Msclak

Welcome to CLAK! I am Charlene and I own an online skincare boutique, www.efreshsingapore.com. I will love to share about my sweet family, skincare tips and reviews, my travelogue and everything that excites me.

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Msclak April 20, 2016

Lauren made her debut in the kitchen with Spurbox’s Breadmaking class

After the sewing class with Sew Into It, I am so into hands-on class for children. I searched around and found a breadmaking workshop conducted by Spur Box.

I have read somewhere that kids who are not offered hands-on learning opportunities are more likely to turn to fast food and pre-packaged meals when it comes time to start cooking on their own. Cooking also involved a lot of brainwork. Cooking requires basic knowledge in chemistry (how the application of heat changes items), biology (where food comes from), math (measuring and timing), and management (getting everything together in a timely fashion).

I also believed that if a kid helps to prepare the meal, he/she will more likely to appreciate the food and actually sit down and try new things.

The workshop was conducted at the culinary venue at PoMo. It was a 3 hours workshop, well organized by a team of experienced teachers. The teachers were very good at handling the young children in the kitchen.

Each participant was assigned a counter to work on. Demonstration was done in a chirpy way to engage the children. Lauren was so attentive to the details that she was telling exactly what to put and what to mix.

While waiting for the dough to rise, the teachers gathered the children around and told them an interesting story about the history of pretzel. It was done with cute and interesting props and all the kids were so engrossed.

Refreshments were provided during the 2nd wait for the dough to rise and the children were playing among themselves.

After the teachers placed the doughs into the oven, the children were given clays to play with. They were asked to make pretzel shaped clay and to decorate a paper box to put the clays they had made.

Finally when the teachers distributed Lauren’s bread to her, she was standing there amazed at her own creation. Lauren is a picky eater but because she made the bread, she finished the loaf in the car while I was driving home. So the studies about kids who get their food right from its source are more likely to enjoy the end result, is true!

Learn more about Spur Box’s classes here

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Msclak April 4, 2016

PHS HairScience’s award winning signature 3-step DSR™ Program

For those who had been following my blog, you would probably know that I had been to PHS to seek help when I experienced post natal hair loss. I have been their loyal customer ever since.

I am not blessed with a head of thick glorious hair, so I am constantly looking for new hair care products or treatments just to help with my thinning hair because I believed just like how we would go for facial, we need to also maintain our scalp frequently. I had been with PHS for about a year till date. I have seen significant improvements in my scalp as it is no longer as oily as it was before and my hair also feels thicker now.

Hair scan now. Can tell that my hair strands and density are much thicker

Hair scan when I just started treatment. Hair strands are thin and sparse

Recently PHS launched their new 3-step DSR program. Everything is the same as their previous DSR program except that they now incorporate a new machine to enhance the result. Read about my previous experience with PHS here

Here is a step by step guide on the DSR treatment.

This is a new addition to DSR as previously the therapist used a paddle brush to comb through before going to step 2. This High Frequency Comb is used to comb through my hair. This step uses micro-currents, the comb’s electrotherapy regulates oil secretions, kills bacteria and fights inflammation while stimulating follicle growth activity.
A detox mask is then applied to the scalp and hair, and my therapist would follow with a head massage.
The treatment then moves on to an oxygen therapy. This is a steam treatment to help with the mask absorption and also to soften the hair and scalp tissues.
This is also a new step. The Scalp Scrubber, using ultrasound energy that creates a deep cleansing action at 28,000 vibrations per seconds. The therapist sectioned my hair and thoroughly scrubbed every inch of my scalp. This made my scalp felt so clean.
Previously, there would be a normal rinse, shampoo and condition session. Now it is done with a Hydro- Cleanse; a powerful pulsating water jet that cleanses beyond the scalp’s surface while providing a relaxing massage.
For being a Spa customer, I got a 20 min shoulder massage. Actually this is one of my favourite part of the session. 🙂 I usually got really stiff shoulders hence this 20 min massage was heavenly.
Hair Serum is then applied to the entire scalp and Galvanic Probe is then used to aid with the absorption of the serum. The Galvanic Probe is also a new step; it uses Iontophoresis to stimulate deeper absorption of treatment products to boost efficacy of serum application.
One end to stimulate scalp

One end to be held
A nice scalp massage followed by a 10-15min of Infra-red treatment. This is to stimulate metabolic waste removal.
The treatment is completed with a nice blow dry.

It is recommended to have a treatment at least once a month, just like our facial.

I think home care is equally important. I am currently using PHS range of shampoo and conditioner. Lately I added the Adv Pre Treatment Scalp Elixir to complete my range. Some may agree with me that at times there is the feeling that our favourite product seems to be losing its effect after using it for some time. Actually it is not that our product is losing it’s effect but because there are residues building up on our scalp/skin that may hinder the product’s performance. Thus regular exfoliation of our scalp/skin is very important. It is easy for us to exfoliate our skin but scalp….??? I was introduced to this Elixir by my therapist. It cleanses and exfoliates dead cells on scalp to allow better absorption of scalp treatments. I have been using it for 2 weeks now and I do feel my scalp is cleaner and my hair seems to be able to style better after each use.

Here’s a piece of good news to share; PHS is very kind to offer my readers 2 different promotions:

a 20% off product purchase from their e-store with the discount code Charlene20
$88 first time trial promo: Detox Scalp Spa Therapy PLUS free Nutrition Hair Treatment (to be completed together in one session) at Plaza Singapore outlet. Quote “Charlene” when you make appoint via their website: www.phshairscience.com or hotline at 6692 0662.

Promotion ends 31st May 2016 so do hurry if you are keen.

PHS outlets are located at the folowing locations

Plaza Singapura #04-34/35

Ngee Ann City #05-25A/B

Wheelock Place #04-12

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Msclak March 25, 2016

Our visit to Pororo Park Singapore

There are a total of 11 Pororo Parks in the world; 7 in Korea, 3 in China and Pororo Park Singapore is the 1st Pororo Park in Southeast Asia. Pororo Park integrates entertainment and education elements in an indoor playground setting. From arts, science, cooking to magic tricks, children can enjoy hours of fun and craft classes through Playing And Learning Skills (PALS).

Lauren is no stranger to indoor playground but Pororo Park was Alexis’ 2nd visit to an indoor playground. Her first was to Kids’ Amaze’s Toddler section but that was not comparable to Pororo Park. Alexis was ecstatic when she got into the Sharkpool. She stayed in the pool of balls for 30mins! Each time we tried to lift her up, she would struggle and drop herself back in. Even after enticing her to try other sections of the park, she would eventually walk back to the Sharkpool.

I personally found Pororo Park Singapore catered more for the younger kids. (below 8 years) There are many sections that I thought might excite younger children more. Nevertheless, older kids can explore the play gym and also pick up some skills from the classes conducted in the park.

Pororo House

Interior of Pororo House

Interior of Pororo House

A brick and built section in the park

A small playground for younger children

For those who likes to play pretend, there is a supermarket in the park

The toddlers’ section

Alexis playing at toddlers’ section

Play gym

For Lauren, she is a Miss Congeniality. I did not have to worry much about her as she was making new friends at the park. There was a play gym and a theatre that conducts classes and that kept Lauren really busy. Lauren attended a K POP dance class.

Lauren at the K POP dance class

There was also a train ride that ran every hourly. Do call your child back to have a short ride; kids always enjoy rides. Me being the kiasu mum, I queued on behalf of the girls while they were playing.

For children who like craft works, there is a room for handicraft works. There are different classes daily and parents can go to their website to view their schedule. There is also a theatre for shows and dance lesson.

Handicraft room

Theatre’s schedule

Pororo dance

What I liked was there is a nice café to let parent have some refreshments while waiting for the children. The park is also equipped with a kids-friendly restroom and a nice baby room. (good for breastfeeding mum)

We spent slightly over 2 hours at the park and that was good enough to tire the girls out. Bring your kids down and their ticket prices are as follow:

2 hours playtime:

Age Group	Non-Member	Annual Member	Partners
Children aged 2 to 12 years	$33.50	$23.50	$28.50
Children below 2 years	$24.50	$16.50	$20.80
Accompanying adults	$6.00	$2.50*	$3.50*

Babies below 1 year	Free Entry
Additional playtime	$5 per block of 30 minutes (or part thereof)

*Up to 2 adults. Additional accompanying adults will be charged normal admission rate.

Credit and Debit card holders / card members of these following partners will enjoy Partners’ admission rates.

Pororo Park Singapore is conveniently located at 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-29

+65 6250 9700

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Msclak March 19, 2016

Sew much fun with Sew Into It

One of the activities Lauren had done during the March holiday was a sewing class organised by Sew Into It. I personally chose the class because I wanted to incorporate some conductive activities in the week long holiday. Activities that would challenge her mentally and keep her learning.. I know it is only one week but Lauren needs to be constantly engaged.

After attending the class with Lauren, I would strongly encourage mummies to bring their kids for a try. You will be amazed at the developmental benefits children could gain at learning to sew at this young age.

Sewing requires concentration and focus, problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It challenges the left brain thinking and is a great way to express ones’ creativity and individuality.

Studies have shown that children who learn to sew gain many mental and physical developmental benefits. There are various tasks involved in sewing a simple project, such as following pattern instructions, fabric selection, color coordination, sizing and fitting. All these help stimulate creative thinking, promotes self-esteem and perseverance. Completing a sewing project from start to finish fosters a sense of accomplishment that can boost a child’s morale and self confidence. And, the tactile nature of sewing helps strength a child’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Sewing also provides children an avenue to express their creativity. It is a productive way for kids to use personal time and create independent work.

My preselected Ellie the Elephant

Lauren’s pigeon

Choice of fabrics

Samples of Animal softies

I booked the Animal Softie Workshop for Lauren and myself. It was a 3 hours session with fabrics and designs selected beforehand. The class size was capped at 6 students who were managed by Amy, Karen and 2 assistants. Students were supervised closely by the attentive teachers on operating the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques.

Lauren impressed me with her ability to operate the sewing machine on her own. (Karen was standing next to her watching her) It was her first time sewing anything. In fact she did way better than me.. *ashamed*

Amy and Karen also shared how to handsew the finishing of the softie at the end of the class. Lauren did prick her fingers a couple of times but she said “life goes on…”

So after 3 hours, our animal softies were completed!!! Obviously Lauren was a better handicrafter than Mummy (look at Mummy’s weird looking elephant…) I like to defend myself by saying maybe left handers take more effort in any handicraft… That is my personal excuse. :p

Sew Into It has many workshops for adults and children. You can visit their website here to find out more about their workshop schedule.

Sew Into It is located at

Address: 333 Kreta Ayer Road #02-32 S(080333)

Contact no: +65 87779924

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Msclak March 8, 2016

Some exciting activities for your child this March holiday

March school holiday is approaching. No, there won’t be any overseas holiday for us this year but to make sure Lauren gets to enjoy her 1 week of rest. I am going to plan fun activities for my girls. There are sooooo many activities available, too many for me to list down all. Thus I am listing down those that I think are suitable for my girls.

Hmmmmm….I am wondering where Mummy will bring us this March Holiday?????

Kids Fiesta 2016: FUNTASY ADVENTURE

Hosted by SmartsParents, they are back bigger and better. This year, get to experience Singapore’s 1st outdoor ice skating rink. Children will get to meet their favourite cartoon characters and to enjoy over 30 amazing activities like Electric Scooter Park and Mega Bouncy Castle.

Entry to event ground is free but children will need a fun pass to join the activities.

Venue: The Float Marina Bay

Date/Time: 12 and 13 March 4pm to 10.30pm

Cost: $25/pass

Get your fun passes here !

Gardens By The Bay- Children Festival

Head down to Gardens By The Bay this March holiday with your kids and be entertained by thrilling performances and fascinating stories, explore your creativity by taking part in hands-on craft and be a part of other exciting activities, suitable for children of all ages.

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 – Sun, 20 Mar 2016

2 pm – 6.30 pm (Weekdays), 10 am – 7.45 pm (Weekends)
Various Locations
All programmes are free, except for the battery-operated train ride and food. Admission charges to the Flower Dome apply.

Visit their website here for more details.

ACT3 Drama Academy March Holiday Workshop

Through the use of Drama, the workshops for 2 to 7 year-olds will connect your children to the Arts and initiate in them a love and passion for it. Also, together with Oliver’s amazing and effortless stories as inspiration, the Drama Teachers will encourage your children to participate actively thereby empowering them and drawing forth an ability to think and create.

And for the older ones, they have a specially crafted workshop for the 8 to 10s that will surely bring out the winner in your children as they discover ways to speak effectively and logically to convince and persuade others!

Venue: ACT3 Drama Academy, 126 Cairnhill Road, Singapore 229707

Time/Date: From 14 March to 1st April. Various Timing

Cost: From $60

Sew Into It – Kids Sewing Workshop

Regardless of age, all of us have a favourite animal, be it a dog, cat or elephant. That is why Sew Into It has come up with a range of delightful animal softie workshops to cater to your specific preference and age (minimum 6 years old). Perfect for any setting and even on the go, these softies are sure to add fun and colour to your day with their quirky designs. What is more, you get to customize your fabric choices from their assortment of lovely fabric designs! They believe it is important that your softie bears your personal touch since it is likely to be your trusted companion for life.

You’ll learn to operate a sewing machine, sew curved lines according to seam allowance, attach appliques (for softies with appliques only), stuff your softies as well as close a gap.

This a Level 1 workshop: no prior sewing experience needed.

Date: 16 March (Wed, 2pm)

Venue: Sew Into It (333 Kreta Ayer Road, #02-32)

Cost: $60-70/pax (Inclusive of all workshop materials)

SPUR BOX Festive Baking Class: Pop Pop! Cake Pops!

This 90 minutes culinary and crafting class is suitable for children 2 to 7.

All materials provided. Children below 5 should be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adult do not need a ticket.

Venue: PoMo Shopping Mall #05-01, The little Arts Academy

Date available: 28th Feb, 6th Mar, 13th Mar, 14th Mar, 20th Mar

Time slots:
10:00am – 11:30am
1:00pm – 2:30pm
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Class includes:
1- Storytelling – Rabbits and Eggs
2- Cakepop moulding and decoration.
3- Craft – Easter bunny

SPUR BOX Little Artisans March Holiday Programme

1 Shoe Making [14 March] – Learning of sewing techniques and how to create a pair of leather shoes!

2 Soap Making [15 March] – Learn about colours and scent. Learn about the different essential oils. Get to make fancy soap in popsicle shapes or rolled swissroll shape.

3 Pottery [16 March 18 March] – Learn about the different clay and materials. Learn how to operate a turntable and get a hands on experience on how to handle the clay to form pottery items such as plates, bowls and vase.

4 Silk Screen Printing [17 March] -Children get to learn about shapes and how to use shapes to form a print. They will learn how to silk screen print on a canvas tot bag.

5 Bread Baking [18 March] – Learn how to knead a bread and bake a delicious raisin bread to bring home.

This programme is suitable for age 4 – 9. Children below 4 and above 9 are welcome to join too! Children below age 5 should be accompanied by a family adult or you can opt for their craft elf services. No charges for accompanying adults.

Spur Box provides dedicated assistance service to your child should he/she requires it. A designated craft elf will be assigned to your child to ensure that he/she receives the help they need.

There will be a 20-30 minutes refreshment break in each class. Light refreshments will be provided.

This programme is held on 14,15,16,17,18 March. There are two time slots available : 9:30am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 4:30pm for all the 5 days.

Only bread baking is at PoMo Shopping Center #05-01, the rest of the programme will be held at Orchard Central, #10-01

Each class is $90. All 5 days @ only $400.

Sentosa Kidz Flea

Let your kids be a day of an entrepreneurs or what they call PLAY-trepreneurs. Set up a stall and sell their preloved toys, books, clothes, accessories or even their handmade handicrafts.

Venue: Merlion Plaza

Date: 12-19 March 3-8pm

Even if you are not going to set up a stall, it will be good to bring your kids down to Merlion Plaza this March holiday to support other PLAY-trepreneurs.

Polliwogs March Holiday Work Fun “Drop Off”

Calling all parents looking for some educational fun for your kids during the March Holidays!

Join The Polliwogs for a whole new experience where children are one step closer to achieving and discover their dream occupations! Bring home lots of HANDS-ON activity products and meaningful insights.

Double the FUN when kids also get to enjoy UNLIMITED PLAYTIME + BENTO LUNCH when they sign up for the workshop! *Ease your worries and leave your kids to them! Drop-off services available

Venue: Polliwogs Suntec/ Vivo City

Date: 14- 18 Mar 11am – 1pm

More detail of sign up here

Pororo & Friends Adventure to Asia 3 day Camp

Join Pororo and friends at the 11,000 sq ft Pororo Park Singapore this March Holiday for a 3 day camp. Learn about Korean and local culture and participate in lots of games and win attractive prizes. Lunch included.

Venue: Pororo Park 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-29

Date: 14 – 16 Mar 9am -1pm

$280 for 3 days or $120 per day

Details on Pororo Park Website

SmartKids Asia Kids Fair

3 full days of activities, stage performances, trial classes and more across 5 SMART zones created to excite and entertain you and your family.

Lots of Trial classes and kids get to meet their favourite cartoon characters.

Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 6

Date: 18 – 20 March 11am -9pm

Some theatre productions for the kids:

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

The Boy Who Cried Wolf is played out in an interactive and engaging style, with fun, music, puppetry and physical theatre.
Fast-paced and full of laughter and adventure, there’s something here for young and old alike – with clear messages about the perils of lying, and maybe some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Fun wordplay and subtext will appeal to and tickle the adults, plus clear storytelling for the younger ones, and broad comedy and interaction for the very small ones.

Venue: Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel

Date:

Mon, 15 Feb – Sat, 19 Mar 2016
Mon – Fri: 10am
Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm

Cost: Standard Ticket $35

Get your tickets here (Sistic website)

PLAYtime!
Bunny Finds the Right Stuff
directed by Daniel Jenkins

Let the little ones enjoy the magic of theatre through music, movement and interactive fun in this charming story of friendship. Bunny Finds the Right Stuff is an immersive theatre production especially designed for children aged two to four.

This production is adapted from the children’s book Bunny Finds The Right Stuff written by award-winning author Emily Lim and illustrated by Neal Sharp.

Venue: Esplanade Theatre Studio

Date: Fri, 26 Feb – Sun, 13 Mar 2016

Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 9.30am & 11am
Sat & Sun: 11am & 4pm

Get tickets here

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is an extraordinary piece of theatre for children, young people and families. It is stimulating, creative, and has social and literary breadth.Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” incorporates strong visuals, creative puppetry, unique staging techniques, and rewarding interactivity.

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is a play with strong educational value. It:

Deals with friendship, self-discovery, respect, team work and trying your best.
Encourages creativity in thought and action, as well as maintaining a positive outlook.
Stimulates imaginative play and thinking outside of the box.
Nurtures in your child the joy of books and reading by linking the page to the stage.
Introduces children to the musical as a theatrical genre, and vaudeville as a theatrical style.

Venue: Ulu Pandan CC Theatrette

Date:Sat, 27 Feb – Sun, 13 Mar 2016 11am/ 1pm

Get your tickets here

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites

Meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he chomps away on his journey to metamorphosis! Starting out as a baby caterpillar eating anything and everything along the way, he changes into a beautiful butterfly at the end.

Venue: Drama Centre Theatre

Date: Sat, 5 – Sun, 13 Mar 2016
Mon – Wed, Fri: 10am
Sat: 10.30am & 4pm
Sun: 10.30am, 2pm, 4pm

Get your tickets here

Woah… That’s a lot of activities for a 9 days break. Do follow us to see our updates on the activities that we have done. Ciao…

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Msclak

Posts by this author:

Lauren made her debut in the kitchen with Spurbox’s Breadmaking class

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PHS HairScience’s award winning signature 3-step DSR™ Program

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Our visit to Pororo Park Singapore

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Sew much fun with Sew Into It

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Some exciting activities for your child this March holiday

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