Family Trip with Young Kids Diary #2

Hi all,


Throwback!

Racking your brain where to go?
Ready for another holiday?
Looking for a nearby Family resort?

Well, while we were in KL, I thought since we are not far from Port dickson (about an hour from KL), I decided to visit one of the new resorts. I have done some researches, overall the reviews are pretty awesome. So I went ahead to plan and book the resort! And the deal was pretty good! Oh not forgetting to highlight again its a new resort! Soft Opening Promo rate.

And if you do follow my Instagram, you probably have figured where I went. :P


Lexis Hibiscus at Port Dickson

Lobby

No regrets at all! My kids were overjoyed! Based on many previous hotel stays, in terms of experience, this is way different from all of those. During the stay, they raved about how much they love it here and would love to own one as their home! LOL. Anyhow, kids are just kids. I would not say the room is fantastic but its not about the room that the kids love. It's the difference experience and companies. The swimming pool is a small-sized square shape compared to those big-sized in bali villas, Its the interior that is different. Overall, its the awesome experience about this entire stay.

How to get there?

Unfortunately, you have to drive there. Its a new resort, they might not have available shuttle services. Do check it out with them.

About this resort,
Its not fully completed, they have just opened up the petal rooms, probably more by now. And many services are not available too. Such as the spa, family recreation, etc... It might be another few months or a year till the project is completed.

Food
They have international breakfast buffet which is about RM35/adult and Free for below 6 years old. If you are staying for more than 2 days, I suggest take a drive out and explore the area for better food. We drove out for our meals, we had pretty decent seafood meal at RM99. We ordered fried rice, fried hor fun, prawns, vegetables and sweet and sour pork. I would say the price is reasonable! Look out for places which are well lit up and ideally crowded with customers. Be alert and safety first.

Our Room
Spacious!
Interior is awesome!
Private Swimming pool
Private Sauna Room
Free Wifi

Indoor See-thru Panel 

We were staying in the "biggest" room (at that point of time) which is petal section - Premium pool villa. It is slightly more expensive than the executive. The difference would be the space, as the executive pool villa is slightly smaller. And we are deep into the resorts further out above the sea water. Not to worry about the distance to the lobby, buzz for the buggy to fetch you thru and fro.

Private Pool with Partial Sea Views

King Size Bed

Night View

Look out for the lowest rate period. Its about RM100 cheaper.

Lexis Hibiscus

Overall it was a great experience and fun trip!

Start checking out this place!

Ah Tas Mummy

Family Trip with Young Kids Diary #1 Family Spa

Hi all,

School holiday has ended! So to all mummies, felt a sigh of relief? As SAHM might be enjoying the deserved peace at home if your kids in school? LOL. So did you travel with your families recently? Its getting too hot in Singapore, did you travel to any cold country?

Now, do you always have this problem that you are not sure where to go especially bringing along young kids (below 8 years old), you can't go too far but needed a break. I mean if you can travel anywhere but if you prefer a shopping trip, probably not ideal for active young kids, they might whine alot and get agitated. Somehow, that affects your mood. You can plan a separate shopping trip with your girlfriends so let the family trip be a family trip. :)

Just got back from a short getaway! I got to say it was a fruitful and enjoyable one for my kids. I didn't go too far and its a road trip! As you might guess is Malaysia! Yes it is. We travelled to Kuala Lumpur to visit a friend, so stayed with him for few days. So part of the itinerary is the 24hr Family Spa! I am really excited as family spa pop up to me as Korean Hot steam place? haha Yes it does!

I will share with you my experience.
Our friend brought us to this family spa which is OSSOTO. It's actually called a Recreation Hub in Malaysia. Now, before I go further, the female and gent hot tub, steam room and sanua room are separated. So ladies you have your privacy definitely.

It started from Level 5 all the way down to Level 2.
Level 5 - Lobby or rather reception level.
Level 5 - Thru the access door, to the changing room and locker area. Further in, that would be the Hot tub or Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Fish Spa and Sauna Area.
Level 4 - Huge Dining area, Hair Saloon, Nail Spa, Internet area, Resting area for Ladies.
Level 3 - Lounge area, Foot or massage area, VIP resting area, Beauty spa, Tennis table and Kids Playground.
Level 2 - Private area. (Doesn't link to the recreation area) I will cover on this later.

Take a look at the video.
Ossoto Spa video
An idea on how the Recreation Club looks like.

Well, to be candid, initially, I wasn't impressed, I was quite disappointed with the ladies spa. It is not really suitable for young kids (age below 4). I'm referring to the Level 5 area. My 2-year old daughter obviously can't enter the Steam room or Sauna. And I was asking whether she could just soak in the Jacuzzi for a short while with me? The staff said no. I mean I did mention that since no one in tat tub, as long as we off the pressure jet? She insisted a NO. So I wasn't really happy about it. As I could not leave my daughter alone and jump into the tub, steam room or even the sauna. So Level 5 is a no-go for me. Pointless for me to hang around level 5. I felt like a wandering ghost not knowing what to do. My hubby and the boys on the other side seems really happy. The guys' area built with many different type of pools, mini gaming arcade and kids playing area. And served them ice cream! I was annoyed when I found out. Why the different treatment with guys' side? Its not well-designed and planned out after all. So I ended up walking up and down the stairways to access all the floors.. Walking with no leads. No idea what to do with my 2 year old daughter. I can't get too perturbed anyway, theoretically, she is not a paying customer! LOL.

My suggestion is " Try not to bring along kids below age of 5." So I guess I will visit again when she is 5. LOL. I mean I am disappointed that my daughter can't enjoy with me. This whole spa thing is about fun day out with my daughter ya. Anyway, lesson learnt. We decided to take a walk and check out OSSOTO. We went floor to floor, brushed through most area to familarise. We found the playground at level 3, finally, my daughter could enjoy the facility! 

Kids playground enclosed with giant Legos

So I was so bored and cranky about the disappointment for at least an hour, I literally called and texted my hubby like a mentally unstable woman as I'm closed to storming out of the place! LOL. 

So the moment my hubby received my msg, he came out to calm me down. We walked around to a perfect corner to lounge and rest. As its about nap time, its would be ideal for my kids to nap since they have napping beds. After 15 mins, we found a resting area which is also massage area with whole stretch of "lazy boys" facing the tv and at the same time we could at least enjoy the massage services. Yeah! So I asked for a shoulder massage which I desperately need it. After coaxing my kids to nap, they actually napped! Except my second boy, he refused to nap, so no worries, they have free WIFI, I managed to access the YouTube and problem solved. The massage was alright, the pressure was slightly below my expectation. I couldn't ask for much, as I was sitting upright and leaning against the sofa seat, I doubt they could give a proper massage with the proper pressure. I sorta felt better after the massage. Once the session is done, a signature is required to sign off as well as a "generous" tip, no fixed amount.  

Napping time on the lazy boy!

My apologies for the poor resolution of the photo. It was dark and I was using my mobile. 

Lounge area is just steps away from the resting area, you can order snacks or drinks from that lounge. It seems quiet and comfortable to me. Great place to chit chat. 

I didn't manage to try out other services so I can't review. 

(Not many customers know about this.) The Level 2, private area, Cubicle bedrooms can hold up to 20 or 30 guests, they have few mini and big private rooms as well. For 4 up to 10 to a room. You can literally pay the entry fee and room fee to enjoy the privacy. Or going in group? Only prefer massage? Just get a private room depending how many of you. you get to enjoy the exclusive treatment there. For all you know, it might be cheaper than staying in a hotel. :) Do enquire actual price at the Level 5 counter.
  
Its a 24/7 Recreation Hub.
Best visiting hour before 6pm (off-peak) during weekdays. 
During weekends would be too crowded. 

Entry fees before 6pm + additional 20% off.
Ladies - 68RM
Guys -  88RM
Kids (90cm-140cm) - 38RM
Kids below 90cm - FREE
Food - FREE

Note: Other services are charged separately at reasonable rates in my opinion.

• Nail spa
• Beauty spa
• Massage corner
• Hair Saloon

Overall experience: 
It's a pleasant place for family however, bring along another lady friend to babysit your young kids (Below the age of 5) if you wanna enjoy the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Otherwise, you are pretty good parking yourself in the spa and enjoy the facility! All in one services in this spa. 

Address:

Location: 5th Floor, 

Wisma Mirama, Jalan Wisma Putra,

 50460 Kuala Lumpur, 

Wilayah persekutuan, Malaysia.

Call to check: I believe they provide  free shuttle pick up from Berjaya Time square, Pavilion and KLCC

Valet service is available.

Till the next updates!

AhTasMummy

Home Based Nail Spa in the West

Hi Westies!

Yes, if you are looking for home-based nail spa, check out the list below. 

To be honest, I have yet to patronized them but I am really keen to try them out as some of them are just stone throw away!
Due to my recent hectic schedules, I really need some pampering time for myself! 

How do I feel about home-based nail spa?

Pros

• Go easy on your pocket
• Convenient 
• Flexible timing, start from 10am till late (depending on the owner)
• Same standard and style. For instance, your usual lady was booked out or off on that day, you were assigned a rookie manicurist or pedicurist and you felt like crap after the service.
• Usually no hard selling of package

Cons

• Not "so" spa feel, ambiance not so pleasing to your expectation (depending on their setup) 
• One man show (limited slots on festive seasons.)
• Its at home!?

I would like to know how you feel about their services! 

Free mini gifts for the first 10 singaporeans who come forward to share their reviews with me via email muhzzie@gmail.com. 



Home Based Nail Spa in the west

Beauty Recipe nail spa seems to offer more than a home-based spa. They won Top 100 Singapore Excellence Award. So quality and customer services will be top-notch. Go try them out.

BEAUTY RECIPE in Jurong East

Elyne's Nail Works opened by a Vietnamese lady who is a SAHM. She is a certified professional beautician. Her work seems really pretty! Excellent reviews on her page as well.

Elyne's in Jurong East

Vonz Nails, not to worry if you are in Jurong West! Well, this is another place you could try them out. They offered quite a wide range of services as well. Really tempting. 

Vonz in Jurong West

Simplicity Nails, used to stay rather near my mum's. However, I didn't know about them till recently. Good reviews as well. Guess what, they are now located in Clementi!

Simplicity Nails in Clementi

Somehow, I heard people went cray cray on Vanitee. How about you? It works like Groupon. So quickly grab those good deals now to try as many nail spas as possible! Go cray cray! 

VANITEE Online Beauty Groupon

Till my next updates!

AhTasMummy

Shopping for Kids Outfits #2

Dear mummies, 


More shopping for you! 

Local Online shopping for kids



Twelvebyelly

Twelve by Elly

Its a new shop, fret not if you can't find any clothes on their website. You can still visit them at Cluny rd. 
I believe they are the sister's store of the elly store. Check out this link to find out the location of Elly.
I believe this new shop is more casual and fun wear. 
Most importantly, twelvebyelly for age 6 and above as Ellyloves is for below age 6. 

The Little Wardrobe Singapore

The Little Wardrobe Singapore

They've been around for as long as I remembered. Their slogan is so cute "Fashion for Little People". I adore their girl's dresses. So adorably princessy and very Aussie girly feel, in fact, their clothes are mostly imported from Australia and around the world. I love the colours and vibrant style on kids. Very cheerful colours. Back then I could not purchase any as my first 2 kids are boys! haha.. yes, so I was just itching to buy those dresses.. however, no one can fit into them. Now, my third pleasant surprise is a princess, she will be showered with loads of pretty dresses! Go check out their dresses. Really too pretty! Good quality assured. Range for age 0 - 9.



DreamsAveune

Dreamsaveune

Affordable children wear! Pricing on this website is really reasonable. I have not personally shop with them so I have no idea how's the quality. I saw a few pretty dresses so probably I could purchase a few to find out more. Range for age 0 - 12 years old. 



Kidzstyle

Kidzstyle - All Preloved luxury kids stuff

All about preloved luxury kids stuff. Looking for preloved luxury clothes for your kids? Kids grow too fast, wearing hands down clothes are not a shameful thing to do. Let's spend wisely not be a spendthrift. Who knows you may get a brand new piece at a very good price?



Baby Beachbums

Baby Beachbums

This particular website is full of swimwear stuff! For the kids. Swim with style! They have nice swim outfits for the kids. And many accessories for everything your kids need under the sun and in the water. 


The above information are not sponsored links.

Hope you like what I have shared. 
Till the next post!

Follow me on my Instagram on more interesting updates!
Instagram of ahTasMummy 


AhTasMummy

Shopping for Kids' Cheongsams and Outfits

Hi Mummies, 

You may already have a list of shops you shop from. However, you may find some of them new to you. Check them out! 

Trendy Kids' Fashion Online and Retail shops as well!

Local Shops in Singapore

EllyLoves

EllyLoves

Located in Bukit Timah area. Pretty upmarket area. I patronized them few years back. I love the quality of their clothes. Thick fabric, cute prints and quality clothes for the kids and adults. You may find family sets in some collections. Sizes can be from as young as infant to age 5. Check them out at their visual store: 

The Elly Store is at

Cluny Court, #02-29501

Bukit Timah Road

Singapore 259760.

BabyPixie

BabyPixie

I love their kids' clothes! Too pretty. I would like to second what they said "Quality Handmade Clothing", totally agree. I managed to purchase 2 pieces of their girl's dresses. Fit my daughter well, just the right size for her. She is 23 months old. Perfect cutting and vibrant colours. It's only available online. Sizes can be from as young as 3 months old to age 5.

GlitterGlam

GlitterGlam

Apparently, they are "one of the favourable wardrobe sponsor brands for TV station and various production houses. Glitter Glam is undeniably a recognisable brand within Singapore." Personally, I have not purchased from them yet. You are able to shop for mother/child collection and GlitterGlam Ladies' collection. Radio DJ of Class 90.5, Jamie Yeo, seems rather actively involved in their designing role as well as the ambassadorial role. 



The Happy Cheongsam

The Happy Cheongsam

Cheeky and fun designs you may find refreshing and happy fun from thehappycheongsam. Check out their website for available mama and daughter sets. I love their designs as I find them able to incorporate bubbly, fun and cuteness into their designs. 
Sizes are more suitable for age 1 - 6. 



CleoAnn

CleoAnn

CleoAnn has been in business for really long. I have seen them around for more than 10 years ago. Love how comfortable their clothes can be. They usually stock up every weekly, they brought in huge varieties of mother/girl collection. CleoAnn focuses on more casual, comfortable and loose fit style. Very ideal for dress down day. Mainly for Hassle-free dress code. Sizes can be from age 1 - 6. Pricing wise rather affordable. 

For pregnant mummy, you can still fit in their clothes during, post pregnancy, even for nursing mummy. You may also pop by their visual shop at:

Jurong Point Shopping Centre

#01-03

Tiong Bahru Plaza

#01-37A

Miz Apparels

http://mizapparels.com.sg/

Quality cutting and services. Not too worry if the sizes didn't snug on you perfectly. They offer you free alteration. So they are making sure you won't find loose corners or edges! I love their varieties of cheongsams and dresses. All korean styles. However, their kids' collection only fit age 4 and above. Well, kids grow up real fast, you could just purchase first and wear later! 

Despite their top quality clothings, their marketing portion seems rather simple. In my personal opinion, I feel they should engage qualified models and at least put up good and enticing quality photos on their FB page.

For mummies, do go cray cray for the ladies' cheongsam collection, just too pretty! Yipee, they just launched their online store May 2015, you may also visit them at the following shops:

1 Raffles Place#04-16/17 

One Raffles PlaceSingapore 048616

8A Marina Boulevard, 

#B2-13Marina Bay Link Mall Singapore 018984

Overseas

The Cotonnier (Malaysia)

The Cotonnier

I recently uncovered this online shop, feeling proud of myself! I realised some of the kids' clothes seem to match up with most of mine! However, I wasn't able to grab the one I particular eye on. It's no longer available! Looking forward to shop with them. If you are an experience modern cheongsams shopper, you probably find their designs very familiar, accents of ourbitsyprints and Lark and peony. Grab those dresses to matchy your cheongsams! Sizes are more suitable for age 2 - 9. 

Till the next updates!

AhTasMummy

Good Old Kampung Stories!

Dear all, 

I was overcome with nostalgia for my days in the Kampung... One of the most memorable days of my life. I mean you don't get to experience it now. Especially your kids.. Not everyone get to experience Kampung life. Especially when you are staying in town. I recalled vividly, when I was really young, my family would visit my ah ma and ah gong in the Kampung. My dad would drive from Bedok to the Sembawang, it's really far! There wasn't any TPE then. The road into the Kampung was pretty bumpy thou. When I was young, taking a ride to another place was just plain boring! There was no ipad, no skyline, no malls, not many HDBs as compared to current. Its just BORING. hhahaha.. I wondered how did I survive thru my childhood? Well, kids being kids, we will figure out what to do.. Like taking a nap in the car on the way to my Ah ma's house. Zzzz

Photo taken from rememberingsingapore.org

The above photo is just for your reference. My grandparents used to stay in one of those houses. 

A little background about the kampung, during those days, those houses in Sembawang were really huge or rather spacious. There were quite a few rooms in that house! I love especially when my grandparents' house was near the beach or swamp. Hahaha. And behind our house, there's a forest with all kinds of local fruits, you could find durian, rambutan, banana, buah chiku, etc... Many types of fruits, there won't be deficiency of Vitamin C! I love the space and freedom when I was there. Heaps of fresh air!

I love staying over despite the fact that I am terrified of insects, reptiles, etc.. Yes. You heard me right, during that time, it is rather common to see reptiles.. Hahhaa.. Monitor lizards, pythons, snakes, crocodiles, etc.. I considered myself an urban little girl at that point of time as I lived in the HDB then. We usually played with our neighbours in the playground. So exploring the Kampung is a whole new experience.  

I found out so much from the following link. Good to know. 
Kampung Village

Anyways, back to the kampung games! 

What games do you miss? 
Some of those games will be ideal to play with my kids! Recommended for above age of 5+.

Remember these?

I love Congkak

Try out with your kids! 
Its child-friendly and no harm. Back to basic, keep the tradition. Engaging them with these games, can be happy and fun! Stay away from ipad! 

Also, what's your stories during your childhood day?

Hope you like what I have shared so far. 

Till the next updates! 


Ah Tas Mummy

Ladyfinger Nail Art Jurong Point

Dear all, 

I am currently fuming with anger! I regularly patronize this nail art shop has suddenly decided to cease operation  on 31 Mar 2015. They did not issue any proper notice. Meaning, they do not intend to call their customers. So they only verbally informed me when I was there last week, 20 March 2015, Friday. Its too ridiculous! I just renewed my package like on January 2015 and their reply with regards to my refund is 

"Good Afternoon,
We have referred to your case regarding the refund of your package. We apologize that we could not refund the package and just to inform you that refund of packages can only be done within 5 cooling days when you signed up for the package. However, you can still go to other outlets to enjoy our services. We hope that you can understand as Jurong Point has limited vacancies available in the mall and we had no choice but to move out of Jurong Point. We will definitely look for locations around the area so that we can still provide services to you conveniently. Again, we apologize and seek for your understanding."

With the nearest location, it makes sense that the customers travel to Jurong Point obviously, why would they travel that far to other outlets which is not even near Jurong. I am utterly disappointed as we were only given verbal short notice! And with such bad service by telling us off with the above? And I have found out that they even sign up customer last week at Jurong branch. It just doesn't help at all! It is far too ridiculous! They already know about the fact that they can't continue with Jurong Point for a while. And they didn't inform or alert their REGULAR customers in Jurong. This is definitely unethical, how could business like this continue?? So what if they close down all others left those in the east? So we bear all these unnecessary hassles at our expenses??? From now onwards, with so many changes in Jurong Point, I would not commit to sign up any packages in Jurong Point, look at the shops, a lot of the shops have moved out.

I will seek alternative help to resolve this matter!!

Felt cheated!

If any kind folks have good solution, do email me! urgently!

AhTasMummy

Our Founding Father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Photo credits to Remembering Lee Kuan Yew Facebook 2015

As many have already known that our key founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has left us for a better place. 
He has been working too hard and he has sacrificed his life well. 
I truly respect his mighty capability and admired his superpower courage and wisdom! 
Not forgetting his clear vision of we are together! Kudos! 

Facts: 
Being a mother of 3, I realised its may seem rather easy managing kids than managing a country! A country is just far beyond the "little me" to reach. Moreover, the 3 kids are driving me cray cray everyday with their nonsensical tantrum and mischievousness. Even with those behaviours, as a mother, with my best effort, I will not stop providing them the best. Despite what you done, at the end of the day, you can't please all of them. That's the reality. 

Our founding father is facing the same problems. Its the saying of "give them an inch and they will take a mile". We are never pleased with our current conditions. We probably never will be. I certainly hope for the best of our country. I was feeling kinda nostagic about the past, about how simple the life was. 

Everything seems good and yet not good. The current Singaporeans can't seem to catch up with fast paced environment. Are we jumping the steps too far? 

Anyways, now that Mr Lee has left us, it's a wake up call to everyone. Let's try to appreciate the current Singapore, work together and continue to maintain the betterment of the life here. 

Rest in peace

AhTasMummy

Nom Nom in the West

Hi all,

I understand there are heaps of food blogs about yummilicious food such as cafes, restaurants, bistro, buffets and the list goes on and on. I have no idea whether anyone blogs about good food in the west? Perhaps yes, but I have yet to come across any.

Little background story to begin, when I was young, I used to live in the East. Yes, I love the East. No doubts, the East is probably the hippest side of Singapore. However, due to certain circumstances, I have shifted to the North and finally, the West. I used to detest the West. I felt so separated from this world!

When I returned from abroad, as I was away for about 4 years to further my studies, I found myself in the ULU part of Singapore. I was extremely upset as I am literally away from my friends and town. I mean Singapore is not BIG, I know however, not being close to your friends is actually upsetting. You can't meet them as often, you can't go for midnight movie as you wish, I required over an hour travelling time to reach anywhere by public transport. Its just too depressing for me. I felt so isolated and outcast in the ice palace! So eventually, I overcame my frustration, and continue my life living in the West. I have never explore the West, at one point, I can't navigate my way home! Yes, I don't recognise the route.  I hate the West!

So it's been a decade, I have moved on, I have gotten used to the West. In fact, I am working in the West, and have settled down in the West. Now, the West is not like its used to be anymore. Its becoming more vibrant and crowded! There are a lot of malls in the West. You don't have to go down town anymore. Now that's my story.

Anyhow, back to food! Yes, my favourite part. I always wonder and where's all the good food in the West. I usually refer to my GOD a.k.a goggle for reviews and check out on good food which it is easy to commute to. However, it usually requires travelling time even though I'm driving. It still requires approximately 30 mins to town or longer to the East? I mean its not far but its the traffic that is exasperating!! Come on we are living in a bustling city, so everywhere is crowded! And in the city, parking is always a big problem! I can't afford a wasted trip as I made my way there in crave and anticipation but ended up leaving in anger. 

Back to our West side food galore! Yes. Btw, when I said West, I'm referring to literally West! 

So I started exploring the West, to my surprise, there are quite a decent numbers of hidden crazy good food!

Let's start the list from here!

First stop Spicy food:

If you love SPICY food!

1. Chong Qing Hot Pot
502 Jurong West Avenue 1, 640502.

As you enter the carpark, you see a coffee shop on the right. 
That's the one. 
There is a newly built multi-storey carpark around the area.

They have so much on their menu. They always super bz!
We have tried a few dishes and no regrets.
The head chef and kitchen staffs are from China. So I believe its definitely authentic!
The price is reasonable.
I love spicy food, its so yummy and spicy! Nom Nom!
I will definitely revisit the stall again!
My apologies I forgot about the pictures. 

2. Ma La Xiang Guo (麻辣香锅)

S11, near Taman Jurong Shopping Centre.
101 Yung Sheng Rd

If you love those mala 麻辣 xiang guo at those food court, this stall here nailed the taste! 
To be honest, those mala franchise stalls at the food court, are a ripped-off as in price! They charged too much and not as yummy! This particular one fried their own chili paste, its just too yummy! I saw them dicing, chopping and frying the chili mix literally. I chose quite a decent amount of meat, vegetable, bean sprouts, etc with rice at only $12 max. Their long queue never halted and do be patient as they are desperately under-staff. Only a head chef and cashier lady. Annoyingly, the cashier lady is kinda aloof and hostile. So bear with it if you wanna try their food. Expected 30 mins waiting time after 6.30pm.

Their cold dishes 凉菜 are too popular! Many varieties! And the portion is too generous! 

To the fans who love spicy food, you can try this stall if you happen to visit the West!

Menu

Till the next stop!

AhTasMummy