Mr Santa Claus may not be flying across the Atlantic with Rudolph and gang this year, but ho, ho, ho…kids will still get to participate in Santa’s Holiday Academy at KINEX Shopping Mall!
It’s that special time of the year again when year-end examinations are done and dusted, so why not reward them with three days of enriching and fun-filled activities as an early Christmas gift? Tailored for two age groups (6 to 8 years old and 9 to 11 years old), kids will be introduced to various classes conducted by tenant outlets at KINEX Shopping Mall.
Whether it’s to learn a new musical instrument, pick up some cool dance moves, or get inspired with some arts and crafts, it’s certainly going to be a jam-packed programme to keep your kids engaged and entertained. What’s more, lunch will be included for the three days!
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-92414" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/UOL_Xmas20_KINEX_ProgrammeA5_R5.jpg" alt="" width="1180" height="798" />
&nbsp;
Participating enrichment outlets:
<ul>
<li>Aureus Academy • Distinct Creative Arts • Drum Tutor • Evolve MMA • First Step Education • Yan Ballet</li>
</ul>
Participating F&amp;B outlets: 
<ul>
<li>Fatburger &amp; Buffalo’s • Ice Yodo • Rocky Master • The Hungry Bear</li>
</ul>
Duration: 3 days 
Time of programme: 10am &#8211; 3pm daily
Dates: 
Session 1: 30 Nov – 2 Dec 2020 for 6 to 8 years old 
Session 2: 14 – 16 Dec 2020 for 9 to 11 years old
Programme fee: $250 per pax (U.P. $550)
Limited to the first 30 sign-ups per category. Tickets are available for purchase via Customer Service Counter on level 2 (cash payment), www.kinex.com.sg (via PayPal).
Registration closes on 25 November for Session 1, and on 9 December for Session 2.
So, what’s in store for participants during the 3-day KINEX Santa’s Holiday Academy? Here’s a preview.
<h5>Band Instruments @ Aureus Academy #B1-23</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92415" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Aureus-Holiday-Workshop-2020.png" alt="" width="798" height="798" />
Let your child start tinkering with musical instrument from a young age. Aureus Academy will be conducting a class where participants will learn to play a tune or two on drums, ukulele, guitar, piano or keyboard.
For enquiries on other available classes at Aureus Academy:
Tel: 3165 5072
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://www.aureusacademy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.aureusacademy.com/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>Dance Class @ Distinct Creative Arts #02-25</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92420" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/164A0554.jpg" alt="" width="836" height="557" />
Dance can truly break all boundaries and everyone’s welcome to get moving to the beat! It doesn’t matter if your kids have learned to dance or not. They can have lots of fun while picking up dance techniques during the class by Distinct Creative Arts (DCA), specially tailored according to their abilities.
For enquiries on other dance classes available at DCA:
Tel: 6909 9753
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://www.distinctca.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.distinctca.com.sg/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>Drum 101 @ Drum Tutor #02-29</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92423" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Drum-Tutor_Girl.jpg" alt="" width="822" height="463" /> 
Start from the basics at Drum Tutor, with its Drum 101 class which lets participants be introduced to a drum set, learning basic grooves and jam to some popular songs. No prior experience is needed, but who knows? After the session, some may be inspired to pursue drums as a passion and follow the footsteps of Drum Tutor’s founder, award-winning drummer Er Chow Kiat.
For enquiries on other classes available at Drum Tutor:
Tel: 9666 4979
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://www.drumtutor.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.drumtutor.sg/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu @ Evolve MMA #02-52</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92422" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Evolve-Childrens-Program-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="495" />
Participants of KINEX’s Santa Holiday Academy will get a glimpse of how Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Champions train at Evolve, through their Little Samurai Children&#8217;s Program, which is designed by a Harvard University graduate and taught by World Champions to help children build life skills through the power of martial arts. Main takeaways from the class would be improved confidence, mental strength, discipline, focus and self-defence techniques.
For further enquiries on the full Evolve Little Samurai Children&#8217;s Program at Evolve MMA:
Tel: 6288 2293
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://evolve-mma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://evolve-mma.com/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>Christmas Music &amp; Craft by Fine Momentum Academy #03-03</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-92421" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/FineMomentum_ChristmasCraft.jpg" alt="" width="826" height="862" />
Let your child hone all-round interests for the arts, dance and music through hands-on Christmas clay modelling and music lessons that include learning to play the Ukulele, Drums or Piano at Fine Momentum.
For enquiries on other available classes at Fine Momentum:
Tel: 6341 6088
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="http://www.finemomentum.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.finemomentum.com.sg/</a>
<h4> </h4>
<h5>Chinese Cultural Craft Class @ First-Step Education #02-05</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92419" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/First-Step_Craft.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="825" />
Learn more about Chinese cultures through handicraft, art and games. First Step Education, which focuses on Multiple Intelligence-based learning, will conduct a hands-on session in traditional handicrafts while enhancing students’ knowledge of Chinese culture infused with Singapore’s local heritage.
For enquiries on other cultural classes at First-Step Education:
Tel: 6241 5178
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="http://firststepeducation.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://firststepeducation.net/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>Make Your Own Colourful Snow Bear Ice @ Ice Yodo #B1-K22</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92418" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Ice-Yodo_Princess-Ice-Bear.png" alt="" width="782" height="877" />
Who can resist building an edible snowman bear? Give your child a real ice-cold treat with Ice Yodo’s deliciously fun session that will let participants DIY a Taiwanese-style Snow Ice dessert. Choose from 100% natural ingredients and flavours such as fresh milk, chocolate or watermelon.
&nbsp;
<h5>Art Jamming at Tree Art #02-07</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-92976" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1244" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-scaled.jpg 1852w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-800x389.jpg 800w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-320x156.jpg 320w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-1536x747.jpg 1536w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/Tree_Art_use-this-2048x996.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />Look forward to an exclusive Christmas-themed art jamming session as children explore techniques of paint and other art mediums. Under the guidance of trained teachers, students will learn how to express themselves through Art, starting from their thought process to producing their desired masterpiece.
For enquiries on other art classes at Tree Art:
Tel: 9649 7716
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://treeart.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://treeart.co/</a>
 
<h5>Ballet Basics @ Yan Ballet Academy #02-30</h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-92416" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u170058/YanBalletAcadaemy-KINEX-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="1031" />
Children will be introduced to the world of classical ballet at Yan Ballet Academy, a school certified by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). For those 6 to 8 years old, activities focusing on basic ballet movements, fun songs to initiate them into classical music, etc. will aim to capture their attention. Then for those 9 to 11 years old, they’ll delve a little deeper into learning techniques – great for building the foundation in terminology, strength, coordination and thinking.
For enquiries on other classes at Yan Ballet:
Tel: 6514 5175
Web: <a style="color: #333399;" href="https://www.yanballetacademy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.yanballetacademy.com/</a>
&nbsp;
<h5>‘Tis the Season of Gifting at UOL Malls</h5>
Redeem limited edition gifts when you shop at KINEX this Christmas!
From 6 Nov, 
Redeem exclusively designed Gift Wrappers with $60* spent ($50* for U-POPP members) 
Max. 3 same-day combined receipts
From 20 Nov, 
Redeem a Cheese Cutlery Set with $180* spent 
($150* for U-POPP members) 
Max. 3 same-day combined receipts
Redeem a set of Cheese Rotary &amp; Cheeseboard with $360* spent ($250* for U-POPP members)
Max. 4 same-day combined receipts.
What’s more, UOL Malls (KINEX, United Square and Velocity@Novena Square) have partnered <a href="http://extraordinarypeople.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Extra•Ordinary</a><a href="http://extraordinarypeople.sg/"> People </a>&#8211; a registered charity and Institute of Public Character that supports children and youth with special needs in an inclusive festive gifting. You can redeem premiums that feature art series by trainees from GROW Sheltered Workshop by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) when you spend. As a token of appreciation, trainees from CPAS will receive a royalty fee from UOL Malls in support of their continued learning and developmental journey.
&nbsp;

Tis’ the Season for Fun-learning at the KINEX Santa’s Holiday Academy

My new place is pretty much done up with some minor touch up and soft furnishing to be progressively carried out. AJ is most excited to move in but we will only do so when school holiday starts.<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50421 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Living.jpeg" alt="SC1" width="500" height="667" />
Our favourite corner. We spent 80% of our waking hours at home in the living room,
so I want books and other reading materials to be very accessible.
I am still in the midst of filling up this space.
 Experience told me it is better to do 2 moves than 1, to make packing and unpacking (and cleaning) less tedious. Having 2 moves is also better for the physical and mental well-being.
 I had the first move beginning of November, and the second move is scheduled to be middle of this month. 
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50422" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Dining-Table-Set-Up.jpeg" alt="SC2" width="500" height="375" />

Because AJ&#8217;s birthday is on 5 Nov, and that we have already had the first move, we thought it may be good to hold a House Warming cum Birthday celebration with my sister&#8217;s family and some close relatives. Incidentally, <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stamford Catering</a> (halal-certified) has this <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/mini-take-away-buffet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mini Take Away Buffet</a> that comes with <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/2017-christmas-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christmas menu</a>. So we had a House Warming, Birthday celebration and Christmas party all wrapped into one. 🙂

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50423 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Stamford-Cooler-Bag.jpeg" alt="sc3" width="500" height="500" /> Stamford Catering&#8217;s Mini Take Away Buffet comes in cooler/warmer bags like this so that the food will be kept warm and desserts chilled before the guests arrive.
 We prefer a mini buffet at home like this instead of having a normal buffet at our condo&#8217;s function room because we wanted it to be cosy and the chance to mingle with the guests. Besides, House Warming means invited guests should have a chance to tour around our newly renovated house. Having a mini buffet fits the intention neatly.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50424 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Sramford-Cutlery.jpeg" alt="sc4" width="500" height="500" />Cutleries like spoon, fork, thongs, ladle, plates and bowls are all provided. Napkins, thrash bag and disposable table cloth are also provided.
We had <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/2017-christmas-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deck The Halls Take-away</a> @ $248+ per set which caters to 15 pax. Much to our pleasant surprise, the food came just half an hour before the guests arrived. So we didn&#8217;t have to leave the food there for long before we consumed it.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50425 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/AJ-helping-himself.jpeg" alt="sc5" width="500" height="667" />
The quality of the food exceeded our expectations, despite it being a mini buffet. Here&#8217;s what adults like:
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50426 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Irish-Lamb-Stew.jpeg" alt="sc6" width="500" height="667" />
1. This Irish Lamb Stew has to be the top in our list. The lamb is soft and tender, and has absolutely no distinct gamey aroma that lamb usually has.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50427 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Chicken-and-Mushroom-Fricasee.jpeg" alt="sc7" width="500" height="667" />
2. The Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee is well-received by both adults and children. I tend to believe that the stewed chicken and its stock play a great part in making this dish full of flavour.
 <img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50428 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Baked-Sole-Fillet-with-Almond-and-Spinach.jpeg" alt="sc8" width="500" height="667" />
 3. This Baked Sole Fillet with Herb Breadcrumb and Creamy Spinach is well-liked by moms who believe children should eat more fish and spinach.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50429 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Salmon-Fried-Rice.jpeg" alt="sc9" width="500" height="375" />
4. If you need a staple, this Salmon and Sakura Shrimp Fried Rice wins hands down. I have not tried frying rice with salmon but this dish proves that the medley of salmon and sakura shrimp can produce pretty amazing composition.
 And these are what the children like:
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50430 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Takoyaki-Balls.jpeg" alt="sc10" width="500" height="375" />
1. Not surprising, of course, the Takoyaki Balls got almost all wiped out mainly by the kiddos. If you have kiddos in the party, don&#8217;t forget to add this dish in!
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50431 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Crispy-Torpedo-Prawn.jpeg" alt="sc11" width="500" height="375" />
2. Kids love fried stuff, don&#8217;t they? This Crispy Torpedo Prawn satisfies them just right. AJ doesn&#8217;t like prawn, but he had second serving on this. Enough said?

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50433 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Sam-Fam.jpeg" alt="sc12" width="500" height="442" /> 
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50434 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Rach-n-AJ.jpeg" alt="sc13" width="500" height="392" /> 
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50435 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Nieces.jpeg" alt="sc14" width="500" height="375" /> <img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50436 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Sis-with-Cousin.jpeg" alt="sc15" width="500" height="500" /> 
How could a Christmas Party go without log cake and turkey? How could a Birthday celebration not have a cake? Well, we decided to double up the log cake as birthday cake as well. The boy is not complaining, so why not?

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50437 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Children.jpeg" alt="sc16" width="500" height="500" />
 <img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50438 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Log-Cake.jpeg" alt="sc17" width="500" height="500" />
 This <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/2017-christmas-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christmas Charcoal Log Cake</a> ($38+) is super yummy! It is neither too sweet nor too creamy, everything is of its right balance. My niece who works in Human Resource department is now seriously considering ordering <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/2017-christmas-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this log cake</a> from <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stamford Catering</a>.

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50439 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Turkey-Ham.jpeg" alt="sc18" width="500" height="377" /> 
The Turkey Ham Platter is a head turner. Everyone asked me why didn&#8217;t I bring this out earlier. So sorry, I almost forgot all about it! Though the adults find it nice, we agree that it can be too peppery for young children. So parents with young kiddos do take note of that. You could slice the peppery top off and give your kids the rest.

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-50440 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Children-playing-cards.jpeg" alt="sc19" width="500" height="500" />
 Fellowshipping together over food is an important part of our life, it provides an opportunity to strengthen bond, catching up and building network. Cosy conversation over good food is just what we had wanted for this House Warming session, and <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stamford Catering</a> provided just that.
 If you are considering catering for Christmas party or any party, <a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/2017-christmas-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stamford Catering</a> is giving 10% off the Christmas menu to you. Please use promo code MLBW10 to enjoy the discount. Promo code is valid till 30 Nov 2017 only.
Stamford Catering
<a href="https://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StamfordCatering/?fref=ts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stamfordcatering/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>