Pardon my excitement, but it’s been three whole years since hubby and I went for an overseas vacation with just the two of us. Yes, it’s been that long. Although once in a while, we would take leave together and go out for some ‘pak tor’ time, it’s really different when we get to spend three whole days together, just giving our full attention to each other. I am SOOOO looking forward! =) By the time you’re reading this, we are already in Bangkok! Took a mega early 640am flight. Yawwwnnnnssss..

To me, it’s very important that there is time my hubby and I purposefully set aside just to spend time with each other. I do not think that children should be a reason for me to forgo this important aspect of my life because we were first and foremost,. husband and wife, before we were daddy and mummy. Our children drew us closer together in a special way, but there are times I really want my hubby just to myself, without having to watch after the kids. =) Of course, I have couple friends who don’t mind having their kids with them 24/7. To each his own, as long as we can all find ways to keep our lives happy.

And so, hubby and I will be in Bangkok for our short vacation, and it’s exciting because it’s not just going to be a shopping & eating expedition for us. We are going armed with our cameras, and we will be doing what we both love – Street photography! It’s a hobby that drew hubby and I closer together, and a passion we share. So, I believe it’s going to be lots of fun! =D

Be back with lots of smiles and photos!

I am constantly on the look-out for free and good places to bring my kids to. Most of the time, the most fun places are those that are offered free of charge. One such place is the Marina Barrage.

My kids absolutely love this place. It’s got a large water play area and if I let them, they will be in the waters the whole day. The weather was super hot when we went last weekend, and I had to pull the kids out before they were fried. Thankfully, the cool waters brought down the temperature considerably. Still, just barely 30mins under the sun, they already got 3 tones darker. Now, I’ve got two little blackies at home (Much to the dis-delight of my MIL =P)!

I used to jeer at parents who dress their kids in swimsuits at such waterplay areas, but I have become one such parent myself. =P

My kids who used to be afraid of splashing waters now would let themselves been splashed voluntarily!

On such a hot day, I was so tempted to jump in myself. =P

Half of the water pool is under shelter and that’s where most of the parents take refuge at. Too bad most kids would venture out to the area under the blazing sun instead. They like to be toasted!

Really glad that the Singapore government has built many of such public areas for children to have fun in. It doesn’t take much to thrill the kids really, and as parents, we are just glad there are many such options available for us in Singapore. =)

Haha, just look at her! Such a candid but happy expression.

This whole wall of fountain-like flowing water is another lot of fun for the kids. I was actually quite surprised Joey was not scared at all!

In fact, she really enjoyed standing there and let the water pound down on her.

As expected, the girls had a great time that afternoon. =)

Marina Barrage rocks!

I’m really, really glad that there is such a lovely park in Woodlands. It’s a place that not only makes the kids happy, it also makes me very happy. The park is spacious, very windy and you get to see lots of beautiful sights like deep blue skies, the sea and ships. Best of all, for something so natural and lovely, you don’t have to pay a single cent to enjoy it all. I love it.

The landmark structure and mega playground at Woodlands Waterfront Park is really strong-looking. Not exactly suitable for toddlers, for sure. But school-going kids and adults would find it interesting and fun.

My girls really enjoy going to this park. You can tell from the big wide smiles on their faces. =)

The swings are another main draw for them. Each time we go, Joey gets bolder and bolder, and would ask me to push her so that she can swing higher! =)

And of course, the main playground area is always entertaining.

My favourite part of the park has got to be the long bridge walkway out to the sea. There are many sections to the walkway and it’s pretty extensive if I may say.

This stretch of the long bridge is pretty deserted as it’s quite a walk from the main area…

… so my girls thought it’s a good idea to lie down here! Haha, sometimes we cannot be too concerned with cleanliness ya? That would totally spoil the fun. =P

And the man of the house thinks it’s a neat idea to join them on the floor as well. Haha.. That definitely made the girls’ day.

Lovely family time in a lovely place is just precious. =D

I really love spending time with the ones who mean the world to me. It’s priceless. =)

Weekend snapshot series covers interesting and nice places I visited or some of my photography expeditions. If you like what I feature, do visit these places too. =)

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Celebrated my boss’ birthday at The Barracks @ House restaurant at Dempsey Road. I was googling for restaurants that serve hi-tea buffets on a weekday at a reasonable price, and chanced upon news on this restaurant. The hi-tea buffet is only available on Thursdays and Fridays and cost $22+ per pax. I thought that was rather reasonable, because most hi-tea buffets served at hotels cost no lesser than $30 per pax and are usually only available during the weekends.

Very excited to hear that the theme of the hi-tea buffet is VINTAGE TEA PARTY – Definitely sounded like something I would like! =D

The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I liked it immediately. It was spacious, brightly lit and elegantly furnished. Reminded me of London, for dunno-what reason. =)

There is also outdoor alfresco dining area. I thought it was such a lovely idea to dine just next to a huge foresty area. The trees and greens would make for a relaxing meal.

The hi-tea buffet is served between 3pm to 5pm every Thursday and Friday. During this period, you may also opt for ala carte items from the menu, but limited to skinny pizzas and sandwiches only.

I think this is a hi-tea buffet that every lady would love, simply because it’s so beautifully put together. I, for one, can totally forgive it even if the food doesn’t taste good. They score 100 points just for beauty alone. =P

Since this is a vintage tea party, the tea selections are served in vintage hot flasks like these. 3 different tea flavours to choose from: White Elephant, Blackcurrant and Ginger Tea. The best was the ginger tea – Everyone praised it to no end. It was flavourful and strong with ginger taste and tasted awesome. I didn’t quite like the blackcurrant one though – It had a herbal taste. The white elephant is a typical light tea that anyone would enjoy.

Love the table furnishings – So vintage and English! =)

The restaurant is famous for its skinny pizzas, and the buffet serves bite-sized versions, which were sooooooo delicious. I thought the hi-tea buffet was a very good chance to try all the different pizzas available. I especially loved the one with squid-ink crust and topped with prawns and squid. Super yummy.

Another of the mains they offer on the buffet table was Vietnamese rice rolls, which were delicious as well. In fact, I think their version was more refreshing than some others I’ve tasted elsewhere – They added strawberry slices!

Other items available on the buffet menu include cakes, macaroons, pastries, pies, tarts, cookies (very English-style!!), muffins, all kinds of bread with condiments such as marinated mushrooms truffles, Thai spicy chicken, cheese etc. All were yummy!

The flowers made everything so cheerful, and definitely whet my appetite and lifted my spirits!

I was thrilled and took a bit of everything. It’s such a relaxing and happy time just enjoying lovely food in such a lovely place.

See the baby macaroon? It was super cute!

Some of my colleagues decided not to go for the hi-tea buffet and ordered from the menu instead. The presentation was impressive. According to them, they tasted every bit as impressive as well.

Looks good and tastes good - Totally score point!!

We had such a great afternoon together, feasting and laughing. Did my soul real good!!!

Barracks @ House is located at 8D Dempsey Road #01-01 to 06 Tanglin Village.