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5by20, A Global Commitment By The Coca-Cola Company To Empower Women

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When I first heard about 5by20, my first thoughts were, “What in the world is 5by20?”
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you are scratching your heads right now and wondering what is 5by20.

Well, I am here to share with you that 5by20 is a global commitment by The Coca-Cola Company to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain by 2020. Specifically, this means the small businesses that The Coca-Cola Company and their bottling partners work with, in over 200 countries around the world, from fruit farmers and recyclers to retailers and artisans.

Yes, you read that right!

To enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs!

Now, 5 million is definitely not a small number because it is just slightly less than Singapore’s population of about 5.5 million and it is truly commendable that The Coca-Cola Company embarked on this massive project to help women entrepreneurs succeed in the marketplace.

The 5by20 initiative offers women access to business skills training courses, financial services and connections with peers or mentors; along with the confidence that comes with building a successful business.

Why the women and not the men?

Well, this can be rather subjective but studies show that women do 66 percent of the world’s work and yet, they earn only 10 percent of the world’s income; 90 percent of which goes back to their families and communities. To help address this disparity, The Coca Cola Company launched 5by20 in 2010 and the initiative have since been expanded to a total of 44 countries.

Closer to home, the 5by20 initiative have been started in many Asian countries such as Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and India.

Based in the Philippines, the STAR [Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources] Program aims to empower women owners of small neighborhood stores, known as sari-sari stores, to increase their household income and improve their quality of life. These largely women-owned outlets are found on nearly every street and are a major point-of-sale channel for The Coca-Cola Company’s products in the Philippines.

The STAR Program is a multi-year Golden Triangle partnership between Coca-Cola Philippines, its local bottling partner Coca-Cola FEMSA, the Philippine government’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and regional microfinance institutions. Consistent with the goals of the 5by20 program, women sari-sari store owners attend business skills training sessions over a 12-week period. Upon graduation, the women are given the opportunity to apply for business support, including access to resources such as microfinance, merchandising and peer mentoring.

The program’s ambitious target is to reach 200,000 women retailers throughout the Philippines by 2020, with similar programs being developed and sharing best practices in the neighbouring countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

If you would like to find out more about the 5by20 initiative, you can check out the 5by20 Official Website!

Truly, The Coca-Cola Company is fulfilling its mission to inspire moments of optimism and happiness, and to create value and make a difference in the community.

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Free Coffee & Kueh Lapis For You?

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“Free Coffee and Kueh Lapis for You?”
That was the line that Jacqueline and I used when we started our makeshift coffee booth to foster kampong spirit in our neighbourhood two weekends ago.

While some people were appreciative and grateful for the light morning breakfast that we served, there were many others that equally shunned us away and this mini initiative or social experiment made us realise that people today are not as open as before and they tend to be more cautious.

To be honest, we kind of expected such a situation to happen and we were quite prepared for the rejections.

With the rapid development of modern technology, it is a fact that more and more people are interacting less with the people around them and furthermore, in this highly-digitised society that we live in, people are so connected to the Internet that they would rather watch dramas, read the news, surf Facebook and Instagram, than to interact with the person sitting beside them.

Exaggerated?

No. Just take a train in the morning and observe the commuters.

Hence, it is the reason why both Jacqueline and I decided to set aside a day to do something meaningful for our community. Having heard stories from our elders and parents about their kampong days and how in the past, the doors were always open and the children would go out to play; we wanted to re-ignite this kampong spirit in our modern day neighbourhood.

The mission?

To step out of our comfort zone and get to know the people staying in our neighbourhood.

After much planning, we decided to set up a makeshift coffee booth where anyone and everyone were welcome to help themselves to some free hot coffee and kueh lapis [layer cakes] two weekends ago. We sent out invitations to our neighbours via WhatsApp and we just crossed our fingers hoping that they would come. We even placed a table and some chairs so that anyone could just sit down, have a cup of coffee and some kueh lapis, and chit-chat with one another.

The makeshift coffee booth was in operation from 9am in the morning till about 11am and despite a number of rejections, the overall turnout was really good.

Although we had to wake up rather early in the morning to do the setup which took us about an hour or so, our effort came to fruition as our neighbours were very sporting and even encouraged us to organise such sessions in future.

Although some neighbours whom were living in the nearby HDB flats came by our booth, they weren’t so keen in accepting our invitation when we tried to approach them. Some of them were even quite wary of us it is as if we were going to sell them some products but really, all we wanted to do was to serve some hot coffee and homemade kueh lapis as a friendly gesture.

Nevertheless, it is through this mini initiative that we had the opportunity to know our neighbours and we are really glad and thankful that NESCAFÉ were very willing to support us in this project to create friendships.

We honestly hope that as Singapore continues to develop, people will not forget the days of old and strive to create a harmonious society where all of us can be inclusive and foster meaningful relationships. After all, we believe that there is power in unity and when all of us unite together with one heart, one mind, and one soul; there’s so much more that we can do to make our community a better place for everyone to live in!

So, how about you? Would you care for some free hot coffee and kueh lapis? 🙂

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A Classy & Romantic Dinner@ INDOCAFE – The White House

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Both Jacqueline and I frequent town a lot and whenever we drive to Far East Plaza, we will pass by two majestic black and white colonial bungalows that serves contemporary sumptuous Straits Peranakan cuisine.

Image Credits to INDOCAFE – The White House

To be honest, it has never occurred to us that we will be dining at INDOCAFE – The White House until one day, we had the privilege of dining there and even as we are churning out this blog post, we can still recall the warm hospitality that we received from the staffs and the delicious Peranakan food that we had.

Classic Penang Otah

  • full of flavour
  • a very unique dish
  • a little too salty

The Classic Penang Otah is a delicately steamed egg custard with fish fillet that is generously seasoned with freshly squeezed coconut milk and INDOCAFE – The White House’s special blend of herbs and spices.

Ngoh Hiang

  • very crispy and very fragrant
  • goes well with the sauces

Crispy homemade five-spice meat roll wrapped in soy bean curd skin and deep-fried.

Kueh Pie Tee

  • truly a classic
  • one of our favourite dishes

Crispy ‘Top Hat’ pastry cups filled with shredded sweet turnip served with crab meat and accompanied with homemade chili dip.

Ikan Masak Merah

  • not as spicy as we thought it to be
  • sweet and tangy tasting

Pan-roasted cod fillet in red chili sauce.

Kari Kapitan

  • richly flavoured
  • chicken was tender and moist

Penang Peranakan chicken curry.

Ayam Buah Kelauk

  • quite exotic tasting
  • heavily flavoured

All-time Peranakan favourite braised chicken with black nut and exotic spices.

Babi Pong Teh

Pork belly braised in fragrant soya bean paste and aromatic spices.

Chap Chye

Penang-style stir-fried mixed vegetables with pork skin and shrimps in fermented bean curd sauce.

Home Recipe Bubur Cha Cha

  • a must to have after the dinner!
  • richly flavoured and just of the right sweetness

Traditional Nyonya dessert soup of yam, sweet potatoes, sago, and banana in a mixture of rich coconut milk and palm sugar.

Our Personal Review & Opinion Of INDOCAFE – The White House

The ambience of the restaurant is really cosy and it offers the much needed privacy for guests to unwind from the bustling and fast pace of city life. The staffs were very meticulous and helpful and they went the extra mile to ensure that we were comfortable.


Image Credits to INDOCAFE – The White House

Though the Straits Peranakan cuisine is infused with an ingeniously contemporary touch; fresh spices, superb culinary techniques, and a broad variety of staple Straits-Peranakan ingredients remain central to each dish.

Spices are carefully ground with traditional pestles and mortars to draw out the heady aromas and tantalising flavours, while distinct Peranakan ingredients such as coconut milk make an appearance in both savoury and sweet dishes such as the Classic Penang Otah and Home Recipe Bubur Cha Cha.

If you are craving for some Straits Peranakan food, you can embrace the culinary and cultural delights of Straits-Peranakan heritage to your heart’s content with INDOCAFE – The White House, a delightfully unique gem in the heart of Singapore.

For more information, you can check out INDOCAFE – The White House Official Facebook Page!

INDOCAFE – The White House
35 Scotts Road, Singapore 228227
Telephone: +65 6733 2656
Email: enquiry@thehouseofindocafe.com
Operating Hours: 12pm – 3pm / 6pm – 10.30pm Daily

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Furniture Singapore- A Resource Site For New & Existing Home Owners

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Both Jacqueline and I have been patiently waiting for our new Build-to-order [BTO] flat to be ready and during the long wait, we went to look around for interior designers [ID] whom could sway us with their creative juices. Alas, we shortlisted a few ID and were presented with a pretty convincing design layout.

Image Source: Gavin Designs

& what’s next?


Image Source: Home Designing

Well, in our quest to create the most comfortable hotel-like home with an Italian-inspired open kitchen, we totally forgotten the fact that we needed home furniture and home appliances to complete the whole picture.

That is probably the biggest problem that we have to tackle with.

With so many furniture companies in Singapore, the question is, “How do we exactly find the right piece of furniture that will suit our taste and the ID’s design?” Furthermore, coupled with the expensive renovation costs, having a dream home can cost quite a bomb!


Image Source: Michael Abrams

It is a big frustration to strike a fine balance between renovation costs and the cost of home furniture and home appliances. On one hand, we want our home to be stylish, modern, and contemporary but on the other hand, we want our home to be functional and well-equipped too!

So how on earth can we achieve a harmony between the two?

It is either we cut the budget for the renovation and add more budget for the furnishings or cut the budget for the furnishings and add more budget for the renovation.

Can we have the best of both worlds?

Yes, if we have a bottomless pit of money or yes, if we have the resource that helps us make informed furniture purchasing decisions.

Recently, we chanced upon a Singapore Furniture Resources Site and it provided us with some really timely information that helped us to source for high quality, stylish, and affordable home furniture.

There are also guides that discuss the different types of furniture, and in which stores you would be able to find these items.


Image Source: FurnitureSingapore.Net

One thing we really love about the site is that there is a section that is dedicated to Home Décor and Furniture Blogs and it was where it brought our attention to Diva’s Home Interior & Renovation Blog; a blog which we found extremely useful with some articles about the Hidden Cost in Renovation Quotes, HDB Defects Checklist, and even a Home Renovation Checklist!


Image Source: FurnitureSingapore.Net

We have to admit though; the resource site doesn’t look that fanciful but the amount of information that it contains can be quite helpful if you are not sure how and where to start looking for suitable furniture for your home or even office space!

In time to come, we will be sharing more updates about the progress of our home renovation so do stay tuned to us!

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Experience Lipton Tea With The Experimentation of 16 Unique Cocktails & Mocktails

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We were recently invited to an afternoon tea-party with George Young and we had a blast learning how to create some refreshing and fruity cocktails using Lipton’s signature Yellow Label Tea and Pyramid Tea range!

With a heritage that dates back more than 100 years, Lipton today offers an array of tea-based drinks, from leaf tea to tea bags. The classic Lipton Yellow Label Tea, made of the finest blends from Ceylon and Kenya, is synonymous for that unique consistent tea taste and signature aroma.

Although proud of their rich heritage, Lipton is certainly not afraid to innovate. Lipton’s experts broke teabag tradition to come up with the Lipton Pyramid tea bag which allows tea leaves more room to move and infuse for a better brew.

Each pyramid tea bag contains whole tea leaves handpicked from the top two leaves, and a bud of the tea plant, flowers, herbs or real fruit pieces, and blended to ensure the delicate balance of tea and flavour. The pyramid- shaped tea bag allows optimum room for infusion, liberating the best aroma, colour, and taste for the tea drinker.

The Lipton Yellow Label range and Lipton Pyramid Tea range are available at all major supermarkets and are priced from SGD$5.85/per box of 100 tea bags and SGD$4.95/per box of 20 tea bags respectively.

Are you ready for some kitchen experiment?

The recipes that were specially created give a new twist to tea drinking by turning hot tea into exciting and uplifting cold beverages for any day and any occasion, and we ourselves are inspired to prepare some of these delightful beverages when hosting our guests in future.

Of the 16 recipes, George Young’s signature creations include the sweet and irresistible Maple Twist, the refreshingly delicious Mo-Tea-To, and the tropical Fruitea Red Crush that is perfect for Singapore’s weather.

Well, we are going to share with you the 3 recipes of George Young’s signature creations and if you would like to check out the recipes for all 16 cocktails and mocktails, do check out Lipton Facebook Page!

Maple Twist

Mo-Tea-To

Fruitea Red Crush

The process in creating these drinks was an interesting one for avid tea drinker George Young, who had no prior experience as a mixologist. Together with The Cufflink Club, Young created his three signature drinks over a period of two months and we really love the addictive concoctions!

Who says tea has to be boring? Start experimenting with some Lipton tea now!

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Be a Panda Researcher, a Palaeontologist, & a Marine Explorer @ Singapore Science Festival 2014

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The Singapore Science Festival is an annual celebration of everything Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics. Jointly organised by the Agency for Science, Technology & Research [A*STAR] and the Science Centre Singapore, the Singapore Science Festival aims to cultivate an interest in Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics from the young, building the foundation for Singapore to grow as a hub for Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics. With the theme, “Be the next Rock Star of Science”, the Singapore Science Festival 2014 will host a range of exciting hands-on activities, events, workshops, and unique guest performances aimed at bringing out the “Rock Star Scientist” in visitors.

Here, we highlight 5 MUST-DO & MUST-SEE activities and workshops that are suitable for both children and adults alike!

Young Scientist Presents: Science Ahoy!

What to expect: Hands-on activities
Suitable for: All primary school students, families and friends
Organised by: A*STAR & Singapore Science Centre
Date: 11/07/2014 – 18/07/2014
Time: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Venue: Science Centre Singapore
Tickets: SGD$5 per person (inclusive of education booklet and materials to complete the activities. However, normal admission charges to Singapore Science Centre still applies)

Embark on a science voyage and get ready for a splendid good time with a series of experiments in the various subjects of Science. Put yourselves in the shoes of a Chemist, Food Scientist, Geologist and even a Physicist to solve problems that you would encounter in this journey.

Be a Panda Researcher

What to expect: Hands-on workshop
Suitable for: 9 years and above
Organised by: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Date: 03/08/2014
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Venue: River Safari
Tickets: Adult 13yrs and above: SGD$39.00, Child below 13yrs: SGD$29.00,
River Safari Membership Cardholders: SGD$11.00 for all ages

This programme allows you to hone your skills as a Panda Researcher! Visit various stations to identify panda tracks, examine panda poo and paw prints. You will gain insights into tracking methodology in the wild and how results from tracking pandas help us understand more about these bears and ultimately save them from extinction.

Human Body Experience Exhibition

What to expect: Walk-thru Experiential Exhibition
Suitable for: Kids & families/Public, Primary Students, Secondary and JC Students, Tertiary Students, Tourists
Organised by: Singapore Science Centre
Date: 28/05/2014
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm daily
Venue: Singapore Science Centre, Hall B
Tickets: Adult- SGD$20 / Child (3-12 years)- SGD$15

What does the inner lining of the stomach feel like? How does our circulatory system work? How do our vocal chords make different sounds? Find the answers to these questions and more as you embark on an experiential journey INSIDE the human body. Crawl into the mouth of a giant face and start your adventure through the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and nervous system of the human body. Human Body Experience is a highly interactive, immersive and adventurous exhibition that is fun and educational!

Feeding Frenzy Trail

What to expect: Behind-the-scenes tour
Suitable for: Families with children (min 6 years old) and Adults
Organised by: S.E.A. Aquarium
Date: 20, 26, 27, 28 July and 9, 10 August
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Venue: S.E.A. Aquarium
Tickets: SGD$20 (excluding admission to S.E.A. Aquarium)

Everyone loves to eat, and our animals are no different! Participants will be able to get an exclusive sneak peek of the S.E.A. aquarium in this behind-the-scenes adventure. The morning begins with a private viewing of the aquarium before opening hours. Here, you will go on “morning rounds” with our Marine Guides to see where and how food for our aquarium inhabitants is prepared, and the feeding done at the various habitats by our aquarists.

A Day in the Life of a Palaeontologist

What to expect: Demonstration
Suitable for: Families & Kids; Adults
Organised by: ArtScience Museum
Date: Saturday 12, 19 & 26 July: 4.30pm
Sunday 20 July: 12.30pm
Monday 28 July: 4.30pm
Venue: ArtScience Museum. Creatosaurus Space.
Tickets: Free/Complimentary to exhibition ticket holder.

This fascinating, hands-on demonstration reveals how palaeontologists collect, record and identify fossils. There will be plenty of opportunities for audience participation, including handling tools and specimens, washing off the clay of collected fossils, identifying the bones, and making a plaster cast from a dinosaur’s footprint.

For more information about the upcoming activities and workshops, do check out the Singapore Science Festival’s Official Website OR “like” the Singapore Science Festival’s Facebook Page!

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AXA Redefines Car Insurance in Singapore with Customisable “SmartDrive”

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If you are a car owner, the most dreadful time of the year would probably be paying for your car insurance premium because it can be quite costly and a hassle. However, as long as you drive a vehicle in Singapore, automobile insurance is compulsory and unavoidable. So, why not make the best out of this circumstance and get the best value-for-money automobile insurance?
AXA Insurance Singapore recently launched a new highly-customisable automobile insurance, “SmartDrive”, and the reason why we say it is highly-customisable is because it allows customers to pick and choose the coverage that meet their needs.

Previous research conducted by AXA has clearly shown that customers from various segments were looking for very different benefits when it comes to automobile insurance and AXA Insurance Singapore has now addressed customers’ concerns by offering them the highest flexibility and customisation with the SmartDrive automobile insurance. What that essentially means is that you only pay for what you need!

The new “SmartDrive” automobile insurance is specially designed to cater to various age groups and lifestyles of car users. On top of choosing from plans such as “Essential” and “Essential Plus”, plans are also customisable for female drivers, families, and drivers who prefer flexibility of benefits.

[Image Credits to AXA Insurance Singapore]

Subsequently, customers can select from a set of bundled add-on benefits (‘Pack’) or ala-carte add-ons according to their individual needs and price points. Add-on benefits range from Courtesy Cars, Personal Accident Benefits for Drivers, Breakdown Assistance, to even an add-on to cover their car accessories.

Mrs Doina Palici-Chehab [Chief Executive Officer of AXA Insurance Singapore] said, “With SmartDrive, we are bringing the focus on our customer to a new level as it allows us to cater to their individual needs. They will also benefit from better value, as they no longer have to pay for benefits they do not want or need.”

Well, if you need to renew your automobile insurance and you are seeking for other options which offers you the best value-for-money, why not consider and take up the AXA SmartDrive Automobile Insurance? We are pretty sure that with the highly-customisable SmartDrive automobile insurance, every single dollar is well spent to keep you and your passengers protected!

You can click here to request for a policy quotation. Alternatively, you can also contact your AXA Insurance Agent or call their hotline at 1800 880 4888.

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My Experience With Contact Lenses

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Truth be told, I have always admired people who put on colour contact lenses because it gives them an opportunity to express themselves through colours. After all, there’s a saying that “eyes are the windows to our soul” and contact lenses help to beautify the eyes. There are many types of contact lenses that are available out there in the market and it gives users the ability to have a clearer vision without the hassle of wearing spectacles.
[Image Credits to Vision Of Witham]

I still recall the very first time I put on contact lenses and to be honest, I was extremely sceptical about having a foreign object stuck to my eye. Though putting on the contact lenses felt awkward for the first few tries, I gradually became more confident of putting them on.

[Image Obtained From Mayyoli]

Now if you are fascinated with contact lenses like I did and you are a first-timer, I highly advise that you purchase your contact lenses from authorised optical stores and not from blogshops or even retail stores that do not have the necessary licenses.

The most important thing to look out for when buying contact lenses is comfort, especially if you are planning to put on contact lenses for the long term. However, if you are a fashionista and you don’t need vision correction but wish to put on contact lenses on a short-term basis, you will still be required to undergo an eye examination, fitting, and prescription by an eye care professional.

[Image Credits to Killingly Eyecare]

When using contact lenses, you should ensure that you adhere to the instructions given by the optician. If the contact lenses that you’re getting is only meant for daily usage, be sure not to reuse them and at all times, handle your contact lenses with proper care and hygiene because you don’t want to risk having an eye infection.

[Image Credits to The Glamourousgleam]

Should you have dry eyes like me and you’re concerned about putting on contact lenses, you might want to consider getting an extended wear contact lenses that will keep your eyes moist.

[Image Credits to CooperVision]

I personally believe that contact lenses should be considered as one of mankind’s greatest inventions. With contact lenses, people whom have vision problems can now enjoy an active lifestyle with great convenience!

Are you ready to step into the world of contact lenses?

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Big-Hearted Family Awards Contest

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In celebration of the International Year of the Family (IYF), NDP 2014 and the Ministry of Social and Family Development [MSF], has launched a Big-Hearted Family Awards contest to appreciate and recognise the acts of service by those within our community!

This year, IYF seeks to encourage big-heartedness within the community. It hopes for everyone to share the warmth of their family with others around them. As such, through the Awards, members of the public will have a great opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks to those who have made a difference in their world!

From 5 May to 16 June 2014, everyone can submit a Big-Hearted Story of a person or family that has made a difference in their lives. Both the nominators and nominees will stand a chance to win NDP 2014 actual and preview tickets!

Planning to submit your personal short story of someone or a family that has inspired you with their care and concern? You too can take part in the Big-Hearted Family Awards but hurry though as the closing date is 16 June 2014 [today]!

Well, I am going to share my personal short story of someone whom has inspired me with her care and concern.

I first met her in January 2011 just before my trip to Genting Highlands with a friend of mine. That meeting took place at Serangoon NeX and despite me being a total stranger whom she only met for the very first time face-to-face, she was quite concerned about my trip to Genting Highlands and unexpectedly, packed me some medicine in case I got a cold.

That extra mile she took led me to believe that she was the one for me. Ever since our first meeting, we kept in touch and even though I was serving my National Service and could only spend time with her during the weekends, she never fails to help me prepare for my next book-in. Even when I was sick or injured myself during training, she would nurse me back to health. Whenever I was feeling down and wanted to quit because of the tough training, she would be there to offer words of encouragement.

Well, the fact is, I wasn’t the only one that she cared for. She also cared for everyone in my family and it is quite evident as she would always be the one to take the initiative and buy meals for my family and get gifts for their birthdays. Her selfless thoughts and actions have inspired me to not only care for people I know but to go the extra mile for them.

Fast forward to the present, we have been together for 41 months now and even till today, she has never stopped caring for me, my family, or even the community. Whenever she is free, she would volunteer her time to serve others; whether it be taking photographs or doing logistical and administrative work.

She… is none other than Jacqueline, the co-founder of this blog and the brainchild behind all the photographs that you see in this blog. In all honestly, this blog would not have existed if not for her and yes, we will be getting married next year in May [sponsors are welcome :P]. For all that she has done to care for others beyond herself, I am nominating her for the Big-Hearted Family Awards.

I hope this short story would inspire you and if you have been inspired to serve the community, you might want to check out the Care and Share Fundraising Portal and see how you can contribute to the community!

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Attention All Fellow Baking Enthusiasts: SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014

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We recently received news that Singapore’s top-selling dairy brand, SCS, is launching an ultimate baking contest from June to August this year to encourage Singaporeans to start baking and to acknowledge baking enthusiasts!

Being baking enthusiasts ourselves, we were really quite disappointed that we only got hold of this information just on the day before the commencement of the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 while other bloggers seem to have gathered this piece of information way before us. Nevertheless, we take it in our stride and will continue to share this piece of good news with all you readers so that you too can participate in this challenge!

The SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 invites all passionate baking-enthusiasts to showcase their baking skills by registering as a member on the SCS website and then submitting photos of their creations to the website’s event submission page. All submissions must include a SCS foil-wrapped butter block in order to qualify.

SCS rewards all valid entries by acknowledging them as a SCS 1-Star Baker with a certificate to congratulate them for embarking on their baking journey.

Starting with personal favourites and simple recipes, the challenges get progressively tougher with every round. Subsequent entries will follow themed challenges that award successful participants with 2-Star, 3-Star and 4-Star Baker certificates, encouraging bakers to hone their skills and challenge themselves throughout the five rounds.

Four finalists will be selected via public voting to compete in the final SCS Star Baker bake-off on 17 August 2014, where they will pit their baking skills against each other before a ‘live’ audience.

The finals will be hosted by FLY Entertainment and baking enthusiast Magdalene See. There, their skills and creations will be scrutinized by a prestigious panel of judges, comprising of baking instructor Chef Siti Mastura, celebrity baking blogger Maureen Ow [Miss Tam Chiak], as well as Michelle Lim, Auric Pacific’s Chief Creative Officer and an avid baker. Event guests will also get to vote for their favourite Star Baker.

The grand winner will walk away with the top prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia for two worth SGD$5,000. Consolation prizes consisting of vouchers for culinary classes at Palate Sensations worth SGD$1,000 each will also be awarded to the three runners-up. All finalists will also receive a trophy, specially customised SCS apron, baker’s kit, and will be formally recognised as 5-Star Bakers, the highest honour in the challenge.

Interested participants can submit their entries to the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 via the SCS Dairy website, and follow the baking challenge via the SCS Website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

We too have participated in the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 and here’s our baked creation, Lychee Tea Cupcakes Topped With Lemon Icing!

The fragrant and fruity Lychee Tea that we used for the cupcakes were kindly sponsored by The 1872 Clipper Tea Company Singapore!

SCS has also launched a loyalty programme running from May to October 2014. As all photo entries to the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 must include a SCS Butter Block in the image, the SCS Passionate Chef Rewards loyalty programme will let both participants and non-participants to earn points. These points can then be redeemed on the SCS website for SCS baking essentials and other fabulous items like crystal pens, notebooks, cooler bags, and butter bowls!

In order to earn points, you must first sign up to be members on the SCS website. The registration process is free of charge and so easy!

So what are you waiting for? Start embarking on your baking adventure with SCS now!

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