bbq @ east coast park

It was a perfect night for a bbq with good friends at East Coast Park. It was nice hanging out there at night with the view of the ocean.  This definitely needs to happen more often!

carpenter & cook: bakery meets vintage

After hearing about this cafe from lady iron chef’s blog, I was so excited to check out Carpenter & Cook here in Singapore. I loved all the mismatched vintage furniture including chairs with crosses carved out on the back because they must have been from a church. Our table had this antique foot pedal thing on the bottom because it must have been a sewing table. All around the cafe we saw vintage pieces like type writers, scales, mirrors, clocks and more that are on sale and add to the decor. The inside of the cafe was  a bit smaller than I expected. It probably would not be a good place to go if you have a really big group of people.

All the food is baked at the cafe. They had a good variety of baked goods from quiches, breads, passion fruit tartes, croissants, scones, muffins and more. My blueberry crumb muffin was definitely the best muffin I’ve had in Singapore so far. The chocolate caramel sea salt tart was my FAVORITE! I loved the sweet and savory taste of it. It melted in my mouth. The passion fruit tart had a unique and sweet taste to it. They also sold a variety of homemade jams and biscuits  as well. I would definitely come back here again!

Carpenter & Cook is located on 19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06, Singapore 598120.

Running Through MacRitchie Reservoir

Another thing on my to do list in Singapore was to go on the tree top walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. This past Sunday, I finally made the trip, which I realized was not too far from my apartment. I was reminded that I live in one of the most amazing places in the world. The fact that I have access to amazing nature reserves less than 30 minutes from my apartment is pretty unbelievable. On the trail I did see some monkeys and luckily no snakes. I was really blown away by the beauty and peace here. I felt like I stepped into the jungle and most of the time on the trails I was the only person.

It was my first time there and I knew there was a 10km loop that I could make around the whole reservoir. After about 6 km, I finally reached the tree top walk! However, getting back to the starting point was not an easy task. I couldn’t really leave the trail anywhere on the path. I had to walk to certain exit points. I didn’t want to risk going on a trail that led me somewhere else from the starting point. I didn’t know if there would be a bus or taxis that would be easily accessible, so I decided to go all the way back to my starting point and complete the loop. However, I got a bit lost on my way.  A few hours later I made it back and according to my nike run app, I ran and walked a total of 15.5 km!! Next time, I’m going to figure out how to get on the right trail…

Of course I took some pictures on my iphone while I was running.

I’m also participating in a race tomorrow, which will cross off #6 on my list. Being the goal-centered person that I am,  I’m currently working on coming up with a list of cafes/dessert places to check out in Singapore. Let me know if you have any good suggestions or just want to join me for good desserts.

Jurong Bird Park

On Saturday, I had a chance to visit the Jurong bird park here in Singapore for the first time! A special thanks to my Petrina who got us free tickets! I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was pretty impressed. It was pretty big and had a lot of exhibits. Unfortunately, it rained and we had to cut our visit a bit short, but we still got to see a handful of exhibits and one of the shows. I would definitely have to say that the penguins were my favorite! Next on my list, is to go to the Singapore zoo and the newly open River Safari to see the pandas!!!

 

Last Minute Frenzy

Slice of Life Challenge Day #22

As the teachers were anxiously counting down the minutes left until spring break starts, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Once my students had left and I was left alone in the classroom, I did not feel as relieved as I should. I still had a lot of work to get done. Work that I didn’t want to think about during the vacation.

I needed to finish my lesson plans for the following week and try to organize my thoughts and prepare for a few new units coming up. Originally, I thought I could leave right after school ends. Unfortunately, there always seems to be tasks that come up at the end of the school day. Two hours later, I got to pack up my things and finally leave school.  I packed a few teacher books, some student work and a children’s book I’m hoping to read over break. I realize that I am probably being over ambitious considering I will be in Vietnam for most of my break.  2 more days until I leave for Hanoi! Hopefully I’ll be able to slice from there. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Anyone else doing something exciting for their spring break?

my favorite meal

Slice of Life Challenge Day #16

I would definitely have to say that Saturday brunch would be my favorite meal of the week. There’s something special about being able to sleep in on a Saturday morning. It’s about going to brunch with friends after a long and stressful week.  It’s about being able to order breakfast food even if it’s 12pm. It’s about good food and honest conversations.

Today, I had a hard decision to make. What to eat for brunch. I ended up going with my gut and choosing the pancakes at Food for Thought, located at the Botanical Gardens. It was a good decision. Pancakes with berries on top, a side order of bacon and an iced lime tea.

So cheers to Saturday brunches, good conversations with friends, and a slice of pink velvet birthday cake. I have fallen for you again, my dear brunch. Until next time.

What’s your favorite meal of the week?

thankful thursday

Slice of Life Challenge Day #14

I’m thankful for…

• The opportunity to live in Singapore and learn new things about the people and culture here.
• A classroom of 22 students who knows how to laugh, learn and love.
• The unchanging hot and rainy weather in Singapore. 
• The cool breeze that comes through my balcony at night.
• Moments of laughter as I get to know my students better.
• Seeing students be able to share their reflections, growth and learning with their parents. 
• Fresh salads from salad stop
• Loving and meaningful interactions between students and parents.
• Delicious lemon bars from our school cafeteria.
• Conversations with friends over free steak sandwiches. 
• Being able to do what I love everyday. 

What are you thankful for today?

wordless wednesday: possibility

The Frenzy Before the Conferences

Slice of Life Challenge Day #13

The Frenzy Before the Conferences

Here’s my list of things I’ve accomplished and need to get done in prep for our student-led conferences tomorrow and Friday!

Update student work on my bulletin board outside. CHECK

Put up current classroom charts in my classroom. CHECK

Print and laminate photos of students. CHECK

Post the photos in the classroom bulletin board. CHECK

Clean my desk. CHECK

Print Conference schedule printed out and hanging outside the classroom door. CHECK.

Have students complete packet of reflections on their growth as learners in different subject areas. CHECK

Have students prepare and organize writing portfolios to share. CHECK

Have students help set up classroom desks and materials for stations. CHECK

Have students prepped with descriptions and expectations of the different stations for conferences. CHECK.

Have students practice run through of the stations with classmates for an hour before the schools day ends. CHECK.

Have student goals sorted and in order of when they are coming in with parents. CHECK.

Read through and add new strengths to the goals sheet. CHECK.

Pick out a good teacher outfit for conferences.

Get a good night’s sleep.

side by side

Slice of Life Challenge Day #12

This year, I had my students to join with me on the slice of life challenge. It has brought a new twist to the challenge for me. I am pleasantly surprised by their slices as I get a new peek into their daily lives. When I get home from school, not only do I get excited when I receive e-mails for comments on my posts, but when I see that they’ve linked their slice of life post I can’t wait to read what they wrote.

I see the students excited to blog and receive comments. I see them thinking more deeply about their daily lives. I see them able to look at the small moments in their lives and write about it a way that draws you in. I see them becoming better writers. I see them looking at the world with a writer’s eye.

I’m excited to see how they feel at the end of the challenge. Some of my students have committed to blogging every single day. I am curious to see which ones will make it to the end. I’m anticipating the sense of accomplishment that they will feel on March 31st after 31 days of blogging. I patiently write and wait, hoping that they will see the power in their words.