BITS & PIECES OF LIFE

Royal Icing & Fondant

2012-01-01T15:12:00.000+08:00

I love cookies especially chocolate chips cookies. But it is boring to always hv only one type of cookies. Many times I wanted to try baking other types of cookies like those with different colors royal icing. However, whenever I see those baked by fervent food bloggers or sold at bakery shop, yes no doubt they look dainty n nice, but looking at the icing and colors loaded on the cookies, I defer my plan to bake cookies with royal icing. Because I don't want to eat in chemicals and sugar. Same goes to cakes with fondant. I am really scared to bite on fondant cakes. It makes my teeth hvg that kind of cracking feeling.

1 Bee Hoon and 2 desserts 一咸两甜

2011-12-13T13:29:00.000+08:00

Its been awhile again since I last blogged. Just plain lazy .... :-/

Last week I fried some Pig Trotters Bee Hoon for my DH as he likes to eat this kind of bee hoon. Furthermore, I made 2 different desserts, as I am a "dessert" person ...hehe ;-P

Raspberry Flavoured Cheesecake Bars & Nonya Mee Siam

2011-11-20T23:05:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I last updated my blog. Now at last , the school holidays have started, I can once again engage myself in blogging.

I have not been doing cheesecake for quite some time. Upon the request of my new neighbour, Aunty M, I made this Raspberry Flavoured Cheesecake Bars. In return, Aunt M cooked for me one of my favourite Nonya food, Mee Siam. Well, it's not so much of returning a favour but Aunt M is such a good cook that eversince I knew her, she has been cooking good and delicious food for my hubby and me. I count myself so blessed to have her as my neighbour. Thank you Aunt M :-)

Gula Melaka Sago (Sago pudding with palm sugar)

2011-10-31T21:46:00.003+08:00

Gula Melaka (palm sugar) Sago Pudding @ Honey & Soy Food Adventures
makes 6 puddings

150g small sago pearls (soak in water for 30 mins, then drain)
200g gula melaka

200ml natural coconut cream

Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add sago when water is boiling. Stir frequently to avoid the sago sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Turn off the heat when the sago floats to the top. The centres of the sago should be just translucent as the heat retained will cook the sago through.

Pour out half the water (the sago would have fallen to the bottom by now) and rinse with cold water a couple of times to remove the starch.

Spoon the sago into moulds and chill in the fridge until set (about 0.5 to 1 hour).

Melt the gula melaka in a small saucepan with a little water over very low heat until dissolved. Set aside to cool. Mix the coconut cream and coconut milk and set aside.

To serve the puddings, place 1 set sago pudding in a bowl. Eat with as much gula melaka and coconut milk/cream as you like!

Gula Melaka (palm sugar)

Sago Pearls (Tapioca Pearls)

Is Dinner Time Again :-)

2011-10-17T23:43:00.000+08:00

Mango Ginger Chicken Drumblets with Black Sauce Ginger Noodles.

Ginger, ginger and more ginger. Yes, I LOVE ginger. I love the aroma of ginger and the spiciness of it. I inherit such love for ginger from my dear mum. She likes to cook with ginger, be it shredded, sliced or pureed. Just love it.

Hence, during this dinner, I used lots of ginger. :-) You may not be able to see the ginger very much, except the drumblets, because it was under my noodles! And when I gave the noodles a good stir, the noodles was full of ginger aroma. Wow!

My Curry Chicken

2011-10-06T18:10:00.000+08:00

I am a curry lover, all types of curry in fact.
Hence, you will see in my blog, more than often, the post on curry. :-P
Two days ago, I cooked curry again, my favourite Curry Chicken.
Of course, there must be potatoes, cooked till soften,
nearly melt in the mouth kind.
I added lemon grass, to give the curry a beautiful aroma.
This is my Curry and I savoured it with French loaf, a nice combination.
After dipping the bread in the curry, and then eat it, the after-effect is:
"Oh, I'm on cloud 9." :-)

My new baking tool

2011-09-25T14:27:00.002+08:00

I bought this SEVERIN (German brand) mixer sometime in January this year from Courts at Causeway Point. I leave it at Courts for nearly 2 months before I carried it back home. Till now I have not used it yet. Today I just took it out and washed it clean and hopefully to use it soonest. :-P This mixer comes with an in-built blender and a socket that can insert a meat mincer (must buy separately). I didn't buy the meat mincer because I can buy meat from the meat stall and ask the butcher to mince it for me, so why trouble myself? :-)

This is my new built-in 57 litres oven from Mayer. It is made in Italy. I bought it during the Singapre Great Sales few months ago. It was quite a deal considering its capacity. It cost me less than S$600. It is easy to clean too. I hope to use it more often.

Black Sesame Tuna Sandwich

2011-09-25T14:03:00.000+08:00

In fact, I did a sandwich for dinner sometime last month but forgot to post it here. Here are the pictures. I just mixed the canned tuna with some mayo & black pepper together sprinkled some black sesame seeds, and eat it with cherry tomatoes and lettuce. Simple & tasty.

My First Dinner in new house

2011-09-25T13:51:00.001+08:00

Yesterday night, I cooked my first dinner at my new flat after staying here for nearly 2 months.
My first dinner only consist of Steamed Ginger Chicken Drumbstick and Lup Cheong (Chinese sausage) Rice. Ya, I know there was no vege because this meal is for one person only, so I didn't want to cook too much. I particullary like the Lup Cheong Rice. I steamed the 2 types (the red colour one & also the Duck Liver sausage) of Lup Cheong first then I cut into small pieces and returned to the cooked rice in the cooker together with the oil & mixed them well. This made the rice so fragrant when I scooped them up. I will definitely try again, though I know is kinda fattening :-)

Finally!

2011-08-11T14:41:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have finally shifted to my new flat!

Since the day of choosing the flat till now, 4 years have passed. During the past few months, I was madly throwing away old stuff, packing up usable things. It was really MESSY! Hence, I have neglected my blog here and baking is the last thing on my mind because all utensils have been packed up.

Finally, two Thursdays ago, I shifted to my new flat and till now still doing unpacking. It's really tiring. Packed and unpacked. However, my tiredness is compensated by the beautiful view from my flat, especially the night scene. As I stay at the top floor, I can see as far as our neighbouring country.

I have only done simple renovation to my flat ~ kitchen cabinet and floor tiles. I don't do any built-in cabinet for my rooms as I find that after making it, the room will be too cluttered. My theme colour is white, floor white, wall white, kitchen cabinet is also white in colour.

This is the outward appearance of the cluster of new flats.

This will be my home, for the next 10 years or so. :-)

I will be back with my blogging and baking, hopefully soon.....

Cream Cheese Butter Mango Cake

2011-07-01T20:56:00.001+08:00

After 3 months, I finally rolled up my sleeves and baked a cake. <**>|||

Last week, my aunt gave me a half riped mango. I leave it on my dining table for few days and it was ready to be eaten. However, I didn't want to eat it as it is, so I thought of using it to bake a cake. At the same time, I have unused cream cheese and butter sitting in my fridge. And come to think of it, I am shifting house soon, why not try to use up these ingredients? Hence, this mango cake was "born"

The recipe was taken from somewhere in the cyber-space but forgetful me forgot to copy down which website I got it from. Haizzzzz.... Anyway, the recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:
1.5 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
150g mango, diced
2.25 cups self raising flour
250g butter
250g cream cheese
1/3 cup milk
3 eggs

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 160*C. Grease and line an "8 x 8" cake tin.
2. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla till light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time till fluffy. Add in softened cream cheese and milk, beat till smooth.
4. Add flour and beat briefly till combined. Fold in diced mango gently.
5. Pour batter into prepared cake tin and bake for 50 mins or when skewer inserted into the centre of the cake and comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake on the rack for 10 mins.

I miss my food blogging

2011-06-20T23:21:00.002+08:00

I realised I have not been food blogging for the past 2.5 months. My last post about food was on 3.4.2011! Oh my goodness! Yes, I admit that I'm lazy, and also I'm kinda busy :-P ... Errr, the ratio between lazy and busy is 3:2. <^^>

Oh well, I'm busy with my new house. Running errands for the new house is no joke. Very tiring. From renovation to buying furniture and fittings, all must be done in an orderly manner. And I'm that sort of person that can't tahan (can't stand) errors. So that makes me even more tiring, and of course with such "SUNNY" weather. Oh gosh!

Nonetheless, the renovation part is ending soon, with the kitchen cabinet still not fix yet. Hopefully by the end of this month I can see my new kitchen. I have already bought my oven! Really can't wait to use it. It's kinda of big, 57 litres, Delizia from Italy with 7 functions. I bought it at IMM Mayer store. Now GSS is on, so with this purchase I got a S$25 voucher to redeem their products, a set of C.S. Soligen Carving Set worth S$59 and a 3% members' discount (I joined instantly, advised by the sales rep). Below is the picture & specifications of my oven :-) Any of you use this brand too?

Specifications:

Capacity: 57 litres
7 Cooking programmes:

- Traditonal - Defrost - Fan Oven - Half Grill - Full Grill - Fan & Grill - Bottom heat with fan

Tangential Ventilation
Timer Function
Automatic Cut-off Timer
Interior oven light
Triple layer glass door
Interior Light
Oven accessories: Top Element Cover, dripping tray and grid

*Height:*	590 mm
*Width:*	595 mm
*Depth:*	550 mm
	Click here for the dimension.
*Colour:*	Stainless Steel with Black Glass

Sylvia Lim excellent speech in Parliament on Ministeral Pay

2011-05-10T21:53:00.001+08:00

Wonderful and excellent speech by Ms Sylvia Lim of Workers' Party on Ministeral Pay. She has pointed out very valid points of argument. Let's listen ...

2011-05-05T23:11:00.000+08:00

You simply have to read this. (adapted from An Ivylicious Life)

My Hero - Mr. Chiam See Tong

My Hero - Mr. Chiam See Tong

As the General Election 2011 is just around the corner, I would like to dedicate a post to Mr. Chiam See Tong, Secretary-General to the Singapore People's Party. IMO, he is the unsung hero of Singapore.

1976 – contested unsuccessfully as Independent Candidate at Cairnhill Constituency against Mr. Lim Kim San Minster for National Development and Communications.

1979 – Took part in by-election also as independent candidate at Potong Pasir. Lost to Mr. How Yoong Chong, Minster for Defence designate.

September 1980 – Together with friends formed the Singapore Democratic Party.

December 1980 – Contested unsuccessfully at Potong Pasir. Again lost to Mr. How Yoong Chong, Minister for Defence. Obtained 40% votes.

December 1984 – Contested at Potong Pasir as a SDP Candidate at Potong Pasir. Won with 60% majority vote.

September 1988 – Returned again at Potong Pasir Constituency with 63%. 31.08.1991 – Elected third time to Parliament, Potong Pasir constituency with 69.3% votes casted.

17th of December 1996 – Elected Secretary-General of Singapore People’s Party (SPP).

2nd of January 1997 – Elected fourth time to Parliament, Constituency of Potong Pasir as a Singapore People’s Party (SPP) candidate with 54.3% votes polled

2001 – Elected fifth time to Parliament, Constituency of Potong Pasir as a Singapore People’s Party (SPP) candidate with 54.3% votes polled.

2006 – Elected six time to Parliament, Constituency of Potong Pasir as a Singapore People’s Party (SPP) candidate with 54.3% votes polled.

For 27 years, he has slogged hard to conduct his Meet-the-People session at void decks. He is denied of funds to build a proper place but we can see his determination and dedication from the aluminum sheets used to build his make shift office. Why would a man want to become a MP even though he understands that he has to go through so much, even being denied of funds to do every simple thing? Do you live in a PAP constituency? Have you ever seen the MPs from PAP conduct their Meet-the-People session? Its is done is an air-conditioned office. What a stark difference!

This is Mr. Chiam's office for the past 27 years

This man has been bullied for 27years how much longer are we going to let him get bullied and pushed aside by the people hamming the government of Singapore? This man here is fighting so hard for democracy.

Have you watch Mr. Chiam See Tong in Parliament?

This was Mr. Chiam asking for Potong Pasir to be included in the upgrading program. Why was Potong Pasir not included in the HIP even when Mr. Chiam agreed that they are in agreement of the program? People of Potong Pasir, Mr. Chiam fought for you but did the Government listen?

Here is Mr. Chiam asking for curbing of the influx of foreigners by a skills shortage list and to cut down on GST. Singapore Government, are you listening or did you fall asleep listening to Mr. Chiam? He is physically weak but he is fighting for us. Singapore can you hear him?

If you are wondering why is his speaking slurred, Mr. Chiam has suffered 2 strokes, the last one in 2008. It touches me to tears that a man who has suffered 2 strokes is fighting hard for democracy in Singapore. Is he fighting for fame or money? No, he is fighting because he loves Singapore! Most people at his age would have been retired and should be enjoying life but not Mr. Chiam, not until the day there is true democracy!

This is a letter sent to someone who just moved to Potong Pasir. Which PAP MP do you know does this?

This General Election, Mr. Chiam will be walking out of Potong Pasir, to contest in the Bishan-TPY GRC. He is walking out of his comfort zone and leaving Potong Pasir to his wife, Mrs. Lina Chiam. This is a very big risk for him. He might lose Potong Pasir and Bishan-TPY, and lose his seat as the only one of two Opposition in the Parliament or he could win Bishan-TPY GRC and bring in 4 other Opposition MPs into the Parliament to make the government sit up and listen to what we have to say.

I have lived in Bishan-TPY all my life and I have NEVER met Mr. Wong Kan Seng, the current MP in charge of my constituency. Its very clear who my vote goes to. Do you live in Bishan-TPY? Who are you voting for?

Lastly, a quote from my hero, "When there is life there is hope, when there is hope, there will be change."

My Singapore

2011-05-05T10:19:00.000+08:00

Being a Singaporean is my blessing.
I love my country, my homeland.
I want to see her grow healthily and wealthily.

Our country is now going through a period of
transition to the next era after the General Election.

Our people are going to vote for the Voice that can
speak for them in order for Singapore to grow healthily and wealthily.

Vote wisely my fellow Singaporeans. This is our chance to see real growth in our beloved country!

Seize the Moment

2011-05-01T15:37:00.003+08:00

07-05-2011
7th May 2011
May 7th 2011
07/05/2011
05/07/2011
2011年5月7日

What do all these dates have in common?
7 5 2011
Yes having the same group of numbers. What is so significant about these numbers?
Make a guess?
If you are a Singaporean, you might have guessed it right.

IT IS OUR GENERAL ELECTION POLLING DAY! 大选日！

It is the first time in Singapore's Election history that all 87 seats are being contested. Furthermore, it has the most number of candidates contesting for this election. To add on to these excited news, the youngest candidate is only 24 years old. She is Miss Nicole Seah from National Solidarity Party (NSP).
PAP also has a young girl contesting in Marine Parade GRC, Ms Tin Pei Ling, 27 years old. However, personally I feel that young Nicole has more leadership calibre than the latter Tin. Ms Nicole spoke with gusto during the rallies, whereas Tin doesn't even know what to say when asked what policy would she have challenged to make a difference.

Henceforth, this election is going to be interesting. I can guarantee that many youngsters will be engaged in this election as well. Candidates contesting in different GRCs are getting younger and younger, which I think is a good sign. Their appearance will sparkle interest in the young Singaporeans to be more concerned about politics and our nation (hopefully :-p)

We have to SEIZE the moment. Those above 21 years of age will be qualified to vote. THEREFORE, my fellow Singaporeans, please VOTE wisely! Knowing that our present ruling party will be the Big Brother (BB) again, we need to vote for more voices to be heard in parliament other than the Big Brother. We need these voices to check, oppose (for the right cause) and navigate (if BB is goggy) in the parliament. Only then that our country can grow healthily in every aspect.

Presently, the BB runs the country with their own opinions without seeking the citizens' suggestion. The PM said they 广听民意, but it is not true. GST, ERP etc. were implemented in the midst of objections from the people. The 2 IRs were built in the same manner. Even their own MP shed some tears when these IRs were built. But being part of BB, he has no choice but to relent. The BB treat the country's fellowmen like little children, everything must listen to them. When they don't listen, they will issue threatening statements like: You will regret for choosing WP (quoted by the oldest BB in the party); You will lose a good MP if Aljunied choose WP... etc. Why should they threaten the voters? Are they scare or what? For so many years, they have been running the their party like an Empire. Now is different! They should be more open-minded and welcome the challenge from other parties and not sneered at others. 人身攻击(personal abuse) is a very bad weapon to use during election, but too bad many politicians like to use it to smash other candidates.

SINGAPOREANS, We are not TOOLS for the BB to use, we have to STAND UP ON OUR OWN FEET AND VOTE WITHOUT FEAR! This is the MOMENT! Seize it!

摩摩查查 Bo Bo Cha Cha

2011-03-04T15:09:00.001+08:00

Its been quite sometime since I made my last Bo Bo Cha Cha. Today, armed with a packet of pre-cut sweet potatoe & taro, I went ahead to made this dessert, knowing well the calories that will be consumed by body ... Nonetheless, the craving inside of me "motivates" me to go on. Without turning back, I went ahead, just like an army going to war without the fear, Just Do It!

Tada!! Here's my Bo Bo Cha Cha :-) The smell and the taste of this dessert make me feel like dancing Cha Cha ... One Two Cha Cha Cha, Three Four Cha Cha Cha ... Come let's dance Cha Cha!!

Brownie in a cup

2011-03-01T21:37:00.001+08:00

I love to bake brownies because it is so easy (again my motto), and the result is always satisfactory. This time round, I used two large eggs for the batter and the result was a super fudgy brownie. I have also pour it into small paper cups for easy handling. Say no more, here are the pictures.

有情吃巧克力饱

2011-02-13T23:31:00.000+08:00

“问世间情为何物，直教人生死相许”？

古往今来，有多少人，写过诗、写过赋、写过剧、写过书，但始终也没有人能探究出情为何物？没有人能描绘出情的具象：多长？多短？什么形状？何种颜色？

这句名言，在戏剧里头常常会听到。说真的，爱情是什么？为什么那么多人为此花费心思去寻寻觅觅？

有幸的呢，找到真爱；不幸的呢，碰得个焦头烂额！

情字，岂能用几句话就带过？它是一生的追求，一世的寻觅... ...

世人为情所困呐！

对我而言，当一场大的灾难降临时，情，就是不离不弃、相濡以沫，就是善良、真挚和坚强。像阳光像高山像流水。

或在平凡的日子里，情，就是携手漫步在街头、公园、超市，就是平淡中的一句问候、关怀。像月光像平原像溪流。

****************************************************************************************
情人节，我是没有庆祝的。我和我的另一半不注重这种被商家搞得太商业化的节日。我们的日子过得很平淡，很安静。有时在一起的时候，静到能听得见彼此的心跳。但，在这样的日子里，我们享受着彼此的存在，彼此的呼吸，很自得其乐。情人节不一定要在2月14日才能拥有，珍惜彼此的存在，每天都是情人节。

玫瑰花语与情人节礼物

2011-02-13T18:23:00.003+08:00

【玫瑰花语】
    玫瑰花是“爱情之花”。特别是2月14日，西方情人节，在爱情之河畅游的年轻人，都用此花献给自己的心上人来表达自己的感情。
    １朵玫瑰代表——我的心中只有你 ONLY YOU！
    ２朵玫瑰代表—— 这世界只有我俩！
    ３朵玫瑰代表—— 我爱你 I LOVE YOU！
    ４朵玫瑰代表—— 至死不渝！
    ５朵玫瑰代表—— 由衷欣赏！
    ６朵玫瑰代表—— 互敬　互爱　互谅！
    ７朵玫瑰代表—— 我偷偷地爱著你！
    ８朵玫瑰代表—— 感谢你的关怀扶持及鼓励！
    ９朵玫瑰代表—— 长久 ALWAYS！
    １０朵玫瑰代表—— 十全十美　无懈可击！
    １１朵玫瑰代表—— 最爱　只在乎你一人！

１２朵玫瑰代表—— 对你的爱与日俱增！

１３朵玫瑰代表—— 友谊长存！

１４朵玫瑰代表—— 骄傲！

１５朵玫瑰代表—— 对你感到歉意I'M SORRY！

１６朵玫瑰代表—— 多变不安的爱情！

１７朵玫瑰代表—— 绝望无可挽回的爱！

１８朵玫瑰代表—— 真诚与坦白！

１９朵玫瑰代表—— 忍耐与期待！

２０朵玫瑰代表—— 我仅一颗赤诚的心！

２１朵玫瑰象征—— 真诚的爱！

２２朵玫瑰象征—— 祝你好运！

２５朵玫瑰象征—— 祝你幸福！

３０朵玫瑰象征—— 信是有缘！

３６朵玫瑰象征—— 浪漫！

４０朵玫瑰象征—— 誓死不渝的爱情！

    ５０朵玫瑰象征—— 邂逅不期而遇！
    ９９朵玫瑰象征—— 天长地久 FOREVER！
    １００朵玫瑰象征—— 百分之百的爱 100% LOVE！
    １０１朵玫瑰象征—— 最……最爱！
    １０８朵玫瑰象征—— 求婚！
    １１１朵玫瑰代表—— 无尽的爱
    １４４朵玫瑰代表—— 爱你日日月月生生世世

３６５朵玫瑰代表—— 想你在每天

９９９朵玫瑰代表—— 天长地久、爱无止境
１００１朵玫瑰代表—— 直到永远

【情人节礼物】

巧克力：是最传统的情人礼物。

鲜花：是个永远新鲜而浪漫的礼物，不同种类和数量的鲜花代表不同的含义，相信一定能选择一束让她欢心的花束。

香水：香水是爱情的灵药，解救了每一颗孤寂的心，她可以带给你奇妙的感觉。

领带：送给男孩的最经典的礼物，精心挑选一条领带送给你心爱的人，约会的时候，看见他系着你送的领带走过来，会有什么样的好心情就不必说了。

皮带：皮带的含义是束缚，用你的温柔缚住他的心，一条优质的皮带，寄托着你无限的痴情，让他在感觉爱情的甜蜜时增加一份责任。

糖果：糖果是甜甜蜜蜜的象征，而且送给什么人都不错。这点上它比巧克力更广泛些。

光碟：选一张好听的CD或者浪漫的烛光晚餐，都会给你心爱的人留下美好的回忆……

黑芝麻饼干Black Sesame Cookies

2011-01-30T21:45:00.000+08:00

今年，我觉得自己真的懒到不行。连我最喜欢的爱好~烘焙，也处于高阁。过年的年饼，我连一样都没做出来，真的想刮自己几巴掌。不知哪里犯了病，真的要好好检讨一下。现在才一月，要懒到几时呀！

今天下午，我才甘愿去烘了一些饼干。本来还想烘多一些，唉！懒筋又作祟了，只好作罢。烘了一些简单不过的黑芝麻饼，只用了六样材料，就能做出香喷喷的饼干。

刚从烘炉出来时，饼干并不会太硬，但冷却之后就变得硬一些了。烘的时间一到，“叮”一声，快把饼干拿出来，要不然会变黑的。

材料：
１磅　　芝麻（黑或白都可以）
半杯　　菜油（我用葵花油）
１杯　　面粉
１茶匙　发粉
１杯　　白糖
２粒　　鸡蛋

做法：
１。预热烘炉至摄氏180度。
２。把芝麻炒香。
３。把所有材料混合在一起，然后搅均匀。
４。勺一茶匙面团在放了烘焙纸的烘盘上，面团至少有4公分的距离。
５。放进烘炉，烘15-20分钟至金黄色。

教育孩子的一些建议

2011-01-29T20:57:00.012+08:00

在网上找到以下教育孩子的一些建议，在这里与大家共勉之。

转自：The Lazy Stay-at-Home Mommy

教育专家给家长的100多条建议！！！(建议永久保存)

教育篇：
1．每天花半个小时和孩子交流。
2．和孩子在家也要使用文明用语，“早上好，请，谢谢，晚安”等等。
3．让孩子养成爱卫生的好习惯。
4．多听听孩子的声音！——用耐心、用爱心、用开心，心是长着眼睛的！
5．不要为了提醒孩子，而总是揭孩子的伤疤。
6．严肃指出孩子的错误！
7．不要总对孩子一本正经，要多和孩子一起欢笑：因为笑声能让孩子更加热爱生活；引导孩子积极、轻松愉快的看待事物。
8．给孩子讲故事，要有耐心，故事有一定的教育意义。
9．不要把当年未曾实现的理想强加在孩子身上，想让孩子去实现。
10．关爱孩子但适当时候适当的惩罚也是需要的，不要护孩子的短。
11．教育并不一定只是讲道理，有时适当可以采取一些强硬的措施。
12．结合孩子的表现，每天思考至少一个关于孩子成长的问题。
13．对幼儿进行艺术教育，培养幼儿高雅的审美情趣，注意引导、丰富幼儿的感性认识，在大自然中加深幼儿的情感体验，是非常有益的。
14．对于幼儿时期的孩子，不要让他们长时间地和自己的父母住在一起，隔代更亲，不利于教育。也许没有科学道理，但绝对适用。
15．注意培养孩子的善心。古人云：勿以恶小而为之，勿以善小而不为。
16．教会孩子微笑，微笑面对生活的一切，微笑面对人生。
17．对孩子不要乱许愿，承诺的事情想尽一切办法也要兑现。
18．要常换位思考!对孩子的所做、所想等家长应常换位思考，假如我是孩子的话，我将会怎样？
19．给孩子一定的空间和自由，同时给一定的压力和责任！
20．向孩子说明，他本身已经很可爱了，不用再表现自己。
21．从来不说孩子比别的孩子差。
22．绝不用辱骂来惩罚孩子。
23．在孩子干的事情中，不断寻找值得赞许的东西。
24．不要吓孩子。以免造成孩子过分胆小、怕事。
25．不要当众批评和嘲笑孩子，以免造成心理畸形，失去自信心等。
26．不要对孩子过分严厉。以免孩子惧怕、害羞不敢发表自己的观点，养成面善心恶的性格。
27．不要过分夸奖孩子。以免孩子养成“沽名钓誉”的不良习气，和过于自负的态度。
28．不要暗示孩子做不良的事。比如：不用红绿灯过马路、打架一定要赢、自己的东西不给别的吃、乘车或地铁不购票等。
29．让孩子正确树立心目中的偶像。

成长篇：
1．给孩子一些私人空间。
2．给孩子选择的机会和权利。
3．让孩子自由选择自己的伙伴、朋友。
4．让孩子做想做的事。（但要时常观察其作为）
5．让孩子做一些能力所能及的家务，如洗洗自己的衣服、烧水煮饭等，让他意识到自己是家庭成员中的一分子。
6．为孩子准备一个陈列架，让他在上面展示自己制作的物品。
7．认真地对待孩子提出的正经问题和看法。
8．把孩子当作成人一样，和他平等相处，把孩子当成自己的朋友。
9．及时发现孩子的点滴进步，懂得赏识孩子。
10．记得对孩子说：我爱你，你是我的宝贝！
11．记得经常亲吻你的孩子，抱抱他（她），摸摸他（她）的头，让他（她）知道你的爱！
12．随时关注他（她）的进步，并让他（她）自己知道自己的进步！
13．多与孩子孩子沟通，了解孩子，与孩子同行。
14．不要给孩子贴上“笨”的标签。
15．家长要耐心地倾听孩子的烦恼。
16．要学会真诚地赞美孩子，而不是像对宠物一样说句“你真聪明”。
17．让孩子经常有机会和他的同伴在一起。
18．关心孩子的身体健康，更关注孩子的情感需要。
19．先成人再成才，教育的根本目标是培养人，一个健全的人，即身心得发展。
20．在生活中创设一些困境，和孩子一起度过。
21．鼓励孩子尽量不依赖成年人。
22．了解孩子有哪些朋友，这很重要。

生活篇：
1．给孩子一些钱，让孩子学会理财。
2．没有得到孩子的许可，不要看孩子的日记与信件。
3．经常和孩子郊游。
4．睡前给孩子讲讲故事，让孩子笑着入睡！
5．给孩子一个主要供他玩耍的房间或者房间的一部分。
6．如果可以的话, 每天晚饭过后和孩子到户外散散步。
7．快乐与孩子一起分享！
8．对小家伙开心地笑，并希望他（她）也常笑！
9．帮助孩子与来自不同社会文化阶层的孩子正常交往。
10．鼓励孩子与各种年龄的人自由交往。
11．给孩子留出真正的“玩”的时间和空间。
12．教会孩子骑自行车、游泳, 这都是进入社会的一种基本技能。
13．每天早上与孩子相互问候，让他感受到美好的一天的到来。
14．夫妻实在要吵架，请一定要记住：避开孩子。
15．每天下班回家看到孩子，首先微笑着问他一遍：孩子，你今天快乐吗？
16．不给他留有太多的物质遗产，给他一个健康的身体，给他一个健康的心理，一个快乐的人生。
17．着重进行孩子的生活能力和行为习惯的培养。
18．只要与创作有关的尘埃或垃圾，不要责备孩子把房间或者桌面上弄乱。
19．父母对自己的双亲要孝敬有加，让孩子觉得家中充满了爱，同时父母也是他们值得学习的榜样
20．父母之际间要互相谦让，相互谅解
21．不要太关心孩子。“自己的事情自己做”，以免孩子养成以我为中心的坏习惯。
22．不要常把孩子粘在身边，让他与年龄相仿的孩子多交往，以免孩子养成性格孤僻的恶习。
23．不要孩子要啥买啥。让他知道“劳动与所得、权得与义务” 的关系。以免孩子修成好逸恶劳的性格。
24．生活中的困难以及一些家庭大事有时可以和孩子商量。
25．对孩子的爱要稳定，不要一会儿晴，一会儿阴。
26. 对家里所有的孩子要一视同仁，不然会造成孩子心理不平衡。

学习篇：
1．和孩子一起读书，家长可以看看报，一个好的学习伙伴很重要。
2．孩子在家学习，家长切莫搞一些娱乐活动，一个舒适的学习环境很重要。
3．不要逼孩子学自己不喜欢的东西。
4．不要因为孩子的成绩而责骂孩子。
5．不要因为孩子试卷上的低分而认为孩子没有出息。
6．教他（她）足以带来成就感的知识：古诗、数字、故事、家务、玩耍、交朋友···
7．教育孩子读好书、好读书
8．不要对孩子的学习成绩表示太大的关注，那样会造成孩子学习紧张，压力增大。
9．不要把孩子的成绩与其他孩子相比，要分析一下造成这种现象的原因，反思一下有没有自己的责任。
10．孩子的房间要有自己的书桌，书桌上要有几本自己爱看的书籍，如《格林童话》、《伊索寓言》等。

娱乐篇：
1．和孩子一起看他喜欢的动画片、一起听他爱听的故事等。
2．和孩子一起玩游戏、锻炼身体。
3．控制孩子看电视的时间，每天在半个小时到一个小时之间。
4．多让孩子看一些少儿节目：动画片、益智节目等，少看动作片、连续剧。
5．孩子看电视时，家长们适时地陪他们一起，并且对里面的内容作一些讲解与讨论。
6．春天可以和孩子骑自行车去郊游，夏天和孩子一起去河边游泳，秋天则背着铁锅和孩子去野炊，冬天一家三口在野地上打雪仗，堆雪人。
7. 可以的话，常带孩子到郊外或田野，去野餐也好，过一些田园日子也好，让孩子接触大自然。
8．允许孩子收集各种废弃物。（但一定要洗干净，确保卫生）
9．孩子的朋友来做客时要表示欢迎。
10．和孩子下棋，让孩子知道落子无悔，教育他对自己所做事要负责任，同时输了要承认，家长有时也要放手让孩子赢一两盘，这对孩子来说很重要。

Pumpkin Pudding

2011-01-11T20:45:00.002+08:00

This afternoon, I made myself a pumpkin pudding. It was quite a bliss in making this pudding. However, somehow, I added too much milk to the pumpkin mixture. That's why, the pudding was quite watery. Nonetheless, the taste was great with all the goodness of pumpkin. I find that the taste resembles that of the sweet potatoe. Hmmm, interesting ...... For recipe, click here.

Facts & Nutrition of Pumpkin:

According to Hubpages.com, the pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbita family which also consists of squash and cucumbers. Pumpkins are also considered a fruit due to the fact that it has seeds. In fact its name was even derived from the Greek word “pepon” meaning large melon.
Natives used pumpkins for a variety of functions including healing. Certain tribes used pumpkin seeds to help heal wounds. In addition, pumpkin seed oil was used to treat burns and wounds and was also used as a medicine for kidney support. They were also recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites. Modern folk healers even believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal worms and also believe that the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea may help ease women during their menstrual cycle.

Regardless of if they can truly make freckles disappear or ease cramps, pumpkins do contain a variety of phenomenal nutritional aspects. They are made up of 90 percent water and are antioxidant rich. Here are some of the wonderful antioxidants that pumpkins provide:

• Beta Carotene- Indicated by their bright orange color, pumpkins are a great source of the important antioxidant, beta carotene. Research has indicated that diets rich in beta carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and protects against heart disease. It also prevents some degenerative aspects of aging.

• Potassium- Studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Other potassium rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.

• Zinc- Not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

• Fiber- Diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.
Pumpkin seeds have also been linked to a healthy prostate. The protective compounds present within the seed of the pumpkin, called phytosterols, may be responsible for shrinking the prostate. They also contain chemicals that may prevent some transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT are associated with enlarged prostate.

There are also plenty of yummy and healthy options available to you when cooking pumpkins. According to Bellaonline.com, pumpkins have a rich flavor, are highly nutritious and have a long storage capability. If you plan to cook with your pumpkin and not just carve it up for the front porch, choose a “pie pumpkin” or a “sweet pumpkin.” These pumpkins are generally smaller than jack o-lantern pumpkins, their flesh is sweeter and they contain less water. Also choose pumpkins without blemishes or soft spots for the best and healthiest pumpkins.

In addition to pumpkin pie, this versatile fruit can be used in a myriad of other delectable recipes including bread, muffins, soups, stew and side dishes. Pumpkins and most other varieties of winter squash can be used interchangeably in recipes. Use pumpkins in recipes calling for squash or even sweet potatoes.