still kinda baffling to me, as a female. Oh well!

I guess for a growing boy ... playing with cars, trains & toy spiders are better than playing with dolls, huh?

Ryan playing with his new buy.

THU. 18-11-10 : CHIC & RICE ... & EVERYTHING NICE

For Hari Raya Haji this year, my mum decided to cook something simpler (than her usual) : chicken rice, roasted honey chicken, chicken soup & stir-fried veggies (chap-chye). Simple but nice! We also had sweet watermelon slices & grapes. Yummy!

 The kids were having Yan-Yan biscuits.

 Ayra was trying to feed Ryan the biscuits.

 Ryan : "Kakak, you eat".

"Yeah!"

WED, 17-11-10 : SELAMAT HARI RAYA HAJI

Its a public holiday here in Singapore ... but we're stuck at home (my poor Hubby has to work). But fear not! Later in the afternoon, we're going to my mum's place for some yummy food (as usual!). We don't really celebrate Hari Raya Haji (on a large scale) but my mum will still cook some delicious goodies for the whole family to eat.

Well, isn't food ... love? Haha ... it is, in my family!

I love these kind of holidays  : )

Well, talking about food ... here's a picture of my mum's delicious chicken curry. Its damn delicious! I usually have it with bread or a french loaf but Hubby prefers to have it with white rice. As my mum tends to cook up huge pots of deliciousness, me & my elder brother's family (my parents live with my younger sis) always have leftovers to bring home. Lucky us!!!

 Do all kids love their Mum's cooking? This grown up kid does!

The photo does not do this Chicken Curry justice. Its soooo delicious!

We had the Chicken Curry with instant (frozen stash) prata. Ryan too had prata but his was with fried with an egg (the curry was way too spicy for my boy).

As Malay food (always) tastes better the next day, leftovers are definitely welcome (with open arms) in our home. Malay cuisine is also notoriously difficult to make cook as its ingredients list is long & "quite scary" ... plus there's usually a ton of chopping, blending & stewing (for long hours). Not the kind of thing I'm remotely interested in (yep, lazy me!)

Besides, why bother to even attempt to cook the food ... when I can taste world-class food, that my Mum cooks? I'm a foodie but I'm not crazy ... haha!

Ok, I will try to get some nice pics of the spread my Mum cooked today. Yep, tomorrow will be another food entry.

You hungry yet??? I am!!!

TUE, 16-11-10 : OH! ITS BROKEN

If you think that Ryan is (ultra) careful with his toys all the time, you might want to change your mind, pronto!

Eventhough he's quite nimble with his toys & takes care not to damage them, its inevitable that some do get "demolished" with everyday, rough play.

Boys will be boys!

Eventhough these were hand-me-down toys from my friend, Lisa ... its still sad to throw away stuff that are still playable. What a waste, right?

MON, 15-11-10 : MATCHY MATCHY

The other day, Ryan was (busy) playing with Ayra & her mum (my younger sis). He managed to do up this matching-game-puzzle all by himself.

Does that make me proud? Sure does!

I guess when your kid is 3, almost anything that he does is monumental & a major achievement. Any parent would be happy & proud of their kid's achievement ... even if its just completing a simple puzzle.

I guess it goes to show ... that our kid is growing & learning huh?

Only greater things ahead! .....

 My sis asked me to snap a photo of his "work" (for memory).

Haha, Ryan "acting" shy, & hugging the giant plushy racoon.

SUN, 14-11-10 : WE WENT FOR ICE CREAM

As Hubby has to work on weekends too these days (poor Hubby, so tiring!), Saturdays & Sundays are not whole day outings any more (boo-hoo!). So, we tend to go out in the afternoons instead.

After having delicious food at my mum's place, we decided to bring Ayra out for ice cream nearby. Nope, we did not go to Swenson's ... haha! Nope, can't afford it! We went to McDonald's lah! Its more affordable for us.

I realised ... long ago, its not what you eat that matters but the time you spend together that matters more. Sure ice cream at Swenson's is more delicious but its also much much more expensive, something we cannot afford to spend on right now. But a simple cone or hot fudge ice cream is definitely do-able.

At the end of the day, did the kids mind that we went to the neighbourhood fast-food chain to have ice cream? Nope, I dare say they didn't! They would have loved it any other way. Its the time that we spent, having ice cream, having fun, the sheer act of going out for ice cream ... is fun in itself. It doesn't matter that the ice cream cost a dollar or 10 bucks! Besides, Ryan doesn't even like eat ice cream ... haha! But that doesn't stop him from having fun either - he just had a cheeseburger & some fries.

See ... everyone's happy!

This red outfit was a gift from my friend, Saro (she really spoils my boy, she's so nice!). I call it - the treasure map shirt. It was purchased in the USA. (Thanks Auntie Saro!)

 Mummy : "Ryan, I can't see your eyes!"

 They were waiting for their ice cream.

Ayra wanted to pose ... pose away my dear!

SAT, 13-11-10 : MORE RIDES

We decided to bring the kids to City Square Mall recently. Here was what they were up to.

Whenever Ryan meets up with his BFF, his cousin, Ayra ... he will be soooo happy! He just loves playing with her, hanging out with her, having & sharing lunch with her.

I'm glad that Ayra loves spending time with Ryan too. I guess as an only child it gets lonely sometimes. Its always nice to be able to share fun times with another person ... who loves & cares about you, who's a great playmate & an extremely fun person to be with. Ayra is all these & much, much more. I also hope that Ryan is the same to her .....

I'm really thankful that she's is our lives. You did well, sis! ; ) 

 Can you see how chummy & loving they are!

 Ryan's into fire-engines too.

 Having fun on the rides!

Time to go, my dearies!