Jann's BLoG

14 Dec 2010

2010-12-14T22:54:00.005+08:00

Back from Bhutan for almost a month already. And you know what, I miss that place, the last Shangri la. No a city girl like me will probably not survive there. But to be able to go there once in a while (maybe twice a year) would be quite comforting. Scaling new heights and getting back to nature - that will do one's soul good ;p And of course, being away from the hustle bustle and not having to work; who would complain?

I've made my way up there. No kidding!

Nomads staying up in the mountains. . they usually stayed in one place for a month or two while their yaks graze in the vicinity.

Bhutan - the last Shangri la inded

2010-11-17T12:52:00.003+08:00

5 peaceful days had just slipped me by..but memories of it will be forever etched on my mind. Solo trip to an unknown destination. And not just some major city but remote Bhutan with one nite camping under the stars too.
Bhutan is indeed the last Shangri la, still unspoiled by civilization.
It's fall, so no blooming flowers along the hike, but the mountains n valleys are still captivating even without that. Weather for the past few days were perfect for my hikes. A bit chilly in the nite but that's expected. At this point I've totally agree with Jessica from Country Holiday, CNN weather forecast is not reliable. At least not for remote Bhutan.
Now I am saying really remote. There is only one bank in Bhutan; Bhutan National Bank. So if u pay for your purchase with credit card, it will have to be during banking hour in order to get an authorization. And of course only in major establishment like 5 stars hotels. No shopping mall here. So when Bhutanese travels abroad, they can only carries hard cash or traveller's cheque. There is also a restriction as to how much they can takes with them.
No traffic lights on the streets of Thimpu and Paro. There is no need. Cars are few. People are few too. Population is less than a million!
Life in Bhutan is very simple. Television only arrived in Bhutan during the late 90s. Think it was 98.
To visit, one must have an accompanied guide. Only exception is if u are being invited by the royal family or some big shot politician.
English is the major language spoken here. So there's no problem with communication. Service are impeccable.
I did the cultural tour, visiting monasteries, druk, temples etc. But I also did the Bumdrag trek. Bum means thousands n drag means caves. Yes I was in one of the cave!
Time to board the train. Will post photos once I get home.

Bhutan 12 Nov - 17 Nov

2010-11-12T17:24:00.002+08:00

It's finally happening! A solo trip to an unknown destination.
I've done solo trip before, but that's different. The last time to Japan was to visit Eve. Then Phuket is such a tourist hot spot, u don't even feel u r alone.
This time it's different. Not sure what to expect, but will definitely be an adventure.
Especially since it involves one nite under the starry sky.
Just pray that the weather is great n not rain as forecast.
Will try to take as many photos, even if it turns out blurry , another reason to get a new camera :)
Ok so as long as there is wifi, I will post n upload fb photos.
This is my Eat,Pray, Love...

Blog versus Facebook..

2010-10-31T14:16:00.003+08:00

Cliche, but true...Been a long long time.. n time flies..
Can't say I have forgotten about this space call Jann's blog.. but guess after a while, everything become a bit stale n boring. Even with FB; lesser and lesser posting these days.. Hahaha, definitely no more "poking" ;p
Well lot's happen this year. Major major of course is my new found career with OrangeTee.Com.
No, not to replace Jazz it Up! Definitely not cos that's my one true love and to declare your business as a true love, I am not sure if that is healthy or not. But at least that brings home the bacon, and in my case, the meat, the cheese, the sausages...the list goes on as my 2 boys have a bottomless appetite.
Ok, back to OrangeTee. A property consultant or rather I shall position myself more as a relocating specialist. I think it is a pretty natural flow over, not really getting too far off my usual track in Jazz it Up. Afterall, it is also a people business and more specifically lodging and accommodation. Isn't that what I've been doing all along?
Shouldn't be too big an obstacle; afterall 4 months into the business and already passed CES and bagged 3 pretty good deals. .. hopefully more to come ;p
Next in the agenda is my trip to Bhutan. Yes, first solo travel after so many years. Not new to travelling by myself though, but that's 10 years ago and was to Phuket, a relatively touristy place, not off the beaten track like Bhutan.
Probably inspired by Eat, Pray, Love I guess. And why not, I've trekked Merbabu, not quite up to Merapi and why not Bhutan now?
Will be there between NOv 12 to NOv 17. Really looking forward to the trip. Googled the hotel and it's pretty promising. There will also be a nite under the stars. That I am really looking forward; simply can't get over the amazing sight of the night sky from Merbabu! No camera can capture that.

2010-05-06T09:30:00.005+08:00

Time flies and we are almost to mid 2010 already..
With facebook, this site been ignored. Maybe one day when something "major" disrupt facebook, I will be back to blogging with a vengeance.

But for now, here's some of what've been going on...So happy that I managed to gather the gang into doing something healthy for a change ;p We all, including Bezner, took part in the 6km Earth Run for Water. It was 6km because that's how far some natives have to walk to get water. I am not sure if any of us runners actually become more conscious of the water we used but at least we all had a good work out. What more, now apparently Dom is back into his running routine and has even entice Alvin to start running. Maybe we can get Alan & Frenchie to run next!

Well, we have beeen promoted to the Greens. I've this nightmare that I will never make past the first hole and will be stuck sinking balls into the pond nearby ;p But here we are... not bad for 3 virgin golfers.. Our instructor called us his "Angels" and had since change his name to "Charlie"..lolz Fancy a bite into this mega pizza? No kidding, lots bigger than my face and no, I didn't finished it all. 3 of us did. It's absolutely yummy!

2010-03-03T12:49:00.005+08:00

March - a new month to me... first I finally take up golfing. Or should I say that I always have an affinity for a game with a stick. Don't get any funny thoughts, I am referring to hockey back in school days and now golf. Whether hockey stick or golf club, it makes no difference; they both turns into a lethal weapon in my hand :-p

Our golf instructor, Greg Park will probably pull his hair in frustrations trying to teach us. Hahahha...but no worry, he has none ;p (hope he don't read my blog)
But honestly, we are really keen students. Shirin and myself even went back last nite to practice our grips and swings. Up to now we are still not allow to hit a ball yet. No balls until lesson no. 2 :(
Now for those who are worried about being hit by us, stay away! But I am not going to tell you where :-) lolzzzz

And the next not as exciting "new" for March - I am attending "Meditation for Beginners". Yes, me! Hahahaa, there must come a time when we need to calm down, slow down and meditate right? At 50, maybe this is the time. Ten lessons, once a week in Poh Ming Tse Buddhist Temple over at Dunearn Road.
Always keen to learn something new, I am actually very excited about it. A bit contradicting cos to meditate is to calm one's mind. Not to get excited! We are told to practice 2 things before the next session and that is one, to talk less, to comment less. Yes, I know, you are asking now, what about your blog. See by talking less she means no gossiping and making unnecessary comments. For one who speaks her mind without thinking, I am guilty of being tactless.
Second is to slow down. By that she don't mean for us to be lazy but to do one thing at a time, not to multi task and not to rush. That way, any task can be achieved more efficiently. This too I am guilty as charge. Always, on the phone or smsing while driving, chatting on msn while working, I am guilty on all counts.
Two very simple, logical and mundane advices. But have you truly practice it? I am consciously practicing it this week.

And finally, my sudden urge to diet. Or rather to eat healthy. Less fats and less sugar. Just 2 days and I feel better already!
Gee! I feel so saintly :p

2010-02-26T21:51:00.004+08:00

Hey, for those who loves "lor mee", I highly recommend this stall at Seah Im Food Centre. The consistency of the soup is thick enough and yet not gluey. Some lor mee's gravy turn watery even before you are half way thru, but not here. Here, the consistency holds well even to your last string of noodles. The ngoh hiang that comes with it is really tasty and not soggy too. And all this for only $2.50! Only setback; the long queue, especially so dreadful when it's about 33 degrees in the food center. But that's ok, cos just about 4 stalls down, you can get a refreshing glass of sugar cane juice for only $1.00. And of course, while buying that, I could not resist the fried oyster for only $3.00. Not bad for a hearty lunch with my new assistant, Bezner ;p

Lor mee is so yummy that I dig in even before taking a photo!

Lo Hei - a must for Chinese New Year

2010-02-26T19:11:00.004+08:00

"Lo Hei", a must have with friends and relatives during Chinese New Year's gatherings... . Slivers of fresh raw fish, usually salmon slices are tossed together with thinly shredded carrots, daikons, turnips, crispy corn flakes, sesame seeds and a sweet & tangy dressings, all of which to welcome a prosperous year ahead. And yes, the higher the toss the better and of course must accompanied with "HUAt AH!"
My Fengshui's kakis. Out of all the 84 students from the 39th intake of Basic Science of Fengshui, our little group managed to meet up once every month to pursue our interest, this is affinity worth celebrating!

"Fish" gelatin from Taka. Interesting textures and not too sweet. Yummy!

2010-02-18T19:16:00.005+08:00

Green tea ice cream, sesame n toufu torte and light cheese cake

Yu sheng waiting to be tossed

2010-02-16T20:22:00.002+08:00

3rd day and more visiting and more makans. But at least I ran. Yes, a good run that covers the outer loop of Punggol, cross over TPE and into Sengkang and back. It took me 43mins. Not too bad considering not having run for a couple of weeks. In the beginning the knees hurt a little. And that is for not taking supplements for a while. But after a little warm up, it was great.

Lunar New Year 2nd day

2010-02-15T23:36:00.004+08:00

More cooking today. Since Mum moves in with me, my house becomes the headquarter. As per our family tradition, 2nd day of Lunar New Year is "daughter's visiting day". Us daughters will go visit and mummy will cook her famous curry chicken, porridge & beehoon. Not one who loves to cook, this is lots of cooking for her. But of course, that was the past. Now I have taken over as the chef :p But of course nothing beats snacking on CNY's goodies...on bed, in front of TV :p

heehee, Bezner took a break from his game to join me on bed ;p

No meat day!

2010-02-14T21:07:00.004+08:00

Indeed. First time ever that I actually adhere to a strict vegetarian diet today. Felt so cleansed.
It's not so difficult afterall. Lunch was fried noodles with mushroom & greens. Dinner was even more elaborate. Ma Po Tofu but instead of the minced pork, I substitute it with green peas and corns. Sweet sour Cauliflowers with Capsicum. The usual Chap Chye and of course my Assorted mushrooms.
Regret not having even one photo though! Too distracted with Baby Joey around.

2010-02-14T21:04:00.002+08:00

This baby loves her Gold Coins:p

Lunar New Year's Eve dinner @ Amara Hotel, Sentosa

2010-02-13T23:17:00.007+08:00

Felt like being "swallowed" into the guts of the dragon

Casino entry $100 for local and PR... will that really deters the compulsive gamblers?

Yet to open Universal Studio

Doing the "shirin" with mummy ;p

Sentosa Cove - Bez says this is a definitely a good place to study.

Amara Hotel

2010-02-13T09:54:00.006+08:00

Long lapse between blogs. That's the problem with having facebook.
With emails, we don't write to each other anymore. We sent egreeting cards. Singpost had also cut back on the pick up of snail mails. With sms, we don't talk anymore. We sms each other, coining new sms words that will give Webster a heart attack.
Now with FB, we don't even need to meet up to keep in touch. We can share photos with friends near and far. Found long lost friends and even make new friends. Keep up with each other's going and coming...
Too much info, too much transparency. Good or bad?
Like the other day, I posted "pilates & yoga" on my wall. For my inner circle of friends, they will know that it means that that's where they can find me and join me for the classes and maybe have lunch together after that. For someone who don't know, they can simply ignore it.
But no, I have a "friend" who got so offended that he had to leave me a nasty message on my inbox accusing me of misusing my fb's wall! He found those postings disturbing, childish and annoying. .Why? All he has to do was to remove me from his friend's list then he would not have to read my postings. Why must this person be so petty and rude?
FB is not for people who have lots to hide. Who guard their privacy. That's fine. That's personal choice that should be respected. They have a choice not to be in.
Well, I did him the favor. A simple click and he is gone :p
Confrontation is always disturbing, even e-confrontation. I have to admit that it affects me. I don't like it a single bit.
But oh well, the Tiger is here. It's a new lunar year and I think from now on, I will channel my mode of keeping abreast with friends and family via my blog instead of FB.

2009-11-28T04:59:00.002+08:00

Sleepless again. Or rather wakes up too early.
Hate these moments, especially when i don't have a book by my side.
Have not blog for almost a month. What have i done this month?
Oh yes, Happy Birthday to myself. Don't even want to mention the number. What is my birthday wish? Well, is it too lame to say good health? Now, these don't sound too right. Should not be "oh yes".... . It is Happy happy Birthday & many happy returns!

2009-11-01T11:32:00.005+08:00

Time flies when u are having fun. It's November already! Thanksgiving Party is round the corner. In fact time for all the festive's parties and to do's .. Not that we really need a reason to party. It seems that we have plenty all year round! Then there is the Hokkaido's trip to look forward to.
And by Feb 2010, I would have completed the 4 main modules of my Fengshui course with Singapore Poly - Basic Science of Fengshui, Four Pillars and I Ching and ZhiWei Doushu. I signed up for Basic Science thinking more of placement Fengshui. But little did I know what to expect.. .. ICHing and Zhi Wei are all completely foreign to me. And now I am going to master it! Wow! Next is to garner the confidence to practice on friends :-0 Who wants to be my guinea pig?
My dear Rachael told me about her shocking decision to change her career path. Shocking cos it was just after a session of one of those Take Charge of your own Life and NOt to be afraid of Changes type of seminar. Shocking cos even at breakfast time, she had no clue that later that day she would turn in her resignation and embark on a new path. Dom oh Dom, poor husband who only get to hear about it afterwards. Hahahhaha... Well the point is I applaud her spontaniety. It's brave and of course it's a blessing to be able to take that path without having to worry about butter and bread. Now she can concentrate on her writings. And I have absolute confidence in her doing so. No I have not read her 4pillars or cast any hexagrams, but I've read her blog. This girl writes well.
How about me? Can I do that? Well maybe in another 10 years when Wesley would have finally graduate and be on his way.. That's what I always think. But is that really so? Can I take a detour? Can I go into Geomancy instead? Can I actually practice Fengshui and be a fortune teller? hahaha maybe to get the answer I need to cast a hexagram and consult the IChing..
Okay, enough of rambling on....here's some update of what've been going on the past weeks.

Getting outdoor with the Teo's ... walk in MacRitchie followed by a overloaded, high calories, high carb dinner in Swensen ;)

Gen's going away drinkie... the beginning of the countdown..

My Fengshui's class gathering. Our self conducted learning session. Very effective and looking forward to the next session at Roger's place.

Leslie and Helen's baby Nathaniel. So nice to run into them at Sunset Grill

Got the opportunity to bring Gen to Sunset Grill and introduce her to my other group of friends. Photos of these planes was really not too clear cos of the camera... or is it the camera man? No I think i need a better camera... lolz..

Gen's really going away Drinkie... last drink at Blue Jazz before going to the airport. Will miss u Gen and will definitely see u in Paris!

Oktoberfest @ Brozeit Vivo

2009-10-18T13:00:00.006+08:00

It's a wild party when everyone, including the kiddos get on the table to dance. That's last nite Oktoberfest @ Brozeit, Vivo City. Most of the fotos are in facebook already.. what with about 4 or 5 cameras snapping away..we are never lack of reminders of the fun nite.

Sexy legs

Platter to feed 6 and more. Pork knuckles, sausages, hamburger patty, ribs & all the trimmings like sauerkraut, salads, wedges & bread.

n more meat...or should i say, sausage?

Know your blessings

2009-10-10T15:56:00.002+08:00

Yea, i know, it's cliche but there are moments in your life that you encountered something that make u realised, hey I am very lucky. So lucky that u need to shout out to the world and tell everyone that u are so bless! Followed by an amen perhaps :-)
I have that moment this morning. I witnessed first hand how rude a teenage girl was to her mum. And what more, in front of a stranger; me.
I cannot mentioned name here, not that they will read the blog but still it's not nice. But it was at a client's place.
It's common to have teenagers sleeping late on a weekend. "Was up all nite," according to the mum. Well mine does that too, so its nothing new. But unfortunately the mum had an appt with me to do some curtains. I need to get into the bedrooms to measure the windows. Not really convenient when they are sleeping in there. Mummy was really apologetic. So after checking to be sure that her children were awake, we got in to each of their room to measure.
One of the boy slept thru the whole time so that's ok. The next room belongs to the girl. Man! Here i am always nagging at my boy's room being messy. It's pristine in comparison. How can a girl's room be so messy? It's like a minefield! You have to watch your step! Well house is under renovation so maybe she is in the midst of organising. I hope so.
Maybe that's the reason why she is not even sleeping in her own room. INstead we found her sleeping on the floor in her brother's room.
Now she is sleeping right by the window. So needless to say it was a challenge trying to measure that window without tripping over her and the mess around. And did she get out of the way? Of course not. Instead she whined and grumbled. When asked to look at some samples for her curtains, she rudely told the mum off... All these in front of me, a stranger.
Poor mum. Of course I can't judge. I am not there all the time. Maybe we caught her at the wrong time of the month.. afterall her sleep was being interrupted. Maybe this or maybe that.
But maybe I am one of the lucky one who have boys that would not treat me that way.
I know I am blessed! Many a time friends who had met mine or Daisy's boys told us that our boys are very well behaved even though they are mischievious. Even corrupted, lolz... and I thought that they are being polite to say so. But now I think they are so correct. OUr boys are Great!

2009-10-04T00:31:00.001+08:00

2009-10-03T13:13:00.002+08:00

popo's version of Rock Concert :p

Mid Autumn, red lanterns outside Esplanade

Popo's Sistic ticket

SExy mama

David & Penelope's wedding @ Capella, Sentosa

2009-09-28T17:18:00.007+08:00

Honey to take home, how appropriate for the sweet occasion..

Pene yet to get used to being call Mrs. Black..

A very different fare from the normal Chinese wedding... the sumptious high tea spread is delightful. Especially the Choc Fondue with strawberries and marshmellows.

Scones - a must with all high tea.. but i much rather strawberry jam than pineapple.

Yummy rolls and sandwiches... Shirin, u'll love these :0

Moon Cake Celebration with Thong Kheng Home

2009-09-27T00:26:00.004+08:00

Tonite is really an eye opener. Not just for the boys, but for me too. Yes, I had over the years volunteered in several events; like ushering in a concert, selling trinkets in a carnival to raise funds or the monthly food rations. But never a visit to the Home. Never a real interaction with the residents.
Photos of the residents are not allowed. So I can only relate to you some of these interesting characters we met there tonite.
Thong Kheng is a home for our less privilege, mentally challenged individuals. There are about 60 of them, both male and female, age ranging from 20s to probably 70plus. The objective of our visit tonite is to spend some quality time celebrating the Moon Cake Festival with them. Give them a nite that is out of their regular routine and hopefully a nite that they too can enjoy and talked about for a while.
We helped them made lanterns. Residents were given white paper plates to draw and color on. It's like trying to guide some pre school kids coloring..they drew all over. But some of them could even write their names on the plate. Of course not all them are willing to participate. We have one that for every few minutes, would put down what she is drawing and raise both hands to shout "Champion!". And then there's is this one old man, probably in his 60s, that would for the whole time lied on a corner, scratching his balls! Then there's this other young man that for the entire nite, try to stuff his whole hand into his mouth, like trying to ply open his own mouth. It is quite scary. Some simply sit and stare. We need to coax them and cheer them on.
Nevertheless at the end of about 2 hours, 40 over lanterns materialised.
After dinner, it's karaoke time! Man they love it! Never mind what was being sung, never mind that none got the right tune; it's Party time! They clapped and cheered. They even stood up to jiggle. It was hilarious. At the climax, a few of them even went on stage to sing and we volunteers became back up dancers, swaying and cheering them on. Oh and then in the midst of all, this "Champion" character just grabbed the mic, went on stage and started singing Happy Birthday! It was really great to see them enjoying themselves and giggling away. They were so happy!
Next was human floosball. But for this item it seems that the volunteer was having more fun than them.
Finale was a walk around the block with their handmade lantern.
This we did not get to participate cos the 3 of us, along with a few others stayed behind to prepare the snacks for them.
By the time they got back from their walk, they were really tired out. So soon after snacks, it's bed time for them.
I do hope that it will be a memorable nite for them. For me, it is.

Lanterns ready for the walkabout

My dear Wesley who never has to cut his own fruits at home actually helped peeling all those pomeloes. Never knew the skin are so difficult to peel. My cuticles still hurt from all the peelings :(

Remember these? Little piglet in the basket.

XiYan Mid Autum Select Wine Paired Dining

2009-09-24T22:32:00.010+08:00

I am definitely no wine expert.. apart from the very simple fact that red wine goes with red meat and white wine goes with seafood, I really don't know my wine. I used to lean towards red wine before, especially Merlot. But somehow, in recent months, especially after coming back from Tuscany, white becomes my choice. Luv it chilled! Don't like it too sweet. Probably can't spot the diff between my Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, get mixed up with my Sauvignon and Merlot... lolzz.... but most likely know it if you give me a Chablis... i much prefer the latter.
But when you paired fine cuisine with fine wine, I'm in! What more when this is enjoyed along with great company :-p
Luv the food presentation and thoroughly enjoyed the exquisite taste. They are all so nice I don't really know which is better.
So thank you Shirin for including me on this culinary experience. Bez and me thoroughly enjoyed it!

Greenhouse Tomatoes in Wasabi Sesame Sauce paired with

Baron Ricasoli Torricella Chardonnay 2007 Italy, Tuscany
(Must take with the Wasabi Sauce!!!)

STewed Beef Shin with Preserved Tangerine peel
Joseph Mellot Le Clos du Pressoir Menetou - Salon
France, Loire Valley
(Beef so tender it just melts in your mouth)

Oolong Tea Smoked Chicken with Mango Salsa
Waipara West Ram Paddock New Zealand,
Canterbury
(Tea fragrant is fantastic, totally yummy)

Zhenjiang Spareribs
Domaine du Pegau Selection Laurance Freraud
Gingondas, France
Southern Rhone Valley 2007
Steam Fish with Picked Chillis and Black Bean on Rice Noodles
Beckmen Vineyards Cuvee La Bec 2006 USA, California
Stir Fried Spinach with Fresh Chinese Yam
Coconut Chicken soup (photo missing)
Dessert - Waterchestnut Sorbet with Bird's Nest Shooter

My dear son surrounded by all the pretty gals.. & mummy dearest :-) Don't you think he is a handsome boy?

Iron Chef or Hell's Kitchen?

2009-09-13T20:53:00.005+08:00

After a nite out, bar hopping from Boat Quay to Clarke Quay with Shirin, Genevieve and Ran, our Italian Chinese hunk, the last thing I want to do is to get out of bed. But then, at about 1030am, Wendy called to say that she is bringing my dear princess over! No more fever, can come. Great news! But that means lunch to cook without a single thing in the fridge, without a menu mapped out!
Mad rush to wash up, gulped down some yakky coffee and went off to get grocery. All this while, planning the menu in my mind; not too sure at that time if I was even dreaming :p

11.15pm Back from market with 3 bagfuls of ingredients

A mad rush to wash, chop and cut up all ingredients. Luckily got kitchen helper and of course Wesley to document the progress

Onions, garlic and curry powder

Trying to pan fried fish in a non stick pan that is no longer "NON" stick!

1 hour and 15mins later

Curry Vegetables with cabbages, brinjals, carrots, cauliflowers, green beans and tau pok

Diced chicken with cashew nuts

Pan fried shrimps with ketchup

And last but not least "Sauted Fish". All broken up cos the pan sticked!!!Need a new non stick pan.

2009-09-09T17:39:00.008+08:00

090909 what an auspicous day!
In Chinese, its enough enough enough... always enough, never lacking. I likey.
Great day to have lunch with my old time buddies..friends of over 30 years!! Isn't that something? 30 over years... the fact that I was living abroad half the time did not dampen our friendship.
There are many more lovely friends that I would love to spend today with... Susan, Shirin, Alvin, Dom, Rachael, ... and of course my little sister, Daisy. But it's a working day afterall.. plus some of u are not even in town and heheheh u gonna say, not all are taitais :P
So how about a e-cheer over here.. chink chink... all the best and many great days ahead.
Here's our lunch at Acacia Restaurant in the Park in Bishan Park.

This Sambal Kangkong is super fresh, super delicious! All time favorite - Cereal PrawnsCurry fishhead.. quite spicy for me but not for them. Would love it to be more assamy thou.

This is a interesting dish.Golden Butter Pork Ribs, not bad but will love it better on crabs i think.

Vain pot trying out the different shades.

Pui Fann doing some serious eating..

Don't we all age gracefully?

Must make it a point to meet up again on 101010, 111111, 121212 and many more in between and after.....

out and about.... eating mainly. lolz

2009-09-01T18:56:00.005+08:00

told Shirin that i will not take a close up with her! Look at how radiance my dear girl is and how haggard this poor sod is beside her!

Yummy cheesy Grilled Oyster

This sea bass is awesome.. definitely will try cooking it myself. I've always only steam it; but grilling it, that's something new. Rub plenty of salt on the skin; that's the advice. Will definitely try it out over the weekend.

Grilled Shrimp- never once tasted bad... always good!

ah, Alvin, can u stop posting on facebook and be with us?

Nice restaurant, nice ambience, but a bit too out of the way for us folks in Punggol.

Tai tai lunch with my tai tai friend.

Here's my all time tai tai, Amy.. we were classmate since Sec 1!

And while we are enjoying a nice luncheon in the cozy ambience of the Angus Steak House in Ngee Ann, those folks are caught in the traffic, in the heavy downpour. Who says life is fair?

My baby is 18!

2009-09-01T18:08:00.004+08:00

Time flies and his buddy thinks that he is ready for SEX!!!! I Don't think so. No mum ever thinks so.. . i guess.
And no, .. I am not over reacting by underlining my text. For some unknown reason, I am not able to remove the underscore ;#

Birthday gifts from his naughty buddies

Decent and useful laptop backpack from mummy of course ;p
(tks to Marion for helping me to get it)

And Wow from Marion! IPod! Its been plug to his ear ever since ;p

Susan's Big 50s

2009-08-29T15:06:00.003+08:00

Fruit crumbles @ Mangosteen, Vivo City

Coco Before Chanel @ GV Grand Vivo

A very meaningful and memorable fashion to celebrate the Big 50. Glamor shots with all her soul mates. I am so blessed to be consider one.
With 7 aunties, with the exception of Daphne who is only in her early 30s, the 2 beauticians had a tough chore trying to doll us up. But hey, turn out to be not too bad. We were there the whole days. Here's some of the before shots. Was not able to take photos inside the studio. But later when the actual photos are ready, will definitely show off over here. But for now, here's the original shots without any photoshop doctored on it. ORIGINAL!

2009-08-23T18:07:00.005+08:00

Sunday.. relaxing Sunday, everything so blissful. Got a late bfast, brunch, very late lunch. But that's fine cos it's worth waiting for when your sons cook for u. Sinful too but at least my conscious is clear cos i did run just now. Not too much but that's not my fault. It rain! And to compromise, I did my crunches, work on my resistance belt and did a few (hehehee, a few) push up.
And yes, amid all the distractions from Barn Buddy and Farmville, I did manage to go thru 2 Bazi analysis. Actually about to work on the 3rd one, but got distracted again. Hey its a Sunday afterall. So it's ok.
Braised a duck with a can of beer. This time around the duck is not too intoxicated. Only a can of beer. The last time I added 2 cans but realised that it just evaporates away so no point wasting my beer on that fowl. Keep it for meself! :p
With all the oil from that fat duck, I used to cook cabbage with black mushroom and wooden ear. This is epic! It is awesome. The flavor is top notch. Especially when it is cooked in the same wok after the duck. All the flavor absorb into the cabbage!
Now isn't this what life is all about? To be able to enjoy good food and good time with your love ones? Mummy is here. BOth my boys are here. Memories are created n store for eternity. This is it. What more are you asking for in life? This is something no amount of money can buy.
Wait, Bez Wes are probably going to say Money can buy calories loaded buffet at Marriott's hotel! Lolz... we will do that again when their dad come visit.
But meanwhile, this is what life is all about. Maybe it's the wine talking, but hey, really, I'm appreciative. I am proud being a single mum. I am proud that I have 2 very good boys. I am proud that I am able to spend all these quality time with my mum.
Now am I too greedy to ask for more? Am I too greedy to ask for just one more thing? Mum will leave me one day. Boys will grow up and have their own life one day. So where that leave me? Is it too much to ask for a soul mate? Oh soul mate soul mate, where are U?
Ok too emotional already. Tears are welling up. Let's lighten up.
Here's the duckie and veggie for tonite's dinner..

2009-08-23T12:52:00.003+08:00

Life simple pleasure. Food.
U know what is great about Sunday. Boys preparing sinful choc pancakes for me.. though it should be breakfast and now is almost 1pm.... lolz.. it is still worth waiting. I hope.. hahhaa
Meanwhile I am trying very hard to concentrate on my Bazi analysis. Study! Is so easy to get distracted. Look I am now blogging. A while ago I was "farming" @ Farmville and clearing weeds @ Barn Buddy. Sigh... must get back to my studying!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wait, forgot to mention. Something else to look forward to tonight. Braised Duck. Will be cooking that later. After my delayed breakfast/brunch, almost lunch maybe teabreak. Even got a bottle of white chilling in the fridge for tonight. Nice eh.
Ok, so now while waiting for boys to get pancakes ready, i better go back to study.

And yes, photos coming later.Finally get to eat at 130pm :p Lucky mummy. Yummy!

Sunday's chanting

2009-08-16T16:54:00.005+08:00

For atonement of wild partying last nite ;p Haahaa, but really quite an experience. I actually had to drag myself up this morning, luckily no hangover but just so so so sleepy! But since I already promised mum, i got no choice. Don't want to disappoint her.
Well I am really impressed with the premise. Very nice indeed. And mummy is so proud to show me around. In fact, I think she even walks faster here and is definitely more agile here.
The chanting is supposed to be calming. In my case, its like a lullaby:p
I think one of the best thing since moving to Punggol is that this place is so close and convenient for her to visit every Sunday. All she has to do is to take the LRT to Punggol Mrt station and there is a free shuttle that brings her there.
Independence is really very very precious. See how happy she is when she is among her chanting buddies.

She got up so fast I could not even get a proper picture. Or am i slow from last nite's alcohol still in the system?

CNY Oktoberfest Brunch @Jann's

2009-08-10T12:30:00.005+08:00

It's kind of a celebration for our Nation's birthday (sounds like a real patriot!). But actually picked this date not because of that, but rather cos it's a long weekend. So busy partying, did not even watch the parade. More to the point, the 7 days Schweinshaxe finally ready for feasting. Wanted it to be special, so hence Oktoberfest. Wanted it to be crazy and kind of confusing, so the Chinese New Year's giddup.. Haahaha that really throws them off... Imagine being greeted with Gong Xi Fa Cai complete with angpows at this time of the year. .
Anyway, it's always great feasting n fun here.. any reasons to party, we are on.

Ok, it actually reads "Wilkommen Dummkopf" Go Figure

Jello shots; only 2 of them without alcohol ;p

Beef Stew

the famous Schweinshaxe, a bit too dry :( But does have a good flavor

Apples & leek salad. Find this very refreshing

coleslaw

German Hot Potatoes...our favorite spuds now

Toasted sour dough with olive oil & italian herbs

Beddar Cheddar and Bratwurst

My Jappie Baldie

U rock Rachael!

Gong xi fa Cai????

luv Alvin's trolley of goodies

Hahaha, Shirin's very healthy cake. She insisted on trying it before allowing us to take samples. Verdict, she could not stop giggling!

Rachael needed to stab it with a knife, actually she called for a power saw :9

Sleeping Beauty

Their face expressions tell it all. No comments required :p

Schweinshaxe Day 6

2009-08-08T22:25:00.003+08:00

SEriously it looks ugly, disgusting even. The way the meat kind of shrivelled up... and the wine brine a gross muddy sight...This is Day 6 of being immersed in that red wine, vodka and various spices infusion. But inspite of the look, it smelt great! Don't know how to put in words but it's kind of grapy and sweet. . . Never good at great words and lack of adjectives in my vocab, i really don't know how to describe it. But trust me, the moment I put it to boil, the aroma is even more intensed. Mummy even commented on it when she got home when this thingy is in the boil. Must save her a slice! Cannot wait to try it out tomorrow. I am supposed to chill it after boiling for about 45 mins today, keep it in the frig and bake it for about an hour or till the skin turns crispy tomorrow.

Really don't look too good isn't it?

DAy 2 Schweinshaxe

2009-08-03T16:14:00.002+08:00

DAy 2, the red wine is no longer burgundy; Can see that it has pretty much soaked into the meat. OSMOSIS.. heheheee .. actually has a nice aroma.

Schweinshaxe

2009-08-02T21:32:00.003+08:00

Dunked in red wine, vodka and different spices..

Hahhaha, don't even know how to pronounce it.. but found this recipe in the internet..
A really fun way to cook Pork knuckles.. Apparently need to marinade for 7 days, cooked and chilled for 1 day and then finally baked again.
And best part, marinade with red wine and vodka.. Actually recipe calls for either one but I took my alcoholic friend, (I can't remember who, was it Alvin or Steven), add both!
Can't wait for coming Sunday - Oktoberfest Brunch to celebrate National Day. How cool!

2009-07-25T23:57:00.000+08:00

Finally finish my school assignment! Yeah! after 2 weeks of late nites, I am finally happy with the final results. I've given it my best.
Have not work so hard for so long..gee, i think since school days. . rushing for exams etc.
The difference now is this is what I enjoyed doing. I know, few of you have asked, Why? Why this sudden interest in FengShui?
Well, at first, it was more like an enhancement to what I am doing.. I mean, when clients asked about what color or what design, it will be really cool to add on some fengshui tips.
But the last 3 months had given me a very different view.
To a non believer, Fengshui is absolute rubbish. But to a believer, it is the gospel. To me, it is a art of living. An art to blend into the environment, to enhance your life, to encourage positive thinking. It is a positive approach to life. And with all that, how can it be bad?
Fengshui practice has been around since ancient time and even though originates from the East, has now gain much acknowledgement from the West.
It is NOT A RELIGION. Thre are 84 students in our class, among it we have a French, a Muslim and several Christian.
Now with this new found knowledge, is my life going to be better from now?
The answer is Yes. First, my life has not been bad to begin with. Yea, some hiccups, up and down in life. Who don't have? But now, I learn to look at things from a broader perspective. With the study of Four Pillars (bazi)I am able to understand my family and friends better. I am able to anticipate their response and understand why they behave in such manner.
Of course I am no saint now. NOt yet and never will be.. lolz...
Don't mean to get into so serious mode... but bottom line is I felt great completing my assignment!

A Very Cultural Sunday

2009-07-19T16:56:00.011+08:00

Kampong Glam, Arab street, Haji Lane...very interesting little nooks that I've only recently come to discover. Of all I am most familar with Arab Street cos every now and then I will go there to look at silk for my clients. But that's it. Just Bobby Fabrics and maybe a few other fabric shops there. Couple of weeks back, because of Dom's party, we went to No. 1 Costumes Costume (no error, that's their name, with costume twice) to deck ourselves up with 70s disco outfits. After that we went to Blue Jazz. Love the satays there.. and of course the beer too.
Today's visit is entirely different. Very cultural. Bez needs to do an article for the fair over at the Malay Heritage Centre. As usual, this mummy offered to be driver and here we are on a Sunday morning, dragged ourselves out of bed and headed off to Kampong Glam ;-)

Silat performanceBez doing his job... looks like a journalist? REmember these chocolates? Wes is very fascinated by this old typewriter and wants to get one. I think it is pretty cool too. Where can I get it and can I even get the tapes to replace? Recognise the vinly floor, radio and gates from yesteryear? These are back in the 60s.. when Kampong living moves up to HDB's flat.Black & White TV with sliding doors.

And these canvas bed. It's foldable and I remember sleeping on one of these... gee i must be old, bed in museum!Good way to recycle. I love it so much, the guy gave it to me :-)

Hands on batik painting

Not bad right?

Job done! leaving to dry

Very late lunch afterwards at Aminah's Grill. Houmous dips, a chick peas blended with spices - an acquired taste i think. I love the pita bread thou.

Mixed grill kebabs with black pepper sauce. Beef very tender. Chicken great too, but don't really care for the lamb cutlets.

Mixed seafood grill - fish, humongous prawns, mussels and squids. Yummy. The prawns were great.

French custard with caramel. Not recommended. Too sweet.

Bez's first shaving kit

2009-07-18T22:18:00.002+08:00

Bez's first shaving kit and he bought it himself. Sigh, very soon it will be Wes's turn. My little boys are really growing up. I think all moms are alike. Always getting gaga over their children's first. No blogs eighteen years ago, otherwise i will probably flood the site with all my boys first..lolz.

Fajitas Dinner

2009-07-12T21:17:00.003+08:00

Sixteen years in Texas and finally now back in Singapore after 10 years, I finally attempted to make this signature dish. Been back for 10 years and still cannot find any restaurant that can come close to the real TexMex Fajitas.
Started marinading the flank steak right after noon. Was not able to get hold of the regular Texas lime; so used calamansi & lemon instead. Out of ziploc bag so used the bowl instead. Would be better in the ziploc cos then the flavor will be completely sealed in. But anyhow, it still turned out awesome. Marinade with onions, cilantros, bell pepper, salt & cumin.

Finally ready for grill after chilling in marinade for about 6 hours

Did the whole enchiladas...man have not used this expression for a while! Guess for this, it is most befitting. Did guacamole, pico de gallo and Mexican rice. All from scratch. Rice is cooked with fresh tomatoes, pureed with onions. Was not able to get any avocados cos those that Daisy bought for me was not ripe yet.. Still too hard. Actually got Wes to go over to Cold Storage. But lo and behold, for reasons unknown, mum actually bought back 2 ripe avocado! She just happen to see it in the store and actully this is the first time she bought avocado!
REsults - absolutely awesome! The only missing is refried beans which we usually don't care for anyway and of course MARGARITAS!!!!. How i wish i have some tequila at home/.

Sunday morning without maid

2009-07-12T12:59:00.002+08:00

Still snoozing, late morning, more like noon on a lazy Sunday.

Wes up and about, preparing pancakes since the maid is away at church.

Breakfast prepared by Dear Wesley while Bez was still snoozing..

Slowly, he made his way to the table...still at a daze..

Contemplating on pancakes or beddar cheddar first.... How about "Thank you Wesley"?
LOLz they love each other..n I love them both ;-)

2009-07-11T18:04:00.005+08:00

Yeah it works again! !
The past weeks had been terrible. I could not upload any photos to my blog. Pictures say a thousand words. Never a great writer, i depends on my fotos to enhance my blog.
So needless to say, I had been on ends trying to find a solution to solve this problem. NOt that I am any good in solving it too.. hahahaa. . even Wesley is dumbfounded.
But since I wasn't the only one not being able to do so, its definitely not my blonde moment. So i just sat back n wait for Blogger to solve the problem. Anyway, in the meantime we have Facebook. Thank you Facebook! kept me sane ;p
Just goes to say, sometime we really need to sit back and relax... let's nature takes it own course.

So what've been happening the past weeks?
Lots and lots....the infamous Disco Drag/Divas Party in celebration of Dom's birthday; and of course before that my DIY's Tie Dye & Add your own Blings Blings project. Fotos are already in facebook so not doing repetition here.

But look out for what's coming. I stumbled across this awesome recipe for Schweinshaxe (haha try pronouncing it!) It's a German recipe for pork knuckles. You need to marinate that damn knuckles for 7 days; Marinade is a combination of several spices and most important BEER! You can substitute with Vodka. Actually Steve suggested both.
Sounds absolutely potent. Bought the knuckles just need to work the calender and count back when i should start dunking that knuckle in alcohol and have a feast with my dear friends. Thinking of a German Brunch with sauekraut, sausages & pan fried potatoes and such... Alvin & Dom, bring your own German beer. We want free flow :-)

Project Tie Dye

2009-06-30T13:50:00.010+08:00

Don't know why cannot load photos... something wrong with the site or something wrong with me??? SOS...
photos got uploaded n showed "done" but just don't appear on blog.. why@%*/#$#$^&?

Vintage bags from mum

2009-06-28T22:52:00.007+08:00

It all started with this little orange culprit. Actually come to think of it, no, not this bag. It was the recent brunch I went to with Shirin. Fell in love with her little red sling bag and had since been on a mission looking for a sling bag.

Thanks to Shirin, we found this little patent sling at Jalan Haji.

Then when i showed mummy, she got excited too.. She has lots of slings. And within the next 10 mins, she dugged out all her carefully stowed away treasures. Guess bag collections is hereditary... So not my fault for buying all those bags right?

This little purse comes with a sling too.

This is kind of cool.

Clutches for evening out.. can't go clubbing with these though, no slings

This alligator skins slings.

Look like i need another coat rack for my bag collections.. and remember it's hereditary, not my fault ;-p

2009-06-20T10:32:00.003+08:00

Cannot see his face !

LOlzz.... trying out cosplay for Dom's party. Managed to get Wes to put on this wig but for just a very short while cos he was very tickled by it. But don't he look good! Haahaa, like the daughter I never have.

Nite's fever pose ;-) He is so so skinny! Like a twig!

grilled EggPlant

2009-06-17T20:33:00.003+08:00

Grilled Eggplant with a dash of curry - simply yummy... don't take my words for it. Try out my special recipe.. In fact mummy and Bez loves it so much that this dish is now nominated for our next party items... Very healthy too.
Here how I do it. Mixed about 2 tsp of curry powder, light soya sauce, chopped garlic, a bit of sugar and sesame oil in a bowl. Can use olive oil instead of sesame oil too.
Brush this marinade onto the eggplant. Let it seep thru for a bit. Then grilled it. Brush some more.
When it's almost done, add the chopped bacon. Drippings from bacon will seep thru. Now I know this may not be the healthy part.. but definitely the yummy factor.

Oh yes, be sure that the bacon don't burnt. Can put a foil tent over it when the bacon starts to brown. Cut lengthwise.. And grease the pan so that the skin won't stick to the pan.

Look a bit like Roti John from here

My dear friends, u will probably find this dish on my next party... Maybe along with grilled tomatoes and portobello :p

2009-06-15T20:17:00.003+08:00

Heehee, how can u say child abuse..See what I cooked them for dinner. Bez especially, since he been requesting for salmon steak for a while.
Hahaha cooking right after my run.... aglio aglio in a wok..now what will those Italians think :p

Meanwhile salmon steak(for Bez) and ham steak for mum and Wes. Me just grilled tomatoes..Sauted assorted mushrooms with butter

And there u have it, a very healthy dinner. So how can u say i abuse my kids?

Love my son

2009-06-13T19:09:00.002+08:00

So into Facebook these days, hardly blog anything now. But these photos can only be shared among close friends and family, so cannot go on facebook. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS reserved.

Air cond's vent will not hold up so Bez was assigned to hold it while we had dinner. Hahaha.. child abuse..

Cafe Iguana

2009-06-08T01:00:00.003+08:00

Dessert first... i like that, just like the poem I last posted. But no, that's not what it was. Dessert actually came later. And that is at this Japaneses place, Azabu Sabo in Central. It's the one on the first floor, at the corner, right where the escalator is. Really colorful place so it's hard to miss. U know, how these little Japanese outlets are always so enticing with their culinary display.

This is the real reason for getting out of hibernation again this Sunday. That's 2 Sundays in a roll. Last week was brunch with Shirin and this time with Leonn who is visiting from Texas. Actually the way it goes, not much of a visiting anymore. Looks like he will be coming back for good. Reasons, quite obviouse right? hahaa..Oh btw, Leonn is my outlaw. (Ben's younger brother who is not that young anymore). But no comments, cos it will only reflects on my senority and not to mention, age!
Wes wanted to try this TexMex place.. Cafe Iguana. Verdict - maybe 6 out of 10. Not TexMex enough. Frozen margarita was a joke.. I swear Sunset Grill in Seletar Camp makes a much better one. The fajita was not quite we expected, but have to say that the beef was pretty tasty and not overdone. That's a plus. Quesadillas was so so... And the Buritos! Mother size. A bit on the dry side. Overall, I would say that it will probably be a great place to party in the evening but foodwise, really not as good. Compared to last week, brunch at Paulaners Brauhaus was much better. Sumptious spread with free flow beer! That is brunch!

The usual dipping, sour cream, guacamole, salsa etc...

Meat is tender and tasty. But I guess we were expecting that sizzling hot plate and since it's not, we are kind of disappointed at first.

Mother size Burritos! Pork Verde on the side was nice.

WARNING by Jenny Joseph

2009-06-01T20:06:00.004+08:00

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me,
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

Now, am I getting there already or am I simply practising? :-)
Hahhaa my client, Jenny Nicholas showed me this lovely poem.

more prezzies....

2009-05-29T21:49:00.003+08:00

2009-05-29T19:19:00.005+08:00

Gee TGIF, the week is over! Yes! Hallelujah! Have never work so hard for so long... Had it too easy for too long. I am not complaining. I cannot complain cos hey, moolah is rolling in... but this girl need a break! I am tired! I was down with flu! I did not have time for yoga and run!
BUt hey, TGIF, i am now relaxed.. totally; just down 3 glasses of white wine... ooh..blissful! hahahaaa N roast chicken n roast potatoes are in the oven.... tomato soup in the boil....
And what's next on the agenda? The weekends are full... party till i drop tomorrow. Brunch on Sunday.... kind of like it.. just the way to laze away the Sunday.. and then Monday comes early. Gotta meet the old tenant and receive the handover of the rental flat. Time to arrange for a good clean up and look for new tenant for the Serangoon's flat., The woes of landlord. But worse, I am not the landlord; but the acting! Money don't go to my pocket! But what to do,; it's blood....gotta do it for Albert.
finally dinner with my boys... yeah... it's going to be awesome...want photos?
Yea, will take some photos later...hey what the heck.... i always said; blog is for me to look back in old age... hahahhahah
oh tis time around, the tomato soup kick ass! love it!

2009-05-20T21:38:00.003+08:00

Wednesday nite is like playing Hell Kitchen for real these days. Ever since I started school and Bez's term begins, we only have Wed, Sat & Sunday to actually sit down and have a meal as a family. And with the uncertainty of weekends, Wed has now officially become the "eat as a family's day".
So needless to say, we will go all way out. Planned menu way ahead. Cook a storm and timing it to be ready all on time so that it will be piping hot. .... just like Hell's Kitchen.
And for this week, the menu is Potato Salad, Celery & Carrot Sticks with dips, Fresh Homemade tomato soup and Braised Pork Knuckles with chinese bun.

Potato salad with sour cream, chopped boiled eggs & bacon bits. Tad of mustard for that extra tangy taste. . Prepared way ahead and chilled..Bacon bits added later
This is my first attempt with tomato soup. A pretty straight forward and easy dish to prepare. But not very good with the roux and it did not turn out thick and creamy enough. Otherwise, very refreshing and tasty. Very appetizing and mummy gives the thumb up. About 20 mins to prepare.
Hmm, this is great. A new recipe that I kind of concocted. Not original, probably been done before, but what i mean is, I did not follow any recipe. Its one of those that just go with your instinct kind of dish. First I heat up some salad oil, add a piece of rock sugar. Don't ask me how much.. just a decent piece of rock. Stir, stir and stir some more, making sure it don't burnt. Once it melted, add the pork knuckles. (hey don't forget to wash first). And oh yes, cut up that knuckles cos 1 big piece takes longer to cook and the sauce don't seep in as well. But not too small cut; still need to be a big chunky cut.
Brown the meat for a bit, sealing in the juice. Smashed a few cloves of garlic, and add to the meat. Then pour in two cans of beer. I used Tiger. See the froth above. Meanwhile place some anise and peppercorns in a little cloth bag and add them to the beer broth. Actually a piece or two of cinnamon will be good but I'm out of it. Add some dark soya sauce for color, a bit of soya sauce and salt.
Just let it simmer for a while, cover and lower the heat. Cooked for about an hour. Make sure it don't dry up. Add hot water if it did. Season to taste.

Served it with hot steaming bun. My own version of Kong Bak Pau.

Mega Picnic Alas

2009-05-17T21:22:00.008+08:00

The much awaited Mega Picnic alas! Been wanting to do this for a while but with all our busy schedules, it is really hard to set a date. .This is so much fun. We really need to do it more often.

And of course we don't picnic the simple way. It has to be pot luck with great wines and gourmet food. Boys, including the big ones had some good work out with the frisbee too.this so sharp focus photo not taken by me la.Don't know what he is scratching... seems like Bez too!
WEsley giving it a good throw. Don't have a sharp focus. Camera not good enough or was it the camera girl?

He actually caught it but hey, camera girl too slow again. He already threw it out .

a much needed rest at half time?

Sexy mama

Pussy n Bitch?

Tomo's got exam.. Picnic, Singapore's way. Maid n mummy fanning while he's working on his assessment. Kiasu!

Comfy cushion... lucky Dom

Geneieve & me in blink cap. So u all can spot me from far

My smiley Apple pie

Honestly don't know what these girls are up to.... lol... must be the wine.

Love this potato salad!

Perfect cover foto for next Mega Picnic Invite!

Another Theme Party

2009-05-13T19:25:00.005+08:00

This time to celebrate Daisy's birthday. Actually, Daisy and Rachael, since hers is just 2 days later. I know all the photos are already in Facebook. But somehow, i feel safer keeping some in my blog. Well, if one day my computer crashes (touch wood) or Facebook starts acting up again, I still have some photos hidden some where.

And I think many years down the road, when I look back at my blog, I will be reminded of all these fun and silly parties we have. Here's Wesley, suppose to dress up as terrorist or Rambo, but somehow managed to look like one of those Vietcong fighters..And Bez was a Spy for Team Fortress 2. A character that had everyone befuddles. No one, except the 4 boys knows. Its apparently a character from the game they played.

Look familiar? Same pose, almost same party animals, but different theme..

My Viet Cong

GI Janes with make up.. Ling trying to look fierce... lol... try harder, Ling.

And here Shirin trying to look nasty. Daisy going to battle with a pasta spoon! ChiongAh!

Our Family's Portrait

Back to School mIgrane

2009-05-08T19:50:00.003+08:00

Just spent the last 3 hours on a 12 page power point presentation! Pathetic isn't it; 3 hours! But hey, my first attempt using power point. Not to mention, its been donkey years since I have school assignment and such.
It's been a real eye opener going back to school. Apart from what I am learning about the science of FengShui, all its formulas, diagrams and reasoning to digest, I am given a rare threat to be back to school, in a "today's" college environment. I said that because school these days are indeed very different from my times. Now, I am not going to mention how long, but those of you who know me know it. Go figure :-p
To start with, I was actually quite taken back by the in depth we are delving into in this course. To think that it is only a basic night class, I was quite surprise by the enthusiasm shown by my classmates. There are 84 of us. From all walks of life. Naturally we have quite a handful of architects, interior designers, landscape designers, contractors, real estate agents, insurance agents and even a policeman and a lawyer!
Something never change. There is always a nerdy student that will drives everyone, including the lecturer mad, wanting to strangle him. Only 4 lessons and we already can identify him. He would post a question at every opportunity. Now, it's not one of those intelligent question but rather some redundant, out of text questions. Many a time he probably don't know what he is asking...grrrrgrrr...Please make sure some one tie him up when it's our group's turn to do presentation or I might just strangle him or practice my body combat on him.
And there is that nagging migrane.... Gee, it's been a while since I had those. Probably back in school days, especially during exam time. I am definitely getting that now. All those different Elements, Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches... the loshu and luo pan......all those numbers and flying stars...a whole bunch of formulas to remember and decipher.
3 hours, usually overuns (3 times out of past 4 lessons), twice a week. Assignment and presentation..I hope this is all going to be worth it.
But having said that, I am really enjoying it too. It's intriguing. Just need to get use to studying again and wakes up those dead cells up there.
Least of all I now can understand why Bezner some time come home after class, looking like a zombie and why Wesley is so reluctant to do his homework.

2009-05-06T18:55:00.007+08:00

It was about 3 Boxing days ago, when I saw the news report on the obscenely huge piles of rubbish left over from the previous day's christmas gift wraps. It was such a waste. All new, crisps gift wrappers used once and discarded the following day. Think of the amount of waste, the trees that were chopped down for that one sole purpose.
From than on, I've been wrapping all my gifts on recycled materials. Well, with Jazz it Up, I've plenty of off cut fabrics that I can used for this purpose. I don't use any tapes too. Only tie it up with ribbons (also collected from presents given to me) or even strips of materials. All recycled. To "jazz it up", I've also resorted to use old xmas's decorations, dry flowers etc.... anything i can get my hand on.
This is wrapped with a piece of raw silk. Tie up with gold ribbon and spice up with a old xmas flower that would otherwise be kept in a box and never see daylight again.
This is also with pink silk. Hey, I've got lots of nice silks. The rainbow sparkle was from Venice! Seriously, it had adorned a scoop of very costly ice cream that the boys got when we were last there. For some reasons, I had washed it and used it to brighten up my scarf then.. u know when u are on holidays, u are in a jazzy mood. Anyhow, it made it back to Singapore and had been around ever since. And now, it is just the right sparkle for this little pink package!
Another gift wrapped in a woven organza; adorned with my old xmas decoration.

All these gifts are not only unique, one of a kind, it's also environmentally friendly! Just hope the reciepients have as much joy receiving it as I have gift wrapping it :-)

2009-05-03T22:52:00.004+08:00

So frustrating! My Facebook site is temporary unavailable. And its only mine! %^&=+%@ WHY?
No walls to post my frustrations too! I got no face now :(

My great looking baby..

2009-04-25T22:20:00.003+08:00

Getting Bez groomed for tonite's debutante Ball. No, he's not the debutante:p.. he's attending with Marion.

First, of course, a trip to the hair salon for a nice cut

Not bad! We finally can see your face Bez!

First shampoo..

checking himself in the mirror

And a must to trim those nails..

And here's my handsome baby

Wes can't stop giggling...

Photo with popo, the Matriach
Bez with Marion, his date for the nite. They look so adorable.

Aiya, Bez should stand in the middle!

Fotos from yesteryear

2009-04-22T23:14:00.003+08:00

I have set my screen saver on photo slides. And when u have over 18000 photos in the system, u are in for some very pleasant surprise. Look at these... I actually had to spend over an hour to locate these photos cos it is somewhere in the system! Gee look like I really must get a hard disk to store these photos and not risk losing them! From the look of it, it must be Bez's birthday... how old I don't remember. Well he was wearing Anderson's t shirt. And Wesley was just being silly. Now I am not sure if the other one is Jared or Javon. Have to be Javon right? Isn't it Jared at the left corner? Help Daisy!

Our little FireBoys - Bez, Jared n Wesley

And it is this photo that appears on my screen that prompted me to search for the rest. Love this photo! Bez as usual, was gorging himself. .Look at Wes n Jared! hahahaa

Back to School

2009-04-21T23:59:00.003+08:00

No ends to learning.. lol, sounds so cliche right. . but that's true lei. A couple of years ago I took basic Spanish. Did I gain anything? Well a little. But with no practice, its all gone now. Just like Malay and Japanese, I only know one or two phrases. Not enough to conduct a decent conversation but maybe enough to flirt around with. It was fun learning it.
Oh then, there was the part time Interior Design course with La Salle. Took that to enhance my trade. That was really tough time. It was when I first got back from the US. Just separated and back in Singapore after being away for over 14 years, I had to work doubly hard to build up my business. Boys were young and yet I had no domestic help. Thank God I got my mum to help me to help look after them.
Now its Basic Science of Fengshui. Its a 3 months (24 classes) course conducted in Singapore Polytechnic. The lecturer, VincentKoh, promised that upon successful completion, we should be able to conduct an actual audit. That's of course is provided you don't play truant and attend every lessons and work on every assignment.
Hmm, sounds serious. And I really hope to gain something out of it.
Big difference this time around is instead of coming home from class and trying to make up lost time with the boys, trying to help them with their schoolwork etc... this time its the other way round. Bez had broccoli soup and french loaf waiting for me when I got back! Big incentive to study :)

2009-04-19T22:19:00.003+08:00

What a small world. Yvonne brought me to her out law's pub, a little Scottish bar in Far East Shopping Center and I thought it would be great to bring Alvin n Shirin. What more, they have quiz nite on Wed! Chris Miller would love it. Well, guess what, it happen that they are friends of the owner too. Should have known, there's isn't a bunch of Scottish bar out there and my dear friends would probably smell them from miles.. especially one that serves mince and tatties on Sunday. What do I know, I am more familar with my chili n spuds.
Anyway, 1 bottle of red with 3 shots of Sambuca is not a good combination. In fact, it's lethal. Don't even know how I managed to get home. Had no recollection of how I got in the cab and directed the taxi driver to my house... But woke up in the middle of the nite to find myself in bed. Well at this point, the least say the better.

Sharon entertaining us with her smooth groove

Me, Yvonne and Sharon
I AM FAT! This photo here had motivated me to get back to my running.. ran twice within the past 3 days.. must keep it up :S

Oh yes, Yvonne, here's my own creation of vongole with linguini. ..really easy to prepare. Chopped up half an onion, some garlic and lightly saute with olive oil. Add the clams, saute for a bit before adding the chicken broth. Season with pepper n salt, cooking wine (white wine would be best but since I don't have any handy) and plenty of chili flakes. More so for drowning the hangover. And oh yes, meanwhile, cooked linguini al dente before adding to broth. Let it simmer for a while and that's it. I tell you I was perspiring like crazy when eating this and that's probably get rid of all the alcohol in the system.

2009-04-10T21:51:00.004+08:00

Simple enjoyment for long weekend. And its not even quite the weekends yet! No spa retreats, no sea sports. Just stay home and chill. Talking about quality time. Bez cooked, (pity the maid), going for breakfast at Long John Silver and watching DVDs at home. 3 disks in one afternoon! Hmm, who says we will be bored! We even got Bez to wake up before 10am this morning, that's a great achievement!

Pesto pasta on the sideBeddar Cheddar topped with Chili Con Carne in a bun.... the thots of it is making my mouth watery now.

My banana cake and garlic toast for tea time

My casino experience

2009-04-04T15:49:00.003+08:00

Sign of boredom, no one to take foto for me cos they are all in the casino... so I took my own foto thru a mirror..Heeheee

And of course a must have, photo with young waiter

Best dressed Uncle

Trying to sweet talk this guy into giving me extra photos that they took.

3 times to Star Cruise Virgo but the first time setting foot into the casino. Thanks to my dear friend, Korean Gangster Auntie aka Dor Lim :)
She taught me well.. I actually won. With $50 to begin with, she taught me "War", the most brain dead card game, most suitable for a casino virgin like myself.
Between you and dealer, u each get a card and whoever get the bigger one wins. Simple right? Only complication is when u have a draw; then u are require to up your stake and take another challenge. Its $10 for each hand and after about an hour of up and down, see sawing with the dealer, I made $30. Could have made more if I stay on or could even have lost it all. But honestly, I find it most boring.... Yawn.... I really do not understand the thrill of it.
Take poker or the other game, (cannot remember the name, the one with pairs, flush etc.) You are dealt with the cards right away. Whatever they give u, that's the card. You cannot change it. For me, I would have just open it and look at it right away. But not for a gambler, they will peep, they will turn up the corner, slide cards between palm etc... they will take their time to see the card. I don't understand. Isn't it already set? No matter how you peep or how u rub the card, it is not going to change. Try telling that to them and they say I don't know how to appreciate the thrill.
Next is the jackpot. Gee the jackpot that I remember from Vegas was 777 or gold nuggets, with a handle bar to pull. No more. It's a lot more complicated this day. You no longer pull but press a button instead. And you don't just aim for the 3 7s or nuggets, your winning is now being determined in many different ways. U can play up to 20 lines, and there are hundreds of different winning combination.
I for once don't even know what i am doing but just happily press the play over and over again. Until Dor came around and told me that I was playing for double credits but with only 1 line. That means to say I am not utilising the full combinations. Duh! Luckily for her, the moment she changed my combo, I strike my big win. From a 200 credits, I just sat back and witness the increase to 900 credits. Wow... big win... only qualm is it was only 5cents per credit. So totally winning here, $78..Haahaaa Cheap Thrill.

Bubble Breaker

2009-03-29T12:38:00.003+08:00

My goodness, this thingie is so addictive. Since Wes showed it to me on my new phone, I've not stop playing. And now,I'm even playing it online!!!
Very simple. U select the same color bubbles and let it burst. The more you gathered at one burst, the more your score. There are various options. Basic is where you burst as many clusters on each game. Continuous, where new bubbles appear when you burst each cluster. The bigger the cluster, the higher your score.
This is so pathetic. Here I am always nagging at the boys for being addictive to the computer and here mummy is hooked! No life or what!
Got to limit this to only times when I am on the trains or time when I have to wait for whatever and even time in the loo....lolz...

Earth's Hour 09

2009-03-28T23:31:00.002+08:00

Did you switch off? We did... but ironically we had the air con on since the fan will be blowing at the candle...lolz... But hey we did try. Everything else off.
Even though effort is minimal, but I'm sure it helps. It's the spirit. Every drop makes the ocean.

Girls' Nite Out - Confession of a Shopaholic

2009-03-28T10:12:00.009+08:00

Good movie and good company but was kind of disappointed with the event turnout. What I meant was we could have done this on our own instead of paying a hefty $50 for the movie.
We met at Oothique in Boat Quay and there we were served a complimentary martini, given a goody bag containing a stick of mentos, a packet of finger biscuits, a small bottle of Fizz, which is nice and a bunch of vouchers and a Expat LIving magazine. Well thats ok, not great but ok. The martini in Ootique ($10), was pretty diluted. Don't taste no gin in it. Shirin had to ask for a top up too.
They have pretty nice stuffs there. Pink wall papers and all, really sweet. But it does get pretty noisy when u have 24 ladies talking at the same time. Kind of like in a food court. Yeah I know we ladies can be noisy but I think what is lacking is some music on the background. Or were we so noisy that we drowned it?
From there we were taken in a bus to Vivo for our movie, only to be told that we were at the wrong cinema!!!!!!!!!!! Organiser had made a mistake and our tickets are for Great World. Luckily for her, she managed to get us all in. HOw can an organiser who had collected $1200 from 24 ladies make such a major mistake. And on a Friday nite! LUckily she managed to secure another 24 seats for us in Vivo and not have us rushed on to Great World and miss a good part of the movie! And even so, it's front row seat.
We did our maths - $10 for martini, $8.50 for movie ticket n no more than $10 for the bottle of fizz, menthol and biscuits..40 seater bus is about $200 for a single trip. We are definitely better off going on our own and do the gold class like we did with Sex & the City.
But having say all, I had a good time and that's because of the company. With all my recent spur of a moment short trips, I have not catch up with the girls for a while. And movie was great. Love her fan dance. But definitely next time we will do it on our own.
Well, there's always the first time.

I was happy just to be able to catch up with Shirn and Rach.. i
So really,ultimately its the company that counts.

Was actually looking forward to dress up for the event but with this injured knee, how to be glam?

Before n Now

2009-03-19T19:14:00.005+08:00

The 3 Beauties

A real before and after... lol.. when we took a group photo last nite, Dor mentioned that she has one with the 3 of us taken almost 30 years back. Well to be exact, not quite 30, but a close 29. The earlier photo was taken during Dor's 21st birthday. Still remember the exact location, chalet in East Coast Park.

The 3 Aunties :p

And now, 3 decades later! I think to be able to be in contact after all these years is a real blessing. Especially so when Eve been living in Japan all these years and I had been away in the US for a better part (14 years!) What more, at those earlier years, there were no emails or sms. We kept in touch over snail mails. Amazing isn't it?
I think we should make a point to take one every 10 years...

Batam Harris March 09

2009-03-17T23:54:00.005+08:00

You can be at the same place, same resort and yet because you went with different people, the experience is entirely 2 different stories.
One month ago, when I first went to Batam Harris with Dor, it was slow paced and "spa out"; with 4 hours of massages, 2 hours of hair spa and 1 hour of foot reflexology! 3 days 2 nites seemed too long. So we took the shuttle to visit downtown - the "biggest" shopping center in Nagoya. It was interesting seeing how layback the town was. It was like stepping back in history - Singapore back in the 50s.... I was not even born then!
And this month, going with my boys and Daisy's, we were so busy with water sports and activities, we did not even leave the facility!
In that same time span of 3 days 2 nites, we did water polo, flying fox, parasail, jetski, go kart, bowling, karaoke, archery, soft gun, banana boat and of course 2 hours massage and 2 hours of hair spa!
And all this on the first n second day cos on the morning of check out, it was raining cats and dogs, so couldn't do much except watch tv in the room.
Her boys voted this as the best vacation so far.
Photos taken on first trip - 55 shots with about 10 of the water while travelling back on the ferry and several of the signs throughout the resort.
Photos taken this last trip -225 shots and 4 videos. And that is only my camera.. more on Daisy's and Alex's view cam.
All i facebook now.
Came back from first trip, all joints loosened, relaxed and totally pampered.
Came back from this trip, all brown and totally refreshed.

Our very own Baby Joey

2009-03-12T10:09:00.002+08:00

I know, very busy, but still must blog this la.. Our very own Baby Joey! Welcome to the family Joey! She arrives 090309, a sweet bundle of 2.81 kg./
Very very adorable. This photo was taken on the second day, when we actually got a chance to hold her.
We are all promoted. Me and Daisy are now GrandAunts! The 4 boys are now 4 Uncles! And mum of course to Great Grandma. Oh yes, not forgetting the parents and Albert, the Botak Gong gong :P

This photo taken on the first day. She is under the warmer and we cannot go near her :(

Our little excursion to Malacca

2009-03-07T23:45:00.010+08:00

We've know each other for over 30 years... (yes, for those that can count, I'm openly revealing our age), and yet, this is the first time the 3 of us travelled together. I mean really going on a trip.
Guess it's old age...Sigh...Well the good thing at this stage is that we are independent, kids are grown, we can just go as we like.

This is Eve, my dear old friend from high school. She married a Japanese (really cute hunk) and had since migrated to Japan. With me away in the US, it is only in recent years that we manage to catch up again here in Singapore.And of course you all know Dor. Our youngest grandma. Here she was probably smsing her maid to make sure her beloved grandson is well taken care of.Here is our aunties, trying to sort out what to put in the safe deposit box before we head out... Mind you, they took a good 10 minutes putting in their passports and cash. Can u believe it, after all the fuss, the safe locked up, ready to go, they realised that their passport was still in the envelope and not in the safe!Of course I just sat and watch them :0 Good old fashioned pre war houses on very very narrow street. It is said that the dogs in Malacca wag their tails up an down instead of sideways cos the streets are too narrow.

Trishaws all decked up. We did not go for a ride cos it only takes 2 passengers and with 3 of us, it's not fun to have one left out. Hmm, no wonder Desperate Housewives, Cashmere's Mafia and all chick flick sitcom features 4 ladies.

Remember this type of gates. U don't see much of these in Singapore anymore.

Lunch stop

Suppose to be really famous chicken rice Balls... those are rice balls, not fish balls. It's ok, not too great. Still prefers the Singapore Chicken rice. This just don't have the nice pungent fragrant.

Trying to flirt with the owner to get better price on some paper cuttings.

Grandma buying toys for her Brayden

Love this macro shot..can even see the guppy clearly

Lots of such cool cafes. Gallery cum cafes in this old post wars houses. Still maintain the old charms and yet made hipped by the younger generations.

Specially refreshing juices after the heat outside. And all for no more than 16 ringgit..

Yummy nyonya and assam laksa

Open air karoake for senior citizen and live performance by audienceThis guy can really cha chas

Having lots of fun shopping for little trinkets...

Blings blings for hair and mobile phone

Sengkang Sports & Recreation Centre

2009-02-27T22:01:00.005+08:00

Really impressed with this neighbourhood sports complex. So near and yet it took us 6 months before checking it out. What a shame! But hey better late than never.
Can't believe that this is set right in the heartland. Look at the pool below... . nicer than some of those private ones. Entrance fees only $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends.
Best part, if I don't want to drive, the LRT station right in front is Farmway Station.

Look at the slides on the background. Pretty thrilling

Brewerkz at the basement. Al fresco dining will be quite something when the waterways in front are ready.,

Check out the special brews ... I had the light weight Samui. Pretty refreshing with fruitty taste.

Gym right across from the restaurant. Seeing those gunghos working out on the treadmills make me a little bit guilty. Have not been to the gym for about 2 weeks already, and here feasting and drinking :p

2009-02-25T17:12:00.003+08:00

It's raining cats and dogs and my car is in the service. Wes just got off school and on normal circumstances, I will want to go pick him up. Listen, is I want to, not he need me to .. He actually said no need mummy... but I would have still insisted. How can i let my baby comes back in the rain!
But this time I got no choice. I've got no car.
So instead of taking the SengKang LRT where he will have to walk across TPE's bridge, he took the train to Compass Point, then to PUnggol and then another LRT to Meridian. A longer way but walkway home is sheltered. Never mind the fact that this route takes almost an hour!
I just called and he is in PUnggol, waiting for the next light train to take him home. I want to meet him at the station, or at least send the maid with broilly. But, "no need Mummy, I'm cool".
Sigh, but mummy not cool leh... my boys don't need me anymore :(
Talk about empty nest.. thats's what it is now.
Bez is on vacation. I don't see him during terms and I don't see him during holidays... I don't see him much period. Except when i drive him to school. And now that its vacation, there is no need to. So I don't see him :9 sob sob sob...

2009-02-22T14:17:00.003+08:00

2009-02-15T10:23:00.003+08:00

Been a while since updating this blog.. guess with Facebook, it's kind of a duplicating. But this is different.. I get to bitch here :-) Not that there is anything to bitch about lately... Actually feeling really bless that life is great.
Just got back from a 3 days Spa Retreat @ Batam Harris. No specified itinerary but massage, massage and more massage. So much so that I feel like a retard when I got back! Shouldn't I feel refresh? So idyllic, so pampered that I need a kick start to get back to work! Lolz... we are booked for another 3 days session next month. This time round with the boys. Will definitely be doing more of the water sports than. Massage will be more shiok after the sun :-)
Oh yes, Valentine's day yesterday. A day for retailer to capitalise on the "need to spend" consumers. So even thou I do not have a Valentine to celebrate with, I get to be on the other side of the fence this time. So happen that this year the annual Singapore American School County Fair was held yesterday, Valentine's day. A good day for me to clear the heart shaped cushions and the heart shape salt n pepper shakers. My tagline - Spice up your Valentine with some pepper n salt. Heehee, u should listened to some of the comments that I got back. .. this mid life crisis guy telling me that no amount of spices could spice up his valentine! How pathethic. And the teenage boys that bought my heart shaped cushions. They looked so bashful. So cute. It's like I need a bag to hide this cushion.....
Just like my Bezner. It's his first Valentine with Marion too. I was out since morning but Wesley told me that he actually got up early to buy sushi and then went over to Daisy to borrow a picnic mat. Got teased by his cousins. He then packed all the goodies in his guitar's case. How innovative! A picnic in Marina. A good choice with limited pocket money :-) He did asked me for a bottle of wine thou. But hey, underage drinking outside. NO! Instead he bought a bottle of apple cider. Good substitute. Only hitch, he complained that it's a long ride sending her home. Heehee, told him, next girlfriend find some one nearer.... Jurong very far la... Hahahaa Marion, don't kill me when u see this. Send me some fotos so I can blog it.

My Clearance booth in SAS County Fair.

Brayden, our little Angel n Demon....so adorable when asleep and in good mood. A little monster when he don't get his way :-)

Er, this is suppose to show Daisy the cabana, not me in towel!

Ulu ulu townI think he is the first 2 years old who actually insisted on wanting to get a set of basketball jersey when we were at the Nagoya Mall..... my Wesley don't even care what he wears except that it is not in any girly color..... the older the better. More comfy.

50's Bash

2009-02-01T13:25:00.005+08:00

50 is indeed quite a big number. It's half a decade. But that only goes to say that we are getting wiser! Quoting Perdita - 50 is the new 30s. I high five that. It's just another reason to party. It just allow us to tell people that Hey we are 50 and yet we still can party :-)HahhahaAnother reason to give each other presents. I got Olive Scrub to remove all the dead cells..hmm so can feel smooth again.. heehee

Sexy black lingeries for Perdita

Pat got my pressie

Solid Gold - really appropriate!

Camera man drunk already la... or am I too short?

Tian Fu Teahouse @ the top of UOB Plaza - 60th floor

2009-01-31T00:45:00.004+08:00

Chinese tea espresso? Incidentally this is oolong tea.... very nice fragrant

Mini sesame buns with pork floss

Sliced pork with spicy garlic sauce.
Don't be deceived by the photos, these 2 dishes come in exceptionally mini size too! Everything is served in very mini portion.. or they chose to call it dainty & tasty:-)

Asparagus with Fa cai

Yu sheng - a must. First time I have it with crispy salmon skin along with fresh salmon. Crispy skin is pretty interesting.

Dor & muah la

Pui Fann & Amy

Our annual CNY's do. Not bad that we've been so constant after all these years..considering these are my Secondary school classmates! All for the exception of Pui Fann, an ex colleague of Dor. We meet up for lunch or dinner at least 5 times a year - each other birthdays and CNY.
Exceptionally well since in between I've been away from Singapore for 14 years and of course not to mention how long ago Cedar's days were....lol..
Some friends are for life and that's a real blessing that money cannot buy.

2009-01-30T00:17:00.003+08:00

The joy of dressing up a gift. Isn't this lovely? And all these, except for my gold mesh, are recycled materials. Two Christmases ago, after seeing the amount of wrapping papers discarded after the holidays, I've decided to stay away from wrapping papers.
Well most of you who knows me probably heard about that.
And since then I've been using left over fabrics from my workshop for such purposes.
Here, I wrap first with a piece of burgundy satin (an offcuts from some curtain materials), then wrapped over again with gold mesh that I bought from Arab Street. No scotch tape is required too. Just bundle up with some matching color paper bindings that I've kept from some gifts that I received. For the finishing touch, a small bouquets of nylon flowers,. And even this could be reuse.

My Lovely Nursery

2009-01-27T14:28:00.003+08:00

Photo of peony taken in the morning

Photo taken same day but in the afternoon.

My red chilli plant. Have to put an order to mummy - No plucking of chili!

This is the most satisfying. It really blooms well. Hope to keep it up.
Actually come to think of it, it is time for feeding them some plant food already.

2009-01-26T22:00:00.003+08:00

As usual, a trip to Waterloo Street, Kuan YinTemple is a must on the first day of New Year. But this year in addition to appeasing the Gods, we also went to pay respect to my daddy.
Look at the smoke from the joss sticks. Big challenge for my new implant :-)

Reward after the heat n smoke

OUch

2009-01-25T18:54:00.003+08:00

LOok at my poor baby's toe! This is what happened when he helped me washed car today.
Thinking that the poor maid been busy all days preparing the Reunion Lunch, and the big washing up afterward, I got the boys to help with the car wash. This is what happened when they are not used to any chores. Too dependent on maid.
Car is clean alright, but on the way back, Bez made the brother carried all the pails and stuffs. Yes, Bez already got reprimanded by Grandma and Mummy. And guess what, the entire pail dropped on his toe! I was away parking the car and so not there to witness the drop. But knowing these boys, they must be fooling around.

Bag up ready for mummy to shower for him
No kidding, that's the blood stain!

Nasty right?

Yam cake by the Grandmas

2009-01-24T11:40:00.004+08:00

Mixture of shredded yam, "shao la", rice flour and dried shrimps

Preparations for the LUnar New Year. The 2 grandmas hard at work.

Reunion Dinner 1 @ Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant

2009-01-18T10:21:00.006+08:00

Reunion Dinner, round 1. Round 2 will be next week.
This year we joined the crowds of many and decided to eat out instead of cooking in. Not a bad idea considering not having to do the massive grocery shopping, prepare the dishes and then the washing. Thou of course by now i hear all the boos and ahs saying "yeah right, u wash up; u mean your maid's wash up" But hey, I really would have done all the cooking since these maids cannot cook ...Well round 2 will be at home with my own kiddos and Victor n partner since he cannot join us tonight.

The Matriach with her Grandsons

Isn't it obvious who is her favorite :-)

Boys horsing around and doing some pretty obscene stuffs.... they don't need alcohol to do that

Sister's power?

Mum and her grandchildren...can Alex photoshop Victor into the picture?

Spinach... the one at INternational Seafood is better.

Fish with Black bean sauce

Yu sheng - a must have.. the first of many..."Huat ah!"

Super garlicky Lobster, pretty tasty except maybe can tone down on the garlic. U don't want to smell our breathe after that.

The Choy's

Pizza cones for the little ones

Our radiant mum to be

Nihon Musa @ Basement of Cathay

2009-01-17T23:09:00.002+08:00

A restaurant worth mentioning. Nihon Musa located at the basement of Cathay building. Biggest attraction is of course the 99cents sushi. Any plates, including my favorite salmon sushi is 99cents. There are your regular teppanyaki, toufu, udon etc... lots of others in fact.
NOt your best sushi but hey for that price you really cannot complain.

As with all good value restuarant, there's a queue.This tofu is not part of the 99cents deal, but still it was only about $1.40 (i think)
Unegi sushi (99cents)
Between Susan and myself we managed 17 plates plus vegetable tempura and toufu

2009-01-17T22:48:00.003+08:00

Remember the old Cathay Cinema; where we used to hang out at the A&W and where the first Orange Julius was located in Singapore? Well, those are long gone and in its place now The PictureHouse, part of Cathay.
Been around for a while already but still its the first time I've been back after all these years. Well over here u get your more arty farty type, not the main stream type of movies.
REgular tickets are $10 but with Amex and any UOB card, you pay only $8. Not bad for a weekend too.

Susan, my best movie pal
Nice and comfortable seats but strictly no food and drinks allow... So if you must have popcorns with movies, forget it.

Oh so much for the cinema, now about the movie. Elegy by Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz. A romantic love story between an elderly professor and his student that is 30years younger than him. If you think old man is boring; think again :-)

My beautiful collections

2009-01-16T13:26:00.003+08:00

Customer service is really very critical. It makes you want to spend or hold back your purchase.

I just got back from Far East Flora. To avoid the weekend's crowd, I, part time woman of leisure decide to get my New Year's flora today. Actually this was also partly inspire by Lyn's beautiful plants collections. Ok, so here I am at the nursery. Rolls and rolls of outdoor greens and flowers. Too intimidating! I am loss. What is good for a newbie and what will not perish in my hands? Big decision. Just as I am pondering and at a lost, rescue came. This Indian guy not only helped moved pots and pots of flowers but help me make my selection, pointing to the plants with survival instinct for "dummy". My intention was only a pot of orchid, and a Chinese New Year tangerine. But now look at what I have got! Isn't the pink Bougainvila beautiful? And a pot of chili for mum too! And of course the different fertiliser for orchids and flowering shrub. All thanks to the little Indian.

Chili plant for mummy

My first potted orchid

Pink Bougainvila

Purple Bell flower

And my New Year's Tangerine

SportsLink Hougang Mall

2009-01-16T13:13:00.005+08:00

Talk about customer service. Especially important in today's competitive market. But apparently this is so lacking in this sport shop in Hougang Mall.
Ok, it's not my own experience but Daisy's. Since she don't blog, she wants me to do so on her behalf. So here is a direct quote from my irate sister:
we were there yest and bout jared a new shoe, when i asked the sales guy if i can please throw the old shoes to the bin at his shop, he looked horrified and said its not allowed! i got so pissed, i ask if his bin is made of gold...so i told jared to bring it to the bin outside his shop and told alex not to buy anything else from there. i paid for jared's shoe cos he already wearing it.

Blooies @ Rail Mall

2009-01-15T17:55:00.006+08:00

A long overdue date to exchange all those pressies from last year. And isn't it another good reasons for a nite out?

They are ever so loving... especially so ever since they went on vacation together in Perth... hmm.

My sweet heart's candle. Thank you Daisy! Well in advance for Valentine. Maybe will have a great one this year!

2009-01-15T17:50:00.002+08:00

Remember this type of paper bag? The brown paper bag of yesteryear.. ...a rare find these days. Didn't know they still use this. Actually I miss the pinkish pastry with lotus paste from these people. The authentic wedding pastry. These days u get a "Bangawan Solo's voucher instead.

TGIF

2009-01-09T15:29:00.001+08:00

Crashed out after 1 week of early mornings! Back to school must not be too fun :-) TGIF indeed

Bye 2008

2008-12-31T18:57:00.008+08:00

Yes, bye bye 2008.

A new year ahead. Buffet lunch at International Seafood.. and tonite, a small dinner with the Teos and Bez going to have some friends over.
Photos should appear tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's this afternoon lunch.
Venison with black pepper sauce

Szechuan Eggplants
Beef with green onions one of my favorite, Spinach with 3 different eggs..

Scallops with asparagus

Sliced fish with blueberry sauce... yummy!

Shrimp with red wine... and shrimp with wasabi

2008-12-31T18:51:00.002+08:00

Hey hey, been away for a while.... No posting of the trip.. isn't that weird?
Well boils down to simply being lazy, still in holiday mood. Loaded tons of fotos in facebook thou. Too many to post in blog..
Have survived 2 weeks with no computer, no MSN, no blogging, no emails! No internet connection! Not just me, even the 2 boys! That's pretty amazing in these days and age. But we had a great 2 weeks pounding the street of Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Was cold. Very cold. Apart from some slight drizzle in Paris and pouring rain when we arrived at Rome, we had mostly dry weather; good for our walking tours.
Worst experience would be when we arrived at Roma Termini Station. Not sure why but must be the back platform cos we somehow got out from the side of the station and it was a pretty shady area. Had some problems locating the direction to the hotel. To make matter worse it started to drizzle and with one hand towing our luggage and umbrella in the bag, we got pretty soaked up by the time we found the hotel.
We also got pickpocketed in Rome. It happened so fast. We were just leaving McDonald and this young teenage girl was right at my back. She kind of bump into me and I felt a slight tug in my bag. I was carrying a sling bag and it was lodged safely in front of me and inside my jacket too. I called out to Bez and Wes who had walked in front and before even they registered what had happened, she turned the other way and disappeared among the crowds on the busy street. Luckily I had not kept all my money in that purse. But all my credit cards are gone with it. With only about 800Euros and 500USd for the next 10 days, we really need to budget. Apart from breakfast all our meals are not prepaid. Makan are very costly there and knowing my 2 boys who were constantly hungry, I did not dare to shop at all. Had to pass on the beautiful leather bags and accessories. Luckily cos its winter, most of the clothings were not suitable.
Apart from this, we really had a great time. Very good experience and not to say great bonding with the boys. Hahaha no computer or xbox to keep them away from me.