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

Tourists: Visiting Singapore with Kids? Sentosa to Town

Hi all,

My friends from Taiwan will be travelling to Singapore for a short trip. As this is a family trip, so he is seeking some help from me. Especially with kids? He has asked the right person. Definitely no issue drafting out the itinerary for him. Hahaha. Its peanuts! To be honest, its so god damn expensive to travel to Singapore. Everything is so AHTAS a.k.a pricing for the rich. 

So here's what I provided. Theoretically, he has about 3 full-day to travel around Singapore. And plus shopping is compulsory for the lady! 

I tried to plan something not so tedious yet fulfilling! 

The challenging part is he will be staying in Sentosa, so he is literally staying in another Island, which means he requires extended time to travel in and out to Singapore, its quite a distance to go down town. Planning to go anywhere from Sentosa is rather inconvenient, as additional travelling cost and time. I mean you probably spending a lot on cabby as you are a tourist. You probably find it tough to take the MRT anywhere, when you are with young kids.  

You may refer to my plan to get an idea.

Need to call a taxi just in case? 

6552 1111 - Comfort 

6555 8888 - SMRT

6555 3333 - Trans Cab

Or refer to the link below for more info. This includes pricing. 

Taxi Singapore

First when you reach the hotel, check with the concierge if they have free shuttle bus out to town (Orchard especially) or anywhere. Its will be very convenient. Save a lot on travelling time and costs. And you can at least take a free ride back if there is. 

Else, another way is via Singapore MRT. Anyways, most of the malls are at the MRT station so very easy. 

Just need to know where you wanna go. 

Itinerary 

Arrival day, 

No plans. Just rest and relax. 

Dinner nearby or at the airport first. 

1st day:

 * Check with the hotel, they provide free shuttle from Sentosa to Zoo or river safari. 

Singapore Zoo, opening hours: 8.30 - 6pm 
http://www.zoo.com.sg/visitor-info/singapore-zoo-tickets.html 

Or River Safari, opening hours: 9am-6pm (New attraction) 
http://riversafari.com.sg/visitor-info/riversafari-tickets.html

go to those links for tickets charges. 

Bring change of clothes.

http://riversafari.com.sg/visitor-info/safari-gate.html (check out the *All day free transfer, yellow buses mostly town like mostly orchard area.) You can hitch a free ride out to some locations and take a cab back to hotel which will be cheaper. 

Also, if you don't feel tired, you can swing by Gardens by the bay. Close till late. 
http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/content/gbb/en/plan-your-visit/visitor-information.html

Its free. 

But Tickets to the Cooled Conservatories and OCBC Skyway may be purchased.

2nd Day: 

You can explore few places as mentioned below:

1)Town (Stop at Orchard MRT station, walking distance from MRT Station, get a map): Orchard Rd - Expensive Shopping and eating. 

For branded labels indulgences, Paragon is the place. 
At Level 5, has a playground and level 6 is toy 'r' us. 
While the lady can go shop till she drops, the father can sit at the cafe, watch the kids and relax. 

2) Town along MRT Line (Bugis station): Bugis Junction linked by a bridge to Bugis plus - Cheaper flea marketing shopping and street food eating. 

3) West side of singapore (Jurong East MRT station): JEM or Westgate shopping mall (Connected). Top level of westgate has a Wonderland themed park for kids. They will love it. Admission is free.

Bring extra clothes. . http://www.capitamallsasia.com/en/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/2014/westgate-wonderland-singapores-largest--thematic-outdoor-playground-in-a-mall-opens-tomorrow

For food place, Food court Level 5 at JEM. 

For Westgate, there are a lot of restaurants, feel free to walk around. 

4) West side of singapore: Take a cab to Singapore science centre. Not accessible via MRT. 

Highly advice taking a taxi.

http://www.science.edu.sg/Pages/SCBHome.aspx

Transformer exhibition. There is an outdoor swimming area. Bring along extra clothes. 

3rd day: Don't fret. Don't go too far! Do buy all your tickets online first. 

1) USS - Universal studio Sentosa (will take you whole day but just for experience can as not much stuff for your kids.)

2) SEA Marine life aquarium at Sentosa itself. Maybe 3hrs max or even shorter tour. 

http://www.rwsentosa.com/Homepage/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore

Scroll down find "Multi-Park Pass", save 10% like package deal for USS + SEA Marine life.

3) Trickeye Musesum

Trickeye Museum

 A cool fun for your family!

Dinner: You can catch a skytrain from Sentosa to harbourfront station. I believe its about $3/person. check with the ticketing counter. 

Shopping at VIVOcity! Its near and there are a lot of stuff. Not to worry for kids, there's a toy 'r' us at Level 2, that's not enough, no worries, right in the middle of the mall at level 2, there's kids' outdoor playground. Right outside Burger King on level 2. There is also a child-friendly toilet!
Lastly, go check out level 3, large rooftop water feature, its probably the only mall with artificial pool or beach...

This will be the plan for 3 full days in Singapore with family.

Looking for kid friendly restaurants? 

Here's for you. 

http://sg.theasianparent.com/kid-friendly-restaurants-in-singapore/

Hope you find those info useful!

AhTasMummy

Made to Measure Traditional Cheongsams?

Hi all,

Chinese New Year is around the corner, looking for a prefect Chinese dresses? Check out what I have for you.

If you are looking for distinctive, nice fitting and tailor to your personality type of cheongsams or rather good old fashion, here is what you are looking for.

Most of them have been around for ages.



1. Fuchsia Lane (Established since 2007. Founder/Designer has rather outstanding records and well-loved in Malaysia Market.)

"Fuchsia Lane offers ready to wear, bespoke tailoring services, wedding dresses, customised gifts and uniforms for a discerning clientele."

Check out her web.
Fuchsia Lane Webby
Fuchsia Lane's Blog


2. Mazzario

Founder/Designer known for her flattering cuts and designs. Her cheongsams resemble shanghainese sexy slender fit. 

"Singapore cheongsam brand and specialty boutique. Whimsical yet elegant, we put a spin on oriental glamour in our cheongsam-inspired apparel".

Check out her web.
Mazzario


3. Mama & Misse (If I am correct, they have been around since 1992! Wow... They even offer sewing classes! If you are ready to create and tailor your own cheongsams, go for the classes!

"Your cheongsams specialist" - Their dedication is to produce quality products!"

Mama & Misse


4. Zion Creation
In business since 1993! Another established cheongsam shop. Founder/Designer is creative with playing with vibrant colours on her cheongsams. If you are looking for creativity, you may like her style!

Zion creation


My love for cheongsams can be overwhelming! Just a side note, as I didn't tag about the pricing as made-to-measure usually will cost more as you pay more on fitting, creativity, uniqueness and dedication!

All the above mentioned are Singapore-based shops! More to share.
Stay tuned!

It's not a sponsored post. 

AhTasMummy

Incautious and Reckless Driver!!!

Hi all,

This happened on 12/12/2014, yes, back dated.
Inconsiderate driver shouldn't be on the road! This guy obviously has shown no consideration.
I have no idea if the driver is local, foreign talent or whatever.
On the road, you don't drive like an ass.
I am still contemplating whether to report this concern to police as I was told to lodge a report by our Traffic police customer service. As they mentioned, they will start the investigation only when I lodge a report.

I was shocked, disappointed and annoyed!
Why?

I reported this issue to the Traffic Police and they referred me to the Police? WTF. According to them, That's the protocol. Protocol to report about a traffic violation to TP?? Huh... So those TP officers speeding on the highway flashing away, actually have no rights to issue tickets or even charge us? So in the future, we should advice them to lodge a report before issue a ticket? Fair? Sounds ridiculous or right? Yes, it does isn't it? I can't accept this kind of system. When I am living in a "SYSTEMATIC" country and everything seems so in order. Right? Yet still nonsensical procedure.

However, to be franked, I realised the certain govt sects are not technologically up to date as it seems to be. They are just rather outdated as far as I encountered. I shall not elaborate too much. Its just merely my views based on my several encounters. Go find out more yourself.

Watch the video and advice me if I'm making a big fuss here? I was travelling on that road, already a big ass truck forcing me to e-brake and this stupid lorry driver suddenly filtered to my side of the road and drive off!!!! It was soooo damn close, I was forced to make a HARD e-brake and mounted the kerb to avoid the close crash! I was quite in shock and my eldest boy was with me at that point of time, he was in shock too. Thankfully, he was wearing a seat belt. So please parents, ensure your kids are buckled up! It does save life!

Kindly click below for the video. (The video is blurry, however, I have managed to capture the license plate number.
Video of Scene

I am very glad that my son and I are safe, and escaped this almost unfortunate event. I seriously urge everyone to stay alert on the road for yourself and for others. Its very worrisome in either way!

In 2015, I wish that we have a smooth year ahead and be contented with current life! Please be alert while driving! Be safe and be alive!

Ah Tas Mummy