Was editing my facebook profile and saw me blog address.... click on it and realised I have not blog for a really long time, 2 years 9months 6 days 8 hrs 10 mins (and counting) to be exact. Was kind of excited to blog again, however, I have been sitting here for the past 15 mins and my mind is blank....................................................................... I have totally lost touch, mind is still blank ................................ anything to do with facebook??
I will be back... hopefully shortly :)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy new year everyone!
I have been too busy with my facebook to blog... hahaaha! Those of you who have not gotten an account, should get one immediately. Its fun and a great way to keep in contact with family and friends. I have even found a couple of long lost friends in facebook. Really cool.
I will come back to blog some day.
I have been too busy with my facebook to blog... hahaaha! Those of you who have not gotten an account, should get one immediately. Its fun and a great way to keep in contact with family and friends. I have even found a couple of long lost friends in facebook. Really cool.
I will come back to blog some day.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Mini chocolate fudge cake
Here is my creation! The pictures are not very well taken as my camera is dying.
Baking the cake is easy, making the fudge and trying to maintain the right consistency to spread onto the cake needs a little effort. Next attempt, BIRTHDAY CAKE.
Verdict from testers... the cake is not sweet and fudge has just a nice balance of bitterness and sweetness.
Baking the cake is easy, making the fudge and trying to maintain the right consistency to spread onto the cake needs a little effort. Next attempt, BIRTHDAY CAKE.
Verdict from testers... the cake is not sweet and fudge has just a nice balance of bitterness and sweetness.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Biscuits, jellies and etc.
Baked some biscuits (American version of scones) on friday. The first batch I added garlic powder. I did't like it because of the garlicky after-taste. So for the second batch, I did not add the garlic powder. They tasted much better. Well, at least to my liking. Speaking of baking, I finally managed to get a chance to use my Matfer Exopat baking mat that I got my hubby to buy, during one of his work trips to France. This mat is a great kitchen tool. Bakes well and everything comes off easily after baking.
I also baked some blueberry muffin but not the usual way. Added sour cream to the recipe and baked it in a 9" square pan. I pour only a little mixture to make a 1" thick cake. Once cooled, I slice it into two pieces, spread some jam, put the two pieces together like a sandwich. Then I cut into smaller bite-size pieces. As usual, my no. 1 fan... Aloysius, could not stop eating it. Hubby (who is not a big fan of muffin and cakes) said it was nice. Ashley preferred the biscuits. The texture is lighter than a regular muffin. No pictures as I forgot to take.
Made konnyaku jellies today. Its easy to make and taste great too. Again, no pictures as my camera is not functioning propoerly. If the camera decides to cooperate tomorrow, I will take some pictures.
I have plans to bake chocolate fudge cake and make another batch of jellies tomorrow but then again... it depends if I am in the mood when I wake up tomorrow.. hehehe. Stay tuned.
I also baked some blueberry muffin but not the usual way. Added sour cream to the recipe and baked it in a 9" square pan. I pour only a little mixture to make a 1" thick cake. Once cooled, I slice it into two pieces, spread some jam, put the two pieces together like a sandwich. Then I cut into smaller bite-size pieces. As usual, my no. 1 fan... Aloysius, could not stop eating it. Hubby (who is not a big fan of muffin and cakes) said it was nice. Ashley preferred the biscuits. The texture is lighter than a regular muffin. No pictures as I forgot to take.
Made konnyaku jellies today. Its easy to make and taste great too. Again, no pictures as my camera is not functioning propoerly. If the camera decides to cooperate tomorrow, I will take some pictures.
I have plans to bake chocolate fudge cake and make another batch of jellies tomorrow but then again... it depends if I am in the mood when I wake up tomorrow.. hehehe. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Birthday wishes
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, AUNTY DIANA!
Though my posting is late... my chocolates and sms was on time... hahahahha! Hope you had a wonderful birthday on September 5th minus the sprained arm.
Also not forgetting my beloved sister... Beatrice. Your special day coming up on Setpember 12th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!
Lastly to my nephew, who is turning one on September 16th...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH LOADS OF HUGS AND KISSES!
Though my posting is late... my chocolates and sms was on time... hahahahha! Hope you had a wonderful birthday on September 5th minus the sprained arm.
Also not forgetting my beloved sister... Beatrice. Your special day coming up on Setpember 12th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!
Lastly to my nephew, who is turning one on September 16th...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH LOADS OF HUGS AND KISSES!
Vacation - Los Angeles and Taipei
Finally computer is working normal.. so I am able to load photos from our vacation to LA and Taipei in August.
We spent 5 days in LA and one night in Taipei. The first day was spent shopping at Desert Hills factory outlet, 2 days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, 1 day at Universal Studios and last day more shopping around hotel area. It was a rather cram trip... but still fun. In my opinion, you will need 3 days to cover disneyland alone and another day for (DCA). As for universal studios, 1 day is enough. The kids got to take pictures with some of their fave characters like Sulley from the movie Monsters Inc., Scooby Doo, Spiderman, Count Dracula, disney princesses, The Simpsons family, etc.
The kids had loads of fun taking all the kiddy rides and some not so kiddy... like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Ferris Wheel at DCA. We thought the Ferris Wheel was just a normal ride, not if you take the swinging gondola. As the wheel rotates, the gondola starts swinging left to right and some times moving forward or backward... the swing can be pretty scary, just short of going round 360 degrees. Felt like puking after the ride.
From the above picture, you can see the Ferris Wheel on the right. On the left is the roller coaster ride called California Screamin'. Aloy and I did want to go for it but decided not to after the ride has some malfunction which left some people getting stuck in their carriage at the top of the ride.
Here are some more pictures.
At Universal Studios, we took the studio tour which bring us round the area where filming is done. For example, we get to see the original movie sets where Steven Spielberg filmed his blockbuster, "War of the Worlds." Studio Tour trams pass through a small town devastated by an elaborately choreographed 747 airplane crash, dramatically surrounded by still-smoking wreckage and shattered debris. They used a real 747.
We also got to see the cars from the movie "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and the place where they filmed "Desperate Housewives". See if you can recognise the houses below.
Next our night-stop at Taipei. We arrive Taipei at about 6 plus in the morning. Once we checked in the hotel, we went out for breakfast, had beancurb milk, yu tiao, xiao lao bao and shao bing. Its definitely much more delicious than the beancurb shop in Geylang. After that we went back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out Shihlin Night Market and Ximenting. Its was more of a eating trip than shopping. Here are what we ate.
Coffin Bread - A thick slice of bread with variety of topping of your choice. The bread is being pan-fried till crispy.
Smelly tofu - Guess this dish does not need further introduction. Surprisingly, its not smelly when eaten and tastes quite nice. Aloy tried and like it.
Stew beef noddle
Oyster mee sua
Oyster omelette - I prefer the Singapore version.
Meat ball noddle - The meat ball was very springy
We spent 5 days in LA and one night in Taipei. The first day was spent shopping at Desert Hills factory outlet, 2 days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, 1 day at Universal Studios and last day more shopping around hotel area. It was a rather cram trip... but still fun. In my opinion, you will need 3 days to cover disneyland alone and another day for (DCA). As for universal studios, 1 day is enough. The kids got to take pictures with some of their fave characters like Sulley from the movie Monsters Inc., Scooby Doo, Spiderman, Count Dracula, disney princesses, The Simpsons family, etc.
The kids had loads of fun taking all the kiddy rides and some not so kiddy... like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Ferris Wheel at DCA. We thought the Ferris Wheel was just a normal ride, not if you take the swinging gondola. As the wheel rotates, the gondola starts swinging left to right and some times moving forward or backward... the swing can be pretty scary, just short of going round 360 degrees. Felt like puking after the ride.
From the above picture, you can see the Ferris Wheel on the right. On the left is the roller coaster ride called California Screamin'. Aloy and I did want to go for it but decided not to after the ride has some malfunction which left some people getting stuck in their carriage at the top of the ride.
Here are some more pictures.
At Universal Studios, we took the studio tour which bring us round the area where filming is done. For example, we get to see the original movie sets where Steven Spielberg filmed his blockbuster, "War of the Worlds." Studio Tour trams pass through a small town devastated by an elaborately choreographed 747 airplane crash, dramatically surrounded by still-smoking wreckage and shattered debris. They used a real 747.
We also got to see the cars from the movie "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and the place where they filmed "Desperate Housewives". See if you can recognise the houses below.
Next our night-stop at Taipei. We arrive Taipei at about 6 plus in the morning. Once we checked in the hotel, we went out for breakfast, had beancurb milk, yu tiao, xiao lao bao and shao bing. Its definitely much more delicious than the beancurb shop in Geylang. After that we went back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out Shihlin Night Market and Ximenting. Its was more of a eating trip than shopping. Here are what we ate.
Coffin Bread - A thick slice of bread with variety of topping of your choice. The bread is being pan-fried till crispy.
Smelly tofu - Guess this dish does not need further introduction. Surprisingly, its not smelly when eaten and tastes quite nice. Aloy tried and like it.
Stew beef noddle
Oyster mee sua
Oyster omelette - I prefer the Singapore version.
Meat ball noddle - The meat ball was very springy
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
My 3rd attempt at Jellyhearts
On sunday I tried my hands at jellyhearts again. Everything came out PERFECT! No floaties. The 2nd attempt went quite bad, there were many floaties, more than the first time. Lucky I have enough nice looking ones to give to my cousin, Rachel... as I have made them specially for her. Elaine... don't get jealous here now.. hahahah. I will also make some for you when you are back.
After this 3rd try, I finally realised that making jellyhearts need loads of patience. You definitely cannot make them in a rush. After pouring the cheese and placing in the strawberries, I locked up the fridge doors to prevent my kids from opening them. As you know, kids have the habit of opening fridge doors just for the fun of it. With the doors closed for at least 2 hours, the cheese was able to harden up properly and therefore holding down the strawberries firmly. So when I pour in the jelly, the strawberries will not float up.
I have also managed to find square paper cups for the jellyhearts. Next will be to find either 1" or smaller heart-shaped cutter, to make smaller jellyhearts.
After this 3rd try, I finally realised that making jellyhearts need loads of patience. You definitely cannot make them in a rush. After pouring the cheese and placing in the strawberries, I locked up the fridge doors to prevent my kids from opening them. As you know, kids have the habit of opening fridge doors just for the fun of it. With the doors closed for at least 2 hours, the cheese was able to harden up properly and therefore holding down the strawberries firmly. So when I pour in the jelly, the strawberries will not float up.
I have also managed to find square paper cups for the jellyhearts. Next will be to find either 1" or smaller heart-shaped cutter, to make smaller jellyhearts.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Prawn fishing
Bought my kids for prawn fishing on Saturday. We had great fun and everyone managed to fish a prawn or two. We spent about 2 hours and got 33 prawns. Well.... actually we only caught 7 prawns. This was what happend... after 2 hours, we retured our rods to the counter and pack the prawns into a plastic bag. Then a man came over to see our 'catch of the day' and asked how much time we have spent to catch the prawns. My hubby told him 2 hours. He replied saying, "2 hours and so little prawns, come let me get you some more". He just took our bag of prawns and walk all the way to the back of the ponds. At first we thought he was probably another customer, who has caught tons of prawns and was kind to give us some. Turned out he is the boss. He went to his storage area (where he kept all his supplies of prawns), took a net and scope a big bunch of prawns into our bag. We were lost for words with his generousity. Plus the 15 prawns that my hubby caught the day before, in total we had 48. The next day, we invited some friends over for steamboat. Yummy!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Aloy's first poem writing
Aloy was learning poem writing in english class this week and his homework was to write a poem. He has to write just one paragraph with 4 sentences. Since we were having so much fun figuring out rhyming words, I asked him to come up with another paragraph. hahahahha
Here's his creation:
"I wish upon a star
so that I could buy a car
to travel around the world
to find my precious pearl.
I wish upon a star
so that I could buy a guitar
to play a funny tune
for the looney toons."
Here's his creation:
"I wish upon a star
so that I could buy a car
to travel around the world
to find my precious pearl.
I wish upon a star
so that I could buy a guitar
to play a funny tune
for the looney toons."
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Cheese cake and Jellyhearts
Last saturday, my sis and I had our first attempt at baking cheese cake and jellyhearts. I would say we were a little ambitious, making 2 trays of classic cheese cakes and 6 sets (20 pcs each set) of jellyhearts.
The cheese cake turned out fine except for some crack lines towards the end of baking time. My sis said it was not cheesy enough. Uncle Paul said it was ok. So I guess, its always "one man's meat, is another man's poison". As for me, I felt the biscuit base was kind of soft, not crunchy enough... maybe too much butter or the butter was too warm when I mixed it into the biscuits. I wonder if the type of sour cream used have any effect on the cheesy taste. Recipe called for premium sour cream. I used two types of sour cream. One tub of premium sour cream and 1/3 tub of light sour cream. Anyway, since I am not a big fan of cheese cake, will need some time to digest this batch before having another attempt.
As for the jellyhearts (aka strawberry hearts). They turned out better than the cheese cakes, except for some floating strawberries (aka floaties). I have yet to figure out why there are floaties. At first I thought maybe its because I did not wait for the cheese to harden enough before pouring the jelly or the jelly was not cool enough. My sis left hers in the fridge longer than mine (4 hrs, recipe only called for at least 2 hrs) and jelly was left to cool till room temperature, she also has floaties. Hmmm... maybe the next round, I will leave the cheese in the fridge to harden for a bit longer than 4 hrs and then pour the jelly in just before I go to sleep. Maybe I should also pour the jelly with the container in the fridge, so that everything is done in a cool environment.
Those who tried the jellyhearts like them very much. Its great seeing the happy and smiley faces when they bite into the jellyhearts. I will definitely make some more very soon.
The cheese cake turned out fine except for some crack lines towards the end of baking time. My sis said it was not cheesy enough. Uncle Paul said it was ok. So I guess, its always "one man's meat, is another man's poison". As for me, I felt the biscuit base was kind of soft, not crunchy enough... maybe too much butter or the butter was too warm when I mixed it into the biscuits. I wonder if the type of sour cream used have any effect on the cheesy taste. Recipe called for premium sour cream. I used two types of sour cream. One tub of premium sour cream and 1/3 tub of light sour cream. Anyway, since I am not a big fan of cheese cake, will need some time to digest this batch before having another attempt.
As for the jellyhearts (aka strawberry hearts). They turned out better than the cheese cakes, except for some floating strawberries (aka floaties). I have yet to figure out why there are floaties. At first I thought maybe its because I did not wait for the cheese to harden enough before pouring the jelly or the jelly was not cool enough. My sis left hers in the fridge longer than mine (4 hrs, recipe only called for at least 2 hrs) and jelly was left to cool till room temperature, she also has floaties. Hmmm... maybe the next round, I will leave the cheese in the fridge to harden for a bit longer than 4 hrs and then pour the jelly in just before I go to sleep. Maybe I should also pour the jelly with the container in the fridge, so that everything is done in a cool environment.
Those who tried the jellyhearts like them very much. Its great seeing the happy and smiley faces when they bite into the jellyhearts. I will definitely make some more very soon.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Discovery Centre and Zoo
Brought the kids to the Discovery Centre and Zoo yesterday. Initially we just wanted to go to the zoo but was raining. So not to dampen the kids' spirit, we brought them to the Discovery Centre. Nothing much to see really. But the kids have a good time at the mini driving centre, complete with traffic lights and pedestrian crossing. Spent about 2 hours there, by then the rain has stopped and we decided to hop over to the zoo. It was already 3 plus when we got to the zoo, however we still managed to catch a few shows and take the tram ride before closing time at 6pm. We wanted to continue with a visit to the night safari but changed our minds as everyone was already very tired.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Birthday wishes
May everything happy
And everything bright
Be yours on your birthday.
From morning till night,
And then through the year,
May the same thing hold true
So that each day is filled
With life's best things for you!
Happy Birthday ELAINE!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Anything and Whatever
I guess everyone must have seen the ads on TV for Anything and Whatever. I was wondering what kind of drinks they are. It turns out that Anything is a carbonated drink and Whatever is a non-carbonated drink. You won't know what you are getting until you open the can. There are 6 different flavours for each.
I bought 6 cans of each. So far, from Anything, we tasted root-beer, cherry, cola and lemon-lime (similar to 7-up) and Whatever, we tasted chrysanthemum tea, lemon tea and green tea. My kids are having a kick out of guessing what type of drink is in the can and wanted to open all at once. Of cos I said no.
Dinner at Seletar Airbase
Last sunday, hubby brought us to Seletar Airbase for dinner. The restaurant is called Sunset Grill & Pub. Al fresco dining while watching planes taking off and landing. The food is ok... I like the buffalo wings. The wings are marinated with spicy sauce then deep-fired. There are different level of spiciness, from level 1 to 10. According to the staff, level 3 is like chili padi. I only dare to try level 2. If you have kids with you, or friends who can't take spicy food, ask the waiter to put the spicy sauce on the side. Thats what I did.
I only have two pictures (fried mushrooms and buffalo wings) to show, cos I was so busy eating that I forgot to take pictures of the other dishes (rib-eye steak, BBQ ribs and Fish & Chips).
The restaurant opens everyday (except Tuesday) from 4pm and last order is at 9.30pm. Its advisable to make reservations especially on weekends. We were there about 5.30ish and already saw a couple of tables with reserved sign on them.
Here is a map of the restaurant.
We saw a plane parked need the restaurant... so brought the kids there to take some pictures.
I only have two pictures (fried mushrooms and buffalo wings) to show, cos I was so busy eating that I forgot to take pictures of the other dishes (rib-eye steak, BBQ ribs and Fish & Chips).
The restaurant opens everyday (except Tuesday) from 4pm and last order is at 9.30pm. Its advisable to make reservations especially on weekends. We were there about 5.30ish and already saw a couple of tables with reserved sign on them.
Here is a map of the restaurant.
We saw a plane parked need the restaurant... so brought the kids there to take some pictures.
TaeKwonDo Competition
Yesterday, aloy had his first TKD competition. There were 3 categories - Listening command, Pattern command and Sparring. He only took part listening and pattern command, as he was not qualified for sparring just yet. He came in second for the listening command. I was a little worried for the kids in the sparring category. Somehow, it just seem so violent even with protective gears on. Anyway I was like telling aloy... " Its not the WINNING that matters, its the participation that COUNTS!" ;)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Public and School Holidays for 2008
I have inserted the above information on my sidebar. Hope it will be of help to plan your (long awaited) vacation for next year.
Pop quiz from your Royal Highness Duchess E
Just got conned into reading my cousin's blog. I GOT TAGGED!!! So... whats this taggy thingy all about? Can someone please explain? Anyway, here are my answers.
a) What were you doing 10 years ago?
Making preparations for my wedding. Yes, its my 10th wedding anniversary come 15th Nov.
b) What were you doing 1 year ago?
Recovering from my lost.
c) 5 snacks you enjoy.
Don't really snack much.
d) 5 songs to which you know your lyrics off your head right now.
Gosh.. err... hmmm.. can't even squeeze one song out of my brain, don't ask me for 5. hahahha
e) 5 things you would do if you are a millionaire.
1. scream
2. scream
3. scream
4. scream
5. scream and hopefully don't go crazy before i can enjoy my good fortune.
f) 5 bad habits.
1. Like Duchess E, can never get up early in the morning. I guess it runs in the family.
The next 2 are contributed by hubby, since I could not think of any.
2. Spend too much time in front of the computer.
3. Too lazy to exercise
4. Me goody goody, no bad habits....hehehhe
g) 5 things you like to do.
1. Sleep. Shorts naps also can.
2. Reading
3. Playing the piano
4. Buying things for my kids (and of cos myself)
5. Supper
I could go on and on, cos I got more than 5 things but I will spare you guys.
h) 5 things you will never wear, buy or get new again.
1. G-string/Thongs. I just don't get it. How comfortable can it be, when it feels like there is something stuck between yr butt the whole day. Go with seamless panties.
2. Since I like buying things (see answer 7-4), I can skip this question.
i) 5 favourite toys.
1. Yes Duchess E, definitely hubby
2. My kids and nephew, Jerome
3. Ipod
4. Piano
5. Computer
a) What were you doing 10 years ago?
Making preparations for my wedding. Yes, its my 10th wedding anniversary come 15th Nov.
b) What were you doing 1 year ago?
Recovering from my lost.
c) 5 snacks you enjoy.
Don't really snack much.
d) 5 songs to which you know your lyrics off your head right now.
Gosh.. err... hmmm.. can't even squeeze one song out of my brain, don't ask me for 5. hahahha
e) 5 things you would do if you are a millionaire.
1. scream
2. scream
3. scream
4. scream
5. scream and hopefully don't go crazy before i can enjoy my good fortune.
f) 5 bad habits.
1. Like Duchess E, can never get up early in the morning. I guess it runs in the family.
The next 2 are contributed by hubby, since I could not think of any.
2. Spend too much time in front of the computer.
3. Too lazy to exercise
4. Me goody goody, no bad habits....hehehhe
g) 5 things you like to do.
1. Sleep. Shorts naps also can.
2. Reading
3. Playing the piano
4. Buying things for my kids (and of cos myself)
5. Supper
I could go on and on, cos I got more than 5 things but I will spare you guys.
h) 5 things you will never wear, buy or get new again.
1. G-string/Thongs. I just don't get it. How comfortable can it be, when it feels like there is something stuck between yr butt the whole day. Go with seamless panties.
2. Since I like buying things (see answer 7-4), I can skip this question.
i) 5 favourite toys.
1. Yes Duchess E, definitely hubby
2. My kids and nephew, Jerome
3. Ipod
4. Piano
5. Computer
Friday, May 25, 2007
School holidays and baking
Its the school holidays again! No plans to travel overseas. Well, actually I wanted to follow hubby to Paris next week but since I want to coach aloy on his english and chinese (as his grades have dropped slightly), decided not to. Well there is plenty of opportunity to travel in future. Son's school work is more important. I have already gotten additional assessment books and aloy is also mentally prepared to spend more time on school work this holiday.
As for recreation... probably bring the kids to the zoo or maybe night safari. I think ash has not been to the zoo yet. Or maybe pinic and cycling at ECP again. Probaby send aloy for a 2-day adventure camp. Waiting for registration to open. Was also thinking of sending him (and maybe ash too) clay modelling workshop.
As for me, I also have activities for the school holidays too....hahahahah. I have this baking craze recently... just signed myself for two baking workshops. Strawberry hearts and classic cheesecake on 3rd June. Chocolate fudge and almond choco cake on 10th June. Once I have tried the recipes at home, will post them on my blog.
I got to go now... got to settle some TV disputes between my kids.
As for recreation... probably bring the kids to the zoo or maybe night safari. I think ash has not been to the zoo yet. Or maybe pinic and cycling at ECP again. Probaby send aloy for a 2-day adventure camp. Waiting for registration to open. Was also thinking of sending him (and maybe ash too) clay modelling workshop.
As for me, I also have activities for the school holidays too....hahahahah. I have this baking craze recently... just signed myself for two baking workshops. Strawberry hearts and classic cheesecake on 3rd June. Chocolate fudge and almond choco cake on 10th June. Once I have tried the recipes at home, will post them on my blog.
I got to go now... got to settle some TV disputes between my kids.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
My angel
23 May... its exactly one year since my angel said goodbye. I still feel sad every now and then, when I think about her. Yes, time will heal but its gonna take a long while before I can talk about her without wanting to tear. She will always be remembered.
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