Kiddothings

Picnesday - Destined For....

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:01:00 +0000

"Mommy, look what I did!"

He coloured the words at the bottom of a used paper and proudly held it up to show me.

I'd like to think that he is
Destined for Laughter,

as long as Laughter means happiness

not psychosis.

Happy Leaped Picnesday!

Photo Popsicle Stick Puzzles

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:44:00 +0000

I've been busy lately. Busy making busy bags for my kids to keep them busy during times they need to be kept busy. I know, an iPad or an iPhone would do the trick anytime but I'm out to prove to...to....to myself that kids do not need to be entertained by electronic devices!

So, here's an easy and fun craft to make for your busy bag or activity pack or whatever you want to call it. I first chanced upon this idea on Pinterest. I'd give credit to the site if I can remember which one it was. But anyway, these puzzles are easy to carry around and comes in handy when the kids need a little something to do.

Here are the things you need...

I used photos because I had a stack of photographs I didn't know what to do with. You can actually use any printed material or even have your child draw something on the popsicles.

1. Arrange your popsicle sticks and cut your photo down to size.

2. Apply glue on the back of your photo and stick the sticks on. The stoopid me applied glue to every stick instead.

3. Before the glue sets, use a blade and cut in-between the sticks. That way the sticks are still a little movable and easier to cut through.

And voila! Your very own Personalized Photo Popsicle Stick Puzzle or pPPSP!

The clever me decided to stamp them for easier identification.

Consider the advantages of pPPSPs over iPads
1. More parent-child interaction.
2. More parent-child eye contact.
3. More fingers involved.

Now, wouldn't you like your child playing with pPPSPs instead?

Jhoosh Zching Phoosh!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:46:00 +0000

Eeeyaong, eeyeeaong, scheoing, sching, yeeeeaong... shooosh, shoosh, phOOSH! Zching zching.... urgh, urgh, eeyah, yah, eeyah, take that, jeezhooong, doosh phOOFSH! Robot detatethethe eeeyeeong...this one goes here... theeehrrr shooosh poof JhOOSCH!!

That was a good 15 minutes of jhoosh-ing, zching-ing and phoosh-ing from my son while he was playing on his own with his construction set and blocks. Where he learned how speak like that is beyond me. It must be the T.V., his daddy or a genetic predisposition of boys to come up with sounds like that.

I sat on the couch and watched him play. Hoping that he wouldn't ask me to join him.

"Mommy, can you play with me?"

Oops.

"Mommy, you must use this to hit the bad guy"

"Um, okaay..."

I took two of his blocks, knock them together and went "Shoot, shoot! Bang, bang!"

That's English right?! Okay, sometimes I try to do the jhooshing lingo but find myself feeling really awkward. I can do a "Dhooosh!" pretty well but besides that it's just plain hilarious. I can't even get past imagining myself scheo-ing and zching-ing. So, I've come to the conclusion that...

I cannot play like a boy.

Give me a Barbie doll anytime.

Picnesday - The New Arrivals!

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

I mentioned that I decluttered my back room recently.

Turns out my dumping ground has also been a nesting ground...

Nope, I don't keep chickens or ducks in my back room

Besides they're really not that big.

Meet Sammy and Sammy!

Names courtesy of my son.

Ain't they cute?

I found them among some stuff I've been hoarding and I was about to throw them away

when my son insisted we keep them and wait for them to hatch.

We waited...and waited...and waited.

Until he asked me over the weekend

why they haven't hatched yet.

I told him they may not because perhaps they needed to be incubated.

Obviously he asked me what "incubate" meant

and I explained to him how a chicken had to sit on it's eggs to help them hatch.

The next thing he said to me

"Can you please do it"

Which I take it to mean

"Then sit on those eggs and make them hatch, pronto!"

So can you imagine how delighted I was to find

Sammy and Sammy jumping around in their hatchery!

My only thought was
"Yay! I didn't have to incubate them!"

Sammy and Sammy

born Monday, 13 February, 2012

released Monday, 13 February, 2012

into the wilderness that is...
my front porch.

26 Would Have To Do

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:59:00 +0000

I came across an idea recently over Pinterest, for a Valentine's gift where you compile 52 reasons why you love your spouse. I tell you, it is not easy to come up with 52. I did try though and could only manage 26.

I love you, Dear, because...

1. You make me laugh
2. You let me be myself
3. You're inspiring
4. You manage my money
5. You helped me make this

6 ..... and this

7. You protect me from my fears
8. You help me kill cockroaches
9. ...and get rid of dead ones.
10. You accept my weaknesses
11. You make me want to be a better person
12. You make me happy
13. You have a generous heart
14. You're a wonderful father
15. You are a fantastic husband
16. I feel most at ease when I am with you.
17. You're patient with me - most of the time
18. You know what I like - most of the time
19. You're a filial son
20. ...and son-in-law
21. You're smarter than me - most of the time
22. You are my rock
23. You are the only one who can put up with my crap (besides my parents, that is)
24. You are everything I am not
25. You showed me LOVE
26. You are God's greatest gift to me.

I Love You Dear!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Made these for my son's snack pack this morning.

I Crafted, I Sewed, I Decluttered

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Don't Pin It, It's a joke.

I crafted, I sewed, I decluttered.

I crafted felt toys and learning materials for my kids. I made felt planets and taught myself astronomy. I'm smart enough to tell you now that you cannot assume that Mercury is the hottest planet in the solar system just because it's the closest to the sun. It is not and I was telling my son that it is, for a week before I decided to Google and find out for sure. Also, did you know that Jupiter has 63 moons?

I sewed 2 pairs of pajama pants for my daughter. One was big enough for her to swim in and the other was just right (bordering on too tight) with no space for growth. I also sewed a little skirt that didn't quite have the desired flare. I sewed an apron from a kitchen towel and a sunhat for myself. I have Ms. Pin to thank for all my sewing adventures thus far.

I decluttered my back room and store room. The back room was supposed to be a guest room but it has been a dumping ground for the past 5 years. It was (is) a convenient dumping ground. Everytime somebody gave us something we don't know what to do with, we tell each other - "put it in the back room first". We would have said "put it in the store room first" if the store room hadn't already been filled up ages ago. I also realised, from decluttering, that I am an obsessive compulsive hoarder of used wrapping paper, ribbons, paper bags and cardboard. Anything recyclable actually. I have thrown/recycled 2 garbage bags full of what I hoarded and it was therapeutic! I don't even know why I keep some of those things. I'm amazed and appalled at myself. I've kept a boxful of these things to feed my obsession though.

I ate, I played, I loved.

I've been eating way too much. My thighs are waiting to burst open the seams of my pants and I might just have to settle for skirts soon for comfort's sake. I eat when I cook, I eat when my kids snack, I eat my kids leftovers and that is on top of eating the 3 main meals of the day. And I've finally weaned my daughter who's been helping me keep my weight down from nursing off me. My kids have discovered new play things on my body - my wobbly, jelly-like tummy, calves and underarms. They don't even need to go to the playground anymore. I should stop eating like that.

I've spent more time playing with the kids and just being with them. I've spent less time thinking about what I should be blogging about. I've been able to get my thoughts to flow into writing when before I slowed down, I've felt constipated of words.

I've felt really good since slowing down. I've been more patient and I've felt more loving towards my hubby and kids. I've generally been a much nicer me to my family. I'm lovin' it!

I hope life's been good to you.

Tipsy Friend - Nadia of Mama and the City

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Finally, I have a post out after a blogless week! But, it's not from me. I have someone special here to blog for me and it's Nadia of Mama and the City. She volunteered to be my Tipsy Friend today and has done me a great favor in keeping Kiddothings alive. She's here today to share some tips on how to enhance our physical appearance. Welcome to my bloghome Nadia!

tftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft

Tips to boost our physical look

Thank you Germaine for allowing me to post my friendly tips on your blog. I’m happy and honored to be here.

First, let me start by stating the obvious; Women are beautiful and we all are as better as the one next to us. But, there are times when our self esteem or our own personality strive for a change; we are allowed, we are different, ...we are unique.

Sometimes dressing good is not about how much money is invested in our wardrobe (okay, sometimes, it reflects a little more) is how we choose our clothes, is how well we know our body and our body tones. Here I present only 3 basic tips that if followed carefully, it can boost your wardrobe and your look by 50%.

BODY SHAPE
Do you see any difference in the picture below?

Source: Swimwear Shack

This point is not to be stressful. Instead, it is to remind ourselves that we ALL are different in shape and in height. Why do I remind you this? Because many women get frustrated by the look of a certain outfit, not resembling at all the image on a catalog or in the picture above the rack at the store. Because many women get disappointed that the size marked on the clothes do not fit nicely or comfortably. Let’s switch our point of view and think that particular brand or manufacturer is not for your type of body. Blame it on them, never on your body. Once we accept their styles, designs and shapes are not for us we will be able to move on and find the brands that indeed are.

So, your homework: start paying attention on how your body looks to a specific style. Never be afraid of trying, because once you find your style or brand, your shopping will get easier.

COLOR
Do you ever notice color on people? And by that I don’t mean being racist or the bloody red, electric blue or vomit green. No. What I mean is how some people stand out from the crowd by wearing black or even white? Some people know very well what works on them.

Source: Jewelry Classroom

I am a very observant person and in my quest to define why some people stand out from a crowd even when their physical attributes were not related to good genes, that’s when I really started to wonder; “why am I looking at you pal?”. Color makes you or breaks you - simple.

Start paying attention to color combination in magazines or even on the street. At a mall, look at the window settings and figure out their logic for such colors. Stay away from the black for a while and focus on the tones that work with your skin tone. Do not go by impulse or what color you have been dragged to all your life. Again, I recommend taking pictures of yourself and ask a friend what they think a color looks good on you. You would be surprised how fast this becomes a no-brainer activity.

HAIR
Always said it is an accessory to our look. There are two things here; color and style. The same as the two above, knowing your taste and what works for your daily routine and image it’s crucial. Hair it’s the cherry on top to your look. The color of your hair needs to be taken into account too especially when looking at color combination. I noticed when I had light hair I needed to wear darker colors to have a nice contrast, now that I’m brunette wearing white clothes makes the trick like a charm.

Source: Auburn Hair Colour Chart

I hope these simple tips help you start thinking about it. Once we become mothers our outlook changes and we can easily get stuck in daily or old routines. A fresh take on our look can improve our mood and therefore a better self.

tftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft

Okay, I'm definitely pear-shaped. I know I won't look good in psychedelic pink and I definitely will look odd being a blonde. Now, to go shopping for some clothes that would work best on my pear-shaped body ;)

Thanks for being a Tipsy Friend Nadia!

Do check out Mama and the City, and follow Nadia on Twitter or Facebook. You can also learn more about her over at Bruna's when she was the featured Let's Bee Friends guest.

Getting Social

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:22:00 +0000

I mentioned on Monday, when I announced some breaking news, that I'd be guest posting in Canada today. I'm over at The Ossington Kitchen talking about getting social and a little tutorial on how to set up a Facebook fan page.

While you're there, do stay awhile and get to know Paul a little (or a lot). He's a wonderful writer and gingerbread house maker extraordinaire. Also, he's a close cousin to that friendly, witty and endearing lady who blogs at Time Out For Mom. If you're into DIY blog designing, do check out this post of hers over at the kitchen yesterday.

These people make me wish I was Canadian.

Meet you over at The Ossington Kitchen!

Comments are closed.

Taking A Step Back

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:58:00 +0000

It's been a week over since I wrote my last post. This blogging break has been wonderful to say the least. I have not unplugged like this since I started blogging and it feels really liberating.

And now for some shocking news.

I have made the decision to discontinue Picnesday as a linky and Tipsy Friends as a guest series. Okay, not that shocking I know, but it's still news. I blame it on the mandarin oranges,...a long break and too much time to think. I will now write only when I feel really compelled to or have something significantly nonsensical to tell you all about. I apologise for any pain caused by these changes. (let me fantasize will ya?)

Do not despair, I'll still be around for Picnesday once in a while and have a post out here and there whenever I need a little blog therapy. But I feel I can't commit to doing linkies on a regular basis anymore. I feel that it wouldn't be fair to have my friends link up with me every week when I can't commit time to doing theirs. I'm discontinuing Tipsy Friends for the same reason that it wouldn't be fair to have friends guest post here when I won't be able to reciprocate. I have a guest post over at a Canadian friend's place this Friday and I imagine that it would be my first and last guest post for the year. Of course, if you feel you'd like to be a featured Tipsy Friend, do drop me an e-mail - I welcome voluntary guest posts.

To my dear bloggy friends, I'm sorry that I won't be able to visit and comment on your blogs or link up to your memes as often as I would like to now. I'll still be lurking behind the scenes of my Google reader though and will occasionally make an appearance or two.

Mandarin oranges aside, I've made this decision to give more time to my family and get my life more organised. I want to thank YOU, my friends and family, for coming by here to read and leave me your comments. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate that.

I know some of my readers may wonder what I actually do as a blogger. Blogging is not just about writing. For me, it has been a lot about building a community of like-minded blogging friends. It has been about interacting with them through replying comments on a post I have written. It has been about visiting bloghomes of my friends to say hi and to tell them how much I appreciate what they have written. It has been about linking up with memes to make writing fun. It has been about visiting other linkers to share each other's creative writing. It has been about blogsocialising over Twitter and Facebook. It has been for me a lot of time invested into it.

It has been rather overwhelming lately.

I feel I can't keep up anymore. I'm constantly feeling guilty for not visiting or commenting, replying or linking up. And I haven't been able to balance all that and still have quality time for my family. Therefore, I'm taking a step back, friends. I'm even feeling guilty right now for making that decision. I am so sorry and I thank you so very much for the support you've given me and my blogging.

This is starting to sound like I'm quitting blogging. No, I'm not quitting just yet but I'm slowing down...before I lose my mind. What an irony - I started blogging to keep myself sane and now it's started to drive me insane.

Easy Truffle Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:15:00 +0000

Warning: Making these will make you FAT....or at least make you gain a few pounds.

I made truffles for the first time for a Christmas and New Year's party with friends last year and it was a hit! I must say, this is great for entertaining and impressing. People would think you actually make chocolate.

I was inspired to make truffles after watching Jamie Oliver on TV. He makes you think you can cook and bake as effortlessly as him - most of the time it's not as effortless. Then I remembered reading a truffle recipe on Stasha's blog. I compared the two recipes and went with the easiest one. Obviously.

Then, one day I chanced upon an even easier recipe with great instructions and pictures to boot. It comes from Your Cup of Cake. Here's my version adapted from her recipe:

Ingredients
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream or thickened cream
a pinch of salt
2 tsp vanilla
a dash of brandy (optional)

Method
1. Over low fire, heat cream to a simmer and add in the chocolate chips.
2. Stir constantly and watch the chocolate melt into a swirl of silky smooth brown heaven. At this point you may want to dip your finger in that heaven for a taste.
3. Let it cool in a container and chill it until it's firm enough to scoop into balls - about an hour or longer.
4. Prepare your coating - cocoa powder, crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, sesame seeds (have yet to try this); basically anything you think is coat-worthy.
5. Once chilled, scoop into balls using a melon baller or ice-cream scoop. Frankly I just used a spoon. After scooping them out onto a tray, you're suppose to pop them into the freezer until they're hard enough to roll into nice rounded balls. BUT, I skipped this part because I thought that my truffles would have more character if they're not perfectly round (yeah right, I'm just making life easier again) so I just rolled them over the cocoa powder/nuts and shaped them along the way.

Refrigerate the coated balls until ready to serve, unless it's still winter over where you are, in which case it doesn't matter.

Why would making this make you FAT?
If you have no self-control, like me, you're in for a few added pounds.

Mmm, I think I should try this first one.
That one's smaller than the rest, I should get rid of it in my mouth.
I think that one doesn't look round enough, I'll just eat it up.
Hmm, I wonder what it tastes like with the nut coating?
That one's bigger than the rest. It looks out of place...oops, did I just eat it?
Oh, this one has too much nuts on it.....
I should do quality check one last time....

And they have all ended up in my waist and thighs.

No self-control.

Picnesday - Feeling Chinese

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:09:00 +0000

If you're Chinese, it's very likely you'll be celebrating Chinese New Year this Monday.

Here are just some of the things we've done to feel all Chinese again.

Raising the red lanterns.

My hubby insisted we made our house look more Chinesey.

Frankly, it looks more like the red-light district, literally.

Filling up ang pows with money.

We try to look on the bright side with giving out ang pows -

The more you give, the more you receive.

A little trivia: Ang pows are only given to unmarried people.
Did you know it's the year of the Dragon this year?
Yeah, it is.
Apparently a good year to get married and have Dragon babies.

Pussy willow saying it makes me feel dirty decorating.

As you can see, it's filled with a hodgepodge of things -

homemade ang pow lanterns, homemade paper peonies and my son's arts n crafts from school.

Hodgepodge schmodgepodge,

as long as the Little Empress is happy with it.

Since I will be busy going around collecting ang pows
for my kids next week,
Picnesday will be on Chinese New Year leave next Wednesday.

Happy Picnesday and hope to see y'all back the week after!

A Tag-gy Listicle

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

I'm playing tag today and since it's a Monday, I'm also doing a Listicle. If you'd like the Listicle prompt for this week, it's a list of "I'll Never...": The Top Ten Things You Said You Would NEVER Do And Have Caught Yourself Doing" and it comes from Greta.

Dominique of From Dominique's Desk tagged me last week and I thought it would be fun to play along. What I need to do is answer these 11 questions and share 11 random things about myself.

1. What is your favourite activity to do as a family?
Going to the park or pool.

2. What is your favorite flower?
They're all my favourites.

3. What is your favourite dish/bake?
Chicken stew / Brownies.

4. What was your favorite show to watch as a child?
I probably had a few favourites but this came to mind first - The Electric Company.

5. What is your favorite game?
I don't really have a favourite but this came to mind first - Boggle.

6. When was your first experience with the internet?

Gee, I don't really remember but I think it was when I was in my 2nd year of university.

7. Where were you working when you earned your first dollar?
In a hotel. I better elaborate on that - as a receptionist.

8. If you could spend the day with anyone who would it be?
My husband. I did think of God, but then I'd have to die first.

9. What do you do to relax?
Sleep.

10. What do you do to have fun?
Be silly and laugh a lot.

11. If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?
I'd change my temper. I need a longer fuse with a lot more patience.

11 Random Things About me

1. I have short, blacker than black hair.

2. I have myopia (sounds like a disease when you say it like that, doesn't it?). I may even be legally blind. I just haven't legalised it yet.

3. I can bend my index finger like this.

4. I love DIY crafts but lack focus. I get drawn into these pretty little projects, do them half way and leave them unfinished. Pinterest isn't helping.

5. I've always wanted to get a tattoo but I can't decide on where I want it to go or what I want tattoo-ed on me. I'm also too chicken to get it done.

6. I'm terrified of cockroaches - even dead ones.

7. I'm addicted to milk tea.

8. I don't wear skirts much but am inspired to these days, by my daughter.

9. I LOVE wearing jeans, but I don't own many. I think I need to go shopping.

10. I need to hug something when I sleep and it has to be something that doesn't snore. Usually my bolster.

11. I don't dance but will gladly embarrass myself on the dance floor after 10 shots of vodka.

I won't be tagging anyone but you're welcome to answer the questions and share 11 facts about yourself :)

The Time Has Come

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:17:00 +0000

I just shed a few tears.

He told me 2 days ago but I went into denial.

The reality of it didn't set in until today.

I guess it was because it happened so suddenly and unexpectedly that I didn't have time to process it.

It could also be because I've lost a couple of brain cells to my kids and brain activity has been slow ever since.

Where was I?

Oh yes, tears.

Caused by my firstborn. My only son.

This little chubby fella here.

Who has grown into this.

Just about 2 months short of turning 5.

He had the nerve to make his mother cry, by telling her....

he wants his own room!!

My little baby wants to sleep on his own now! WHY??!!

So I asked him why. And what does he tell me?!

Ikea.

"The Ikea kids room is so cozy and nice! I can't wait to get that Ikea double-decker bed. I'm SO excite!"

Thanks a lot Ikea! My baby's decided to leave my side at night now because of you!

"Ikea?! Is that the only reason why, boy?"

"Yes! I'm SO excited to sleep on my own!"

"But we haven't even bought the double decker bed. Tell me boy, why do you want to sleep on your own? Huh why?

He was jumping about on the bed he is to sleep on tonight.

"Come here boy and tell Mommy why?"

"Mommy, if you keep asking me why, I won't want to sleep on my own anymore"

I was so tempted to annoy him further but decided against it. My instincts tell me that the time has come. Something in him is telling him he needs his own space now. Something is telling him he'll be fine without me by his side at night now. My baby boy is growing up.

I know, I know. I'm over-reacting. Some kids sleep on their own from the time they're just a few months old. What's the big deal. The big deal is, this fella has been sleeping with us since he was 2! (he emigrated to his own room for awhile from the time he was 4 months). The big deal is that I'm a mom. The big deal is that the time has come for me too.

To let go.

Excuse me, while I go make his room and shed a few more tears.

Picnesday - Domestically Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Remember that movie Legally Blonde?

This picture reminded me of it.

She's not blonde.

Neither is she into law.

I think the title

Domestically Pink

suits her better.

She's all decked out in her Christmas presents.

The pail comes with a broom, brush and mop as well.

Everything is PINK.

She might have just gotten a call from her Grandma

to mop her house.

I have to tell you about the slippers.

You hear this when she's wearing them...

kik kok kik kok kik kok kik kok kik kok kik kok

I've hid them away for sanity's sake.

Mummy Milk Why?

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0000

No, it's not an ad to promote the goodness of breastmilk. Neither am I going to write about why you should breastfeed. It's what my daughter says when she wants her fix from me.

She's almost 2 and half now and has been on Mummy's Milk since the first minute she was born. I think it's time to give my little ladies a break. I've been trying to wean her off the in-between feeds and allowing it only as a before-bedtime snack. But despite telling her for 2 weeks now that she's only allowed her fix before she sleeps or naps, she still tries her luck every now and then with this ...

Mummy milk why?

She might as well ask why already knowing that my answer will be a "'No". She's proactive like that. Then, with a "No" for an answer, the question multiplies...

Why Mummy? Why?!

Then...

WHhhhyy Maaameeeee?! Why!! Waaiiiiihhhhhh...

After explaining to her that it's a "No" because she's a big girl now, she either gives me a full scale TT tantrum or says "oh, I see" and walks away. Sometimes she turns a little neurotic. Like the other day when she went off to play on her own with a balloon and while bouncing it up and down, kept repeating...

"kenot dring mamee milk anymore, kenot dring mamee milk anymore...".... with a rhythm to it.

The poor thing.

Weaning is so hard on a child and in some cases even harder on the mother. As I was coming up with a plan on how to wean her, it hit me that No.2 could possibly be the last child I will ever breastfeed because she could be the last child we will ever have. After this round, my little ladies could possibly retire F.O.R.E.V.E.R. Ouch, it hurts. When it happens, I'll need time to grieve the end of my milk-producing days.

I can picture it now - the neurotic me trying to breastfeed my daughter's doll one day.

God forbid.

Linking up with Bits of Bee's new linky

Easy Gingerbread Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

Why is gingerbread associated with Christmas?
I don't know, I'd have to Google it.

Will I look like a nutcase who can't let go of Christmas, if I ate gingerbread the whole year round?
You might.

Does gingerbread cookies have to have ginger in them?
No it doesn't. Omit the ginger and call it gingerlessbread cookies.

Do you have to chill gingerbread dough before using it?
You know what? I found a recipe that skips the chilling part and helps you save time!

That gingerbread house is made of cardboard right?
Yes, edible cardboard called gingerbread.

Just some gingerbread questions swirling in my mind. I took the liberty to answer them myself. That last one was actually asked by an aunt of mine about the gingerbread house I made this past Christmas. Goes to show we don't do gingerbread houses much over here.

I baked 2 batches of gingerbread cookies with my kids over Christmas last year and was mighty pleased with the recipe I found through Googling. Do you know how I search for recipes on Google? I type 'easy' first. Don't you just love idiot-proof recipes that make you look good even if you're hopeless at baking and cooking? I found this Quick & Easy Gingerbread Recipe through Lingzie's Tummy Treats and will probably stick to using it for the rest of my gingerbread-making life.

My own modifications in red

Ingredients:

176g All purpose flour I tried with self-raising flour and it worked fine
1/4 tsp soda bicarbonate omitted this when I used self-raising flour
Pinch of salt
2 tsps ground ginger omitted this and added 2 tsps of cinnamon OR 1 tsp ginger and 1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cinnamon
66g unsalted cold butter cut into pieces
76g brown sugar
1 tbsp golden syrup replaced golden syrup and treacle with 2 tbsp honey instead
1 tbsp treacle
1/2 tbsp milk
1 egg yolk, beaten didn't even beat the egg yolk

Method:
1. Sift together all dry ingredients (flour, soda bicab, ginger and cinnamon)
2. Add in brown sugar.
3. Rub in butter pieces until flour mix resembles bread crumbs.
4. Add in wet ingredients (honey, milk and egg yolk).
5. Combine until dough forms.

Bake at 180 degrees Celsius.

The best part of the recipe - you can use it straight away without having to chill it first! Roll out the dough and cut them cookie shapes out! I cut them out directly on baking paper so that I didn't have to transfer the fragile pieces and risk mutilating the gingerbread men.

Head, hands and legs still intact.
I might just make these for Chinese New Year :)

Linking up with my lovely friend, Bruna.

Family Games

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:05:00 +0000

A few years ago, my hubby and I started a family mission - a mission to collect enough family games to fill a whole room and keep the family entertained through years of family gatherings. One of my childhood memories of family gatherings are the times we would gather around and play games such as Monopoly, Carrom, Boggle and various card games. What fun we had playing these games and the holiday season always brings back such memories. Here are some of our collection so far....

In this day and age there is a new emergence of a different kind of game - online games! I have an aunt who plays Mahjong online. She can spend hours on her computer playing this game with people from all over the world. How times have changed. You can even play games like Bingo online now. We are always on the look out for board games and fun family games. We would love to add Bingo to our collection one day but for the moment playing online bingo games would be an option.

Although online games are new and exciting, games that come in boxes will never lose their appeal. We've made it a family tradition to collect a few every year. I think we can look forward to great times ahead playing these games!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Picnesday - 12 of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:36:00 +0000

My first Picnesday for the year and I would like to do a picture wrap-up of the year that just left us.
I first chanced upon this idea from Just Jennifer,
then came to know on Monday that it's actually a link-up idea of Robin of Farewell Stranger,
which ended on Monday.
That's for being out of blogging for the holidays.
But what the heck,
here are pictures never before seen on my blog last year...

January

A short holiday up in Cameron Highlands.

February

Chinese New Year.

My 2 babes in their traditional chinese costumes.

March

No.1 turned 4!

Mashed potatoes I made for his birthday party

April

Remember when my contractor decided to 'water' my plant?

This was the crime scene.

May

Our holiday in Penang Island.

No, that's not a fisherman looking at my son.

That's my Dad.

New and old.

June

Daddy's Day.

My son made a card for his Daddy.

July

My son's Sport's Day

August

Splashing time in the pool

September

No.2 turned 2

October

Birthday Buns for my hubby!

Not mine.

They were deep fried buns (the kind made of flour) served on top of stewed lamb and gravy.

It was part of an 8-course dinner at a Chinese restaurant to celebrate my hubby's birthday.

Trust the Chinese to come up with dishes that look disgusting yet delicious.

November

A field trip to the graveyard to visit our dearly departed.
My angels and their great grandmother.

December

Ah yes, Christmas.

Who can forget.

And with that

I bid you adieu 2011!

Thanks for the good times.

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:31:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! I hope y'all had a great start to 2012! It's the first Monday of 2012 and of course you know what happens on Mondays around here - Monday Listicles, what else? It's also my first post for the new year and I'm so glad it's a Listicle. This week, Theresa of A Mountain Momma has called upon all Monday Listiclelers to make a list of new year's resolutions you will not keep. Well, I'm making a list I hope to keep. I've never been good at making new year's resolutions and following through with them. Maybe by writing it down on my blog, I'm more inclined to make it happen. Here goes.....

This year I hope to...

1. love more - to give more of me to my hubby, kids and family.
2. worry less - to pray more instead, for the things that are out of my control.
3. smile and laugh more - to think happy thoughts all the time if possible.
4. complain less - to see the good and positive in everything and everyone.
5. give more - to think less of myself and more of others.
6. have more patience - to count from 1 to 10 (or more) before reacting out of anger.
7. exercise more - let me rephrase that, to exercise.
8. eat more fruits and vegetables - to take better care of my health and my family's health.
9. enjoy life more - to not sweat the small stuff.
10. have more faith - in my God, my kids, my husband and myself.

What are your new year's resolutions?

Link them up with the lovely Stasha!

Holiday Hangover

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:47:00 +0000

It has been 8 days of getting high on good food, good company and good nannies. It's back to reality now and it feels like a hangover. Here's what caused the "high"....

A nephew's birthday party,
2 family dinners in a row,
2 turkeys,
Baking gingerbread cookies and a lasagne,
Midnight mass with the kids for the first time,
A lunch meet-up with our hometown friends,
Lots of Christmas presents,
Our 8th wedding anniversary,
A wedding anniversary dinner with family,
Fruitcakes and a gingerbread house,
Eating out almost every night,
A few glasses of wine, a can of beer,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

And here's the hangover....

Back to my house that hasn't been cleaned for 10 over days.

Back to just me and my hubby to deal with the kids.

Back to having to cook for the family.

Back to having to think of what to cook.

Back to a big load of laundry.

Yes, all these while nursing a cough, a cold and a sore throat.

In spite of it all, it feels good to be home. After 8 days of not knowing what to do with myself....besides eat, it feels good to be back in the line of duty. I haven't been blogging much since the holiday season and It feels like my brain needs a little rewiring. I apologise if I've been slacking on reading and following your blog posts. I hope to get back into form next week once I get settled back into life as usual. Thank you so much for still coming by.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and are all set to usher in the New Year!

Picnesday - Thank You & Happy 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:29:00 +0000

This is my last Picnesday for the year

and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers,

Family and Friends,

who have supported and encouraged me
throughout my blogging journey,

Tweeps who have tweeted and retweeted my posts,
Klout Pals who've been Klouting me,

Picnesday linkers who've shared your beautiful pictures with me,

Friends and family who've liked my Facebook page
and given me your comments there,
Tipsy Friends who have contributed
their wonderful posts,

Did I miss out anyone?
Oh yes,
YOU,

a very BIG THANK YOU.

Here's wishing all of you

A wonderful 2012 ahead!

May the new year bring all of you

Renewed Hope,

Greater Joy,

Better Health

and an Abundance of

God's Blessings!

With love,

Germaine.

Our First House

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:11:00 +0000

Gingerbread house, that is. I've lived 13,361 days and have never ever made or decorated a gingerbread house. This year, I thought I'd give myself a chance and let my kids have some fun in decorating one.

Thank you Ikea for making life easier.

It took me almost an hour to get the icing ready

and finish assembling this baby.

I did feel like a contractor doing up this house.

The kids were only allowed near me and my house

once it was ready to be candied.

But they were more interested in the candy

than the house.

I had to make them stick the candy on the house

instead of popping them into their mouths.

And the finished product!

Up for devouring tomorrow :)

I'm only praying it doesn't collapse by then.

If you want to know how a pro does it,

READ THIS.

Have a favourite holliday recipe or tradition to share?
Link it up with Leslie for

Picnesday - Singapore Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:06:00 +0000

Last weekend, we took a short trip to Singapore, our friendly neighbour down under. It was a jam-packed 3 days and when it ended I felt like I needed a whole month to recover from it. This one felt like the Amazing Race!

I'm going to share some pictures from our trip to the Singapore Zoo. We've heard from friends that one of the things you simply have to do in Singapore is visit the Zoo. I agree, you really must. This is our first time visiting this world-class Zoo and I came away wishing I worked as a zookeeper there.

THIS was heaven sent!

Yes, the kids too.

We would have ended up in wheelchairs if it weren't for the wagon.

Can you imagine having to carry these 2 all over the sprawling 70-acre zoo?!
No, they're not crippled but their legs usually break down after 15 minutes of walking.

The Little Royalties

Mr Zooper's Penguins!

I didn't know that there are penguins that do not need snow.

These are African Penguins.

Philip the sealion!

Philip made me Google
"How to keep a sea lion as a pet"
Not really.
He made me Google
"What's the difference between a sea lion and a seal?"

Meet the Elephants!

In case you're wondering,

no, the elephant did not eat his head.

Lord Shen?

Our ancestors.

Little Joey

An Australian Outback truck driver!

The bleached tiger!

The giraffes?

Funny enough, we were too pooped to see the real giraffes that day
but as we sat outside the Zoo for a drink,
we caught these guys.

Happy Zoo-ey Picnesday Peeps!

I would also like to wish all of you
A Very Merry and Blessed Christmas.
Have a great one this Sunday.
Love.
Germaine

10 Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:20:00 +0000

Bridget of Twinism gave a really fun Monday Listicle prompt this week - we get to interview ourselves! Come join in the fun and link up your answers to the following questions.

1. What is your favorite word?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2. What is your least favorite word?

The acronym of Fornication Under Consent of the King.

3. What turns you on?

My husband.

4. What turns you off?

His fart.

5. What sound do you love?

My kids' giggles and laughter.

6. What sound do you hate?

The annoyingly aggressive meowing of mating cats.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

Sh@t which has been converted to "shoot" in front of my kids and "Dammit" which hasn't been converted yet.

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

I've given it much thought - I can't think of any. Maybe.... a professional ice cream taster if there is such a profession.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

A sewer worker.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Welcome to Paradise Island!

The Next 3 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Kiddothings) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:22:00 +0000

I hope you weren't bored to tears reading about my first 2 months of blogging, because here I am again writing about how the next 3 months after that was like.

April was the month I discovered Twitter and it drove me a little crazy, which led to this post: Going Cuckoo Over Twitter.

Then I went against my own words never to have a Facebook account and went on to not only open a Facebook account but also fall in love with it. For the record, I'm not that in love with it anymore.

I also discovered linky love in April where I participated in my first link-up with Lovelinks. I linked up this post: The Convenience of Having a Willy which was inspired by my contractor who so graciously decided to "water and fertilize" my dying potted plant.

May was Mommy Month and seeing that it was my first year of blogging, I wrote a tribute to none other than my beloved Mommy.

Also, in May, my son hit on 3 girls in less than 15 minutes. I was so proud. Actually, I was more shocked than proud.

June was Award Month! I received my first award and revealed 7 previously unknown facts about myself!

Oh, I was also interviewed in June! Read all about it HERE.

Let's see, what else...

- came up with a Photo Guessing Fun series which has been shelved since Picnesday came along.
- wrote about Common Courtesies In Bloggyland
- and made my own Blog Button

I guess that's it for the 2nd quarter!

Have fun recapping with these girls!

Also linking up with sweet Bruna for

And I'm the featured Friend for this week!!

Happy Weekend to all!