Second Time Parenthood

Flameless Cooking: Vietnamese Spring Roll

2012-01-30T06:46:00.000+08:00

Hi folks! Here's another good recipes to prepare with the kids. It has goodness of lotsa vegetables! Will share recipe in another entry! ;)

Busy Building Rail Track

2012-01-29T19:43:00.001+08:00

Treasuring their last day of holiday..PLAYING!!! And oh yes, play is vital for their mental & physical growth too! ;) what u did on the last day of holiday?

Family Trip 2012 - I-City Shah Alam

2012-01-29T07:24:00.000+08:00

Hi folks! I heard so much of this place and finally made it there with my family during the CNY break. There are merry-go-rounds, and other fun fair-like games that visitors can play for a fee. Overall, it's an easy-going brisk walking and admiring trip for about 2 1/2 hrs for us :)

Reflection and Reporting: Learning to Bake

2012-01-28T02:20:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! One of my goal is to learn up new skills. Here's one of them: BAking. First attempt using Pre-made dough but judging from the results(overbaked) I still got lotsa experiments & lessons before getting it right! Gambateh!! What new skills are you picking up this year? Pls. share! Cheers! :)

Reflection and Reporting: Filial Piety

2012-01-27T00:08:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

This year, another goal I wish to achieve is to practice : FILIAL PIETY.

In Confucian ideals, filial piety (Chinese: 孝) is one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors.

(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety)

This is somewhat an unfamiliar term for those who are not familiar with the Confucius teaching, but nevertheless, this virtue has been imparted in other forms or terms.

For example, in Malaysia education, the Malay term for it will be "Kasih Sayang kepada Ibubapa.".

Frankly speaking, I am not considered very filial person. Or shall I say I have not progress much in this field.

Yes I do care a lot for my family. I have been trying to reduce the financial burden of my parents by giving tuition since Form 2 (age 14) till my college years. I studied hard to earn a scholarship so that my parents will not have to crack head and back to pay for my sis (who is one year apart from me) and me through universities.

In a way, it makes me more independent and grow rather "distant" from my family. During college times, I would work during the holiday, spending very little time at home. Even though at that time, i made sure i called home every week. Something which I tend to forget to do now that I have my own family and kids.

So this year, I hope I will maintain this routine to call my parents weekly if not more often and try to visit them as often as I could.

Whenever I told my child whatever i wished, e.g., wish they could drive me when they got their driving license, wish they would provide me with some surprises (good ones of course), be a good and responsible person..etc...I reckon I should do it to my parents too :)

So I hope I can bring them for trips and outings more often too. Have to really cherish while they are still around.

And I hope I can be more supportive and encouraging with my words and not to talked back/preaching when I don't come into terms with their ways or mindset.

My children are my mirrors towards how I should be treating my parents.

And, as the wise saying goes, " Our parents don't need our filial piety. It is us, Children, who needed to practice it.". How true!

So, have you called your parents lately? Why not make the call or the visit now?

Cheers!

Reflection and Reporting: Eat and Serve Healthier Food

2012-01-26T11:56:00.002+08:00

Hi folks!

This year i have not really confirm or rather conclude on my New Year Goals/Aspirations so to speak....

I have got lotsss in mind to do and achieve...but priorities ..is the key.

I like to do it one at a time or at any one time and...record each small tiny steps leading towards each of my goal.

So today's reporting will be on my Health and Parenting Goal: Eat and Serve Healthier Food :)

One of the many recipes i wanted to experiment is smoothies. This is especially for my kids and hubby in mind.

Of course, first i am my first guinea-pig and my own critics before serving the rest of the crew ;)

This particular one which I have tried : Banana-Avocado Smoothie (verdict: yummy and heart-healthy)

Ingredients are simple:

2 bananas
1 avocado
3/4 glass of apple juice

Method:

Put all into blender and blend to smoothie perfection!

(i use my ever trusty hand blender ...very easy to wash..)

By the way, one of my friend taught me to freeze the unfinished bananas, so I am able to whip this yummy smoothies anytime I have ripe avocados at hand. Simply take out the frozen bananas from the freezer and thaw it for 10mins(if you have a power juicer, you can blend it immediately!). This give the smoothies a cool taste minus the ice.

Today offered this drink to my son who walked into the kitchen full of curiosity. And yep he finished half glass of this yummy-licious drink! Makes mommy happy n proud & excited to try some other yummy recipes ;) One of the thing i could add in now perhaps is some extra nutrients like flaxseed powder etc...

How are the recipes you have been experimenting lately for yourself or family? Pls. do share!

Cheers!

Early CNY Pai Nien

2012-01-20T23:12:00.001+08:00

We have it earlier as my siblings mostly married outstation folks. So they be balik kampung tomorrow..

Early Scrumptious Reunion Dinner + Karaoke + Games

2012-01-20T23:08:00.000+08:00

Vege char siew, cold dish, curry, pun choi, yakult, cocktail & sushi. Karaoke & family quiz games. I won the big red packet! Yey! :)

Happy CNY to all!

2012-01-20T08:48:00.001+08:00

Hi folks!

Today is a rainy and rather jam-packed day. I believe lotsa people will be making their home for CNY celebration with their loved ones.

To those who are driving, be safe on the road.

Happy Dragon year to all! May it brings a mystical and miracle change that we all need for the year 2012 for the better!

Let's start from each and everyone of us to be a better person...each day!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Cheers!

Moonlight Movie@ Bukit Kiara

2012-01-17T05:40:00.002+08:00

Hi folks!

Last Sat, we as Unifi users are invited to a moonlight movie marathon@Bukit Kiara Equestrian Indoor Arena.

Theme: Beachwear.

At first I thought it's those movie in the car with a big screen. But kinda disappointed at the venue..too stuffy &hot to hold a movie marathon! I must say this event is not as organized as it should be..lots to improve, from venue to event details, timing, expensive & long queue to get the pricey F&B! As an invited guest, we need to pay for the meals. It makes no sense at all to state the starting time at 6pm but only start the show after 7pm. Making us wonder about dinner time.....or... are we merely considered another potential client of the exclusive F& B stalls? We don't get our so-called VIP Guest to pay for their meals do we? If so, then make the event after dinner time to avoid the long queue and inconveniences caused especially to family with young children.

Hope they will improve on their event organizing skills...definitely thinking more than thrice to participate in any of their future events... hohoho...

Cheers to a happy and fruitful day!

Ransacking Toys@wee hours

2012-01-14T06:27:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! SE has he habit of waking very early in the morning...even before he starts nursery. He is very punctual at 4.30-5am as if ready for prayer time hoho wonder when he can sleep like his sis!

Yummy Trip@LovingHut Sri Petaling

2012-01-13T18:36:00.001+08:00

Seri Petaling Outlet
53-1, Jalan Radin Bagus,
Bandar Baru Seri Petaling,
57000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60390570968
Email : lovinghut.sp@gmail.com

Sent from my iPhone

Artisan Gourmet Bread & Pastry Appreciation Workshop at 19Culinary

2012-01-09T01:56:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! Yesterday I attended this workshop from 19Culinary using the Groupon I have purchased. Have learned earlier that they will show using Pre-made dough but didn't know that not even the forming of the pastry shape is not shown. Is only showing how to thaw & "bake" the ready-made bread & pastry which is 75% cooked to bakery-style taste & look. Tad disappointed but well at least I now learn there is this thing called ready-made 75% cooked dough which I can bake and serve it piping hot & yummy to guest anytime..will show more when I experiment it ;)

Jamie Oliver-inspired Salad Treat

2012-01-08T05:52:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! Here's one yummy dish me & SE prepared after watching Jamie's salad recipe.
Ingredient: cherry tomato, lettuce, black olives, cucumber, Tempe, cranberries, cashew nuts, almond
Dressings: salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil

Multigrain Rice

2012-01-07T23:54:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! I love trying out different rice, recently got a pack of organic 5 multigrain rice, which contains brown rice, millet, brown rice, sushi rice, one more forgot the name :P taste quite good! Even DH is not complaining!

'More Than A Mammo’ programme

2012-01-05T12:59:00.001+08:00

Hi folks!

Have you heard of the 'More Than A Mammo' programme?

CANCER Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) and Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya (SDMC SJ) in Selangor have recently launched the "More Than A Mammo" Programme targeted to increase awareness and uptake of mammogram screening for breast cancer.

The programme aims to reach out to 1,000 Malaysian women by offering mammograms at a subsidised rate of RM50.

To participate, you need to be:

A Malaysian woman aged 40 and above
No personal history of breast cance
Have not gone for a mammogram for the last 12 months.

However, if you are less than 40 years of age and have a close relative with breast cancer, you should consult your doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammograms.

With a doctor's referral, you are still eligible for the study.

If you are interested, do register at the Breast Care Centre, 1st Floor Outpatient Centre, Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Mondays to Fridays, or telephone +603-5639 1340 or log on to www.carif.com.my for more information.

I remember last year when I brought my mom for the mammogram test at a private medical centre, it costs MYR120.

So, if you fits the criteria and care of your health, I strongly encourage you all to go for the test; this time for a good cause too!

Cheers!

New Year, New Hopes & Attitude

2012-01-04T06:17:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

Yesterday I took a day off to send the kids to nursery and also to take some time off to do some mini spring-cleaning after coming back from a 3-day camp (the first camp ever after more than 7yrs absence from attending such motivational camps; it is there where I met my hubby too!)

I like to share something I learn from the radio deejay yesterday. "Ask what we can do to xxx, rather than what others can do to us". And "what should we do to achieve our goal rather than waiting for it to miraculously happen.."

They were discussing with listeners to ask what they like to contribute back to the co. for year 2012. And what actions they should start doing to achieve the new year goals made.

As it is much easier to start the Change from Ourselves rather than hoping others(things, events, condition) to change.

So what I like myself to change this year? I hope to have more patience and peace at heart in everything I do. More patient with the kids.. And enjoy their cheekiness...more at peace with the chores n tasks I need to do daily...

First thing to do is to have a grateful heart and give thanks more.....first thing in the morning while getting the kids
Ready for school and driving thru the jam...Have Patience, sing songs :)

How about you? What do you like to achieve today?

Sent from my iPhone

First Day at Nursery

2012-01-03T14:24:00.001+08:00

Hi folks!
Today marks another milestone for SE who started nursery school today together with KY. See that he's pretty excited&happy to finally upgraded to a "big boy" status. No crying albeit upon seeing me picking him up@school today but teacher said,"No, wait for your sis!" I managed to calm his almost teary-eye with a smile. So proud of you SE! Oh ya just a slight morning "debate" required to change into his uniform rather than gym set ;)

Year End Ritual: Making a 'Thankful' List

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

Another good thing to practice here is making a thankful list up to 100 items to be referred throughout the year!

Gamed? Let's try this! And share if you do managed to come up with such list...it will serve as a good reminder tool when we meet any challenges in the future!

Cheers!

Simple yet thoughtful gestures

2011-12-31T06:49:00.001+08:00

Hi folks! On last day of work for 2011, I received these gifts from colleagues (Azza & On), thanks for thinking of me..small but kind gestures ends a good year! :)

Year End Ritual: New Year Goals

2011-12-31T00:05:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

It's the time of the year for goal setting :)

Have you completed yours?

I have completed mine, the draft version.

Separating into the following areas:

1. Health

2. Personal Development

3. Family

4. Work

5. Finance

6. Spiritual

Shall share more in more specific task-oriented basis to achieve each of these goals!

Happy New Year everyone!

Have a great year!

Cheers!

Hakka Loi Cha

2011-12-30T06:18:00.001+08:00

Hi folks, this is a signature Hakka Dish that I love and would always order whenever it is on the menu. It's called Hakka Loi Cha which made up of a bowl or rice with lotsa of lightly boiled vegetables, crunchy peanuts and a special gravy made out of grinded tea leaves, mint, basil, sesame seeds, etc.
Super Yummy & Healthy dish!

It's 29 Dec 2011~

2011-12-29T08:14:00.001+08:00

Hi folks!

Another 2-3 days, we will be stepping into year 2012. What has 2011 brings to you?

What is your hope and aspiration for 2012?

Shall we start making our reflection and share it with God, ourselves, our close friends or even our blog....let them be our supporters and reminders of our dreams and goals...

I am making a list soon after I done reviews on my past goals and achievement :)

If you are making yours, please do leave your blog url or share it with me at the comment box. I love to be your supporter too!

Cheers!

Things to be Grateful of during Festive season

2011-12-28T08:15:00.001+08:00

Hi folks!

Yesterday, at the news @ 8pm, many chinese consumers were being interviewed with the Chinese New Year approaching plus the high expenses incur when kids starting school this 4 Jan, will it affect their pocket and the way they spend. And whether the MYR100 allocation from the government if of any help to them.

Truly, we do spend a lot during festive season don't we? For the Chinese, people usually will buy new clothings, new shoes, etc etc during the CNY.

As for me this year, I will also try not to spend unnecessary.

I am grateful to have:

Enough clothing to wear
Enough food to eat
Enough leaves/holidays to spend with my family

That's all matters during the festive season, isn't it ;)

How do you feel during the upcoming festive season?

Cheers!

DiGi iPhone 4SURE SIRI ANSWERS

2011-12-27T11:47:00.002+08:00

Hi folks!

The first telco I used when I first started college is DiGi.

The first smart phone I used at the beginning of motherhood is iPhone.

And together, DiGi and iPhone 4S makes a great companion to me!

I remember I was checking through my e-mails while pumping milk at work during lunch hours during my breastfeeding days.

I was also browsing online using the data packages anywhere, everywhere checking on sales for baby products, checking on route/maps to the warehouse sales etc.

I love DiGi data plans. If you learn about how we were charged MYR750 data plans when we first got our iPhone, you would know why we loved DiGi iPhone plans/packages!

Unlike in US or Japan whereby most places are "wired", you get wifi pretty everywhere you go. In Malaysia, we still need a good data plan to be able to online everywhere, anytime.

So, DiGi sure has a more affordable iPhone packages and data plans to match the users from heavy to light users who surf occasionally.

Now, if we ask Siri which telco has the most affordable iPhone 4S packages, I am curious what Siri would answer...really...who owns an iPhone 4S? Mind to try? Do you get the answer as shown in the picture on the left?

Cheers to a more affordable phone package for Malaysian users!