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at the chias

at the chias

making a home | finding beauty in the ordinary | living for things that matter

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atthechias

July 14, 2024 · In: Motherhood

A review of children’s storybook Bibles we’ve read

As a Christian parent of young children, it’s important to me that my children are exposed to the Bible and the rich stories within that tell of God’s character and…

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chiba japan

March 20, 2024 · In: Travel

A week in Chiba, Japan – A countryside alternative to a Tokyo itinerary

We spent a relaxing week in Japan with our young children, exploring the Chiba prefecture (where Narita Airport is!) and without even heading into Tokyo. This article is for you…

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hanoi ninh binh itinerary

January 3, 2024 · In: Travel

One week in Hanoi and Ninh Binh with kids

We’re always game for the next family adventure, and this one, during the March school holidays in 2023, took us up North to Vietnam. This article covers our itinerary, recommendations…

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rent car taiwan

December 19, 2023 · In: Travel

Can you self drive in Taiwan? Here’s our take.

The easiest way to explore Taiwan with young children is by private car, but do you get a driver or drive yourself? This was the question we asked ourselves. It…

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November 5, 2023 · In: Gift Guides, Motherhood

Gifts for toddlers and preschoolers to encourage an interest in nature

Taking your toddler or preschooler outside is a great way to help them connect with nature and learn about the world around them. But sometimes, it can be hard to…

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kitchen essentials singapore

October 24, 2023 · In: Gift Guides, Home Living

The best kitchen essentials recommended by us

Starting a new home? Just got keys to your HDB BTO or new condo, and wondering what essentials you need in your kitchen? This article is our list of recommendations…

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I’m Audrey, a mom of two, living in sunny Singapore. Here, I hope to share inspiring ideas and snippets of our daily ordinary life, to spur you onward and upward.

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A guide to the best non-toy gifts for 1 year olds

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@atthechias

We love our Yoto mini players, but buying audio ca We love our Yoto mini players, but buying audio cards can be overwhelming. We usually offer a limited number of cards to each child at a time, but they can request for other cards if they have something specific they’d like to listen to. 

Over the years, the Yoto players have brought hours of stories to our children’s ears. Here’s where we get most of our audio!

For more about our Yoto use, check out my IG story highlight on my profile.
June holidays are special. Unlike the year-end bre June holidays are special. Unlike the year-end break, they don’t coincide with festivities or a time when adults in Singapore usually take a holiday (unless they have school going kids). It’s one of the best months to be a kid in Singapore, imo. Lots of fun (and many free) programmes specially tailored to children. 

Yes, nature in temperate countries is generally more comfortable. But our heat and humidity gives rise to a biodiversity unparalleled by any place outside the tropics. While we do enjoy travel, having fun and engaging in and with our country builds relationship with the land, culture and people, and deepens the rootedness the children feel here. 

The kids also look forward to events that happen specially during the holidays — forest school, sleepover at the grandparents’, visiting dad’s office. These traditions mark the passing of time, and chart growth. 

Not pictured, lots of time doing “nothing” at home, reading, crafts, and trips to the zoo, parks and museums.
Early motherhood isn’t exactly the most glamourous Early motherhood isn’t exactly the most glamourous of seasons. Yet, it doesn’t mean that it has to be sloppy and less-than. 

A tip I learned early on is to focus on 3 simple areas to keep myself looking and feeling presentable. It could be as simple as dressing well even if I’m only going on a grocery run, putting on basic makeup even if I’m only seeing my family, and drying and styling my hair so it stays healthy and shiny. You could even “cheat” with things like a gel manicure or eyebrow embroidery, that don’t require daily maintenance. 

The @dyson_sg Airwrap i.d. is an all-in-one tool that works for both quick and easy hairstyles, and more involved ones. I can blow-dry and brush out my hair at the same time, without having to use a separate brush. For special occasions, the app helps me tailor the heat and timing settings for the perfect curls or waves, without me having to remember or count as I go. 

Search on @shopee_sg BQL-QGV-KGE

#DysonCollectivePlus #DysonSG #DysonHome #DysonBeauty
On mixed aged friendships, and no, I don’t mean fo On mixed aged friendships, and no, I don’t mean for your kids

As much as I love watching my kids in mixed-age environments, cultivating relationships with kids of different ages, I’ve come to realise that such friendships aren’t just good for children, they’re good for adults too. 

==

Today we were driving in the CBD, and a familiar aunty was crossing the road in front of us. I waved frantically and excitedly through the window. 

Many years ago, when I was breaking under the weight of a toxic work environment, I found myself in her office during a lunch break. You see, she’s a GP with a clinic near my workplace. No biggie that she’s 1.5 generations ahead of me. 

In that moment, what I needed was an older, wiser, friend, and she was that to me. I left the clinic with an MC and some drugs for my psychosomatic symptoms, and a dose of courage to confront my struggles. 

==

A few months ago, while digging up letter-writing stationery for my children, I unearthed a letter written to me when I was 12. My mum’s friend, who was living in Japan, was like a penpal to me back then. She’s a generation ahead of me. 

As a tween, my peers weren’t mature enough to be giving good advice, and it’s an age where it’s hard to be receptive to everything parents say. An older friend who isn’t a parent can say much more, and that she did, to encourage me in that season. To this day, she continues to encourage me in my season!

==

Becoming a parent, I’ve started to see friends who are half a generation ahead of me as treasures in my life. Parenting is hard. There is so much unknown that we face. Yet, having carried their babies and now watching them launch those babies into adulthood, I have stronger conviction of the impact of my role as a parent, and deeper understanding of how I steward but not author my children’s lives. 

==

If you’ve read till this point, all this to say, go find friends who are of a different generation from you. There is so much to gain from building relationships with people of different ages. And yes, I do need to invest in relationships with younger friends too!
“What’s for lunch?” “Can I have a snack?” This @t “What’s for lunch?”
“Can I have a snack?”

This @tjean_online steam oven has multiple functions packed into a small box, perfect for our small homes. I was impressed by the quality of the finishings and versatility of the machine. It’s probably best suited for small families — this machine will go to my parents now that they’re empty nesters. 

Other than the functions featured here, it can also dehydrate fruit, ferment yogurt, and steam bake. I used the probe thermometer to cook juicy chicken breasts, and you can do the same with other meats (roast beef anyone?). 

Find it on Shopee: ADU-SFZ-LPV

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