Corine Jansz ~ Just Another Day

InExpensive Frames / Pictures

2012-02-09T16:15:00.032+08:00

I have discovered an inexpensive way of having some nice pictures on your wall. I have collected these pictures from magazines, catalogues and old calendars. Even my children's art are framed and hung.

The frames can either be bought or sent to the shop for framing. The down side of buying a frame, (photo frame that is), which is sold in Giant or Tesco, is that the glass is reflective. While if you send your pictures to the frame shop, you can request to fit non-relective glass and a frame of your choice and color.

Meaningful Chinese art and calligraphy - 2010 Guinness Anchor calendar
Chinese gold coins & gold fish - meaning of wealth, prosperity & luck

Meaningful Chinese art and calligraphy - 2010 Guiness Anchor calendar
Rabbits & Flower - meaning of wealth, prosperity & luck

Meaningful Chinese art and calligraphy - 2010 Guinness Anchor calendar
Mountain & Tree - meaning of wealth, prosperity & luck

Mother Mary & Baby Jesus - from a magazine

Gold photo frame from Giant - cost about RM12.99 - thinking of spray painting it to white

Candles & Flowers - from Crabtree & Evelyn catalogue - nice for guest bathroom

Doing Some Reading

2012-01-29T09:08:00.011+08:00

I've picked up a book to read again. The title is "PUTTING THE POWER OF YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND TO WORK" by Joseph Murphy, PH.D., D.D.

It's rather interesting and motivational at the same time. The first page has already motivated me to read more.

"Whatever your conscious mind assumes and believes to be true, your subconcious mind will accept and bring to pass. Believe in good fortune, divine guidance, right action, and all the blessings of life. You are the caption of you soul (subconscious mind) and the master of your fate. Remember, you have the capacity to choose. Choose life! Choose love! Choose health! Choose happiness!"

In short, always be positive. A positive and clear mind is a healthy mind. Ok more reading to do ...

It's hard to say Good-Bye

2012-01-21T08:42:00.003+08:00

It's never easy to say Good-Bye ...

We have been living in Kota Damansara for almost 12 years. We have wonderful, caring and responsible neighbours, left, right and back. So when we made the decision to sell our house, it was not easy. The first thing that came to my mind was that "I don't want to leave our neighbours". Children in our neighbourhood were the same age and they played together.

We had to sell our house NOT because we were riding on the property price boom, but rather because our base was more in Kelana Jaya. Both our parents are there, children's school and tuition too are in Kelana Jaya. So it was only practical that we move.

We were lucky too that we found a house that suited us. What we liked was that it was facing a playground and away from high traffic.

So we will be leaving Kota Damansara by end February 2012. The new house is under renovation. More updates to come ...

USD1.5 Million Cave House

2012-01-18T17:08:00.010+08:00

Call me crazy but I would love to live like this!. Living one with nature away from the hussle and buzzle of city life. Wishing this was my dream home.

The Chulo Canyon Cave House occupies 37 acres in a canyon between the Mule Mountains which is just outside of Bisbee, a town 80 mile from Tucson.

It's surrounded by nature and has natural pools. This cave house is selling for UDS1.5 million, not that I am looking but it's sure nice!

Entrance of the house - lovely glass windows

Inside the house - the sun room

The natural pool

Inspirations

2012-01-14T10:14:00.004+08:00

Lately I've been inspired by some blog sites. I just love reading blogs. Blogs about quilting, crafts, scrapbooking, home DIYs, gardening and vintage funitures. I look forward every morning, looking for updates on these blogs. When I read them, I feel so fresh, inspired and feel like I can do anything I want to.

The blogs that I follow are on my right side of my blog.

So I guess I get my inspirations from blogs. Where do you get your inspirations?

January 3 ~ Happy Birthday Timmy Boy!

2012-01-11T11:33:00.008+08:00

Happy Birthday Timmy!

Timmy and his siblings

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY TIMMY!

Time flies and I think I've said this a 100x and it's sinking in ...

Not too long ago I held you in my arms as a baby and today you're 11 years old!

Wishing you all the best and I hope nothing but the best for you always and all ways!

Love,
Your Mummy

GoodBye 2011, Hello 2012

2011-12-31T16:06:00.016+08:00

Here we go again! Another year has passed us through and we welcome another.

Year 2011 was a year of big for us. We made a big and daring change! We sold our house of 11 years and purchased a new one (rather an old house - 30 years old). We never thought we would see this day but we daringly did so! I'll blog about this soon and why we made this decision.

We welcomed a new family member, one that we have waited for for quite sometime. Friends that were made over the years, our friendship strengthened. We are blessed to have friends like them.

Year 2011 also saw some downs but I dare say that there were more ups than downs for us this year.

So here's welcoming 2012 with a bang and saying goodbye to 2011 with full of memories!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Introducing Daryl Marc Jansz

2011-12-24T06:23:00.007+08:00

It's definately a wonderful Christmas gift!

Finally after all the hype and anticipation in our family, my LITTLE brother, Dougie and his wife Melonie have become parents for the first time to a little boy which they have named Daryl Marc Jansz. He arrived on 22.12.2011 at 9.00am via C-Section delivery!

Welcom Baby to our world and yours! AND Congratulations to Dougie and Mel!

Daryl Marc Jansz

Daryl with Jansz Grandparents & Sta Maria Grandparents

Daryl and his cousins, Timothy, Stephanie & Ryan

One Man's Junk Is Another Man's Treasure

2011-11-25T18:14:00.008+08:00

Well ... just like my blog title ... One Man's Junk Is Another Man's Treasure ... in my case Woman. I feel embarrassed to share this but I just have to ... I don't care ... it's suppose to be one of my motto ... not to be bothered about what people think about me.

Ok, so lately I have this DIRTY habit ... I collect people's junk. All this started when I was following a blog called Young House Love and some other sites on how they turn old furnitures into new ones. I just love the way they refurbish furniture that they have bought from yard sales.

When I drive by and see an old chair or table or cabinet thrown away, I stop my car, check out the furniture and make sure that it's in a refurbish condition. In my mind I already have an idea on what to do with it and where it will go in our home.

So in the last two weeks, I've picked up an old rattan table and a rattan chair. Now all I need to do is get Hubby to do the work that's in my head!

Will update with more photos on the refurbished furnitures once they are done ... WARNING ... it will take sometime!

The Old Rattan Chair

The Old Rattan Table

Cloth : Tote Bag - Finished Project

2011-11-22T16:52:00.009+08:00

Here is the kitchen towel I bought from Giant Kota Damansara which was transformed into an apron and a tote bag. Not all of this kitchen towel were printed in the same way, some prints were up and some prints were down, some prints were printed towards the left and some towards the right.

I call this design "The Three Divas"

Not all the same print

Sewed a black cloth together with pocket inside the bag as backing

Inside bag

The finished tote bag

Craft : So many projects so little time

2011-11-22T15:52:00.005+08:00

My craft mode is on and it has been on for sometime now. The only problem is that I have so many projects that I am losing track and focus. I have to prioritise my projects based on it's urgency and it's all urgent - Christmas presents and a godson that is on his way soon.

This is a list of my project :-

1. Batik place mats - 6 pieces - to sew a strip of batik cloth

2. Batik place mats - 6 pieces - to sew about six different patchwork hexagon flowers

3. Altered baby brag scrapbook - just managed to gather materials only

4. Small Tote bags - 2 bags - to sew two tote bags with one patchwork hexagon flower

5. Tote bags - a few - to sew several tote bags out of kitchen towels

6. Aprons - a few - to sew several aprons out of kitchen towels

I will post pictures on the above projects soon.

Cloth : Kitchen Towels

2011-11-14T12:18:00.006+08:00

Lately I've noticed that in Giant Kota Damansara as well as in Giant Mall in Kelana Jaya, there's this shop that sells kitchen towels, place mats, curtains and other household cloth items. The name of this shop slips my mind right now. The pricing is rather reasonable too.

The first time I bought something from them were kitchen towels. However, their kitchen towels are rather big so I am not sure if that is it's actual purpose. They have a good selection of designs and the thickness of the cloth is sturdy too.

When I saw the cloth - a few projects were running through my mind. Tote bags, aprons, frame it up and show it off in the kitchen! These items would make nice Christmas gifts too!

The selection of kitchen towels that will be turned into projects

This is going to be two tote bags with green cloth as the backing

This Cappuccino is going to be an apron

All I have to do is fold this into half and I'll have a nice tote bag

This can be framed and will sit nicely in someone's home

Cloth : New Buy

2011-11-11T16:51:00.013+08:00

Besides having a weakness for bags and shoes (among other things), the other weakness I have is ... cloth/material. I just love going to cloth shop like Nagoya, Kamdar, Seremban 2 and even to Jalan Bungaraya in Malacca.

So I've purchased some batik materials for my next project. I am going to do a few sets of place mats with some batik motifs.

I will update later with photos of the finished project. In the meantime, here are the batik cloth that I have bought and I am matching it with plain cloth which I already had in my stash.

The variety of new collection of Batik material

The green Indonesian Batik matches the dark green plain cloth

The pink Indonesian Batik matches the pink plain

The blue Indonesian Batik matches the blue plain cloth

The black floral Batik matches the maroon plain cloth

The turquoise floral Batik matches the aqua green plain cloth

The red floral Batik matches the red plain cloth

Timothy's 1st Holy Communion

2011-11-02T15:27:00.025+08:00

Congratulations to my son, Timothy on his 1st Holy Communion on October 22, 2011 at St. Ignatius Church in Petaling Jaya.

As devout Catholics, receiving the Holy Sacrament of Holy Communion is very important. Sunday School teachers as well as parents prepare the child on how to receive Jesus on this special day.

I still remember my 1st Holy Communion. It was a long (10x) time ago. It was held at St. Francis Church in Petaling Jaya during morning mass. I wore a white dress with veil. It was indeed beautiful.

My 1st Holy Communion with my (then) little brother, Douglas
BTW : This photo looks more like Stephanie and Ryan

However, times have changed and I didn't feel the same way when we had Timothy's 1st Holy Communion. It was held during Sunset mass and it felt more solemn rather than joyful.

It was a combination of Standard 3 and 4 pupils, the Church was over crowded and I had to sit outside.

Nevertheless, I leave you with some pictures on this special day without the ones of him receiving his Holy Communion as we were not allowed to take photos as the Church had an official photographer.

Timothy walking into Church

Timothy with his Godma - Tina Anne and her husband Collin

Family photo

Timothy with his Grandparents and siblings

Timothy with his Godfather~Douglas and his wife Melonie together with Stephanie and Ryan

Thank You

2011-10-26T17:05:00.004+08:00

These past five months or so I have been going through a rough patch. I've been stressed out due to some personal stuff that I will reveal soon. I have been having countless sleepless nights and this has taken a toll on my health. My BP reading was 100/150 and I am now on medication.

For those who responded to my FB status on : Just want to curl up and die - I am ok, was just going through some rough patches. So many things have been going on in my life, all at the same time, I felt so stress, couldn't breath. I want to thank you for your concerns and support.

Thankfully, I have God, my family and my friends who have helped me tremendously through this. Without them, I would have been more stressed and lost.

I have faith and I trust in Jesus. But I sometimes feel that I am pushed to the corner, no where to run, no where to go. I've been praying, asking him for His mercy and yet, I find myself in the corner. Then coolly, He comes and pulls me out.

I also feel that He dangles the carrot in front of me! He says, "You want this carrot? Then come and get it!" But each time I try to reach for the carrot He pulls it further and further away! Again, when I am in the corner, no where to run, no where to go, He gives me the carrot.

Nothing comes easy or flows straight my way. I always hit an obstacle or run into a brick wall. I that everything I do, I am being tested by Him.

I think this has to stop! This has to change! I have to do my part. I do pray and I do ask Him for His mercy. Now I just have to leave everything up to Him.

Recycle & Reuse~Part 2

2011-10-19T15:11:00.005+08:00

More on recycle and reuse.

1 pair of out grown Asadi Crocs + 1 Mummy who loves to recycle = A new pair of spray paint Asadi Crocs

Well, my daughter has out grown her PINK Asadi Crocs. As it was still in good condition, we didn't know who to give it to. Then this recycled Mummy told Daddy, why don't you spray it with the Desert Storm color and we can keep it for Ryan (our now two year old). Daddy was more than happy to do so.

Ryan loved it so much that he is wearing it now. We have yet to determine if the spray paint will last as it is seldom in used.

The Pink Asadi Crocs before and the Desert Storm color in the making

The finished recycled Desert Storm Asadi Crocs

Recycle & Reuse

2011-09-29T13:50:00.008+08:00

There are a lot of things in our house that can be recycled or reused. One of my favourite to recycle are cereal and milk boxes. They tend to make lovely gift boxes. These gift boxes come in handy as goody bags for house visitation or just to put your unwrapped gifts inside.

Below are step by step tutorial and let your creativity get the best of you!

You will need :

Milk Box

OR Cereal Box

Eyelet, Single Hole Puncher, Double Sided Tape & Some Ribbons

Step 1 ~ Cut off the top & wrap with desired wrapping paper

Step 2 ~ Cut a portion of the wrapping paper so that you can fold it
into the box & secure it with double sided tape

Step 3 ~ Repeat Step 2 for the bottom of the box

Securing the wrapping paper with double sided tape

This is how your gift box will look like after wrapping

Step 4 ~ Punch four single holes on each side of the box

Step 5 ~ Secure the four single holes with eyelets

Step 6 ~ Tie matching ribbons as handles

Our Hamster Family

2011-09-28T12:09:00.014+08:00

Earlier this year I bought a pair of hamsters (male & female) for the children. I thought it would be educational for them to see how animals breed, not just hamsters but animals in general. But as most of us know, hamsters breed like nobody's business.

HOWEVER BEAR IN MIND THAT I BOUGHT THESE HAMSTERS KNOWING THAT I HAD MY DOMESTIC HELPER, KIM TO HELP TAKE CARE OF THEM AND CLEAN THEM. IF IT WAS LEFT TO ME TO DO SO ... SORRY KIDS ... THIS MUMMY DOES NOT LOOK AFTER PETS! I AM ALREADY LOOKING AFTER 3 MONKEYS! :-))

So we had Frost, the male hamster and we had Rosie, the female hamster. After a while Rosie became pregnant and died before she could deliver. So we bought another two female hamsters, Molly & Daisy. Not too long, they too became pregnant but their litter died or the mother hamsters ate their babies.

The pups

The hamster sleeping - I think this is Molly when she was alive

We've lost count of the number of pups that were born but we have five hamsters from different births. We gave two away to Timmy's friends and we now have 3 pups left, Honey (female), Barricade (Male) & Goldie (Female).

Then lately, Molly delivered 12 pups. 7 pups died a fews days apart from each other. Then Molly too died while her pups were feeding on her. Stef noticed that Molly was not moving. So Kim had to hand feed 5 little pups. She gave them Ryan's formula milk and fed them through a straw.

Kim feeding the orphaned hamster with a straw

Daisy just delivered 11 pup on Sunday, 25.09.2011 - so let's see how many will survive.

Red Butterfly Leaf

2011-09-28T11:45:00.004+08:00

I was given the seeds of this Red Butterfly Leaf by my neighbour. Looking at this plant you will know why it's called what it's called.

But it grows very slow from seeds. After three to five months only did we see it sprouting out.

It has small little blue flowers and I think there are different varieties of this plant and you can tell the difference in the colors of the leaf.

The Red Butterfly Leaf

A close up of the Red Butterfly Leaf

Garden Updates

2011-09-27T13:53:00.022+08:00

I just wanted to quickly share with you about a waxy fern my Uncle Ricky had given me sometime in July 2010. I love this waxy fern but at the same time I find it irritating.

Why? Because ...

When it grows, it really grows, new leafs come out and they just keep coming but then WHOOSH!!! it starts to turn brown and all the lush leafs just dies out. But ... after a while it starts to grow again!

This fern has multiplied in my garden. So I have one plant growning in a pot and another growing on the ground. The one that grows on the ground is healthier and it's my favourite.

The waxy fern growing in a pot

The potted waxy fern from a different angle

The waxy fern growing on the ground

The waxy fern from top view

The waxy fern - see the long beautiful leaves

Saving Money

2011-09-22T10:44:00.011+08:00

In today's (22.09.2011) The Star Newspaper headlines : SHOCKING REASONS WHY MALAYSIANS ARE LIVING BEYOND THEIR MEANS ...

It's not really shocking - to me at least - I've acknowldege this problem within myself. I've been spending for myself when I was much younger and as I grew older, after marriage I still spent. However, I started to slow down when the children arrived. Our priorities changed. Children came first. However, I do treat myself sometimes.

To summarise, here are a few interesting discoveries from the report :

1. Malaysian consumers are shopaholics and have poor management of their personal finances
2. An average of 41 people are declared bankrupt every day-mostly due to credit cards
3. Many of those declared bankrupt are below 40 years old
4. Children did not even know where money come from-they think it's from the ATM machine
5. 72% of young adults have no retirement plans

So it's a little scary to read this and it's fast becaming a reality. We've got to think about our children's future, especially their education. We've got to think about our retirement - we're both employed by the public sector, so when we retire, who is going to pay for our medical and how are we going to live?

I've noticed that our groceries have shot up to about RM500.00 a month! Not only does this include food but it includes milk, diapers and detergent among other things.

Yes, we are cutting down on what we can. Ryan only uses diapers when he sleeps, he's almost 90% toilet trained. We try to grow our own vegetables and whenever possible, make our own bread or snack. We eat mostly at home and only once a month outside. I pack lunch to work - last night's left over is tomorrow's lunch.

I try to pack snacks for Timmy & Stef for their school and have not been very successful so this is an on going goal of mine.

I also prepare a monthly budget - how much I earn minus what I've paid out. This helps me to budget and to also see where my money has gone.

I've also been reading up on how to save money at http://green.yahoo.com/living-green/saving-money.html

There is so much we can do! So let's do it!

Weakness

2011-09-19T13:54:00.018+08:00

Hi! My name is Corinne and I have a weakness for ... BAGS!

I JUST love bags! Handbags, tote bags, big bags, small bags, evening bags, wristlets and the list goes on and on ...

AND I admit that I am CHEAP (at times, ok! ok! most of the time), I don't indulge or spend on designer bags. This gives me an excuse to change my handbags frequently. Spoil, tear or torn, not to worry, throw them out and buy a new one.

So I just wanted to share with you that I purchased two bags at our Church's Charity Bazaar. These bags are either 2nd hand or donated by parishioners of our Church. Still in good condition, one even with the tag still intact.

These two bags only cost me RM5.00 each! What a bargain!

Bag # 1

Bag # 2

Bag # 1 and Bag # 2

Bag # 1 ~ Handle can be taken out and used as a clutch bag

Blogs I Follow

2011-09-14T16:13:00.011+08:00

I've been following a few blogs for some time now. They are on the right hand column of my blog.

Lately, I've added three more blogs that I love to follow too and I would like to share them with you.

Journey of my Garden :
http://journeyofmygarden.blogspot.com

This is a blog by my sister-in-law, Christina. They've move into their new home with a big garden and lately she's been doing lots of gardening. I love to read her latest garden adventures and tips.

Young House Love
http://www.younghouselove.com/

This is an interesting blog if you're into ID and DIY home renovation or projects. The best part of this is that this 'young' American husband and wife actually do their renovation projects on their own. Makes you wonder where they find the time, not to mention the patience in making a home. I love to read about their bargain buys and project progress updates.

Another Place to Eat :
http://anotherplacetoeat.blogspot.com

Now, this blog ... hmm ... this blog is by my very own son, Timothy. He has bugged me for ages to create a blog for him as he wants to be a food critic. After much thought, he has come up with the title and I just helped him with the design.

Short Holiday - Genting Highlands

2011-09-13T11:29:00.009+08:00

Just before the Raya Merdeka holidays ended, we thought we make a day trip to Genting Highlands. Genting Highlands is just an hour's drive from KL. We made the trip on late Saturday morning. By 3pm, we were back in KL.

The objective of our trip was to enjoy the fresh air and not be tied down to the theme park or the gaming centre. So you can imagine Timmy's disappointment. However, I did promise him that the next time we go up, he will be given an allowance to play at the gaming centre.

Genting Highlands was not that crowded, we found parking easily. We walked around and after that we drove to a secluded open air parking space and did a mini picnic. However, half way through, we had to stop as it rained heavily. After the rain, we hurried to finish our coffee and snacks and headed down back to KL.

Next time, we will plan for a longer day trip. Here are some pictures of what we did.

The kids enjoying the Ferris wheel ride

Just before the rain - Timmy & Stef managed to make a wish by blowing dandelions

Just before the rain - Kerwin making us our coffee

The rain in Genting Highlands

We're all confined to the car coz of the rain - but hey! we're happy!

After the rain - Timmy & Stef pose over looking the cliff

Short Holiday - Port Dickson~Part 2

2011-09-08T17:43:00.021+08:00

Part of our short holiday in Port Dickson, we were there for 2 days 1 night and we stayed at our friend, Tina's family home. Her father is a handyman and I must say he's got a 'green thumb' too.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

The tree house that Tata and his son Terence built!

The Nangka tree (Jackfruit)

The red Rambutan tree

The yellow Rambutan tree

The Mata Kuching tree

The Mata Kuching tree full of flowers

The Ciku tree

The Kedong-Dong tree

The Papaya tree

The Coconut tree

The Dragon Fruit tree

The Brinjal (Egg Plant) tree

The Round Brinjal (Egg Plant) tree

Short Holiday - Port Dickson~Part 1

2011-09-08T17:17:00.010+08:00

We had a fair amount of holiday in Malaysia at the end of August 2011 due to the Hari Raya Adilfitri and Merdeka (Independance) celebrations here in Malaysia. For the Muslims, after fasting for a month, it was 'balik kampung' for them. Many who lived in the city of Kuala Lumpur ("KL") and Petaling Jaya ("PJ") took the opportunity to return to their family home, normally in different states. Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya would, normally during this period be a dead city.

We had a relaxed attitude towards this holiday, we took our time, no rushing, no stress and with little plan.

We left KL at about 10.00am on the 1st day of Hari Raya Adilfitri and took a slow drive down to Port Dickson, which is about 2 hours down south of KL. We took the old coastal road instead of the highway (hubby wanted to avoid paying toll).

Halfway through, we had to stop as our car encountered a flat tyre. Thanks to hubby's handyman skills, he changed the tyre and we continued our journey. This cost us a 30 minutes delay.

We arrived Blue Lagoon Beach - which was packed! We finally found a place to park but we could not unload to set up our picnic for lunch as it was drizzling.

The view from below - sand, rocks and wood

Blue Lagoon Beach ... nothing blue about this ...

Another view of Blue Lagoon Beach

Took the kids to the beach as little Ryan has never set foot on a beach before. He really enjoyed himself, so did big brother Tim and big sister, Stef.

After that, we headed on to our friend, Tina's family home.

Crafty Mood On

2011-08-11T14:35:00.024+08:00

I was in a rather crafty mood last month. I was busy surfing craft blogs on the internet because I just love looking at beautiful crafts. There are so many talented ladies out there, making beautiful crafts. When I look at these crafts, it inspires me and it gives me some ideas about my future crafts.

So last month I made a bag which I found from this blog : http://www.made-by-rae.com/ called Buttercup Bag. This blogsite gives you the template and guides you step by step. However, bags made from this pattern has to be for personal use and not for sale. And this we have to respect.

The material that I've used to sew this bag is actually material for cushion, which I've bought from a shop in Jalan Bungaraya, Malacca. The lining for this bag is calico. It takes a lot of practice to make the perfect bag. This is something I have to improve on.!

I might want to make a clutch bag with this pattern when I find the right material.

Buttercup Bag

Close-up of the flower

I've also learned to make the flower from this blog : http://nadscraft.blogspot.com/

Flower on a hairclip (front view)

Flower on a hairclip (side view)

Flower on a hairclip (before hot glue-ing it together)

Flower on a hairclip (after hot glue-ing it together)

I've used this same flower to make hair clips for my daughter. The same flower can be made for hairbands and bags too.

Kudos to bloggers who are not at all selfish and for sharing their ideas, tutorials and patterns sheets online!

Where's your Happy Place?

2011-08-03T16:37:00.016+08:00

Everybody has a happy place. A place for you to relax and let go of all your troubles. A place where you can find solace, away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday busy lives.

I've had so many happy places. Living a serene life by the river, getting up to the sounds of birds singing or living and travelling in a RV.

Right now, my happy place is living in a Lighthouse. Living by the edge of the sea. The sound of waves hitting the rocks, watching the sunrise and set, strong winds blowing my face. No horning cars in sight just watching ships passing by. Sigh ... for now this is MY happy place.

My Lighthouse - my Happy place

So where is your happy place?

Patchwork Project : My Red Garden

2011-07-30T20:28:00.010+08:00

I've started on a new patchwork project. It's based on an old project that I did long time ago. As I've lost the template from my first project, I had to work on a new template for this new one. Since red is my favourite color, I co-ordinated this project with red cloth and lots of other floral material to match. All my patchwork projects are paper pierced and hand sewn.

Purchased these batch of cotton materials from a shop in Malacca

Paper pierced these cloth to the recycled paper template

Hand sewn each and everyone together

This is the plain red cloth with the patterned center

This is the patterned cloth with the plain red cloth center

It will then have to be sewn together alternatively

This is how the back will look like

Chocolates, Cookies & Ice-Cream

2011-07-22T14:56:00.019+08:00

What does Mummy do when there's too much chocolates or candies in the house??? (Note : Mummy did not buy these, all were gifts from friends who travelled back from overseas.)

Well ... Mummy does a Ice-Cream Chocolate Gallore! Buy a tub of Vanilla Ice-Cream (any brand will do), a roll of Oreo Biscuits (a flavour of your liking) and whatever chocolates or candies you have.

Some of the ingredients to make the Ice-Cream Chocolate Gallore

In an empty bowl, take out part of the ice-cream and mix it with all your chocolates and candies. Break the Oreo Biscuits into smaller pieces and mix that in too. After that put the ice-cream back into the tub and freeze it again.

Mix part of the Ice-Cream with your Chocolates and Candies

This is how your Ice-Cream Chocolate Gallore will look like when you put them back into the tub!

In about 1-2 hours time ~ SERVE the KIDS & the DADDY! ;-))

One happy kid waiting in the kitchen to be served!

Life Then & Life Now

2011-07-20T15:52:00.018+08:00

My father often compare me to my mother. According to him, my mother could manage a household even though she was working mother. She could go to work, pick us up from my Grandmother's, go home, cook dinner and doing all this without a domestic helper.

He didn't say that I could not manage my family but he feels that I could do the same.

I beg to differ. Life is so full of challenges. Traffic now a days is unpredictable, food and properties are sky high. So is kindie fees or baby sitter.

My mother used to start work at 8.00am and finish work by 4.15pm. By 4.10pm, they are all lining up at the punch card machine waiting to punch out from work. My Grandmother's house was near her work place, so by 4.45pm she was there to pick us up, and by the time we reached home, which was rather nearby too, it would be about 5.15pm. She would then prepare to cook dinner immediately.

Now as for me, the life now-part, home to Mum's place is 30 minutes and Mum's place to my work is another 30-45 minutes. Work starts at 8.30am and OFFICIALLY finishes at 5.00pm. However, I do not leave the office only after 6.30pm.

By the time I reach Mum's place to pick up the kids, it's about 7.15pm and by the time we reach home, it's about 8.15pm. That is impossible to prepare dinner by then. That is why I have a domestic helper. By the time we are home, dinner is ready. Ryan is taken care of and the house is clean.

It's so hard to compare my parent's era with our era now. Everything is so different. We could trust people back then, but not now. Even when our children are playing in the playground in front of our house, I or K will be outside keeping an eye on them.

I remember when I was 14 years old, I used to walk to Jaya Supermarket with a friend (whose house was in Section 10) from my Grandmother's house which was in Section 11 and we would walk back after that. My mother would give me RM10.00, that was enough to buy food and something small.

Today, I would NEVER allow my children to do that! Sigh ... things are so different now and then!

Dengue Fever

2011-06-22T09:27:00.009+08:00

Our neighbourhood has been experiencing some dengue lately. Kerwin and Timmy were tested positive for dengue in end May early June 2011. After that a few other families in our neighbourhood were also tested positive. The funny thing about this is that, it hit the fathers first then followed by the first borns and then the other family members. The mothers were spared ... for now ...

My Mum who lives in a differnt neighbourhood had dengue too, when she was discharged, Kerwin and Timmy were admitted. And now, Stephanie has got dengue fever.

Timmy in the hospital

Stephanie in the hospital

PatchWork Project : New Beginings COMPLETED

2011-06-16T11:52:00.027+08:00

The patchwork project titled New Beginings is now officially Completed!

It took me and Kim about six months to complete. All sewn by hand except for the sides and backing. For this project, I've decided to buy a dark brown color cloth to match my brother and SIL's sofa.

The patchwork, together with the brown backing and polka dot boarder

The patchwork spreadout before the backing was sewn on

I've tried something new with this project too. Instead of sewing the sides with the backing by 10cm or more like my other projects, I sewed a polka dot boarder.

The final patchwork - I just love the colors - Opps don't mind the backyard!

The polka dot boarder

The backing with a line of patchwork to denote the front

Sometimes, when it looks easy to sew, it's not! Believe me, I had to unpick this project many times when it came to sewing the backing. Before sewing, I tagged the backing to the patchwork. Thinking that it was just straight line sewing, I had to unpick as after sewing (three times I think), either the backing cloth was too short or too long.

Somehow managing, it was completed! The rewards are amazing - lovely quilt and the new owners treasure and love it very much! That's the best part!

Everybody's Having Babies

2011-05-20T17:59:00.015+08:00

Everybody is having babies! And I mean everybody, from human to animals!

I know two of my cousins have become Grandparents for the first time!

Congratulations to Porgy as his son, Daniel and wife, Ciara welcomed a healthy baby girl named Isla.

Congratulations to Porgy's sister Karen as her son, Irwan and wife, Diyana welcomed a healthy baby boy.

That's the human part, now the animal part!

Mummy's dog, Cookie delivered three (3) pupppies on 03.04.2011 and we've named them Mylo, Lulu and Jack. Then on 08.05.2011, another of Mummy's dog, Muffin delivered two (3) puppies. As of todate - they are unnamed. Mummy is going to give them all up for adoption, including the mothers.

Cookie with her new puppies

One month later - Mylo

One month later - Lulu

One month later - Jack

Then our Hamster, Daisy delivered six (6)pups on 28.04.2011 but she ate them all up ... EWWW!! Another of our Hamster, Molly delivered five (5) pups in the begining of May 2011. However, they all died a few weeks later, one by one. This was because Daisy was over protective, didn't want them moving around the cage too much and the only way she could bring them or keep them together was to carry them with her mouth and I think she bit them too hard!

Molly's pups

Molly cuddling her pup while he suckles on her

Molly's last surviving pup until yesterday, Choosy

- we thought he was going to survive,

so Timmy named him The Chosen One
- Choosy for short

Scrapbooking & Other Crafts

2011-05-20T16:51:00.032+08:00

Back in December 2010, I've been asked by my friend JP to help out in making place cards for their Christmas BEC party. It was like a making a big scrapbook and I had fun with it. I had positive feed back from JP and some of their BEC members.

Program Place Card # 1

Program Place Card # 2

Registration Place Card

Gifts Place Card

Then lately, the BEC Coordinator has got in touch with me personally, thanks to JP to make place cards and gifts for their Mother's Day Celebration. I was asked to do a Welcome Place Card, Mother's Day Quotes and 35 pieces of One Decade Rosaries.

Different Colors of the One Decade Rosary

Close Up of the Crucifix

The Colors

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-05-20T16:25:00.014+08:00

I love Cinnamon Rolls, more so if I don't have to make them! Anyway inspired by my friend, Jeanne's ("JP")'spree' on bread making, I tried to make them. The last time I've made them was about 5 years ago.

My 1st attempt failed, the yeast didn't bubble and the dough didn't rise ... but I made it anyway, turned out hard like rock, nothing like bread at all. Found out from generous JP and another friend Marcia that I 'killed' the yeast. Instead of putting lukewarm water into the yeast, I put HOT water! MATI TERUS! we had a good laugh!

My Cinnamon Rolls @ 2nd attempt

So my 2nd attempt and after following the recipe given by JP turned out OK. JP said to put the dough close to each other, don't give them space! and WOW when baking, it looked like REAL Cinnamon Rolls - EXCEPT that I didn't put enough sugar, cinnamon and raisins.

SIGH! Oh Well! will try again soon when I have the mood!

Ryan Updates

2011-05-20T15:52:00.010+08:00

Wow! The last time I did an update about Ryan was like in September 2010. Well ... little Ryan is now a cute and little mischievous toddler. He's 23 months old - so he'll actually turn 2 this June 14, 2011.

As compared to his older siblings, Ryan takes a little longer to talk. I've been told that that is normal for the youngest as the older siblings do the talking for him. However, of late, he's been able to say a few words and he's making sentences.

"Yeah Puppy!" - with hands up in the air

"Bye Bye Mummy" or Bye Bye Nana

Mummy, Daddy, Kor Kor, Che Che, Nana, Papa,

Eat, Water, Please, Move, Turn - these are some of the words he's been saying

Ryan being cheecky

He's got temper and we're keeping him in check. If he does something wrong, he'll be caned there and then and if I or Timmy or Stef is sitting next to him, he'll turn around and hit us. In turn, we'll hit his hand and tell him that he's wrong.

Overtime, he's had his falls, blue black here and there, blood here and there. But he's a strong boy. His static hair is now all down although scanty. His features are changing. To us he now doesn't look so Chinese - I miss my CinaBoy!

Other than that, he's just a little darling that all of us look forward to coming home to.

Bracelets

2011-03-17T11:46:00.005+08:00

Lately, I have been designing and making some bracelets. I am trying out these new designs and trying out the market for them too. I am selling them at between RM20-RM25. They are of semi precious stones, ceramic beads and crystal beads. Because I am trying out, I only have one of each. If there is a market for them, I'll make more, maybe not of the same design but similiar.

An overall look at the bracelets

Bracelets with Blue Crystals

Bracelets with Red Crystals

Bracelets with Green Crystals

Bracelets with Round Chinese Character Ceramic Beads

Bracelets with Oblong Chinese Character Ceramic Beads

(I am keeping this for myself ... maybe ... maybe not ...

Urrgghh!! I don't know yet ... LOL!)

Bracelets with Square Brown Ceramic Beads

Bracelets with Round Ceramic Red Flower Beads

Bracelets with Round Ceramic Brown Flower Beads

Bracelets with Green Semi-Precious Stones

What unusual berries we have here?

2011-03-17T10:54:00.006+08:00

Check out these unsual berries that my mother-in-law has grown outside her house. The tree is about 5ft tall and can grow by just cutting the stamp and sticking it back into the soil.

My father-in-law made jam with it. Mother-in-law says the dark the color, the sweeter the berry is.

The unsual berries

A close up of the berries

My Backyard has Forsaken Me

2011-03-17T10:21:00.009+08:00

Some of my plants that I've planted in my backyard has forsaken me. Especially my papaya tree. It used to give me sweet wonderful papayas but I don't know why for some reason, the leaves just keep turning brown and dies away. Now the tree is almost 'botak'. The fruits cannot be eaten as it has small little worms in them. The tree also has a white fungus.

The bald papaya tree

Another plant given by a friend, I am not sure if this is called Rozella as I have not seen the fruit, but was told that it is, also has the white fungus and the leaves too are turning brown but unlike the papaya tree, it is still growing. However, I am going to cut the whole tree away and let it grow again.

The Rozella tree, I think ...

Now I'll have to replant and repot some of the plants, hopefully it's no major 'plant sickness'. My other plants such as my limau kasturi are fruiting but I can't say the same for my limau purut. My pandan leaves and curry leaves are doing ok.

Western Meal

2011-03-15T13:47:00.005+08:00

Inspired by my friend KNM's Dory fish with Parmesan cheese on his 'Cooking Mode On' on facebook, I decided to make some Western meal for the family on Saturday night.

On the menu was :

Bake Vegetables - pumpkin, capsicum, mushroom, tomato and onion

Baked Mushrooms with Garlic and Cheese - before it went into the oven

Baked Mushrooms with Garlic and Cheese - after it went into the oven

Meats marinated in 'Tesco' Plum Sauce, 'Tesco' Balsamic Dressing,

Italian Herbs, Salt and Black Pepper

The end result - a wonderful meal - with french fries and a bun

BUT ... at one point my lazyness slided in as I should have tenderise the pork first but didn't so we ended up eating a slightly rubbery pork chop!

My Mother's Garden

2011-03-15T12:03:00.012+08:00

In one of my blogpost in September 2008, I blogged about My Mother's Garden. Recently, when I got my new camera, I wanted to capture some of essence of her garden. Pictures speak a thousand words right? So, here are some pictures of her garden ...

Mum's two tone bougainvillea - light pink and white

Mum's light purple hydrangea - a gift from a church member

The children's pinwheel decorates Mum's garden

Rose Cactus? I don't know what plant this is called

Mum's Rangoon Creeper decorates the side of her fence

together with some ferns and the 'tanduk rusa' hanging on the left

The Rangoon Creeper is also known as The Drunken Sailor

Close-up of the Rangoon Creeper's sweet pink and white flowers

Mum's Red Yam leaf

Mulut Pedas - Hot Mouth

2011-03-09T14:10:00.005+08:00

There is a Malay saying here in Malaysia - Mulut Pedas and if translated to English, it literally means Hot or Spicy Mouth. Mulut Pedas refers to someone who says or mention something and it will come true. Normally not a good sign. For example : If you dislike a person and while with a group of friends, you would say, "I just can't stand her! I wish she just fall and break her leg" and Whoops ... won't you know it, the next day, that is just what happened.

Before your thoughts go wild, NO! I did not wish that on somebody! And the reason why I am bringing this is up is because I THINK I have Mulut Pedas and it's scary.

I will not go into details, but let's just say that so far, I have encountered 3 incidents already!

Now onwards, I will put my Mulut Pedas to good use and good thoughts! ;-))

Hope'n and Wish'n

2011-03-07T17:55:00.005+08:00

The 1st term school holidays are just around the corner. The kids will be getting one week off. I have some activities planned out for them and I am myself looking forward to it.

I've not informed them yet as work has been good-ly busy. I am afraid that if I tell them and because of my work schedule, I am unable to take leave, they will be so dissappointed. Besides, I want to surprise them, so yeah, I'll just have to wait it out a while ...

Post-January & February 2011 Happenings

2011-03-01T12:16:00.005+08:00

It was non-stop for us after Christmas. Our schedule was packed in attending either lunches, dinners or parties!

January 2011 was filled with birthdays, Timmy's (my son) birthday was on the 3rd followed by Dougie's (my brother) on the 16th and Matthew's (my cousin's son) on the 23rd or was it 24th ...

February 2011 was also filled with birthdays, my Mum's birthday was on the 8th followed by Stephanie's (my daughter) birthday was on the 10th, mine was on the 17th followed by Jeanne (a close family friend) on the 18th.

Chinese New Year also fell in February, so that too was busy month for us.

Timmy celebrating his 10th birthday with all the children from the neighbourhood

Timmy's Chocolate Oatmeal cake which I made - his favourite

Matthew celebrating his birthday with Star Wars theme

Check out the Star Wars cupcakes - COOL!

Stephanie celebrating her 8th birthday with all the childdren from the neighbourhood

She had a Pink & Red Theme, I made pink and red bracelets for the GIRLS only

Garden Updates

2011-02-22T14:52:00.009+08:00

I've not been gardening as much as I would like to lately. Why? Because no time, no time and no time.

I would like to do more but for now, it's just very simple gardening. Easy plants that can take care of themselves. I've not been visiting nurseries or buying plants either. Although I've been given some orchids from my office cleaner because she cleans another office who throws away orchids when the flower dies, that too I think will take care of itself.

The only gardening I did lately was transplanted the pink ginger plant given by a dear friend. I found that this plant grows better on the ground than on a pot.

My sister-in-law has taken up gardening lately, she's got a big land and she's really very good at it. Most of the gardening, the pergola and other things you see in her garden are mostly DIY stuff! Amazing! She's just started her gardening blog and you can visit it at http://journeyofmygardening.blogspot.com. The other blog that I visit to be inspired in gardening is Steph's Green Space at http://stephgreenspace.blogspot.com

In the meantime, I'll leave you with some picture blogging of my garden. These pictures are courtesy of my brother-in-law, Ivan.

Ah Chong fishing in the fully green 'pond'

We have to clean this 'pond' everyday because the green plant multiplies overnight

The yellow Japanese rose - sleeps at night - opens during the day

My waxy green fern given to me by my Uncle Ricky - I love this fern!

Just One of THOSE Day

2011-02-16T13:39:00.004+08:00

I am sure some of you (if not all of you) have one of THOSE days. THOSE days when you just feel like making the world go away, dropping everything in your path and just hide away!

No worries, no troubles, no responsibility, everything is going the way YOU want it to go ... yeah ... I've been feeling like that since the start of 2011!

I just want to stop going to work, stop sending and picking the kids, I JUST want to sit home, be home, make beautiful jewellery, do some sewing, do some patchwork!

SIGH ... if only I could ... so I guess I'll just imagine that I am having one of THOSE days! Wishful Thinking!

Post-December 2010 Happenings

2011-01-11T15:33:00.007+08:00

December 2010 was a busy month for us. Not only did we have to prepare for the kids as they go back to school in January 2011, we had family from Perth visiting, we had a cousin who got married, celebrated K's 40th Birthday and of course Christmas.

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Arun Ronald Das and his lovely bride Dr Soraya as they married at St John's Cathedral on December 4, 2010

Celebrated K's 40th Birthday - cooked him a meal, bought him a cake - Happy Birthday K! Life begins at 40!

Christmas @ Home this year was wonderful!

New Year New Resolution~Part One

2011-01-04T16:22:00.006+08:00

I've stopped making new year resolutions many years ago. I used to make them, keep them, break them then forget them! So why bother my teeny whiny little brain thinking about it!

HOWEVER, this year I am thinking about making some resolutions along the way, some resolutions that I think I can keep and is within reasonable reach. So here is the first batch of my resolution :-

RESOLUTION 2011

1. Drink lots of water

2. Cut down on my coffee by drinking only ONE cup of coffee a day

3. Be more involved in my children's life, i.e. their school work and friends

Wish me LUCK!

GoodBye 2010, Hello 2011

2010-12-30T11:59:00.004+08:00

Yet again, we welcome another new year! Yet again we wonder where and how the current year went by us so fast!

Yet again we hold strong to traditions and the way of life. Some of us afraid of making changes and some daring to make changes.

Family members we treasure, near and far, new friends in tow and old friends we hold, life must be good, life should be good.

The highlight for 2010 for us was definitely our house cleansing - spiritual house cleansing that is!

There were highlights and lowlights for us. The highlights were things like Ryan turning ONE! Our Klang house was finally sold BUT still in the process, we pray that this goes through smoothly. In December, Kerwin turned 40, got a new job with better opportunities. My jewellery business took off with the support of family and friends!

Of course the biggest lowlight for us was when Kerwin was self-employed for several months, that took a toll on us all financially. We were thankful though that we had very understanding parents and friends who took care of us, been there for us and guided us through this time. He was thankfully employed again in December.

Then we had our cars broken into in front of our home, in January and in October. And of course we had our home spiritually cleansed in November! I shall not go into details as this might be scary for some, but let's just say that there have been changes. For those who have been to our home before and after November will know the difference.

SO HERE'S WELCOMING 2011 WITH OPEN ARMS AND SAYING GOODBYE TO 2010 WITH FULL OF MEMORIES!

Highlights & Updates

2010-12-10T11:17:00.012+08:00

It's been sometime now that I've blog. I've been busy but haven't all of us been busy too? Anyway, A LOT has happened, MOSTLY good and ONE bad. And I must say that our lives has had a drastic change since November 17, 2010.

I only wished that I could write all and tell all of what had happened but some things are not meant to be in the open. Some of you I might have told and it's up to you to believe it. It's been unbelievable!

Anyway, the good news is that K, my Hubby, has a new job, something that he feels comfortable in and in the line of what he wants to do, IT industry.
Our children, mainly the two older ones, Timmy and Stef have changed, they have become obedient. We were having issues with them earlier, but they have changed drastically! Father and son now gets along well although there are some minor disagreement that can be handled.

My jewellery business, Jingga Tulips has had support from family and friends and it's wonderful! I never would have thought that my hobby would make me some money. I feel that my passion has finally been rewarded.
Our problematic house in Klang, which K and I bought before we were married was finally sold! Although we did not make any cent out of it, we are glad that this HUGE burden is off us!
Both my brother and brother-in-law moved into their new home respectively. They are constantly upgrading their home and it's nice to see that they have their own place to call home.
We are now in the planning to sell our current home and hope to buy a new one but all these are in initial planning stage.

My car which was knocked from behind by another car

The ONE bad news was that my car was knocked from behind on November 16, 2010. I was so careful as it was raining cats and dogs on that day and somebody knocked me from behind. It was not a hard knock but enough for my right light to crack, bumper bent and my boot could not close. I claimed 3rd party insurance and the cost of the repair was close to RM4,500.00!

There are other 'predictions' but that will be save for another blogging day. Until now, we are busy preparing for K's 40th birthday which will be soon and Christmas, will keep you guys posted!

UPDATE : Patchwork Project : Lily's Colors of Life

2010-10-29T15:46:00.007+08:00

F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. ~ Lily's Colors of Life is completed, it's finished, it's done ~ Whew! and just in time too!

The completed Lily's Colors of Life

I have bought the cloth backing for this patchwork project and started sewing the back first. I sewed five stems of flowers, sewing each stem a day followed by the flowers, one day at a time. Next, I had to sew the backing onto the finished quilt. This was no easy task!

The back of the blanket with the 5 stems of flowers

Each flower represents one member of Lily's family

I had to spread the whole piece out on the floor and tact it with thread. I sewed one side at a time. I managed to sew one side and had to stop for a while as the blanket was so heavy and it was difficult to run it through the sewing machine.

The blanket which is spread out

After five (5) years, I finally finished this in the morning of October 22, 2010! Yes, five (5) years it took me to finish this blanket. This is because it was done only when I had the time or the mood.

Anyway, it was presented to a dear friend who celebrated her 50th birthday. She has helped us tremendously in so many ways. More importantly, I know that she will appreciate this blanket and it will be used with care and love!

This blanket is named after her ~ LILY's COLORS OF LIFE ~ as it reflects her life, blessed and colorful as I know she has her fair share of ups and downs.

NOW, to concentrate on the other project called NEW BEGININGS for a couple whose close to my heart ~ my brother and his wifey!

It Has Happened Again!

2010-10-25T14:29:00.004+08:00

October 7, 2010 - Thursday

It has happened again! This time same house different car! Somebody tried to break into my car which was parked outside (off all days) at about 4.30am. The last time this happened was in January and it was to Kerwin's car.

I came home on Wednesday night and decided to park my car outside, in front of the house instead of the porch like I usually do. Kerwin had his car parked inside, so normally when I come home, I would horn, Kerwin would come out, re-park his car outside and I park mine inside. I was so tired to go through all that on that day and decided to park outside. I took my SmartTag and my office tag in.

Then at about 4.30am, we were awaken by my car alarm and we heard a motorbike speeding off! We jumped out of bed and I told Kerwin "I heard a motorbike" and Kerwin replied "Me too!" We both ran downstairs and went out only to see that the window on the front passenger side was shattered but intact because of the protective tint.

The shattered glass window

The shattered glass had the helmet's signature on it!

Panicked, the culprits threw their helmet into our drain

Kerwin drove to look for the culprits and I called the police. Of course, during this time we were both not thinking - LOL! What was Kerwin going to do he if found them? Anyway, I must add here that I was very impress with the police, when I dialed 999 - it was picked up immediately and they knew where the call was made from, they then connected me to the nearest police station at my area. When I told them that Kerwin went in pursuit of the culprits, they asked for his mobile number and his location. I asked the police to send a patrol car to our area as all this just happened and the culprits may still be around.

When Kerwin came back, he said that there was nothing we could do, we should go back to bed and make a police report later. Surprisingly, withing 15 minutes, the police patrol called us back at home to ask for our exact location. They came, they saw, took our details and made some rounds.

The next morning, we made a police report. I must admit, at this particular police station, the policeman was friendly and so was the very young Inspector!

I must admit that this experience has thought us to be thankful as we were not harmed in anyway, it could have been worse but GOD was watching us that day! We are thankful and we are Blessed!

Hair Cuts and Pool Day

2010-09-22T13:39:00.005+08:00

Ryan had a 2nd round hair cut. We got our neighbour, Kak Maz to help out since she has the shaver. While cutting his hair half way, the shaver stopped working! LOL! The shaver is an old set, cut many hairs and I suppose it's time was up! Anyway, Kak Maz had to then finish cutting Ryan's hair the old fashion way - comb and scissors while Kerwin tried to service and repair the shaver.

Ryan with Kor Kor Timmy and Che Che Stephanie before his hair cut

Kak Maz cutting Ryan's hair

After Ryan's hair cut, all three of them were treated to a fun time at the 'home' pool! It was such a hot day and putting out the pool was a relief!

In swimming gear and eagerly waiting for the water to fill up in the pool

Craft : More Cloth Collection

2010-09-15T10:46:00.006+08:00

These are part of my cotton material stashed away. These are patterned and I have another stash which are just in plain colors. I will certainly add more to my collection!

Loads of cotton material waiting to be used!

More cotton materials

Blue & Pink Polkadots

This will be used as the border for my patchwork project

called New Beginings

This is Japanese material - RM12.90 per meter @ Kamdar, SS2

Craft : Cloth Collection

2010-09-14T11:50:00.004+08:00

I love shopping for cloth, especially if they are cotton and I love a good bargain. I don't like to spend too much on these materials as I buy them specificially for my patchwork projects.

A meter of cloth will cost between RM3.50 to RM4.80 and for better quality like the Japanese cotton, it will cost RM8.00. I usually shop for them at two places, Kamdar or Nagoya.

Then on a recent trip to Malacca, I've discovered some shops in Jalan Bunga Raya. Needless to say, I went CRAZY! (So did Kim). I was spoilt for choice and the prices were affordable! The cheapest of a meter cloth was RM1.80 while to most 'expensive' was RM3.00. These cloth are also suitable for sewing pillowcase and making dresses for little girls.

I have loads of cloth stashed away in my Toyogo boxes. Below picture is what I bought from Malacca. I will be back to Malacca to buy more!

The seven pieces material I bought from two different shops in Malacca

Prices ranging from RM1.80 to RM3.00

A better look of the materials

I am planing to make wristlet pouches with the pink cloth

A better look of the materials

Gardening Updates of Perias, Papayas and Cuban Oregano

2010-09-13T15:09:00.005+08:00

I've wanted to blog about my Peria (Bittergourd) plant, my Papaya tree and my Cuban Oregano for a while now. I've been waiting to take some pictures and I finally found the time.

Having a very small garden behind my house does not give me much room to do gardening, especially if I want to plant plants that are climbers. My neighbour gave me some Peria seeds and I decided to give it a try. According to my neighbour, this Peria is the medium size Peria that is curly? I planted them in a small little soil bag and let them be. Now they have flowered, but I have yet to see any fruit. Will keep you guys updated once I see any fruit.

The Peria growing from the soil bag

The Peria climbing on the fence

The Peria flower

At my backyard, I've removed some slabs and top up with black soil. There I grew a Papaya tree and some ginger. The first time the Papaya bore fruit, the fruits were big and sweet. But later on, as you can see it was attacked by some white fungus? I don't know what to apply or kill these fungus. So far we have yet to eat the fruit, until we can solve this fungus problem.

This is how my backyard looks like

The Papaya Tree

The Papaya fruit attacked by the white fungus

I have also been growing a plant which is called Cuban Oregano. This plant was given to me by a petrol station attendant. I have been admiring her plants that she plants at the Caltex petrol station in SS4 and I asked her for this plant and she gave it to me willingly.

My pot of Cuban Oregano

A close up of the Cuban Oregano

All this while I thought it was a kind of Mint until my friend Nasir saw it and I think he did some research. It has a very distinctive smell, either you like it or hate it. I use it for cooking my meats and as a cure for cough.

For cooking, I would use about 5 pieces of this leaf by cutting them thinly and frying them with my onion and garlic. For cough, I would boil about 5 pieces of this leaf with either rock sugar or normal white sugar. This Cuban Oregano is easy to grow, all you have to do is just break the stamp and plant it back in the soil.

Talented Timmy~Part Two

2010-09-07T11:44:00.010+08:00

Timmy is at it again.

PROJECT ONE ~ TINY DOLL

The other day, he made me a doll, a tiny little doll. Me and my Mum are now making rag dolls. So he has been observing us. I was sorting out some cloth and he was with me. He asked me if he could have this cloth and that cloth, because he was bothering me, I told him he could have them, hoping that he'd leave me alone.

Next thing I knew, he was drawing on the piece of cloth with his marker pen. He cut out the picture and then he asked me for a needle and thread and asked me to sew for him. I told him that I would only start for him and that he would have to finish the rest. He stuffed the tiny little doll with the cloth remant.

He then presented it to me. "Mummy, I made this for you!" Of course, I didn't expect him to be perfect but I know that he has the creative idea.

Tiny Doll

by Timothy Chong

Timothy's Sewing

PROJECT TWO ~ WORM SOCK

Timmy and Stef stayed over at their Nana's house during the weekend. When I went to pick them up, Timmy was holding something. He came into the car and showed his art and told me that he made it for his Dad. It is made out of his sister's old socks LOL! He painted it green and brown, stuffed it with newspaper and put three ping pong balls for eyes!

Worm Sock

by Timothy Chong

Face of Worm Sock

Boy or Girl? Ryan or Rebecca?

2010-09-01T17:40:00.004+08:00

LOL!!! I think every parent or rather mother has done this to their little boys! Dress them up in dresses, once in a while!

We were giving away Stephanie's old clothes and came about some pretty dresses. Of course, this Mummy couldn't resist and guess what she did-lah?! I had to put them on Ryan.

My little Ryan look so sweet! I think he can pass out for a little girl! Oh Gosh! I think Ryan's Godma's jaw will drop when she sees this!

But this Mummy and everyone at home that day had a blast of laughter! and (guilty) I am still laughing!

Boy or Girl?

Ryan or Rebecca?

PatchWork Project : New Beginings

2010-08-28T11:51:00.007+08:00

As I've mentioned in my previous blog post, I've started with a new patchwork project called New Beginings. Kim is helping me in all aspects, paper piercing and hand sewing them individually. It is of square patches with patterned cotton material matching plain cotton material.

I am calling this project New Beginings because it's for my brother and his wife who after 4 years of marriage, have now moved into their own home. Those of you who have moved into new homes or owning your own home will know the feeling.

Once completed, it would look something like this

The square patches that were paper pierced

I've already made a mistake in the begining of this project! I thought sewing square patches would be easy, so after paper piercing them by hand, I matched the squares by sewing them with the sewing machine. But the out come was not what I expected. It was stiff and the quality was rough. This is because I did not allocate any allowance when sewing. So we've (Kim & myself) have now resorted to sewing them individually by hand.

Stiff and rough - sewn by a sewing machine

The big patch that was sewn by a sewing machine

I'll have to unpick them later

This patch was hand sewn

As for the patchwork project : Lily's Colors of Life, I've already bought the material for the backing and have started on sewing the backing. Will update you guys on that!

PatchWork Project : Lily's Colors of Life

2010-08-21T11:31:00.010+08:00

I love all things crafts and patchwork is one of them. I've taken up patchwork about 10 years ago when my mother showed me her uncompleted flower hexagons, she taught me how to sew it and I've made a few patchwork projects after that.

Lately, I've just completed a project for a friend. I've named this project : Lily's Colors of Life. This is because the colors are bright and vibrant and I think that is how our lifes should be lived!.

The washed Colors of Life

It's flower hexagons, the 'petals' are plain cotton materials and the middle is patterned cotton materials. The top and bottom of this is reversed - patterned 'petals' and the middle is plain. I've bought my cotton materials from either Kamdar or Nagoya and some from tailors who have scrap cloth.

The whole project is individually hand sewn. This was how I did my project :-

1. I printed out hegaxon shapes from the computer. One A4 piece of paper has about 12 hexagon shapes.

2. I then made copies using recycled paper, of course.

3. Next, I cut out the hexagon shapes and paper pierce them onto my desired materials.

4. Then I hand sew them to make into a flower and the process is repeated until you get your desired size.

5. The next task is to take out ALL the paper templates from the material and sew the backing.

Paper pierced and hand sewn

The paper templates that have been taken out

For this project, I've yet to sew the backing and this definitely has to be done with a sewing maching ... WISH me luck!

Ryan's Update - 14 months

2010-08-20T11:52:00.005+08:00

It's been sometime since I've blog about Ryan's update. So he's turned 14 months already on August 14, 2010. He started walking during his 13th month. His first word? APPLE! not Mummy, not Daddy but APPLE!

He can't talk yet but if you would to ask him where his hair, ears, eyes or anything, he knows, he'll point to show you. To get your attention or if he has to call any of us it's "Uh! Uh!"

He's an adorable baby (toddler would be the right term) but ... Timmy and Stef gives in to him most of the time although I tell them not to. Don't want Ryan to grow up getting things done his way!

I have yet to get a picture of all three of them together. Many people have said that Ryan does not look anything at all like his brother or sister. I wish I had some photos to show you and I think you'll agree too.

Anyway, I'll leave you with a video of him walking.

Introducing Jingga Tulips

2010-07-28T13:36:00.003+08:00

Some of you might know this already and maybe some of you might not.

We (hubby and myself) are selling jewellery such as necklaces, ear-rings, pendants and travelling rosaries under our own company called Jingga Tulips Crafts. We've got other craft items too, such as handmade dolls, blank scrapbooks and greeting cards.

All these items are handmade either by my Mum, Hubby or myself. The necklaces are unique and individually styled and are one of a kind piece. You will not find anyone else wearing them except you!

We are selling these items on-line through our blog, by word of mouth, at bazaars and even organised tea parties.

Just recently we did a sale and we had lots of support from friends and regular customers. One of our friends, Bernice B, bought one necklace and an ear-ring set from our Pink Stephanie collection and wore it immediately. I must admit that it made us proud!

So, please check out my craft blog at http://jinggatulips.blogspot.com/ or you can call me at 012 272 2118 if you wish to view any of the items.

Thanks to our friend Bernice B who bought one necklace and an ear-ring set from the Pink Stephanie collection. Thanks Bernice B for your support!

Gardening Updates

2010-07-27T14:03:00.008+08:00

It's been almost 5 months since I paid any attention to my garden. All my Old Man's Darling (Old Ladies Bonnet) are gone, so are my Yellow Daisies. My flowering bed is no more, except for my small purple flowers that have grown so well. So instead of replanting new flowering plants, I've replaced it with a planter box of peach colored lilies. Talk about easy maintenance!

The flowering purple hedge with the peach colored lilies in the background

I think I'll just stick to planting greens like ferns. I must say that I am now a proud owner of a very beautiful fern. My Uncle gave it to me last month as he didn't want it anymore. When I took it from him, it only had about four (4) to five (5) leaves. I transferred it onto another pot and now the leaves just can't seem to stop coming out! Young leaves are brown in color but after they matured, it turns green.

My new fern - blooming like crazy

Close up of the leave - it has a waxy feel

On the same note, Kim, my domestic helper has been planting vegetables, namely Kang Kung (Watercrest Spinach) and Kai Lan at our backyard. My backyard is very small but thankfully enough to do some planting. We have harvested the Kang Kung twice already - we made Kang Kung belacan and it tasted so fresh and Yummy! As for the Kai Lan, Kim grew them from seeds and it's taking longer than expected.

The Kang Kung plot

(I hate this, I can't seem to adjust the photo although from my photo album, it's changed already - so you guys now have to tilt your heads to the right - LOL)

The Kai Lan plot - so sad looking - taking too long to grow

We also have a cili padi tree, or rather my neighbour has a cili padi tree that it's shared among the neighbourhood. It has grown over to our side and we can pluck them whenever we want to use it. It's really power pack!

The cili padi tree from this thin 'batang'

The cili padis

Strike By ThunderBolt

2010-07-26T12:11:00.011+08:00

July 20, 2010 ~ Tuesday

Our housing area in Kota Damansara is so prone to lighting, thunder and strong winds when it rains. On 20.07.2010, Tuesday at about 5.30 in the evening, our house was hit by a thunderbolt! It struck our fuse box and it caught fire. It also hit the ceiling at the wet kitchen.

The burnt fuse box

Wires were burnt too

The ceiling that 'exploded'

It was a good thing that no one was hurt! I was home as I was on MC, Kerwin was home too together with Ryan and Kim. Kim was at the kitchen and she saw the thunderbolt come in. She was speechless and started crying! Good thing too that we had a fire extinguisher at home to put the fire out!

Earlier before that I called my Mum to ask her if the kids could stay over at her place for the night as it was raining so hard and coming out of the house, we would be caught in a terrible jam. It was a good thing that we planned it that way because after that the chaos followed! Imagined if we had to go pick up the kids, I would have left Ryan and Kim at home, followed Kerwin to go pick the kids up, and with the fire and all, I doubt Kim will know what to do.

After putting out the fire, the whole house was covered in powder as the fire extinguisher was powder based! We had to sweep, mope the floor several times AND days. We had to wipe the furniture and put the sofa and cushion covers to wash.

The houses at our row had all their electricity tripped. Our house and another immediate neighbour had to wait for TNB to come. Ours was the worst with the fire and all. A good thing that Kerwin knew how to fix the fuse box and he got it fixed. The first thing we did when the electricity came back on was to make sure that all our electrical items worked, especially the essential and costly ones like the refrigerator, the washing machine and the TV. Thank GOD all worked.

Our LORD was watching over us that day! There's only HIM to thank and give praise! HE definitely works in mysterious ways!

HE's There Alright!

2010-07-26T10:15:00.005+08:00

July 25, 2010 ~ Sunday

GOD proves to me once again that HE's present in our lives! This Sunday's sermon was a reminder - Father Michael Chua read the gospel after which he gave his sermon. Father Michael said "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, Knock and a door will open, BUT if you want all this to be done immediately then, it's magic, but if it's done by our LORD, it will be received, found and opened in HIS own time and in HIS own mysterious way!"

After mass and when the children were in Sunday school, Kerwin and I discussed about the sermon and Kerwin told me, that I must have faith and trust in HIM! I told Kerwin that I have been asking, seeking and knocking for a very long time, how long more does HE want me to do so! I've been waiting for so long! I am so tired, almost giving up!

Then Kerwin reminded me that if I want all this to be answered immediately then it's MAGIC!

There must be a reason why HE is doing this, only HE knows. I've been so whinny about all that is happening to me! I keep telling myself to get up, dust myself and walk with my head held up high for HE will be by my side. I just have to keep drilling this into my head!

Mummy I Want to Get Married TOO!

2010-07-16T13:32:00.007+08:00

July 11, 2010 ~ Sunday

During the sermon at the 9.30 mass, Rev. Fr. Anthony Heng called for more vocations into the priesthood. He said that there was a shortage of priests not only in Malaysia but worldwide too. Fr. Anthony said that there would a time when we will not be able to celebrate mass because there would not be any priest left!

I turned to Timmy Boy and told him, why don't you become a priest when you are big? BTW, when he was younger, about six years old, he wanted to become a priest, he said he wanted to do GOD's work!

The response that I got from my 9 year old son on that day was SHOCKING! He told me "No-lah, I don't want to become a priest-lah!" He continued to say/ask me "Priest can't get married right?" And I answered him, "Yah, priest can't get married. Why? you want to get married ah?"

"Of Course-lah I want to get married!" was his reply! "You serious ah? You mean when you grow up you want to get married and have children?" I asked him.

"Yes, mummy, I wanna get married and continue the generation!" By now Mummy was speechless already "Ok-lah, I'll then ask Ryan!"

Children! I honestly don't know how to read them anymore!

Is There A GOD?

2010-07-09T11:14:00.007+08:00

When I was about 13 or 14 years old, I used to ask my Granny if there is a GOD? My Granny was a very pious Roman Catholic, who prayed the rosary everyday. She made Jesus the center of her life. So when I asked her that question, I would be scolded by her. She would say "How could you even think like that?" She said just thinking or asking "If there is a GOD?" was a sin already.

Recently, I have been going through some 'things' in my life. I try to be positive, try to look at things on the bright side, put my faith in HIM, but every time it feels like I am hitting a wall that cannot be broken, so many setbacks. It's really depressing!

Just yesterday, I've received some un-welcoming news and I asked Kerwin (hubby) that question again. Why do we go to Church? Is there really a GOD? If yes, why is GOD doing this to us?

THEN, this morning as I was filling up petrol for my car, a young boy, most probably about 15 or 16 years old came up to me at the petrol station and asked me for directions to go to SS2 police station.

He was robbed by two men on a motorcycle and hit with a hockey stick while at the PKNS football field in Kelana Jaya. He was catching a bus there for a football match but missed the bus. He made a police report and didn't have any money to go home and the policemen said it was not their jobs to send people home. The poor boy lives in Sg. Buloh, near the prison, is an orphan and his brother lives in Singapore, studying for his masters.

I took pity on him and wanted to drop him off at his home but didn't. Instead I dropped him off at the nearest bus station and gave him RM10.00 (not much as I didn't have much cash with me too). I was worried too as I don't normally take strangers into my car and in today's world it was hard to say who is bad or good and who was telling the truth and who was not.

OKAY, so what has all this got to do with my Is There A GOD story? Well, this boy who got robbed, his name is DAVID. He's a Christian and he put his trust in GOD! Talking to him today, such a young boy, and he said "Only GOD knows what I went through today, I pray that somebody will help me, I just wanna go home". Before he got out of the car, he said "Bless you Sister and pray for me"

So, GOD today showed me that HE exists through this boy David. GOD sent me a sign to show me that He will be there for me. I have always pump my petrol at this particular petrol station, there were other people standing beside their car and this boy came to me! This boy could have been named Rajan, Siva or Nathan but no ... his name was David!

For the benefit of non-Christian - David was the King of Israel in the 10th century BC and Jesus is thought to have descended from him. In the Old Testament, there are several stories of David but the most popular would be the story of David & Goliath.

I think my problems are Goliath (big, giant) and I have to be David (small) and defeat my problems!

OrphanCARE

2010-06-29T17:20:00.007+08:00

Look at this little cutie and your heart will melt and your eyes will tear!

This article was published in the local newspaper - The New Straits Times on 29th June 2010. This healthy 2.75kg little boy was left at OrphanCARE in Kg Tunku, PJ by his parents. His parents are in their early 20s and are unmarried. They hid the pregnancy from their families. As of now, they are unsure if they want to keep the baby or put him up for adoption.

The OrphanCARE baby hatch was launched on May 29, 2010 by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. The set-up caused a storm of protest with some quarters arguing that the baby hatch would encourage premarital sex. Others, meanwhile supported the move as it would help cut down babies being abandoned.

In a situation like this, let me ask you "Who suffers?" Of course the little innocent ones. Why? Is it because of the irresponsible act of two parties or one party? Sometimes, it's difficult to judge because you never know what the situation is or how it became.

Have we ever thought of the trauma that the parents will go through? Giving up a child for adoption is not easy! Some will call it a noble act, unselfish act as they want a better life for their child as they know they don't have the means to take care of their child. Others, especially those who are mothers themselves don't have the heart to do so, no matter how difficult things are.

At the same time, why bring an innocent child into this world when you know you are unable to take care of him/her. Ever thought of rape victims getting pregnant? Don't know who the father is, give the child up for adoption!

In the end, "WHO SUFFERS?" These little angels ...

Shards

2010-06-29T14:29:00.007+08:00

According to Wikipedia, SHERD or SHARD is commonly a historic or pre-historic fragment of pottery, although the term is occasionally used to refer to fragments of stone and glass vessels as well. Occasionally, a piece of broken pottery may be reffered to as a SHARD, or more precise term potsherd can be used. While the word SHARD is generally reserved for reffering to gragments of glass vessels.

I have always had a facination with things of blue and white, like tiles, cloth, vases, plates or bowls. This is because I feel that it reflects my identity as a Dutch-Chinese Eurasian. The Chinese have their blue and white pottery and the Dutch have the Delftware.

Anyway, I was told (two years ago) by a good friend, DDW that at the beaches of Melaka, you can find these shards from broken pottery washed up to shore especially after the rain. These shards are actually from shipwrecks that were carrying these Chinese pottery back to China or from China? Since then, everytime I go to be beach, I try to keep a lookout for these shards.

The Antique shard I found in Tg Kling, Malacca

How to tell if it's antique : Faded, rough texture, not glazed

And during my recent trip to Malacca, I got lucky, I found one shard, just one - showed it to DDW and he confirmed that it's an antique!

The shards I found in my friend's compound

At the same time, at the compound of my friend's home, where we stayed, I found many shards. This is because, my friend's family used to sell Chinese pottery. When they broke down the shead, some of the pottery were broken too.

Shard Pendant from Jingga Tulips collection

http://www.jinggatulips.blogspot.com

Some people have made these shards in jewellery like pendants or bracelets.

Happy 1st Birthday Ryan!

2010-06-14T15:15:00.005+08:00

AN OPEN BLOG TO MY SON RYAN

14.06.2009 ~ Ryan then - a few hours after birth

(photo courtesy of Ivan Chong)

11.06.2010 ~ Ryan now - cheeky and adorable cute

(photo courtesy of Timothy Chong)

Wow! One year already??? I just can't believe it! I still remember celebrating your Godma's birthday on June 13, 2009, we all went to Secret Recipe for dinner and were all joking about how nice if you would to be born on her birthday. The next day, we were getting ready to go to Port Dickson to celebrate Kor-Kor Callum's (Timothy's God-brother) 1st birthday.

Mummy felt very uneasy in the early mornings already. When I finally got dressed at about 8.00am, I called my doctor to tell him about my bad back ache and frequent visits to the toilet. Doctor said I had to come in for observation. I had to make sure that it was safe for Mummy to travel to Port Dickson and Mummy made the right decision.

We all went to the hospital and I was put on some kind of machine. When the results were out, Daddy, Kor-Kor and Che Che all gathered to hear what Dr Silvam had to say. I was ready to deliver you on 14.06.2010, if I didn't want to I could wait for my contractions to become stronger but was definitely not allowed to go home.

We made arrangements for Kor-Kor and Che Che to go down to Port Dickson with Nana and Grandpa. Mummy was prepared by the nurses for a C-Section. Although Mummy went through a C-Section with Kor-Kor and Che Che, Mummy was still scared. Nevertheless, at 11.44 am, you were born!

You were a breach baby - meaning your legs (instead of your head) were at the birth canal. Daddy was with Mummy all the time at the operating theatre. Daddy saw the Dr Silvam pull your legs out, then your head from Mummy's stomach. Daddy saw the Paediatrician taking liquid out from your mouth and finally, from the operating theatre I could hear your first cry.

The nurse brought you to show me, and I gave you a kiss ... you were so naked and so pink ... LOL!

It was truly very magical for both Mummy and Daddy. And here today, you've turned ONE! Happy Birthday little prince! You've made us and everyone around you very happy!

Malacca and It's Charm

2010-06-14T14:19:00.009+08:00

We made another trip to Malacca, staying at our friend, Lily's home. The purpose ... to buy fish directly from the fishermen. Did we succeed? Not really! There was not much fish to buy from our usual fishermen at Tanjung Keling. But we did have a relaxing weekend. The children enjoyed swimming at Malacca Club, the adults enjoyed eating plus we did some crafts.

There was definitely lots of eating involved. We tried out pork satay, Nancy's kitchen for some authentic Nyonya cooking.

The menu of Nancy's Kitchen

(btw the modal in the menu IS Nancy herself)

Pork satay and a variety of 'Yaw Chow Kueh'

In KL or rather PJ, I've never done my grocery shopping at markets. However in Malacca, I visited their local market and it brought back memories when I was little and how I used to follow my mother to the market. In my opinion, our markets have never really changed much.

Pasar Taman Kota Laksamana

Chinese grocery stall at the market

And to ME, the mere mention of Malacca, well, the weather is either terribly hot or when it rains, it pours. One of the afternoons was so hot that we just put out a bath basin and let Ryan enjoy himself.

Ryan taking a 'dip' in the 'small pool'

Ryan taking a 'dip' in the big pool

During this trip around, Timmy Boy learned how to roller blade with the help of his friend Michael.

Timmy Boy with the roller blades (Michael behind)

Michael, Timothy & Stephanie playing at the re-claimed land

Busy and hectic trip this time around but over all enjoyable!

Ryan's Update - 10 months

2010-04-30T15:31:00.007+08:00

Ryan turned 10 months on April 14, 2010. As of todate, he's able to crawl, hold on to things and walk. Now, he is learning how to balance himself by letting go when he stands up. He doesn't like porriage and is instead eating rice.

Ryan playing with him diapers

He is playful and enjoys climbing onto his brother and sister. He loves being around them and they too keep him entertained. He's now got seven (7) teeth - four (4) on top and three (3) at the bottom.

A smiling Ryan - showing off his teeth!

A serious Ryan

He is exploring his vocal ability - sometimes he screams, sometimes he just mumbles. We have not actually hear him say his first word just yet, but sometimes, when he wants his milk or to eat he will say "MummMumm". He can also sometimes wave "Bye Bye"

Oh! So cute! I wanna Cubit!

Pretty soon we will be celebrating his 1st birthday on June 14, 2010! Was it not like just yesterday I've given birth to him - Sigh - children, they grow up so fast sometimes!

Beijing~Part 3

2010-04-30T15:00:00.004+08:00

I was in Beijing for about 6 days. In between hotel site visits, I managed to squeeze in shopping time and experience the food there too. Food was not too shocking, maybe because I ate at the 'safe' place. Beijing is a shoppers' paradise. From clothes to watches to bags, shoes and jewellery. Every MYR1.00 is RMB0.50 - so you see, shopping in Beijing is worth it!

Fresh & Sweet Strawberries

Fresh & Green Vegetables

Fried Pork Ribs - to dip in spiced powder

Stir fried Beef with Cashew Nuts on the side

Fried Chicken with lots of dried chillies

The famous Peiking Duck

- should be dipped in sweet sauce and wrapped in popia skin with cucumber and onion

Fish cooked in oil, lots of dried chillies and peppercorns

A costly Durian = MYR150.00

Costly Papayas = MYR27.00

A kind of Nut biscuit / slice

- it has lots of different nuts, with raisins and dried apricot

- apparently it's made by the Chinese Muslims who live up in the mountains

Beijing~Part 2

2010-04-21T16:38:00.010+08:00

April 3, 2010 (Saturday)

Arrived into Beijing at 6.30am to a 0 degrees wheather. Although a full flight, it was good but I was unable to sleep. At the apartment, refreshed and took a walk to the office block to have a good cup of coffee and bun. Later, walked across the street to a place called Ladies Market. Lots to see and buy. Night came, met up with some friends for drinks and later had the famous Peking duck for dinner.

Lovely orchids @ Ladies Market

The famous Peking Duck

April 4, 2020 (Sunday)

Downside - spent Easter Sunday away from family, Upside - spent Easter Sunday with a good friend, Lily and some new found friends in Beijing, Rosita, Valentine and their two boys.

Upview of South Cathedral

We attended Mass at South Cathedral, also known as The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Beijing. To the locals, it's called Nantang. The Cathedral was founded in 1605 by an Italian Jesuit, Matteo Ricci. You can read more about this Cathedral at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_the_Immaculate_Conception_in_Beijing

After mass, we went for lunch and later did a little shopping and sight-seeing at Backpackers' Street also known as Nan Luo Gu Xiang. This place is filled with chic boutiques, cafes and handi-craft shops. However, never go there on a Sunday or public holiday - it's crowded.

Lunch with good friends

A busy Backpackers' Street

Beijing~Part 1

2010-04-21T11:25:00.011+08:00

It's been 9 years since I last travelled and never thought that I would EVER do any travelling EVER again after having kids. So when I was scheduled to travel to Beijing, I was at first not at all excited! Firstly, I had to leave my 9-month old Ryan behind - will he miss me?, will he be able to sleep?, can daddy manage him? - this were my thoughts. As for the Timmy and Stef - I didn't worry too much as I know they can manage.

I left KL on a midnight flight by MAS on 3rd April 2010. I was lucky as I had a good friend to travel with. Her husband works in Beijing and she often travels, so she's familiar with Beijing. We arrived into Beijing at 6.30am and to a wonderful 0 degrees wheather!

To be honest, Beijing was never in my travel list! Europe-YES! Australia-YES! but Beijing-NEVER! So when we walked out of the airport and were transported to the apartment, I was amazed! I never knew Beijing to be so captivating! You have got the old culture clashing with the new culture. Everything about Beijing is antique and at the same time modern. It's really beautiful.

Old Beijing - fort or gate - not sure

The modern - one of the plenty high rise buildings

Yes, Beijing is full or rather filled with people! Lots of cars on the road, road system is unorganised - to me at least! Although we had nice wheather most of the time, Beijing is very dusty! The dust gets into your eyes and makes your throat dry.

And by the way ... I DID not go see the Great Wall of China, nor did I see the Forbidden City BUT I did pass through Tiananmen Square. When I tell people this, I get a disappointed look from them. But hey! I am cool about this - no regrets on the Beijing trip! Ask me which market to go for shopping and I'll tell you!

Work aside, I managed to squeeze in shopping time! Silk market, Pearl market, Yashow, Backpacker's Street - all this I got to do! And I managed to go Church on Easter too - South Cathedral was beautiful.

So no regrets to Beijing and hope to go back again.

Talented Timmy

2010-03-25T13:21:00.005+08:00

March 24, 2010 ~ I arrived at my parent's house in the morning like I normally do on schooling days. Only this time I was greeted by Timmy as he opted to spend a night there.

As I walked into the dining area, I find a piece of art work lying in the middle of the floor. Thinking that it belonged to my Uncle Ricky (he now lives with my parents), I told Timmy to pick it up and keep it aside.

He picked it up and asked me if it was nice, as he drew it only this morning with his crayons. I replied him "Don't lie-lah! You didn't draw this-lah!" Excitedly, he replied that he did and if I did not believe him, he asked me to check with Nana. Nana said yes, he drew it, he got up early and sat in the hall and drew it!

I was surprise and a little shocked! My son, Timmy drew this!?? Is this for real? If you see the picture, it may not look anything like Van Gogh or Rembrandt or for that matter that it should belong in an art gallery but for a 9 year old to draw and color something like this just amazes me!

It's a picture of a dragon breathing / blowing out fire. The colors he used, especially for the fire is realistic. I've kept all his art works and I hope he continues to have a keen interest in arts.

Timmy's Dragon

Close up of Timmy's Dragon

Old Ladies Bonnet and Lilies Among Other Things

2010-03-25T10:38:00.008+08:00

The flower that I so used to call 'Old Man's Darling' has been re-introduced to me by my friend Marcia as 'Old Ladies' Bonnet' ("OLB")which I find fitting. My dark blue or purple (depends what you see, I see blue) OLB has blossomed. It's wonderful to see the pot in full bloom with colors so rich!

I was scouting for some flower pots for my office the other day and I found a nursery selling flower pots at Selangor Green Lane. For those of you who are familiar with Selangor Green Lane, it's Plot No. 36. They sell rejected flower pots there for a reasonable price. Rejected in the sense that the mouth of the flower pots are not so round, a little bit chip here and there. Otherwise, if you are patient to go through them, you'll find really nice flower pots. I managed to buy two big flower pots for my office at RM7.00 each. I also bought three flower pots for myself at RM10.00.

RM7.00 flower pot with Money Plant (pot plate bought separately)

Three flower pots for RM10.00, planted with yellow daisies
and used as a stand
Next to it is the blue Old Ladies' Bonnet in full bloom

My peach Lilies have also bloomed. I re-planted them in front of the fence about six months ago. After planting them, the leafs died but just two weeks ago, it started to shoot up, no leafs just flowers. In total, I think there are about five bunches with two flowers on each bunch!

Lilies

OK, now, I've failed again! My little flowering bed is dying again! So this weekend, I'll have to salvage what ever is left and grow them onto a pot. I think the soil has yet to recover from the air-cond chemicals although I've change the soil. The pink and yellow daisies seem to be dying, where-else, the purple plant is growing - funny how nature works! I plan to let the soil settle down a little longer before I start growing anything there again.

What used to be!

Neighbours~Part 1

2010-03-22T12:50:00.012+08:00

We've been living in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya for almost about 10 to 11 years. Kerwin and I bought our house from the developer and moved in after we got married. Our immediate neighbours have not changed although some have moved out and moved back in again. I can say that we have been blessed with kind, friendly and understanding neighbours.

Most of the neighbours' children are the same age as Timmy and Stef. So when 5.00pm comes, you can see all the neighbours' children playing in the streets.

Since we have been living in this neighbourhood for so long, we have seen these children grow up! Khalisa - we've know her since she was 2 years old and today she's 12 years old, her sister Jazmina is 9 years old (same age as Timmy) and their brother Imran is about 18 months old. And there is another like 10 over more kids that I can go on and on.

Khalisa ~ She's my badminton partner

The handsome Imran

Some of the children during one of Timmy's birthday

Jazmina and Irshad

Recently Khalisa and Jazmina acquired a new computer and they have been surfing the net. They told me that they have visited my craft blog : http://jinggatulips.blogspot.com/. So I told them about this blog and they have been reading about it. Jazmina has told me that she enjoys reading it or rather looking at the photos. So I told them that I'll blog about them, so this blog post is dedicated to them!

Burgers & Fries for Dinner

2010-03-22T11:56:00.004+08:00

Nobody wants to eat rice everyday, and that is so true especially when you have children. One has to be creative when it comes to feeding children. Timmy and Stef agreed on having burgers and fries for dinner but not from our regular burger stall or McDonalds. Instead they have agreed to Mummy cooking them their burgers this time.

I bought the famous Ramly burgers - chicken and beef - by the way, did you know that chicken burgers are more expensive than beef burgers? Anyway, I bought these burgers and what I did was mash at least 6 to 8 pieces of the burgers and mixed them up with onions, spinach, Italian herbs and black pepper. I then made patties out of them and fried them. Once they are cooked, I put ham and cheese together with the burger bread. I didn't put any tomatos or cucumber because the children don't seem to like them. But I suppose the spinach which I've put into the burger has made up for it. For the fries, I bought potatos and cut them length wise and fried them and served with sprinkled salt.

The uncooked Ramly burgers

The raw potato wedges

The cooked potato wedges

I enjoy cooking for my family and this time, I had rave comments from Timmy and Stef about the burgers and fries. When your family enjoys your cooking, to see them eat and finish their food, I suppose that is one of the best rewards a Mother can ask for!

The pictures on this blog post was taken by Timmy. When his Godpa and Godma came on Saturday evening, he showed it to them on his digital camera and told them, "See Godma, these pictures look like from a cooking show!"

So not only did I do the cooking, I had a photographer take pictures too!

Ryan's Update - 9 months

2010-03-17T11:04:00.004+08:00

Ryan turned 9 months on March 14, 2010. He's now able to sit on his own, crawl on all fours and pull himself up onto a table or a chair. He's also eating solids. He hasn't started calling Mummy or Daddy BUT when he's hungry he'll say "MumMum".

He's got six teeth out already. Two at the bottom and four above. So far, he's bitten into Kim's shoulders the most! He recognises people and would not be allowed to be carried by just anyone now.

On March 16, 2010, he had his first hair cut! Our neighbour, Aunty Maz cut his hair for him with her electric razor. I was not home but Kerwin, Kim and the kids were, would have love to capture some shots. According to Kim, Ryan cried and was moving so much!

Ryan - after his hair cut

When I reached home from yesterday, I was greeted by Timothy's new hair do as he too had a hair cut and couldn't stop laughing when I saw my new SHAOLIN monk!

Ryan and his Kor Kor Timothy - sporting almost the same hair cut

Plant Shopping ... Again

2010-03-15T15:21:00.012+08:00

I went plant shopping ... again! But there was a good valid reason to do so - to replace the dying plants which I bought during Chinese New Year. So with two children, a domestic helper and baby in tow, we managed to by some plants. Thank Goodness the nurseries are just a five minutes away from my home.

After all the hardwork, it's nice to come home to something refreshing like this

But Hubby says : Why do you buy so many plants, the house looks like a jungle!

Men! What do they know!

Our first stop was at Plot No. 42. This was the same nursery that I bought my 1st batch of plants. This time, the boss entertained us.

Plot No. 42

The white daisies which I wanted was no more, lucky the yellow daisies were still available. Our domestic helper, Kim wanted to replace the white daisies with pink daisies and it turned out pretty well as you can see from the enclosed pictures.

Kim's arrangement - color combo turned out well!

I tried to restrict myself from over-spending but I failed miserably. Besides the RM10.00 for three plants, I bought two other plants, a dark peach hibiscus and another light green plant with purple flowers, I don't know the name of this plant. But when I first saw this on my earlier trip, an Indonesian worker from Plot No. 42 wanted to charge me RM35.00 for this plant. But when I asked for the price again on my second trip, the boss said RM15.00, without hesitation I took one pot!

The green plant with purple flower

The hibiscus was initially RM7.00 but managed to bargain it for RM5.00.

The dark peach hibiscus

I made another stop to another nursery, can't remember the plot no. but it's the 1st nursery just after the traffic lights on the way to RRI, next to a furniture shop. There, they had a variety of plants. I bought two different colors of Old Man Darling, the pink daisies and a money plant for my office.

Old Man Darling in a row

My Chinese Fisherman

2010-03-11T14:16:00.010+08:00

The other day when I went nursery shopping (plant shopping), I purchased a Chinese fisherman for my small water feature which is filled with guppies. When I came home, I placed him on the 'mountain', gave him a fishing rod which I took from my 'lidi' broom, attached a string to a small pebble and sat him on the 'mountain'.

I shall call him Ah Chong - after our family name ~ LOL ~

Next I plan to buy him a small little house with a bridge to connect to the 'mountain' and maybe a young beautiful wife ~ LOL ~

Ah Chong enjoys what he does best - Fishing!

A closer look at Ah Chong

It's All Gone - NO THANKS to the Air-Cond Man~Part 2

2010-03-11T13:39:00.004+08:00

If you have read my blog about what happened to my flower bed - well, now you have a look at it for yourself!

So sad - almost all gone!

Note to Hubby : Maybe we should have deducted his service fee - at least it will pay for the plants that I've bought!

It's All Gone - NO THANKS to the Air-Cond Man~Part 1

2010-03-10T14:44:00.007+08:00

My beautiful flowering garden of two weeks is now all GONE!

I came home one day from work to find the yellow daisies all withering away. Thinking that the weather had something to do with it, I just watered it. Kim said that the soil was not enough, so she topped it up. The next few days, we saw all the plants turning brown!

Only after did I mention this to hubby did I find out that hubby had called in the air-cond guys to service the air-cond! How did this become you ask ... well ... they washed the air-cond with some kind of chemical and the water all flowed down to the flower bed.

Me : Why didn't you ask the air-cond guy to wash the air-cond somewhere else?!

Hubby : Eh! How do you expect them to wash it somewhere else?? The air-cond is mounted, they didn't dismantle anything out!

Me : My poor plants - I don't care! You owe me new plants!

Hubby is quiet and I get an excuse to go plant shopping again!

The flowering bed that once was!

L to R : Kim, Myself and Ryan

Green Fingers

2010-02-23T12:09:00.016+08:00

Gardening has always been one of my hobbies. I think I inherited this from my mother. She too loved gardening. She would cut out newspaper or magazine cuttings about plants and gardening ideas.

When I first got married and moved into my own home, I used to buy flowering plants, then when children came along, I didn't have the time anymore and flowering plants turned into greens such as ferns or palms or vegetables (which by the way didn't succeed in fruiting).

Lately, the urge to grow flowering plants came 'creeping' back again. So, my domestic helper, Kim, (who also loves to do gardening) and myself set off to the nurseries just outside my house and did some plant shopping!

When it comes to plant nurseries, I am spoilt for choice as I live nearby to Sungai Buloh. So just outside where I live is Selangor Green Lane, along Jalan Sungai Buloh. There you can find rows and rows of plant nurseries. Some of these nurseries specializes in orchids, roses, pots and a variety of plants. If you want to know more about plant nurseries in Sungai Buloh, check out Stephanie Choo's blog at http://mygreenfinder.blogspot.com/

We managed to buy some zinnias, yellow daisies, old man darling and some other plants (name unknown) at RM10.00 for 3 plants. We also managed to buy a garden accessory - a blue bird for RM8.00.

Kim enjoys gardening

The Blue bird

The flowering plants - what beauties!

As the weather was cloudy that day, Kim managed to plant all the plants we bought. She really does have green fingers, the garden now looks like it's coming into place, slowly BUT surely!

Chinese New Year 2010

2010-02-23T11:06:00.009+08:00

This year's Chinese New Year fell on February 14, 2010 (which also happens to be Valentine's Day). This year we celebrate year of the METAL TIGER. Before that was year of the OX.

The night before, we had the usual steam-boat reunion dinner at my parents-in-law's place. On the first day of Chinese New Year we visited my parents-in-law followed by a visit to my husband's grandmother in Sunway and an uncle in Kelana Jaya. We would normally drop by my parent's home too but this year we didn't as they too were out as Papa's cousin from Perth were visiting.

Our Chinese New Year Tree

The Japanese Bamboo tree which bore only two flowers

It seems to know when Chinese New Year is regardless if it's January or February!

Somehow, for this year's Chinese New Year, I have this feeling of excitement, a feeling of looking forward to it. Maybe because it's Ryan's first Chinese New Year or maybe because Kerwin and myself had a week off from work and were looking forward to spending it at home, I don't know. But I can tell you that I throughly enjoyed myself!

I enjoyed cooking for the family (had to 'coz all the Chinese restaurants were close), did some house cleaning, bought new plants and planted them in the garden, allowed the children to do some swimming at home, got to spend some time with the neighbours, did some entertainment, brother-in-law Ivan and his family together with Tina Anne and her family came over for tea. Somewhere in between all these, I celebrated my birthday too!

So yeah, I've definately enjoyed myself. It was like a short mini holiday spent in the comfort of my own home.

Cintan Noodle Lunch

2010-01-27T10:53:00.008+08:00

After a long hiatus from my own kitchen, I finally went in to actually cook up a meal. Since I've been away (staying at Parent's home since 1st week of Christmas), there was nothing much in the fridge to cook. I only had to cook one meal, which was lunch as we were going back to Parent's home again for my brother's 30th birthday dinner.

What to cook?! ... What to cook?! Fried rice?, but we had no luncheon meat, fried bee hoon? - we had no chicken meat. In the end, I settled for some Cintan noodles. I mashed up our two last burgers and made them into meat balls, cut up some sausages, added some grey oyster mushrooms and some vegetables and an egg. It was a good thing that the children enjoyed it - they had two servings and so did Mummy!

Noodle Lunch

with sausages, burger balls and vegetables

Uncooked Cintan Noodles

~ INGREDIENTS ~

5 slices of Cintan noodles

2 pieces of burger (mashed and seasoned with black soya sauce and rolled into small balls)

5 pieces of sausages (cut into big slices)

1 packed of grey oyster mushrooms (tear them up)

5 or 6 stocks leafy vegetable

5 cups of water (if you like it soupy add more water)

1 egg

minced garlic

salt and ikan billis granules to taste

~ METHOD ~

1. In a pot, fry the garlic with some oil and salt until the garlic is brown and fragrant.

2. Then add in the sausages and fry.

3. Once the sausages are cooked, add in water to make the soup.

4. Let the water boil and add in ikan billis granules.

5. Add in the egg and give it a stir, then add in the burger which have been rolled into balls.

6. Next, add in the noodles and lastly the vegetables.

7. Serve immediately

Ryan's Update - 6 months

2010-01-11T14:59:00.002+08:00

Well, Ryan just celebrated his 1st Christmas and in 5 months time, he will be celebrating his 1st Birthday. He is progressing from a baby status to toddler status. He loves to eat, he eats almost everything and enjoys it too. Just yesterday, when I fed him some bread pudding, I felt his tooth coming out! OMG! I am so excited! At first I thought it was a piece of food stuck on his gums but as I rub on it, it felt like a tooth was breaking from his gums.

He's eating solids too. My mum makes the best porridge for him, with scallops, potatoes, carrots and spinach and he just loves it. He's able to sit up on a high chair and he's able to sit on his own although a little unstable. He is able to go on all fours, like as though he's ready to crawl.

Ryan on his high chair

Ryan's porridge

Ryan has been going for his regular check up and boosters. He now weights 8kg.

Kota Damansara - Not So Save Anymore

2010-01-11T14:13:00.004+08:00

The crime rate in our neighbourhood in Kota Damansara, namely Section 6 has been from bad to worse. This has been going on for as long as I can remember but lately, it has gotten worse! It does not make any difference that the police station is just down the road!

Metal drain covers has been stolen in the middle of the night. Robbers entered houses in the afternoons, snatch thieves and the list goes on. On 14.12.2009, we encountered one of these first hand. Kerwin's car got broken into. The funny thing is that we did not hear the glass window break. I normally park my car in the house and Kerwin parks his outside but in front of the house. When I left for work that morning, I did not notice anything.

Shattered glasses everywhere

Windowless!

Kerwin only noticed it when he was about to go to work and that too, after our neighbour informed us about it. This is because another neighbour (two doors down) had experienced the same thing. It was his brother's car and he was not so lucky, he had his mobile phone and wallet stolen. He had about RM700.00 in his wallet. As for Kerwin, it was two hands free kit and some loose change.

Then on 06.01.2010, our immediate neighbour had her gold chain snatched. She took her one year old son and 11 year old daughter on the motorbike for a ride. Two men on another motorbike, stopped her buy stretching out their leg and put a knife to her neck. She fell from her motorbike and her daughter screamed hysterically. Lucky they were all not harmed.

Robbers are getting bolder and I think we should not let them victimise us but how and what can we do to fight back?

Happy Birthday Timmy Boy!

2010-01-11T13:24:00.004+08:00

I always say time flies and it's so true! My little boy is now 9 years old! He turned 9 on January 3. Wow! that was fast! Before you know it, he's getting me a daughter-in-law and making me a grandmother! Yikes!

I didn't organise a birthday party for him as school was re-opening and Stef was starting Standard One, I had so much on my plate! However, our friend, Lily invited us to her home to celebrate his birthday as they too were celebrating birthdays, namely David (Lily's husband), Eva (Lily's domestic helper), Michael (Lily contractor friend) and incidently all their birthdays fell on January 3!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Left to right : Eva, Timothy, Michael, French Woman who b'day was on 02.01.10 and David

So to all January 3 babies, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Merry Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T12:53:00.002+08:00

This year's Christmas was something to look forward to. Although my brother and his wife spent Christmas in Perth as did my parents last year, this year we celebrated it with a NEW addition to the family, RYAN!

Although he is too young to know the meaning of Christmas, I think his presence in our lives was just over whelming! Last year during Christmas, my sister-in-law, Melonie and I were saying "By this time next year, we will have a baby in our family!"

Again, Christmas for us has always been very simple and low key, maybe because we are such a small family. Unlike my other cousins on the JANSZ side, they have a ball! So, anyway, we went for mass on Christmas day, we were late, so we had to sit on plastic chairs behind the benches. After mass, we went for a Western breakfast at the local coffee shop.

Grandparents and Grandchildren

Came home and exchanged Christmas presents, which was probably the highlight for the children. Had home cooked lunch and dinner AND that, ladies and gentlemen was CHRISTMAS for us.

Another Weekend In Malacca

2009-12-17T12:02:00.008+08:00

We had another long weekend on 11.12.2009 as Friday was a public holiday in the state of Selangor only due to the birthday of the Sultan of Selangor.

We took this opportunity to go down to Malacca as we were invited by our friend Lily to stay at her family home. This is not our first time there as we have been invited many times. The children enjoy going there as the house has a very big land where the children can play. Further more, the beach is just a walking distance away from the house.

We did not go to any of the famous historical places that Malacca is famous for. Instead, we just went to town to have a look at the old shops and what they had to offer. In short, my friend Lily went shopping and I window shopping!

Anyway, the kids enjoyed themselves, especially Ryan as he got to go swimming for the very first time! He just loves the pool, kicking his legs and his hands hitting the water! Oh! the joy of watching him was just amazing! See for yourself!

Ryan trying to 'catch' the water

Ryan & Kerwin

Ryan enjoying the water

Middle Child Syndrome

2009-12-10T11:38:00.009+08:00

MIDDLE CHILD SYNDROME - I googled this word as I was thinking about Stephanie's recent behaviour after Ryan was born. I never thought it actually existed. But it does!

Stephanie has been behaving very stubborn and telling lies after Ryan was born. She has voiced out many a times that Ryan gets more attention than her and that we don't love her anymore or that we love Ryan more than her.

Mischievous Stephanie

I know she is craving for our attention, especially mine. I admit that some times, Ryan DOES get more attention and that is because he is a baby. I have explained to Stephanie that Ryan needs special attention because he is just a baby. The only way that Ryan can express himself is by crying and if he cries, it means that something is wrong. Whereas, she is older and is able to express herself by speech. However, Stephanie doesn't seem to accept this explanation nor the situation.

We have tried to get her involved in taking care of Ryan, like making and feeding him his milk, or helping with bath time like putting soap. We have allowed her to carry Ryan ONLY when she is sitting down. But she loves to carry him and walk around. We have explained the dangers but it seems to fall onto deaf ears.

I have also spent time with her alone, like cuddling and hugging her or playing with her but doesn't seem to be enough. Now I pray that she grows out of this syndrome.

Those of you who are interested or are in the same situation, you can read more about it here : http://www.ehow.com/how_4422655_prevent-middle-child-syndrome.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

Domestic Helper~Part 4

2009-12-08T11:24:00.009+08:00

So we welcomed our new Cambodian domestic helper on Monday (30th November 2009). She looks very different from her bio-data and I asked the agent if he sent me the correct person. He assured me that she is the correct person and further assured me that she can work and remembers things.

Her passport says she's 21 years old but she looks like she's only 16 or 17 years old. She looks younger in person as compared to the photo in her bio-data. In her bio-data photo, her hair is straight but in person, she has curly frizzy hair. She looks more like an Indonesian from Flores rather than Cambodian. She has a Cambodian name which is not too difficult to pronounce but we Christianed her name to KIM.

Kim has a pleasant and cute face. She is also well mannered and clean. When she helps around the house, she has a system and is organised. However, I fear the term "New Broom Sweeps Well".

Mum is very happy with her and so are the children. We know that Ryan has adapted to her immediately and Timmy and Stef were so eager to teach her English. Although she speaks a little English, communication is still a problem. We have to speak slowly and sometimes use sign language to communicate. I sometimes feel that she doesn't understand us.

She is ever willing to learn anything. If she does not know how to do something, she will tell you honestly "Madam I dunno but I want to learn" ~ she said this when we asked her if she knows how to cook. Her only one flaw that I see now is that she can be stubborn.

Kim and her Christmas Tree

Kim and the children with their Christmas Tree

On Sunday, we put the Christmas Tree at my mum's place and Kim happily (and enthusiastically) put up the ornaments. So I suppose we can say the tree was put up by the kids and Kim.

So, for now, I can say that we are very happy and lucky.

2009 - Almost to An End

2009-11-26T13:53:00.005+08:00

2009 is almost coming to an end. I can still remember the end of 2008 and current 2009 like it was just yesterday (yah! I can remember, my memory is not failing me - yet!).

I remember Christmas 2008, as it was the worst Christmas I've ever experienced. Maybe because I was pregnant and I missed having my family around as my parents were in Perth and my brother was in Malacca.

I remember here and there of 2009. The highlight for me in 2009 will definately be the birth of Ryan. Then of course, there were events like birthdays and anniversaries.

January started with Timmy and Douglas's birthdays followed by an unforgetable Chinese New Year due to some insident. In February, my brother-in-law and his family returned from Thailand and stayed with us for a few days and we all re-connected. February also celebrated the birthdays of 3 generations, my Mum's, Stef and Myself.

In April, Kerwin finally went back to the work force after a one year lapse. There were visits by cousins from Perth in May and a new car for me. June was of couse the birth of Ryan and the birthday of my sister-in-law, Melonie, with just one day difference. Melonie had her wish, in a way, because she wanted Ryan to be born on her birthday, 13.6.2009 and Ryan was actually due on 15.7.2009.

September saw, Kerwin moving on to another job with better offers. October had two more birthdays, Joel's (my nephew) and Papa's and a new car for Kerwin. November had one sad news, my Godma's husband, Jim passed away after a long battle with cancer. November was also the start of the school holidays, Ethaniel's (my nephew) and Amanda's (my god-daugher) birthday.

All I can say is "THANK YOU JESUS! WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED"

Little Ms Hawaii

2009-11-20T15:02:00.009+08:00

We recently attended Stef's kindie concert on 08.11.2009. It was held in the kindie itself and the theme was "Cultural Nite". The weather was not so kind as it rained so heavily at about 7.00pm. Stef's class did a Bollywood dance called "Pretty Woman".

Stephanie ~ in her Bollywood costume

After all the concert performance, the six year old classes had to do a fashion show. Stef dressed up a Hawaiian girl. My mum made the grass skirt and string the fresh flowers. Stef won 3 prize.

Stephanie ~ the little Ms Hawaii

Little Ms Hawaii with Ben 10 behind

The winners with their teacher.

1st prize : Girl in Yellow Ball Gown

2nd prize : Girl in Blue Bollywood Out-fit

3rd prize : My little Ms Hawaii

This is Stef's last year in kindie. She'll be in Standard One in 2010. She'll go to the same school as her brother, SRK Kg Tunku, Petaling Jaya.

Baby Thigh Anyone?

2009-11-19T12:06:00.011+08:00

I get a lot of "OOooss", "Ahhhh", "Wow" and "OMG" when I carry Ryan with his thighs exposed!

My neighbour, Ana will say "Geram-nya Che Ana dengan Ryan, tengok-lah peha-nya - macam KFC, Che Ana nak makan-lah"

Then, had one time, we went for a party and I had to change Ryan's diapers, so I took his jeans out which expose his thighs and my two girlfriends screamed "Oh! My God!" and I went like "What??? Why??? What did I do, was I too rough???" It turned out that they were fascinated by the size of his thigh.

Now, you be the judge!

Ryan at 4 months old

Ryan at 1 month old (see the difference)

Ryan's Update - 5 months

2009-11-18T11:40:00.006+08:00

Time flies! Our little Ryan is now 5 months old. He's a good baby, sleeping throughout the night and getting up only between 4.30 to 6.30 am for his feed. He's easy going too, goes to anybody who wants to carry him. Another thing about him is that he smiles easily. He gives you this gorgeous smile when he gets up in the morning. He smiles when you call him. And he smiles at EVERYBODY!

A smile that will melt everyone's heart~ especially Mummy's

He's also making funny noises and experimenting with his voice, screaming, blowing spit bubbles. He's also mastered the art of turning from back to stomach and vice versa. Now, he's learning to sit but not quite there yet.

Ryan enjoying his apple puree

When he was about 4.5 months, I've started to feed him solids. I've started with apple puree and baby biscuits. Alternating in between them both. He loves to eat. When we are eating, he looks at our food, looks at us putting food into our mouth and must be wondering why not his!

Anyway, what I do is I shave the skin of an apple and steam it for about 30 minutes. Then I mash the apple through a sieve and feed him the puree. Sometimes, the apple puree can be kept in a freezer for about 2 weeks. As for the baby biscuits, I break the biscuit up using warm water and adding a little bit of milk into it.

I've lost touch with preparing baby food and lucky for the Internet, I manage to find so many websites that teaches you to feed your baby and it comes with lots of recipes too. I am currently referring to this website : http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/

It's an exciting period for both Baby and Mother AND Timmy and Stef as they too want to try out the baby food!

Game Over!

2009-11-09T17:07:00.007+08:00

I so love this comic and I would like to think that it is made just for me!

So true in my case - it's really GAME OVER!

Correct gender of the kids and in correct sequence too I must add!