Can someone tell me how to make my little rascal stop biting at things????
Gosh! This little fella loves to bite on everything! Pillow, shoes, toys, plates, fork, spoon, chairs, table, cushion, car seat - anything you give him, for sure must "test" it out in his mouth! He even bites his mommy, daddy & grandma okay!
During the early days, we thought he was teething - so naturally, we bought him a teether to chew on - but of course he will throw that away and bite on all other things that he is not suppose to. Any suggestions?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Kitchen Aid Mixer On Sale!
There are many bakers (serious ones and to-be ones - like me) out there who would really love to own the "grandmaster of mixers"! I for one, would love to someday, own a kitchen aid!
Saw this on sale at the recent Home Interior Fair and both KL Convention Centre and Mid Valley Megamall over the weekend. At both fairs, the price is the same. Kitchen Aid is pretty much a controlled item by its suppliers whereas for Kenwood I guess you can get some discounts in some departmental stores it but its still rare to get a good bargain!
Even at the discounted price, I did not purchase one. Honestly, I find this unit slightly smaller than my expectations. It can probably whip up one cake at a time. Not that I whip up many cakes at one go but since it would last me many years to come, I might as well get something with additional capacity?
Perhaps maybe when I move into my new home next year, I would consider purchasing one then. Moreover, I hardly have time to bake these days and I am still on "probation"stage - haa! haa!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Do these look hot!?
We recently bought a pair of new shoes for our little one cos he seems to be slowly outgrowing the 4 pairs he currently ownes one by one as they are of varying sizes.
This mommy here is kind of the thrifty-type, so no little Nike or Crocs originals for little one. Instead we bought him a Garfield shoe and I really think it looks hot man!
When we reached home, I asked my sis if they looked hot and she said "Hot? Its only "hot" when he walks in them!".
You see, the joke is, my little one, when he could not walk, he wanted to run. And now that he can both walk & run, he wants to be carried instead! Duh! So if he does not look hot, then I think the person carrying him would sure feel hot! Haa! Haa!
This mommy here is kind of the thrifty-type, so no little Nike or Crocs originals for little one. Instead we bought him a Garfield shoe and I really think it looks hot man!
When we reached home, I asked my sis if they looked hot and she said "Hot? Its only "hot" when he walks in them!".
You see, the joke is, my little one, when he could not walk, he wanted to run. And now that he can both walk & run, he wants to be carried instead! Duh! So if he does not look hot, then I think the person carrying him would sure feel hot! Haa! Haa!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Peach Upside Down Cake
Oh I am soooo happy! I was so excited to see my bake turn out so well. Although not as pretty as the original baker but I was pretty happy with my achievement.
Everyday I would visit My Kitchen Snippet's blog for some yummylicious bakes and recipes and finally I decided to try her Pineapple Upside Down cake. I had all the ingredients at home except pinepple and brown sugar so I decided to use my can of peaches which were originally planned for a marshmellow peach cake and ordinary sugar instead.
This recipe has a shorter baking time of about 45 mins only and the texture of the cake was just oh so lovely! Such easy recipes sure gives new bakers like me the confidence to continue learning how to bake! Perhaps I would try it again using pineapple some day *smile*.
Everyday I would visit My Kitchen Snippet's blog for some yummylicious bakes and recipes and finally I decided to try her Pineapple Upside Down cake. I had all the ingredients at home except pinepple and brown sugar so I decided to use my can of peaches which were originally planned for a marshmellow peach cake and ordinary sugar instead.
This recipe has a shorter baking time of about 45 mins only and the texture of the cake was just oh so lovely! Such easy recipes sure gives new bakers like me the confidence to continue learning how to bake! Perhaps I would try it again using pineapple some day *smile*.
Ikea - value for money?
Been doing a lot of research for our new home. From interior design to furnitures to kitchen cabinets, contractors, etc. Its really a lot of work to really know what you want and whats available in the market and what you can really afford!
Naturally I started looking at Ikea as it is a one-stop centre for everything you would need in your home. Been there many times and I do love just walking through the store, browsing its very clever and innovative ideas and product designs. However, I do wonder if they really fit into our Asian lifestyle. At least not all of its products I guess.
Some people swear by Ikea for its low cost of goods and high quality. I am not too sure if its really cheap though. Personally, not all items are cheap. Just like any other businesses, there are always loss-leaders to attract people to get there and then end up shopping for other items which are priced higher.
My reason for liking Ikea is for its completeness in product range as well as its little simple gadgets that make life easier in your home or kitchen. I sure am looking forward to its year-end sale in December so that I can stock up what's really a good deal for my new home next year! Yippie!!
Naturally I started looking at Ikea as it is a one-stop centre for everything you would need in your home. Been there many times and I do love just walking through the store, browsing its very clever and innovative ideas and product designs. However, I do wonder if they really fit into our Asian lifestyle. At least not all of its products I guess.
Some people swear by Ikea for its low cost of goods and high quality. I am not too sure if its really cheap though. Personally, not all items are cheap. Just like any other businesses, there are always loss-leaders to attract people to get there and then end up shopping for other items which are priced higher.
My reason for liking Ikea is for its completeness in product range as well as its little simple gadgets that make life easier in your home or kitchen. I sure am looking forward to its year-end sale in December so that I can stock up what's really a good deal for my new home next year! Yippie!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pool Time!
This is about little one's visit to the KLCC park some time back. They have a nice & safe playground for kids as well as a kid-pool.
It was his very first visit there and since the pool only opens at 10am sharp, we allowed him to run around & have some fun at the playground. Well, just like any other "energizer-battery kid", he just ran & ran & ran everywhere! Non-stop! Until his daddy & mommy also "beh-tahan" keeping up with him.
Finally the whistle blew at 10am indicated opening of the pool. We quickly grabbed a bench nearest to the pool and changed him into his new swimsuit. Looks cool eh?
Daddy introduced him into the pool very comfortably. He was kinda afraid initially but after a few minutes of walking with him in the pool while holding his hands, he felt more confident. And as you have guessed right, after this, all hell broke loose! He was running & running again inside the pool!
After 45 mins, our dear friend refused to come out of the pool. We had to force him out of there that morning. We quickly changed him into some dry clothing and gave him his usual dose of milk before we headed home.
It was his very first visit there and since the pool only opens at 10am sharp, we allowed him to run around & have some fun at the playground. Well, just like any other "energizer-battery kid", he just ran & ran & ran everywhere! Non-stop! Until his daddy & mommy also "beh-tahan" keeping up with him.
Finally the whistle blew at 10am indicated opening of the pool. We quickly grabbed a bench nearest to the pool and changed him into his new swimsuit. Looks cool eh?
Daddy introduced him into the pool very comfortably. He was kinda afraid initially but after a few minutes of walking with him in the pool while holding his hands, he felt more confident. And as you have guessed right, after this, all hell broke loose! He was running & running again inside the pool!
After 45 mins, our dear friend refused to come out of the pool. We had to force him out of there that morning. We quickly changed him into some dry clothing and gave him his usual dose of milk before we headed home.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Type 2 Diabetes
The reason for particularly highlighting Type 2 diabetes is because both my mom & mother-in-law suffers from this.
Generally there are 2 types of diabetes, Type 1 & 2, and what it basically means is that those who suffer from Type 1 are insulin-dependent while Type 2 is non-insulin dependent. There is a whole lot of detailed explanation which you can find here should you wish to know more about it.
This will be a pre-warning to all of us at home as we sure do not want to suffer from it as well.
As a start, we will have to consume less refined sugar products such as store bought cakes, cookies or even rice or noodles which is our staple food. It may be difficult to eliminate this all together but we have definately reduced the amount we consume daily. We have also increased our vegetable & fruits consumption. Although fruits are good for you, try to avoid those with high sugar contents such as grapes and strawberries. On a daily basis, enjoy a piece of papaya, banana, or an apple or pear. I love pineapples but I try not to have it daily though.
Other minor little modifications in our lifestyle include reduced sugar in our coffee or even sometimes, no sugar at all. Reduce the number of cups of beverage from 3 to 1 a day. Whenever possible (which is almost impossible now) is to fit in some exercise. Walking in the mall is our dose of this! Well, at least we are walking instead of sitting down at home, right?
We cant really avoid processed food altogether and we cannot afford organic food all the time, so we have no choice but to live with what we are today and just try making minor changes where we possibly can. And oh ya, dont forget to stay happy & smile always!
Generally there are 2 types of diabetes, Type 1 & 2, and what it basically means is that those who suffer from Type 1 are insulin-dependent while Type 2 is non-insulin dependent. There is a whole lot of detailed explanation which you can find here should you wish to know more about it.
This will be a pre-warning to all of us at home as we sure do not want to suffer from it as well.
As a start, we will have to consume less refined sugar products such as store bought cakes, cookies or even rice or noodles which is our staple food. It may be difficult to eliminate this all together but we have definately reduced the amount we consume daily. We have also increased our vegetable & fruits consumption. Although fruits are good for you, try to avoid those with high sugar contents such as grapes and strawberries. On a daily basis, enjoy a piece of papaya, banana, or an apple or pear. I love pineapples but I try not to have it daily though.
Other minor little modifications in our lifestyle include reduced sugar in our coffee or even sometimes, no sugar at all. Reduce the number of cups of beverage from 3 to 1 a day. Whenever possible (which is almost impossible now) is to fit in some exercise. Walking in the mall is our dose of this! Well, at least we are walking instead of sitting down at home, right?
We cant really avoid processed food altogether and we cannot afford organic food all the time, so we have no choice but to live with what we are today and just try making minor changes where we possibly can. And oh ya, dont forget to stay happy & smile always!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Star Wars Lego
The other day, I got a pre-warning from my brother-in-law. We were sharing notes on my little rascal, telling him how difficult it is to manage his little guy and all, and my BIL warned me ... wait till he knows how to ask to buy toys!
Oh gosh! Yeah man ... I'm sure he will kick up a fuss when he sees what he wants and cannot get it!
Kids these days are very lucky. They get to enjoy a lot more than what we did. After all, we did enjoy much more than our parents, didnt we?
I was shopping online for some educational toys and was scouting around for some Lego toys and cant help it but to realise there is so much interest in Star Wars Lego. After all, little rascal's daddy is also a Star Wars fan!
I wonder how much these would cost at our local stores.
Oh gosh! Yeah man ... I'm sure he will kick up a fuss when he sees what he wants and cannot get it!
Kids these days are very lucky. They get to enjoy a lot more than what we did. After all, we did enjoy much more than our parents, didnt we?
I was shopping online for some educational toys and was scouting around for some Lego toys and cant help it but to realise there is so much interest in Star Wars Lego. After all, little rascal's daddy is also a Star Wars fan!
I wonder how much these would cost at our local stores.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Pre-school Online Kids Games
I was just discussing with hubby the other day on the topic of computer usage for toddlers/kids. I was telling him how some parents just turn on the computer for their little ones and let them click on interactive games by themselves for as long as they sit there quietly.
I sure understand the fact that to keep them occupied for a longer time, you get to complete some house chores, etc but on the other hand, unsupervised usage of the computer by the toddlers will not benefit them either.
For our little one, although we have not started him on this, we will definately make time to sit with him so that we can read out the words and explain to him what is happening on the screen in order for him to understand it better.
There are quite a number of online pre-school kids games available, be it for fun or educational. I am thinking of starting him with this site by Fisher-Price.
If any one out there has got similar sites or better ones, please do share it with me. We intend to teach him in 2 languages - English & Mandarin.
I sure understand the fact that to keep them occupied for a longer time, you get to complete some house chores, etc but on the other hand, unsupervised usage of the computer by the toddlers will not benefit them either.
For our little one, although we have not started him on this, we will definately make time to sit with him so that we can read out the words and explain to him what is happening on the screen in order for him to understand it better.
There are quite a number of online pre-school kids games available, be it for fun or educational. I am thinking of starting him with this site by Fisher-Price.
If any one out there has got similar sites or better ones, please do share it with me. We intend to teach him in 2 languages - English & Mandarin.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Darn Traffic!
I really feel like screwing someone in the government for not solving the darn traffic problem in the city!
Every darn morning, hubby and I have to spend 2 hrs on the road just to get to work! Of course we have to detour out of the way to drop off the little one at my mom's place .... but does 2 hours each way make any sense to any one of us?????
Maybe you would ask - why not take the train then? But hello! Obviously you have not been on one during peak hours! You might need to wait until the 5th train comes before you can step one foot in! And try the train during the evening peak hours - you might just faint from the mixed body odour from all those people in a sardine-packed train! Sound (*smell*) gross? That's life in the city!
Every darn morning, hubby and I have to spend 2 hrs on the road just to get to work! Of course we have to detour out of the way to drop off the little one at my mom's place .... but does 2 hours each way make any sense to any one of us?????
Maybe you would ask - why not take the train then? But hello! Obviously you have not been on one during peak hours! You might need to wait until the 5th train comes before you can step one foot in! And try the train during the evening peak hours - you might just faint from the mixed body odour from all those people in a sardine-packed train! Sound (*smell*) gross? That's life in the city!
Too Early to Scout Around?
I have been reading my blogger friends blog about how she almost dropped off her chair when she found out the cost of kindergartens these days!
Oh my! Looks like I really need to budget my expenses wisely from now on cos as I read along, I think I too, wanted to drop off my chair.
As we plan to move into a new housing estate next year, I have been doing some initial research on some kindys and school in that area.
Sometimes I feel as if I am doing too much at one time. I think perhaps I should concentrate on what's needed to be done with the new home first, settle in and then work on the rascal's educational needs later?
Oh my! Looks like I really need to budget my expenses wisely from now on cos as I read along, I think I too, wanted to drop off my chair.
As we plan to move into a new housing estate next year, I have been doing some initial research on some kindys and school in that area.
Sometimes I feel as if I am doing too much at one time. I think perhaps I should concentrate on what's needed to be done with the new home first, settle in and then work on the rascal's educational needs later?
Toddler Slippers
We bought little rascal his first pair of shoes only after his full moon (which means exactly 30 days after he was born) - which is according to the Chinese traditional custom.
Now, after 16 mths and after 4 pairs of shoes, I am thinking of buying him a pair of toddler slippers (*cute smile*). I am not too sure if he knows how to wear them cos they could easily slip out when he walks, I guess.
Nevertheless, was thinking of considering a pair of good toddler slippers for him. Croc comes to mind but I have heard of many horror stories about it getting stuck at the elevator, etc. So I need to look out for some other good brands in the market. So here I go shopping again (*smile*).
If any mommies or daddies out there can recommend me any, feel free to drop me a comment ya?
Now, after 16 mths and after 4 pairs of shoes, I am thinking of buying him a pair of toddler slippers (*cute smile*). I am not too sure if he knows how to wear them cos they could easily slip out when he walks, I guess.
Nevertheless, was thinking of considering a pair of good toddler slippers for him. Croc comes to mind but I have heard of many horror stories about it getting stuck at the elevator, etc. So I need to look out for some other good brands in the market. So here I go shopping again (*smile*).
If any mommies or daddies out there can recommend me any, feel free to drop me a comment ya?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Beijing Olympics - Significants of Themes
The greatest Olympic of all came & went. People around the world were glued to the idiot box for 2 whole weeks. And no doubt, the highest number of viewers around the globe was during the opening & closing ceremony.
We sure did enjoy the colourful & artistic display the Chinese showed to the world. But did we understand why they particularly showcased what they showed us?
Fou Drums - ancient Chinese container for wine.
In the Qin Dynasty (200BC), people started to hit the Fou to express welcome to friends, especially from far away. It was a joyous occasion to have friends from far away visiting. Drums were used in Xia Dynasty to imitate sounds of thunder. There were a total of 2008 drummers in the ceremony in Beijing.
We sure did enjoy the colourful & artistic display the Chinese showed to the world. But did we understand why they particularly showcased what they showed us?
Fou Drums - ancient Chinese container for wine.
In the Qin Dynasty (200BC), people started to hit the Fou to express welcome to friends, especially from far away. It was a joyous occasion to have friends from far away visiting. Drums were used in Xia Dynasty to imitate sounds of thunder. There were a total of 2008 drummers in the ceremony in Beijing.
Invention of Paper
AD105 is often cited as the year in which papermaking was invented. This historical event was reported to the Chinese Emperor by an Imperial Court official. Ancient paper pieces from the Xuanquanzhi ruins of Dunhuang in China's Gansu province apparently were made during the period of Emperor Wu who reigned between 140BC and 86BC.
AD105 is often cited as the year in which papermaking was invented. This historical event was reported to the Chinese Emperor by an Imperial Court official. Ancient paper pieces from the Xuanquanzhi ruins of Dunhuang in China's Gansu province apparently were made during the period of Emperor Wu who reigned between 140BC and 86BC.
Invention of Gun Powder
Many historial materials indicate that gunpowder first appeared before the Tang Dynasty (618-907). From 300 to 650AD several recipes were written about inflammable mixtures. Some historians date the invention of gunpowder at 850AD when a Taoist book warned of three specific elixir formula as too dangerous to experiment.
Many historial materials indicate that gunpowder first appeared before the Tang Dynasty (618-907). From 300 to 650AD several recipes were written about inflammable mixtures. Some historians date the invention of gunpowder at 850AD when a Taoist book warned of three specific elixir formula as too dangerous to experiment.
Invention of Silk
About 2700-2650BCE the Chinese began making silk. According to Chinese tradition, the part-legendary emperor, Huang Di, invented the methods of raising silk worms and spinning silk thread. But the same tradition credits not Huang Di but his wife Lei-tzu, with discovering silk-making itself, and also the weaving of silk thread into fabric.
About 2700-2650BCE the Chinese began making silk. According to Chinese tradition, the part-legendary emperor, Huang Di, invented the methods of raising silk worms and spinning silk thread. But the same tradition credits not Huang Di but his wife Lei-tzu, with discovering silk-making itself, and also the weaving of silk thread into fabric.
Invention of Compass
The earliest reference to a specific magnetic direction finder device is recorded in a Song Dynasty book dated 1040-44. There were some controversies. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass.
The earliest reference to a specific magnetic direction finder device is recorded in a Song Dynasty book dated 1040-44. There were some controversies. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass.
Invention of Movable Print Blocks
Pi Sheng, during the Ch'ing - li period, Sung (1041-1048) invented the proto-type of movable print blocks, 300 years before Gutenberg.
Pi Sheng, during the Ch'ing - li period, Sung (1041-1048) invented the proto-type of movable print blocks, 300 years before Gutenberg.
Corbel System: Tou-Kung
See Joseph Needham's Science and Civilisation in China: Building technology, interlocking bracketing system to support corners of buildings without the need for nails.
See Joseph Needham's Science and Civilisation in China: Building technology, interlocking bracketing system to support corners of buildings without the need for nails.
Admiral Zheng He (Ming Dynasty) 1371-1433AD
Almost a century before Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas and Vasco da Gama's in India. All the ships of Columbus and da Gama combined could have been stored on a single deck of a single vessel in the fleet that set sail under Zheng He. He led 7 great western maritime expeditions, traversing the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean into the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, and reaching as far west as the east coast of Africa.
Almost a century before Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas and Vasco da Gama's in India. All the ships of Columbus and da Gama combined could have been stored on a single deck of a single vessel in the fleet that set sail under Zheng He. He led 7 great western maritime expeditions, traversing the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean into the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, and reaching as far west as the east coast of Africa.
Confucius - Analects
Recited : "Within the Four Seas, all men are brothers".
Recited : "Within the Four Seas, all men are brothers".
Guqin - Father of Chinese Music Instrument)
Not to be confused with guzheng which has movable bridges. Legend has it that the qin, the most revered of all Chinese musical instruments, has a history of about 5,000 yrs. This legend states that the legendary figures of China's pre-history - Fuxi, Shennong and Huang Di, the "Yellow Emperor" - were involved in its creation.
Not to be confused with guzheng which has movable bridges. Legend has it that the qin, the most revered of all Chinese musical instruments, has a history of about 5,000 yrs. This legend states that the legendary figures of China's pre-history - Fuxi, Shennong and Huang Di, the "Yellow Emperor" - were involved in its creation.
After reading this, I feel even more proud of what was displayed in Beijing. My total respect for the Chinese of the world. I salute you.
Barbie on the way?
Just like everyone else's experience, people never stop asking.
When they first knew I was dating, they all asked when will the big day be. And when the big day came, they all asked when will we have a baby. And now that we have one, of course, naturally, the next question is, when is the next one coming???
Well, we have our own Barney fan at home and he's just too much for us to handle, so not quite sure if I really want to have a Barbie fan at the moment (*smile*).
When they first knew I was dating, they all asked when will the big day be. And when the big day came, they all asked when will we have a baby. And now that we have one, of course, naturally, the next question is, when is the next one coming???
Well, we have our own Barney fan at home and he's just too much for us to handle, so not quite sure if I really want to have a Barbie fan at the moment (*smile*).
Monday, September 1, 2008
Ramadan
Ramadan is the time where Muslims around the world fast. Here is an interesting article on what it really means and how it is practiced around the world. I really enjoyed reading it.
Since yesterday, those in the city must have noticed the mushrooming of food stalls along the streets and several food bazaars. This is where you can find a variety of tempting traditional malay food & desserts, preparing the Muslims for breaking fast in the evenings and for us, non-Muslims, a chance to enjoy their truly delicious food & cakes.
Each year, I would at least visit these food bazaars once a week right after work to let my tastebuds go wild. However, this year, it will be a bit tough for me to make it in time as I usually finish work late and by the time I get home, they would have been all sold & closed for the day.
Maybe its a good sign - since I'm trying to lose some kgs??? Well, let's see if I can still stay away from them on a Sat evening!
Since yesterday, those in the city must have noticed the mushrooming of food stalls along the streets and several food bazaars. This is where you can find a variety of tempting traditional malay food & desserts, preparing the Muslims for breaking fast in the evenings and for us, non-Muslims, a chance to enjoy their truly delicious food & cakes.
Each year, I would at least visit these food bazaars once a week right after work to let my tastebuds go wild. However, this year, it will be a bit tough for me to make it in time as I usually finish work late and by the time I get home, they would have been all sold & closed for the day.
Maybe its a good sign - since I'm trying to lose some kgs??? Well, let's see if I can still stay away from them on a Sat evening!
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