10 Ridiculously Easy But Yummy Breakfast Recipes In 10 Minutes

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Ever had one of those days where you just lay in bed for a good hour or two after waking up and you contemplate whether you should just stay there the whole day and skip the whole tedious part of changing out of your pyjamas and actually brushing your hair? Yeah, me too. But of course, chores need to get done, diapers need to be changed, and tummies need to be fed (be it your little one's, or your own). So you whimper as you slowly roll onto the floor and crawl to the bathroom and stand in the shower and sob for a few more minutes and after getting dressed, you go to the kitchen and wonder what the hell you're supposed to cook for your child without reaching for the sugar-coated multicoloured cereal yet again. Nor do you want to hand them a piece of dry toast and call it a day. So here is a tried & tested list of 10 tasty but healthy breakfast ideas you can try out for those days that you just seriously cannot function. They are easy, I promise, and will take less than 10 minutes to prepare, but are completely guilt-free because they are actually nutritious and delicious!

1. MINI BANANA PANCAKES

Image from Inmagine

This is Gemini Grrl's favourite recipe to make all by herself (under my watchful eye of course) and she eagerly eats it all up once it's fresh out of the oven. 
So if my 2 year old can cook this, so can you ;)

INGREDIENTS:

1 Over-ripe Banana
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Essence
Butter


WHAT TO DO:

a) Slice up the banana into a bowl.

b) Crack in the egg and mash it all up with a fork.

c) Add the vanilla and mix well.

d) Butter up a muffin pan and spoon in the mixture.

e) Bake in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.

f) Serve with honey, butter or peanut butter.

SERVES: 1 Momma & 1 Tot OR 2 Tots



2. QUICK-BAKED AVOCADO

Image from Inmagine

I LOVE avocados so much. Not only are they chockful of nutrition, but they taste heavenly and can be a wonderful alternative to cheese for those with dairy restrictions, are vegan, or just watching their diets. I may just write up a whole new blog post on it's own dedicated to my favourite avocado recipes.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Ripe Avocado
1 Egg
Pinch of Sea Salt
Pinch of Black Pepper


WHAT TO DO:

a) Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit.

b) Beat the egg and carefully pour it into the little pit-groove in the avocado halves.

c) Sprinkle the sea salt and black pepper over the egg.

d) Bake it in the oven until your desired consistency, or until the egg cooks.

e) Eat with a spoon and enjoy the goodness.

SERVES: 1 Momma & 1 Tot

3. PEANUT BUTTER & BANANA SANDWICH

Image from Inmagine

Bananas are so digestible and are a healthy way to start your day. So if you're looking for a fun way to jazz up the way you eat this delicious fruit, why don't you try out one of my favourite toast toppings?

INGREDIENTS:

1 Ripe Banana
4 Pieces of Wholemeal/ Multigrain Bread OR 2 Pieces of Toast (for an open-face sandwich)

Peanut Butter (Chunky for even more nutrition, but I personally prefer Smooth)
Honey (optional)


WHAT TO DO:

a) Slice up your banana.

b) Spread peanut butter onto your bread or toast.

c) Arrange the banana slices onto your bread or toast.

d) Drizzle with a bit of honey, if you prefer (but the sweetness of the bananas should be enough).

e) Fantastic with a glass of milk.

SERVES: 1 Momma or 2 Tots

4. GREEK YOGHURT FRUIT SALAD

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Greek yoghurt is another staple in my house and we love it so much! It's actually healthier than regular yoghurt and you can use it in a lot of different recipes. It's better to get the plain kind and add in any extra toppings yourself to your liking. I always add some honey for a touch of sweetness (because Greek yoghurt is rather tart) and chia seeds for the extra nutrients, as it is a superfood :D

INGREDIENTS:

2 Single Serving Pots of Greek Yoghurt

Any Mixed Fruits & Berries
1 - 2 tsp of Honey
1 tsp of Chia Seeds

WHAT TO DO:

a) Cut up the mixed fruit or berries to bite size pieces.

b) Add in the chia seeds into the yoghurt.

c) Add in the honey into the yoghurt and mix well.

d) Top with the mixed fruits & berries.

e) Serve chilled and pretend you're having ice cream early in the morning :P

SERVES: 1 Momma & 1 Tot

5. PEANUT BUTTER APPLE SLICES

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"An apple a day keeps the doctor away", apparently. I guess what they mean is that it's good to eat some fruit everyday as part of a healthy and balanced diet. This is also a good snack for any other time of day, plus it's super fast to make. I like to add the granola on top for the extra flavour, fibre and crunch.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Red or Green Apple
Peanut Butter
Granola

WHAT TO DO:

a) Slice up your apple. The more PB you want, the thinner the slices.

b) Spread peanut butter onto each apple slice.

c) Sprinkle some granola on top.

d) Eat it as a healthy snack while watching the morning cartoons. Goes well with a tall glass of milk too!

SERVES: 1 Momma or 1 Tot

6. SOFT-BOILED EGG & BREAD DIPPERS

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Eggs are inexpensive, the easiest things to cook, but are so high in nutritional value. That's why our kitchen is always full of them! As soon as your bub is old enough, it's good to let them eat eggs for high quality protein. Most toddlers like to dip their foods, so these toast fingers are a fun way to make them finish up their meal.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Egg
1 Piece of Toast
Butter (optional)


WHAT TO DO: 

a) Boil your egg for about 10 minutes.

b) Toast a piece of bread.

b) Remove from pot and crack open the top OR crack open the whole egg into a bowl.

c) Cut up the toast into strips for easy dipping.

d) You may choose to lightly butter the toast fingers.

e) Let your tot have fun dipping and eating this healthy breakfast.

SERVES: 1 Momma or 1 Tot

8. CUTE FOOD ART

I LOVE YOU BEARY MUCH - My very own food art creation for Gemini Grrl. It is peanut butter on bread with apple slice cut-outs and blueberries.

Ok, you must admit that these cutesy food art creations that you've seen all over Pinterest and the world wide web sometimes makes you feel like a pretty crappy Mom for serving your child a boring piece of toast with some butter slapped on it. Fret not, because seriously, food art is not all that difficult to make and I have attempted a few of my own (with satisfactory results!). Bread is the easiest thing to start off with (and a common breakfast staple) and you can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Feel free to experiment with different bread/ toast toppings (peanut butter, kaya, Nutella, jam, honey, marmalade, vegemite, avocado, etc) for a variety of colours, as well as different pieces of fruit and vegetables. Just a simple smiley face will do and your kids will probably happily gobble it all up :)

INGREDIENTS:

Bread or Toast
Fruit
Vegetables
Breakfast Spread

WHAT TO DO:

a) Use a cookie cutter to cut out the shape of your food art base (for example, circle for a face).

b) Spread on any breakfast spread of your choice.

c) Cut out shapes out of fruit or vegetables and use to garnish/ decorate your base.

d) Present your work of art for your child to ooh and aah.

SERVES: 1 Momma or 1 Tot

8. OVERNIGHT OATMEAL CHIA SEED PUDDING

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As I mentioned before, chia seeds are a super food, and not only are they rich in omega 3, calcium, protein, iron, magnesium and anti-oxidants amongst other things, but they can be added to lots of different recipes without altering the taste. These humble looking little seeds will absorb any liquid they're mixed in and will swell up 2 ~ 3x their size and become fun little squishy pops in your drinks of puddings. Pair this with some rolled oats and you have a power couple right there. This is an overnight pudding recipe, which means that you have to prepare it the night before and leave it in the fridge, so you can just grab it in the morning, but to put it together takes up less than 10 minutes of your time.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbs of Chia Seeds
 1/2 Cup of Milk (can be cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc)

 1 tbs of Rolled Oats
1 tsp of Honey (or to taste)
Mixed Berries

Chocolate Chips (optional)

WHAT TO DO:

a) In a small glass jar, spoon in the rolled oats.

b) Add the chia seeds.

c) Pour in the milk.

d) Add the honey and mix will.

e) Sprinkle in some mixed berries or chocolate chips for a sinful treat.

f) Mix well or close lid and shake jar.

g) Leave in the fridge overnight.

h) Eat it nice and cold the next day straight from the jar.

SERVES: 1 Momma or 2 Toddlers

9. ABC SMOOTHIE

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ABC, it's easy as 1-2-3! This simple but deliciously creamy smoothie is actually really good for you. A is for Avocado, B is for Banana and C is for Chocolate. Yeah, I came up with that name all by myself, so creative right? LOL! You have to put in minimal effort to cut up the fruits and then toss everything into a blender and press a button. How much easier can it get?

INGREDIENTS:

3 ~ 6 Over-ripe Banana (depending on how banana-y and sweet you like it)
3 tsp Cocoa Powder
1 Cup of Milk (Cow, Goat, Coconut, Almond, Soy - up to you!)
1 Ripe Avocado
Dash of Cinnamon Powder (optional)

WHAT TO DO:

a) Slice up the bananas and put in blender.

b) Scoop out avocado flesh and put in blender.

c) Pour milk in blender.

d) Add cocoa powder in blender.

e) Add a dash of cinnamon powder if you like.

f) Blend the living daylights out of your mix.

g) Pour into tall glass, add straw and any other toppings of your choice.

h) Drink up and don't even strain yourself to chew anything.

*TIP: If you like your smoothies to be cold, then I suggest you peel, slice and freeze your bananas overnight, then blend them up the next day when they're still frozen. This is better than blending in some ice.

SERVES: 2 Mommas or 3 Tots

10. NON-FUSS SAVOURY TOAST

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My Mom used to make us those super tasty prawn toasts growing up, and the Asian side of me actually doesn't mind eating it in the morning. But honestly, who wants to be shelling and mincing up prawns at the crack of dawn, right? (No, seriously, shut up). So here is my own insanely simplified version of savoury toast you can do with your eyes still half-closed.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Egg
3 Pieces of Bread
Five-Spice Powder
Cooking Oil

Chilli Sauce or Ketchup (optional)

WHAT TO DO:

a) In a bowl, whisk up the egg.

b) Add in a small dash of the five-spice powder and mix well.

c) Heat up some cooking oil in a pan.

d) Dip each piece of bread into the eggy mixture until well coated.

e) Fry the eggy bread in the pan until crispy.

f) Cut each fried bread into 4 small squares or triangles.

g) Dip in the chilli sauce or ketchup, whichever you prefer.

SERVES: 1 Momma & 1 Tot

***

But seriously though, you should also buy a big box of relatively healthy cereal, some good full cream milk, fresh berries and pour your child a bowl of cereal with fruit on those days that you seriously, honestly, just can not function. Don't feel guilty about it. At least you're trying to feed you child something of nutritional value. We all deserve a break sometimes! ;)

Please Teach Your Children To Be Kind To Animals

Gemini Grrl (1yr old) with the neighbourhood kitty, Polly.

One of the moral values that definitely makes the list in our house is: 

Be Kind To Animals.

I have always loved animals ever since I was a little girl and we had a lot of pets growing up as well. Cats, rabbits, chickens, more cats, fish, turkeys, doves, turtles, hamsters, and even more cats. Living in a large 2-storey house in Brunei with a backyard, front lawn, artificial pond and fake waterfall, we had a lot of space for our small community of animals. We must have had about 20 cats at one point! My sister and I loved each and every one of them and every day was an opportunity for us to play with our furry/ feathered friends.

Our parents didn't particularly sit us down and specifically tell us to actually be kind to animals - they just were. So as children, we naturally would take our cues from the adults around us. My Mother bought a small rice cooker especially for our pet cats, and when she went to the wet market with my aunts, they would buy back some small fish (like the kind you put in Nasi Lemak), steam it until the bones are soft and then mash it altogether with the rice for all the cats to eat in the backyard. Sometimes, as a treat (or especially for the pregnant cats), they would stir in some egg into the rice as well.

Image credit: One Green Planet

I remember however that my Mother was completely petrified of snakes (and still is actually), so much so that she cannot even see an image of it on TV or even in a magazine. I on the other hand, for some reason have a complete phobia of lizards, especially house lizards. Just typing or saying the word "lizard" is already enough to make my skin crawl and I am actually grimacing right this very minute. I'm not sure what exactly caused this fear to begin with, since no one else in my family is scared of lizards. My sister isn't as scared of them as I am (she despises cockroaches though!), but I hate that I have this unreasonable fear. I know that they are harmless and so much smaller than I am. At least my Mother's dislike for snakes makes a bit of sense because some species are known to bite and can be very dangerous - so it's just a natural human reaction. But tiny little lizards on the other hand are probably more scared of me than I am of them.

However, I do not want my daughter to be scared of lizards, or snakes, or any other animal for that matter. I want her to love all animals and be kind to them. Lizards may gross me out, but I wouldn't want to bash one over the head with a broom (I just want it go far, far away from me! Haha). So when I see one lurking at my front door while I am clumsily fumbling for my keys, trying my hardest to scream in sheer terror, I put on a brave front and acknowledge my daughter's excited remarks of, "Look, Mommy! Up there! A baby lizard! So cute".

Me trying not to get too freaked out by the fake "tukae" (gecko). AARGH!!!!

Every now and then, I let her play with some educational games on the Tab, so would sometimes go through the Apps list to download new games. Once I came across a particular game marketed for little kids and the whole point of the game was to see how many ants you can smash with your fingers before they could eat all the candy! Sure, I am no saint and I do admit I have killed millions and billions of ants, mosquitoes and flies before - but I don't want to teach my daughter to sit there and aim to kill off little ants, be it animated or real, all in the name of "fun". There was also a children's song in one of my daughter's playlist that I have promptly deleted and banned, called "Baby Bumble Bee". Here are part of the sickening lyrics:

"I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee
Won't my Mommy be so proud of me
I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee -
Ouch! It just stung me!

I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee
Won't my Mother be so proud of me?
I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee -
Ew! It's so yucky!".

Why would anyone write such lyrics for a children's song?? And who's Mother would actually be proud of them for killing a baby bumble bee?? Some of you might think I'm overreacting and it's "just a song", but no, I don't like the message it's sending across to my child, so I have the right to keep such horrid stuff away from her.

Being kind to animals is something I feel all parents and teachers should teach to children, because it in turn makes them kind, compassionate and have empathy for other human beings as well. You've probably read countless reports of how some murderers would abuse or kill animals when they were children - most likely because animals are usually more helpless and are easy targets. Cruelty to animals is also one of the symptoms displayed by a future psychopath. If children are taught to be kind and caring towards animals, it will help them to value all lives and also prevent violent behaviour.

As parents, we should set good examples to our children as well and remember that their little eyes are always observing us and their ever attentive ears catch more than we think they do. So try your best not to smash a cockroach to death with such relish; Don't run through a flock of pigeons for no apparent reason except to just chase them off and laugh about it, Refrain from making any negative remarks about any animals, even if you have an unreasonable fear of them. As a Muslim, we are not allowed to eat pork, but that does not mean I will kick a pig if I saw one. We are also advised not to touch dogs (we can actually, and are also allowed to have them as pets, but there are several criterias we need to fulfill - another blog post for another time!), but that does not stop me and my husband from petting them or treating them with kindness as well.

Gemini Grrl's very first word was, "Cat", and she has a love for all animals (although she sometimes has this random fear of ants one day, but then is talking to them and feeding them her cookie crumbs the next day!). She squeals with delight every time she sees any animals on TV or in real life, and is already starting to ask for a pet cat. She enjoys it when I read her storybooks with animal characters. She cuddles all her animal plush toys, lovingly tucks them into bed and patiently nurses them when they apparently have boo-boos.

Someday, when she's a little older, I will let her adopt a pet of her choice, which will also teach her how to be responsible and caring for another life. But for now, we will stick to tea parties with her Panda, feeding stray cats around our neighbourhood, and singing nicer songs about being kind to all animals big and small.

Polly and my Gemini Grrl (1 yr old at the time) strolling side by side ^_^

FAQs About Gemini Grrl: 10 Questions Answered

My Rockin' Gemini Grrl

Q1: Who is Gemini Grrl?
ANS: She is my daughter, my first-born, my one and only child (for now!), the apple of my eye, my world, my life, my everything.

Q2: How old is Gemini Grrl?
ANS: She turns 3 years old this year (2015) - officially becoming a Preschooler and a Threenager! Hahaha.

Q3: Why the name "Gemini Grrl?" Is it a typo?
ANS: For privacy reasons, I have chosen not to disclose her name on my blog, so have created a pseudonym for her. Since I am am Taurus Mommy, I thought it would be fitting that she had Gemini incorporated into the new nick name, as that is her zodiac sign. The second half of the name is not a typo, it is an alternative way of writing "Girl", just with a little more attitude, because that is exactly how my daughter is ;)

Q4: Are you raising her to become a Feminist?
ANS: I am raising her to hopefully become a strong, confident, kind, caring, generous, independent, intelligent, worldly, open-minded young lady who will help to be the change in this world. I am not into the whole "princess" thing and will not encourage it in my household, nor am I particularly a fan of the colour pink. But I do not want to strictly dictate my daughter's choices or preferences in life so will grit my teeth if she steers in that direction.

Q5: So what is her favourite colour?
Definitely NOT pink! Phew. Haha! Her favourite colour so far is purple (like mine! But I promise that I did not force it upon her. Maybe she's just constantly surrounded by a lot of my purple stuff so associates that colour with me, so therefore prefers it?). But I do have some pink stuff here and there for her because I don't want to make it a "forbidden" colour of sorts as it may later on become an obsession (!!).

Q6: Does she have a lovey/ cuddly/ security blanket?
ANS: Yup! It is a "Perfect Panda" Care Bear (cousin) plush doll from my personal vintage toys collection. Well, so maybe he is not exactly vintage (because this exact doll was made around the year 2000), but he had been sitting in my cupboard with all my other plush dolls for quite some time before she was even born. It was originally a birthday gift from my sister (because she knows how much I love Care Bears and My Little Ponies), but when Gemini Grrl finally came along in 2012, she picked him out by herself out of all the other dolls presented to her and he just became her favourite ever since then and thus earning the honourable status of being her lovey/ cuddly. In fact, you can actually see him in the background on the left of the picture above :)

Q7: What is Gemini Grrl's personality like?
ANS: She is friendly, cheerful, cheeky, active, inquisitive, generous, vocal, fun, out-going, articulate and talkative. True to her Gemini nature, she is also sociable, but has her quiet moments, and sometimes even appears to have a dual personality! Always a joy to be around, but can get bored rather easily so constantly needs to be doing something. She's pretty easy-going though and warms up to people rather quickly.

Q8: What are her favourite activities?

ANS: Swimming or any kind of water play; Painting; Drawing; Singing; Dancing; Playing with her dollhouses; Doing puzzles; Having playdates with her friends.

Q9: What is her favourite food?

ANS: Ice cream! Just like Mommy. Hehehe.

Q10: Is she more like Mommy or Daddy?
ANS: When she was just born, she looked EXACTLY liked her Daddy! But as the months went by, she started to resemble me at that very same age. I would even make photo comparisons and my own Father couldn't tell us apart! She definitely has her Daddy's nose though, but most people says she looks more like me now. She walks like her Daddy, but is dramatic like Mommy. Her food preferences are more like Daddy, but she gets her sweet tooth from me (oops!). She has curly hair like Daddy, but large eyes and long lashes like Mommy. Her skintone is just the right mix of the both of us, and she lands right in the middle shade. She is a Gemini just like Daddy, and they also share the same blood type. Hmm, so maybe she is a little bit more like Daddy, but she gets all the best bits from Mommy! Hmph! Lol :P

My Perfect Plan Preparing for Preschool & Primary School

Image source unknown

In 3 months' time, my little Gemini Grrl will no longer be a Toddler, but will technically become a Preschooler. It seemed like only yesterday that I saw the positive sign on my testkit; heard her precious little heartbeat; found out I was having a girl; held her in my arms for the very first time after feeling her grow inside me for 9 months. And pretty soon she's going to be starting "school"? When did that happen?? Ok, so I'm not completely shocked, because I have been planning it carefully ever since she was born (because I am a natural planner - some people might even say I may over plan things, but hey, this is how I am and it makes me happy, so please shut up).

To make the whole transition easier on her (and me!), I have this whole preparation process all planned out, and hopefully it will work out as well as I hope it would.

STEP 1: PLAYDATES

Gemini Grrl (left) with her good buddy (right) at the Jurong Birdpark for a playdate :)

Ever since my daughter was almost a year old, we started bringing her on playdates to introduce her to new friends and just socialise with other children her age. We would go to each other's houses, sometimes let the little ones roam around various kiddy indoor playgrounds together, visit various places of interests, have fun splashing about at pools and water-play areas, or just meet up for lunch and have the little ones sit side by side in their high-chairs to munch on their snacks together. It's lovely to see them gradually learning how to socialise and play with one another, and the older they get, the more the children enjoy each other's company and even start to request to meet up with their friends by name! :)

STEP 2: PARENT ACCOMPANIED PLAYGROUP

Gemini Grrl playing in the sandpit at her weekly playgroup

Shortly after turning 2 years old, I signed us up for a parent accompanied playgroup at an international school near our house, which we still attend once a week. It is open for toddlers aged 15 months - 3 years old, but once you're already in the programme, they are flexible enough to let your child continue for a few more months until they turn 3.5 years old (and then they are no longer eligible for the playgroup). It's a fun little class where there are lots of interesting activity stations set up in a classroom, and parents are encouraged to take part with their children as well. There is also outdoor play time for the kids to stretch their legs while getting some fresh air and sunshine. Then it's back up for snack time as a group, more free play and to end it off, circle time with some upbeat songs (dancing and singing), stories and bubble-blowing. It's great fun and the children are introduced to the concept of a classroom, a having a teacher, other classmates, as well as a class schedule to follow.


STEP 3: DROP-OFF ENRICHMENT CLASS

Gemini Grrl painting a colourful little masterpiece

I'm still trying to find a weekly drop-off class where she can attend for an hour or so to have a little fun while learning something (Dance, Drama, Singing, Gym, etc), and at the same time, get used to me not being around for a short while. However, a lot of such enrichment classes offered here are usually for 4 year olds and up, or the ones in her age range are quite far away from where we live and the commute gives me a headache just thinking about it. So the search continues.

STEP 4: DAILY DROP-OFF PLAYGROUP

Gemini Grrl (right) painting with water on a dry deck, alongside her playgroup classmate (left).

Luckily for me, a new learning centre has just opened up literally at my apartment complex. So I peeked in on their classes and noticed that they also offer an integrated daily drop-off playgroup for toddlers and preschoolers (18 months - 4 years old). Since we are pretty happy with our current weekly parent accompanied playgroup, she'll only be starting this daily drop-off programme next year at the start of their intake for the new term, once she turns 3.5 years old.


STEP 5: KINDERGARTEN

Gemini Grrl paiting with marbles

When she is 4 years old, she will attend Kindergarten at this wonderful little preschool I discovered, not too far away from where we live (it's a very short drive, but no direct buses unfortunately). They have a half-day programme and a full-day programme, but we most likely will sign her up for the full-day programme, as I will be going back to work again fulltime, but the hours are flexible and I can pick her up any time I'm done. I love the preschool I have chosen for her, because they have such wonderful facilities, including an Art Studio (for Arts & Craft activities), Dance Studio (for Dance, Movement and also Drama lessons), Multimedia Room (to play educational computer games), Library (for story time and quiet reading), Mini Kitchen (for cooking lessons), as well as swimming lessons.


STEP 6: PRIMARY SCHOOL (GRADE SCHOOL)

Gemini Grrl's scribble-art (1 yr old)

The year that my daughter turns 7 years old, by law we are required to send her to a Primary School (Grade School). Now, as she is a Citizen (because my husband is a Citizen), she is also required to only join a local school, but not an international school (which is a shame, because I went to international school since Preschool. But oh well, I have faith in the local school system as well). The great thing about our neighbourhood is that there is a Primary School right next door (I can sometimes hear the faint murmurs of their school assembly, right from my living room), so the location is super convenient, plus it is dirt cheap. Seriously, astoundingly cheap, as compared to an international school, which you probably would have to sell your kidneys for.

***

As much as I would love to homeschool her (and have even done my research and connected with the local homeschooling community), living in the world's most expensive city means that it is only feasible for both parents to be working. Also, the particular preschool which I have selected is on the higher end of the price range, but for the facilities and activities provided, I feel that it is just the price we have to pay for a quality preschool. Some people argue that young children don't really need to go to preschool, plus they are only required by law to get formal education starting from the year they turn 7. 

But personally, I don't want her very first day at school to be at a proper academic establishment such as Primary School (Grade School), where there are school bells blaring, teachers glaring, textbooks to lug, and homework to be completed. I feel that there are already certain expectations of the students, especially in Singapura's competitive education system. You'd be surprised how many preschools here already start enforcing a rather regimental approach to learning, assign homework and even have pop quizzes in school. 

This may be favoured by some parents, and that is entirely their prerogative, but personally I am definitely into a more play-based approach when it comes to preschool, and like the Montesorri method as well as the Reggio Emilia approach. I may go as far as to say that I do not believe in homework given to Primary School students (but that is another topic for another day).

Well, that is my own little plan for my daughter's preparation to enter Preschool (and eventually Primary School). Ok, it may be far from perfect in some people's eyes, but to me, that's the best route I can think of to make the whole transition as painless and stress-free as possible. Currently, we are still at Step 2, whilst looking around for a suitable place for Step 3, and will only be starting Step 4 at the beginning of next year (2016). 

What do think about my plan? Do you have your own little plan sorted out for your little one? Do share your thoughts with me or feel free to ask me any question in the comments section! :)

DIY Portable Dollhouse: Tutorial for Handmade Miniature Furniture (BONUS! Video)

(Handmade LPS Portable Dollhouse)

I have always been fascinated with all things miniature and would pretend I had a little faery friend who I would someday build a house for. Well, ever since my little baby faery daughter was born (aka: Gemini Grrl), I have been putting my craft skills to work and have enjoyed coming up with homemade activities, DIY projects and other fun games we can do together.

My recent project was this portable/ carry-along dollhouse for a vintage Littlest Pet Shop Bobble-Head Siamese Cat (from the 2004 LPS Portable Pet Series), which I used to play with (please don't do the math. I still collected and played with toys well past my teenage years. Haha!), but have since passed down to my daughter. It came with a tiny pink pet carrier, but we decided that kitty needed a bigger place to call home.

I have made a few dollhouses out of old chocolate boxes and shoeboxes, but when I saw a few posts online of portable dollhouses using mini paper suitcases, they looked so adorable and I loved how we could easily bring them out with us to keep Gemini Grrl occupied when we're over at friend's house, or eating at a restaurant, etc. It was really fun to make and I got her to help pick out the wallpaper/ flooring, choose the decals, the various colours of things, the placement of certain items, and what exactly she would like in the house. She also helped to glue some bits (using child-safe school glue) and it took us only one day to get everything done (with breaks in between for snacks, lunch and naptime).

(The outside of the mini paper suitcase is blue with orange, red, green & yellow stars)

Below is a tutorial of how exactly I made the dollhouse.
But if you prefer, you can also watch a short & sweet tutorial video I made :)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Mini Paper Suitcase

Scissors

Pencil

Superglue

Gift Wrap Paper or Scrap Book Paper

Cotton Wool

Drinking Straw

Toothpicks or Matchsticks

Popsicle Sticks

Various Bits of Fabric

Scrap Book Decals

Stickers

Magazine Cut-Outs

String or Wool

Letter Beads

Small Empty Boxes

Cupcake Liner

Craft Foam

(You can easily glue your wallpaper & flooring to the insides, if it is made of paper like this one)

You can either choose the same piece of gift wrap paper/ scrap book paper for both the wallpaper and the flooring, or you can do what we did and use two different pieces. Our wallpaper is light yellow with little trees, teal silhouettes of deer and tiny white flowers. Our flooring is white with green, red and yellow triangles. You can also use any kind of fabric or even felt for your flooring, to make it more like a carpet instead. I got both gift-wrap papers from a knick-knack shop near my house for 40 cents each (3 rolls for $1). This is partly why I have a seriously hoarding problem when it comes to gift-wrap! Put the mini paper suitcase on the the gift-wrap paper and trace around it with a pencil. Cut it to size to fit on the insides. I had to trim it a few times because the outside of the house is obviously a little bit bigger than the inside, but it wasn't too hard to do. 

(The cosy little bed with pictures on the wall)

I used an empty (plus washed & dried!) mini drink box and wrapped it up in a preloved baby washcloth that has been sitting in Gemini Grrl's bottom drawer for a while now, and glued it together. The pillow is a wad of facial cotton (the kind that you use to remove make-up), wrapped up in a small piece of fabric (also cut up from an old baby washcloth) and glued shut. The bed's headboard is a little craft foam decal used for scrap-booking, which I dug out of my collection of bits & bobs. You can use whatever you already have or cut out a nice picture from a magazine.

(Who's the fairest of them all?)

The picture frame directly above the bed's headboard (Je t'aime), is made out of toothpicks, but you can also use matchsticks. Just trim the length to fit around your chosen picture (mine was cut out from a magazine) and glue it directly onto the edges of the picture. I added a little craft foam heart at the corner there just to make it look even nicer, and glued the frame directly onto the wall.

The same method applies to the mirror on the other side of the room as well. I just so happened to have a piece of reflective paper which I tore out from a magazine years ago (seriously, I think it was actually 10 years ago! I told you I am a hoarder). You can also paint or colour in the frame to make it even prettier. The other picture on the wall of the crown with a heart in a middle, is actually a bottle-cap decal mixed in with my loot bag of craft stuff which I won from an online competition. SO happy with the stuff I got :)
Oh, and the round rug in front of the mirror is actually the liner from a Ferrero Rocher chocolate, but you can also use any other cupcake liner, or a piece of fabric.

(Itadakimasu!)

The base of the table is an old plastic bottle top and I glued this glittery yellow craft foam circle on as the table top. The dining chair is the top of a vitamin bottle (the seal thingy that you remove from the inside). The irritatingly cute sushi are actually erasers I got as a set from a dollar store. I know I can also make the miniature food myself, but I have a weakness for these things when I see them in the shops. They actually give me inspiration for my next dollhouse creation.

(Rub a dub dub)

I hope you can see the details on this one. The bathtub itself is cut out of a mini cereal box, and wrapped with some gift-wrap paper. The bottom of the bathtub (inside) is a magazine clipping, and so is the row of shampoo/ conditioner/ soap/ sponge. The shower is a bendy drinking straw. The taps are letter beads (H for Hot and C for Cold water). The pink towel is cut out from another old baby washcloth. And last but not least, the bathmat is a craft foam heart.
I actually glued down all the furniture in this dollhouse, so just a tip if you intend to do that - remember not to glue things too close to the edge because you won't be able to close the lid. Umm, I speak from experience. Haha. Next time I make a dollhouse, I probably won't glue the furniture down though, because my daughter got pretty annoyed that she couldn't rearrange stuff. I only did it this time because this was a portable dollhouse and I didn't want anything to fall out and get lost outside.
Oh, I also want to point out the magazine clipping of grass in the background around the edges there, which I glued on for fun. Yes, my kitty's bathroom is outdoors apparantly. Nevermind! :P

(The other side of the bedroom)

Really, the sky's the limit! Just use whatever you already have and go with the flow! I glued on a popsicle stick as a shelf and then wondered where to go next with this little corner of the room. But then discovered some darling little dress decals and decided to glue them onto a string of wool. I didn't glue the dresses onto the wall though, so they sort of flap around if you poke them. The two tiny cupcakes on the shelf are so random, I know, but they were in my craft bag and they were too cute not to use.

(Scrapbooking bits & bobs)

It's good to have lots of bits and bobs of scrap-book decals, magazine cut-outs, stickers and all that. I just squirrel them away, hoping that they'll be of use some day and sure enough, they definitely were! Don't stress yourself out over how to make it perfect. When you're having fun, the ideas will naturally come to you. You are only limited by your own imagination, so don't overthink it and just experiment.

If you want to see a video tour of this portable dollhouse, as well as the tutorial, do check out our video on Youtube. Please remember to Subscribe to our channel as well and do let us know in the comments if you would like to see more of our dollhouse creations! :)

★☆ WATCH THE DOLLHOUSE TOUR AND HANDMADE MINIATURE FURNITURE TUTORIAL HERE! ☆★