The Singapore Housewife

Its Been A Long Time

2008-03-06T21:44:00.005+08:00

Alrighty folks, I guess I have to post something this week. There were updates in my life but its just me being lazy :-P

New School
Remember I had discussed about my son's problem with English and changing of schools sometime back? I finally did it. I had submitted the withdrawal form to the old school a month ago and this week the kids begins their pre-school life at the new school just near to my home.
This school has a size of 10 kids per class and never had any cases of HFMD (which I am very particular). The teachers are not expats but locals, who have extended years of pre-school teaching experience. And the plus point is, the school adopts a system to prepare the preschooler for the primary one foundation, all in line with MOE. The kids were already at level where they are learning to compose sentences, which I am hoping my son will pick up soon.
As I spoke to the english teacher, she is willing to help my boy to reach that level and trying her best for him to be ready for primary one.

Scientific Interest
While waiting for the long last month to be over at the old school, I was actually busy teaching my little boy at home, enriching him with scientific, reading and writing activities.

At home we did science experiments. Base on some craft books, the science projects such as building a volcano did just satisfy his curiosity. With him being inquisitive and more questions raised in our daily conversations, science center trips and diy home projects had actually help alot. Daddy helps him with science and mummy helps him with english/chinese/maths.

100 Words
I had helped him with blending words such as C-at, B-at, S-at, H-at, M-at. All possible letters and word blendings are gone through. And he begins to feel confident once again!
I had also prepared the basic 100 words from Scholastic. He picked up all very soon with repetition, patience and guidance. All these did not stop even we are in Thailand, learning once a day for a short while.

Back home, as he is more comfortable with english, son actually begin another interest of reading newspaper headlines! In the morning, he would roughly tell me whats happening to that article, base on the headline. He is not right all the time, but at least he had been showing interest in reading. Usually, he will be looking out for upcoming movie cartoons, toys on sale or maybe just curious about the ads haha.

Boy, I was so relieved that the new teacher said his english is ok, and that he just needed a little help to get to the current K2 level. Thank goodness, I had brought him back on track from K1.
Even though his teachers are good, I will continue to guide son at home. Of course, my two little ones deserve a little treat - educational pc games, which they are entitled to.

My little girl remains independent and enthusiastic. She is doing well in her ballet foundation class and recently Taekwondo. Both of which she is enjoying. Very versatile girl! She fitted well in her new class very quickly and enjoying school so far. She even clapped and smiled in her sleep (she had been practicing for a school concert tomorrow) haha.

Food and Nutrition for Kids
Besides helping them academically, allergic foods are re-introduced too. He seems to have no problems with eggs recently? Milo is ok, and recently began to love low-fat yoghurt again.
On top of that, I give them scotts cod liver oil for brain (DHA) and gummy bear multivits. You must think I'm kiasu LOL, but its for their health being, and development, really. Strengthen the bones, develop their minds, improve their immunity :-P

Stocks
As for me, I had mentioned in last post that I'll be busy with ebook website. Currently, watching the stock markets closely. Having "hybernate" for a long time since I last traded last year, I intend to pick good and cheap stocks which are undervalued due to the sub-prime crisis. Whether it is safe to collect right now, is still a question or rather "it depends". But I am watching. A confirmed uptrend would mean safe entry, but to spot the right stock at the right time, its homework time. You can scout for break-out signs too. Ah, break-out charts can be identified using charting softwares or based on a combined set of criteria. At this tumultuous time, you must be wondering how can a stock surge when market looks bad. It is possible, depending on economic theory, company value added elements, clear directions, its intrinsic value, being well run by excellent management, including sound financial year reports.

For those who just wanna keep it there for long-term, don't look at the charts too much. Just keep updated with what and how the business (that you are investing on), is doing.

Sorry if I bored you here, its just that I had this plan to gain big bucks in this new year :-D

Thats about all, I gotta go grab a glass of juice and snack ;-)
P.S. - Do enjoy the this favorite piece of mine called "Creep" by Karen Souza. Its just above the pataya slide.

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Sorry

2008-02-26T13:15:00.008+08:00

Dear all,
I'm so sorry for MIA for a long time since I lasted posted.

An unexpected event has occurred and I had been feeling unwell. In fact, the whole family got sick too. Hubby had soar throat and a persistent cough, son and daughter caught gastric flu too. And mum is also down from fever and cough with all the germs in the household.

I was lazy too, yes, no excuses haha.. With everyone ill, I had no energy to bake or cook. We had been eating mum's home cooked porridges, with chicken, fishes, veggetables and soups. And dinner was sometimes settled with takeaways or at food outlets.

Nevertheless, I hope to share a few pictures we had taken over the MIA days :-P

Here you go:

I am currently embarking on my project of selling ebooks online. More details will be posted here when the website is ready. At this moment, I had only transferred my long parked domain at another registrar to the current webhoster. The next task for me is to design the website. I am practically not creative. So far I had downloaded some templates, but nothing look nice that I wanted. If you have any great suggestions for design templates, do let me know :-)

Till then, have a good day!

♥ Day | Award

2008-02-14T20:29:00.004+08:00

Happy ♥ Day Everyone!

Thanks napaboaniya for giving me Valentines Day Award. I'll follow your meme from here :-D. Me too, would like to award specially to all blogger friends that have been sweet, fun, funny and lovely. Valentine's Day a day mostly remembered for love. However, I'll say Peace above Love. Yes?

*Drum roll* This award is for the following lovable blogger friends,
Cooking for Mara, Cooking Momster, Daily Affairs, Everyday Healy, Hazel, Jottings of Life, mamabliss, Mom.Dad.Chat, More Than Words, The Blue Plate, Precious Moments, Rose World, so many more... I'm sorry if I've left anyone out. Do feel free to grab it :) Hopefully also pass the peace along to others :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Day Four - Pataya Getaway

2008-02-13T13:28:00.006+08:00

Pataya Beach
The beach just in front of Dusit resort.

Above: Dusit resort pool and sea view
Day Four was pretty much a free and easy day. We requested for late check out at 2pm, hence that allow us to laze around more in the morning. For breakfast, we had something like kway chap but in Thai, they eat with rice and the clear soup. In other words, "Dher Dou" in Teochew.

The shop that we stopped by for breakfast is clean and the food is good. We returned to the resort to pack our stuff, before trotting out to the beach for a walk.

By 2 pm, we checked out the resort and drove along the Sukhumvit Highway again. Sukhumvit highway is the same Sukhumvit road in Bangkok, which leads one whole stretch from Pataya to Bangkok!

On the way, we stopped by the Bang Saen market for some snacks. Nothing interests me, as this trip, I had less appetite. Hubby bought the bamboo red bean glutinous rice anyway. he alone gobbled up everything after I took one bite only haha. The kids? Sound asleep - with each of us carrying one.

Below: Bang Saen market

Above: the minced lime pork and bamboo shoots green curry that I had for lunch in Bangkok

Below: the boat noodle shop in the outskirts of Bangkok.

Below: We had visited Toa Goh (hubby's big aunt) during this CNY. The following snack from her home.

This is not prawn rolls like those you see in Singapore. They are mini love letters! Taste really crispy and nice. Yum!

Back to Bangkok

The remaining days were spent lazying at home in bangkok, and driving out to the malls for lunch and shopping.

As usual, I never fail to visit the Japanese bookstore in Emporium. Bought three lovely books: a bakery cookbook, the Hello Kitty bento cookbook, and the Hello Kitty magazine.

Above: inside Suvarnabhumi airport.

Personal Thoughts:

Frankly, I enjoyed the stay much more at KhaoLak. No doubt the visits to the Tiger zoo, Mini Siam, Silverlake grape farm and the temples were enriching experiences, Pataya look like a complicated town to me haha. There are just alot of pubs and night life that I don't quite like. Personally, I love the laid back lifestyle of Khaolak, with its clean streets and beautiful beaches. There are many Thais who move from other provinces just to settle down in Khaolak for retirement, or for setting up business. You may be surprise that there are an increasing number of foreigners opening restaurants, car rental companies, including charity organizations.

Pataya, is too commercialize. Not very suitable for families who travel with kids. Also, I tend to compare Le Meridien with Dusit, and I cannot help but just yearn for Le Meridien's laid back vacation. Dusit completely has no facilities for kids. Although its services standard is no doubt good. Only one more thing I am not happy with our room is that the floor is not a non-smoking floor.

This year, I will not be going any where far except trotting between Thailand and Singapore.
We hope to go to a resort in a very outskirt area in Thailand, where the rooms are in well decorated, aircon tents. Something very much like camping, with all meals provided by the resort. Well, this is just a plan, I'll post the picture of the resort soon when booking is confirmed :-P

Lastly, I have to apologize for the badly taken pictures. The dark sky and raining did not help at all. Furthermore, I was't as excited I was with Khaolak for photo shoots. Just snap without the right setting..haha

If you look at my flickr album for Pataya, most of the pictures look gloomy.

Thats all for now, Good Luck to everyone in this CNY.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Day Three - Pataya Getaway

2008-02-13T09:56:00.005+08:00

Wat Yan Sangwararam, Vihan Sian
Where? 15 km south of Pattaya City, turning left from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 160.

Above: The Vihan Sian where there are many beautiful and exquisite sculptures, exhibitions of Buddha, GuanYin and many other heavenly gods and fairies.

Above: An interesting wall art depicting the dragon in the heavens

We came upon this place just nearby.
The image of the Buddha is real gold-plated and need security to guard the attraction.

Silverlake Grape Farm

Grapes are grown here and packed for producing juices or used as jam for the cookies.

The Silverlake grape juice for sale. We bought a few bottles and had some there at the garden. The juice taste good and sweet.

There are cookies with grape jam, in many shapes and sizes and the dried grapes that are packed for sale as raisins. Not all of cookies are nice, I grabbed many packs for gifts, as some were really cheap and on offer. Mum chided me for not testing the first pack of cookies before buying more. Can't understand why I didn't do that either haha, too kiasu LOL. My hubby think I never learned my lesson. Last trip to cha-am, I bought a pack of sweets that look so colorful and pretty for the kids, and didn't taste that good, the candies have very strong coconut flavor. The clever children didn't touch the pack of candies too haha.

The grape juice tasting pavillion at the farm below:

We were given four plastic cups with ice to enjoy the grape juice at the pavillion.
It was still drizziling, otherwise the pictures would have turned out brighter.

Kids at Play
After the grape farm, we drove back to the resort. While hubby took a nap, I took the kids to explore around the resort. And then we met Eric, the little three year old boy playing "catching" with the kids, running all over the ground level. His mum was so worried! Before we went back up to our room, I took care to send Eric back to his mum at the restaurant next to the waterfall garden. Needless to say, the boy got scolded!

Late Lunch

As I was sick of the local food, ordered the burger for myself.

Hubby had this thai crispy noodles with curry

My little girl had this kids meal - spinache with cream sauce, mashed potatoe and sunny side up eggs. Son won't eat anything and keeps running around the waterfall garden.

Below: Where we are dining

Mini Siam
By dinner time, we drove out for the Mini Siam. It is just off Sukhumvit highway on the right side driving from our resort.

As the name suggests, this place is a miniature city with replicas of 80 sacred places, the seven wonders of the world and conserved historical sites in Thailand at a scale of 1 to 25.
Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tel(038) 421628, 424232 (Pattaya) or 271-1896, 616-1533 (Bangkok).

The shots would look good in the day but it was getting dark by then.
Thats the best my Casio Exilim can capture...:-P

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Day Two - Pataya Getaway

2008-02-12T21:50:00.002+08:00

Siriracha Tiger Zoo
After about 2 and a half hours, including stops for toilet, snacks and coffee, we reached Pataya. It was raining cats and dogs, which was why we were also stuck at the coffee place earlier. On the way to the resort, we stopped by the Siriracha Tiger Zoo (below).

The tiger zoo has a huge compound, housing not just tigers but crocodiles, camels, pigs (who can do math), and its own circus. Where? 336 Mu 6, Tambon Surasak, Si Racha District

Dusit Resort
The kids, happy with the zoo, can't wait and asked to check in at Dusit resort. They just love the comfort of the resort haha. Unfortunately, the first two days was like raining now and then. Hence, we didn't swim at the pool.

Below: Our room at Dusit Resort

The waterfall garden just next to the lobby. We love this best. Having your meal by this garden and hearing the sound of water is well soothing. It is very good for fengshui too.

Dusit Thani Pattaya, Thailand
240/2 Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150
Room Reservations:1699 (within Thailand)
+66 (0) 3842 5611
+66 (0) 3842 8239
Email

We have been there a few years ago when the kids were toddlers. The resort specializes in spa, aromatherapy and massage. A very well decorated and nice place. But there is nothing for kids and families. Pataya has never changed much except for its beaches, they are not as clean and clear as Phuket.

There are alot of shops on the streets parallel to the beach, some touting for tourists' business. It is very much a commercialized town with many pubs, beer gardens, some souvenir shops and malls. We didn't venture there by foot, just driving past the beach and looking for a decent restaurant for our dinner.

By the time we returned to our room, the kids were so tired they went straight to bed. That sort of sums up for day two.

Gong Xi fa Cai!

Day One - Pataya Getaway

2008-02-12T20:45:00.001+08:00

Day One - The Noisy Hired Car from Bangkok

This trip, we hired a car again. On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we are picked by the car rental staff and took over the Chevrolet at the airport carpark. The car was not what we had orginally requested for as we were told the Toyota Vios were fully booked and not available for rent.

And so we drove out of the airport and towards the highway at a faster speed, some noises are coming from behind, louder as we speed. Thank goodness, I had insisted to drive back and call the rental company for a replacement. I'm sure I can't stand the noise with a 2-3 hour drive to Pataya, including safety concerns! I suspect the car's wheel bearing is loose.

And what luck, we called and waited 40 mins for the same staff to turn up with another car - a Toyota Altis. This time hubby test drive it around the carpark before signing documents again. The Toyota reputable for its mechanical reliability and component quality, did not dissapoint us with the smooth and "noiseless" run (not selling car here ah).

Lunch and Gym at Tesco Lotus
Finally, we took off from the airport, "flying" straight to our first stop at Tesco Lotus for lunch. Everyone of us were starving already.

Above: The kids' must have - the play gym at most of the Tesco Lotus food court outlets.

Chinese New Year Reunion Lunch
The first two days were spent at my MIL's home. We left for Pataya after a reunion lunch with the whole family on day two.

Below: The reunion lunch with some home cooked and ordered dishes. Alot of them are seafood, so I only had the Thai fish cakes, veggies, and fishes. MIL was not aware of my Thyroid and sudden food allergy. I think it will take me days to explain to her whats Thyroid and why I can't eat seafood haha. I'm not too good with prasah Thai yet.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Big Bang Meme

2008-02-10T21:18:00.000+08:00

Grabbed this tag from Napaboaniya
This is the first time I do this tag, so just doing it for fun, thanks Nap.

*Start Copy Here*

You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.

1. Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*

2. Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post at each site you add.

3. Tag or don’t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the bigger the list will grow.

4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like a scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.) Scroll Box Example. (I decided not to use the box for the Big Bang for ease of copying.)

5. Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in. Once you are on the master list people who have participated earlier will update their bookmarks and help everyone lower than them out on the list.

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*End Copy Here*

To all my current readers of my blog and all My Interesting Read list of bloggers (on the right of this blog,

Try this meme for fun, it is pretty simple to do too.

Cheers!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-01T10:15:00.000+08:00

Dear all fellow bloggers, readers, family and friends,

I'll be away with my family again to Thai from tomorrow and will probably be back after the CNY holidays.

We will be staying in Bangkok for about a day or two, before proceeding to a resort for another short getaway.

I would like to wish everyone a Prosperous New Year, Good Health, and Success in every of your Endeavors!

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru Yi!

Kiddy Meal: Mini Hearts Pizza

2008-02-01T09:43:00.000+08:00

On wednesday, the kids helped me to prepare the mini hearts pizza for dinner. As they had snacks in the afternoon and were not hungry, I thought the mini pizzas will be just nice.

This free recipe is adapted from "Everyday Cuisine Made Easy" provided free by a marketing company for promoting its products (Brant oven, corelle, corningware).

It was suppose to be called "mini stars pizzas", but I only have "hearts" cookie cutters.
This recipe by Irene Jansen of Culinary Adventures is very easy to prepare. Would recommend it even for parties too.

Mini Hearts Pizzas Recipe
Preparation: Easy!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins
Serves 4 kids

Ingredients:
1. 8 slices wholemeal bread
1/2 cup cream cheese
Tomato sauce
3 slices ham, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
100g Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup olive oil

Instruction:
1. Using a star (or hearts) cookie cutter, cut out the bread into star or hearts shapes. Make 12 pieces
2. Spread each heart-shaped bread with a little cream cheese, a little tomato sauce then add a small serving of the sliced ham, chopped tomatoes. Then drizzle the mozzarella cheese on top. repeat the same for other heart-shaped bread.

3. Drizzle a little olive oil on each heart and place them separately on an oven tray.

4. Place them in the oven for 20 minutes at 175 degree, and cook using the top and bottom heat.

Result: Not too bad! The kids love them. Son has no problems with Mozarrella cheese and the cream cheese spread. Although I had no tomatoes and used normal white bread, the pizzas taste good just as well with ham and cheese only.

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Obolo Macarons

2008-01-29T22:40:00.000+08:00

This evening, me and hubby made a quick run for dinner at Joo Chiat Road for the Bak Kut Teh. After that, we head towards the Obolo further down Joo Chiat Road (towards katong mall). As we walked in, we are so mesmerized with its colorful and lovely cheesecakes design.

The above macarons from Obolo were given by our neighbor K, for bringing her son D for a play date at our home on Sunday afternoon. Thanks K!

And so at the cafe, we are so captivated by the pretty cakes that we are like, "oh well, sit and enjoy one cheesecake here" (suppose to pack home though) The blueberry cheesecake has a mellow flavor, so rich and soft. As it is one small slice, you would not feel overwhelmed by the strong cheese taste like other cheesecakes.

Just as we are enjoying the cake, the young lady staff asked if we could do an ice cream sampling for them and fill in the survey form! The dessert will be free of charge. What a lucky day!

The above Mango Lemon Sherbet (with ice cream at the bottom) was served to us very quickly.
Me and hubby filled in two separate forms.

My verdict: The sherbet was too sour for my taste buds, hence had given only a "good" rating. Otherwise, the ice cream below the sherbet and its presentation are all excellent. I applaud Obolo's clean cafe, good service and its blissful cheesecakes. The shop decor could have improve to made it more cozy and welcoming. I felt the glass coffee table too cold and the walls too bland. Anyway, I would like to thank the chef/creator of this sherbet for offering us a chance to taste it.

Where? 452 Joo Chiat Road Tel: 6348 9791
Operating Hours: Tue-Sat: 11am - 8pm, Sun: 11am - 6pm(Closed on Mon & PH)

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Eggless Banana Bread

2008-01-29T17:14:00.000+08:00

When The Straits Times (23rd January, mindyourbody issue) had the banana bread recipe published last week, I decided to give it a try.

The Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:
125g butter
250g sugar
3 large or 4 small ripe bananas, mashed
3 eggs, beaten*
250g flour sifted together with 2 tsp baking powder

*As usual, I replaced the eggs with son's milk formula, this time I added 50 ml of it.

Instructions:
1. Heat the oven to 180 deg C and grease or line th ebottom of a 21cm x 11 cm loaf tin with butter and/or baking paper.

2. Beat the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until light and creamy.

3. Mix in the beaten eggs (or about 50ml milk) and mashed bananas - if the mixture starts to curdle, add a couple of tablespoons of the flour.

4. Fold in the sifted flour and baking powder, taking care not to over-mix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and cook for about 1 hour 10 minutes.

5. Insert a skewer or knife into the loaf at the end of the cooking time. When the skewer comes out clean, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the loaf tin for about 10 minutes before turning it out on a wire rack.

6. Cut into thick slices and eat immediately. Leftovers are even better toasted and with butter or jam.

Result:
Erm, the bread did turn out soft, but as egg was not used, the bread texture is slightly different. I had also left the bread a tiny bit longer in the oven. I take note to try using condense milk next time, hoping the bread will hold better (like with eggs added). But the mashed bananas overwrites everything else. Give this recipe a try, I'm sure the bread will be great with eggs :-P

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Tag: 10 Things about Inspiredmumof2

2008-01-25T09:47:00.000+08:00

Thanks Napaboaniya for passing me this tag/meme! Thats a surprise at this time haha...kob khun mak ka.

For this award, I would also like to thank my hubby, mum, dad, sis, uncles, aunties, cousins, ah gong, ah ma, backstage crew, fans, oops sorry, friends...
Gotcha!

1. Inspiredmumof2 loves to :
give the best and spend more time with my babies :-D

2. Inspiredmumof2 hates to :
Eat at dirty places, restaurants with unclean utensils/crockeries, table.

3. Inspiredmumof2 loves to :
photograph interesting objects. The beauty in things of life, nature and art. Capture them while they are not history. So that you will have a chance to look at history with pictures that worth a thousands words.

4. Inspiredmumof2 hates :
losing things and can't find it, especially my glasses, can't look for my glasses when I can't see, argghhh! And when I can't see, aiyo can't watch TV (lagi worst).

5. Inspiredmumof2 loves it:
when my family travels together. Nothing can buy this time, every travel will be logged in our memories and in our travel journal :-D

6. Inspiredmumof2 hates :
dirty toilets. Can't bring myself to do it when the loo is so "eeww" (sorry for being graphic haha)

7. Inspiredmumof2 loves :
eating and shopping!

8. Inspiredmumof2 hates :
eating steamed fish (eeww, fishy smell)

9. Inspiredmumof2 loves :
baking, cooking, and trying out new recipes.

10. Inspiredmumof2 hates :
to be lonely. Love to bring my cute babies to go out, go on a date with hubby, go out with mum, dad, sis and meet up with friends.

I would like to pass this tag/meme to my current and new blogger friends. (In alphabet order) And The Award goes to........:

Daily Affairs
Cooking Momster
MamaBliss' Treasured Moments
More Than Words
Precious Moments
Rose World
The Blue Plate

Congrats all!

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Pineapple Tarts

2008-01-21T15:03:00.000+08:00

Ah finally, I am producing some cookies :-p
Its Chinese New Year! For those unaware, the fruit pineapple signifies and calls for prosperity.
The above pineapple tarts were baked with eggs. So, if you are avoiding eggs, substitute with soy milk or rice milk.

Modified Recipe:

Ingredients:
1. 1 x pack of ready mixed pineapple filling from Phoon Huat.
2. 2 cups or about 450g plain flour
3. 250g butter
4. 120g caster sugar
5. 1½ tablespoon or 20g Isomil advance milk formula - I am usually using soy milk so if you prefer any other milk powder is fine too.
6. Two eggs (one for mixing the dough, another for glazing the tarts) - add soy/rice milk here for mixing with dough and skip the glazing if allergic to eggs.

Instructions

1. Sift the soy milk powder and plain flour together
2. Combine the butter, caster sugar, an egg and beat until smooth
3. Stir in the the plain flour and soy milk powder with the above egg mixture and mix into a soft dough.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C .
5. Roll up the dough to about 0.5 cm thick and cut them out with the pineapple tart mould. As I do not have the mould, I just make do with a mini round plastic container use for bento.
6. I also used the rolling pin to create shallow round indent on the center of the dough, so that pineapple filling can be put in it.
7. Lastly, roll mini strips of dough to decorate the tarts and glaze with a beaten egg.
8. Bake the tarts in baking tray for about 15 minutes at 180°C.

And wala, here you go, my first baked pineapple tarts:

Note:
I am adding the pineapple filling recipe here, especially for tot's mom.
If you can find pineapples in HK...:-)

Pineapple filling Ingredients:
About 5 pineapples
400g to 450g caster sugar (depending on your preference of the sweetness)
I would add less sugar for my own taste.

Instruction:
1. Cut the pineapple and chop them finely or rather use the food blending machine to save time.
2. Cook the chopped pineapple in a pot until dry.
3. Add in the sugar. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and the liquid dries up.

I personally would prefer to buy the ready made pineapple filling to save time. As the decorating of the tart already takes some time. Each and every tart needs to be decorated with 4 small strips of dough, so you can watch your favorite TV drama while doing this!

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Part II - Changing School and Kids Activities

2008-01-21T11:17:00.000+08:00

The Visit to Montessori
Last Friday, as scheduled with the Montessori, I met up with a lady staff from its head office. Even before the appointment, the principle I spoke to was very detailed in how Montessori works and how it will work for most of the kids who were transferred.

It was quite impressive on first visit. the school was security surveyed, very cleaned inner and outer premise. The children were doing different things on their own. And I was wondering if son, who has a short attention like most boys, would sit down and do his own work the Montessori way. The lady staff explained that most of the kids would do the same once they are settled in.

A little girl was doing her math problem with the help of some Montessori tools, while another boy was doing his science experiment. And they were all indifferent even as we were looking at them and talking. That was cool! If otherwise, I was also a little bit concern cos, with such a big class of kids doing different learning at the same time, there was only one directoress and a assistant. Although it was explained that each kid and teacher is one to one learning.

Well, anyway, I thanked the lady, and left. Son wasn't keen about visiting the school so i sent him to his school that morning. That, I think is crucial, since he is not happy about the change, then we do not need to proceed to step 2.

I guess we just stick to his old school, for this last year before he move on to primary.

Kids Activities
Anyway, we have signed him up for his Taekwondo class last week, and he is so enthusiastic!
Today will be his first class, so he is quite thrilled (mummy and daddy too haha). My little sweetie is keen too, but we'll see first, as she already have dancing and music in her schedule.

I will be blogging not as frequent as I used to be last year. Due to "nurturing" my little ones and some daily logistic especially with extra kids activities, I'll try to update as much as I can.

Son:
- Taekwondo
- Phonics

Sweetie
- Music
- Dancing

Me
- Friday = Yoga (hehe, not confirmed yet)

Sneak peek for next post? My latest bake hehe. Adios, see ya soon.

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Worries on Son, Learning and Primary Schools

2008-01-09T23:20:00.000+08:00

Primary Schools
I am so worried. Been reading about preparing son for primary school next year, in forums and schools and government websites.

Last year was a disapointment. We failed to be selected for volunteer during the school ballot and was hoping if another school is a more feasible choice as it is nearer and within 1km from our home.

After much thinking, we decided if he doesn't get into Taonan School then just "hope" MOE gives him a place in nearby good schools like Tanjong Katong, Ngee Ann, etc.

Weaker performance in English
From toddler to Nursery, son is the average preschooler, until last year. In K1, the early part of last year, he was doing fine. By the second half of the year, his English had stopped improving and its school reports in November reveals his weakness in this subject and requires more room to improve. How to study at Tao nan if he ever get into the competitive school? Sigh...May not be a good thing for him in a good school. But I had heard from my cousin V that, the kids won't feel so stressful, rather the top school have more rounded activities.

Enrichment Activities
After a year of full day care in his preschool in K1, we are convinced it is not working for him. Although, one thing, he is more creative and self confident. Unlike in my old times, I was a PAP kindergarten student. Everyone was practically shy, less outspoken and our learning style was more towards academic.

I have been pushing for hubby to taking him out of the full day, in exchange for extra curricular activities. Finally, we made our decision last year end, when the preschool raised its fees and asked for confirmation to continue in 2008.

Our decision was a right one. I had to speed him up on enrichment activities. Just this week, he has attended his first phonics class. My dear little girl will be starting her first ballet/dance class this weekend. All their fees are paid, dance leotards and apparels are bought.

This week, I am considering signing them up for Taekwando, and maybe math for son. Tomorrow, my dear sweetie will be going to be assessed by the music teacher, and see what program is suitable for her.

Change School?
I had procrastinated to change school for son for the last year.
His current preschool is adopting the learn through play approach. But I had doubts in this method.

Just yesterday, I had spoken to the principle of a preschool and a parent of a student. Both had provided two solutions:

- To stay on with the current school and continue with enrichment classes outside the environment. Or,
- To change to a nearby school of her recommendation which using the Montessori approach.

According to the parent, changing school was not very advisable.
-Firstly, with only 3 quarter of the year to go (first quarter fees paid for current year), it is not practical.
-Secondly, as it is the final year of K2, changing school will mean fresh new friends, teachers, and new environment. These might bring upon onset of stress instead, especially having to leave his longtime close classmates.
-Thirdly, she had mention that it is a little late for this decision since the new school year already started.

What should I do?
If son stays,
- his learning remain slow in his current pace at school.
- I worry it may further delay his reading skills.
- I had to spend more money to help him improve.

If he leaves and changes school:
- It is using Montessori method
- It is just 5 minutes walk from our home, hence saving time and money.
- School fees lower in costs too.
- I'm able to afford more external enrichment classes for him

Currently, son has no problems with all other subject except with English.
My primary concern is how can he improve his learning in English. Other learning activities such as sports and creative arts has been on my mind. So these areas of development will not be neglected in anyhow. I would appreciate if anyone could advice.

Primary Regisitration Exercise for children borned in 2002
This year will be the year for son's registration for primary school. For us, we can be considered under phase 2B, since hubby is involved in grassroots work. But for Tao Nan school, we may even need to ballot as its PSLE results for last year were very good. So, no fingers crossed! The 50% left over for phase 2B from the earlier phases of siblings and alumni may be taken up even though we are eligible. What do we need? Ballot, good luck, and good luck.

The nearest primary schools within 1 -2 km:
1 EUNOS PRIMARY SCHOOL
2 KONG HWA SCHOOL
3 MAHA BODHI SCHOOL
4 NGEE ANN PRIMARY SCHOOL
5 ST. STEPHEN'S SCHOOL
6 TAO NAN SCHOOL

Sigh, I'm just like any Kiasu mum. Feeling jitters over pre-primary process.

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Week 2 - Cha'am

2008-01-09T16:08:00.000+08:00

Bored at home a few days in Bangkok, we decided to head for Cha'am for a short getaway from the city. It is some two to three hours drive by taking the highways.

Cha'am is further south of Bangkok, close to the gulf of thailand.

Along the way, we stopped for toilet, petrol, coffee and snacks. This unique pyramid cafe serve really good thai coffee.

Lots of varieties of thai snacks for your appetite.

The thai ice coffee. So good!

This is where we were staying for three nights at Cha'am about 120 miles from Bangkok.

The Springfield beach resort is located at:

825/5 Jumnong-Poomivej Rd., Cha-am, Petchaburi 76120 Thailand.

Did not take any pictures of the room as the apartment belongs to my 2nd sis-in-law.

The place is spacious in the living area, with a kitchenette, a master-room with a spacious bathroom (with sea view), and another room with 2 single beds. The most important part is, all units/rooms in the resort's main building have direct sea view.

The lobby with the christmas tree (on the day of arrival).

The resort had live music at the pool. Especially for the new year eve occasion I believe.

Above, the man getting the ice sculpted for the new year 2008. The resort was planning a new year's eve count down dinner party at the beach.

This overexposed as I did not choose the correct settings for this lighting. It was very bright and the sea view blended into the sky. It was shot right in front of the living room balcony as I was standing.

Ah, my Casio ran out of battery and I didn't bring the charger. Didn't expect the battery to last so fast! Hence, this dim picture was taken with my Nokia phone.

Anyway, the kids enjoyed this pony ride for 200 baht. With the cowboy guiding and walking the pony along beach before returning to the resort beach front. We had followed along with them even though hubby said its ok to leave the kids with them.

This is one of the floats shop in Cha'am that sell colorful floats and swim wear. My word of advice is to spend abit more to get the better quality ones. If you bring your own floats even better. I bought the pink Hello Kitty float for my girl but it had a pin hole when we try to inflate it. So design and quality doesn't always come together...

My favorite Thai rolled roti prata!
The kids never get enough of this too. In case you are wondering where is the prata...erm it was photographed from hubby's camera (I was eating lah..haha).

I could not remember if this was shot in the morning or evening when sun is setting. Again made a blunder for not selecting the correct camera setting :-P

Waghor Aquarium
I almost forgot to mention the Waghor Aquarium where we visited during our stay. The aquarium is located in a small district a little further south called Waghor. It was so amazing that all visitors can enter for free, given its huge collection of freshwater and sea marine fishes. Its underwater world is impressive as much as Singapore Sentosa's version, except for its lack of travellators.

King Monkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology

We also visited this place just next to the Aquarium. Below is an abstract of information from:
http://www.banrimtalaeresort.com/touringE.html

"The Aquarium is a part of the of (King Mongkut Memorial Park of science and technology at Waghor) Prachuap Khiri khan. It is beside the sea in Tambon Klong Wan Sub-District, about 12 Kilometres about of Prachuap Khiri Khan Town Centre. This was the place King Mongkut, King Rama 4, a keen astronomer, came to observe a total solar eclipse that he had predicted, shortly before his death. Now, the area has been turned into a science centre, offering a fountain of knowledge about all sciences, especially astronomy. Every year a science activity camp is held here for young people . Further details contact. Tel. 661098-9 "

Hua Hin Night Market
During this holiday season, alot of Thais were returning to their hometowns. That explains why we skipped going to the Hua Hin night market. With kids tagging along, we don't wanna join the crowd at the market. But it is a pity as there are many things to eat and buy in this popular place for tourists and the locals.

Thank You
Overall, I would like to thank elder sister-in-law for driving all the way from bangkok to cha'am for us. So that, the both of us can take care of the kids in the car for a few hours.

I also would like to thank mom-in-law for the delicious home cook food and for helping with the kids at home.

And of course many thanks to 2nd Sister-in-law for letting us stay at her resort for the four days.

Kob khun mak mak cha!

Lastly, thanks to all readers, bloggers, family and friends for being patient. I am so sorry for keeping everyone waiting for the missing posts for two long weeks!

But of course, your blogs will be read as soon as I have the capacity of time :-)

PS - The pictures did not look so dim originally. I believe the transfer from the memory card to computer to uploading to Flickr affected its original composure. Excuses, you may say so :-P.

Anyway, do feel free to go to my Flickr photo album for more pictures if you are keen.

Ka Sawadee Ka.

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Replies to Biggie and HK Choo

2008-01-08T20:59:00.000+08:00

My sincere apologies for my delayed response!

Biggie @ Lunch in a Box said...
What do you think of those little panda bento belts? Are they the ones made out of felt? I think I've seen them at the Daiso near me, and was curious about how felt would hold up as opposed to elastic. I'd be interested in your feedback!
3:55 AM

Hi Biggie,
I'll let you know how the felt measures up as I have only used it once or twice currently :-)

HK Choo said...
hi, can i check which daiso outlet you got those bento belts and chopsticks from? TIA
6:29 PM

Hey HK Choo,
I got those bento belts and chopsticks from Vivo City branch :-)

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

I'm Back!

2008-01-07T20:41:00.000+08:00

Sawadee ka!
I'm finally home after 2 weeks in Bangkok and Cha'am!
Feels so good to be back home. My little girl missed her grandma and our home sweet home in Singapore. Son was hoping to stay a few more days at MIL's.

This trip was cut short unlike our other usual annual year end visits to MIL. Every year was about one month. So don't complain ah my friends and family! :-D

Thailand is indeed a beautiful place. Too many places to visit, too little time to see.

On Day One, we arrived Bangkok in the afternoon, and was picked up by sister-in-law.
During the first few days we went to many places:

Bangkok (KrungThep)
- shopping malls:
My favorite haunts are Emporium, Central Plaza (Pinklao), Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom

- Shopping at the malls also gives the opportunity for the kids to do play gym. They go almost everyday. For about 49 baht, you can put your kids in the gym for the whole day! (at Emporium's Jamboree branch)

- Food
We are eating everywhere. From our old time favorite street food to restaurants, and at home too. But I feel Thai food there is the best. Pasta don't taste well in regular eateries unless you go to some specialized Italian pizzerias, it is a different story. The Scoozi Pizzeria Restaurant is highly recommended by my SIL.

- What I bought
Sanrio's bento boxes, pouches, accessories, chazuke. Also bought afew clothings for kids. I had packed less for the kids this trip, hoping to get some nice new clothes from Bangkok. To my disapointment, the clothes are overpriced this time, almost 1000 baht for a piece of top or bottom. On top of that, the collections this month are not what I like.

Thai snacks, new school bags and water bottles were on my shopping list too. Myself? Had been browsing at bookstores and got some cookbooks. Going to Tesco Lotus is like a daily affair. It has many branches in the city/country. Also got some cooking stuff from there too. As for clothing for myself, I am very much an L size person. And you know the Thais' L size = M. Sigh, wonder when will I go back to my slender days of 49 kg? New year resolution = start SLIMING!

- Rangsit Science Center
We had fun this trip again. After shopping and eating for first few days, we headed to Rangsit Science Centre further away from town via boat and cab. The journey began with a half hour boat ride from Rachawongse pier to Nonthaburi province. From there, we took a cab to Pathum Thani province. Can't recall exactly how long it took us there from Nonthaburi, I think about 40 mins to 1 hour. There was a traffic jam along the way.

The science center was not impressive as it looks outside. I had nagged at hubby for bringing the kids all the way there just for that (after we had problems trying to get transport to go back home!). Although Rangsit science center is a new attraction, it needs to improve much more! Its omni movie dome theatre is brand new, but the film and its exhibits it was showing lack quality, content and technology (since it is a science center!).

-The Grand Palace
Another day, we visited The Grand Palace which is an excellent historic place. With so many temples and buildings in the palace with details, it was great for photography too. The sky was blue, and that makes the shots visibly natural.

More pictures to come in the next post...

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-22T10:50:00.000+08:00

Oh well, I still have a little time to squeeze. Had received this email from hubby's big aunt (tua gou). Thought I should make this blog with a little christmas admosphere..;-)

Dear all,

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that gives you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and that you've probably forgotten your friends.

Take the time!

Wishing you the very best for 2008!

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Hectic schedule

2007-12-19T12:02:00.000+08:00

Dear all readers/bloggers/family and friends,

My sincere apologies for the delaying blog posts. As mom has been away for a short trip, I am left alone with the 2 little ones and had very little time to use the PC. Also, as the christmas season is getting nearer, we have been engaged with mall celebrations/shows, and eating out alot. Including being busy with our company's work. Very hectic schedule cos this week, we will be heading to bangkok to visit FIL and MIL again.

I will try to take as much pictures during the trip, and hope to post them up when back to SG.

Wishing you a fantastic Merry Christmas this season and don't forget to eat great food with good wine.

Cheers!
Inspiredmumof2

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Cute Bento Boxes

2007-12-18T19:18:00.000+08:00

I got all of these bento boxes recently. All bento boxes was bought from the yahoo auction except the bento belts and chopsticks from Daiso.

Haven't got much time to prepare a pretty and nice bento for my kids yet, but I did a simple ham and cheese, tuna sandwich bento for hubby. The sandwiches end up eaten by the kids before hubby pick them up.

As I have been eating out alot recently, tofu and sausages are all I have in the fridge. So I prepare the tofu with terriyaki sauce lightly fried and boiled the sausages, cut with the tulip shape mould. The tofu was cut with the hello kitty mould set (bear shape) and lastly added cubed sized apples. The rice is shaped using a new larger hello kitty mould I got it recently from Singairishgirl.

This bento was prepared for our weekend science center visit, they only had the sausages and some tofu. In the morning, kids and hubby requested sushi, thought its weird to eat sushi for breakfast. Anyway, they had their tummies filled and hence this bento not finished. Will try to improve my bento next time round. :-P

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Busy days

2007-12-11T14:46:00.001+08:00

Apologies for the late post. Been busy with the kids, friends and family.
I do have alot backlog of posts. I'll try to post them tonight asap.

My Casio digtial Exlim has broken down yesterday (after close to one year) and I'm rushing to get it fix now at its Middle Road service center. What a time to break now or is it an excuse for me to get another camera? hehehe...

So stay tune folks!

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Lovely Kids Cookies and Chocolates

2007-12-07T22:26:00.001+08:00

Today, we finally met up with the kids and JL for brunch at Orchard road (after planning to meet for some time ago). We were just trying to take photographs with all the Christmas decor, but felt the bright and colorful lights at night are more lively. Anyway, we stopped by Marks and Spencer in Paragon, looking for cookies for the kids. And found the above Gingerbread men cookies at $4.90 each pack of 9 gingerbread men.

The kids can eat some more of the cookies after dinner at Waraku at East Coast Park.

I also bought the mini animal cookies from Marks and Spencer @$4.90 too.
There is some allergic content in its ingredients, so I would not recommend to anyone who have severe food allergy. However, son had the cookies without any reaction.

The two little ones don't quite enjoy the gingerbread men cookies, but love the mini animal ones.

As for me, I got myself a pack of Belgium chocolates with raisins ($4.60). Although it says, "Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers", I'm prepared with my atarax pills :-P

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

'Thank you for being my friend' Award

2007-12-07T20:41:00.000+08:00

Another award by singairishgirl again. Thank you so much. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and visitors. Especially, to my blogger friends, friends, family, and associates for their support and finding time to read my blog.

Thank You!
謝謝!
ありがとうございますArigato Gozaimasu!
शुक्रिया Dhanyavaad!
ขอบคุณค่ะ Khob Khun Ka!
감사합니다 Kamsamnida!
Nandri!
Terima kasih!
Cám ón! (Kam ouen)
Ar kun!
Go raibh maith agat!
Gracias!
Merci !
Danke!
спасибо!
Tack!
Obrigada!

This award is also dedicated to:
Liting - a bubbly young and intelligent girl I've known at Turf City 4 years ago.
Desy, Judit and YY - 我的老友
JL and Db - Two mommies I met 2 years ago at school. One is good at cooking and baking, the other love to chat and hang out with our kids when our hubbies are away.
Joanne - you are 我的老友 yeah, thanks for keeping in touch all these years

Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine.

Links for 2007-12-03 [del.icio.us]

2007-12-04T00:00:00-08:00

Grandma's Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Cake - Allrecipes
Grandma's Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Cake - Allrecipes
Cinnamon Rolls - Allrecipes

Links for 2007-11-28 [del.icio.us]

2007-11-29T00:00:00-08:00

Flickr: Kid Eats Bento
Kids Bento Eats
Flickr: Allergen Free and Fantastic! Food
Allergen Free Food

Links for 2007-11-26 [del.icio.us]

2007-11-27T00:00:00-08:00

Links for 2007-10-17 [del.icio.us]

2007-10-18T00:00:00-07:00

The Food Allergy Queen
Support and Answers to food allergy!
Check My Tag :: Home
For parents of toddlers who have food allergy