The perfect family staycation – all while earning Skywards Miles!

Before we left for our Europe holiday, the girls were sulking as we did not bring them along. Thus,
we promised the girls a staycation when we were back from our holiday. We thought a staycation
would probably be the best substitute for a holiday and the girls would be happy. They should be,
because we need to beg them to roam around most of the time during our overseas holidays! The
girls were always happy just staying in the hotel and whenever we were out exploring, they would
always ask when we would come back. Thus, we felt a staycation would be the best idea for them.

As we had done numerous staycations in the past, we wanted something with more tranquillity this
time round. The first hotel that came to our mind was Shangri-La! Now, I had heard a lot about the
wonderful service of Shangri-La, but had yet to stay in one of their hotels. Thus, I thought it would be
a good time to experience the highly raved-about service of this hotel. If you had read my previous
post on Mileslife, you will be glad to know that you can also book your hotel stays through the app
and earn Skywards Miles at the same time. Of course, I did just that.
Booking a hotel stay through the app was a breeze – just like how you would usually make any hotel
reservations online.

From the moment we checked in, the service from all the staff at Shangri-La was impeccable. The lady who did our check-in advised us to switch to the Garden Wing as the room was more spacious. I am glad we did, as the girls needed the space to play and the room was perfect.  The room at the Garden Wing was also bigger as the booking with Mileslife came with an additional kid’s bed (free of charge!), which was perfect for us. Usually, we have to either all squeeze into a King size bed or sleep with the girls on twin beds. But with an additional bed, we were comfortably set in this room. Watch this clip for a tour of the room.

 

As we did not want to make this staycation all about staying in the hotel, we tricked the girls out by telling them we were going to hit the nearby Toy’r’Us store.  Hahaha… They jumped out of bed immediately. There is a free shuttle service to Orchard road every hour. If not, you can always request for a complimentary parking ticket each time you leave the hotel. After all the shopping at the Forum, we headed back to the hotel for a nice dinner at the Shang Palace.

 

The booking I made through Mileslife came with free breakfast!!! I have to tell you the breakfast at Shangri-La is a MUST!! The selection was one of the biggest I have seen. Good news to all families with kids 6 years and below. The kids get to dine free with each paying adult!! For us, Lauren paid half price ($22.50) as she is 8, but it was still very worthwhile too. All in all, we had a two-hour breakfast with Nasi Lemak and Laksa, and hit the pool right after.

 

 

 

 

We were surprised to see many Singaporean families there for staycation too!!! The girls made some new friends and were so reluctant to leave because it was almost time for us to check out.

 

 

We truly enjoyed ourselves and I am already scrolling through Mileslife for the next hotel to plan for our staycation! ;p

For those who are interested to know, I spent $441 and I earned 3,500 Skywards Miles from this booking.  This will be so helpful for my family holiday to Melbourne next year.  FYI, an Economy Class Saver return ticket on Emirates to Melbourne will require 45,000 Skywards Miles. Inclusive of my earlier spending on Mileslife, I am already a quarter way through the Miles required! Additionally, if you link your Emirates Skywards account to the Mileslife app as your frequent flyer programme of choice, you will be able to earn bonus Skywards Miles ranging from 25% to 75% if you are a Silver, Gold or Platinum member! Do keep a look out for special promotions on the app as well – the promotions may help you earn more Skywards Miles than usual!

 

 

 

 

 

I am definitely going to use this app whenever possible to accumulate more miles! For those that plan to download the app, do use my code “MSCLAK” under the referral code section to get additional 1000 miles on your 1st purchase (min. $49)!

 

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Thinkasaur – where Learning science is made Fun

Think Thinkasaur, think fun science experiments for the whole family sent to you right at your door step.  Designed chiefly for children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old, Thinkasaur comes in the form of a science kit that provides the full spectrum of materials, equipment, instruction manuals and learning points for up to four experiments per box. Each box covers a specific scientific theme, such as chemistry, physics and Earth science.   Thinkasaur strives to bring back the wonders of Do-It-Yourself fun by providing a monthly subscription-based service that delivers boxes packed with science experiments straight to your doorsteps!  In this modern era, kids are now overly dependent on electronic gadgets for entertainment.  I have to admit that we as parents are guilty of doing that too, quite often we are always on our devices even though we are seated together.  We are very blessed when Thinkasaur approached us for a review of their products.  I knew straightaway that it would be a hit with Lauren.

Thinkasaur. Where fun is never extinct

Receiving Thinkasaur boxes (Sponsored Review)

Experimenting Thinkasaur with Lauren and Alexis brought back memories where I was so eager to collect all the Science card badges during my primary school days. I remember going around my neighbourhood with my classmates exploring different tasks and we were always amazed by the outcome of the experiments.

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Young Scientist badges

 

We received 3 boxes from Thinkasaur.  The girls were so excited to see the boxes and curiosity was instantly aroused from that moment.  Each box contains 3 to 4 fun-filled experiments. We started with the Wonder of Colours box. I have to compliment Thinkasaur for such a well thought and planned experiments.  Aprons and gloves were provided for experiments that were a little messy.  Each experiment was individually wrapped in ziplock bags with all the materials needed so we did not need to fumble for anything when working on the experiments.  There were detailed step-by-step pictorial instructions to guide us through the experiments, a learning guide filled with fun facts to explain the science behind each experiment.  I love the quality bonding, and yet educational, time I had with the girls.

 

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Wonders of Colours from Thinkasaur

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What is inside the box

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Alexis listening attentively while Lauren was explaining the science behind each experiment

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The young scientist at work

Thinkasaur, Wonders of Colours

Look at the amazing effect!

 

 

It was so fun that Lauren begged for another project the next morning.

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 Working on project #2 together

 

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Look at her elephant trunk!

 

We tried projects from the other boxes too and the girls were totally intrigued with the effects of reaction which were well documented with scientific facts. Lauren has not started science in her academic curriculum but this had certainly  triggered her interest in chemistry which I am very glad. Early exposure to science, made in a very fun way.

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Inside the box of Thinkasaur Magnet Magic

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Thinksaur Crazy Chemistry

 

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Working on Project Lava Lamp

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Following the steps from the instruction manual

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In anticipation of the result

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The wow effect has arrived

 

What I love about Thinkasaur:

  1. Time efficient and hassle-free: As a full time working mum and wife to a frequent flyer.  Time is an essence for me. Thinkasaur solved this aspect by sending me fun activities which I can spend quality time with my girls right at home. I do not need to crack my brain about sourcing the materials needed to do any experiment.
  2. Cost effective: Each box comes with 3 to 4 experiments.  I told Lauren that we will do one experiment weekly.  Mum does not need to fret over where to bring the girls on a Saturday now as they are so looking forward to going home for fun science experiments.
  3. Quality family time:  It was heartwarming looking at the photos of us doing the experiments together. Everyone was so happy and involved. Furthermore, everyone learnt something new.
  4. Last but not least, Thinkasaur made learning science a very fun process. Extremely effective for children of young age. These tools EDUCATE yet do not extract the FUN from the process. I had never thought that Learning and Playing could be integrated.

 

Thinkasaur subscription programmes are offered either on a 6-month period at $43/month or a 12-month period at $40/month and are available for purchase online at www.thinkasaur.com. Alternatively, single boxes are available for purchase at $48/box. These could make a great birthday gift, more in fact an “anytime” gift!

Thinkasaur is offering CLAK readers a 5% discount on your orders with code “BACK2SCHOOL” . Following terms and conditions apply.

  • Limited to 1 use only per customer
  • Limited to 100 redemptions
  • Only valid for orders above SGD$40
  • Discount code is valid till 28 Feb 2017
  • Discount code cannot be combined with other codes and promotions

 

Reviews provided are totally independent and non-biased.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Pororo House

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Interior of Pororo House

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Interior of Pororo House

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A brick and built section in the park

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A small playground for younger children

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

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The toddlers’ section

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Alexis playing at toddlers’ section

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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.

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Lauren at the K POP dance class

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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.

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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.

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Handicraft room

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Theatre’s schedule

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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)

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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:

 

Admission Rates

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.

 

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

+65 6250 9700

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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.

tell me pls

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

 

 

 

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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 !

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

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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

Register your child here

 

 

 

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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)

Sign up for the workshop here

 

 

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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

Sign up here

 

 

 

spur box marh holiday

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.

Sign up here at Spur Box website

 

 

 

sentosa Kidz Flea

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

Register and find out more information here

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.

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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

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

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

Register on their facebook page here


Some theatre productions for the kids:

boy&wolf

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
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 & piggy 

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

 

 

hungry caterpillar

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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