Life Is Full Of Surprises

Happy Lunar New Year ~ Gong Xi Fa Cai

2011-02-04T13:09:00.000+08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year of the Metal Rabbit.

Huat Huat Huat !!!

Happy Birthday Mummy

2011-01-09T15:57:00.007+08:00

Celebrated early Mum's birthday with close relations and Mum's specially invited friends.

Food were Nonya cuisine catered from Straits Chinese Restaurant...Mee Swa Tow, Satay Babi, Udang Goreng Assam, Ayam Kormah, Hee Peow Soup, Otah, Sambal timbun and most sought after Mummy's signature dish~Nonya Mee Siam and Kueh Ko Swee plus dessert Chendol.

Instead of the usual birthday cake, I order the Cheese Brownie from the Baker Story Shop....simply yummilicious.

With all of the above food and desserts, I really need to hit the gym again.

Back Again

2010-08-21T08:49:00.011+08:00

I'm back again to blogging. Hopefully I can continue to blog. So what has been holding me back from blogging?

Hatchlings, yes this is the one and only game that I'm currently hooked onto it. I love and enjoy every bit of it and never seems to get tired hunting eggs after eggs. I love the creativity of the Developer Brad Dwyer, he's really awesome!

See it for your yourself in my Facebook.

I'm back to hunting again.... woo hoo....

A Blessed Christmas To One & All

2008-12-24T13:46:00.004+08:00

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas filled with God's abundance blessings:-

Searching For Holy Names

2008-08-25T14:29:00.005+08:00

For the past weeks, I've been straining my eyes to find the names of the books in the Bible from the passage below. Interestingly I managed to find 24 books until today I finally found the missing book that made up the 25 books of the Bible in the paragraph. See if you can also find the the 25 books lurking in this passage. Have fun searching!

Can you find the names of 25 books of the Bible in this paragraph? This is a most remarkable puzzle. Someone found it in the seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping himself occupied for hours. One man from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat.
Roy Clark studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Victs mentioned it in her column once. One woman judges the job to be so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help calm her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot...that's a fact. Some people will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. The truth is, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have. Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation may help, books like! Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. And punctuation or spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete. Remember, there are 25 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph.

Scrabulous Anyone?

2008-06-25T21:00:00.012+08:00

Haven't been posting of late in my blog, all due to the strong addiction to SCRABULOUS

Games have been continuing one after another with friends locally and overseas.

Thanks to this Scrabulous games that kept us globally connected. Not only did it kept me occupied but also increased my word power and activated my brain cells... so who needs the mahjong then? To all my Scrabulous kakis in FB,

THANK YOU for the game which I truly enjoyed playing.

Addicted To Yum Char Hi Tea Buffet

2008-05-26T20:24:00.005+08:00

For the past 2 weeks, me and hubby were addicted to the Yum Char Hi Dim Sum Tea Buffet. Since I was on leave again today, so hubby and me decided to drive down to the heart of Chinatown and enjoyed our afternoon at Yum Char Dim Sum Hi Tea Buffet. The Hi-Tea started from 3pm to 6pm and it's really value for money priced at S$16.80 ++ for adults and S$12.80++ for kids aged 4 to 12). The Dim Sum Hi Tea Buffet is only from Mondays to Fridays. The first time when we were at Yum Cha, we attacked all the fried stuffs served by the waiters/waitresses and by the time the push carts came strolling to our table with the steamed items we couldn't eat much. So, for this time round, hub and me refused all the fried items and started with all the steamed Dim Sum stuffs first and we truly enjoyed every bit of it. I loved their "xiao long bao" which were juicy and succulent. We were so fulled up that skipped dinner tonight.

YIPEE! I'VE WON!

2008-05-13T17:33:00.006+08:00

Finally but truly I won a miserable S$10 cold hard cash just by smsing to AdTag!

I received the Sony catalogue in my letter box and was flipping through the pages seeing so many AdTags, it made me excited and just want to try my luck at it.

There were about 13 of the AdTags in the Sony catalogue and I immediately kept my fingers busy sms-ing to AdTag. After having smsed about the last 13 AdTags, I received the sms which read: "CONGRATS! U win $10! We will call u soon! Of course I leapt for joy though it's just a mere S$10. Yes, I did received a call from the AdTag's staff and I'll be receiving my cash cheque

soon. Yipee..... S$10 just nice for a simple breakfast for me and hub!

Victorious Vicks

2008-04-17T14:35:00.005+08:00

I've actually head it from a Filipino priest whose dad was a doctor in Philippines. Until I received this through an email sent to me. The humble Vicks Vapor Rub that we all grew up with. So for

Amazing! READ IT ALL. It works 100 percent of the time, although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren't sure why.

To stop night time coughing in a child or an adult put Vicks Vapor Rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime and then cover with socks(it felt lie a warm blanket that enveloped the body). Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about five minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. This works 100 percent of the time, and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

For sure I'll try it the next time when I'm down with a bad cough..... hee hee can't wait for my next cough to try it out.

Meme - 5 True Facts About Me

2008-02-26T13:45:00.005+08:00

Another Meme - 5 True Facts About me

Here goes;

The Meme rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself.

3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Tagged by Mike aka FooDcrazEE

The 5 facts

1. I am FAT, can anyone help me to lose at least 1 kg? haha
2. I am YOUNG at heart.
3 .I am a NEAT freak, no messy stuffs around.
4. I cannot live without NOODLES, three meals a day all noodles, noodles, noodles.
5. I thank God for all the wonderful Blessings that I'm enjoying.

Only 5? so that's it! Hmmmmmmm... who shall I tagged then? Scroll down to see if you've been tagged below:-

Tagged the following friends:-

1. Debra

2. Ernest

3. Geok Ping

4. HK

5. Ju

In Remembrance

2008-02-19T13:09:00.004+08:00

In the year 2006 15th Nov, I wrote about Sally my church friend who was diagnosed with LEUKEMIA.

This year January 17th 2008, Sally was called home to be with the Lord. The last time I met Sally was a couple of monts sometime in Novemebr in Church at the 7am mass. She looked very frail, her head covered with a scarf and a mask over her face. However, Sally was still as cheerful chatting with us after the mass and I knew deep inside she's fighting a brave fight against the cancer in her blood.

A deep great loss to all the friends who know Sally because she was one SELFLESS person who gave her time and life to people around her.

Sally, you finally suffered no more! Enjoy the beautiful resting place that the Lord has preapred for you.

Till we meet again in Heaven.

Happy Valentine's Day To The Unloved

2008-02-14T12:38:00.006+08:00

Today's the day where most couples will be having candlelit dinners and the ladies with bouquets of lovely flowers in their hands from their loving romantic Romeos. Not forgetting that the florists' cash registers will be cashing in lots of money from all the sales of these bouquests selling at exorbitant prices. Here's wishing a wonderful and romantic Valentine's Day not only for the lovebirds but especially for those who have no one to share their love with.

Happy Birthday Mummy

2008-01-14T07:53:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, we held a birthday party for Mum's birthday celebrations. Mum had a guest list of about 55 persons. Food were catered and I also specially ordered a birthday cake on behalf of Mum's two litlte grandsons, Daniel and Martin for their true blue Peranakan grandma.

Everyone at the party enjoyed the feasting and especially this unique (sarong kebaya) cake which I got my friend Joanna to do it, which caused her alot of stress too.. hee hee sorry and thanks Jo. Last year Mum had a "mahjong" cake which got her friends all tickled and amazed. Hmmmmm.. wonder what cake I should get for Mum's birthday next year?

Here's wishing Mum a very Happy Birthday today which is also her actual day, today.

Farewell 2007

2007-12-31T19:26:00.000+08:00

Yes finally today is the last day of the Year 2007. 365 days have past and gone just in the blink of an eye. As I looked back 2007, has been a great year for me learning new things and making new friends. With the brand new year fast approaching and just round the corner, I looked forward to it and pray that 2008 will bring PEACE to the world.
A Happy New Year to everyone!

Humpty Dumpty Had A Great Fall

2007-12-30T21:08:00.000+08:00

Saturday mornings are my usual house cleaning day. As usual I started my routine chores with high spirits with the radio blasting in the background to keep me company. It all happened so suddently when I was keeping the laundry, I lost my balance and my whole body gave way and with a loud thud I fell onto the wet slippery floor with both my arms supporting my heavy body.

I felt both my arms strained and I couldn't lift them up. I sat on the wet floor trying to compose myself from the shock not knowing whether to laugh or to moan in pain. After awhile, I gathered my strength and slowly picked myself up. Still with both arms in great pain, I continued and completed my chores. Oh what a year to end with! The only word to describe me now is PAIN!

'Thank you for being my friend' award

2007-12-24T18:29:00.000+08:00

Thank you to Debra & her Princess for awarding me with this award, THANK YOU to you both for being my cyber friends. I've actually received this award in early Dec but have simply forgotten to post it onto my blog due to my busy schedule. So here it is finally! Good things are meant to be shared and thus this award goes to my dear great friends, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND:-

1. Annie

2. Donna

3. Delphine

4. Ernest

5. Geok Ping

6. Hazel

7. HK

8. Judy

9 Joshua

10. Nancy

11. Pauline

12. Tina

A Blessed Christmas

2007-12-24T16:35:00.000+08:00

Here's wishing everyone a very Blessed Christmas filled with HOPE, PEACE, LOVE & JOY

GoodBye Fr David Thexeira

2007-12-14T10:07:00.000+08:00

Our dearest Fr David Thexeira was called home to the Lord on 13 Dec 2007 at 11.40pm. Thank you for all the wonderful things that you have done. Your task on earth is done and God has called you home to be with HIM to enjoy the heavenly kingdom that HE has prepared for you which you truly deserved. Though it pains us to miss a great Priest like you but we'll definitely get to meet you again in Heaven soon.

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Fr David O Lord And Let Pepertual Light Shine Upon Him!

Fr David's wake will be held at :

Church Of The Holy Spirit

248, Upper Thomson Road

Star Of David

2007-12-13T13:39:00.000+08:00

The past week has been an alarming week for some of us Catholics in Church Of The Holy Spirit and Church of St Francis of Assisi. Our dear favourite Priest, Rev Fr David Thexeira was suddenly taken ill while visiting some church friends in Bankgok while at the Immigration and later blacked out in the Bangkok's hospital. He was later flewn back to Singapore via an air ambulance on 9 December and has since then been warded in Mt Alvernia hospitial now unconscious. Fr David though with a stern look is a wonderful Priest and he's very Christ like in his own gentle ways. I remembered the time when he was Assistant Priest in Church of the Holy Spirit and we had the little children from Primary 2s making their 1st Reconciliation with him. He was so gentle to the children and made them feel so at ease during their confession. Fr David has always been a good Priest who will never say NO to anyone even to strangers. I also remembered clearly when our Holy Spirit Church first had the newly installed stained glasses panels in our main church, Fr David was the one who ran to open doors of the main church to allow the morning mass worshippers to be the first to view the panoramic view of the stained glasses. This simple and selfless gestures of Fr David have left me deep impression of a good and loving shepherd. All we can do right now for Fr David is to continue praying for him and hope for a miracle to happen. Read more about this wonderful STAR OF DAVID

Easy Sausage Rolls

2007-11-07T22:01:00.000+08:00

This is a very simple quick and easy recipe that I found in a forum shared by a member. This is a definitely a keeper!

Ingredients Needed
Frozen Pratas
Sausages
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

1. Preheat oven at 170-180 degree oven.
2. Thaw the frozen Pratas for 3-4 minutes
3. Place a sausage onto each prata and roll it up
4. With a knife make several slits onto the rolled pratas
5. Egg wash the rolled pratas and bake it in oven for 40-45 minutes.

Enjoy these oven baked looked like store bought croissants sausages rolls and impressed your family and friends..... (to all my fellow guys readers...go try it and impress your wives)

The 5 Things............

2007-10-27T19:16:00.000+08:00

I've been tagged by Debra with the following Meme... hmmm good to sit down and reflect what I've taken for granted the things around me and also what I would dream to have. Here's my list....

Five Things :

A. Found in my Room

1. Mini Hi Fi

2. TV

3. Prayer Altar

4. Massage Chair

5. Aromatherapy Oil Burner

B. I have always wanted to
1. Quit my job and still have money for retirement

2. Volunteer fulltime to do works of charity

3. Be Slim and not put on weight easily

4. Travel to Dubai to stay in the World's Best Hotel(Burj Al Arab)

5. Pilgrimage to Holy Land

C. Found in my Bag

1. Pocket Bible & prayer booklet

2. Rosary

3. Wallet

4. Mobile Phone

5. Cosmetic Pouch

E. I am currently into

1. Co-ordinating 1st Reconciliation for the 95 children in my church

2. Planning a class party for the year end closure of catechism class

3. Trying faithfully to go for my slimming sessions again

4. Embarking onto my new diet plan (RESET)

5. Planning to bake some interesting new recipes for Christmas

5 Candidates to Tag:

1. Annie

2. Geok Ping

3. Joshua

4. Ju

5. Lee Lee

Ready, Steady.... RESET

2007-10-23T13:02:00.001+08:00

Yipee.. I'll be embarking on my weight loss programme with RESET. I chanced upon RESET while reading my friend's blog and she had successfully managed to lose 2kg in just one week that is 5 days of the starter programme. Me being ambitious managed to get my colleague who's a member of USANA to buy me the RESET for 28 days programme at S$130. Hopefully, I'll be disciplined to complete and follow to the T the whole of this weight loss programme by just drinking the nutrimeal in three different flavours which are chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.. thankfully they're all my favourites. Well, I'll be starting my diet plan on coming Monday to Friday and I hope to lose at least 1 - 1/2kgs for a start. Hmmm.. in the meantime I must enjoy all the yummies around me before I start my diet programme on Monday. Hee hee.. wish me all the luck and discipline.

Twitching Eyelid

2007-10-19T13:07:00.000+08:00

For the past couple of days, I've been having this uncomfortable feeling on my left eye lid. My left eye lid had been twitching constantly and is still twiching now as I'm writing this blog, it's driving me CRAZY! I did read somewhere that eyelid twitching or muscle spasms around the eye could be due to fatigue or stress. A superstition belief about left eyelid twitching signifies that there be meeting with long lost acquaintances. Hmmmmm.... who huh? As for me, whenever I have this eyelid twitching on my left eyelid means I'll be spending money....

Wear A Pink Ribbon

2007-10-09T16:04:00.000+08:00

This year I contacted BCF and offered to help sell their pink ribbons pins. I took a total of 40 pink ribbon pins from them together with 2 pledge cards. Within one morning, my supportive colleagues readily forked out S$2.00 each to support raise breast cancer awareness. A very BIG THANK YOU to everyone who have supported this Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

So wear the pink ribbon and raise breast cancer awareness. On top of that, during this month long campaign, if you're spotted wearing the pink ribbon, you could stand a chance to win attractive prizes! I believe we're not for the prizes but rather doing it for a good cause right?

The Unexpected

2007-10-08T08:55:00.000+08:00

Thank You HK for this award though my blog is far from deserving this award, however I shall graciously accept it. Mine is a simple blog in which I share about my feelings and happenings around me. I'm far from my great fellow bloggers who have great recipes and nice photos of their cookings in their blogs. To all my wonderful readers THANK YOU for your patience in reading my blog.

Oh GOD Hear Our Prayers!

2007-09-08T08:56:00.000+08:00

God must be very pleased with His creations. Look at the serenity of the boy and the dog. How do we tell a dog to close it's eyes? Just wondering what that doggy is praying for? Hmmmm..... I'm sure God will grant them their prayers. Oh! of course the doggie is SAVED!

Anything & Whatever

2007-08-27T13:19:00.000+08:00

This is a true incident which my colleague shared with me about his wife Mas' encounter at a coffe shop in Pasir Ris.

Coffee Shop Uncle: What drink you want?

Mas : Uncle, can give me Anything?

Coffee Shop Uncle: Oy, what Anything, tell me what you want?

Mas : Uncle, I want Anything lah.

Coffee Shop Uncle: Again Anything, okay tell me you want Coke, Sprite, Pepsi, Coffee or Tea?

Mas : Grrrrgg....... okay lah Whatever can?

Coffee Shop Uncle: What Whatever, here no speak your English lah, you want Coke, Sprite, Pepsi, Coffee or Tea?

Mas fed up with Coffee Shop Uncle and also feeling embarassed that everyone staring at her.

Mas : Okay lah okay lah, give me Coke lah...... (bodoh Apeh grumbled to herself)

Coffee Shop Uncle: Aiyo.... early early say lah.. take so long to order, and he stormed off to get her the coke.

Nyonya-Baba Natural Potpourri

2007-08-15T13:12:00.000+08:00

I saw this on Arts Central last night and have been ever so excited to get my hands on all these ingredients. Being a pure Nonya myself, I didn't know of this Potpourri...oooh what a shame.. (betul betul malu sekali). Just wondering how to tell the auntie or uncle at the market vegetable stall what's basil leaf in local dialect or malay? Hmmmmm... anyone knows?

Here's the recipe for Nonya Baba

Natural Potpourri

Nyonya-Baba Natural Potpourri(lasts for about 2-3 days, prepare daily for fresh aroma)

Prep Time: about 15-30 minutes

Materials

Grater

Mortar & pestle

Mixing bowl

Ingredients:

Pandan leaves

Basil leaves

Kaffir lime leavesLaksa leaves

Lemongrass (stalks with leaves preferred)

1 Mandarin orange

Star anise

* Ginger Torch (this is additional from me)

Method:-

- Tear the pandan, basil, laksa and kaffir lime leaves by hand into small pieces

and crush to release fragrance.

- Cut the lemongrass stalk into pieces. Pound to release the aroma.

- Grate the mandarin orange peel and add to the mix.

- Finally add the star anise and toss.

** Recipe and Photo extracted from Bare Beauty

Let's Do It For The Children

2007-08-14T22:20:00.001+08:00

This is the exact current description of me! Yeah... a group of us Sunday school teachers are in the midst of planning for our church's Children Day's mass. All doors were closed upon us like the Art Ministry telling us that they would not be helping us without any reasons given! Most of the priests we contacted that could relate to children also turn us down due to other commitments. On top of all these just to get ONE organist and ONE choir conductor to help us train the children to sing seems impossible. Everyone is so busy with their own activities... sigh sigh sigh.... Hey let's do it for the little children after all it's for Children's Day.
Well, I believe GOD WILL definitely make all things possible!
Hey GOD, I need to TRUST you more and please hear our humble prayers.

Plastic Money

2007-07-05T22:10:00.000+08:00

A Malay sitcom on Suria Channel "2 x 5 Dol" portrayed a young couple having their first ownership on credit cards. They splurged on branded goods and dining at lavish restaurants chalking up their bills to more than S$3000 on their first statement which they were unable to settle their bills due to overspending. It's cool to have credits cards especially with all the perks that entice us. However, the real danger comes in when a person cannot control his or her spending limits and also not able to settle the bills when the credit bills are due. The penalty is having to pay the bank interest as high as 24%p.a. This is a rising issue with many young people that eventually leads them to bankruptcy. To me, these plastic cards are very useful but we have to be prudent on the usage.

St Rita, Patron Saint of The Impossible

2007-06-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

One morning, as I was tidying up my office drawer. I stumbled upon a piece of paper with scribbling of a simple and meaningful prayer that seems so personal to me. This is a simple prayer to St Rita, the Patron Saint of the Impossible, when in despair and troubled moments. Having read about the life of St Rita, I was inspired by her profound faith in God for which she now enjoys the great reward bestowed upon her.

Prayer To St Rita

Pray for us Saint Rita and assist us in our need,

that we may face all seemingly impossible tasks

with patience and courage.

Who's The True Me?

2007-06-07T13:22:00.000+08:00

The True You

You want your girlfriend or boyfriend to be more open with you.
With respect to money, you spend as little as possible.
You think good luck doesn't exist - reality is built on practicalities.
The hidden side of your personality tends to be satisfied to care for things with a minimal amount of effort.
You are tend to think about others' feelings a lot, perhaps because you are so eager to be liked.
When it comes to finding a romantic partner, you base your search on information from your friends.

Who's" The True You?

Shrek Ears For A Good Cause

2007-05-28T19:28:00.000+08:00

These Shrek Ears are so cute and moreover for a good cause too! MacDonald is doing their part for charity where the 100% of the sales of each S$2.00 Shrek ears will be contributed to Ronald McDonald Chidlren's Charity(RMCC). I bought 2 of these Shrek ears for my little nephews, Daniel aged 3 plus and Martin aged 1 plus. I explained to Daniel the purpose of wearing the Shrek ears. He nodded his head and looked very cute indeed with his Shrek ears and I even made him wore it while we were out. I'm so glad to hear that some of my online friends have also bought the Shrek ears for their child and even the adults are wearing them too. Let's all do our part for charity especially for the little sick children at a minimal cost of a bowl of noodles.
Photo courtesy by Joshua.

No Mess For Me

2007-05-19T20:04:00.000+08:00

You Are Not Messy

You're so clean, people have accused you of being a clean freak!
You like things tidy, organized, and smelling fresh.
Messes drive you crazy, especially when you didn't make them.
It's hard for you to live with a slob - or someone who leaves their dishes in the sink.

Are You Messy?

A Gift For Mummy

2007-05-15T13:23:00.000+08:00

I can't bake those fanciful cakes with all the lovely icings, so I presented mum with this simple but from the heart gift. Mummy always loves fragrances and have tried most of the frangrances on the shelves. Though this is not one of those very expensive fragrances that Mum had tried, she was happy to receive it. It's light and refreshing when Mum opened it up to spray over herself. I just might one to get one for myself too.

Instant Toxics

2007-04-22T21:16:00.000+08:00

I was shocked to read the following about cooking instant noodles in an email sent by a friend. Imagine how much toxics we have consumed even though we have followed the instructions on the packaging of the instant noodles?
Normally, we cook the instant noodles by putting the noodles into a pot with water, throw in the powder and let it cook for 3 mins.This is the WRONG method of cooking the instant noodles. By doing this, when we actually boil the ingredients in the powder, normally with MSG, it will change the molecular structures of the MSG causing it to be toxic.
The other thing that you may or may not realized is that, the noodles are coated with wax and it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have taken the noodles. So the CORRECT method, to cook the noodles are as follows:-
1. Boil the noodles in a pot with water.
2. Once the noodles is cooked, take out the noodles,and throw away the water which contains
wax.
3. Boil another pot of water till boiling and put the noodles into the hot boiling water and then
shut turn off the fire.
4. Only at this stage when the fire is off, and whilethe water is very hot, put the ingredients with
the powder into the water, to make the noodle soup.
5. However, if you need dry noodles, take out the noodles and add the ingredients with the
powder and toss it to get dry noodles.
Hope this piece of information is of importance to your health in relation to eating instant noodles and please apply this cooking method with immediate effect.

Scissors????

2007-03-23T13:26:00.000+08:00

Received this cute picture via email from my colleague. This is a picture of a young kindergartener drawing a pair of scissors. Hee Hee.. I know some of you are having other thoughts.. so typical of us adults yeah? Hmmm..... I'm going to try out on my nephew when I see him on weekends. Enjoy this cute innocent drawing!

My New Toy

2007-03-14T07:39:00.000+08:00

This gadget has been keeping me busy recently. Thanks to my wonderful and generous brother who has given this O2 beauty to me. Enjoyed downloading great realtone ringtones from colleagues via bluetooth onto my O2. Hee hee.. I'm still meddling with this gadget and finding my ways around.

Happy Oink Oink Year

2007-02-16T07:51:00.000+08:00

Wishing Everyone A Very Happy, Prosperous & Blessed Chinese New Year Of The PigGONG XI FA CAI (Oink Oink Oink)

Fever Continues.....

2007-02-14T07:58:00.000+08:00

I'm still in the mood of baking even though I've been very STRESSED out at work GRRRRRRRRRRR......H
Every evening, I looked forward to going home to experiment on my baking. It's a form of de-stress and so therapeutic for me. This is my first time baking Chinese New Year cookies and I'm hooked onto baking the Sugi cookies. Even my ever so fussy Mummy gave me her thumbs up for my cookies and especially my kuih bangkits. I'm so happy...... Yipee!

Another First Attempt

2007-02-11T12:09:00.000+08:00

I'm hooked onto the baking fever and tried yet another first attempt with Kueh Bangkit, from Florence's recipe. Though alittle tedious with the baking of the flour but it's worth the effort. I never knew that Kueh Bangkit could be so easy and I'm going to bake yet another batch next week for Chinese New Year.

Kueh Bangkit from Florence's Recipe

Ingredients:
225g tapioca flour
3 pcs Pandan leaves (cut into 4 inches pieces)
30g margarine
55g icing sugar
1 egg yolk
75ml – 90ml coconut milk

Method:
1. Bake the flour with dry and cut up pandan leaves at 160C for 25 - 30 minutes and stirring every 10 minutes.
2. Set aside, cool completely before using.
3. Cream margarine with sugar and yolk till sugar dissolves.
4. Add in 75ml coconut milk and mix well.
5. Add flour to mix till a non-sticky dough is formed. If dough is too dry, add more coconut milk but add
1 tsp at a time, otherwise, dough may be too sticky.
6. Roll dough on a floured table and use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
7. Baked on lined tray in preheated oven at 170C for 20 to 25 mins.
8. Remove to cool completely before storing in air tight jar.

Baking Frenzy

2007-02-09T08:34:00.002+08:00

I'm in the mood of baking for Chinese New Year cookies so I tried my hands at Sugee cookies. I was so pleased with my first attempt as I followed the recipe to the T. It was so simple that I really enjoyed baking them as the wonderful aroma of the Sugee cookies baking in my oven filled the whole house and even to my neighbours'.... hee hee.....
Hubby dear and colleagues enjoyed my Sugee cookies.

Do give it a try and here's the recipe from QBB

Bursting Chest

2007-01-27T20:33:00.000+08:00

Been nursing a very bad cough for the past week. All sorts of cough syrups, from purchases at pharmacy to doctor's prescription were consumed but didn't helped at all. Worst part was that the coughs always attacked at night and I really felt bad disturbing hubby dear from his sleep. He would got up to check on me, applied ointment and gave me hot drinks to soothe the itched and sored throat. What I dreaded most and also embarassing was on board the public transport, the throat would started to itch and I could feel the mouthful of coughs coming out and all stares were on me as though I'm suffering from some deadly diseases. I just wished that I could hide beneath the seats or just disappear into thin air! Sigh........... oooh I hated the coughs!

A New Beginning

2007-01-01T08:26:00.000+08:00

A brand New Year 2007, a new beginning and lots of hopeful dreams to fulfil. Here's wishing that this new year GOD showers HIS

HOPE

LOVE

JOY

and PEACE to everyone!

Sad Annivesary

2006-12-26T12:51:00.000+08:00

Today being Boxing Day is also the Feast of St Stephen, the catholic church's first martyr who was stoned to death! It has been raining cats and dogs for the past weeks causing floods everywhere and also to our neighbouring countries.

It has been exactly two years today from Dec 26 2004, the unforgettable and memorable day for many of the families members of the dearly departed caused by the great disaster "The Tsunamis" that wiped out many lives! As they mourn for their dear loved ones, may God comfort them in their pains and sorrows!

Me? The Wheel Of Fortune?

2006-12-21T09:41:00.000+08:00

Wow... then I should be quiting my job! Money spinning for me? Truly, I'm a NO believer of Tarot Cards but just out of curiousity that I try it out for the fun. Try it out at your own risk ..... haha!

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

A Christmas Reflection ~ Mary's Dream

2006-12-16T18:41:00.000+08:00

With Christmas just round the corner, there'll be lots of shoppings for loved ones and dear friends. Feastings has been going on for me since the beginning of December. In the midst of all these mad rushes, this reflection came upon me which was shared by a priest during one of the Christmas masses' surmon. Christmas here in Singapore has become too commercialised. Truly indeed, who's birthday celebration are we celebrating?

Mary's Dream
I had a dream, Joseph. I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our son. I don't think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know him? I had the strangest feeling that if our son had gone to this celebration he would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus - not to be wanted at his own birthday celebration. I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.

Disheartening News

2006-11-15T20:12:00.000+08:00

Today I took leave from work to have a quiet time being Daddy's death anniversay exactly 20 years. Went to morning mass as usual in my parish and met up with couple of friends for breakfast. During our breakfast conversation, learnt that Sally our friend who's an active member in our church doing the flowers arrangements for the altars and also with St Vincent De Paul Society helping the less fortunae, was admitted in hospital suffering from anemia. Friends who met her in church last weekend mentioned that her face was so pale, as white as paper. In the afternoon, while having lunch I received an sms requesting prayers for Sally that she has been diagnosed with LEUKEMIA! At that moment, I was speechless and kept asking God why must it be Sally, one who is so humble and down to earth. Life is so unpredictable, we never know what's in store for us! Like Sally, she has everything that God has blessed with, a comfortable life, a wonderful family with husband and children. I believe Sally is a strong woman with unwavering faith and I only have to pray for Sally that God will do what's best for her.

My Return To The Gym

2006-11-08T23:00:00.000+08:00

Of late I could feel my body weight has been increasing. I guess it must have been the nightly favourite wan tan mee that hubby dear has been buying for me to enjoy. The result: a fatter and gigantic me and I could feel all my clothes getting tighter every day! Surprisingly when I got home from work this evening, a certain force made me changed into my workout attire. Clad in my sports long pants and tee shirt, I put on my cross trainer shoes and headed towards the gym downstairs. Having been absent from the gym for a long period of time, I slowly climbed onto the elliptical trainer and selected the "Weight Loss" programme on the machine. Due to my knees problems, the elliptical motion minimizes impact to my joints and lower back while exercising the muscles of my lower body -the key to effective aerobic exercise. The first few strides on the pedals were torturing and I started panting. I kept telling myself to endure for the next 30 minutes. Tiring but gradually, I got the momentum and was enjoying myself striding to and fro on the elliptical trainer listening to my favourite raido station Class 95 playing most of favourite songs. When I finally completed the whole 30 minutes of the "Weight Loss" programme with perspirations trinkling down my face, I smiled to myself and felt a sense of achievement. I do hope I can continue to be faithfully going to the gym every day to shed those unwanted fats away! Hmmmmmm. but I doubt with festive seasons like Christmas, The New Year and Chinese New Year just round the conner and all the great feastings, there goes my exercise regime down the drain again! Sigh...... the greedy me!

Ayam Buah Keluak

2006-11-08T13:34:00.000+08:00

Last night my girlfriend Hazel popped by my place and she bought fried Hokkien prawn noodles and BBQ chicken wings. The two of us enjoyed our dinner and chatted about her new lifestyle without a maid, especially she being a career woman having to hang up the laundry every night while her wonderful children helped out with the household chores. In the midst of our conversation, Hazel surprised me that she loves to eat Ayam Buah Keluak and especially cooked by her mother in law who is a pure Teochew with no Peranakan heritage. I was very astounded by the way she described about how her mother in law prepared the Buah Keluak, having to scrub and then soaked the nut shell for about three days.. and we both laughed over the smelly water. The Buah Keluak paste to be dugged out and mixed together with minced prawns and meat and then stuffed back into the nut shell and to cook with chunky chicken meat. My mum will always cook this dish during Chinese New Year and I love digging the black paste out from the nut shell and licking it... hmmmm. finger licking good! Amboi Sedap Sekali!

Recipe for Ayam Buah Keluak (extracted from Asianonline :

4 Chicken Thighs
10 pieces Buah Keluak
300 g Shrimp Meat
2 tablespoons Tamarind paste, mix with 1 liter water
Salt and sugar to taste

Blend
300 g Shallots
100 g Garlic
3 Candlenuts
2 cm Tumeric
2 slices Galangal
6 stalks Lemon grass (white part)
1 teaspoon Dried shrimp paste(belachan)
20 Dried chillies, soak in hot water and drain

Method :
Cut the chicken into pieces.
Clean the buah keluak and remove kernels with a sharp knife.
Blend kernels with shrimp meat.
Add salt and sugar to taste.
Stuff this filling into the buah keluak shell.
Heat half cup oil in a wok.
Stir fry the blended ingredients until fragrant.
Add chicken and stir fry well.
Add buah keluak, assam paste juice, salt and sugar.
Bring to a boil.
Turn to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Paradox Of Life

2006-11-02T13:37:00.000+08:00

This was read during our Sunday Mass in church by my Parish Priest for our reflection. How very true indeed, we all have taken so many things around us for granted! Worth the reading and reflecting on the following:-
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but lesssense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems,more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods, and slow digestion, big men and smallcharacter, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one nightstands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for some day that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Cream Puffs

2006-10-24T22:35:00.000+08:00

Today being a public holiday(Hari Raya Puasa) I had the whole carefree day to myself, enjoying myself lazing around and watching tv programmes. All of a sudden the urge of eating cream puffs came upon me(hee hee I am no preggie). So, I ransacked my kitchen and managed to have all the ingredients available to bake my cream puffs . In fact, hubby has been bugging me for months to bake him cream puffs, back then my mood for baking was hibernating. Well, perhaps his lucky day indeed and ta da, I present my humble cream puffs.

Here's the wonderful recipe thanks to Florence:-

Ingredients: (16 medium puffs)
Choux Pastry:
85ml water
50g butter
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla essence

50g bread flour
20g cake flour2 eggs (lightly beaten)

Creme Patisserie:
240ml skim milk
5 tbsp castor sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 egg + 2 yolks
2 tbsp cornstarch

Method:
Choux Pastry
1. Cook water, butter, sugar and salt in a saucepan till bubbling hot. Turn the heat to low.
2. Add in the flour mixture in one go and mix with a wooden spoon till a dough is formed.
3. Still on low heat, cook the dough for 1 - 2 minutes till a thin white film is formed at the bottom of the saucepan.
4. Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and beat till it is lukewarm.
5. Add in egg by thirds and mix till well blended and smooth.
6. Place batter into piping bag and pipe it onto a lined pan in rounds of about 5cm in diameter. Spray some water on it.
7. Bake at 200C for 25 minutes then 180C for 8 - 10 minutes or till dry and golden brown in color.
Turn off the oven and let it cool in the oven for 30 minutes.

Creme Patisserie
1. Mix 60ml of milk with the cornstarch till smooth.
2. Add the beaten egg and yolks into the cornstarch mixture.
3. Boil the remaining milk with sugar in a saucepan till bubbling hot. Pour 1/3 of this hot milk into the egg cornstarch mixture. Stirring all the time.
4. Now pour the egg cornstarch mixture through a strainer into the rest of the boiling milk. Stirring constantly till mixture thicken. Do not burn the custard.
5. Cling wrap custard with glad wrap with the wrap touching the surface of the custard (this is to prevent a hard film forming on surface of the custard) and chill till ready to use.

Notes:Do not open the oven door in the baking process. Open oven door to remove puffs only after the 30 minutes in-oven cooling process.

My Wok Fried Char Siew

2006-10-17T13:36:00.000+08:00

Did this at my mum's place on Sunday. I marinated the meat on Saturday night and leave it overnight in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Hee hee thanks to Michelle, my neighbour for her contribution of the oyster sauce and I also omitted the garlics in the recipe as I do not have them at home. I think the red fermented beancurd could be halved as the smell is very pungent. As my mum's place do not have an oven, I did the wok fried method. I boiled some water in a wok, add in the marinated char siew with the marinade, then let it simmer slowly till the water is dry. Then continue to pan fry it until crispy. Oh my little 3 years old nephew enjoyed the char siew and he kept running now and then to the dining table to have little strips of the char siew.

Here's the recipe for the char siew:-

1-11/2 kg pork belly (pork must have some fat in it to be tender. Do not use lean pork loin)
Marinade : 4 tablespoon Oyster sauce
4 Tablespoon Tomato sauce
5 Tablespoon Soya sauce
3 Tablespoon Black soya sauce
1 teaspoon Sesame oil
2 Tablespoon sugar
1 piece red fermented beancurd
1 Tablespoon Chinese wine
4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Glaze :
1 tablespoon honey mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Method :
1. Mix all the ingredients for marinate together. Pour onto pork and leave to marnate for at least 4 hours, even better overnight.
2. Take meat out from refridgerator 1/2 hour before grilling.
3. Grill/broil the meat until cooked. While grilling, make sure you turn the meat 3-4 times, to allow even browning.
4. When meat is cooked, brush with honey glaze and remove

Thanks to the Kitchen Capers members cwl who shared this wonderful char siew recipe and Angie who shared her wok fried method!

FAITH ~ Radical Reliance On God, Our Provider

2006-09-21T14:10:00.000+08:00

This is truly very encouraging. All we need is to have FAITH and total submission to God! A case of radical reliance on God.
All the scholastic scaffolding falls, as a ruined edifice, before a single word - FAITH ~ Napoleon Bonaparte .
There is a story about the time Mother Teresa said to her superiors as a young nun, "I have 5 pennies and a dream from God to build an orphanage." Her superiors looked at each other and then said to her, "Well, Sister Teresa, you can't build an orphanage with 5 pennies. With 5 pennies, you can do nothing. "I know," she replied. "But with God and 5 pennies, I can do anything." Well, God built that orphanage as He has built the rest of her ministry because she has been radically dependent on Him. She receives no church support, no governmental subsidies, and she offers no salaries - but God has come through time after time and she has never had to turn away a needy person. Mother Teresa relates an incident about the chairman of a large Indian corporation who came to donate some property in Bombay. First he asked, "Mother, how is your work financed?" She said, "Mr Thomas, who sent you here?" "Well, he replied, "I felt an urge inside of me." "Other people like you come to see me and say the same thing," she said. "That is my budget." She has recounted story after story about how God has come through for her in amazing ways. Like the time when there was no bread to give the poor - until, out of the blue, two trucks pulled up and dumped enough bread to feed everyone at the facility for several days. It seems that the schools in Calcutta had unexpectedly closed for the day, and someone suggested donating the lunch bread to Mother Teresa. Another time a co-worker at another facility called her to ask for 50,000 rupees to start a children's home. Mother Teresa said she didn't have the money but would pray about it. As soon as she hung up, the phone rang again. "You've just won the Ramon Magsasay award from the Philippines," a newspaper reporter said "How much is it?" she asked. "Fifty thousand rupees." She called back her colleague." You have your orphanage," she said. That's the kind of adventure that comes with radical reliance on God. You are called to attempt great things for God with FAITH
This was extracted from the book entitled "What Would Jesus Say To You:" by Lee Strobel

What Do Angels Look Like?

2006-08-29T11:10:00.000+08:00

Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you thatyour eyes light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offeredto share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you itreally is all possible, if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along,when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart,when you didn't think you had one left to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes,All ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples,some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies,teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don't take life too seriously,They travel light.

They leave no forwarding address,They ask for nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings,They get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, ButThey are everywhere you look when you choose to see.

Kueh Ko Swee

2006-07-15T00:00:00.000+08:00

This is the long awaited recipe from my mum that everyone's been asking for! So now here you have it and do try your hands at them:-

Ingredients Needed
1. Tapioca/Starch flour 280 gm
2. Plain flour 280 gm (wet)
3. Sugar 228 gm
4. Gula Melaka 450 gm
5. Lye water (alkaline) 2 teaspoonfuls
6. Water 560 gm and 450 gm
7. Pandan leaves 3 to 4 blades
8. Grated coconut (without skin) 200 grams

METHOD
1. Mix and boil the water(560 gm), sugar, gula melaka and pandan leaves until they melt.
2. Sieve the mixture when cool.
3. Mix the tapioca/starch flour and plain flour with water(450 gm) and combine the mixture from
Step 1, before finally adding in lye water and stiring thoroughly.
4. Pour the final mixture into moulds and steam for 15 min.
5. Allow mixture to cool and solidify.
Remove the kueh from the mould and coat with grated coconut to serve. Sedap sekali yah?

Cutie

2006-07-14T21:07:00.000+08:00

Ooooh.... isn't it cute? It's so adorable and would put a smile on anyone's face when looking at it. Received this cute picture in my e-mail from a good friend, Nancy(Sandi's Mum). I couldn't help laughing when looking at it, just want to hug and cuddle this cute little fellow. So now if you want to destress or make yourself happy, just come and check out this cutie here in my blog.

Egg Skin Popiah

2006-07-13T07:43:00.000+08:00

Had this sudden craving for Egg Skin Popiah, this is one of my mummy's specialities! Hmmmm.... think I would call mum later to ask her to have Egg Skin Popiah on Sunday when we have our family gathering. Poor mum would have to stand by the stove to do her Egg Skin Popiah piece by pieces! Drool.... drool... drool...

Ebony & Ivory

2006-06-27T16:02:00.000+08:00

I was listening to this song on Light & Easy, a malaysian radio station that plays contemporary and also up todate songs. Singing along with Paul McCartnery and Stevie Wonder, the song indeed reflects on our way of life living with people surrounding us like our families, friends, colleagues, neighbours, cyber friends and strangers too.

Here's the lyrics to the song which are very meaningful and also a good reflection too:-

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord, why dont we?
We all know that people are the same where ever we go
There is good and bad in evryone,
We learn to live, we learn to give
Each other what we need to survive together alive.

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord why dont we?
Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony
Ebony, ivory, ooh
We all know that people are the same where ever we go
There is good and bad in evryone,We learn to live, we learn to give
Each other what we need to survive together alive.
Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord why dont we?
Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony (repeat and fade)

Meme On Ten Things I Miss Of Mum's Cooking

2006-06-19T22:13:00.000+08:00

Thanks Evelyn, for inviting me to do this Meme on 10 Things I Miss of Mum's Cooking.
My mummy is a typical Peranankan Nonya who can cooks for big crowds like birthday parties or even weddings lunches! I can never be compared to my mum in term of her cooking skills! Hmmm.. here's ten of my favourites from mum's cusines:-

1. Nonya Mee Siam with gravy ~ the taste of the gravy with a tinge of sourish and sweetness

2. Nonya Laksa ~ lots of fresh coconut milk for the gravy with finely shredded cucumbers and fish cakes, prawns, bean sprouts and the must have "daun kesom"or laksa leaves and mum's homemade chillies sambal that set tongue burning together with head and face sweating with large drops of perspirations.... hot hot hot!

3. Eggskin Popiah ~ mum's homemade popiah skin using the flour and egg batter, the egg skin always turn out soft and tender but never tears even after rolling up with fillings.

4. Chilly Crabs ~ Oooh my uncle would buy the crabs and mum will be cooking like 2 big casseroles with lots of egg in the gravy to dip with "mantou" or crispy crusted french loaves and we'll declare a chilly crab party without any other food!

5. Ayam Buak Keluak ~ the unusal black hard nut shells from Indonesia, the black fillings inside the nutshell dug out to mix with minced prawns or pork and then stuffed back into the shell and cooked with chicken meat and the verdict: Sedap Sekali!

6. Kueh Koh Swee ~ gula melaka batter steamed and coated with grated coconuts... mum made hers all in even sizes using the chinese praying teacups and they really do looked so cute!

7. Fried Egg Omelette Oyster ~ egg and flour batter with alittle starch fried together with lots of eggs, prawns, chuncky oysters and mum's very own homemade sambal paste and then sprinkled with corriander leaves for that extra fragrance

8. Mee Goreng ~ yellow noodles fried with sambal chilles paste with lots of bean sprouts, beaten eggs, sliced fish cakes and prawns. Best eaten when hot really shiokadoo doo!

9. Apom Balik ~ coconut batter pancake with a dash of colouring in pink, blue or lime green for each individual pancake, dipped into durian or banana "pengat" (dessert made with gula melaka with sago, water and coconut milk put to the boil) or santan perkat(thicken coconut paste with a dash of salt)

10. Papaya Titek ~ a refreshing seafood stew made with sweet papaya chunks and salted fish together with the prawn stock, 'buah keras' or candle nut and belachan add to the richness of the broth, best enjoyed with steaming hot white rice and sambal belachan with that extra "oomfgh"

Wow, as I was listing all of my favourites food here, I'm was also salivating....... drool.. drool... drool... Hmmmmm.. I'm defintely going to give mum a call after this to tell her to cook one of these over the weekend! As for passing the baton, I shall forward to
Judy ~ My Lazy Lifestyle and Annie~ Something About Solo

Reasons for choosing Judy because she's a good cook probably inherited from her mum and Annie because Annie's mum is a great cook too.

Looking At Life

2006-06-12T13:31:00.000+08:00

A beautiful reflection by Mother Teresa on Life.
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventue, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Nonya Kueh Chang

2006-05-28T11:27:00.000+08:00

The dumplings festival is just round the corner. Every year I look forward to my mum's homemade Nonya Kueh Chang. The difference between the chinese normal dumplings and the Nonya Kueh Chang is the authentic blue coloring(abstracted from Bunga Telang aka Butterfly Pea flower) on the glutinuous rice and wrapped with pandan leaves that give the Nonya Kueh Chang it's fragrant when steamed. I could still recalled those days when my mum made me separate the greyish rice grains from the pure white glutinuous rice grains so as to achieve the smooth texture of the Nonya kueh chang. For the fillings, slabs of boiled fatty layered belly pork, tangkueh (dried and sugared winter melon) and black chinese mushrooms are finely cut, diced and cooked, seasonsed with fragrant spices like coriander seeds for that alluring flavour. Cleaning and cutting the pandan leaves is a great chore because of the many little thorns at the sides of the leaves that has to trimmed off . Even the strings used for tying the dumplings are from dried banana stems. With so much painstaking preparations to make the Nonya Kueh Chang, no wonder it's so expensive to buy from the shops during the dumpling festival season as it costs about S$2-3 per dumpling! As for me I can take 2 -3 dumplings at one go! Amboi! sedap sekali!

Stand Firm!

2006-05-25T13:07:00.000+08:00

It has been the talk of the town of late about Da Vinci Code movie. Horrors of horrors, two floor stickers on the advertisements of the Da Vinci Code that carried an image of Jesus Christ were placed on the floor at the busy Orchard MRT station and imagine how many people could have trampled on them! After receiving feedbacks from passengers, barricades were errected around the image to prevent commuters from walking on it. Indeed, all I can say is that this is the EVIL at work and used Dan Brown the author of the best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code made into a movie to raise questions and also led readers into confusion instead of enlightenment. The burning questions about Jesus and Mary Magadelene and Mary's presence at the Last Supper? The Bible which is the WORD OF GOD, has been our constant guidance long before Dan Brown was born. To all my Christian and God loving friends out there, though this can be a trying period for us, we should stand FIRM in our FAITH for what we BELIEVE because the TRUTH will set us free!

Respecting Mum

2006-05-14T09:11:00.000+08:00

Here's a tribute to all wonderful mothers and especially to my wonderful Mummy dearest. A Mother is a great pillar of strength that gels the family together. She is willing to sacrifice her time for enjoyment to provide for the family like cooking delicious meals, baking mouth watering cakes and kuehs, cleaning the homes and doing never- ending house chores to provide the warmth and comfortable ambience for her family. A mother truly understands the needs of her family by listening to the woes and squabbles amongst the children and will always do her best to be the peacemaker. Especially during exams periods, she will always be around to brew nourishing herbs and drinks to help boost the energy for the tired minds to study and will also stays up late to keep ccompany while her aching body pines for the comfortable bed. A Mother is also the great mediator between the father and the children because she surely knows the way to melt the heart of the father to relent to the children's request though at times the request really seems impossible to be granted! Yes! That's the magic of a being a Mother!

The Fighting Temptations

2006-05-05T17:49:00.000+08:00

Over the long weekends holidays, I happened to chance upon a very good and touching movie on cable tv, The Fighting Temptations, a romantic gospel comedy with great soundtracks that actually touched me and made me teared. The story line: Darrin(Cuba Gooding Jr.), a morally hollow and debt- ridden advertising executive in New York travelled back to his hometown of Monte Carlo, Georgia to cash in on an inheritance of his dead aunt Sally, only to discover that in order to collect he must first lead the local church gospel choir to success at a national competition, the Gospel Explosion. Desperate for money, he embarked on the nearly impossible challenge of turning a choir of lackluster parishioners into Gospel gold. Frantically, he searched for the best voices in town and found them in some unconventional places: the county jail, the barbershop, an R&B dance club, and all points in between. Darrin was about ready to give up and head back to the city where he belongs-until he ran into Lilly(Beyoncé Knowles), a beautiful nightclub singer with a satin voice that could rock the competition at the annual Gospel Explosion, Lilly was just the miracle Darrin was looking for only!If only he he could persuade her to sing! Along the way he worked to win the heart of Lilly and comes dangerously close to being redeemed himself !

Joan, The Brave Fighter

2006-04-25T12:22:00.000+08:00

My hearfelt prayers went to Joan Chan when I read the Sunday papers about her plight. In 2004, this bubbly, spunky, doe-eyed former Raffles Girls' School (RGS) and Raffles Junior College (RJC) student was struck with Stage IV tongue cancer. Words from Joan herself upon knowing about her cancer: " I will not go quietly into the night. I'm not going to let cancer have its way so easily. If I'm going down, I'm not leaving without a fight." Joan's one wish is to beat the debilitating condition and then attend university, a place at the National University of Singapore's architecture faculty but as for now all her study plans were derailed due to the cancer. The cancer, which has spread throughout her neck and face has also affected her spinal cord and even holding her head up has become a challenge. Doctors has given Joan just a few weeks to three months more to live! Joan wrote in her blog on March 22, which was also her last entry "I just want to say my dear friends, I am prepared for the worst." Joan's friends and family have been keeping vigil at her bedside battling the final stages of her tongue cancer. Her alma mater was so moved by her cancer striken plight that it raised S$130,000 for her medical treatment! Joan is currently resting in the comfort of her home, with family, close friends and her cat, eddie.She is no longer on any medication for cancer, but requires painkillers and occassionally uses a respirator to aid breathing.Her doctor visits her regularly, and so do her priests. Please continue to pray for her! May God bless Joan with courage and strength to fight the battle courageously to the end!
Here's the link to Joan's blog set up by her friends: http://joanchanshufang.blogspot.com/

Jam Tea aka Citron Tea

2006-04-24T21:26:00.001+08:00

This was introduced and given to me by my Korean neighbour as their parting gift as they will be shifting out of our estate by end of this month. This is known as the Citron Tea, the Koreans love drinking this mixture packed in a glass bottle resembling exactly like jam with lots of citron slices. The Citron tea is a sugar preserved fruit tea, a very unique and unusal drink indeed. This tea can be made just like any drinks either to be mixed with hot or cold water and stir. The taste of this Citron Tea is really refreshing with it's great benefits, like the vitamins C found more than in oranges, which helps to prevent colds and known to be very good for sore throat plus it also helps to enhance good skin conditions. No wonder, most of the Koreans have beautiful complexion including their MEN!

To All My Online Friends ~ True On-Line Friends

2006-04-18T13:58:00.000+08:00

The true friends who we meet online are a very special kind. They pierce your shields and see within the corners of your mind. They're always there when you're in need with their power to discern. They feel your pain ... they offer hope and genuine concern. We bare our souls, expose our hearts and show our inner fears. And then before you know it the keyboard's stained with tears. If we could see them through that screen then no one could deny
That to be a TRUE online friends they too must surely cry. Thanks for being my on-line friends!
And you know who you are!

Good Friday ~ Hot Cross Buns

2006-04-14T00:03:00.000+08:00

Hot cross buns Hot cross buns
One a penny Two a penny
Hot cross buns
If you have no daughters
Give them to your sons
One a penny Two a penny
Hot cross buns

This is a familiar nursey rhyme that I used to sing when I was small not knowing that hot cross bun is related to Good Friday. Hot Cross buns are symbols of Good Friday. Today they are sold in bakeries like Sweet Secrets even the churches also sell them on Good Friday. Each bun has an icing cross on top to signify the crucifixion of Jesus Christ! Today being Good Friday, as catholics we are encouraged by the church to fast and to abstain from eating meat. Therefore, the thought of eating hot cross buns cross my mind and I thought of baking them myself and to be enjoyed with a wonderful cup of coffee!

Recipe For Hot Cross Buns
1/4 cup water - at room temperature or just slightly above
1/2 cup lukewarm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
3-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of allspice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup finely chopped, mixed candied fruit

Glaze
2 Tablespoon granulated sugar
2 Tablespoon water

Icing
1/2 cup Confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. water

Preparation
Place all the dough ingredients, except the raisins and fruit, in the bread machine pan. Set on the dough only cycle. Add the raisins and candied fruit at the bread machine's signal for adding extra ingredients. Remove the dough from the bread machine at end of dough cycle. Place it in a bowl, cover with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

**Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Shape the pieces into balls and place them 3 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes to an hour. Bake in a preheated oven at 375º for 15 to 18 minutes, or until light brown on top. Remove from the oven. Place the baking sheet full of buns on a wire rack to cool. Prepare the glaze, then spread it over the warm buns. Let the buns continue to cool on the baking sheet. When completely cool, fill a cake decorating bag, fitted with a round tip, with icing. Pipe an icing cross on each bun. Or... simply spoon narrow stips of icing, in the shape of a cross, on each bun.

To prepare this recipe without a bread machine, use this mixer method
Mix the yeast, 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and other spices in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and water together. Combine the dry ingredients mixture, the liquid ingredients, and the butter in a large bowl. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes at medium speed. Add the egg and beat 1 more minute. Stir in the raisins, fruit, and enough of the remaining flour to make a firm dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Use additional flour if necessary. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn over to grease the other side of the dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place. After about 15 minutes, test the dough to see if it has risen sufficiently and is ready to be shaped. To test, gently stick two fingers into the risen dough up to the second knuckle... take them out. If the indentations remain, the dough is ripe and ready. Continue to follow the preparation directions above, from the **

Milo Dinosaurs ~ Milo Gozillas ~ Milo Chinchillas

2006-04-12T00:09:00.000+08:00

This is a must have for me whenever I'm eating at a Malay cafeteria. I love to order the thick chocolatey taste of Milo Dinosaurs or Milo Gozillas or Milo Chinchillas costing about S$2.00 per jug. Hmmmm.. yummy yummy... sedap sekali....
Here's how this drink is to be made:-
Dilute 2 or more tablespoons of condensed milk with warm water because the ice cubes will dilute the sweetness of the drink . Then add in 3-4 heapfuls tablespoons of thick chocolatey Milo powder(would be better to use made in Australia Milo) the more milo powder added, the thicker and tastier it will be! Finally, add in ice cubes and the delicious Milo Dinosaurs or Milo Gozillas or Milo Chinchilla ready to be enjoyed! Slurp Slurp Slurp!!!!! Anyone for a Milo Dinosaur or Milo Gozilla or Milo Chinchilla? Milo Chinchilla the name was created by my friend, Joshua(copyright!)

Sore Throat or Throat Cancer

2006-04-10T12:58:00.001+08:00

I've not been updating my blog for a period of time. I've been plagued by this terrible sore throat that has been with me since mid Feb till to-date. Went to the doctor three times, given antibiotics but the cough and sore throat still persists. Even the doctor was telling me that I should have an X-ray and blood test taken, I've been procrastinating it. Hmmmm.. just wondering could it be I'm suffering from throat cancer? I did a google search and all the symptoms shown are similar to what I'm having. To all my friends and colleagues who are so worried for me, thank you for your care and kind concern.

Here are the symptons for throat cancer:-

Throat Cancer Symptoms are related to other head and neck cancer symptoms.
Common throat cancer symptoms are a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, a change in the sound of the voice, and a new hoarseness in the voice.

Throat Cancer Symptoms: Other Symptoms
Please keep in mind that while your symptoms may seem like throat cancer symptoms, they may be caused by other unrelated and less serious health conditions. Tell your doctor about any throat cancer symptoms you are feeling.
Throat cancer symptoms, and head and neck cancer symptoms, may also include trouble breathing, trouble with speaking, pain in the ears and frequent headaches. Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also include sinuses that are blocked and will not clear. Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also include bleeding through the nose, pain in the upper teeth, headaches, and swelling in the eyes. Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also include chronic sinus infections that do not go away when treated with antibiotics.
There is more to learn about throat cancer symptoms. If you have any of these throat cancer symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor.
Possible Throat Cancer Symptoms
Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also include numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face.
Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also include pain that does not go away in the face.
Throat cancer symptoms and head and neck cancer symptoms may also trouble pain that does not go away in the neck.
There is more to learn about throat cancer symptoms. If you have any of these throat cancer symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor

Teen Values

2006-03-24T19:22:00.000+08:00

I was reading the sunday times over the weekend about Secret Lives of S'pore teens and it saddened me very much to know that many teenagers are now into sex even before the age of 16? What's happening to the young teens of today? What's lacking in their lives that draw them towards SEX? Am I being paranoid? I remembered during my teenager years, my parents instilled into me about the virture of chastity. Teenagers of today are so different compared to my time, I see many of them in school uniforms hugging and kissing in public places like the MRTs, in the buses, cabs (better still more privacy besides Uncle Cabby ocassional glances through his rear view mirror) food courts, shopping centres and cinemas too.
I know most parents today are busy working hard and comng back very late leaving their kids in the hands of the maids or some even alone by themselves. Parents these days also give their children way too much freedom plus pocket allowances to replace their lack of time with their children, therefore resulting in them splurging on unnecessary stuffs and also going out too often. In the newspaper article I can't believe it , even when the parents are at home, these young teenagers also indulge in having unprotected sex right under the very nose of their parents. What's happening to our teens? How come the parents don't even know what their chidlren are doing in their own home? I believe these teens wanted to be branded as "cool" so that they will not be outcasted by their peers who have tried sex, but where's their dignity? Where is the value that should be imparted to the young teenagers, also our future generations of tomorrow! Parents of today are no longer able to control their teenagers for fear of pressuring them! This is very alarming and we need to help our teens to know the consequences of unprotected sex before jumping into bed with anyone! They seem to have lost the real value of having sex just like the song goes "Saves The Best For Last" Just my two cents worth of thoughts!

The Painted Face

2006-03-21T16:09:00.000+08:00

We hardly can see them except during the festivals celebrations for temples and clan associations or during the "Hungry Ghosts Month". The Chinese opera is a traditional form of stage entertainment, weaving together elements of mime, dance, song, dialogue, swordplay, and acrobatics into one fluid continuous flow. Gestures, movements and expressions incorporated within each performer's script come together to bring forth an impressive performance. It is a culture filled with splendid richness of colours and traditions. The vibrant colours of the costumes bring life onto the stage. The beautiful costumes excluding headgears ranges from S$100 to S$1000 depending on the role of the actors and actresses. The thick make ups on their faces had to be done hours way before their performances begin. Trainings and practices with professional instructors before the stage performance can be tedious and could take up about 3 to 4 hours per week. Mostly it's the older generations who appreciate and understand the rich culture of the Chinese Operas.
Here's my colleague, Cynthia who been involved in the Cantonese Opera since her school days and has since been performing for the past 15 years despite her busy and hectic office work. Appearing here in full regalia in her beautiful colourful costume says it all! Well done Cynthia, you revive the spirit of the chinese opera which is a dying culture.

Energy Filtered Water

2006-03-19T19:36:00.000+08:00

Of late, my health has been deterioriating and I have been getting this dizzy spell. So a visit to my doctor to have my pressure checked confirmed that I do have high blood pressure! Hmmm.. indeed age is catching up on me. There goes the doctor's advice to eat more vegetables, eat less meat, reduce salt intake and to drink plenty of distilled water or filtered water if I'm not ready to go on the drugs prescription for high blood pressure.
On that note, I decided to embark on drinking lots of my Diamond Energy Water to see if it really can help to bring down my high blood pressure. This being one of the testimonial before I installed the Diamond Energy Water Filter. In fact, most of my plants in my home drink only Diamond Energy Water and indeed the plants grow very well yielding strong and healthy dark green leaves!
If the Diamond Energy Water can do great wonders on my plants, I believe it'll work just as great on human bodies too!
So here's my voyage to drinking Diamond Energy Water!!

Alone Again

2006-03-16T16:45:00.000+08:00

Being heartbroken is a pain that no one can understand until they have experienced it for themselves. You obviously have, therefore are aware of how fragile your heart is right now.
Healing a broken heart will take time, but is not impossible, though it may feel that way at the time. It is never an easy process to go through, but with the right prescription, you will be on your way to recovery and happiness again.
The first thing you should keep in mind is that it is okay to feel sad and grieve about what happened and that you are not stupid for doing so. It is perfectly normal to feel sad and cry after a break up. You have invested most of your time and all of your love and interest into your ex-partner; therefore will go through a sad and painful withdrawal. It is notable that you not grieve all on your own. Sure, there will be times when you will just want to be alone and undisturbed. However, it is important that you talk to your friends and family about it.
Talking about it is not only healthy, but will mend your heart quicker because you will release the thoughts and facts that are hurting you so much. Seeking professional advice will be a great help to you as well because your mind will open up and see new perspectives and understandings of what happened. It will help you gather your strength, pick yourself up, and find the happiness you deserve to have. Accepting the fact that you and your ex-partner are no longer together is a necessity if you are going to start mending your broken heart. If you catch yourself unable to function due to constantly thinking about your ex or repeatedly calling or visiting him or her for another chance, then chances are you are suffering from love addiction and should seek counseling.
Discontinuing a serious relationship is emotionally challenging and can drive you to do things that are unhealthy for your self-being. To avoid entering such hazardous areas, keep yourself occupied. Go out with your friends and family to help get your mind off the break up. It is best to spend as less time alone as you can in the first few weeks of your breakup so that your emotions can slowly and patiently form back into their normal pattern. Fight the thoughts that tell you that you are a failure and are to blame for the end of your relationship. When a relationship ends it means that the two of you were no longer compatible and that always takes two, not just you. Instead of beating yourself up over what has transpired, examine your ex-relationship by listing the things you enjoyed most about it and then the things that disappointed you and what you believe really caused the breakup. Look at the relationship as a learning experience and an opportunity to improve your relationship skills, and a way to realize what you truly need and want from a romantic relationship.
Learning to forgive yourself and your ex-lover will speed up the healing process for the reason that you will feel more peaceful and calm about it.
Hating your ex will only build up tension and stress in your life, causing your emotions to slow down from getting back to order. One way to avoid bitterness against your ex-partner is to look at the breakup as a favor. Appreciate their honesty of no longer wanting to pursue the relationship, instead of giving you high hopes for a possible future together. It is always an advantage to exit a relationship that had no chances to survive than to be misled.
Conquer your fear of being alone. You need to help yourself understand that it is not abnormal to be on your own and that your values come from who are rather than whom you are with. Teach yourself that there is more to life than romantic relationships by spending quality time with your friends and family. Learn more about whom the other people in your life are and introduce more of yourself to them as well. Go out and do things together and treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it is your favorite restaurant, shopping, going to the movies, or anything else. Learning to you be your own best friend will not only improve your relationship with yourself, but with others as well. As you begin to discover the other beauties of life and yourself, you will become more stable and stronger to face anything that crosses your path, such as a new relationship in the future.
Before you consider entering another relationship, take a step back and ask yourself why you want to do so. Make sure that you are not entering a new relationship on a rebound. This will only leave you with unfinished emotions and you will never have closure from your former relationship. Never begin a new relationship because you are afraid of being on your own, or feel the need to just be in a relationship. Form a relationship with someone new because you feel strong and secure on your very own and feel that you are ready to attempt a new romance. Take it one step at a time and keep in mind of what your needs and desires are from a person and observe closely to see if they show signs of the qualities you are looking for. As soon as you notice that he or she is not, then get out of it as soon as possible. Learning from your previous relationships will come in very handy because you will be able to prevent similar situations in the future, leading you to meeting the people who fit your description of a perfect partner.
Lastly, remind yourself that love is a wonderful feeling and experience and should not be generalized based on your past experiences. Do not use facts about your ex as a way to judge new people in your life. Leave your past behind you and focus on moving ahead. Get to know new people for who they are, not by comparing them to others, what they are not, or what they could be. Once you have observed their personality, values and everything else, trust yourself to make the right decisions without constantly doubting yourself. If you wish to try having a new relationship, then do so. If you do not however, then do not feel guilty to kindly walk away from the situation. You would be doing both you and the other a person a huge favor and saving time and emotions from being hurt.
You have nothing to fear or worry about. After all, there will always be one person who will always love you, appreciate who you are and be there for you. . . and that is YOU.

Paper Cranes

2006-03-16T13:26:00.000+08:00

Last year before the Christmas seasons way back in the month of September, my colleagues and me decided to do a meaningful project. We bought colourful origami papers and decided to fold paper cranes to be gift packed for the residents at Dover Park Hospice, who were suffering from the deadly terminal illness - cancer. The cranes were beautifully folded using colourful origami papers by my colleagues during their lunch breaks and spare capacity and some even brought home to fold the paper cranes to hit our traget of 2,000 paper cranes. The real story behind the paper cranes is indeed very touching.
Why Paper Cranes for Peace?
Every year many thousands of people around the world fold paper cranes as an expression of hope for a world at peace, where non-violent means are used to resolve conflicts, and where people can live without fear. For most of these people, the origin of the paper crane as a symbol of peace probably lies with the story of Sadako Sasaki. Sadako was just two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. While she suffered no immediate injury, the effects of her exposure caught up with her some ten years later and she fought a courageous battle with leukaemia. During her treatment she began to fold a thousand paper cranes (senbazuru) so that her wish for good health would come true. She died before completing her task. Her fellow students folded the remainder of the thousand cranes which were buried with her. Sadako’s courage and faith inspired her friends, and students from across the world, to raise money for a memorial to the children who were innocent victims of the atomic bomb.
Each year children and adults from all over the world fold a thousand paper cranes to be taken to the Children’s Monument in the Peace Park in Hiroshima. The cranes are placed at the foot of the monument where the inscription reads: ‘This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.’
When is a good time? Any time is a good time to be folding, but lots of people like to set a goal to finish their cranes by a significant date. Possibilities include:
6 August - Hiroshima Day;
9 August - Nagasaki Day also our Singapore National Day
15 September - International Peace Day
24 October - International Children’s Day; and
17 November - World Peace Day .
What do we do with the cranes once they are folded?
Some projects donate their cranes to brighten the lives of residents and patients in nursing homes or hospitals, especially those treating leukaemia or cancer, thus developing a different sort of link to the Sadako story.
So now whenever you see a paper crane, reflect on the story behind it.

The Pink Ribbon

2006-03-14T15:33:00.000+08:00

Last month, a friend's wife who's only 48 years old, went for her Mammograms Screening and was told that she had lumps found in one of her breasts. She was then admitted to the hospital for further biospy followed by surgery and the result: the tumours measured more than 2cm were MAGLINANT! From that moment on, the whole world crashed down upon her and she has to be on chemotherapy treatment of which may result in some side effects like hair loss being the most prominent, loss of weight and appetite, etc.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Singapore women.
•1 in 5 cancers occurring in Singaporean women is breast cancer.
•Every year, about 1100 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed. This translates to 3 women being diagnosed with
breast cancer each day.
•About 270 die from the disease each year.
•1 in 20 women in Singapore will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
•The incidence is highest in women aged 55 to 59.
Four in five women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. So it is important to know how to protect yourself and reduce your risk of getting the disease.
To Protect Yourself Against Breast Cancer
1. Practise a healthy lifestyle.
•Be physically active. Exercise 3 – 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time
•Maintain a healthy weight.
•Eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fats with an emphasis on good fats
(monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) over bad fats (saturated and trans fats).
•Limit alcohol intake to less than one alcoholic drink a day.
•Breastfeed children instead of formula feeding them (if possible).
2. Be aware of breast cancer and its symptoms.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
In early stages of breast cancer, there is usually no pain and there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, the following symptoms could appear:
•a persistent lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area.
•a change in the size or shape of the breast
•a dimpling or puckering of the skin (like orange peel)
•blood or discharge from the nipple
•a newly retracted (pulled in) nipple
3. Screen yourself for breast cancer regularly. Early detection offers more treatment options and a better chance of
survival and recovery. Take charge of your own breast health and detect changes in your breast through the
following:-
•Breast Self Examination
• Clinical Breast Examination (by a healthcare professional)
• Mammography
Never be afraid to examine your breasts or to have them examined. Finding out that you do not have breast cancer is more important than the time and effort required for an examination, or any discomfort you may feel.

Teddy Bank For A Good Cause

2006-03-12T09:01:00.000+08:00

Assisi Home & Hospice is a registered charity that cares for more than 700 cancer-stricken live-in, home-care and day centre care patients. It also houses Assisi Children's Centre. Almost all of the children aged from 3 to 17 are fully subsidised and more than 90% of the adult patients are highly subsidised. Thus, they need all help possible to raise $4.6 million to cover their annual operating costs. The annual Assisi Home & Hospice's Teddy Bank drive is based on a mascot drawn by Johnathan Tan aged 9, who is also a luekaemia patient battling cancer. Assisi will be releasing 5,000 Teddy Banks on 25 March 2006. It is a custom-made bear shaped coin bank which was drawn by a little child, Johnathan Tan. Assisi Home & Hospice appeal for 5,000 wonderful families to take home a teddy bank each for a S$10 donation. The theme "Save as a family, Give with our hearts: S$1-a-day to Assisi Home & Hospice" is to encourage families and friends to do their bits for charity for a period of three months only! At the end of the three months period, the donations collection in the teddy bank will have to be returned to Assisi Home & Hospice to provide for the best palliative care possible for cancer patients, especially those in their terminal stages of their disease, and best of all we'll get to keep the teddy bank. S$1 is a small amount to some however S$1 in accumulation, will go a long way to help the terminally ill who need alot of money for their medical treatments bills. Anyone interested to take up a teddy bank can email the following personnel:- ronita_paul@assisihospice.org.sg or geraldine@assisihospice.org.sg
So Book a Teddy Bank now! Yes, I'm going to get mine soon!

Bread Pudding With Custard Sauce(Using Microwave)

2006-03-10T08:38:00.000+08:00

Bread Pudding with Custard Sauce
Ingredients
6-8 slices of bread
raisins, mix fruits, walnuts or almonds
milk
2-3 tablespoon sugar
butter or margarine
3-4 eggs
1 capful vanilla essence
evaporated milk (optional)**

Method
1. Butter the bread and cut into halves (2 triangles)
2. Layer the bread, and sprinkle the raisins, mixed fruits,
walnuts or almonds onto a baking tray or casserole
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until dissolve and milk to about one bowl full. Add in the the vanilla
essence to taste.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread and leave to soak for 15-20 minutes(depending on dryness of bread)
** Add more evaporated milk onto the mixture if the bread is still dry after soaking.
5. Bake in a microwave oven on High for 15-17minutes or in preheated conventional oven 375F (175C) for about
20 minutes or until cooked.
6. Serve with custard sauce.

Custard Sauce
2 cups milk
3-4 tablespoon sugar
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons corn or tapioca starch
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1. In saucepan, combine all ingredients except the vanilla essence
2. Heat over a slow fire constantly sitrring for 15- 20 minutes until the mixture thickens
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla essence. Cool and serve.

Sex Bracelets And The Meaning Of Colours

2006-03-09T14:58:00.000+08:00

Sex bracelets are similar to those colourful rubber bands worn on the wrists. Most people who wear jelly bracelets do not consider them "sex bracelets". Sex bracelets are also commonly used by young school going kids, teenagers and adults too. Each colour code has a different meaning. So be extra careful before slipping on those colour Sex bracelets or you'll sending the wrong signal to others.

Meaning of Colours for Sex Bracelets
Red : French Kiss
Blue : Oral Sex
Green : Outdoor Sex
Yellow: Hugging
Orange: Kissing
Purple: Holding Hands
Black : Intercourse
White : Homosexual Kiss

Sandi

2006-03-08T17:17:00.000+08:00

"After a hard day's work, my little darling has never failed to greet me with her leaps and bounces whenever I come back home", Nancy my good friend told me about her darling Sandi, her Jack Russell. Sandi has been a great part of Nancy's life besides her husband and her son and the whole family adores Sandi dearly because she has brought them so much joy! Though Sandi is only 6 years old, she had undergone a cateract surgery last year and today Sandi will be going for yet another cateract surgery on her other eye which will cost about S$4000!! Some people would not part with that amount of money for surgery on their dog and would discard their dog to the SPCA! The love that Nancy has for Sandi is immeasurable.. and she'll do anything for Sandi. Only dog lovers will understand the bonding between them. Hey Sandi, wishing you a speedy recovery for your cateract surgery! Woof Woof Woof!!!!

Happy International Women's Day ~ 8th March

2006-03-08T13:59:00.000+08:00

To all women, give yourself a pat on your shoulder today. It's great being a woman after all as the role of women is being recognized and celebrated internationally!
International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world.
This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage. The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies. Following is a brief chronology of the most important events:

1909
In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate it on the last Sunday of that month through 1913.

1910
The Socialist International, meeting in Copenhagen, established a Women's Day, international in character, to honour the movement for women's rights and to assist in achieving universal suffrage for women. The proposal was greeted with unanimous approval by the conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, which included the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament. No fixed date was selected for the observance.

1911
As a result of the decision taken at Copenhagen the previous year, International Women's Day was marked for the first time (19 March) in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women and men attended rallies. In addition to the right to vote and to hold public office, they demanded the right to work, to vocational training and to an end to discrimination on the job. Less than a week later, on 25 March, the tragic Triangle Fire in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working girls, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This event had a significant impact on labour legislation in the United States, and the working conditions leading up to the disaster were invoked during subsequent observances of International Women's Day.

1913-1914
As part of the peace movement brewing on the eve of World War I, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with their sisters.

1917
With 2 million Russian soldiers dead in the war, Russian women again chose the last Sunday in February to strike for "bread and peace". Political leaders opposed the timing of the strike, but the women went on anyway. The rest is history: Four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. That historic Sunday fell on 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia, but on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women's movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women's conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point for coordinated efforts to demand women's rights and participation in the political and economic process. Increasingly, International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.
The Role of the United Nations
Few causes promoted by the United Nations have generated more intense and widespread support than the campaign to promote and protect the equal rights of women. The Charter of the United Nations, signed in San Francisco in 1945, was the first international agreement to proclaim gender equality as a fundamental human right. Since then, the Organization has helped create a historic legacy of internationally agreed strategies, standards, programmes and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.
Over the years, United Nations action for the advancement of women has taken four clear directions: promotion of legal measures; mobilization of public opinion and international action; training and research, including the compilation of gender desegregated statistics; and direct assistance to disadvantaged groups. Today a central organizing principle of the work of the United Nations is that no enduring solution to society's most threatening social, economic and political problems can be found without the full participation, and the full empowerment, of the world's women.

Dance With My Father ~ Luther Vandross

2006-03-07T20:01:00.000+08:00

When I first heard this song playing on the radio from a Malaysia radio station the Light & Easy, it touched me very much. This particular song is deeply moving and a song about of filial love. The lyrics were so meaningful and it brought tears as I reflected upon my close binding relationship with my beloved Daddy, who is now in Heaven. Luther Vandross is one of the most successful R&B vocalists in the world, famous for his soulful, romantic ballads. The song "Dance With My Father", was a bittersweet tribute to Vandross' late father that would become the centerpiece of the singer's next, most personal album. Sadly enough, the singer himself, Luther Vandross died on lst July 2005 in Edison, New Jersey having suffered a massive stroke in 2003.

Dance With My Father ~ Luther Vandross
"Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet

Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream"

Home Fragrances ~ Lampe Berger

2006-03-05T19:18:00.000+08:00

Do you desire to have your home filled with an exotic and tranquility scent that lingers on and on, creating a wonderful unforgettable expericence? Then you must pamper yourself to experience the luxury of Lampe Berger.
In 1898, Monsieur Maurice Berger discovered a process to purify the air with the catalytic combustion of ozoalcohol. He filed for a patent and Lampe Berger was born. Initially it was used only by the medical field for its antibacterial powers. Today you can find a Lampe Berger in homes around the world.
Lampe Berger awakens the senses as it gently perfumes the home with alluring fragrance.
Just as perfumes are carefully blended for the body, Lampe Berger creates long-lasting, vivid fragrances which are carefully blended for the home. It also promotes a sense of well-being, relieving the body’s stress and anxiety. Inspired by every aspect of life, Lampe Berger scents are sent forth to fulfill desires, express emotions and create balance and tranquiltiy.
Each lamp features, under its’ stylish cap, a patented catalytic burner that destroys odors and helps purify the air, eliminating up to 68% of any airborne bacteria before the fragrance is dispersed. Simply, the Lampe Berger removes odors,kills bacteria and fragrances the air and is also sucessful at destroying a whole range of odors including:
:: Cigarette smoke
:: Cooking odors
:: Pet odors
:: Paint fumes
:: Many other forms of household pollution.
Two of my favourite scents from Lampe Berger are Amber which is a light pine aroma that tranquilizes and prevent ageing and Rosee d' Iris made from Belgian roses that aids blood circulations and also creates a romantic atmosphere.

What Life Is All About

2006-03-03T22:34:00.000+08:00

Life isn't about keeping score. It's not about how many friends you have. Or how many people call you. Or how accepted or unaccepted you are. Not about if you have plans this weekend. Or if you're alone. It isn't about who you're dating, who you use to date, how many people you've dated, or if you haven't been with anyone at all. It isn't about who you have kissed. It's not about sex. It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have. Or what kind of car you drive. Or where you're sent to school.It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are. Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to. It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, brown, or green. Or if your skin is too light or too dark.It's not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everyone else thinks you are, or how smart standardized tests say you are. Or if this teacher likes you, or if this guy/girl likes you. Or what clubs you're in, or how good you are at "your" sport. It's not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper and seeing who will "accept the written you".But life is about who you love and who you hurt. It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully. It's about keeping or betraying trust. It's about friendship, used as sanctity, or as a weapon. It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening. About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip. It's about what judgments you pass and why. And who your judgments are spread to.It's about who you've ignored with full control and intention. It's about jealousy, fear, pain, ignorance, and revenge. It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow and spreading it.But most of all, it's about using your life to touch or poison other people's hearts in such a way that could never occurred alone. Only you choose the way these hearts are affected and those choices are what life is all about.

Bipolar Disease

2006-03-02T23:15:00.000+08:00

I'm currently reading this book In His Bright Light by Danielle Steel. This is the true and powerful story about the author's own son Nick Triana,who's suffering from Manic Depression or Bipolar disease which is potentially fatal. This book gives a real insight on Manic Depression or Bipolar disease of which suicide and accidents appear to be the greatest cause of death for manic-depressive. From the day that Nick was born, he was his mother's joy. He was a brilliant, charming child who NEVER slept. Nick rocketed through life like a shooting star. He spoke in full sentences at the age of one! His gift for writing was extraordinary, his musical talent promised a golden future. But by the time Nick entered junior high school, Danielle Steel saw her beloved son hurtling towards disaster and tried desperately to get Nick the help he needed - the opening salvoes of what would become a ferrocious, pitched battle for his life. In the end, perhaps nothing could have saved him from the insidious disease that had shadowed him from his earlies years. By nineteen, Nick was dead!

Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple...

2006-03-01T14:19:00.000+08:00

Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange,Pink, Purple, Lime Green and many more colours. Everywhere you see them on feet of children, teenagers, working adults and also on elderly people. What am I talking about??? The Croc shoes of course!!. The colours are so striking and vibrant!! It looked especially very cute on the feet of a child. The Croc shoes are designed for comfort and molds to the feet with orthotic foot bed; advanced toe-box ventilation system; slip-resistant and non-marking soles; anti-microbial and odor resistant; ergonomic italian styling; wide, roomy foot bed; made from PCCR material; buoyant; weighs only OUNCES!! I'm still deciding on which colour to get for myself, orange or navy blue?? Hmmmm... anyone buying that for me for my birthday prezzie??? Haha...... just kidding.

My Very Own Designed Hand Sewn Beaded Sandals

2006-02-27T20:12:00.000+08:00

This is one of my proud achievements to be able to sew and designed my very own Peranakan beaded sandals myself. This design is similar to the Louis Vuitton french fashion design. Every single bead is meticuously hand sewn with my naked eyes and the beads used are known as the charlotte cut beads or the "potong" beads. The beads are cut at a certain angle to create the shine and luster, thus causing it to sparkle.

Here's the actual shoe face before sending to the cobbler:-
Before

Here's my completed hand sewn beaded sandals
After

Honey Lime Chicken

2006-02-27T19:40:00.000+08:00

A simple and easy recipe to cook. Found this recipe from "Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type" website. This recipe is highly recommended for Blood Type A people for slimming purposes but I think it should be alright for the other group of blood type as the ingredients used are very common. Grrrrrrrrrrooooowl.....my stomach is growling now, however I'm too lazy to cook.

HONEY LIME CHICKEN

Ingredients
1/3 cup pineapple juice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon garlic/garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons corn starch

Directions
Sprinkle garlic/garlic powder over chicken.
Let sit for awhile before browining the chicken add more garlic according to taste
Brown chicken in hot oil in large skillet.
Add pineapple juice.
Cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Set aside.
Combine honey, lime juice, lime peel, soy sauce and corn starch in saucepan.
Cook and stir until sauce thickens and boils.
Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Recommended for Blood Type A

A Point To Ponder

2006-02-27T15:28:00.000+08:00

Received this fm a friend via e-mail.
A point to ponder

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter.
The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother hurried him to the hospital. He died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how she was going to face her husband.

When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.

QUESTIONS :

1. What were the five words ?
2. What is the implication of this story?

Scroll down to read....

ANSWER :
The husband just said "I am with you Darling". The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother.

Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened.

No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child.

What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her. If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.

MORAL OF THE STORY

This story is really worth reading. Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. By this way we miss out some warmth in human relationship

Fat Blasting!!

2006-02-27T14:15:00.000+08:00

The very first thing that came to mind is that all the fats in the body MUST be blasted!!! Does anyone have an effective sure to work formula that can guarantee the fat blasted??? Hmmm.. tried various methods like drinking apple cider vinegar with honey on an empty stomach, taking fat burners pills, working out at the gym on treadmills, you name it, I've tried it. All seemed to go down the drain with saying "NO PAIN, NO GAIN!" It doesn't work on me!!
One simple summary, one must have PERSERVERANCE AND ENDURANCE to work those flabby "Love Handles" and layered of fats in the body. How I wish there is a simpler method without much effort for me to melt those stubborn fats. Oh yeah, now with the Oto Trimax & Osim u-Zap, it surely is the simplest and effective method but how often do I go on it??? Still thinking of getting one of these gadgets. Anyone wants to buy it for me as a gift? Just kidding ........ sigh...

Noah's Ark

2006-02-27T13:36:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I taught my little Primary 2s in Church on God's Word. The lesson about Noah's Ark was shared with the little innocents kids. Imagine the profound faith that Noah had in God! Building the Ark in the desert, way before the great storm came, having to put up with jeerings and teasings from people around him, who do not believe in the great POWER of God. Noah really do have a TOUGH job, trying to convince his family and the people and also squeezing all the various pairs of animals into the Ark! I pray that I would have great faith like Noah because God's plan is FULL OF SURPIRSES!!

My Very First Posting

2006-02-27T13:04:00.000+08:00

Today's my first posting on my newly created blog with the great help from my friend, Margaret. Just like to share this cute picture which really brings laughter whenever I see it.
Hope it does the same for you!