My New "Toy", an Outdoor Stove

We recently bought an outdoor umbrella from Costco. I decided to go back to Lowes to look for a umbrella stand that matches my patio set(click here to read about it) which I bought last year. There I waltzed into Lowes thinking I'll only be spending the most $50... haa... which fool would believe that would happen to me???

I happened to walk by the outdoor grill section and decided to say "hi" to this outdoor stove that I've been eyeing for the past 2 summers. Fall came and went and this outdoor stove never went on sale. A sale assistant told me last Fall that this stove would never come down in price. I was so dissapointed... until yesterday. My little visit to the stove showed me a yellow tag.. it said "Clearance $95. Was $119". I couldn't believe my eyes, as I never expected it to be in sale. I quickly ran to the shelves to see if there was anymore stock and there stood one!!!. I quickly ran and grabbed a cart and got the assistant to help put it into the cart.

Why was I that crazy to buy that stove??? Firstly I wanted an outdoor stove to fry my Salted Fish and not stink up the house!!!!! Secondly, it has 21,000 btu that means the fire power is huge... yahoo... I can try frying Char Koay Teow and Tai Look meen...hmmmm.. do I have the talent of a Hawker??? That is yet to be seen.. oh... and best part... the grate where you place your pot.... its reversible, you flip it and the bottom part is made to fit a wok.

Its called ...*drumroll*... Char Broil Outdoor StoveTop. If you want more info, go to go to Char Broil's site I was too excited and couldn't wait for hubby to come home. I decided to install it myself and it was pretty easy to follow the instructions. However do becareful with the final part which is installing the Control Knob in Step 6. You have to make sure the "dot" on the knob is at the OFF level. That will ensure a smoother installation. Its not design default if it doesn't go in properly.. its because we have to make sure the dot is at the correct angle. I figured this out while 2 men(I shall not name names) tried to help thought it was design flaw.. hehehe ahem ahem.. ... but all it took was one smart or stubborn cookie to figure that out... Because it something to do with propane tank and it was me that did the installation, I didnt' take any chance, I dragged the stove out to my driveway and stood good 10 feet away while my hubby turned it on for the first time. I'm proud to say my hubby still has all his hair and eyebrows. Phew!!!! If not malu only....

BTW.. They didn't have stock for the umbrella stand... and I ended up with a more expensive purchase than planned... *excited giggles*. I've not cooked with this stove as I've a busy weekend and I'm working on my weekend project. I'll take photos when I cook on this stove.

my lovely stovetop

*update*

I showed my neighbor who happens to be a vietnamese couple my new stove. I helped the wife call all the neighboring Lowes to see who still has stock for this stove and none did. I told her to go back to the one where I bought mine and just try to see if they could get a good price for the "display" unit. They went and did what I told them to do... shhhhh..... they managed to walk out of Lowes with a $5o-something stove. What a bargain.. a display unit that has never been used!!!!

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My Gorgeous Clematis

2 summers ago, I decided to plant some clematis and bought those cheapo tiny pots from Home Depot for $8 each. Those 2 tiny plants has blossom to these two displays which I brightens my morning when I look out of my kitchen window. I chose the purple clematis and Gilly has staked claim that the multicolored one is hers. Gardening is still new to me and I'm still experimenting with my plants. I trimmed one back last year and it has not bushed out as good as the other.. but I still love its lovely display.

I'll say if you are patient person, just buy those small plants and you will still get the stunning display a clematis would give in a year or two.

The trimmed clematis which is now climbing higher

Gilly's clematis

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Last Day of School & First Day of Summer Vacation

YIKES!!!!!!!! Today is the last day of school for Gilly.... Yahoo for Gilly and Yikes for Mummy... hahahaha.... Yes I start my 24/7 job as a referee. Both my kids will be home all the time and they have started their "fights"

I love the fact we have not too much schedule to adhere and basically have all the free time in the world. We can get up late and not rush anyone out of the door. We have swimming lessons planned, a week where Gilly goes to Brownie camp and activities signed up at the library. I do have a busy Wednesday where I have scheduled all my piano lessons. Midweek where we dont' have to reschedule anyone if anyone decides to go on a long weekend vacation. We are pretty upset we dont' get to go back to Malaysia but hopefully we can plan one end of the year or next year. Better planning.. no more procastinating!!!!

Gilly getting on the bus at 8.30 am

Gilly getting off the bus at 10.30 am

We have an annual tradition we do each year around this time of the year. The next day after ballet recital, I cut Gilly's hair shorter. No need for her hair to be bunned up so its all snipped up. Gilly who is a free spirit loves long hair but dislikes combing or tying her hair. Its just more practical during summer to have her hair short since its hot and sweaty. So.. this is what I've done to her hair. Yes... I cut her hair myself.. hahaha... Surprisingly she will not like her hair cut but when its short ... she loves the lighter feel to it and doesn't complain.

Gilly with hair shorter by 2 p.m

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Ballet Recital

Gilly has been dancing ballet since she was 4 and this is our 4th ballet recital. I decided from the beginning to send her to a proper ballet school instead of the park district program. I thought the consistency of a proper dancing school would be good for my active soon-to-be-tomboy. Oh... boy... I didn't know how expensive it would get. The monthly tuition fee isn't all that bad, its when its recital time that it can get pretty expensive. Not only were the tickets $18/person, this year Gilly had 2 costumes and they cost $60 each. Yes this mummy here who usually not spend $20 on an outfit at Target paid $60 for each outfit. My girl better dance GOOD!!!! Oh... there are also photos from photo sessions as well. Luckily those cost $25/costume...

This weekend, we had the recital. Yes its a 2 day dance recital and I'm happy to say Gilly did dance well. She has learnt how to smile during the whole dance routines. I've to say, she has improved from last year. Her outfits were cute, black/red was for her tap dance and a gold/yellow outfit was for her ballet. I've to say I'm quite relieved that she isn't advance yet. Her teacher helper had 13 outfits and that meant her mom had to shelf out almost $800. As a mom, I did watch with amazement how these 8 year olds can remember 2 dance routines and dance without fear or shyness. I don't think at that age I would have dare dance on stage. I've learnt its OK to watch her dance with tears in my eyes. I should be proud of how she has progressed and how pretty she looks.

This is the only time in the year Gilly is allowed to have makeup on her. I remember the 1st year I had to go for a stage makeup and hair workshop. The instructor told us to put on as much make up as we can as the make-up need to last 6 hours. Funniest thing she said was "to know how much is enough, when you are done putting the make-up on, show her to Daddy and if he freaks out ... that's the correct amount". For her age, they require minimum of mascara and eye liner, lipstick, eye shadow and blusher. The older girls would require false eyelashes and when that time comes, I won't know what to do as I've never used one before.

I got to spend 6 hours of Saturday chaperoning the girls. It was a nice time getting to know each girl and having to see the whole production from behind the scenes. Its not easy taking care of 150 girls. As the girls are getting older, its easier to watch them. We had arts and craft to keep them happy. They didn't run around as much as they did the last 2 years. I remember my 1st year, I had to come home and take 2 tylenol (panadol) as I had a headache from doing headcounts... and I had 2 that could not sit still. Only this year we had to learn to do quick costume change as the girls now had more than 1 costume... and there were 3 girls that had 4 costumes. I do look forward each year to helping out at the back. I better enjoy myself, in a few years Gilly would be big enough that I don't need to be backstage anymore.

Enjoy the few photos I took of her in her outfits, no video and photography allowed in the concert hall. We are expected to buy the DVDs.. $35/act.. and there are 2 acts!!!

Gilly in Stock Marker Crash costume

Gilly with her sidekicks

Gilly with her 17 tap dance buddies.

Gilly and proud Greg. He kept shouting and clapping for her when she was dancing.

My Future Prima Ballerina ?

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Plans for Memorial Week

Memorial weekend is just days away and I know what are my plans for that long weekend. We have a BBQ gathering on Monday but for the rest of the days... Take a guess or scroll down to see.

Back of van all filled up.

Squeeze 2 more trays in the 2nd row.

Yes, I've finally made myself drive out to this Nursery called Sunrise. Its about 45 min drive and its worth it as plants are usually much cheaper out there. Its the largest nursery I've seen so far. Its even bigger than whole of Home Depot or Menard and its all filled with annuals and perennials. We spent almost 3 hours there and I had to bribe Greg with a McD Happy Meal treat after this shopping spree. I will shut my mouth up about how much I spent there but there goes my 1 month of piano lessons money... Time to recruit more students???

Driving down to the nursery just reminded me that last year when I made my annual trip, my dad was with me. He helped me plant alot of my plants and this year I just have myself... oh my back.. one guy who walked passed my 3 tier cart smiled and said "you sure have you work cut out this weekend". I know I'm gonna tire myself but when you go to this nursery, you need to make sure you do buy as much as you need but oh... the variety of flowers they have is just so wide... makes me go crazy like how a kid gets crazy in ToyRus. I'll post photos of the garden once all the plants are in the ground or potted.

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Last day at PreSchool

Today, its been an up and down day for us here. Being a last minute person, I had to wake up and quickly make Greg's Preschool Contact list, then wrap up 3 presents for his teachers then rush to school to get the list xerox-ed. I realized after leaving Greg in school that I didn't have breakfast. Oppss...



Besides being a crazy day, it was emotional too. I had to fill up the Thank You cards for Greg and he helped with the wordings. When he was about to sign his name, I noticed he was wiping his face. I suspected what it was and by the 2nd card, I knew for sure. He has had tears in his eyes everytime he came up with wordings for the cards. By the 3rd card, he was really down. I had to sit and tell him it was OK that it was his last day of school.



Yes, my baby is having a hard time saying goodbye to his preschool days. He has had a wonderful 2 years in preschool. His teachers have been lovely to him, teaching him school is a nice and fun place to be. Its amazing how both my kids started scared going to preschool and ending up excited about full day Kindergarten by the time they finish preschool. I'm very grateful my kids and I have had a good experience with the teachers and staff at our park district.



Its been hard for me too. I know summer is coming and I look forward to having fun with the kids free of any schedules. We are looking forward to spending our days at the waterpark but at the same time I've been feeling abit nostalgic. This is my last day taking my kid to preschool. The next time I'll be taking any kid to preschool will be my grandkids!!! Man... do I feel old now.... hahaha... I guess being in my late 30s... and still having a kid in preschool always made me feel still "young"... Oh well.... knowing me.. I'll survive and look forward to all my future adventures. As for preschool days... I will miss it .... hey.. Katherine if you need a buddy, give me a call and I'll come with you when you drop Cricket at preschool!!!



One of the best things about preschool... I've made awesome friends with these 2 ladies, Katherine and Sherill. I will miss the times where we all go hang out at Starbucks, Target or Costco while waiting for the kids. You gals did make my mornings interesting.. and for this.. I am grateful to have met you guys.

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I don't think I like Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a good Mother's Day. Here in Chicagoland, Mother Nature didnt' give us a break or did she? Well it was raining heavily and it was so windy that I could feel my house shake. What did I do... I decided to have a nice day and not rush out for Church. Shhh!!!! Please don't tell God that I've been sinful. Its Mother's Day... I do deserve a break. Well, I just stayed in bed and watched TV the whole day. It was between Hallmark and Lifetime Channel and boy I sure enjoyed myself. Hubby went to get us McD breakfast and man that was delicious (as long as I don't have to cook and clean up... anything is delicious). What did we have for lunch and dinner? I seriously don't remember... maybe it was leftovers and take-outs.. but definitely not my gourmet cooking.

I did have a very nice Mother's Day present from the kids... a pot of dianthus from Gilly and a hand drawn mug from Greg... but the bestest of all was from Hubby.. He vinyl tiled the steps in my garage and pegboarded my garage wall for me to hang my tools... and that was all done WITHOUT me asking him to do it. I told him that was the best present ever. Men out there.. if you want your wife to respect you and admire you and get extra "action".... that's the way to go.. do things for your wife without being told to do so!!!!!!

Then came my boy... he was starting to fight with his sister so I told him to take a nap. He said NO without hesitation... and I told him, "Its Mother's Day, you should nap and make mummy happy." He gave me that look tat said "I'm thinking here".... and then proceeded to tell me "I dont' think I like Mother's Day".... sigh.... I guess its gonna be a annual thing he won't be looking forward to... him having to make something for mummy and celebrate it... and yet not liking it when that day comes... hahaha.. too bad...

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One more year to Mammogram

Yesterday, May 7th was my Birthday. I just celebrated my 39th birthday... the last of my thirties... and next year I'll qualify for Mammogram.... Is it scary to be 39? No, I like my age.. I rather be where I am than in my twenties where we don't who we are and always trying to please everyone. Do I please anyone at this age? No but the difference is I don't care anymore. I'm just comfortable with who I am. I guess with a loving hubby and two lovely kids, who could ask for more. I could!!! hahahaha... look at the photos.. my hubby has always been camera "challenged"

I've added photos of us at home with my birthday cake. Hubby went out to get us an ice cream cake. We did go out for dinner at Mimi's Cafe at Orland Park. We were pleasantly surprise at the good service. We asked what was good as it was our first time there... Not only were the kids given "free" fries when we realize their kids food didn't come with fries, the co-owner/manager came out at the end with a box of muffins for us to take home. Yes, it was free. Later I told Gilly that if they had told the manager it was my birthday, we would have gotten free cake as well but Daddy already has cake at home. We can't be too greedy can we.

I got a call at 8pm from Katherine, she called to wish me a Happy Birthday when she realized from Bella that it was my birthday. She told me Bella had mentioned during dinner that Greg had told their teacher it was my birthday. Apparently I was having a big birthday party and that I was 53!!!!!!! Yeah.. 53!!!! Later greg said Bella must have misheard cos I was 26.. hahaha yeah.. my kids thinks I'm 26 and that Daddy is 46. Chris(Bella's daddy) commented that I sure look good for a 53. We sure had a good laugh about that...

I certainly did have a nice birthday... relaxed as Daddy did take the day off and "Ahmad" (chauffered, in Malay) the kids around.

Nice clear pic of us... when we were not ready..

We were ready but Daddy had his magic touch and made photos blurry..

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Matt's Birthday Party

Last Saturday we were at a birthday party. It was at not a usual party as we were invited to go watch Aladdin at Emerald City Theatre in Chicago (ah... no... not Admiral Theater !!!!). Yes, its the Disney's Aladdin and for the young audience version. The kids had a lovely time watching Aladdin. The kids had a good laugh a the jokes and even the parents were laughing as they added some "adult' jokes as well. By the end of the show, Greg was jumping up and down clapping his hands when each actor came for their final bow. Greg loved Genie the mostest as he says it. Gilly just can't get over how pretty Princess Jasmine is. Apparently it was their 1st show, and I guess being the guinea pigs, the production had a few hiccups like Jasmine's hair almost falling off... a few miss lines... but hey.. what the heck.. the kids had a blast of time. Greg got abit restless towards the end, but I guess its normal for a 5 year old to be restless. Gilly was enchanted by the actors that she sat still for once ... hahaha....

Kids with Jafar

Being the so popular Princess, it was hard to get to photo the kids with her..

but Gilly insisted on a photo of Jasmine... Your wish shall be Granted

Ever so cute and lively Iago

Greg's favorite ... The Genie

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Mee Goreng

Greg so happy there is so much noodles

Couple of weeks ago, our church had a fundraiser and the event was called "International Noodles Night". I was asked to make baked mostachioli for the Italians to eat which I thought was ridiculous. The Italians should do their part to cook true authentic Italian food for the occassion. I know its easy to cook but hey.. for a $30/person function.. you should come up with something more original than Prego sauce... Thank Goodness someone managed to get some Italian restaurant to donate 2 trays. Me like an idiot volunteered to cook "mee goreng". Yes our Malaysian mee goreng which I've only attempted once. Yes it was easy cooking the first time... so I thought I could do it for 200 people. hahahaha...

Ok.. now how much of noodles do I need.. the original recipe which I got from a blogger... only used like 150g of yellow noodles.. which means... I needed to triple the recipe just for a 1 lb of noodle... Some "know-it-all" from my church told me to cook 10lbs per tray.. and excuse me.. I needed to cook 2 trays.. so that means 20lbs in total... that's crazy... I didn't trust that advice. I managed to ask this Indonesian lady who happens to cater on the side.. she told me to use only 5 lbs each tray. Without hesitation she told me "mee goreng? just 5 lbs" and that I do trust as she does know what type of yellow noodles we use for our mee goreng.

I had 2 lovely ladies who came over to my house to help me with the cutting and washing up... and I do appreciate their help as it was a lot of help. Thanks Gemma and Theresa. Both of you made food preparation and cooking a happier and livelier task.

How did the noodles turn out??? It was delicious and spicy enough, I had to cook them 2lbs at a time so the first batch was too spicy for the locals. I had to refrain from using too much chili sauce but it was enough to sting some tongues. I ate some of it during the event but wished I could have more. Oh well... I'll just have to cook it again.

If some of you are interested, I got the Mee Goreng Mamak recipe from http://malaysiandelicacies.blogspot.com

Mee Goreng Recipe:

Ingredients
150 gm Noodle
1/2 cup boneless Chicken Meat
some Prawns and Fish balls
some tau kua (fried firm tofu)
1 Egg(beaten)
1/2 cup Beansprouts
150 gm Mustard greens-cut into 2-1/2 cm
2 clove Garlic-chopped
3 Shallots - sliced thinly
1-2 tbsp Chilli Paste (soaked dried chili that is blended)

Seasoning:
1 tbsp Chilli Sauce
1/2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
1-2 tbsp thick Soya Sauce
1 tsp light soy sauce
Salt and Sugar

Garnishing:
Shredded Cucumber
Chopped Spring
Onions Shallots crisps

Method:
1. Heat wok with 3-4 tbsp oil until hot and fry garlic until light brown.
2. Add shallots and chilli paste and fry further.
3. Mix in chicken meat, prawns and fish balls and stir fry.
4. Add in the noodle and all the sauces.
5. Add seasoning and sprinkle with a little water
6. Mix in all the fried ingredients together.
7. Spread all the ingredients around the wok.
8. Create an empty space in the center.
9. Add in the beaten egg into it and a bit more oil.Leave for about a minutes.
10. Then cover the egg with the ingredients and stir-fry evenly.
11. Finally add in mustard leaves and beansprouts
12. Stir another 3-4 minutes.
13. Remove the dish to a plate and garnish it.

*Note: I didn't use bean sprouts this round as the noodles were cooked 6 hours before the party and bean sprouts do get soggy after sometime.

I managed to buy good yellow noodles from a noodle maker in Chicago Chinatown.. if anyone that is in town and needs to get them, let me know and I'll point you to the grocery store. I love that noodle maker's noodle as it doesn't get mushy/soggy when cooked with sauce or soup.

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How to Kill Ants

The weather is getting warmer and that means those creepy crawlies are out again. If you find your house infested with ants, don't bother calling the Pest Controllers that will charge you and arm and a leg. Try this simple method first which should take about a week. This mixture NEEDS to take a few days to a week but it works. It a mixture of borax and sugar so the ants would take it back to its nest and feed it to the Queen thus killing the source of your pain.

Questions about pets eating it, I doubt it would as I do have a dog in the house. The amount that you need is little so I doubt if your dog or cat would ingest it, it would kill them. Now, please don't leave a bowlful of this mixture cos then it would be too much even for me... hahaha...

Just mix: 1/ 4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp borax.

It is alot for even ants so keep them in a secure container for future use (I still have mine from 2 years ago under my sink). Sprinkle a bit of this mixture in the midst of the ant traffic so they would take it back to their nest.

I've made this mixture for my neighbors too. I'd one neighbor who had so much ants that he had to come and ask for me but his ants has now all gone to heaven. Good Luck.. If after 2 weeks and you still have tat much ants.. do call the Pest controller...

Don't let your kids eat those sugar mix ok.....

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Music from the Past

Today I've not been in the best of mood. I just didn't feel like talking much to anyone so phone calls and IMs were ignored. What did I do tonight to make myself feel better?? YOUTUBE. Yes I was just "youtub-ing" and what did I youtube?? PETER CETERA. He has always been my one that melts my heart. Listening to him sing brings back all old memories.. yes of all my party days and days of going gaga over certain guy. No... I don't long for any of my old flames but just a nice nostalgic feeling that comes whenever I hear Peter Cetera's voice. Man... would it be nice for him to just serenade to me.... if only my hubby can sing like him... dream....

I managed to request some song books from the library. Maybe I'll just pretend to play for Cetera while he serenades me.

Enjoy what I've been listening too... Yes.. and I'm that old to you twentysomethings.....

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I Finally Gave Up

Yes, I finally gave up and caved-in to Gilly's constant begging for an American Girl Doll. American Girl Store is just a few blocks from my doctor's office so during Spring Break, with my 2 kids in tow, I decided to treat Gilly to a doll. Hey! Parking in downtown is so freaking expensive why not do it before my doctor's appointment which means parking fee cost only $9.

Gilly decided on a "Just like You" Doll and has named her Paige. Paige has since been tossed around and even once forgotten. I did warn her about being mean to her brother as I've heard from a few friends how brother's would take revenge on their sisters by doing something to their dolls.

Grandma and Grandpa had sent the kids some money, so technically Paige from them. I wondered for a few days how to tell Grandma that I had spent her RM400 on a doll. Dollar to Dollar, its just like us spending $400 on a doll. My mom had never bought me a doll when I was small as we couldn't afford it and being a teacher she prefered books to toys. I guess being a Grandma, you are more generous with your grandchild.. she was surprise by the price but didn't protest. Phew!! I guess its just a typical American child to want an American Girl Doll.

I just couldn't believe how crazy things get in there... an ER and a beauty salon for the Dolls!!!! Geess... I do love the entreprenuerialship of the Americans... I have to say the Americans do know how to make a buck out of anything... Oh... I can't believe how much an outfit cost for the dolls. $26!!!!!!!!! I could have bought Gilly 3 shirt or pants at Target with that $26.

Now comes the part where I refuse to spend any money on those $26 clothes... I decided I was going to try to make Paige clothes. Since I've made PJ pants, I kinda figured out how to read sewing patterns. Thanks to the guidance of a Ms.Katherine. I paid $12 for the pattern which turned out to have 12 designs. Hey what a bargain. While reading the material requirements did it dawn to me how little yardage a doll requires.. Yahoo!!!!!

My in-laws who are seamstress laughed at me when I showed them the sewing pattern. The first thing they asked was "Do you know how to sew?" I said "For $26 an outfit, I will learn to sew."

Before I could start, I had to call Ms.Katherine for guidance. I had to ask her what is "Overcast all outer edge and then hem the sides and bottom." See how much I know. hahahaha It was basically a zigzag stitch on all sides then straight stitch the sides and bottom. Duh!!!!!

I started out with a Wrap around skirt. It seemed the easiest to do, and it took me 1 hour to sew it. As I had more cloth and now knowing what to expect, I made 2 more skirts with the same material in less than an hour. I gave one to my neighbor's daughter and another to a church friend. Being over enthusiastic, I started out with a dress at dinner time. This one was more complicated and it took me about 4 hours. This time round, the challenging part was the sleeves and I think I've gotten the hang of it.
I've added photos of the dress and skirt. I can say I'm pretty happy I managed to sew these outfits. I guess a sense of achievement for one whose mom took her out of home education class to accounting class because she was hopeless.

Paige in Hello Kitty dress

Paige in wrap round skirt

Gilly with Paige

Gilly with tooth missing.

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Food Bloggers and cooks with their secret recipes

This post is dedicated to the chefs/cooks who have taught me and shared with me their passion for cooking. Especially to Lily Ng and Gertrude. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your generosity and unselfishness. With blogging, all our lives have changed. We have found new friends and made our lives more interesting. I don't stand at the kitchen and wonder what I should cook anymore. I know.. I still do but less often now. I get all excited when I see my Google Reader saying there are new post. That would mean, I may have something new to experiment in my kitchen. Blogging about food is your legacy, Lily and Gert, you have passed on your legacy to us food beginners. Not only have you taught us how too cook but also how to be generous like you. Once again, Thank you.

I've this story to tell, my dad's cousin brother had a wife who was a very good cook. Her specialty was Achar, pineapple tarts and kuih bangkit tat was to die for. We always looked forward to her cookies just before CNY and she would also bring a bottle of her acar. My mom would make her famous jagung custard and in return, give her the custards. One day, Aunty A asked my mom for the recipe and my mom willingly taught her how to make it. Then came the day my mom asked her for the acar recipe. Her response was "I'll make for you to eat whenever you want." That meant "No, I don't want to give you the recipe." I guess my mom must have felt slighted abit by this.

I don't remember how long after this, one day out of the blues, she came over with her hubby and there was this bottle of achar. Mum was happy to see the achar as we always look forward to anything delicious from anyone. That happened around Christmas time... and to our shock, a few days later we got a call that she had passed away. It was truly a sad thing as she wasn't all that old. Maybe in her late 40s or early 50s.

She died when her kids were in their early 20s and not having any interest in cooking. Later we found out that her recipes died with her as none of her kids had learnt how to cook her specialties. About 8 years ago, her daughter did tell me that she regreted not learning how to make pineapple tarts from her mom. The ironic thing is if she had taught my mom, without hesitation my mom would have given her daughters' the recipes. I've made it a point to learn my mom's specialties and always tell my friend to learn from their moms. Those recipes are not just ingredients and directions but also a reminder of the people who have pour their love and passion into our stomachs.

Once again, Thank You to all the Food Bloggers who have generous and never expecting anything in return.

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Grandma in Florida?

Last Friday, my son and I had a nice breakfast together which is rare as I usually do a grab and go kinda breakfast on a school day. We both sat down and had a nice half boil egg (3 minute egg) breakfast. He did the usual dunk with his bread and I told him to tear his bread to little pieces and drown them in the egg. I just casually said, "you know, my grandma taught me how to eat it this way". He replied "my grandma in Florida?" I was puzzled and realized that he was refering to his Grandma in Florida. Wait a minute!!! you have no Grandma in Florida. You have Grandma in Malaysia, Grandma in Chinatown Chicago and a Grandma White but not Grandma in Florida. It dawn to me that the last time he saw my mom was in Dec 2005 and it was in Orlando Florida and he now thinks my mom lives in Florida. Poor boy...

I spoke to my mom on Saturday and we were casually talking about our cancelled trip to Malaysia due to rising plane tix. She suggested meeting halfway in London as her youngest sis lives there. I laughed and said "Oh no... Greg is now going to think you live in London." And before I know it he will go to school and tells his teacher that Grandma lives in London and Orlando. His teacher will think his Grandma must be very rich.

Did anyone else have this same situation with their kids? I doubt I'm the only that has experienced this. I'm thinking of getting a globe and teaching him more locations of places. Kids and their way of thinking.. they sure keep us entertained and keeps us on our toes.

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My Pure Holy One!!!

Last weekend was truly a blessed time for us. My hubby was baptised, received his first communion and confirmed all at the same time. Yes, he is now a Catholic. The kids and I are very proud of him. Gilly can't believe her dad is receiving holy communion before her. hahaha...

Hubby did go to a Chinese Catholic School all those years before his high school days. He did go thru all the religion classes and even for Mass but he never converted. He would bring us to church every Sunday and never complain about it. He would sleep thru sermons sometimes and wait for 2 hours while Gilly was at CCD and he never made a fuss. Finally this Fall he signed up for RCIA and after 5 months of classes, he got the "package". I jokingly told him how lucky he was compared to us kids as we had to go thru cathecism for years.

So for now.. I told him he is "Holey" hahahaha....

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PJ Pants

I bought this sewing maching from Costco about 8 years ago when Gilly was still a baby. I bought it on at the spur of the moment. I didn't know how to sew with just needle and thread whatmore a sewing maching. My aunt (Tua Ee) laughed at me when she saw me drag the sewing maching to pay. I've sinced learnt that I can do a straight line so my first attempt was Gilly's bedroom curtain. You could see it was amateur work. I did make myself a camera bag and a knitting bag.

I finally decided to try sewing some PJ pants. Hey.. pants tat if its so ugly nobody would know since you only wear them at night to bed. So.. I bought some cheap flannel and made Greg and Gilly some pants. They turned out ok... but I had learnt from those pants what not to do next.

Here are the latest pants I made for Gilly with cloth I bought on sale $2/yard. Cupcake pants was easy as the cupcakes were all over the place. I messed up on the Ballerina prints as the ballerinas were standing... I ended up making the ballerinas upside down... I was kicking myself after I realize my mistake.. too late, I had already cut the cloth. I just have to laugh about this pants everytime I see it.

Cupcake Pants

Ballerina Pants

Gilly was so sweet when she tried both pants on. She loved it and notice it was a better job this time. Then when she put on her Ballerina Pants, she looked at her pants.. and said "Mummy, when I look down, the ballerinas are just perfect for me." I guess she was right, our looking at upside down ballerina was rightside up for her looking at it down towards her pants. I guess I didn't mess up too bad. And everytime I see this pants, I'll remember no matter what, our kids just love the fact we did something for them.

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Skipping Hippos Ponchos @ momviews.net

Now, these are the cutest ponchos I've ever seen. I want one for myself too (if I could squeeze in one). Go to momviews to have a look at them and even try winning one for your cute little girls.

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Instant Rendang Mix

Last Saturday was our usual weekend errand running day. From Soccer to Costco to ToysRus and finally we got home at 4pm. I still had to cook dinner and didn't know what to cook. Since I had cut up some chicken, I decided to try cooking one of the rendang mix that I had received a few weeks ago from MyTasteofAsia.com.

In less than 20 min, I had my dinner ready for me and hubby. Yes, I couldn't wait to try the food as it smelled so good. I loved it, it had enough zing to it that made my tongue heat up.

Cooking it was easy as the instruction was easy and simple. Only 3 steps to it.

Steps:

1) Heat up oil and sautee the mix,

2) Add chicken and cook for 15 min

3) Pour coconut milk and stir. Cook for 3 min.

Isnt' that easy? Even for a beginner cook or someone who has never cooked curry, this is easy.

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Gum !!!

Both my kids are now into Gum, even my Greg who always forget to take things out from his pocket. You must know where I'm going now... yes, he forgot to throw away the gum like I always tell him to do. When Daddy did laundry, Daddy did his usual routine to only later find out the dryer is streaked with gum. Yes Gum and who has to clean that dry gum??? MUMMY!!!! Yehaa!!!! The best job in the world is to stick one's head into the dryer and clean up gum.

I started by scrapping it off with just my fingernails. I got bored and called my friend to laugh about the gum (what can I do, cry about it?) So, with my head in the dryer, butt sticking out, I had my conversation with my gf. Thank God I did, cos she gave me an idea on removing of Gum. She told me to try ice. Rubbing ice on gum would work was what she said. I was desperate as I didn't want to break my nails. So up I ran to my kitchen still armed with my partner in crime on the phone. I got my ice and started the "Ice Rub". To my delight it worked!!! So there you go... To remove gum... try rubbing ice on it.

Partial view of my dryer filled gum.

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