I used to love them! (Actually I still do, hurhur!)

In fact, whilst preparing for a Post Exam Activity on Quirky Games (yes, kids nowadays are having all the fun), we found the books!

(Got it from a second hand bookstore!)

& this is my all-time favourite!

These books are quite tough to find now & I guess kids nowadays just won’t know the joy of these books. But they’ve got something better – Interactive Videos on Youtube!

I totally fell in love with the videos! There’s plenty to choose from (just search for Interactive games on Youtube). Some are really really good! I especially love the Pizza+Zombie series from Hells Pizza (meant as a marketing gimmick but still super cool). You literally choose where you want to go!

It’s an adventure without you having to go anywhere!

Fun to play with the kids & as a group too. And if you’re really really into these adventures, here’s an idea: Start your own!

Adventures are Awesome!

Yeay to the weekend!

Ok-Go Sidekick,
Nadd

But planners will always be planners & whilst I did make it a point to just let my hair down & not be so analytical (not that we’re such veterans anyway – we’re all permanent learners!), there are some lessons & great tips on small little details, that I did learn along the way – Event Take-Aways!

Like…

1. When going to a huge whole day event (like F1- my maiden trip!), bring along a kit (an Adventure Kit!) that can fit all your needs (i.e. fans, water bottle, camera, plasters, sweets etc). Better yet, carry it in a small sling bag so that your hands are free! In F1’s case, they were selling Survival Kits – consisting of a poncho, map + ear plugs . Very apt & very useful!

You can even customise your own Survival Kits / Adventure Kits small or huge events (like a big family gathering at the beach).

2. Bring Extra batteries, especially if you’re trigger happy! Halfway through my F1 adventure, the camera battery ran out! Why? Because in our enthusiasm we couldn’t stop snapping & we didn’t realise that we took so many pictures. Lucky the friend had an Iphone! We spent the rest of the night clicking away.

Oh, & when you do bring extra batteries, make sure that they are fully charged too!

3. Never be afraid to ask! Going to an event can be chaotic. There’s so many people milling around, so many things happening at the same time then when you arrive, you won’t know what to do or where to go (unless you come fully prepared of course!).  So as event-goers, don’t be afraid to ask.

I often see so many people around the area, cautious to step in because of the lack of usherers or helpers around the event to (sort of) welcome them in. From a planner’s view, there’s two things you can do: 1) Make sure there are plenty of posters / pamphlets around so that when people come to your event, they know what’s going on. 2) Deploy more friendly usherers around the area to mingle around with the crowd & inform them of what’s currently happening. Everybody wins!

4. Be clear! Someone told me ‘Clarity is Power!’ . There was an event that happened recently that had conflicting timings & even confusing instructions to event-goers – the timing & description given differs from what the information on their website stated. Needless to say, many people who turned up at the event got turned away & was of course disappointed at not being able to be a part of it.

On the upside, there was plenty of information regarding the events & activities. On the downside, what the information was saying did not sync with what the ushers / helpers/ volunteers were doing & ultimately, the people attending are as confused as them!

It’s alright if a mistake was made, as long as it was rectified in time at the same time & everyone goes home satisfied. Right?

—

Like I said, we’re all permanent students in the classroom of life (phwoarrr!) & as much as I’m glad for all the fun, I’m also grateful to learn from others! I have plenty more to share but I guess we’ll put that for another day.

Here’s to many more events, wooohoo!

Your Is-it-Tuesday-already? Sidekick,
Nadd

Now that we’re adults, we look forward to different events in October – 2 months to the end of year – end of year bonus, Halloween parties, discounted holidays, Christmas sales, weddings (if you’re into those things) & other monumental events (like birthdays, for me!).

Well, you can relax more this October? Why?

Because:

…Which in my opinion gives you all the more options (& reasons) to plan an event ! You don’t even need any reason to have an event! It could be a ‘No-Reason-Let’s-Just-Dress-Like-Tourists-&-Have-Fun Picnic’! Sounds like a fun idea, yes?

Otherwise it’s also a great time for you to get a quick getaway for that much needed rest! The point is, let’s not waste this month, enjoy the perks of living & breathing with 5 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays!

Have fun planning (or going to events)!

Your October-rific Sidekick,
Nadd

p.s. Stumbled upon this fact through this very cool website (Learn Something New Every Day)! Go check it out!

Recently, when I reached that day, not only did I get a lot of birthday wishes, the different magazines/newsletters I subscribed too sent me birthday greetings & some of their promotions as well.

Which got me thinking… What other kinds of free stuffs or discounts can I find on my birthday or in my birthday month?

I know Singtel & Starhub both have their Birthday Rewards. So does Golden Village (for their GV members).  When I Googled & dug deeper, I found this:

Cool or what?

This so feeds the Kiasu-ism complex that we Singaporeans have. Plus, more perks for turning older, yey! Have a looksy & save this page so you can go back to it during your Birthday month, wooohooo!

It’s still October, so I’m going to try & see what sweet deals I can get my hands on. More updates soon!

Enjoy the treats!

‘A Year Older Is A Year Wiser’ Sidekick,
Nadd

Psst. Do you have any lobangs / insights on where else you can get special birthday discounts / treats? Share with us & tag our FB wall!

The plan was simple:

1. Follow SGTTDT’s Itinerary for that day (Saturday, 25September2010).
2. Go to 3 fleas in 1 day.
3. Find out what else we can do around the flea area.
4. See what kinds of different stuffs we can find within a $20 budget each.
5. Take lots of pictures!

Some fleas are much more happening than others. But still, sometimes the most sporadic ones do have some cool (& cheap) finds too! The beauty about flea markets is – the stalls / stallholders sometimes sell the most random-est things!

Pit-Stop #1: Weekend Flea @ *SCAPE (old building)

They were just setting up but well, that didn’t stop us. Saw some cool tie-dyed stuffs & she couldn’t resist getting this cool necklace!

(Tri-colour necklace, Firsthand – $2)

(Our stomachs got the better of us at this point, hence the little pictures & an unenthusiastic fast walkthrough of the flea!)

Random Snaps!
|Just walking through is refreshing|	|     Bright colours!    |	| Es Teler’s very spicy mee! |

Other stuff you can do around the area:

* Go to Fairprice Finest (Sushi & other cool food stuffs!) / Orchard Cineleisure to grab a bite!
* Take pictures of the graffiti around the area.
* Enjoy the cool beats in front of Cineleisure & people watch!

Pit-Stop #2: WhatTheFlea @ *SCAPE (new building)

Ahh, we (being women) spent almost 2 hours here walking around the entire area just picking out & sifting through stuff for bargains! Gotta be patient when digging through the many piles of clothes!

& we did find some bargains! Like cool rings at 2 for $3.50! Dresses & tops (4 for $10!) & some very nice looking badges! In total we spent about $17 (each) here on 3 tops (2ndhand), 2 rings, 2 badges. That’s $34 for 5 tops, 4 rings & 4 badges!

Random Snaps!
| Cool off with some Ice Rockz |	| Nourphoria: A shop selling badges |	| Areas for people to chill @ *SCAPE |

Other stuff you can do around the area:

* Relax at the concave wooden seats around *SCAPE.
* Go up to the highest storey, to the balconies & enjoy the view.
* Say Hi to the DJs from 987FM (their radio booths & station are situated at *SCAPE).

Pit-Stop #3: Bazaar @ Singapore Art Museum (with Digital Nights)

Our final stop!

By this time, we could only spend about $3 (if not we’ll go overbudget!). We did get some additional good finds, like smart shirts, shoes (they were glittery & red and I could not help it!) & tees!

So we went over budget by… $5! (hehe). While we were groaning to ourselves that we didn’t complete the mission proper, we did learn something.

Moral of the Story: Whilst flea-hopping is fun, never go to more than 4 fleas in a day, especially if they’re all awesome, unless you plan to spend all your money that is! And only bring enough cash (like $20) & nothing more! We learnt our lesson!

But the best thing about having a flea at SAM is the art exhibitions of course! Digital Nights 2010 was superbly nice.

Random Snaps!
| Enjoying an art installation |	| Digital Nights 2010 |	| Especially love this one! ||

Other stuff you can do around the area:

* Walk further up to Raffles City for a late night cuppa at Starbucks.
* Walk down the Waterloo Area & drop by SAM 8Q.
* It’s just a couple of bus stops away from The Cathay / Esplanade / Substation, so go have your pick!

———-

Total Spent: $50 (2 persons)

Number of Stuffs we got: 20!

• Tops: 10 (2ndhand & 1sthand)
• Rings: 4
• Badges: 4
• Shoes: 1 pair
• Necklace: 1

With the number of flea markets happening in a weekend, it’s no wonder that you can flea-hop! Bring a couple of fun friends around & a trusty camera & you’re set for an awesome time.

Have fun exploring!

Your Flea-Jumping Sidekick,
Nadd

p.s. You can view the full album HERE! Oh & don’t forget to check SGThingsToDoToday to find out when another flea is happening!

We are definitely not complaining. All the better for us consumers!

Pre-loved items here we come!

Below is an updated list of the flea market organisers here in Singapore. Go flea crazy!

1.  FLEA FLY FLO FUN

2.  FLEAFUGITIVES

3. What The FLEA!

4. Eureka Bazaars

5. Flea-tique! – Group

6. Flea Culture

7. SG Car Boot Sale

8. MAAD

9. Flea-Mania

10. Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM)

11. ON THE WALL (OTW) ~ Photo Bazaar

12. SULTAN ARTS FLEA

13. Singapore Fairs, Bazaars and Flea Markets

14. WTF.MKT [What The Flea Market]

15. Fleaver Kids

16. Fleaolics Events

17. Live On Fleas

18. Bazaar En Route

19. For Flea Sake *updated*

20. Flea Titan *updated*

21. Panorama Flea *updated*

22. Haji Lane presents Sunday Flea Market :: “Teh Gu Lai LEOW!” *updated*

23. Fleasics *updated*

24. Fash Bash *updated*

25. Flea & Easy *updated*

26. Souk Flea Market *updated*

27. Rummage *updated*

28. Bold Label *updated*

29. China Square Central – Weekedn Flea Market *updated*

30. Flea Escape *updated*

31. The Winkle Flea Mall *updated*

32. Bazaars Inc *updated*

33. JE Fleas *updated*

FIFTEEN new names added to the list! (well.. some are veterans, I must have missed them the last time)

There are no excuses not to go shopping!

Go Flea Crazy! (Maybe MUDD & NADD should go into the flea business too yea? )

Cheers~

-Mudd-
P.S. If you are flea organiser and you are not listed above, tell us! We be glad to list you down!

And the funny thing is, it doesn’t have to be in relation to any topic. At all. It can just pop up anywhere (kind of like an irritating pimple… but that’s another story). It’s so strange but that phrase is one of those things that can just be asked at any time.

Like, if your aunt is talking about where she bought her gold from (tingkat dua, tepi tangga), she can just turn to you (& without missing a breath) ask, ‘Awak bila nak kahwin?’ ['When are you getting married?]. Sometimes (& most times) it’s not even blended into a conversation.

‘Selamat Hari Raya! Jemputlah masuk! Wah, dah besar anak Usop eh! Bila nak kahwin?’

You know it’s coming but it still catches you off guard for abit. It’s the head-on collision that you can’t miss. Every year, my escape route has always been to give a sheepish smile & move on to the next person.

This year, I thought I should come up with new ways to give a non-answer.  I figured since I can’t give them what they want to hear, at least I’ll keep them curiously amused!

Here are some lines you can use if someone asks you: Bila Nak Kahwin? [When's Your Turn?]

[Disclaimer: Usage of these words are very much allowed although positive responses from the makciks & pakciks are not guaranteed.  There is no intention to be rude or sarcastic, merely having a little fun with an unchangeable reality. The trick is to always say it with a big smile. ]

1. Ask them back, ‘When was yours?’ (with a very sweet smile).

2. ‘Ish, selagi cik tanya, selagi itu lah saya tak kahwin-kahwin.’ ['The more you ask, the longer it'll take for me to get married.']

3. ‘Saya tengah save, tapi sedia terima segala sedikit derma.’ (make a ‘muka-kesian’ face here) ['I'm saving up, but I accept donations.']

4. ‘Oh, saya tengah tunggu anak cik kahwin dulu!’ (I have heard someone use this before) ['Oh, I'm waiting for your children to get married first!']

5. ‘Lagi 4 bulan! Tapi kalau cik tak dapat kad, tak jadi lah tu’. (hurhur) ['In 4 months time! But if you don't get the invite, it means we cancelled'.]

6. Distract them with a lot of nonstop talking. ‘Wah your house is lovely! Where are the kids? How are the cats? So many kuihs, which one did you make? Did you know they’re playing Cicakman 2 on Hari Raya…’

7. Push it to someone else. ‘Jangan tanya saya cik! Tu abang saya belum lagi, tanya lah dia!’ (Quite efficient too, I must say). [ 'Don't ask me! Ask my brother, he's not married yet too!']

8. ‘Tak lama lagi tu agaknyer.’ (Say it with a straight face & in that serious tone. It’s the same phrase that we use for when someone does something out of the norm, hurhur).

9. ‘Tengah tunggu emak jodohkan.’ ['Waiting for my mom to arrange for me.']

10. ‘Oh, I haven’t look through the applicants yet. Anak cik nak fill in application form?’

11. ‘Hmmm, what an interesting question. Interesting sekali.’ (… & slowly walk away in ponder)

12. & this one is my most favourite: ‘I’m waiting for sponsors, would you like to be mine?’

——-

If you can’t beat them, then the only thing left to do is entertain them!

Thankfully, there are plenty of other wonderful things about the Eid celebrations that will keep you well on your toes too (in a good way of course)!

On that note, Have a Happy Hari Raya everyone! May this holiday fill you with lots of love, wealth, great great food, wonderful catch-ups & fulfilling events.

Don’t stop laughing!

Your Sidekicks,
Mudd & Nadd

P.s. Share with us, what other lines do you use on your relatives?

Nope, not away from this little ambitious red dot, but migrated from one platform to another! What am I talking about?

Mudd & Nadd have moved to a Facebook Page (instead of our much-loved Group)!

Why? Pages have much more features & will allow for better interaction between you & us! & that would mean faster information dissemination, wooohoo!

We have plenty of exciting stuff coming up in these months to come just for you! Plus, the page is full of our past & behind the scene pictures.

We’re raring to go! We hope you are too!

(Just click on the picture & you’ll be re-directed to our FB Page, then click ‘LIKE’!)

We look forward to ’seeing you’ on our Page!

Here’s to a smashin’ September!

- Nadd

p.s. SG Things To Do Today went on a slight revamp too! Go spot the difference!

& like santan to top off bubur pulut hitam, we got to watch it at The Arts House (at The Chamber)! My first time! To say that I was excited, would be an understatement!

I’ve seen pictures of The Chamber but have never really stepped foot inside.

I had to resist myself from touching every thing, haha! Too bad we couldn’t take a picture of the place. I think I would have gone snap crazy.

Anyway, Muka Buku was awesome!

It totally depicts the different facets of Facebooking (& I’m not just talking about the users). As an avid fan of Facebook, I guess the different satirical characters is a reflection of a part of myself that I never knew to exist until it’s blatantly displayed in front of my eyes.

We sat through 6 stories with Facebook as the affluent main character. There’s the ‘what could have been’, the ‘what’s going to be happening when you’re dead”, the story with all the ‘facebook-addicts’, the one with the poignant profile picture, the funeral and my favourite, Top Friends.

(In no particular order, the official titles are – Top Friends; Profile Picture; Could Have Been; Funeral Rights; Addiction; and Remains )

The antics of Facebook friends… sending bouquets & eggs to each other, shown in the most humorous way, you cannot help but laugh!

& felt sad for the woman who changed her profile picture to get the attention that she never got (I mean, really, how many of us narcissists, do that in real life, even if you hate to admit it!).

In every story, in every character, there is a connection with us & an understanding of how Facebook has inadvertently affect our present (& future) selfs. And in that sense, even with the metaphors & actions that were said and done, the whole play was simply close to our (facebooking) hearts.

[ Mukabuku was part of Causeway Exchange, a festival showcasing Malaysia's quirkiest & originals acts. The fesitval ended on 31 August 2010.  Look out for it next year! ]

—-

It’s been a while since we’ve been to any play or theatre. Thank God for contests & free tickets huh?

‘Till the next adventure!

Your Sidekick,
Nadd

p.s. Pictures were taken from Causeway Exchange’s Photo Album!

p.p.s. See you on Facebook (at the Mudd & Nadd Page!)!

Like SG Things To Do Today (a listing + concierge service) & Events Planning Sidekicks (a planning service for any type of event). & of course Events Sidekicks Youths (dedicated to all things youth + events).

Sometimes, while we try to give an equal amount of love to our these 3 ‘babies‘ of ours (you know, just like how parents do), we tend to sway & concentrate on one for just a brief moment of time.

But we still love them all the same.

So it’s no surprise then that during one of those brief moment of time, one of my friends (who’s been one of our Sidekicks too) asked me: Which One Do You Like The Most?

Gah! That’s like asking which hand do you like better, the right or left. Or asking what kind of ice-cream flavour you love the most – Chocolate or Caramel! How to choose!?

We love every part of everything & every event! There are so many likes that I think we cannot really pinpoint what we want to do the most.

One of the things that we really enjoy is Events Sidekicks Youth because it has 2 things we’re passionate about – Events Planning & Youths!

Certificates at the end of our Camp Planning Workshop!

Chief Sidekick, Mudd, giving a briefing during an Endurance Challenge!

Participants interacting during an Events Planning Workshop for WRL!

Mudd doing a cheer with the students during a workshop!

Of course, I have plenty more pictures to show you, but that will just flood this post! Still, the point is, I guess this is the most fulfilling out of the 3. It might not be immediately gratifying, but it’s just great that we’re able to impart a little bit of something-something to these youths!

And of course, another great thing about all 3 is we get to work with our Sidekicks.

Sidekicks in our red shirts!

So if you ask me Which One I Like The Most, I’ll just give you a shrug and tell you that it’s impossible to choose! But for now, I’m enjoying mixing with youths more !

To more youth-ful adventures!

Young at Heart Sidekick,
Nadd