Watermelon Swan Basket
Ingredients1 huge watermelonDifferent variety of fruits to put in the basket ToolsPenknife or carving knifeFruit balls scraper MethodSlice off one end of the water melon so that the watermelon can sit [….]
Articles by Christina
Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients250g digestive biscuits125g butter, melted (I used salted butter, but unsalted is fine as well.)1/4 tsp vanilla essence (optional)600g cream cheese100g caster sugar284ml heavy cream250g strawberries, sliced MethodGet ready a [….]
Tang Yuan, Sweet Glutinous Rice Dumpling (Winter Solstice)
IngredientsFor dumpling dough2 cups glutinous rice flour1 cup water1 tbsp caster sugarFor sweet soup2 litres water160g brown sugarPandan leaves MethodBring a pot of water with pandan leaves and dried longan [….]
Seafood with Homemade Sambal Belachan
Ingredients300g prawns1 squid2-3 stalks of spring onion2 tbsp sambal belachan (See recipe here)1 yellow onion (optional) MethodHeat up some oil in a wok.Put in onions and stir fry till fragrant.Put [….]
Healthy Fish Soup with Homemade Fish Stock Broth
IngredientsFor fish broth soup base. See recipe here.3 stalks of leekSome shallots3 slices of ginger1 kg fish bonesFor soup in this recipe.Fish ballsSpinach Puay LengCarrotsWantonThe quantity really depends on you. [….]
Homemade Fish Stock Broth
Ingredients3 stalks of leekSome shallots3 slices of ginger1 kg fish bones MethodHeat up some oil in a pot.Stir fry shallots and ginger till fragrant.Add leek in and stir fry.Add fish [….]
Rice Cooker Chicken Rice
Ingredients1 chicken thigh or any parts that you likeSliced chicken breast (I have some left from the chicken stock that I made, so I sliced them and put with this [….]
Tomatoes with Dried Orange Peels
IngredientsTomatoes (quantity up to you)Dried orange peels (quantity same as the tomatoes) MethodWash tomatoes and dry them with cloth or kitchen towel.Cut the orange peels to about 2 x 2 [….]
Double Boil Chicken Herbal Wine (DOM and XO Martell)
Ingredients1 chicken thigh, deskinned and cut into pieces1 rice bowl of DOM1/2 rice bowl of XO Martell1/2 rice bowl water1-2 pieces dang gui1-2 pieces ginger slice MethodPour boiling water over [….]
Hotdog Egg
Ingredients2 eggs, beaten1 hotdog, sliced ( I get them from IKEA)salt and peppercheese (optional) MethodHeat up oil in wok and fry sliced hotdog till golden brown.Pour egg mixture in and [….]
Braised Pork Ribs with Black Beans and Bittergourd
IngredientsHandful of shallots and garlic (minced) and few slices of gingerPreserved black beansThey come in a small plastic bag and are not immersed in any liquid. You may try preserved [….]
Homemade Diaper Rash Oil
This is the recipe of a homemade diaper rash oil blend that blocks the skin from bacteria from their urine and poo. Have you ever seen what the ingredients are [….]
Flu Essential Oil Blend
Lavender is known for their ability to help in anxiety, pain relief, disinfection and enhancement of blood circulation. It can also alleviate respiratory problems, which is why I am using [….]
Homemade Stovetop Grilled Char Siew
This dish is made using both ways, in oven and on stovetop. I have always liked the charred version of this dish. After making this dish, I always looked for [….]
Chicken Baked Rice
Ingredients1 cup uncooked rice, rinsed and drainedWater to cook rice3 garlic cloves150g button mushrooms, sliced (white or brown fresh ones)150g chicken fillet, cubed10g butterFew tablespoons of Campbell’s cream of mushroom [….]
Homemade Oven Grilled Char Siew
This dish is made using both ways, in oven and on stovetop. I have always liked the charred version of this dish. After making this dish, I always looked for [….]
Soya Bean Milk
Soy milk is a beverage made from soybeans. A traditional staple of Asian cuisine, it is a stable emulsion of oil, water, and protein. It is produced by soaking dry [….]
Sweet and Sour Pork
This dish is made up of the sauce and popcorn chicken (see recipe here). You can also use this sauce for fish and seafood.
Popcorn Chicken
Fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces usually from broiler chickens which have been floured or battered and then pan-fried, deep fried, or pressure fried. The breading adds [….]
Stir Fry Cauliflower with Minced Meat
This is one of the favourite simple that I cook in just 5 minutes. First of all, I do not have to pick the stems like spinach, I just simply [….]
Baby Bak Choy in Shallot Oil
This is one of the favourite simple that I cook in just 5 minutes. First of all, I do not have to pick the stems like spinach, I just simply [….]
Stir Fry Ginger Sesame Chicken
Ingredients5 slices of ginger, cut into thin strips3 tbsp sesame oil300g chicken, cut into pieces50ml water2 tbsp light soya saucea dash of rock sugar, blended MethodHeat up sesame oil under [….]
Onion Prawns Omelette
The aroma of eggs has always been one of the most fulfilling of all, this time with onions and prawns, which further enhances the taste. With minimal seasoning, one can [….]
Steamed Soy Sauce Grouper
One of my favourites! Get a fresh fish from the wet market and do it the same night, I promise you this is a heavenly dish. Light marinade sauce, easy [….]
Hakka Glutinous Rice Wine
Ingredients1 kg Glutinous rice3 spicy wine yeast 辣酒饼2 sweet wine yeast 甜酒饼3 tbsp red wine yeast 红曲 (if you want to yield red wine instead of yellow)This is a type [….]
Kai Lan with Braised Mushrooms
Ingredients (Serves 2)4-6 prawns (frozen or fresh)1/2 squid (cleaned and cut)1 big tomato (cut into small cubes)dried parsley leaves (fresh also ok)cream or milk (your own preference)parmesan cheeseseafood or prawn [….]
Seafood Tomato Cream Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 2)4-6 prawns (frozen or fresh)1/2 squid (cleaned and cut)1 big tomato (cut into small cubes)dried parsley leaves (fresh also ok)cream or milk (your own preference)parmesan cheeseseafood or prawn [….]
Nonya Achar
Ingredients3 tbsps Rempah (Recipe available here)1 cup white rice vinegar1½ cups water2 cups sugar (400 g)For blanching2 cups white rice vinegar2 cups water1 tbsp sugar1 tbsp salt150g carrots, peeled, trimmed, [….]
Glutinous Wine Chicken
Ingredients Glutinous rice wine, enough to cover the chicken parts. (click here for recipe)I made this wine myself as it is illegal to sell wine here without license, it is [….]
Fried Pork Lard Cubes
IngredientsPork Fats (any amount will do)Salt MethodCut into cubes.Marinate with salt.Turn on stove and put cubes in. Do not add any other kinds of oil.
Braised Chicken Wings with Potatoes and Carrots
Ingredients8 chicken wings2 large potatoes1 carrot, roughly chopped2 tsp minced shallots2 to 3 slices ginger¾ cup waterspring onion, sectioned, for garnishMarinade2 tsp light soy sauce¼ tsp dark soy sauce½ tsp [….]
Hae Bee Hiam Spicy Dried Shrimps
Ingredients250g dried shrimps100g shallots6 garlic cloves15 fresh red chilli8 dried chilli, soaked in water for about 15-20 mins and drained.10 bird’s eye chilli2 tbs brown sugar1 tsp salt4-5 tbsps vegetable [….]
Review on Karaoke System
In 2015, as I was getting more and more used to the lifestyle as a SAHM, I got pretty bored when I was done with all the household chores and [….]
Review on Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
This is how it all started. I have been coffee since I started working. I like the aroma, the roast and the grinding of the beans. So about 2 years [….]
Spices Oil
This is the concoction I got from a new neighbour who is always cooking for her kids. It definitely brings out all flavours when you use it every time you [….]
Moisturizing Hand & Body Cream
1/4 cup coconut oil (I also really like Nutiva organic or Tropical Traditions)1/8 cup shea butter1/8 cup cocoa butter (See notes for alternatives)1 Tbsp aloe vera juice1 Tbsp liquid oil of [….]
Peppermint Lip Balm
Ingredients2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles2 tablespoons shea butter2 tablespoons coconut oil30+ drops peppermint essential oil MethodMelt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler or small glass bowl over [….]
Jakarta 24 July 2016
Today is our last day in Jakarta before setting off to the airport at 3pm. So we have planned to try breakfast at PIK Bebek Bihun. Chance of Chng tng [….]
10 Things about Jakarta
1. I’m perpetually always in a jam, anytime anywhere. Jam is a norm, if you are not in a jam, that’s a miracle..
10 Things About Bandung
Stay in a nice hotel as high up as possible. The breeze and breakfast will be worth it. As it is a place well visited by Indonesians from other cities, [….]
Jakarta 24 July 2016
This morning I had breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Pretty good as they serve some local traditional dishes. I’m a sucker at the words ‘local’ and ‘traditional’. After passing by [….]
Food bought during Jakarta trip
Emping manis IDR18,000/packet 2.5kg of limes IDR7,500 2 Bika Ambon IDR220,000 15 packets of Jeha Special 61 IDR12,000-15,000/packet Freshly made chilli mix from Nasi goreng stall IDR40,000 Freshly made potato [….]
Bandung Jakarta 23 July 2016
This morning we decided to have a good breakfast in a hotel. Our hotel is located in the city so it would not have a good view. Looking at Tripadvisor [….]
Bandung, Indonesia 22 July 2016
We were so tired after the massage yesterday and started our day at 1030am. We decided to stay another night in Bandung as there was simply too much to explore [….]
Bandung, Indonesia 21 July 2016
I’m here in Bandung, Jakarta. Fortunately for a trusted driver, and I feel so safe travelling with him, Dani. It has been almost 9 years since I last came [….]
Toilet Renovation
Few months ago, I started thinking of renovating my toilets. When I bought my house, I did not do any renovation to the toilets, as they will still in usable [….]
Share from Bagan Trip
I think these are pretty important for a new visitor like me after visiting Myanmar. I hope that you read these before embarking on this journey.Flies and bugs are everywhere, [….]
Day 3 Exploring Bagan 24 June 2016
This morning, we went to Shweleik Too Pagoda for the sunrise. So at 4 am, we woke up, rode the ebike in the dark and went to the pagoda that [….]
Day 2: Yangon to Bagan 23 June 2016
We reached Bagan at 5am in the morning and will be checking into our hotel Aung Mingular before venturing out. This will be a one night stay as we will [….]
Day 1: Myanmar trip 22 June 2016
Finally the first trip in many decades, we decided to travel to Myanmar on our backpacks. For all the fees we paid for the individual journeys, I will state it [….]
Review on strollers
During my 8 years of life as a mother, I have been constantly in search of a stroller that best suits me. I have 3 kids, 8, 6 and the [….]
Ordering Groceries Online
Honest Bee (https://honestbee.com/en/stores) Minimum Order: Delivery Fee: Fastest Delivery Time: Pros: Cons: Redmart (https://redmart.com/) Minimum Order: Delivery Fee: Fastest Delivery Time: Pros: Cons: NTUC (http://www.fairprice.com.sg/) Minimum Order: Delivery Fee: Fastest [….]
Zac called from school
Just received a call from Zac when he has finished his lunch in school. Time is so precious and the kids are growing so fast every day. Seems like yesterday [….]
A dog named Fluffy
My kids have been asking for pets and I have always turned them down, thinking that I will eventually be the one who will be taking care of it. But [….]
Searching for a Maclaren
Since I am taking care of my newborn Zoe, carriers and strollers have become a definite neccessity in my daily life. This is a superlate post as I have been [….]
Homemaking
It’s 3 am in the morning and I can’t sleep… Gosh! I’m starting to ramble though, was just looking through my blog and realised that I missed out a lot [….]
Choosing an oven
Recently I’m crazy over a kitchen machine. And I think it’s because I just bought a decent oven. For the longest time I have been using a tabletop oven. If [….]
How I revamp the kids’ bedroom
I have always wanted to have a very warm and cosy bedroom for the kids but due to financial constraints (more likely I’m stingy) I just didn’t want to fork [….]
Day trip to Pontian
We ventured out to Pontian with House of Lim. All I ever know about Pontian is the wantan noodles. So what we must try is also that when we reach [….]
Third month coming
The third month is finally within sight. Yesterday she seemed very tired as she was sleeping in chunks. Maybe she is growing. I just hope to see a great improvement [….]
Zann’s first visit to the dentist
Zann’s two front teeth are beginning to decay, and the distance is increasing. So we thought we better see a dentist before her root canal gets affected. We chose Sunshine [….]
Trip to the Singapore Zoo once again
We decided to skip class and head for the zoo today. It was very empty and we realised that the waterplay area is closed, again!. So we reminded each other [….]
Week 10 Jaundice cleared
Today we went to the polyclinic to take the blood test for jaundice and it measured 23, which is really low and it means that Zoe’s jaundice has cleared. Fortunately [….]
He is simply cunning
Scenario 1 After 3 hours at Polliwogs… Zac: Mama i let you choose. After we buy french fries, will you let me play game or play water? Me: *thinking* who [….]
Mother’s Day 2014
One thing I like about school is that they teach kids about all festivals and important days in our lives. If i were to homeschool him i would feel wierd [….]
Day 45 (30 Apr 2014) Photoshoot by ChubbyFeet
Received Zoe’s photoshoot pictures today. Very professionally done. I really like this photographer.
Day 39 (24 Apr 2014) Start of 6th week
I am finally able to get a breather from the whole day fussing. Just when I thought growth spurt at 4th week is over, the start of 6th week shows [….]
Day 37 (22 Apr 2014) Hep B 2nd dose
Today is Zoe first vaccination ever since she was discharged. The business at polyclinic is ever so prosperous, so crowded with people. Fortunately for newborns I heard the queue is [….]
Day 33 (18 Apr 2014) Good Friday
Today is Good Friday so Zoe was dressed in a bunny onesie. Her godma will be coming to visit her. Yeah we have visitors! And I’m gonna make carbonara for [….]
Day 32 (17 Apr 2014) The best sleeping position
Weighed Zoe today and she is 3.5kg now. I have always been worried about her weight gain through breastfeeding since my first 2 experiences with breastfeeding failed. So glad that [….]
Day 30 (15 Apr 2014) No more confinement nanny
My confinement nanny is going home today and I am so sad. When I was weak from the hospital she looked like a angel, strengthening my body everyday. When I [….]
Day 28 (13 Apr 2014) Baby Shower
Today is the celebration for Zoe full month and also that I can soon start to eat some decent normal food. Many friends and relatives came to give their blessings [….]
Day 25 (10 Apr 2014) Growth spurt!
Today I was in desperation of need to make sure my baby doesn’t cry after a full feed. The only thing that works is stuffing her mouth with my breast. [….]
Day 24 (9 Apr 2014) Releasing suction from the breast
Baby Zoe is growing a little day by day. These days she doesn’t drink the full 20 minutes that I have set on each breast. About 3 minutes to 20, [….]
Day 23 (8 Apr 2014) White noise and cluster feeding
It is until I gave birth to Zoe and got a indoor photographer for her shoot then I know there is something called “white noise”. Hence in view of the [….]
Day 21 (6 Apr 2014) Looking forward to Sundays
It’s Sunday again. I always look forward to Sunday because my mother will be here. Her presence gives me a sense of comfort somehow though she was not our main [….]
Day 20 (5 Apr 2014)
Baby shower has been fixed on 13th Apr Sunday and I chose Chilli Api Catering according to some good reviews online. The dishes that I will be ordering are Kampung [….]
Day 18 (3 Apr 2014)
Today Zoe has been drinking every 2 hours, I wonder whether she is having a growth spurt, which I hope since the nanny is still here. Experience really makes a [….]
Day 17 (2 Apr 2014) Baby Zoe Swimming
Today I started bb Zoe on swimming. During Zac times he swims everyday and enjoys the activity very much. From what I read online, swimming helps brain and motor skills [….]
Day 16 (1 Apr 2014) 2014 Challenge
Today is the EDD of Baby Zoe. She was born 38 weeks. It’s not April’s Fool joke. Last night was a killer for the nanny. Baby didn’t sleep till 5 [….]
Day 15 (31 Mar 2014)
Everything is well and I can feel that baby has grown since she came back from the hospital. I bought a weighing scale just for weighing her so that I [….]
Day 14 (30 Mar 2014) High fever
Today I got a high fever 39.2°C and was down as I felt my whole body aching, my head spinning and aching. My nanny then told me to eat the [….]
Day 13 (29 Mar 2014)
No school for kids which kinda meant noise throughout the day for me. I was REALLY tired that I could not be bothered with the kids and just slept. Had [….]
Day 12 (28 Mar 2014) Newborn photoshoot by ChubbyFeet
Last night both my confinement nanny and I had a bad time from 11 to 1 am. Baby couldn’t sleep, kept making noises and wanting to root, but if I [….]
Day 11 (27 Mar 2014) Correcting sleep position
Every morning after the 2 kids go to school I have world peace. Moreover Zoe wakes up every 3 hours for feed, I can then have ample rest during her [….]
Day 10 (26 Mar 2014) How to sleep comfortably
Zoe hasn’t been sleeping consistently like she does in the morning ever since she came home. So everyday we were wondering what the problem could be. One of the reason [….]
Day 9 (25 Mar 2014) On the Road to Recovery
After 6 hours of binding yesterday, my stomach feels much softer. According to the therapist, we can do the massage as long as before 6 weeks. After 6 weeks the [….]
Day 8 (24 Mar 2014) First Visit to the Pediatrician
Today we have an appointment with the pediatrician to for a checkup to see if jaundice has improved. Frankly I don’t find a need to go as the doctor basically [….]
Day 4 (20 Mar 2014) Engorgement!!
Today I am experiencing engorgement as the body makes more milk for the baby, not knowing how much they need for a start. While the baby starts nursing the body [….]
21 Feb 2014 – Zac wants to marry me
Today Zac asked to play playdoh which I allowed. His dad usually doesn’t like him to play with it as it messes up the house and requires a lot of [….]
20 Feb-Zac’s present to me
Today Zac was quietly in his bedroom. After 15 mins he came out and showed me this drawing and wished me ‘Happy Birthday’. His story goes like this:”This is a [….]
A new school
It has been 2 months since I changed their school and Zac immediately responded that he preferred the new school when I asked him today. I’m glad he was able [….]
Playing with sand
Playing with sand has always been an enjoyable moment for Zac and Zann. There was once we went to West Coast Park during early January. The breeze was simply unforgettable! [….]