Indoor Date Ideas

Thankful for the internet, lock down is not so unbearable after all. Couples who are stuck at home could try these free resources available online for fun couple activities time. For couples who are in long distance relationship or quarantine, try these to curb the longing as well!  

I have included Conversation Starters to match the activities. They keep your date engaging, fun and memorable! Let the cyber date nights begin 💕

Online Game Night.
Play Taboo, Boogle or Rummy - just don’t use software to try and cheat to win (unless it makes the game more fun!) 😄 

💬 Conversation Starters: 

a. What was your favorite game when you were a kid? Mine was anything that involved pizza before playing.

b. Have you ever played Pictionary? Do you like it? All of my pictures seemed to look like a stick figure with a crown that was for some reason on fire. 😂

Screen capture of Youtube

Virtual Travel
Watch scenic videos together in high 4K or 8K resolution in Youtube. Some videos even offer 360view. Now we can finally see what the world looks like from on top of Mt. Everest! 👀

💬Conversation Starters: 

a. Where would you travel if you could go anywhere in the world? Maybe I’m lazy, but I think I’d choose my couch - to watch Netflix. 😆

b. What do you think it’s like in Antartica? I’m not positive, but I bet it feels a lot like how cold my shower is in the morning. 💦

Write a song for someone
Too hard to write a song? Get AI to help. You could be the next Lil’ Wayne or Garth Brooks...or maybe even Lil’ Garth!

💬Conversation Starters:

a. If you could have a celebrity write a song about you who would it be? How fun would it be to have a country song about you! 💞

b. If someone wrote a rap diss song about you...what would they say? I think people would pick on my ridiculous date night ideas. 😆

These are 3 of the romantic date ideas I have written for my ebook. This is my first book. I am so looking forward to share with you! Let you know here once it is published.

Stay home, stay safe, stay happy!

Molecular Gastronomy Food Science Event

Gastronomic Discoveries

The Seletar Mall engaged an event company to create a brilliant molecular gastronomy food science event at their level one Atrium. It started from late July till National Day holiday. Parents from all over Singapore brought their children to attend this fun event.

Participants spend about S$ 30 each to attend the event. And get to learn and taste science in a fun way for free!

Due to the popularity of this innovative edutaining event, the response was overwhelming. Participants had to wait for 2-3 hours during peak hours on weekend.

To fill up the time while waiting in the queue, some smart participants equipped themselves with books and power banks for their mobile games. Most patiently waited for 2 hours to get into the Gastronomic Discoveries event hall. Amazing to see some kids have the good discipline to behave well in the long queue.

It is easy to understand why people willingly waited as this is so much more experiential, engaging and educational than queueing hours for famous Char Kway Teow! :D We could see from their expression participants greatly anticipate to join the event.

 

The whole event journey is about half an hour but it is worth every minute of it! We learn from the mad-scientists the knowledge behind the interesting dishes we tasted and got absorbed in the fun fascinating science lab setting!

1st Station: Xbox Game - Fruit Ninja Game (for children)

2nd Station: Transparent dishes - Raindrop Fruit Desserts & Ravioli

 

3rd Station: Fruit Froth

4th Station: Litmus Test &/ Helium Sweet

5th Station: Spherification

 

Last Station: Nitrogenius Lab making ice cream burrito with pretty fluffy candy floss.

We got a stamp on our card for every station we completed and received a spoon as a reward!
I could see that everyone left the event feeling happy and fulfilled!

The best part about attending this superb memorable fun experiential event? - It is suitable for curious folks of every age! As an event trainer, organizer and designer, I must say the team of the event company – Ooffle – had really set a high bar with this innovative family event!

Satay

In 2011, a survey reflected that Singaporeans prefer Satay as the communion food for Singles day celebration.

This special day is especially meaningful to me as I am the first to revere this occasion in Singapore. I planned a High Tea at Suntec on 11 November 2007, about 50 singles attended. We even invited a drum band to add energetic vibes to the party.

Although we just lose our Singlehood, my hubby and I wanted Satay for supper to commemorate Singles Day. We drove aimlessly in Geylang and found Satay in a very crowded yet unassuming Kopitiam.

Kwong Satay

Well-featured and recognized

Address:
Sin Lian Eating House, 549 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389504
(Junction of Lorong 29 Geylang, below Hotel Yew Lian)
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm. Closed on Wednesday.

Satay sauce with visible peanut bits

Recommends:
1. Chicken Satay – XL chunks of tender juicy meat!

2. Pork Satay – Charcoal grilled. Soft and juciy. Similar to the Chicken Satay.

Ambience: 5 out of 10

Cleanliness: 7 out of 10

Celebrating 11.11

Remarks:
My hubby likes the Mutton Satay but I find a little tough.
This coffee shop also housed the famous Hokkien Mee, so be prepared to wait a while for seats. Road side parking available.

Salad

Feasting due to festivities often comes with an unwanted increase.. To counter the gain and guilt, I embarked on a diet on 2nd day of new year! Today I missed my breakfast. Instead of the usual Beef Hor Fun or Wanton Mee, I decided to settle for a bowl of salad for lunch. I've resigned to atone for my "sins" by munching plain veg like a cow for the next few weeks. But thank God, I chance upon this colorful salad stall at Amoy Street Food Market. Discovered that eating salad can be fun and economical too!

Roasted Pumpkin, Mushrooms, Sun-dried Tomatos, Pickled Onions
+ Carrot Orange with home-made Ceasar dressing.

The B Salad Kitchen

(Amoy Street Food Centre)

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, #01-37, Singapore 069111 (building)

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm. Monday - Friday (closed on public holidays)

Healthy choices

At $4.50, the salad comes with basic greens like lettuce, and 5 choices of toppings. Additional topping costs $0.50. Additional compound salad topping like poached chicken or smoked duck cost $1. Amazing price! Where else can we get smoked duck at $1?

10 exciting types of homemade dressing like Ceasar, Honey Mustard, Japanese Wafu, Thai Lemongrass, Teriyaki Mayo, Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic to Red Wine Vinaigrette are available.

Enclave with lots of yummy food

Recommends: 

1. Sun dried tomatoes (Toppings) –  Rare find. Gives depth to your salad.  

2. Roasted Pumpkin (Toppings) –  Naturally sweet. Well-roasted, fragrant and soft.

3. Sweet Potato (Toppings) - Goodness of purple potato. Tender to bite.

4. Pickled Onion (Toppings) - Crunchy onion with zest. Makes your greens more appetizing!

5. Orange Carrot (Toppings) - Carrot soaked in orange love.

5. Sandwich - Price range from $5 - $7, with choice of 3 toppings. Black Olive bread or Ciabatta bread.

About 30 types of toppings to chose from!

Ambience: 6 out of 10

Cleanliness: 7 out of 10 (it's a hawker centre anyway)

Remarks: 

Fresh greens with interesting variety of toppings. We shall never be bored to diet daily as the toppings are changed regularly.

The stallholders are pleasant, humble and helpful people. As it is a hawker centre, we might have to raise our voice to inform the vendor on the toppings you have chosen, especially during busy lunch hours. 

Public parking lots along Amoy street and Telok Ayer street.

Legoland

Lego has been my wished-for toy since young. Yap it is Lego, not barbie or 家家酒. I enjoyed Lego tremendously as it provides the freedom to create and build whatever comes to my mind. Coincidentally, it is also my boyfriend's favorite toy. When Legoland was launched, we jumped with joy! We bought 2 tickets through Groupon and visited our dreamland yesterday.

About 5 min walk from main road to the entrance.
A lot of walking required, do wear comfy shoes, sun block and hat.

 

 

This theme park is packed with innocent fun, interactive games and creative activities!

 

 

Variety of Lego bricks and parts sold here based on weight. Yes to more creativity!

 

 

Tables of Lego bricks in almost every corner of the park for us to play. 

Lego Chess set sold at the store, my ideal Christmas gift!

 

 

Happy Halloween!

 

Excited to see my beloved toy in human size!

 

 

A toy train! And we get to ride in it! Wohoo!

 

 

A guy picking up a lady in red, anything can happen in Miniland!

 

 

Gangnam Dance at Legoland.

 

 

Driving school. Too bad we are unable to join... Only for 6-13 years old.

 

 

Here, we could test our Lego construction if it could withstand earth quake.

 

 

My duck car and boyfriend's Kiasu truck. He likes it ultra long...

 

 

Drive a giant toy boat!

 

 

Spin and be shot!

 

 

After the wild rides, you may get this at the Minimart to curb the giddiness and nausea.

 

 

Tods get high! Vertical rides for kids.

 

 

Splash!!!

 

 

Behind this wall is the activity that got both of us crazy!
We get to aim, shoot and compare scores!

 

 

Tikum Tikum!
About RM 6 per game. RM 10 for 2 games.

 

 

We had good fun at Legoland. It reminds us the joy of  playing. It is only 15min away from the Johor custom. Excellent for couples and family bonding. The restaurants accept Singapre dollars too, very convenient for Singaporeans (about RM 20 per meal each). Hope to visit it again real soon! 

 

Perk Myself Up

What do you do when you are stressed, listless or upset?

Everyone has different preference to deal with their issues. Some likes to shop, some likes to get drunk, while some likes to pull a prank on others. Shopping is therapeutic but can be draining to our finances. Being drunk might get us into trouble. Pranks might cost us retribution and relations.

There are many activities that we can do to make ourselves feel fabulous. But we want the fun without damaging our purse or reputation.

I encourage you to draw up your own "Pamper Myself" list. Brainstorm 20 healthy activities you have done in the past which made you feel awesome.

My "Love Lydia" list:
1. Taking a bath
2. Going on nature walks
3. Meeting new friends
4. Re-arranging my room
5. Hearing an inspiring speech
6. Pleasing my parents
7. Watching a comedy
8. Playing board games
9. Singing
10. Gardening
11. Wearing smart clothes
12. Seeing good things happen
to my family or friends
13. Talking about Philosophy
14. Drinking hot ginger tea
15. Complimenting someone
16. Preparing a new dish
17. Swimming
18. Getting massage
19. Spending time with my loved one
20. Listening to relaxing music

You will be surprised that most joys are pretty simple to execute, inexpensive and wholesome!


This list is an incredible way to remind ourselves the varieties we have whenever we need a recharge! This "Love Lydia" list also acts as my saviour. It distracts me from binging on my favourite potato chips. Oh… how addictive these Wasabi flavoured potato chips are! I could chomp down 3 packets at one go! Imagine the guilt aftermath. :S

I saved this useful list in my handphone and refer it whenever I feel the need to indulge. You might prefer to write it down in a card and keep it in our wallet or paste it in front of your desk. Whatever is more effective for you. Happy Pampering!

Mothers Day

Besides the usual feast, I have been wondering how to celebrate Mothers Day creatively till I saw this video. My mum looks like the lady in this video. I showed it to her and she roared in laughter. Mum has a good sense of humor, her joyful laughter meant more than anything!

To all the mummies out there, Happy Mothers Day! May joy be with you always!



Just for laughs!

Chess

After running an international chess workshop for Clique Wise today, I realised 5 benefits of this age-old game.

Marco, from The Chess School, was explaining the game rules and strategies.

Benefits of Playing Chess:

1) Brain Health
Mental exercise is as important as physical exercise. Playing chess stimulates thinking and stretch our brain muscles, thereby improving our memory and helping us to be mentally alert to make decisions better and faster. Unlike mah-jong which has the risk of losing money, chess is a wholesome game to protect the mental faculties of senior citizens from degenerating.

2) Learning abilities
Research has shown that playing chess enhances learning development of kids. This game cultivates analytical reasoning ability and problem-solving skills; which is especially useful in mathematics and science.

3) Concentration
Build mental endurance as the game requires the players to stay calm and focused over long period of time.

4) Understand other's character
As we observe our opponent's facial expression and body language during the chess game, we get to know them more, as such we could manage the relationship better.

5) Social
Research has shown that playing chess fosters confidence, self-esteem and social skills. With healthy brain, we are able to establish more meaningful relationships.

Chess is a brilliant, interactive and fascinating game that enriches the mind and our social experience with people. A well fought game can be a fulfilling experience. Hope more will pick up this game, enjoy and favour from it!

My second game of chess. Thanks to all the coaching, White won.
To make the learning more interesting, I challenged the trainers to help Black win.

Madonna

Madonna takes the stage for the Bridgestone Super Bowl Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana on 5 February 2012. Amazing! After so many years, she still rocks! Truly an evergreen, the Queen of Pop! Enjoy the video!

Singapore's Singles Day Food Survey Result

Find out what locals say about the food chosen to signify Singapore's Singles Day from this video!

As president of Association of Dating Agencies and matchmakers in Singapore, I wish you a merry, memorable and meaningful Singles Day! We will be celebrating this occasion at REVEL tonight.

Celebrating Singles Day is an awesome reason to gather people together and meet new friends, encourage singles to embrace living and enjoy a tradition that is uniquely Singapore's!

Do spread the joy of Singles Day in Singapore!

Halloween in Singapore

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays celebrated by people from all over the world. In Singapore, it has become an exhilarating thematic festival which people get to play up their dream characters and party!

Instead of being spooky, Halloween has evolved to be amusing, artistic, creative, wholesome and localised.

Here are 5 Halloween costume ideas which I feel are uniquely Singapore:

Down-to-earth ~ It would be more Singapore if farmer boy puts local produce like Durian, Mangosteen or Rambutan in his basket.

Kampong glam ~ Malay couple growing old together, so sweet and inspiring!

Singapore school uniforms ~ Evoke wonderful memories of our childhood.

What's in vogue? ~ This popular Singapore TV drama revitalised the Nonya culture! Kebayas are rich in colors, accentuate the curves and attention-getting!

Multi-racial ~ Singapore is bountiful in folklore, culture and religion. Find a hero/shero that makes you rock!

With these Halloween ideas, what will you be this Halloween?