HOTSPOTS: Charley Larcombe indulges in comfort food at Marina Bay.
It’s difficult to be a foodie stand-out in Singapore. Restaurants open and close, scarcely a week goes by without a hot new pop-up getting rave reviews, and the city is a place where a hawker centre can be as hard to get into as a Michelin-starred venue. Also, Singaporeans pride themselves on being so food-woke, that it’s a tough crowd to please.
However, for something that is pretty different from the other 101 restaurants in Lion City, try out The Bird, found along the water front at Marina Bay Sands. This relaxed eatery and bar dishes up a classic, American menu as a tribute to the best of the South. It’s mama’s home cookin’, it’s the food equivalent of a cosy jumper, it’s not the place to take the health-conscious or the diet-prone. You go to The Bird for some southern fried chicken, waffles, grits and whiskey-based cocktails. You make sure you haven’t eaten all day in the lead-up and you wear your loose-fitting pants.
Living in such a climate, I wonder when would be the ideal time to visit such a place, but if you’re ravenous, want to try something new, have friends in town and have just taken them to the light and fountain show, then this is a good bet.
On the evening we popped in, we started with a signature blackberry bourbon lemonade ($27) which was an easy intro to someone who isn’t really a whiskey drinker. On the cocktail menu are US classics like old fashioneds and southern peaches – perfect for a-porch-sittin’ – but there are also some nods to the region like the watermelon sling.
We took the staff’s lead on dinner but the menu is very easy to navigate. For entrée, we shared devilled eggs with dill, chives and smoked trout roe ($14) and fried green tomato and crispy pork belly ($14), both delicious – and my personal favourites from the full meal.
Next, we tucked into the chicken ‘n’ watermelon ‘n’ waffles ($38). I could take or leave the waffles but the homemade honey hot sauce is aaaahhhhmmmaaazzzziiiinnnnnggggg. When I was told, I couldn’t buy a bottle, I contemplated stealing one – but couldn’t risk ANZA’s integrity. Just promise me, you’ll try it.
If you even have space for dessert, pop the top button of your jeans and pick a dish like butterscotch cake, rum-soaked banana cake, or fried Oreos (approx. $14).
I then definitely suggest a post-dinner walk to at least try and work off some of the mammoth meal.
The sister restaurants are in Miami, Vegas, and a soon-to-open one in Beverly Hills so this is the first foray outside of the States – and it looks like it’s paying off as the tables were booked with a mix of people on dates, out with friends and the odd working dinner. It all lead to a relaxed vibe, mirroring the Southern hospitality that is so integral to the concept.
Give it a shot.
Tucked away in a shopping centre in Boon Lay, iC2 Prephouse provides a wealth of resources and teaching for young people diagnosed with visual issues. If not addressed, some of these conditions could prevent them from either attending main stream schools or studying for exams, so ANZA Action is committed to helping in any way we can.
Whether the children go to iC2, or as is more often the case now, the teachers visit them, there are many ways that the young people can learn with the help of this worthwhile charity. For example, they are given the opportunity to gain some independence by reading volunteer-made books – which have a story line in braille and tactile illustrations made with the help of the recently donated scanner from ANZA’s Wandering Yogis. As they become more proficient, specialised computers aid with magnification or by using software to convert text to speech.
Volunteer-produced tools such as these make a real difference to the children suffering from visual impairment – and there are numerous ways you too can get involved.
JOIN ONE OF OUR TACTILE PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
Come along to iC2 and help make the books for young children to read. A simple book can be done in a morning, whilst a more complicated project could take 2-3 sessions.
BE A MENTOR
Go directly to the children’s homes, to read with them or help with their homework. We have been fortunate to have had a few ANZA members who have been involved in this aspect of iC2 life for some time now.
EDIT NOTES AND MATERIALS
Work on notes and info’ used with the JAWs (text-to-speech software) programme, which can easily be done from home.
Photographer Tatyana Kildisheva and her husband spent 20-days trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. She shares her experience with ANZA Magazine.
Photography by Kildi Photo
A couple of years ago, my partner John and I embarked on a trek through Nepal. The 230km-long route we chose, is considered one of the best in the world, passing through villages, crossing rivers, climbing mountains – including the famous Annapurna range – and descending into picturesque valleys. It offers a wide variety of climates from the tropics at 700m, along the path’s highest point of Thorong La Pass, which touches the edge of the Tibetan plateau, to the subarctic at 5,000m.
Because of the new road construction, the trek can now be done in about 10 days with less walking and more driving, however, we opted to take the ancient trade route. Having applied for a 90-day visa, we realised that we had the greatest gift imagined – plenty of time in a phenomenal country. It meant we could spend an extra day or two taking in the villagers’ way of life, interacting with the locals, tasting native food, and generally observing our surroundings. We were able to slow down and really appreciate what was around us.
At the beginning of our trip, we attempted a shorter trek in the east of the country, in the Langtang Valley. It was there, at about 3,000m above sea level, that I realised how prone I was to altitude sickness. It came unexpectedly and I went down with terrible headaches, shortness of breath and nausea. Thankfully, that was the highest point that we had to reach on that trek – and it left me realising I needed to be better prepared, to walk slower, spend more time recovering before moving up again and to stock up on lots of pills to alleviate the symptoms.
The Annapurna Circuit begins at Besisahar, in a subtropical valley with terraced farming. Trekkers share the muddy path curling upwards with villagers moving their yaks, goats and trade goods. Whilst we slowly traversed the trail, the temperature became colder with each 100m elevation and, at about 2,500m there was little vegetation, only rocks and mud.
We climbed to over 3,000m, reaching Pisang village and were greeted by lots of snow. None of the poorly constructed teahouses for trekkers provided any heating, but we considered ourselves lucky that there was a small stove for cooking where we could warm up a bit before going to sleep. At night, temperatures went down as low as minus 10 °C so we were super grateful for our comfy sleeping bags, although we were still shivering every night. I even slept with my camera batteries in my pockets to prevent them from discharging in the cold.
Photography by Kildi Photo
Unsurprisingly, Nepal is ethnically diverse and it shows on the smiling faces of the local people; the Mongolian, Tibetan, Chinese and Indian. They were very curious about us and the kids greeted trekkers with a traditional “namaste”, immediately followed by “chocolate?”. Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practiced but the higher altitude settlements are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist with quite a few ancient monasteries. The most remarkable one for us was Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery in Kagbeni village, just a few years shy of its 600th anniversary. We were allowed inside for the 6am prayer and breakfast with the young monks, who mindfully ate their Tibetan bread and drank their tea.
The scenery changed day-by-day as we climbed higher and higher and the magnificent mountains seemed close enough to reach out and touch. Such sights made us realise just how small and insignificant we were compared to the enormity of the Annapurna range.
Half way through the trek we reached Manang where we spent two days, acclimatising. It was the last village with electricity and a bucket of warm water for showering and laundry – so take full advantage should you ever find yourself there.
The settlement was in fact quite big; there was a volunteer doctor from the US staying in the village and giving lectures on how to recognise and deal with altitude sickness; and a ‘movie theatre’ where we watched Brad Pitt’s Seven Years in Tibet with our backs to the mountains. We also took a training trek up to a Buddhist monastery, to touch prayer wheels in the bitter cold, before scurrying back down.
Photography by Kildi Photo
Within a couple of days though, it was time to move on and we reached Gunsung, a village of only five houses, half of them destroyed by an avalanche. We witnessed cooking on a stove with yak dung, the only fuel available, because there is no wood in the mountains and no one carries it so high up.
It had only been 10 days at high altitude but our bodies were slowly breaking down; it was painful to breathe, the skin on our faces and hands were cracking, and our ears were ringing. Our boots, backpacks, and clothes were looking rough from all the walking on mud, tripping in yak poo and scrambling over rocks.
Our last night before attacking the Thorong La Pass was spent at 4,450m in a lodge so cold that my water bottle froze overnight. We started slowly ascending on fresh snow at 5am and watched the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. I glimpsed a few people walking the trail below us, and thought how tiny they looked compared to the colossal mountain giants around them. We had a quick photo at the summit with the 5,416m sign for proof as the strong wind and snow whipped around us, before we were ‘running’ down the other side of the mountain, trying to make it to the village below before night
fell. This part of the trek is often the longest, with some people taking 11 hours to finish – although thankfully we made it in much less time.
As we descended over the next 10 days, the path led us through a whole host of villages with interesting traditions, inquisitive people, local architecture and temples and even a distillery making brandy from apples.
Photography by Kildi Photo
While the views of the Himalayas, the roof of the world, are so breath-taking that I have no words to describe them, seeing this scenery comes at a price. For an average person having grown up in the clean and sterile environment of modern city-living with everything within easy reach, trekking through Nepal is quite a lot to adjust to.
Surprisingly, there are no technical mountain climbs on this trek, so really anyone could do it; however, simply being physically fit doesn’t necessarily equal completing it. We saw plenty of fit people turning around because of high altitude sickness or stomach problems as food hygiene standards in Nepal are so low that almost everyone gets sick. A few times we heard the whirring of a helicopter overhead which always meant someone was being evacuated due to sickness.
So, a few practical notes before you try to trek: You need a lot of time and patience, strong and comfortable boots, lots of warm clothes, a thermal sleeping bag, good backpack, hiking sticks and take paperbacks or a Kindle for when you finish for the day but there is still plenty of light and nothing to do. Essentials also include: all possible medicine you think you would need, plasters for your blisters (you will have plenty), good face cream, altitude sickness prevention tablets and, most importantly, water purification tablets. Also, don’t be shy to hire porters if you’re not strong enough to carry all your gear. For many Nepalese, being a porter is the only income they can provide for their families.
My takeaway from the trip is that climbing mountains is not as exhausting as having no access to the amenities that I take for granted at home like my comfortable bed, running water, a flushing toilet, clean clothes and food that I can stomach. A diet of Nepalese dal bhat (rice and lentils) didn’t provide the best, much-needed nutrition to cope with the physical endurance of the trek. Sleeping on wooden planks with no bedding, no shower and no washed clothes for days was quite unsettling as was using outdoor squat toilets during very cold nights.
Regardless, I feel incredibly lucky for having had the opportunity to visit Nepal, to experience high altitude trekking for the first time in my life, to be surrounded by such stunning scenery and having found the strength to finish.
MAD ABOUT FASHION COLUMNIST: Beck Dahl offers tips on keeping your clothes in mint condition whilst doing your bit for the environment.
The year has started off with a whole lot of zing and zest – I’m excited. We, as a family are not the ‘newbies’ this year and rather than have the stress of settling into new schools, a new apartment, a new country and a new climate, we can truly sink our teeth into life in Singapore. I’ve even started to tick off the To Do List for 2018: school uniforms mended (tick), caffeine habit kicked (tick), watch less Netflix (not quite!)…how has your year started?
As ever, I’m also using the first few months of the year to look at ways I can do better – especially with fashion. I’ve recently received a fantastic, informative journal, FANZINE, which is bursting with information put together by fashionrevolution.org. It’s a group of people who have joined forces to make a difference – they want truth and transparency within the fashion industry. Their aim is to show everyone from designers to consumers, governments to clothing manufacturers not only what is wrong with the industry, but also educating us on how to be better – better consumers, better manufacturers, better producers.
The topics are varied and offer advice on a number of things: how to mend or darn; textile recycling; info’ on varied material lifecycles (did you know Lycra can take between 20-200 years to degrade?!); even tips for deciphering the low quality garment from the well-made. If I read something that is of interest I’ll be sure to incorporate it in future columns, but today I’m going to remind you how best to care for the garments you LOVE!
Rule number one: if you don’t love it, don’t buy it! What is the point of having something hanging in your closet you don’t actually use? Unless it has sentimental value – to be honest if it was your Mum’s, Dad’s or Grandparent’s, it will more than likely last the distance – then evict from your drawers.
Rule number one, b: curate your wardrobe – whilst you’re deciding what you love and don’t love, get organised. If you don’t love it, and the piece doesn’t work with the rest of your wardrobe, it’s time to bag it up for some charities. [N.B: Organisations such as the ANZA Action-supported Dress to Impress are always looking for donations. Head to the ANZA Action page for more details].
Rule number two: look after your clothing. Not only will taking special care of your favourite silk shirt mean longevity in your wardrobe, it’s also a good way of doing your bit for the environment. Less purchases or satisfying that shopping urge with cheap fashion hits, means lessening your impact on the fashion industry, so look after what you already have. Here are a few tips to keep your items in tip-top condition, whilst keeping an eye on
being green:
• Wash at 30 degrees or less • Avoid dry cleaning • Avoid tumble drying • Treat delicates gently – hand wash or hand wash cycle! • Try washing in a mesh bag to protect the fibres • Use Eco-friendly detergent
Protecting your favourite clothes and reducing your energy and waste – dont’ you just love that?
Beck Dahl is a stylist and fashion lover living with her family here in Singapore. Get in touch at dahldesignstyle@gmail.com.
Lawyer by day, comic and singer by night, come and see Priya Panwar at ANZA’s Hilarity for Charity event.
See comic & singer Priya Panwar at ANZA’s Hilarity for Charity event at the Hard Rock Cafe, Wednesday 18 April.
What’s the Day Job and why do you do it – bar paying the bills?
I’m an energy and infrastructure associate lawyer at a UK law firm based in Singapore. My days are usually filled with negotiating, drafting and sorting out disputes on big projects for airports, railways, toll roads and power plants including renewable energy such as solar and windfarms.
What do you love about your life away from the office?
My day job is serious, and consists of long hours, so I enjoy expressing myself creatively wherever possible, such as open mic comedy nights at Molly Malone’s or singing at open mic music at The Beast. I’ve performed locally at the Talk Cock comedy nights at Blu Jaz run by Comedy Club Asia as well as Comedy Masala which are Tuesday nights at Hero’s on Circular Road. I also performed at Kung Fu Komedy in Shanghai recently.
How did you get started? Do you have a ‘give it a go’ attitude?
I’m a ‘Jack of all trades; master of none’! I try to pack in as much life as I can so I pretty much say “yes” to most things. But I was the class clown in school, so standing up and making a fool of myself is nothing new. I’ve been composing songs and singing since I was little and, back in Queensland, I was in an a cappella group called Soulstice Brisbane which even competed nationally just like the movie, Pitch Perfect. My guitar skills are mostly self-taught, but I’m now getting lessons to improve my technique.
How do you juggle keeping on track with your career with your passions?
The key is to enjoy whatever it is you are doing at the time you are doing it, put your best foot forward and have confidence. I don’t think about work after hours and I don’t think about comedy or music when I’m at work. They do say that most litigation lawyers are frustrated actors, and since I no longer do advocacy, I was probably missing the adrenalin that comes with being somewhat witty in public places.
When someone asks “What do you do?” – do you say you’re a multi-hyphenate?
I try to be vague. If I say lawyer, it either kills the conversation or a comparison to the show Suits is drawn and I inevitably disappoint! I don’t say I’m a comedian either, because I only do it as a hobby and frankly, paying bills in Singapore wouldn’t be possible as a full-time stand-up, unless I wanted to live on chicken rice and Chinese tea. I think making it a job would also take away the fun. Plus I’m not sure MOM would be super keen on it either! Goodbye EP…
What would you advise people who feel they’re stuck in a rut?
This sounds trite, but you only have one life! What is the point of living with “what ifs?” Juggling multiple things does mean you have to be disciplined with your time and sacrifice something; for me, it’s sleep!
How does Singapore help in adding strings to your bow?
Being an expat in Singapore gives you fresh perspectives. I’m more aware that my Aussie slang and broader ‘occa’ accent was all but incomprehensible to my non-Aussie colleagues and friends. I was forced to adapt. Also accepting that not everyone else knows or cares about Brisbane was also a bitter pill to swallow. But again, I have adapted and moved on.
What can people expect at ANZA’s Hilarity for Charity?
Well I’ll be having a good time up there, that’s for sure! Come and join us on Wednesday 18 April at the Hard Rock Café on Orchard, raising funds for I2 Prephouse. Get your tickets here.
See comic & singer Priya Panwar at ANZA’s Hilarity for Charity event at the Hard Rock Cafe, Wednesday 18 April.
For the first time in decades cavities in children are on the rise. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that nearly 28% of children aged 2 – 5 develop at least one cavity. What can you do to keep your child’s teeth healthy? For answers to your most pressing dental questions, we asked Dr Stephanie, children’s dentist at Smilefocus.
When can tooth decay start? A child’s primary (baby) teeth are especially vulnerable to decay. This is because the enamel is softer, and thinner than the enamel of adult teeth. So when foods and drinks come into contact with the teeth for long periods, or too frequently, it can start causing damage. It can be surprising to many parents that even foods and drinks that appear healthy such as fruit juice, fresh fruit and even breast milk can be a risk factor if left on the teeth for extended periods of time. Decay can start as soon as the teeth appear.
The softness of the baby teeth means that decay can spread very rapidly, sometimes even in just a few months. Dental decay is a multifactorial disease. This means that a combination of several factors is required for dental decay to begin, namely: bacteria, poor oral hygiene practices, a diet that encourages bacterial growth, susceptible tooth structure and surfaces, and availability of fluoride over time.
How many times a day should my child brush his/her teeth? For how long? Thorough tooth brushing is essential in the morning and before bed at night. The parent plays a significant role in cleaning their child’s teeth until the child has developed enough manual dexterity to clean properly by themselves, which may be even up to the age of 10 years. Use of plaque disclosing dyes is a fun way to show up areas that have been missed by changing white plaque to bright purple! Most young children are not very good at flossing however a primary site for decay is between “baby” molars. Parents need to help the child floss between all baby teeth that contact tightly together. If your child has natural spacing between their teeth then simple brushing will suffice. If you can’t manage to floss every night try at least once or twice a week- it’s better than not at all.
Are electric toothbrushes a good idea of children? Manual and electric toothbrushes can be equally effective, however for children who don’t have the dexterity required for a manual brush, an electric brush may be easier or more comfortable to use. They are often also good as a novelty which children enjoy using and many have timers built in to ensure the children are spending enough time on their brushing.
Is Singapore water fluoridated? What are the benefits? The water in Singapore is optimally fluoridated and in combination with fluoride toothpastes is a good source of fluoride for children. Evidence has shown that the contact of fluoride with the tooth is the most important preventive measure. It acts by physically bonding into the enamel molecules and the resulting enamel is considerably more resistant to plaque and food acid.
Your child’s adult teeth start to form at birth. Fluoride, when incorporated will help in the formation of strong healthy teeth. Be sure however that your child is able to expectorate (spit) before starting to use fluoride toothpastes because excess fluoride when ingested can cause discolouration or fluorosis of the adult teeth during development. The crowns of the adult teeth are especially vulnerable when being formed in the first 3 years of life. Half a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is all you need.
Is snacking harmful for the teeth? What are the worsts snacks? Snacking on sugar-free foods is fine. Studies show that cheese at the end of a meal buffers harmful acids that lead to decay. Water instead of juice or soft drinks is best. Even diet drinks, which do not contain sugar, are harmful due to their acidic effect as they will erode the tooth enamel.
Sugar can be found in most foods and drinks and limiting the number of times a day your child has sugar, for example at meal times only. Sugar in between meals in the form of candy, fruit juices and soft drinks as well as snacks like biscuits and ice cream should be avoided. Sweets cannot be avoided completely but should be occasional and if possible taken at meal times only as your child can then brush their teeth afterwards which limits the length of time that the sugar is in contact with the teeth.
How often should parents bring their children in for a check up? Children should visit with their dentist every six months for regular checkups. This is because, as previously mentioned, the decay can progress quite quickly in baby teeth and also during these years it is important to monitor your child’s overall dental development.
Raelene Tan, our Tuckerbox Columnist, offers up ideal spots to take the brood this Easter.
Photograph courtesy of Pan Pacific Singapore
With Easter almost here – a public holiday for Good Friday is on 30 March – it is now time to plan where to eat and what goodies to buy. Hot cross buns with their comforting spicy aroma, colourful Easter eggs and lusciously creamy cakes come to mind.
At Pacific Marketplace, level one, Pan Pacific Singapore, these classic goodies can be found alongside white chocolate animal eggs, various cheesecakes, cream cheese carrot cake and a variety of bread, including the ever popular sour grain loaf. Customised cakes may also be ordered three working days in advance. At the butchery take-away counter, select your favourite sausages from recipes created by a German master butcher, artisanal ham or other cold cuts, with a good selection of international wines also available.
The highlight this month is the enticing Egg-Chanted Black Forest Entremet in the shape of an egg, bringing thoughts of a fresh green spring field complete with pretty flowers and delicate lady-birds by its unique presentation.
I have always found Pacific Marketplace a cosy spot to relax over a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with a sandwich or slice of cake, to while away time people-watching in the midst of the bustling Marina Square area.
On Easter Sunday, a Champagne brunch at Edge, level three, is bound to please with traditional festive fare including seafood, lamb, spring vegetables and a spread of Easter-themed desserts complemented by free-flow of champagne. To add to the fun in this interactive restaurant with its live stations and open kitchens, entertainment for young diners features a customary Easter egg hunt as well as a jolly Easter bunny joining in the festive activities.
Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Sq., 039595
panpacific.com/Singapore
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing – unless you’re travelling with three children under five. Here are some hacks on helping your holiday be just that, a holiday.
Location-Finder
Although you may want to show your three-year-old the world, a backpacking trip may not be the best option just yet. A resort or at least staying in one location will mean less time spent in transit and therefore less disruption-causing anxiety. Remember those exciting cultural trips you used to have, ooh-ing and ah-ing over the wonders of the world? Well now you’ll become proficient in the World’s Best Playgrounds. However, do plan your vacation where everyone can be happy – that means you too. Hence the resort idea – kids’ clubs and swim-up bars.
Flight-Planner
Life as an expat equals long haul, therefore you need to plan your flight times so that you, your child or the other passengers don’t have a melt-down. Night flights are for good sleepers. You can exhaust them all day and then re-create the bed-time experience in-flight – e.g. changing into the pjs, brushing teeth, story-telling; the full works. Day flights… good luck. Just keep them entertained!
Safety First
Couple of obvious things really but take a first aid box to rival any hospital; there will be bumps, scrapes and falls and you can’t be too sure of what you’ll have access to. Remember your Soov, Imodium, Deet, Tiger Balm, water purifying tablets, tea tree oil – it’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral; just put it under your nostrils before flying –, Benadryl for allergic reactions, charcoal tablets for iffy tummies and steristrips. IMC actually have a travel kit all prepared for you. If you have friends who have visited the same area, maybe they’ll have a doctor or clinic to recommend so it’s worth an ask. Trust your instincts – healthcare may be different to what you’re used to so if you’re worried, keep pushing for referrals. Also to bear in mind are car safety rules. In Australia, a car seat is mandatory by law, but not all countries adhere to this. Remember to book one when you’re getting your hire car, unless it’s really another item you wish to stuff into the overhead compartments on your flight.
Carry On
First off, buy the Mary Poppins of bags. It needs to fit changes of clothes – for you and the babies – a huge stash of wet-wipes; snacks and entertainment (more on these later); kids’ headphones with adaptors as often the airline ones do not fit; scarves and layers to keep warm – you know how plane temps can drop; bottles and formula – double-check with the airline but these liquids are usually fine to go through. When you’re finally seated, have sets of things at close range so you can deal with emergencies without constantly bobbing up and down to the overhead lockers.
Carryin’-the-kids
For those not yet walking, a baby ‘Bjorn’ carrier is a must. Having them strapped to your front leaves your arms free to cope with passport-ticket-holding-other-babies’-hands whilst also being helpful on the actual flight too. If you don’t have the extra seat space, then you can easily have them on your lap with the front carrier. Also, call ahead to the airport to book a stroller so you can simply check yours in with your luggage.
The Beauty of Changi This airport has everything so all of that extra time you need for checking-in and getting sorted for your flight will be time easily spent. There’s the butterfly enclosure, a super slide and a movie theatre to name but a few. Get the kids active so they will be exhausted for the flight and ready to settle…hopefully.
Feeding Time
Your best bet here really is to plan ahead and have your healthy snacks sorted. We’re talking veggie sticks – they take twice as long to chew so use up some time – rice crackers, dried fruits etc. Obviously for ease, there are lots of take-away snacks on offer at the airport and inflight, but you’re going to pay for that in the long-run when that sugar-rush hits. To deal with ears popping on take-off and landing opt for sugar-free lollipops.
Be the Entertainer
A long-haul flight stretches endlessly before you; just how do you keep the kids quiet for 10+ hours? First off, try and limit the screen-time. It may seem like an easy option to let them get carried away with the endless movies and iPad games, but it’s going to leave them wired and not being able to rest. Instead, assist with their motor skills and concentration by packing the crayons and pads; buying the toy shop out of stickers and organising some activity books. Also, an option is to wrap a couple of tiny presents – there’s a twofold benefit as it’s another time-waster and they’re enjoying the thrill of something new… or that they haven’t used in a while. #recyclegifts
All-in-all though, remain calm. And remember this is a vacation; the excitement of a break-from-the-norm; the experience of travel; showing the kids something new; making memories. Happy holidays.
WANDERING YOGI COLUMNIST: Lee Carsley admits to being that friend with the inspirational sayings – but are they really that motivating?
Seen any inspirational sayings today? If you’re on any social media, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Did one of your Facebook friends share some ‘carpe diem’-style quote designed to add a bit of get-up-and-go to your Tuesday morning? That’s me, I’m that friend and I love an inspirational saying. Here’s your yearly dose from me right now:
“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?” Rumi “If your compassion does not include yourself, then it is incomplete.” Buddha “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop
They’re goodies, right? Some of these sayings are from genuinely smart people, like this one from Dr. Seuss: “Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT?” You’d expect nothing less from Dr. Seuss. He’s a doctor, after all. Or how about this from Einstein? “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.” You can’t argue with that. Who’s smarter than Einstein? And I love a good productive quote too: “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” Damn right, Abraham Lincoln (at least that’s who it’s attributed to). I say this one to myself when I should be writing but instead I’m wasting time reading inspirational sayings on social media.
You’ve almost certainly heard them all before. Maybe your eyes are rolling, about to skip the page, or reaching for that cup of coffee – but bear with me. Ultimately, they all deliver the same basic message which is: “You are great; you can do it; you are unique, wonderful, etcetera, etcetera.” I don’t have a problem with that missive, do you? This can only be a good thing, right?
Ok, maybe I have a teeny problem. Because whilst most people’s eyes glaze over at another “You’ve Got This” affirmation, I’m taking notes. I read every single one, giving them thoughtful consideration and even changing my daily activities based on what I read as I pick up the mobile that morning. Maybe I’m addicted. But on the whole, I think a little social media pick-me-up is a nice thing to put out there.
However, I have to confess not all #inspirational tags do it for me. Like this one from Rumi: “Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” That’s a little scary. In a literal sense, does this mean I have to answer my phone and be excited every time it rings? I doubt my spirit would be excited about a call from the bank manager. I’m not sure I don’t want to do a bit of call screening; to decide whether that opportunity is for me. Unless it’s Channing Tatum calling. In which case, I’m definitely motivated.
We often do affirmations in my yoga classes – one of my all-time favourite sayings is by Thich Nhat Hanh: “Smile, breath and go slowly.” Most of the yogis with the ANZA group will hear this at least once a week in my class guiding. It is obvious, but hardly ever practiced, yet now most of them smile, slow down and remember to breath!
Suffice to say, not all messages will resonate with you; one man’s karmic lightning is another man’s sceptical thunder – but try and find the ones that do and thus be inspired.
Lee Carsley is an executive coach and leadership expert-turned-yoga instructor, who currently runs ANZA’s yoga classes each week.
