Before the end of the June holidays, we were happy to join Sengkang babies in the June holiday programmes organised by Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre. - Learn about the role of a Lifeguard and Pool Operator. 

Role of a Lifeguard

Denver and Gladys put on their big shades and was given a whistle to look like a lifeguard. Don't they look stylish?

Our instructor is a lifeguard himself and he is here to share with the children more about what a lifeguard does and the gears they hold with them. First, we need to know the proper attire to wear and proper hygiene to follow in the pool. No peeing or pooing in the pool and if there is any danger/emergency, spot the lifeguards in Yellow and Red attire which is the international colour. Every lifeguard has a walkie-talkie and a first-aid pouch for them to render first-aid. 

We were then led to a first-aid room where there are more equipments like first-aid box, AED where they can perform CPR to help revive the victims.

If you think being a lifeguard is only sitting down on their high chair and look, then you are absolutely wrong! Lifeguards need carry their float and make routine walks around the pool in an anti-clockwise direction to check for blind spots and dangers. It is not an easy task as they have to work long hours under the hot weather and stay vigilant and be very conscious with whats happening in the pool area at all times. The children took turns to carry the float and walk around the pool scanning for dangers.

We often see the lifeguards as authoritative figures in the swimming pool, whistling out to those who do not observe safety rules in the pool. Never did the kids thought they would have the opportunity to actually sit on their chairs and blow the whistle without having the lifeguards to send them off! 

I believe Denver & Gladys had a better understanding and appreciate the role of a lifeguard after the session. They were given a little star each to write down their thoughts and feelings.

Group photo with our lifeguard cum instructor. 

Role of a Pool Operator

Next, its time to learn more about what a pool operator does. Did you ever wonder how the waters in the pool are being maintained to keep its cleanliness? Everyday, there are so many people visiting the public pools and our pool operating instructor told us there are hairs and various dirty particles in the water. Therefore, the waters in the pool will go to a balancing tank and through the filters to remove the particles.

The water quality in the pool is also measured to ensure that the amount of Chlorine is within the accepted range. The children gets to collect sample, shake the water in the test tube and check against the colour code to see if the Chlorine level is good.

At the end of the session, the kids also share their thoughts on their stars and pinned them up on the wall. 

Another group photo with our instructor.

It has been a very educating experience to bring us more awareness of whats happening in the daily maintenance and operation of the swimming pools so that the public can enjoy the facilities happily and safely. I'm sure the kids learnt a lot and had lots of fun. Thank you Pasir Ris SRCs for inviting us and we hope more children and parents can join this programme to raise their awareness.

For more interesting and fun activities, LIKE and check out Pasir Ris SRC facebook page. :)

Disclosure: All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. Thank you Pasir Ris SRC for the invitation to experience and learn more about the role of a lifeguard & pool operator.

As we were 'touring' around The Grandstand (Level 4), we noticed a shop selling Children's designer clothing like Gap, Ralph Lauren, Levis etc. There are also shoes and accessories to complete your child's wardrobe.

Little Once holds a wide range of quality clothing suitable for babies, toddlers, boys and girls. 

There is also a little corner for the little ones to play while their parents are busy shopping. 

Little Once

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-17, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6468 7455

Website: http://www.little-once.com/

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Further ahead is The LPN (Learning Planet) Art School. Really enjoyed looking at the children's masterpieces that are hung on the walls and placed on the shelves. The colours are bright and vibrant. I think children gets to have lots of fun playing with their brushes (not having to worry too much about getting themselves and the place messy) and exposed to the various art techniques.

Art is an inspiring work and a great learning activity for children to develop their creativity, patience and motor skills. LPN emphasize that LEARNING is Fun and ART is Fun. It is a place where a child's imagination can be released in an enjoyable manner.

We met a girl working on her painting during our visit. She looked like a little artist who takes a lot of pride in her artwork - very focused and an eye for details.

LPN has art lessons for baby (18 months - 36 months) to children (up to 12 years old) as well as adult hobby classes. They also conduct programmes in Primary and Secondary schools. For more information, please refer to their website.

LPN Art School

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-09, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6238 0317

Website: http://www.artlpn.com/

My Kid's Spa started out in November 2012 and focuses on providing therapeutic massages. It is set up by mothers for mothers who love their children and want them to have the best.

They have a range of massage menu suitable for infant to children (6 years onwards).

- Infant Massage (0 months to 12 months)

- Toddler Massage (12 months to 24 months)

- Pre-Schooler Massage (2 years to 6 years)

- 'BadPack' Therapy (5 years onwards)

- Eye-AM-Stress Relief Therapy (5 years onwards)

- Sports Stress Therapy (5 years onwards)

- Digest-Ease Therapy (12 months onwards)

At Kid's Spa, every corner has been thoughtfully designed to make the entire area comforting and relaxing.  

The massaging room feels welcoming and I particularly like the foot massaging corner which is beautifully decorated with cute wall stickers and stuff toys. Children will definitely feel very pampered to be here.  

We pampered ourselves with a quick 10 minutes Mother & Child massage session. It was Gladys' first Spa session and she was totally clueless and shy. Luckily Mommy was there to accompany her and we did the massaging trial together! ^_^

The bed was mildly heated as our therapists massages on my body, neck and head. My back and shoulder was extremely stiff and strain but I felt better after the massage.

I like the idea of Mother & Child massages as it not only provides therapeutic effect on our bodies and mind, it was also a wonderful bonding session with my little one. Interestingly, they also hold Kids Spa Party for 6 to 20 children with Massage therapy for each child, high tea, handicraft session etc.

My Kid's Spa

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-20, Singapore 287994

(Accessible from Pasarbella lift lobby)

Telephone: 6763 9775

Website: www.mykidsspa.com
Email: mykidsspa@gmail.com

Disclosure: Sponsored Review - All comments and opinions are personal. Thank you for the invitation to experience and explore the designated shops @ The Grandstand.

Many people are leading a busy lifestyle and coping with stressful work commitments. Hence, Yoga is becoming a popular form of exercise to help reduce the stress, stimulate the mind, rejuvenate and restore the body. Yoga isn't just for adults. In fact, children can derive many benefits physically and emotionally.

YogaBugs, children's yoga specialist, introduce creative, imaginative and fun yoga to children through fun stories and games. Gladys had the opportunity to participate in one of their yoga session while we were at The Grandstand.

Gladys attending her first yoga session with lots of anticipation. 

The children gathered on their yoga mats and began with a series of warm ups and basic breathing techniques.Teacher Arissa then lead them into an adventure story, which was carried out in a fun and interactive manner to engage our little ones.

The incorporation of children's imagination and yoga postures allow them to actively follow the postures and stretches that were being directed by the teacher. Many of these postures help to relieve stiffness in joints and brings flexibility to the legs and back muscles. It improves the children's balance, flexibility and co-ordination skill. Other benefits include relief of headaches, sinus, asthma, constipation, stomachache and hyperactive.

Children gets to exercise, play and connect with their inner self as they develop their level of concentration and in turn relaxes their bodies. 

My personal favourite moment - Relaxation period. Gladys rests her body on the yoga mat as the lights in the room were darkened and soothing music fills the air.

Moment of Peace

It feels good to see Gladys following through the lesson as she tends to be a rather active girl, needing more patience and focus. Yoga definitely is a good exercise to help her improve in these areas.

YogaBugs have classes suitable for children from walking age till 12 years and they also offer fun and unique parties too. For more information, check out their website.

YogaBugs

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-21, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6469 1873

Website: www.YogaBugs.com.sg

Disclosure: Sponsored Review - All comments and opinions are personal. Thank you for the invitation to experience and explore the designated shops @ The Grandstand.

For those who adore art & craft, San Merinos is definitely a place that you should consider visiting. From knitting, stitching, embroidery to quilting, felting, you can find all your crafting needs here.

I LOVE Art & Craft since young and was really tempted by the variety of crafting projects you can find at San Merinos. The felting products are so CUTE that children and adults will fall in Love with them instantly! I was totally mesmerized by the handmade felting cleaner and the puffy Punyu2 mascot. They are so soft and nice to cuddle. Was told that it is not hard to make and can be done within a few hours using needle felting! I would love to try and make one next time. :)

Different types of yarns, threads, ribbons, fabric available in the shop. San Merinos holds a wide variety of products from Japan, Europe, UK and US where you will be spoilt for choices. 

 Thanks to San Merinos, Gladys and I will be doing 2 different crafts - UV resin (Mommy) and Needle felting (Gladys).

Materials needed for needle-felting: Felt wool, needle-felting applique mould (comes in different designs), needle-felting mat, pen style needle-felting tool and felt cloth. 

For today's felting craft, Gladys needs to use the pen-style needle felting tool that comes with 3 needles. 

Step 1: Place the felt cloth on top of the needle-felting mat.

Step 2: Place the  needle-felting applique mould (Gladys chose a hedgehog design) on top of the base fabric.

Step 3: Pull out some wool and insert wool roving into the mold.

Step 4: Use the pen-style needle-felting tool to punch the wool into the cloth.

Repeat Step 3 & 4 until the design is completed.

While our little girl was focusing on her craft work, Mommy gets busy with her very first UV resin craft!

We were provided with the UV resin craft kit which comes with a pendant, 2 different coloured paper and printed flower patterns.

Step 1: Cut your preferred colour backdrop for your pendant.

Step 2: Stick it firmly on the pendant.

Step 3: Cut out the printed flowers and place them (one at a time) on the pendant.

Step 4: After each printed flower is placed, a layer of UV resin has to be applied evenly around the pendant and dry under UV light.

Repeat Step 4 until all the patterns have been placed. You can also customize your pendant by adding glitter or gems on it. 

Waiting for the resin to dry under the UV light. 

Ta-Tah! This are our final products! :) Gladys' hedgehog and butterfly using the needle-felting technique and my beautiful flower pendant. Children (like adults) can also participate actively in needle work as long as they handle the needle with care.

Craft works not only train your motor skills, it also build up your patience and an eye for detail. Exercise your creativity and personalize your craft. Gladys & I had a fun-filled session and was exposed to more craft ideas that is currently available and popular in the market.

Apart from the DIY crafts that is readily available for you to purchase, San Merinos also holds crafting classes (from basic to advance level) and you can find more information here.

San Merinos

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-12, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6464 6332

Website: www.sanmerinos.com

Disclosure: Sponsored Review - All comments and opinions are personal. Thank you for the invitation to experience and explore the designated shops @ The Grandstand.

Continuation from our little tour around The Grandstand, we were attracted by the fragrant scent from  AdamHue. Specialized in enzymatic cosmetics using germinated and fermented seeds & grains, the brand name GF7 is relatively new in Singapore but holds good sales record in other countries. It uses Nanotechnology to extract the enzymes and make it into enzymatic cosmetic.

Special Deals in June:
AdamHue is giving away a set of Biogen White Solution (6 week treatment to achieve a brighter and glowy skin) when customer purchase a full set of GF7. 

Apart from the range of cosmetic products, AdamHue also sells handmade cosmetic that can be used for various skin types and holds soap making class that is suitable from parents and children to participate.

This activity is suitable for children aged 4 and above and they can learn how to create their very own soap within an hour.

For the beginner soap making class, each will receive 250g of soap base (make 5-7 soaps), choose 2 colours and fragrances for their soaps and bring their soaps home when its done in the beginner class!

First, the soap base is melted and Gladys helped to stir the mixture before adding the colour of her choice. Surprising she did not choose pink and decided to go with red and purple. A drip or two into the solution will do the trick. :)

After giving it a good stir, Gladys chose her preferred scent and dripped 2 drops of fragrance oil into the mixture. Next comes her favourite moment... choosing the shape of the mold to make her soap and pouring the mixture into it. They are so many designs to choose from and we could not decide which one to pick. 

Not a single drip of mixture was wasted as Gladys poured them in with lots of care. Look at the colourful mixture in the mold! Can't wait to see how it will look like when its dry.

It doesn't takes too long for our soap to harden. Gladys was looking forward to take her soap out of the mold and wrapped them nicely into the plastic bag.

It was a very fun-filled session and both children and adult can participate actively. If you are not into soap making (available in beginner, intermediate, advance level), there are also lip balm, candle making as well as body cream making class to consider.

AdamHue Pte Ltd

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-15, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6467 1008

Website: https://www.facebook.com/AdamhueSG


Disclosure: Sponsored Review - All comments and opinions are personal. Thank you for the invitation to experience and explore the designated shops @ The Grandstand.

It has been many years since we last visited Turf City. Didn't realise that it has under-gone another major facelift and is now renamed as "The Grandstand". Spreading over 2 million square feet, the new family lifestyle hub has a combination of F&B outlets, children enrichment activities and other family orientated facilities. We are extremely thrilled that it also offers ample free carpark lots and daily shuttle bus service to The Grandstand making it more accessible to the public.

Apart from dining and marketing at the hyper-mart, there are many activities families can engaged in at the various centres located on Level 4 of the lifestyle hub. We visited a couple of shops over the weekend and will be giving an insight on what they have to offer at The Grandstand.

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Gladys had the opportunity to drop by "Bricks 4 Kidz" last weekend and experienced how to build a model using their specially designed project kits. Through quality play, children get to have fun as they develop their intellectual and motor skills.

The learning and play area is spacious, brightly lighted and clean. Boxes of Lego sets on the display rack caught Gladys' attention immediately

Safety rules and expectations were set at the beginning of the lesson to ensure that everyone will have a fun time learning and building their model together. The children watched short video clips and was exposed to interesting fun facts of what they will be building later on.

 This is a sample of what the children will be building in the lesson. :)

Each child will be given their own project kit with all the required lego components nicely placed within.

Gladys was so excited and couldn't wait to start! She followed the step-by-step instruction manual closely, ensuring the right pieces were picked and fixed together. Not only was it a test of patience, model building actually helps to stimulate her mind to observe, think and perform problem solving when things go wrong.

Everyone was very focus on building their seal model. The level of joy and satisfaction can be clearly seen on their faces as they progress and complete their project. 

 Gladys admiring the final product. 

This is the Seal model Gladys has built! 100% satisfaction and happiness as she did it on her own. ^_^

It was a very fulfilling experience for Gladys as she puts on her thinking hat and goes through the entire process of building the blocks from scratch to a complete, movable model. We don't have to go to Legoland to experience Lego Fun.

"Bricks 4 kidz" conducts lessons specially crafted for children of various age groups and they comes in different themes. They also host parties, celebrations and events for children that aims to be fun, memorable and educating. For more information of the services they provide, please refer to their website for details.

Bricks 4 kidz

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #04-11, Singapore 287994

Telephone: 6466 9422

Website: http://www.bricks4kidz.com.sg/

Disclosure: Sponsored Review - All comments and opinions are personal. Thank you for the invitation to experience and explore the designated shops @ The Grandstand.