My journey with craft beer started way back in 2013 at Pasarbella and since then, I have tasted all sorts of craft beers and even went as far as New Zealand for some beer tasting. What you probably might not know is that the local craft beer scene is bustling and there are many local craft breweries here in Singapore!
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Sunbird Brewing Company is Singapore’s latest craft beer brewery that opened in April this year and what truly piqued my interest about this new local craft beer brewery is its name, “Sunbird”.
Do You Know?
The Crimson Sunbird is the national bird of Singapore.
Starting off with a capacity of five hectolitres across a full-grain, three-vessel system; Sunbird Brewing Company currently offers a range of four beers that are aptly named – the ‘Fly in Light’ Pale Ale, ‘Birds of Paradise’ White IPA, ‘Eclipse of the Sun’ Scottish Ale, and ‘Fluff Up’ Belgian Witbier.
More recently, Sunbird Brewing Company launched its very first seasonal brew, the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter, in celebration of Singapore’s 55th birthday, and it is now my personal favourite as well.
The Ondeh-Ondeh Porter has a very bold and robust taste and it has a roasty flavour that resembles a burnt toast. The body is creamy and it pairs perfectly with spicy dishes. While some may find the aftertaste bitter, I personally found it just perfect. The initial sweetness likely comes from the Gula Melaka and the subtle hints of coconut and pandan are really unique.
We were very privileged to have an online interview with Clive Tan, Head Brewer and Director at Sunbird Brewing Company and it was an inspiring one as he shares his thoughts about his entrepreneurial journey.
Interview with Clive Tan, Head Brewer, Sunbird Brewing Company
What is Your Typical Day like as a Head Brewer? I start work at 7 am for cellaring work and brewing and in the afternoon, I will work on the packaging and deliveries, and followed by paperwork at night.
What’s Your Favourite Beer Right Now and Why? My favourite beer right now is still our Birds of Paradise White IPA. It’s refreshing and hoppy; so it’s really suitable as a day/night beer.
What Upcoming Trends will You Foresee in the Beer Industry? We are currently in the hop-centric trend and I foresee that there will be more classic styles of beer that our team at Sunbird Brewing Company are prepared to brew.
What is Your Personal Take On 0% Alcohol Beers? 0% alcohol beers have certainly become more popular in the market these days. However, as Singapore’s exposure to craft beer is still at the entry-level, 0% beers might not take off in the next 5-10 years.
How did Your Journey as a Head Brewer Started?
I graduated from University with a Bachelor in Economics and Finance and with no working experience, I was jobless for 6 months. I then decided to take a leap of faith and purchased a ticket to Beerfest Asia where I went from booth to booth seeking for a job.
Fortunately, Innocence Brewing Company (which is now defunct) gave me an opportunity to become an Assistant Brewer and that was my first step forward in the craft beer brewing industry. A year into my job as an Assistant Brewer, I was poached by Archipelago Brewery and I became the youngest professional beer brewer in Singapore. 4 years later, I decided to embark on my plan to start Sunbird Brewing Company.
Coming from a business-oriented family, the conversations that I often have with my dad revolves around cash flows, ROI, and leadership skills; and that has greatly impacted me as an entrepreneur as the most important lesson that I have learnt from my dad is about business fundamentals.
How did the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter come about and How is it Made? This seasonal beer started off as an idea during a brainstorming session with my team. It later became a serious project for us to showcase our skillset in curating a beer that is truly Singaporean. Since we are a local brewery, it is only natural for us to celebrate National Day with a Uniquely Singaporean flavour.
To make the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter; roasted grated coconut, Pandan leaves, and Gula Melaka are added during the brewing process of the malt-driven Porter beer style.
If you are interested to check out the range of craft beers by Sunbird Brewing Company, do check out their online shop at https://sunbirdbrewingco.com/collections/all. You will also enjoy free islandwide delivery when you spend $65 and above.
Does your job require you to wear protective footwear? As much as you consider work shoes to be unappealing and uncomfortable, such footwear provides protection against foot injuries, twisted ankles, and harsh weather conditions.
Owing to their extraordinary insulation, waterproof work shoes provide the greatest versatility, comfort, and durability to workers. Most of the protective footwear is also designed to be slip-proof so as to prevent unnecessary accidents on all kinds of terrain.
Nowadays, there is an extensive variety of mens waterproof work boots for sale, and they are available in various sizes, materials, and designs.
The following tips will help you choose the best waterproof work boots in the market.
Consider Toe Protection
One of the initial factors to consider when purchasing a pair of waterproof work boots is toe protection as construction sites, docks, and factories tend to be rather hazardous. There’s always a great likelihood of heavy equipment landing on your feet, thus requiring superb toe protection.
Therefore, it’s paramount to choose a model with protective toe caps, made of steel, aluminium, or composite material. For instance, steel toe caps are the most conventional form of toe protection despite their heaviness and low thermal conductivity.
Image Credits: Ever Boots
Conversely, aluminium toe caps are much lighter than the ones made of steel, hence being more comfortable for construction workers to wear. Also, these are more likely to keep the feet warm since they can retain heat.
Composite toe caps represent a combination of Kevlar, plastic, and carbon filter where each of these materials is unique in its physical and chemical properties. These toe caps are incredibly light and is one of the most convenient alternatives. Read more about the structure, thermal properties, and applications of Kevlar.
Consider Traction
Another important factor to take into consideration when purchasing waterproof work shoes is traction, especially if you need a slip-resistant model. For greater safety, make sure you choose work boots whose outsoles are made of slip-proof material, such as Thermo Polyurethane (TPU) or rubber.
Additionally, the former is suitable for rough terrains due to its incredible resistance to chemicals and abrasion. The latter is believed to be more versatile, owing to its ability to adapt to dry, wet, and rough surfaces. Boots with rubber outsoles are undoubtedly the best alternative for slippery surfaces as these provide the required traction to prevent accidents from taking place.
Think About Comfort
Comfort is of essential importance when purchasing waterproof work boots as workers spend most of the day wearing them at construction sites, warehouses, docks, and other hazardous environments. In order to prevent fatigue, you’re expected to choose a model that provides appropriate arch support. This will ensure that your weight will be equally dispersed across the foot, hence providing greater stability.
Image Credits: Ever Boots
In terms of material, you’re advised to look for leather models, as this fabric provides wearers with amazing flexibility and comfort. Although leather work boots are among the costliest in the market, these are definitely worth the investment due to their durability. The following link, https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-leather-shoes-and-boots, provides some useful tips about cleaning leather footwear.
Consider Waterproofing
Waterproofing is an indispensable factor to consider when purchasing work shoes, especially for people who work outdoors. It’s paramount for the boots to be equipped with proper insulation so as to protect your feet against harsh weather conditions.
Furthermore, the waterproof work shoes you choose are supposed to be made of a breathable material that keeps the feet completely dry. Working in wet environments on a daily basis requires investing in boots with high-quality waterproofing, such as the ones made of neoprene rubber.
Determine Your Budget
Prior to shopping for waterproof work shoes, make sure you set a budget that you’re willing to spend on a pair of footwear. Bear in mind that the price range of such boots is quite wide and it depends mainly on the material, fabrication, and comfort of the model. Additionally, waterproof and slip-proof boots are considered to be costlier than the ones that lack traction and waterproofing. The more money you invest in high-quality footwear the greater the durability.
Bottom Line
Make sure the boots you purchase are waterproof, slip-proof, highly durable, and comfortable because your feet deserve the best!
Visiting Milwaukee for the first time? Or perhaps you have just moved here having purchased one of the Milwaukee houses for sale. Whatever the case may be, don’t miss out on these 10 things you really need to do in this midwestern city.
Tour the Craft Breweries
One of America’s brew capitals, Pabst has been here for years, but there have been many small craft breweries popping up too, with 32 opening between 2009 and the end of 2019 according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A few of the local favorite brewery tours include Lakefront Brewery where you’ll get four samples and a pint glass, Sprecher Brewery which includes 10 samples paired with artisan cheeses, and Stock House Brewing with tours that include a pint glass and a beer.
Explore the Milwaukee Public Museum
This museum features 17 permanent exhibits, with one of the most popular, “The Streets of Old Milwaukee”, which contains fully furnished models of shops and homes from the city in the late 19th century.
Milwaukee’s Art Museum is located inside a unique building that has the appearance of a bird, with the “wings” flapping when it opens. Inside you’ll find more than 20,000 works of art spanning from the 13th-century to the present day.
Explore Motorcycle History, Pop Culture and More at the Harley Davidson Museum
Even if you aren’t a motorcycle enthusiast, this Milwaukee institution is another must-visit. It covers the history of one of the most famous bikes, Harleys, which dates back to 1903 right here in Milwaukee. It also includes pop culture and films that have featured the brand, along with many antique models.
You can sample all sorts of affordable gourmet foods at this public market just south of downtown. It offers a lively scene with a wide range of eats, and you can even take a cooking class here too.
Enjoy Animal Encounters at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee’s zoo is home to more than 2,100 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish in specialised habitats that span 190 wooded acres. It also hosts wildlife shows and a variety of special events. Some of the highlights include the Humboldt penguin where you can enjoy underwater viewing of their 15,000 gallon tank and the Sterns Family Apes of Africa.
Take a Tour of the Jelly Belly Warehouse
If you like Jelly Bellys, you have to take a tour of the warehouse that is located a half-hour’s drive south of the city. You’ll tour via a free express train to learn more about them, and of course, you can enjoy samples and buy some to take home too.
Milwaukeeans love their baseball – if you’re visiting, catching a Brewers’ game is a great way to mingle with the locals while having a good time; and if you’ve just moved there, you’ll definitely want to find out what it’s all about.
Smell the Flowers at the Mitchell Park Conservatory
Also known as The Domes, this conservatory in Mitchell Park includes three distinct areas, with the Tropical Dome housing various rainforest plants from five different continents, a waterfall and tropical birds; the Desert Dome with cacti, arid-land bulbs and shrubs; and the Floral Show Dome with changing seasonal displays.
Get a different perspective of the city by kayaking along the Milwaukee River. You can bring your own, rent the gear, or join a tour. It’s a fun way to work off all that beer and cheese you’re bound to indulge in while you’re here.
Got other things to recommend in Milwaukee? Share with us in the comments below!
The construction and general ownership of a swimming pool is serious business. Other than enjoying a lovely swim, moving swiftly and gracefully in the pool, pool maintenance is really important.For instance, the pump should be in perfect working condition and the water has to be heated and treated at the right time. There are a lot of different tools that you will require for your pool and you can find a few essential ones listed here.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of having the right kind of inground pool light and the factors to consider before getting one.
Why Do You Need an Inground Pool Light?
Given the extra cost of installation, many people, especially private owners, question the need for one. So, why should you consider having this installed?
Beauty and Aesthetics
When installed, the sight is unbelievably beautiful and it triggers the desire for a night swim. Often, this is a period when some people shy away from swimming for many reasons.
You can also add a personal touch to the beauty by using various shades. A combination of two or more colours will look great but you can also simply stick to one. Whichever it is, your preference counts here.
Clarity When Swimming
Regardless of how large and deep the pool is, the light will reveal things around. This is more prominent at night and you will be also be able to notice when the pool is dirty.
When in proper working condition, this installation can help you notice a drowning person as the lights make everything around appear clear.
Rather than depend on the ones installed outside, these products are your best bet. They are positioned in strategic places that allow you to see things clearly. To enjoy all these and more, the right product is needed. For more on this, you can visit companies such as https://bluewaterspoolservices.com/pool-lights/ from where you can get the best products and services.
Qualities of a Good Inground Pool Light
The right product should possess the following qualities:
Cost-Effectiveness
This does not only refer to the cost of purchase. The ideal product should not consume too much energy and result in hefty electricity bills. You will need something that can serve you well without putting a strain on your finances.
Minimal Heat Emission
Although light emits heat, innovation such as LED has made things better and a good product will not emit too much heat.
This is particularly important for the safety and comfort of the swimmers. You do not want swimmers who come in contact with the light to get hurt.
Sufficient Brightness
A light that does not shine well defeats the purpose of installing it. This is particularly important for pools with a dark underlay. For such, there is a need for more bulbs to be installed around and this will ensure that the swimming premises is well lit.
Durability
If it is a good product, you will not have to replace it any time soon. An inground pool light should be able to see you through a long period. You do not want to go through the stress of installing it over and over again.
Guaranteed Safety
As with other electrical installations, it has to be made in line with global safety standards. You should not have to worry about electrocution in the pool.
Water is an electrical conductor; so, if an electrical installation is to be done, it should be very safe for use. This is one of the most vital qualities.
To achieve this, the light should for one, be well concealed in the glass to prevent any contact with water. This means that the thickness of the glass cover matters a lot.
Technology-Enabled
With recent technological trends, these products do not necessarily have to reflect a static shade. Some of these products can be operated with apps installed on your mobile phone and even allow you to alter the shade and brightness.
On a Final Note
Are you looking for ways to make your pool look attractive?
Installation of a good inground pool light is one way you can go about this. In this article, we have addressed what you stand to gain by having these products installed. Furthermore, the qualities of the ideal kind of light have been explained here.
It’s now all up to you to take the step to bring the touch of class that this addition can bring to your recreational facility. With the numerous service providers available to get this done for you, you really have no reason not to.
I never knew how tiring parenting can be until I experienced it for myself. I mean I have heard from my friends who embarked on parenthood earlier than me but because it is something that I have never experienced myself, it is difficult for me to put myself into their shoes.
Now that I’m going through this phase of life, I can truly empathise with what all parents go through. Any regrets? No. I don’t know how to explain it to people but when I have Mikayla sleeping on my arms and she lets out a random laughter/chuckle, she literally warms the cockles of my heart.
Parenting is a learned experience, and the tiredness is real but rewarding. Every time Mikayla cries at night, it felt like an unceasing turnout drill for me. Coupled with the three-hourly feeding, it’s almost like guard duty or an endless Charlie Mike.
Now I know why almost every hamper that we receive contains Chicken Essence and / or Bird’s Nest. We literally have to use them to toil through those rough nights.
One product that I was recently introduced to is Ginseng Essence and it is a product that I don’t often see or hear about other than the Korean Red Ginseng Extract which I came across during my trip to South Korea.
Ginseng is highly prized and many health studies were done to ascertain its benefits. It is believed that Ginseng can help combat fatigue, protect liver function, improve mental health, lower blood sugar level, strengthen the immune system, provide antioxidant protection, and improve concentration and focus.
If you do a Google search for Ginseng Essence, Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence will show up, and so, I had the chance to try Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence and this opportunity came rather timely as I was gearing up for the late nights.
The Premium Ginseng Essence is 100% natural and does not contain any preservatives, additives, and stabilisers. Rich in Ginsenosides (up to 400mg / 60ml), the Ginseng Essence is made using premium top grade full length American Ginseng and White Ginseng from the Changbai Mountain in China.
Like almost all herbs, the Ginseng Essence tastes bitter but it is not all that unbearable; and even though the ingredient list states rock sugar as an ingredient, I wasn’t able to taste any tinge of sweetness.
Now, I usually take my morning breakfast with coffee; but ever since I started having the Ginseng Essence, it has been an excellent replacement for my daily dose of caffeine. In fact, I have observed my mental alertness going up, especially in the morning and sustaining throughout the day while I’m at work. While mixing ginseng and coffee seems like a novel idea, I haven’t tried it myself and will probably give it a shot.
For 14 bottles of Premium Ginseng Essence (2 weeks’ worth of supply), it cost SGD$85 (about SGD$6.07 per day) and it is the perfect gift for working professionals, elderly, and new parents like us.
Ready to get Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence?
Visit Hao Yi Kang, the sole product distributor here in Singapore, and enjoy the health benefits that ginseng can bring.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all opinion are my own.
As much as we hate to admit it, accidents can happen in our home, and it’s up to us to try our best and prevent them. It could be a break-in, fire, or even a gas leak that takes over our home, so we should try and be prepared as best as possible. Keep on reading for a guide on how you can prevent emergencies in your home.
Have A Family Plan
One of the most important things you should do within your family is to communicate and generate a family plan. This should outline all the things you should do in case of an emergency so that even the youngest of children are prepared. For example, you might explain to them what to do in case of a fire, and how to secure themselves in a room in case of a break-in.
Install a Home Security System
Home security systems are great because they can set off alarms, similar to regular alarm systems, and even contact local authorities. When choosing a home security system, try and think of what your needs are. Some of them can also be linked to your phone, with video footage, so you can see who has entered and at what time.
Install Outdoor Lighting
One of the easiest and most simple home improvement tips to get rid of unwanted guests is to install motion sensor outdoor lighting. Many intruders won’t want to be caught in the light, making your home less of a target. It’s also great if you have emergency vehicles looking for your home in the night.
Purchase the Essentials
There are some things a home should always have, so it’s essential that you keep a checklist of these items, to ensure you are prepared for any emergencies. Things like a first aid kit, smoke alarm, fire blanket, or fire extinguisher might just save a life. So, make sure you keep them somewhere easily accessible.
Keep a List of Emergency Numbers Near Your Phone
In the heat of the moment, sometimes we can forget some of the things that are most important. By keeping a list of emergency numbers near your phone, you can make sure that you can quickly and easily dial these services. You should also aim to explain this to your children as well, so they can call if needed.
Lock Your Cupboards and Keep Chemicals Out of Reach
And lastly, if you have young children, try your best to secure all your cabinets with child-friendly locks. If they have learned how to open these, then try to rearrange your chemicals so that they are out of reach. It’s a simple way to prevent a big emergency.
And that’s it! Just remember to remain vigilant, and keep an eye out for areas of weakness in your home. If you’re getting any sort of electrical system installed, you’ll also want to hire a professional so that everything is done correctly.
A memorable Christmas is not about the gifts you receive on the day, it is about the time that you spend with family and the traditions that you have together. But what can you do to make this the most memorable one yet? In this article, we will be providing you with some of the ways that you can make Christmas more enjoyable for the whole family.
Watch Your Favourite Christmas Films
If you are a family that loves to snuggle down and watch a film on the sofa, why not choose your favourite festive film. Whether it is an animation such as The Polar express for the smaller children or a romantic festive film such as love actually for the older children; this is a great way to get the family involved and feel festive. This is also a great time to make hot chocolate and eat a range of festive snacks.
Write Your List To Santa
Another activity that you can do as a family is to write a Christmas list. This not only helps you to gauge what your children want for Christmas, but it allows them to post and send the letter for a much more enjoyable experience. You can make this more enjoyable for young children in particular by using a personalised letter from Santa service. You can customise the letter and have it sent to yo0ur home to keep the magic of Christmas alive. This is set to make Christmas much more enjoyable for children as a result.
Get Creative In The Kitchen
Another way that you can make Christmas more enjoyable is to get the whole family being creative in the kitchen. With a wide range of recipes to choose from, this is an amazing weekend activity for the lead up to Christmas and allows for the whole family to get involved. Whether it is Christmas cookies, sausage rolls or the ultimate cornflake tart, this is the perfect time to make some sweet treats and practice ingredients ready for Christmas day. Even if the kids lose interest halfway through, this is a great way for the adults to relax and unwind.
Start A Fun Tradition
Alternatively, there is also the option to start a family tradition. Whether it is going carolling on Christmas eve or attending midnight mass, there is a wide range of options for you to consider when making a tradition. This is something that you and the whole family can do every year to help you really enjoy Christmas and make the most out of both the build-up and the big day. There are also several other events such as markets and a Christmas play for you to go to, making for the perfect day out.
With this in mind, there is a wide range of ways that you can keep the Christmas feeling going this year. It is just as simple as finding what works for your family and encouraging everyone to get involved. Which of these will you be incorporating into your festivities?
It’s been quite some time since I wrote about my own personal life and yay, I’m officially a father of one now! Jacqueline gave birth to Mikayla at Mount Alvernia Hospital nearly a month ago, and truly, it is a special moment that we have all been waiting for.
The Beginning…
We experienced our first miscarriage in July 2018 and after that difficult episode, we sought Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment to optimise our chances of conceiving.
Our TCM Physician
To prepare for pregnancy, we visited Dr Chong at Ban Choon Wah Medical Hall and through his patience and the Chinese herbal medicine that he prescribed to us, Jacqueline was able to conceive naturally on September 2019 (1 year 2 months after the miscarriage). If you have difficulty trying to conceive and you are looking for alternative treatments, we will definitely recommend Dr Chong. To conceive, it takes both hands to clap; so Dr Chong will treat both husband and wife so that the chances of conceiving is at its optimum level.
The Chinese herbal medicine cost us $130 per visit and consultation fees can be given at your own accord in a red packet/angpow. Overall, I think we visited him about 5-6 times.
Our Gynae
Our Gynae is Dr Chen Chern Yi and Jacqueline has been her patient ever since she had to remove a fibroid in 2017. Our overall experience with Dr Chen has been insightful and pleasant, and she is also a very skilful and knowledgeable doctor. Just so you know, Dr Chen has got two clinics; one at Novena and the other at Punggol.
In terms of cost, the antenatal package that Jacqueline took up cost about $2K and that does not include the tests (NICE non-invasive prenatal test, Vitamin D deficiency test), jabs (whopping cough and common flu vaccination), vitamins (Vitamin D) and supplements (DHA).
Although the costs are slightly on the pricier side, we decided to go the private route to save time. After all, time is money and the more time we save, the more money we can earn back.
Mikayla’s Name
Many people ask why the name, Mikayla?
Before we knew the gender of our baby, my wife and I agreed that if the baby is a boy, his name will begin with J (Jacob), the initial of her first name; and if the baby is a girl, her name will begin with M (Mikayla), the initial of my first name.
So yes, when we have a baby boy next time, you can be sure his name is going to be Jacob.
For some unknown reason, the names, Jacob/Mikayla came to us naturally and it resonated strongly with us. Hence, the chosen names.
The meaning of the name, Mikayla
“The name, Mikayla, is the phonetic version of the Hebrew Michaela and a feminine form of Michael, an archangel who carried out God’s judgments and is known as the patron saint of soldiers. The name is associated with power and strength.”
Mikayla’s Chinese Name
Mikayla’s Chinese Name when translated to English means Universal Love and this name was specially chosen after a consultation with Master Yuan from Yuan Metaphysics.
Some Chinese Metaphysics (CM) Practitioner specialise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bazi Reading, and Taichi; while others may choose to specialise in Feng Shui, Amulets Making, Property Selection, and Chinese Name Selection. If you are looking for someone to do Chinese Name Selection, I highly recommend Master Yuan because this is an area that she is extremely talented in and passionate about.
Master Yuan’s approach to name selection is akin to that of song-writing. While there are many software out there that can generate a list of names based on one’s Bazi, Master Yuan takes name selection very seriously and she is very passionate about her craft.
Preparation for Mikayla’s Arrival
Singapore went into a state of partial lockdown a.k.a circuit breaker since 7 April 2020 and thankfully, Jacqueline and I had the foresight to buy all that we needed to prepare for Mikayla’s arrival.
Here are the stuffs that we bought before the circuit breaker to prepare for Mikayla’s arrival:
Baby Cot: Beblum Lavo 5, SGD$229
There are many brands of baby cot in the market but we chose the Beblum Lavo 5 Baby Cot because it is versatile and can be repurposed for many other different uses when Mikayla grows up.
What we really like about the Beblum Lavo 5 is that it is easy to assemble and it does not require any tools.
Diapers: Merries (Newborn), SGD$68.75 for 240 pieces (about SGD$0.30 per piece)
For diapers, we bought Merries and so far, we are quite satisfied with it. We will probably consider Offspring once we used up the Merries diapers that we bought but really, we don’t have any issue with Merries.
Cabinet to Store Mikayla’s Clothing: Ikea’s MALM Chest of 6 Drawers, SGD$169
We love putting our furniture together and Ikea’s MALM Chest of 6 Drawers is relatively easy to assemble. Tools such as a screwdriver will be needed but other than that, it’s really straightforward and not some rocket science.
Parenting Station: Combi Fealetto Auto Swing, SGD$759
The Combi Fealetto Auto Swing is really great to use. When we’re not putting Mikayla in the baby cot, we actually put her in the Combi Fealetto Auto Swing so that she can nap in the living room.
One of the coolest feature of the Combi Fealetto Auto Swing is the 4-speed auto-swinging function and the 7 different lullabies in 4-volume levels that can help the baby to be comfortable and fall asleep.
The Combi Fealetto Auto Swing can also be used as a high chair for dining when Mikayla grows up.
Stroller: Combi Mega Ride Stroller, SGD$559
The Combi Mega Ride Stroller is definitely not ideal for overseas travel as it is quite bulky and not so portable. If you are driving a hatchback or sedan car, you might have some difficulty trying to put this stroller into the car boot.
For us, it didn’t really matter since we don’t own a car and we wanted a stroller that is durable and rugged.
What we like about the Combi Mega Ride Stroller is the one-touch folding and opening feature which allows us to easily open and fold the stroller with one hand while holding the baby in another hand.
Wet Wipes: Korea Angeur Wet Wipes, SGD$17.98 for 800 pieces (about SGD0.02 per piece)
Although we like the scent of the Korea Angeur Wet Wipes and its wallet-friendly price, we might make the switch to Jeju Island Wet Wipes, another wet wipes brand that is rather popular among parents.
Breast Pump: Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump, SGD$450
We have heard so much about Hegen’s products from fellow influencers and naturally, we decided to go with the flow and got the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump. It is really simple to use, intuitive, and Jacqueline enjoys using it.
For new dads like me, Hegen’s products are really simple and easy to use. There aren’t many components and parts to deal with and they are pretty straightforward. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with the Hegen Milk Bottle.
Cuchen UV Steriliser, SGD$599
A gift from Jacqueline’s friends, we found the Cuchen UV Steriliser super useful because it saves us a lot of time from sterilising the milk bottles after washing. It can also be used to sterilise accessories such as cutlery too.
The Cuchen UV Steriliser comes with Medical Grade UV LED that enables a more thorough sterilising with no hidden corners. It also comes with alert indicators to remind us to replace the UV lamps and LED.
Again, this is simple and easy to use because of its one-touch easy operation.
We woke up at 5am so that Jacqueline can have a light breakfast before heading to the hospital for the admission process. Due to COVID-19, I was not allowed into the Operating Theatre (OT) but I am glad that I was able to accompany both Jacqueline and Mikayla, by staying overnight at the hospital to be with them.
When it was time for Jacqueline to be pushed to the OT, I was quite anxious and I was pacing up and down the corridor. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and I had a lot of thoughts going on in my mind.
When the midwife came out and called my name; she was pushing the hospital baby cot with Mikayla inside and the midwife offered to help me take some photographs with Mikayla. As Jacqueline was still in the OT being sewn up by the doctor, I followed the midwife to the nursery to complete the registration process.
We chose the Single Room in the Maternity Ward so that Jacqueline can have all the rest she needs and I can also likewise stay overnight to accompany her (FYI, only single rooms allows an overnight companion).
The room was really spacious and comfortable and there is an in-room mini-fridge which I use to store the snacks that I brought along for our “staycation”. Although there’s a desk for working; I don’t think anyone would have time and be in the right state of mind to take out their laptop and work.
If you intend to stay overnight as a companion, there is an additional charge of $92.45 (GST inclusive) per night and it includes 4 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, tea-break, and dinner).
Although we were given the opportunity to have Mikayla room-in with us, it felt a little awkward as Jacqueline was not able to move much due to her wound and the whole realisation of, “I am now a dad”, took a while to sink in.
I tried to learn as much as I could from the nurses; from carrying Mikayla to swaddling her.
If you are planning to deliver at Mount Alvernia, we recommend that you get the Alvernia Ladies Card which cost $68 for a 2-year membership term.
Some of the awesome benefits of the Alvernia Ladies Care are as follows:
$100 off total bill for single room (this benefit alone covers the cost of the card)
Complimentary 12-month Personal Accident Plan Coverage for member, newborn, and spouse.
Free 1 set of My First Skool uniform and mattress cover for each child enrolled.
In total, our total bill (hospital stay, surgery, medical consumables, and etc.) amounted to nearly $9K (this is the remaining amount that we have to cough out in cash after deducting approved delivery expenses from my MediSave account).
Jacqueline and I are indeed thankful for the wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and lactation consultant who have showered us with the best care and concern. Their words of encouragement were heartwarming.
Just before we left the hospital for home, we presented Mikayla at Mount Alvernia Hospital’s Chapel for a short prayer service and this is truly a special moment that I think only Mount Alvernia Hospital offers.
I really like how the government is going digital. It really makes everything convenient and saves us a lot of time too. In fact, I was able to collect Mikayla’s Birth Certificate at the hospital and I need not make a trip to the Immigrations and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) Building at all. From the app, we can also apply for the Baby Bonus, view immunisation records, and many more.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is very tough and painful at the beginning. On the 2nd day after the delivery, Jacqueline experienced engorgement and she was in quite a lot of pain. She almost wanted to give up breastfeeding but the nurses kept on encouraging her not to give up and they did their best to help her relieve the pain.
Even though breastfeeding can be quite time consuming and physically draining, Jacqueline is now pretty much used to the routine and that helps a lot. It’s almost like guard duty because the baby needs to be fed every 3-4 hours.
Newborn babies feed round the clock so it really helps if the dads get involved and help with changing the diapers or even playing with the baby so that the mums can get all the rest they need.
The 1 Month Confinement Period
There are a lot of myths, do’s and don’ts for the 1 month confinement period and not all mums practise it because it can be quite expensive. The confinement herbs alone cost at least $700-$800 a month.
For us, we gotten the 30 Days Exquisite Confinement Package (SGD$568) from Lao Ban Niang and this doesn’t include other Chinese medicinal herbs (cordyceps) and other ingredients (rice wine, black vinegar) that we purchased separately.
Confinement Nanny
As most of the confinement nannies in Singapore come from Malaysia, it is really difficult to get a confinement nanny during this period due to COVID-19
Thankfully, we managed to get Aunty Jenny (how we usually address her) from Star Confinement Nanny.
Aunty Jenny (as we would normally address her) has more than 10 years of experience and she has travelled to far-flung places like New Zealand and Australia to work as a confinement nanny. She cooks really well and is very knowledgeable in caring for newborn babies. From her, we have learnt how to change diapers properly, how to help the baby burp, how to bathe the baby, and also picked up a few tips and tricks from her.
It cost us more than $3k to engage a confinement nanny and this does not include the 2X red packet/angpow that we give (one on the first day of arrival and the other on the last day of work) to her and the household groceries.
Summary
Well, this is a super duper long post and the purpose of this post is to document our new journey stepping into parenthood.
There is a lot to consider when starting a family and the expenses can amount to quite a lot of money. This is why it is important to save up and be prudent on what we spend on. Where you can save, save; where you must spend, spend.
There are also a lot to learn as a new parent and information can come from so many different sources (grandparents-to-be, friends, colleagues, Internet, even confinement lady) that they sometimes conflict with each other.
As parents, we want the best for our children and sometimes, we got to trust our own instincts as to what’s relevant, what’s useful, and what’s age-appropriate. When it comes to your child’s well-being, always seek a medical professional for advise.
As an educator myself, I too have my own mindset as to how I will want to teach/educate my child and that itself will affect my parenting style as well. However, that’s probably a topic for another day.
You will probably be seeing more posts about parenting on our blog soon. 🙂
Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing great and keeping well.
I haven’t been gaming for quite a while now as I am juggling between work and parenting but when I do have pockets of time to play some games, I would take out my iPhone and start gaming.
The issue I have with playing free-to-play mobile games is that they aren’t exactly free. Yes, the games are free to play but if you want a good chance of winning the game, you would have to purchase add-ons to improve your character and the gameplay experience. Although there will sometimes be in-game ads that will give certain boosts and enhancements to your character, they do take up a fair bit of time and it can ruin the entire gameplay.
Recently, I was introduced to GameTop and I am simply amazed at the wide collection of free pc games that I could download and play. Now, I haven’t been gaming on my personal computer (pc) for ages, and with all honesty, GameTop’s website user interface did seemed quite dodgy to me at the beginning. However, after testing it for myself, I am confident to recommend GameTop if you are looking to download free games to play on your pc.
One really awesome thing about the free downloadable pc games on GameTop is that they are full version games with no trials and time limits. As there are hundreds of games available on GameTop, it can be quite difficult to go through all of them. Hence, your best bet is to go right to their list of top 100 games or to select the genre of games that you are most passionate about.
At this moment, I am playing two games that I downloaded from GameTop; Airport Madness 3D and Goodgame Big Farm. They are pretty fun if you like games that challenges and stimulates your brain. Well, since I am mostly on my computer, I suppose it now gives me more reason to game on the pc. Oh and one more thing that I almost forgot to mention, GameTop is a registered company in Singapore and they have supported the gaming industry for more than 10 years!
What pc games are you playing now? If you have download pc games from GameTop and you will like to recommend a game, feel free to comment below!
As man’s best friends, dogs have always been a popular choice of pets. Every single person who has ever owned a canine has definitely been delighted with their loyal nature as well as amazing instincts. There has never been a dog owner who said that they didn’t love their pet. The bond between humans and these animals has always been strong and that’s not about to change any time soon.
While the saying, “every dog goes to heaven” is widely accepted even by utter atheists, there’s no denying the fact that some breeds appear to be more popular than others. Whichever breed you own, you will definitely want to take the best possible care of your pet. As you can see at Pet Dog Pals, there are lots and lots of things you need to think about when you decide to keep a dog. From food to collars, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your canine leads a good life.
As I was saying, though, some breeds appear to be more popular than others. This seems to change from year to year.
Let us see what the year 2020 has to tell us regarding the most popular dog breeds. Who knows, you just might get surprised with some of the breeds that made it to this list. Here we go.
Labrador Retrievers
I suppose this one doesn’t come as a surprise at all. In fact, if Labrador Retrievers don’t make it to the list of most popular breeds, that’s when I will get surprised. They seem to have taken this throne a long time ago and nobody can take it away from them no matter how hard they might try. It takes but one look in the eyes of these pups to realise that they are the rightful owners of that throne.
Their goofy and friendly face makes them look as if they are always smiling at you. The trusting nature and the intelligence of Labrador Retrievers make them the first choice of most families with children. Children love them and they love children in return. Their helping instinct makes them the most popular choice for visually impaired people, which is just another reason why they deserve to be number one on this list.
German Shepherds
As opposed to the Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds have a firm, strict, and often times intimidating appearance, which makes them great guard dogs. Being protective by nature, this is the perfect breed for all those people who need to feel safer in a specific environment. Their intelligence and keen senses are also a plus when it comes to staying on guard and protecting their family.
Despite this intimidating appearance, German Shepherds are actually quite gentle dogs once you get to know them. They too love to cuddle and they tend to be very playful at times. It’s just that they choose who to cuddle and play with. In other words, they will maintain a strict and serious posture in front of strangers and then turn into silly little pups when with their family.
Poodles
This one might come as a surprise to you but poodles are actually among the most popular breeds in 2020. Here’s something even more shocking. According to some studies, they appear to be the world’s second smartest dog breed. Their intelligence, of course, isn’t why people love them so much. Sure, it’s a big plus, but it’s not the main reason.
I have no doubt that their popularity stems from their rather playful and often mischievous nature. If you decide to get this dog, you will find yourself frequently laughing at its actions. What’s more, you’ll spend even more time completely baffled and not being able to believe the things they did one after another. Poodles are intelligence mixed with mischief. That really is the perfect combination.
This is your next surprise. For a long time, people have criticised this breed for being too difficult to train. Obedience is not their best feature since their nose always gets the better of them and they get stuck following a certain scent that often takes them God knows where. This has made many owners rather frustrated. Everybody likes a dog that listens to their owner.
If you ask me, I believe that the very individualistic and independent nature of Dachshunds has made them so popular today. Sure, we all love a dog that obeys but we must admit that their independence is what amazes us. Dachshunds are highly intelligent and you will definitely be able to train them enough. However, I suggest you don’t completely suffocate their playful and curious nature because that’s exactly why you love them.
Beagle
What would this list be without a Beagle? They are highly intelligent and have been used to sniff out prey for many years. Today, they are more praised for their social skills and the ability to quickly get attached to strangers. This makes them perfect for people who love to socialise. Beagles are like the belle of the ball.
I could go on and on about why this breed is so popular all over the world and why people are crazy about Beagles. Let’s face it, though. There’s only one right answer to this question. We love them because of their big, floppy ears.
Got other breeds that you feel should be part of this list? Share with us your comments below!
The Crimson Sunbird is the national bird of Singapore.
The Crimson Sunbird is the national bird of Singapore.
