Free Frolic Fun Part Two

In the continuing recession, experts are saying that we should not stop spending, but spend wisely instead, so that the economy does not slide further downwards.

So here are my favourite picks for this month that are fun and free. Okay, some are not free but are definitely worth trying like...

these promotions for the beer guzzlers. Get a mug of beer for just $3.50! And not at coffeeshops, but at restaurants! Here's where:

White Dog Cafe at Vivocity (Harbourfront MRT) #02-131/132 Tel: 63769970 serves a mug of Tiger Beer at only $3.50! To top it off, this eatery has a great ambience. Be sure to request for the couches which overlook the sea (and construction work).

Another place which sells cheap beer is in the Little India area. Before you get turned off by the mere thought of Little India, let me describe this eatery which calls itself Lagnaa (Tel: 6296 1215)

Situated on 6, Upper Dickson Rd, this eatery is housed in a three-storey shophouse. The ground floor is nothing spectacular and non-airconditioned, but request for seating at the air-conditioned second floor and you enter a world of casual and relaxed dining. You have to take off your shoes to enter, and once in, diners sit on the floor on pillows. Sunlight streams in through un-curtained windows and the music playing is a blend of traditional Indian and New Age Indian music. A plus point is that because this is way off the beaten track, you'll find you and your friends just about the only diners there, meaning you have the whole second floor to yourself!

Ok, I promised a beer at $3.50 so here it is – a beer from India called the Kingfisher beer (5% alcohol) which tastes like Asahi and goes very well with their curries. Be sure to ask for the $3.50 one or they'll charge you another price. The food here is on the pricier side but is really really delish! Try their butter chicken or mutton curry!

If you're looking for something fun, exciting and free, join the Circle Line Discovery on Saturday, 23 May 2009 and experience riding on the train through the new stations on the Circle Line. Registration is required, so do register at their website, here.

For more fun and games for the individual or the whole family, join the Licence 2 Play Gaming and Electronics Fair happening on Friday 22nd May to Sunday 24th May at Suntec Singapore Hall 603 from 11am-9pm. Check out their website for more details.


If you'd like to indulge in some music and art, catch Japanese artist Yukinko Akira as he paints to music. Yes, to music! I saw something like this in Edinburgh, a few artists painting to live music, and it was awesome and inspiring at the same time. To be able to watch art in progress is a privilege. Although Mr Akira will not be painting to live music, but to recorded music, I believe the process is the same. Don't miss it! Happening at the Esplanade Concourse venue on 21 May 2009, Thursday - 24 May 2009, Sunday at 7.15 – 7.45pm and 9 – 9.30pm each day. Details here.

For some fusion gamelan music, join RiB or Rhythm in Bronze, a group from Malaysia at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on 22 May 2009 Friday – 24 May 2009 Sunday. Their first set starts at 7.30pm. Details here.

My friend Darius Tan will be singing at the Outdoor Theatre next week 27th May 2009 Wednesday and 28th May 2009 Thursday at 7.15pm and 9 pm, with another actress Celine Rosa Tan. She has amazing vocals so do come down and watch these two as they fight/sing/play on stage. Details here.

So there you go. Hope you have fun these next two weeks!

This week, I am going to

write uplifting notes on a post-it and put them up in any public place!

examples of quotes might be:

"Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself"

"I just realized that there's going to be a lot of painful times in life, so I better learn to deal with it the right way."

"What worries you masters you"

"Victory belongs to the most pesevering" - Napoleon Bonaparte


And since we are on the topic of post-its, I couldn't resist these ones from knockknock. They are just too cute!




I'm also considering these notepads.

Now I can list out all those blogshop urls in one place!

For those who are too shy to open their mouths...

When you've had enough of someone.

Free Frolic Fun Part One

People always tell me that Singapore is such a boring place and that its only good for eating and shopping. I do not deny that Singapore is an eating and shopping haven. On occasion, I've even had that boring Singapore thought pass through my mind.

So I was wondering today how to change a Singaporean's perception of boring Singapore (after all, it seems like we're staying in this country for good). I decided to go check out what events were happening around our island. These events/places had to be very affordable or even better, free admission. Its recession lah, can't be helped :) So here's the first in my series of posts titled "Free Frolic Fun".

Esplanade is always a safe bet as there are always free performances by the waterfront stage or in the concourse area. This week, catch Nightsound on Thursday at the outdoor theatre (waterfront) from 7.30pm, or Philsax on Thursday and Friday at the concourse. For your weekend, relax with my favourite Babes Conde at the waterfront.

On Fridays, check out the wonderful photo collection at the "Neither East nor West" exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), Empress Place. The exhibition is on till 1 February 2009. Admission is free on Fridays from 7-9pm.


For some unique shopping, join Philo's, Suite Stuff, My Little Happy Shop, The Headbangers Brigade and Doinky Doodles at a House Party. Held at a house, visitors are encouraged to come down, browse through the varied items on sale in a non-pressuring environment and be part of the House-Party movement! Entrance is free. In case you might like to get christmas gifts or something for your self, sales are cash terms only.

If you like the outdoors, bring a bottle of wine or beer to your nearest park/beach after dinner and have post-dinner drinks under the stars. You'll be surprised at how much you enjoy your companion's company without the distractions of the constant chatter and music at wining and dining venues.

These are my picks this week. Try them! Who says you can't have fun for free!

Headbangers is off and ready to go!

I'm so excited! The Headbangers Brigade is now stocked at Cat Socrates - a fabulous gorgeous gem of a lifestyle concept shop at Bras Basah Complex! I know its way off the beaten track, but you guys know me, I've always loved the weird, off stuff! The owner is a Chinese gal, very sweet and unassuming. She has put in a small space for reading of books and even serves drinks and coffee! Free wireless for those who wanna surf the net even! Which is how I wanted Suite Stuff to evolve eventually, but due to space constraints, was unable to do.

Anyways, I'm thankful that Helen was willing to stock my headbands. I hope they sell well! Please cross your fingers for me!!

heh. laters!

xx
Serene

P.s: Damn pissed off too! I just paid like 45 bucks for one durian. ONE!! grrrr....

Where to go this weekend...

I think the Bangkok-ians are incredibly gifted and creative. They use what little they have to improve their surroundings. I've been to shops that are little more than grills and concrete flooring but with a bit of draping here and there, add to that some run-down furniture with a fresh coat of paint, and everything is bright and sassy. The same can be said for their clothes, handmade, and home wares. Its simple, yet hey, why didn't I think of doing that?!

So, I'll be there. Checking out the scene. And looking for inspiration.