Harry Potter's Collecting Magic: From Stamps To Wands Exhibition at Singapore Philatelic Museum

ABBEY: We wanted to visit Harry Potter stamp exhibition but there is a fee. So we went there on a holiday, during 2017 Chinese New Year. And it is free. 

You can take snaps with your "luggage" halfway thru Platform 9 3/4 and with Hedwig. You can board a cabin of Hogwarts Express or the Quiditch broomstick, Dhoby, the wizards and witches' wands were there as well. 

Stamps and postcards were on the display. But one group caught my attention. It is the stamp version of Harry Potter book covers. For a minimum of 5SGD you can dress up with Hogwarts uniform and feel the wizarding world's magic.

Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Singapore : Stamps

Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Singapore : Wands 

Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Singapore : Station 9 3/4

Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Singapore : Quidditch Ball

Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Singapore

WILL: I have read this Harry Potter's Collecting Magic Exhibit at Postcrossing.com and as wife of a big fan of Harry Potter, I set a schedule for us to visit it. 

We celebrated the second day of Chinese New Year in Singapore Philatelic Museum. We arrived around 5pm and since there are live performances downstairs we took the chance to roam around the exhibition room with few museum goers. 

I am fascinated to see their different wands for different characters. They have a small cubicle in there for you to feel how the train is going to Hogwarts seems like. Broomstick with a nice background to have a photo op. You can rent costumes for only $5 (will be donated) as long as you can. :) 

I collect stamps and I am joyful to see those collector items and even postcards from different parts of the world.

A Harry Potter fan too? Don't miss this exhibit. Free for all Singaporean and PR. $8 for foreigner.

***

(Harry Potter) Collecting Magic: From Stamps To Wands

(A) 23-B Coleman Street Singapore Philatelic Museum

(D) 02 Nov 2016 - 25 Jun 2017

(H) Monday to Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm

(F) Adult: $8; Child: $6; 

Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

Saizeriya - Italian Pasta Restaurant in City Square Mall in Singapore

ABBEY: At last we're able to dine at Saizeriya. We went to their branch at City Square Mall. The seats were like booth-style and the ambiance is like the diners shown in movies. 

I got garlic sirloin steak (12.90SGD) and garlic focaccia (2.20SGD). The steak is tender and flavorful. I ate three quarters of the way before I remember asking Wilma to taste it :) The smell of freshly-baked bread is really enticing. The focaccia taste great; soft and hot. 

For 3.80SGD, you can have whatever drink is there in the drink bar; sodas, juices, tea and coffee.

Saizeriya - Italian Pasta Restaurant Menu

Saizeriya - Italian Pasta Restaurant Menu

Bacon and Mushroom Risotto

Garlic Sirloin Steak

Saizeriya - Italian Pasta Restaurant Menu

Garlic Focaccia and  Mozzarella di Ravioli

WILL: I had seen someone who dined here at Saizeriya and gladly announced in her Facebook wall that the food is not compatible with its taste. Well, as her comment posted, the food is yummy and yet it came with a cheap price. Who wouldn't be enticed on that right? And on that, I asked Abbey  to dine out and for us to check it on ourselves. 

We went for Saizeriya's City Square Mall branch. I went for Bacon and Mushroom Risotto, Mozzarella di Ravioli and a glass of Red Italian Wine. 

When the risotto was served, Abbey instantly saw my "dismayed-look". The rice or should I say "risotto" swims in its bowl of cream. Actually it cannot be considered as a cream, because its texture is like water. But because I do not want to ruin the moment.. our date, I took few spoonful and passed the rest to Abbey. 

My ravioli came and gladly it compensated my anxiety with the first food served for me. I indulged on it on every bite. Lovely! But when I sipped their S$3.90 wine, my face cringed and I took a long deep breath. Abbey immediately told me "What are you expecting for a cheap wine?", then I rest my case. 

I went to the counter with a smile and learned that I will be coming back to Saizeriya for their Mozarella di Ravioli and nothing else.

***

Saizeriya City Square

(A) 180 Kitchener Road #B2-55/56 City Square Mall

(T) 6834 4877

(F) 6834 4911

Be Singapore Red Cross Blood Heroes - Donate Blood Now!

ABBEY: I missed the whole 2016 to donate blood. So I'm really excited when Wilma schedule our donation February 2017. Yes, "our" donation. 

She will give some of her blood too. This is my fourth time while hers is first. I always tell her that it will be fine and it will finish fast. I'm proud of her accomplishment to conquer her fear of needles and for us to help the community. This will be our regular contribution. I wanted to give back as my mother was a recipient for blood transfusion after her operation due to breast cancer. 

Read my wife's story below.

WILL: I totally hate needles poking my skin. I do not like to look on blood flowing out of a body. But I know that one of the greatest thing to share is my own blood. 

This is the challenge stated by Abbey in exchange of my Marathon dare. But I pushed it until Feb of 2017 to condition myself and to give a face-to-face battle with my fear.

Broccoli, spinach, chicken and pork liver are on our weekly menu list to boost up our iron in our blood. We slept 8-10 hours every day and make it sure to hit the road or gym twice a week for our exercise. 

We supposedly scheduled to have it by Saturday, but we went one day earlier, 3rd Feb. (Please take note to ladies that you cannot donate blood if you are having your menstruation) We filled-up our form, the concierge key-in our details on Red Cross Singapore database, went to room number 2 to check our BP, weight and if we understood the questioners given on the form. Next room, they will get few samples for me them to see if your hemoglobin passed the count. 

Few minutes later, I am sitting inside the room waiting having an eye contact and exchanging smiles with the other donors. Oh! I have a badge that it will be my first time to donate blood. :) 

The attendant compared my veins from my right and left arm and decided to take on my right. She applied alcohol, open up an anaesthesia, she waited for a minute and viola! I saw how big the hole of the needle that will sip out my blood. Instead of looking away (my usual thing), I stared into the needle and the memory is vividly clear how it went in to my arm and the blood start to run down on the tube. Haha! It is indeed a an achievement for me. Facing one of my greatest fear. Now I am officially a BLOOD HERO! 

Blood represents life and it is not only great but holy to give a part of you... part of your body with someone in need.

***

Singapore Red Cross - Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut

(A) Dhoby Xchange (Near Exit B) #B1-05/06/07/08/09 11 Orchard Road

(H)Monday to Wednesday, and Friday: 12pm to 8pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Thursday and Public Holidays: Closed

New Year Eve, Chinese New Year Eve and Christmas Day Eve: 9am to 2pm

Can You Donate Blood?
There are some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to become a blood donor. 
You may become a donor if you:
1. Aged between 16 and 60 (Youths aged 16 and 17 will need to complete and bring a signed parental consent form)
2. Weigh at least 45kg
3. In good health
4. Do not have any symptoms of infection (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea) for at least one week
did not have fever in the last three weeks
5. Have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5g/dl (A test will be administered by trained nurses at the donation site) Click here for more information about haemoglobin levels.
6. If foreign worker, pass must be valid at least 4-months.
7. You should not donate blood during pregnancy or menstrual period.
8. Traveled outside Singapore? Check how many weeks/months you can be qualified before the day of donation.  

The Donation Process
The whole donation process involves just six simple steps and takes an average of 45 minutes to complete:
1. Form Filling (5 mins)
2. Registration (5 mins)
3. Medical Screening (10-15 mins)
4. Haemoglobin Check (5 mins)
5. Blood Donation (10-15 mins)
6. Rest and Refreshment (15 mins)
Light refreshments will be provided while you rest for 10-15 minutes. This is to ensure that you feel well before leaving the blood collection site.

Llaollao (Singapore) Natural Frozen Yogurt

ABBEY: Another trend that came to Singapore is the frozen yogurt. And there are very long queues when Llaollao (pronounced as yao-yao), Spanish origin, opened its doors to serve this frozen delight. 

The small one is not enough for Wilma so I always buy the largest size. We always go for the natural without toppings, but recently, we tried putting something on it. 

Sanum item will allow you to choose three fruits, 2 crunch and a serving of sauce. The yogurt is creamy and smooth and not that sweet. 

A large serving costs almost 7SGD. Splurge into this treat from time to time.

WILL: Whenever I am drooling for some frozen yogurt all Abbey need to do is take a few steps to buy me KFC yogurt or Llaollao. My husband always go for plain, no toppings at all. Until...

Until Chat, yes Nurse Charito told me how nice the cookie sauce of Llaollao. Before, my braincells will automatically chase the creamy and yet sour taste of froyo once or twice a year but now! Gosh! Now! It is about daily. Why? The taste of cookie sauce reminds me of McDonalds' (Philippines) caramel syrup on their sundae. Yummy!!! 

Now, I am starting to halt this craving of mine. Because Llaollao is expensive. Yes! It is! $6.95 for the large serving (includes free 3 toppings). Out of the daily budget. Haha! But nonetheless it is their cookie sauce that is the best. :) 

***

Llaollao (Singapore) Natural Frozen Yogurt

(A) 83 Punggol Central #01-63 West Wing, Waterway Point

(P) 6733 2500

(H) 11AM - 10PM

(A)  1 Sengkang Square, #01-24 Compass One, Compass One

(P) 6733 2500

(H) 11AM - 10PM

Hattendo Cafe: Japan's Famous Cream Buns are Now in Singapore

ABBEY: Wilma is a fan of bread and pastries. And I hope you could see her lit-up face when she showed me a video of Japanese cream buns of Hattendo Cafe. All I heard, I want these, please? Then an idea came to me. I'll buy it, deliver to her office before I go to work. Next thing I know, I was queuing at the shop. 

Only 10 buns per person. So I connive with the ladies behind me and I left the shop with 20. Wow. We didn't eat them all, we gave some of them to her colleagues. It costs 2.50SGD a piece and needs to be refrigerated. Ice packs will be provided. 

The bun melts in your mouth and there is a good amount of filling in it. The filling is not too sweet so you can eat 2-3 pieces in one sitting as they are only bigger than bite size. 

We're not able to try the red bean as it was sold out. Five flavors to choose from: custard (signature), cream, chocolate, green matcha, red bean.

Hattendo Cafe Flavours
And Abbey's Note to Will

WILL: I saw a video of TheSmartLocal regarding a new store opened about cream puffs. Yes! I luuurvvve cream puffs. Immediately, I requested my Honeybunch to treat me some of those. 

I am surprised that he is in front of our office door, carrying three boxes of Hattendo's cream puffs. He didn't only treat me of this pastry but also some of my colleagues (no wonder they love Abbey than me). 

He gave me seven pieces of those and what I love the most of all the flavours is Whipped Cream. It is perfectly creamy and blends well with its "melt-on-your-mouth" bun of Hattendo. 

Abbey knew how much I love this kind of stuffs :) Thankie Abbey, TheSmartLocal and Hattendo!

***

Hattendo Cafe Singapore

(A) 7 Wallich Street, Tanjong Pagar Centre #01-05

(H) Mon-Fri, 10am-9pm. Sat-Sun, 11am-8pm

(F) https://www.facebook.com/HattendoSingapore/

Announcing the Winner of A & W - The Couple Bloggers' - 1st Giveaway

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped make it a success!

And a special congratulations to Riema Joy Villareal, the winner of the PAIR of Singapore River Cruise Ticket (U.P. $50.00).

Please send us a private message in our Facebook Page before 5th of February on how to get your price or it will be forfeited.

Irvins Salted Egg - Dangerously Addictive Salted Egg Snacks (Salted Egg Potato Chips / Salted Egg Fish Skin)

ABBEY: This is now a craze in Singapore: to get your hands on and munch on a pack of Irvin's Salted Egg potato chips and fish skin. We're able to get some at Vivo City (Harbourfront). 

One person is limited only to buy 5 packs of small and 5 packs of big which cost S$8 and S$16 respectively. For me, nothing much to be desired on the chips. The potato chips tasted like the chips of Fridays Potato Skins and the fish skin chips taste like Pinoy's chicharon but without the fat. 

It's good to have some alternative from our usual list of chips.

WILL: I am not that keen on fad things. I do not follow the hype, but when Kumareng Jennee requested to buy her an Irvins Salted Egg Potato Chips.. all I can do this search for it and prove to myself the craze it is creating. 

Ok, how crazy the residents of Singapore over this salted egg chips? They do not accept reservation, they can only deliver the goodies after weeks when you ordered online and when you go to their one and only kiosk at VivoCity, you can only buy 5 large and 5 small. You know how much it is? 1 Large bag of 230 grams costs a whopping $16 and the small for 105 grams is $8. You can buy two huge Lays or Doritos or Ridges, ahmm, you get some cents for change too. 

Moment of truth, opened a small bag, munch some and on my frustration, I cannot find the taste of the "salted egg". And for your info one of my favorite food to partner with hot piping rice is a hard boiled salted egg. Imagine, how disappointed and felt that I wasted an $8 for it. Tossed the potato chips, I went for the fish skin. To my surprise it is the same taste of "chicharon" (crispy pork skin) that my father used to buy in Pampanga. Ahmm, yes!, this is the healthier version of it. :) 

Nope! I will not buy again those chips. Sorry fans of Irvins.

***

Irvins Salted Egg

VivoCity B2-K25

Across Texas Chicken

Opens Daily 10am. Walkins only

Raffles Xchange B1

Across DMK

Weekdays 11-7 (Pickups 11-630)

(P) 6264 3073 - Order & General Inquiries / 6264 3076 - Reservation

(W) https://irvinsaltedegg.com/

(E) partner@irvinsaltedegg.com

Nihon Mura Express - Rivervale Mall Branch

ABBEY: We went to Rivervale Mall to have dinner on another restaurant but got enticed by Nihon Mura Express.

They have a promo "Eat More, Save More" from Jan 9-Feb 28, 2017.

40 plates & above - $1/plate
30 – 39 plates - $1.20/plate
20 – 29 plates - $1.40/plate

We can only go up to 20. That will satisfy our hunger for some wasabi and sushi.

Pros:

1. Huge variety of sushi.

2. You can order sushi besides in the conveyor and it will be delivered fast. Just make sure to confirm your order.

3. They also have other appetizers like chicken (yakitori or fried).

4. Food is fresh and delicious.

Cons:

1. Wasabi is not that hot/spicy. And it is dry compared to other sushi shops we visited.

2. Green tea is not unlimited. 2 packs per serving and will be counted to the number of your plate.

3. Sushi serving or size is small. I can see that evident on my favorite inari.

Nihon Mura Express
Side Order Menu

Nihon Mura Express
This is the only shot we have on our order.
We are busy enjoying the food.. Sorry ;p

Nihon Mura Express
Maki Menu

Nihon Mura Express
Handroll Menu

Nihon Mura Express
Gunkan Menu

Nihon Mura Express Promotion

WILL:  We are at Rivervale Mall for an Italian cuisine fix but we saw Nihon Mura and its promotion, I looked at Abbey and informed him that I'm missing the exquisite taste of wasabi. In that instant, Abbey pulled me in to Nihon Mura. :) 

The selection at the conveyor belt is not as good with Sushi Express BUT! ---a big BUT! There is an iPad just beside your table for you to order some nice plates well prepared sushi, sashimi, handroll, its famous Slipper Lobster Mentai, and crispy bite size fried chicken. You cannot find those in any other restaurant with the same price with Nihon Mura. All of those, all in the menu, all food on the conveyor belt only costs S$1.60. Three plates of chicken + 2 plates of handroll will make you full. The price is worth it! 

Now, we have a different sushi restaurant to dine to. :) Thanks Nihon Mura for making us full without going bankrupt! Haha!

***

Nihon Mura Express

(A) 11 Rivervale Cres, #02-10 Rivervale Mall (Sengkang)

(W) http://www.sukigroup.com.sg/index.php/nihon-mura-express/

Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre - Dim Sum Lunch Buffet

ABBEY: This is where we have our New Year's day date, at Ban Heng Restaurant. It was lunch time. It was almost empty during our first visit, but come New Year's day, it was jam-packed and you can feel the festive spirit. 

We indulged ourselves with serving of wanton in tom yam soup, dim sum, crispy fried chicken wings, spring rolls, fried mantou, shrimp rolled in crispy bean curd skin, fried fish fillet in sweet and sour sauce and the two best entrees for us: pork ribs and salted egg custard in steamed bun. 

Wow, it was a feast for less than 25SGD per person. Drinks like tea, coffee, and juices are all bottomless.

Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre - Dim Sum Lunch Buffet Menu

is in this video =)

WILL: We are truly missing the dim sum at Banawe Avenue in Philippines and that is the main reason why we decided to splurge in different kind of buffet..Dim Sum buffet! 

If you buy an ala-carte of those it will cost you a ton of money and as suggested by Chat (long-long time ago) we headed to Ban Heng Lunch Dim Sum Buffet which was served at their Harbourfront branch. 

It is holiday, New Year, and yet the price of it never broke our bank. For 3 hours, we indulge to variety of Dim Sums, noodle, soup and even fried rice. Food served to us is surprisingly beyond our expectations. Gosh! The pork ribs! Drooll!!! I can eat it all day long! Haha!

We will surely be coming back in this restaurant. I will tag-along and recommend this well to all of our friends! 

Thanks Ban Heng. See you again...soon!

***

Ban Heng @ Harbourfront Centre

(A) 1 Maritime Square #04-01 HarbourFront Centre 

(T) 6278 0288 / 6278 1354 / 6278 1361 

(H) Lunch - 11:30am - 2:30pm / Dinner - 6:00pm – 10:00pm

All-You-Can-Eat Ala-Carte Dim Sum Buffet Lunch $19.80++

Mandarin Oriental Singapore's - MELT CAFÉ (Dinner Buffet)

ABBEY: I read that Melt Café offers one of the best buffet in Singapore and I want to try it. Wilma booked a reservation for three (Wilma, and the two November birthday celebrators; me and Chat) and went to Mandarin Oriental last December 5. 

We were ushered to a table and we waited for the buffet to open. A couple of minutes later we were told that we can start. 

The place was huge and homey. I didn't even know where to start taking snaps of the vast array of food. They have variety of cuisines; Japanese, Western, Indian, and local delights. I had plates of sushi and sashimi as well as tandoori (chicken and fish). I matched them with papadum, rice and naan. 

Their ravioli is bursting with cheese and really goes well with red sauce with beef. I also had slices of turkey and ham and some cheese. Desserts are fantastic. 

Make sure to get that slice of Melt Cafe chocolate cake before it is gone. It's pure chocolate heaven. I tried their homemade frozen yogurt, crinkles, and bon bons. Our experience is great. 

Aside from a 15% off the bill, we were given a birthday cake and an excellent service by Angela. Thanks Melt Café.

WILL: We celebrate anything and everything. This makes our mind and soul to be grateful in everything we are achieving and welcoming more blessings to come. And to that, we booked Melt Cafe for 3pax, this is to share our accomplishments with out friend Chat. 

Abbey's birthday/graduation and Chat's natal day is a must to celebrate for me. Those are days when Almighty decided to put this lovely souls to accompany me in this beautiful journey of life. (Kakaiyak!) 

Without further words, Melt Cafe is one of the yummiest buffet we have ever went to. It is not your ordinary international buffet. There is a huge variety of food that you cannot found on other restaurants. Like what? Chocolate crinkles, ravioli, the Melt Cafe Cake (ahhm, yup you cannot find this in other place haha), lamb chop, the lobster that we indulged in non-stop and the very caring attendant of our table, Ms. Angela. Our table attendant relentlessly serving us and non-stop checking on us if we are enjoying our food. She frowns whenever there is no plate in front of us. Haha. 

Ms. Angela, also recommends us to be a member of Mandarin Orientals's Dining Society. This is for us to get a huge discount on that dinner buffet that night. We got an automatic 15% off when we signed online the registration form. Her manager (I forgot the name. Sorry) welcomed us with warm "hello". 

No doubt why people keep on recommending this restaurant. You have huge variety of food to indulge and a team that welcomes and made you feel that you are "home". 

Thanks Melt Café. Will surely be on our top list of buffets. :)

***
MELT CAFÉ
(A) 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
(T) 6885 3500
(E) mosin-dining@mohg.com
(W) http://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/

DINNER: 6:30 – 9:30pm - S$75++

Ina Spa (In front of BHG Bugis)

ABBEY: I thought this was one of our usual massage session but I was wrong. Ina Spa is one of the shops at the busy place of Bugis. We made a reservation at 6:30PM. Unfortunately, we were half an hour early and we were asked to pass some time first as there is no available masseurs yet. We came back at exactly the appointed time but was told if we can have it the earliest at 9PM which really set my mad mood on. Sensing that we will not give in for any other day or a very late time, we got a slot at 8. 

Just want to finish the long day, I sat down on the massage chair. The masseur washed my feet. The session includes a back massage as well. My tensed muscles started to loosen. Few minutes later, I was relaxed. And when the foot massage began, it was all worth the wait. 

Fang Fang made my feet numb. Haha. I can't feel them after the session. I feel like like I'm floating. This is recommended. I hope they can have more masseur so they can accommodate more customers. 

Book a session with Fang Fang!

Ina Spa's Cozy Seat

WILL: Didn't we deserve a foot massage after a 10km marathon of Standard Chartered? Actually even if we don't ran on that tracks, I am still targeting to have it. Its been a while since our last foot reflex session. Haha. 

I am searching on Vaniday for a deal but nothing beats Groupon in offering this kind of services in massive discounts. So, still, I went for Groupon and found this newly opened spa just in front of Bugis BHG. We got a 60-minute foot reflex + 10-minute back massage (S$22.00). 

My masseur assigned to me is pretty aggressive,  the more I crouch while she is kneading my shoulders, the more she is in total offence to get rid of my tight muscles. Haha. Oh! She is doing that while my feet was soaked on a lukewarm water. 

She dried up my feet and started for the foot massage. I want to scream whenever she hit a point that is quite painful. She concentrated more on my legs and not on my foot (I am wondering why). 

Oh, please make sure to be there on time, not too early because they do not have a waiting room for you to occupy and not that late because the other sessions next to you was affected too. 

Will I be back again for another massage in Ina Spa? Yessss! But I will be requesting for Fang-Fang. :) 

Thanks Groupon and Ina Spa!

***

Ina Spa 

(A) 247 Victoria Street #02-00 (Bugis) 

(T) 6336 0002

(E) enquiry@ina-spa.com

(H) Weekdays: 11.00 am - 9.00 pm / Weekends & Public Holidays: 10.00 am - 7.00 pm

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point)

ABBEY: From time to time, we dine outside usually after our weekly grocery. 

We went to Social Square @ Waterway Point. It is one of the brands of MOF (Ministry of Food). I got Grilled Chicken Pesto (S$15.00). The chicken is moist and juicy. And the pasta yummy and got flavorful taste of pesto. Wow.

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point) -
Plain Udon + Kakiage Tempura

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point)
Grilled Chicken Pesto

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point) -
Menu

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point) -
Menu

WILL: I am more of an "udon" person than a ramen and on that week I am craving for it but CitlyLink's Mall is seriously far from our flat, so we decided to hunt an udon at Waterway Point at Punggol and we found Social Square. 

No hesitation and second thought, I went for Plain Udon + Kakiage Tempura ($14.80). I dug in as the attendant placed my meal in front of me. The udon is firm as usual, the kakiage is crisp and not faltering in that texture. But the soup is not as tasty as I am expecting. *Sad Face* 

Anyways, I am there to have a bite of udon. Will I come back? Hmm, maybe not. 

***

Social Square by MOF (Waterway Point)

(A) Waterway Point East Wing, #01-26

(T) 65 6385 9142

(W) http://ministryoffood.com.sg/

(F) https://www.facebook.com/SocialSquareSG

(H) 11.30am to 10pm (Mon to Thurs & Sun) / 11.30am to 10.30pm (Fri to Sat)