day 686 | august 30, 2013 | Laboratory Partners

It all started from a "Coke Explosion" experiment we tested with a small bottle of Diet Coke and a few pieces of Mentos. That little test was such a hit with the little ones that it decisively swung the favor from My Little Pony to Science as the theme for their party. What I found interesting was that Roo was not particularly concerned about what caused the explosion, but rather whether Coke will be good or harmful to the grass. Meanwhile, Red was simply interested in making the explosion happen again.

After that playful foray, both Roo and Red were right beside me, flipping through science experiment videos in youtube in search of things that interest them, looking for answers to questions, as well as activities we can do with friends.

day 691 | august 23, 2013 | A Life's Mission

Power of Lists, an earlier piece, kicks off this journey of awareness which will I hope will lead to informed, intentional, and meaningful choices in the way I invest my time and efforts.

With endless things to do and very human limitations, it is essential to have a clear vision of what's important, set goals to define what success looks like, and then map out the best way to get there.  It sounds very similar to those mission-vision exercises I scoffed at in school, but now, I recognize its value. To be a better, happier person (or family, organization, or even business), you need to define your purpose and mission. After all, how can one NOT sweat the small stuff, if the big stuff aren't crystal clear.

day 692 | august 17, 2013 | KL Food Trip

Quite pleased that my little ones have developed into some of the most portable kids around. I braved a trip with Red yet again, in the company of fellow blogging mommy, PC of ScrapMumLoft. The primary objective -- in fact, the only real objective -- was to hunt down good cheap eats around KL.

day 683 | august 12, 2013 | 5 Ways to Pass It On

When people think of generosity, more often than not, the first things that come to mind are material things or cash. But money only plays a small part of the equation. 90% of it is heart. If the heart is willing, it matters less that the hands are empty. A world of options open up on the many purposeful ways to make a difference. One can be generous with their positive energy, with their skills, and their time. A willing heart makes anything possible.

So the first step is to dig deep, and find a cause that resonates with you. Something that you genuinely believe in and care for. The rest will naturally follow.

day 694 | august 10, 2013 | Doctor For A Day, Mt Elizabeth Novena

Kids these days are so lucky; there's a plethora of options open to them, and they are exposed to so many things while so young. A few months ago, Roo and Red were fortunate to be able to wiggle a slot into Mt. Elizabeth Novena's very popular "Doctor For a Day" programme (with many thanks to Mommy Jean of SMB). The hospital invited children to role play in their swanky new facility, while assisted by very friendly medical staff. The programme was so well-run, and even wrapped up with a class photo of the "graduating" mini-doctors. I'm certain NMH will be continuing this programme, and hoping to bring my younger brother next time. (Keep track of their activity calendar through NMH's FB Page.)

To be completely honest, Roo wasn't as excited as I was. We've had several conversations about what she wants to be when she grows up, and becoming a doctor was always bottom of her list. Despite this, she did enjoy donning on scrubs and hair nets, conducting a "surgery" on Mr. Smokes-too-much in an operating theatre, bandaging a fellow mini-doctor, as well as caring for a baby in a nursing room.

Red was a bit too young for the programme which catered to 5 to 12 year olds, but she was shamelessly walking around like she owned the place anyway. Split between chasing after my precocious 2 year old, and following the adventures of my engaged 6 year old, I'd managed to take some some snaps of both their stories. Enjoy!

Mt. E's Lounge felt posh like a hotel

day 685 | august 9, 2013 | Of Growing Things

We had the honor of attending a one of a kind "trees and plants" party thrown by mommy E of bottomsupblog for lovely lady Layla. We loved their party last year, and we love the same cozy, relaxed vibe this year.

day 682 | august 4, 2013 | West Coast Park

"Best Day Ever!" squealed in signature 'Tangled'-giddiness has been a norm for us every weekend -- and it's all thanks to family and friends who add color into our lives, and broaden our horizons. For this weekend, friends invited us over to West Coast Park for kite flying. It's our first time at West Coast Park's awesome playground, and our first time joining NTUC's Children's Kite Carnivale -- but most certainly not our last. I won't babble on, and will simply let the images speak for themselves. So so fun! Just an awesome day out with wonderful friends. :)