... to live or live to ...

Accident @ Junction

2012-01-07T23:00:00.010+08:00

Driver of black car was driving on a one way lane looking for parking.

Driver of white car was at a junction getting ready to turn left into the one way lane.

Suddenly, white car pull out of the junction and hit black car causing a huge dent on the left front door of black car...

The white car with its 'scars'...

So, whose fault?

Very obvious, eh?

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T00:10:00.000+08:00

Bye Bye 2011 and Hello 2012!!

2011 has been a great year. Filled with lots of love...

Oh... how I 'heart' my darlings so so so much.

Hope 2012 will bring us as much joy and laughter. May everyone be well and happy.

Mind your Action

2011-07-02T04:48:00.000+08:00

Last minute work again.

Rushed to finish the task within the last 10 days of June.

Mission accomplished. Performance better than last year. Getting better at it. Hmmmm...

During those busy days, I must admit that I have neglected Princess 2. Instead of spending fun time together in the afternoons, I 'shoo-ed' her away... "Mummy is busy - need to do some work with the computer now. Go play with your toys [or read (actually look) at our books or watch TV / DVD, etc]".

Our conversation the day before yesterday...

Mummy : "Come girl. Come wash your hands and have some biscuits."
Princess 2 (@ 3+): "Later, I am busy now."
Mummy : " Busy? Busy doing what? Hurry up and wash your hands."
Princess 2 : "Wait. I need to do my work first. Later I cannot finish it"

Hmmmm...
Kids learn from example very fast - do need to mind our actions.

2D 1N in Port Dickson

2011-06-17T15:30:00.001+08:00

Thank goodness the 2 weeks school holidays have just ended.

Thought I could have more time for myself during the school holidays but actually I was busier than ever.

As for the princesses, they had a great time with lots of fun activities.

During the first weekend, we made a trip to Port Dickson. It was a last minute trip which was nearly called off. Luckily sis came to the rescue and made the trip a success. Was so sad when the original 'holiday planner' let us down (as predicted).

I so appreciate your help - Thanks a lot, sis! And here's a "heart" for you from Princess 1 and me...

We rented an apartment for a 2 days and 1 night stay. These are the views from our balcony...

The swimming pool

The beach

Everyone were tired and hungry when we arrived at the apartment. So, instead of having our 'picnic' lunch at the beach, we had it in the apartment. After a short rest, we headed for the beach.

It was windy - great for flying kite. Can you spot the 'butterfly' kite in the blue sky...

Pantai Cahaya Negeri - beachside destination between 5th and 6th mile of the Port Dickson beach road...

Very sunny.
Spent some time building our sand castle...

When it was not so sunny and when we were just starting to play in the water - it started to drizzle. What a pity. It started to rain just as we entered our car and drove back to our apartment.

Our dinner that night was at Yuan Xiang Seafood Village Restaurant (at 6th mile)...

We had Butter Prawns, Yam Ring with Kung Poh Mantis Prawn, Marmite Chicken, Claypot Taufoo and Cabbage (big crowd that night - that was the only vegetable they have left).

After dinner, we had a stroll at a night market somewhere between the restaurant and our apartment. Nothing much - just a typical Malaysia 'pasar malam'.

The next morning, after a yummy breakfast (PD kon loh mee), we headed for the beach just opposite our apartment.

Had lots of fun in the water. Actually only our legs (up to knees) were in the water. Non of us fancy dipping our whole body in the not so clear water... hee hee hee.

Our sand sculptures...

Nice or not ???

Eeny meeny miny moe, who has the nicest legs of all...

(mum's leg is not in - she's somewhere... enjoying the sea breeze and collecting sea shells)

We checked out at noon.

Had lunch at XiWang Seafood Restaurant. We had Wat Tan Hor, Singapore Bee Hoon, Salted Fish Fried Rice, Home Made Yong Tau Foo and Fried Sotong.

After lunch we went to the Ostrich Farm.

The female ostrich has grey feathers and the male ostrich has black feathers...

Besides ostriches, there are also monkeys and a mini petting zoo where we are allowed to feed and pet goats, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs. The princesses enjoyed feeding the animals. We even fed the ostriches - it was a great experience. However, I only fed the female ostriches as the male ostriches are quite aggressive.

It was a great trip and everyone enjoyed themselves. Can't wait for our next cuti-cuti Malaysia trip.

Back to Life

2011-05-28T06:48:00.083+08:00

My blog is finally back to life - thanks to the "help" from here.

I had problem publishing my post. There was no problem saving as draft but each time I click "Publish Post", nothing happen. The only message I see at the bottom of the screen is "javascript (0)".

I don't know how to solve the problem and was too busy to find a solution online. Well, after such a long 'break', I finally did it.

Fixed it by going to "Dashboard", "Settings", scrolling down to "Select post editor" and clicking off 'Old editor' and clicked on "Updated editor (Recommended) - Check out the latest features!"

It worked!

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-28T06:43:00.008+08:00

From my darling princesses...

So touched... Princess 1 (on her own initiative) bought the rose from the bookshop at her school using her pocket money.

Princess 2 made the flower at school. Familiar? Yeah, similar to the one received for Mother's Day 2010 - Same kindergarten :)

Brought mum to Dancing Fish @ Bangsar Shopping Centre for Mother's Day eve dinner...

Anticlockwise from top left :
Grilled chicken chop served with fresh buns [Kid's Menu] - the girls like the grilled chicken - yummy, taste like chicken satay.
Gulai Pucuk Paku
Nasi Berempah Kuning & Nasi Wangi Putih
Bebek Goreng Bali (Crispy Duck)
Dessert - Mango something :P
Dessert - ABC (with durian)
Dancing fish (Nila Goreng) with Masam Kedondong Pedas
Dessert - Banana something :P
Ayam Rendang

We also had Terong Belado (Eggplant fried with green chili pastes, dried anchovies and egg)

The appetizer : Emping with sambal terasi - Thumbs up for the sambal terasi. I 'heart' it.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner and lovely ambiance.

Great time for all especially the 3 lovely mothers.

Haircut - 2011

2011-03-11T04:50:00.004+08:00

Cut my hair recently.

Before :

After :

M : Do you like mummy's new hairstlye ?
Princess 1: *Silent* *Hesitate* Emmmm... look like 'aunty'.
M : !!!!

Normally short hair makes me look younger. Well, looks like I can't run away from the fact any more :(

M : What do you think of my new hairstlye ?
Hubby : Errr.... look like a guy.
M : Huh ??? (So sad).
M : Like who ?
Hubby : Errr... errr...
M : Look like ... Cheng Ekin ??? (I think only the eyebrows)

Hubby : Yeah yeah.
(Sure or not? Or just want to end the conversation before I tembak you)

Luckily I didn't cut my hair really really short or boy cut hairstlye.

Happy Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T20:57:00.004+08:00

With love from my darlings...

'Hare'-ppy Chinese New Year 2011 !

2011-02-12T03:02:00.003+08:00

Wishing everyone lots of happiness and the best of health and wealth in this rabbit year!

Finally ... a new look for the Chinese New Year 2011.

Bye Bye to the old deco for the last 2 CNY...

Johor Bahru - Singapore - Birthday - Merry Christmas - Happy New Year

2010-12-31T16:15:00.013+08:00

This is my last (and longest) entry for the year 2010.

So much to write but so little time to do so. Going to summarise everything into this entry.

Well, a lot has happenned in December 2010.

Firstly, I started my new job. Yeah, "Stay At Home Mum" is a job - who says 'no need to work'? In fact, it is tougher than working in the office with more roles and responsibilities. Who say 'you are the boss' ?, hey, I have 3 bosses now! :P Anyway, so far so good. But, super tiring...

Sometime in mid-December, we made a trip to Singapore to attend my cousin's wedding reception. It's our first overseas (or rather over-straits) trip as a family. The princesses have been looking forward to the trip since they got their first passport in September.

We stayed at sis's new place in Johor Bahru the night before we depart to Singapore. We arrived late and tired but happy to be welcomed to a nice cosy home.

The next day we headed for Singapore. We stayed at Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen. It is just walking distance from the Bugis Street, the Goddess of Mercy temple, food courts and shops. There is a big Laughing Buddha Statue outside a shop selling Buddhist statues, pendants, amulets, etc and on our last morning in Singapore, some of us (you know who la) simply could not resist giving the statue a "body massage" in return for good luck in fortune! After that, we bought some lottery tickets.

The wedding reception at Grand Hyatt that night was great - nice food and lovely ambiance.

We spent our 2nd day in Singapore at Universal Studios. The princesses had a great, great time. So did the 'King and I' - hahaha.

We all loved the Madagascar dance performance. The princesses enjoyed their ride at the party-go-round. We took photos with Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, Melman the giraffe, Marty the zebra and also the penguins. Princess 2 loves the penguins. She also noticed a small triangle at Gloria's belly and kept asking me what it is. That day I discovered - Gloria has a triangular belly-button!

Two thumbs up for "Shrek 4-D Adventure". Princess 1 enjoyed it very much.

Did not go for any rides at "The Lost World". Missed the "WaterWorld". But had a great time snapping photos.

The King and I went for the roller coaster ride - "Revenge of the Mummy". Super fun!

No photos of "Sci-fi City". Only 'Accelerator' ride was available - cool ride for Princess 1. Princess 2 was enjoying her slumber ride in the stroller.

Enjoyed "Lights, Camera, Action!" at "New York".

Entertaining performance by the Universal monsters in rock-n-roll musical at "Hollywood".

After a tiring but great day at the Universal Studios, we still have the energy to explore around our hotel. We had dinner at Albert Centre (food court) followed by a stroll a Bugis Street. Bought some souvenirs.

We spent our last morning in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. A great time for the adults at the casino while the princesses and I did some window shopping. We also took some photos of the Merlion and the Explanade from far.

We left Singapore late afternoon after we visited mum's brother at Woodlands. Reached sis's place in time for dinner at Pekin Restaurant. Thanks for the lovely dinner, sis! Thanks to both you and BIL for our enjoyable stay at your place and the makan-makan sessions.

Nice deco at the restaurant. Merry Christmas!!!

Celebrated my birthday at sis's place the next day. Mmmm... chocolate cake.

Birthday card - handmade by Princess 1. She is so creative. I love it.

An attachment to the card...

Yeah, Super Mummy!

Happy New Year 2011 everybody!!

Glutinuous Rice Balls (Tang Yuan / 汤圆)

2010-12-23T02:59:00.007+08:00

This year's Dōngzhì (冬至) Festival or Winter Solstice Festival [the Arrival of Winter] falls on 22nd December.

Eventhough there was no family reunion this year (i.e. we didn't balik kampung), we still made Tang Yuan/汤圆 at home. Besides, it's another fun activity for the princesses.

In addition to the normal white and green (colour from pandan leaves) tang yuan, we made yellow and purple ones as well. This is my first time using pumpkin and purple sweet potatoes for the natural colouring. The colours turned out great!

Don't you just love the yellow and purple smiling faces...

The princesses were amused by the glutiuous smiling faces. Princess 2 happily ate her 'smiling face' but didn't really enjoy the glutiuous 'balls' - she kept saying "I don't like the fish balls - not nice one". Ha ha ha - since they look like fish balls, she expected them to taste like fish balls as well :P .

As usual, Princess 1 loves the Tang Yuan - irrespective of colours, shape, sizes and with or without stuffings. The big white ones are stuffed with finely chopped peanuts and sugar while the big green ones are stuffed with gula melaka.

Hubby loves the green one - it is stuffed with gula melaka. Actually, is just like eating ondeh-ondeh but without the coconut shavings.

Here's how to make Tang Yuan :-

Ingredients:

Glutinous rice flour (Tepung Pulut)
Water
Brown sugar to taste
Fresh ginger

Preparation:

Pour the glutinous rice flour in a bowl and slowly add water until the mixture becomes the texture of dough with the proper consistency. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 big pieces and "colour" it. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll it into balls. Drop the balls into boiling water and cook them until they float - about 5 to 10 minutes.

Prepare sweet soup by boiling water and adding brown sugar. Add fresh ginger to the soup.

Put the cooked balls into the soup and serve.

Mmmmmm..... yummy.

Mee Hoon Kueh - 面粉馃

2010-12-21T03:29:00.011+08:00

We had mee hoon kueh for lunch last Thursday...

Was a bit worried initially as I have not cooked it for a while, but luckily it turned out well.

So yummy - the kids loved it.

They also enjoyed the process of making the mee hoon kueh as they had the chance to play with some of the dough! Thanks to sporting mummy!

Princess 1's creation :

Princess 1 : Look mummy, look at what I've made. Is the flower nice?

Mummy : Nice, nice. What about that - is it a piece of cake?

Princess 1 : No. It is a pancake pizza.

Mummy : A pancake pizza? Hmm... sounds like a special pizza.

Princess 1 : Yeah, it looks like pizza and taste like pancake.

Mummy : Oh... I see.

This is Princess 2's creation :

Princess 2 : Mummy, mummy. Come, see what I made.

Mummy : What is it?

Princess 2 : It is a robot.

Mummy : Wah.... (smiling)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Do not misunderstood the 'mee hoon' in mee hoon kueh as rice vermicelli because in Hokkien, 'mee hoon' means flour while 'bee hoon' means rice vermicelli.

"Mee Hoon Kueh" is actually flat flour hand pulled noodle. As for the 'machine-rolled to noodle' version (available at food courts), it is known as "Pan Mee".

How to make Mee Hoon Kueh (my version)

The dough:

Plain flour
1 egg
Water

Add the egg and the water (a little at a time) to the flour and mix into a dough mixture. Knead the dough until the dough springs back a little when pressed with a fingertip. Shape the dough into balls and cover with a clean damp towel and leave to rest for 1 hour.

The soup :

Fried ikan bilis (anchovy)
Water
Vegetables - [I used Kau Kee (九杞)]

Boil the fried ikan bilis in the water.

Remove the cloth covering the dough and slightly flatten the dough using your palms and fingers and tear the dough into small thin pieces and drop it into the boiling soup. Repeat until the whole dough is complete. When the dough is cooked, add in vegetables. Season it with some pepper and salt/soya sauce to taste. Garnish with fried anchovies and fried shallot and garlic. Serve hot.

Farewell ...

2010-12-03T03:15:00.004+08:00

03.03.2003 - 30.11.2010

You were like my 2nd home... I have spent more that 1/2 of my awake hours a day (on weekdays) with you.

I'm going to miss you...

But now all my awake hours will be for myself and my loved ones.

Good bye!

You will be remembered...

Messy no more...

15th floor...

Guard your Banana !

2010-10-06T23:57:00.005+08:00

After lunch one day, a friend and I went to the 100 Yen Shop near our office to look-look and see-see.

After looking around for a while, I came across this ...

It looks like a banana - at first I thought it is some kind of "toy", hee hee hee ... in 100 yen shop???

Then on closer look,

... it is actually a casing / container for a banana!

First time I see a casing for a banana - really cool la - casing to guard YOUR banana from getting bruised! Ha ha ha.

What an invention - wondered whose idea it was.

Googled and found this website...http://www.bananaguard.com/index

I am very jakun one - but I share-share my discovery with you all.

Have you seen banana guard before? No? How can?

I just posted pictures of it above, :)

The Lost Symbol

2010-08-18T01:27:00.003+08:00

Finally had time to do some leisure reading.

Just finished Dan Brown's latest book - The Lost Symbol.

Another great novel!

Dan Brown is indeed a great thriller writer. Like all his other novels, 'The Lost Symbol' is another "Impossible to put down" book. Once you start to read it, you can't stop and keep looking forward to the next pages until you reach the last page.
It is filled with so much suspense, excitement and mysteries.

I have read his other novels except for "Deception Point". So, it's going to be next.

:)

Hello, hello... I'm back

2010-08-08T01:16:00.005+08:00

Wow, I have not blog for more than 2 months !

I have been really, really busy recently with work, work, work...

Spent more time in the work place than at home.

Sad :(

Miss my family so much - especially my darlings.

Glad the annual nightmare is finally over.

Hmmm...

Had a discussion with a friend recently.

Why do we have to work ???

Do we live to work ... or work to live ?

Eh, confused ?

Well, I obviously work for the money... to live.

Hello dear readers (if I have any) do share your thoughts / leave some comments.

At least, let me know your existence... hee hee hee

Happy Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-24T16:06:00.005+08:00

We had Mother's Day dinner at Shanky Restaurant in SS2.

Why Shanky Restaurant? Because we miss the curry fish head loh. Actually, I miss the curry fish head lah... ha ha. Since I am one of the "mother", I have the privilege to choose. Besides, we have not been there for more than 2 years liao!

Dinner for 6 adults and 2 kids :-

Their Famous Curry Fish Head...
Good - but it used to be thicker and tastier with more lemon grass taste... but ok la still acceptable.

The Salted Egg Prawns...
Mmmmm... yummy.

The Steam Wine Chicken...
Not bad. But not much wine taste.

The Taufoo...
Like it.

The Yam Ring...
Nice - Besides cutlets of chicken meat, they have cuttle fish too.

The Spinach...
Nice too.

The 2 "mothers" enjoyed the meal. In fact everyone enjoyed it... including the kids.

Must definitely come again for the curry fish head before the it gets too diluted. :P

"Garbage Enzyme" the Wonder Cleaner

2010-05-08T03:03:00.007+08:00

The first time I heard of "Garbage Enzyme" was from an article in The Star some years ago. I was impressed by the article as it was such an environmental friendly way to dispose waste and at the same time produce enzyme cleaner. However, it was not a "hot" thing then and I eventually forgot about it.

In recent years, "Garbage Enzyme" has became a "hot" thing. More and more people are aware of it. Here's an article from The Star last year.

Early last year, my boss shared the knowledge of "Garbage Enzyme" and gave me a 500ml bottle of homemade enzyme cleaner to sample. I was unsure how to use it at first. Finally, I used it for washing dishes (mixed it with dishwasher and water) - Great! Very effective for washing greasy dishes. Would need to use a lot of dishwasher if not for the enzyme cleaner.

Soon I discovered that my mum-in-law is also making "Garbage Enzyme". She started giving us bottles of them and has since been our supplier. These are some bottles of the enzyme cleaners she made [sorry, pics blurr :)].

Some usage of the enzyme cleaner (sourced from the internet):

1) to do dishes and laundry

2) for washing bathrooms and toilets

3) for removing stubborn stains

4) to clean vegetables and fruits

5) clear blockages in kitchen sinks and drains

6) as a natural insect repellent (use undiluted) for ants, cockroaches

7) as a floorwash to mop floors shiny clean

8 ) as fertiliser for vegetables, flowering and non-flowering plants

9) as a skincare product, e.g. facial cleanser

So far, I have only used it for cleaning dishes, mopping the floors, cleaning the toilets and remove stubborn stains. Hee hee hee... still dare not try it for item no.(9) above.

On 11th March 2010, I decided to try to make "Garbage Enzyme" - Citrus Enzyme (as I use orange scraps).

The "Ingredients" :

100 grams of brown sugar
1 liter of water
300 grams of orange scraps

Steps :

Step 1 : Pour 100 grams of brown sugar into a 2 litre plastic bottle / container.

(Made a mistake - used white sugar instead... ha ha... anyway, have bought brown sugar and added to the "mixture" recently)

Step 2 : Add in the orange scraps.

(These are from Chinese New Year's Mandarin Oranges)

Step 3 : Pour in 1 liter of water.

Step 4 : Tightly screw on the cap of the bottle / container so no liquid can spill out of it.

Step 5 : Shake the bottle for 30 seconds or until all the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed.

Step 6 : Write the date on the bottle / container.

The "mixture" takes three months to ferment, so in order to monitor the process, it is important to record the date we create it.

Step 7: After three months the enzyme cleaner will be ready.

Hopefully my "Garbage Enzyme" cleaner turns out well on 11th June 2010. Will definitely write a post on it then - cross fingers.

OK - I have learned about "Garbage Enzyme" cleaner, made it (work-in-progress), used it and now am sharing it with you all.

Remember... it is never too late to save the earth!

Global Warming

2010-04-25T16:33:00.013+08:00

The weather is getting crazy now - a warning sign of global warming :(

On a sunny afternoon, the temperature can rise up to 38 - 39 degrees celcius (or even higher).

When I walk in the sun during lunch time, I could feel as though the sun is burning my skin. It feels like being baked in the oven. The thoughts of going back to the air conditioned office after lunch is always a relieve. Can't imagine how those working under the sun (eg. at the construction sites) can survive the heat.

When it does rain, it rains heavily. Some places even experience "ice rain".

In October 2009, when my family and I had a picnic at the Lembah Kiara Recreational Park at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, the mini waterfalls looked like this :

But 2 weeks ago, it looked like this...

This is such a sad sight.

If we continue to do nothing, the global warming effect will get worst.

Think of the future, think of our children!

We must do something! For those who are already doing so - keep it up!

REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE !!!!

It is not easy to change our lifestyle but remember all changes don't happen in a day!

A simple guide :

1) Reduce waste - if you don't have them, you have nothing to throw away! (eg. use recycleable bags - instead of plastic bags; buy and use less; use durable items rather that disposable items; etc).

2) Reuse waste - if you can still use them, do not throw them away! (eg. practise "hand-me-down"; donate old clothes, toys, etc to charitable institution or recycling centres; reuse disposable items eventhough they are meant to be disposable, eg. plastic cups, plates, utensils, and plastic food storage bags, etc).

3) Recycle waste - if they can be recycled - remade into same product or new product, do so! Do not throw them away! Basic stuffs to recycle - newspapers, books, papers, plastic bottles, plastic containers, aluminium cans, tin cans, etc.

Let us all strive for a better world!

Have You Seen Such A Small Spoon???

2010-04-18T17:54:00.005+08:00

Few days ago, I ate these...

Star Cups

They are actually tiny round biscuits in chocolate.

"Star Cup Chocolate + Biscuit bring the sweet and happiness to the fourth planet of the milky way solar system _ the earth"

Hmmmm how true....

Especially when you eat it with a spoon this size...

The spoon is so small and cute... the length is only as long as two keys on the key board.

It is only 4 cm long!

Wow!
See the contrast next to the Baskin-Robbins big ice cream spoon.

Really, really cute spoon. Can't help admiring it again and again.

Which is a nuisance to some BUT who cares - I like the spoon and eating with it makes the star cups .......... yummy!

Can't imagine eating other things with it though... will definitely take ages!

1kg Groundnuts

2010-04-04T00:30:00.003+08:00

Have you seen such a big pack of groundnuts? 1kg!

Those we normally buy are just 120grammes per pack.

Mind your Sentences

2010-04-03T23:52:00.004+08:00

Extracted from a kindergarten English homework…

Match the sentences with the pictures :

The cat is in the box.

The doll is on the bed.

Dan's cap is wet.

Dick has a big top.

Har ? DICK has a BIG TOP ????

Oh...

Dick has a big top.

Mind your Pronunciation

2010-04-01T23:15:00.004+08:00

Sometimes we tend to talk fast.

Good : It saves time.

Bad : May accidently pronounce words wrongly.

When I talked too fast the other day, my tongue somehow got twisted and I pronounced SIMPLY as "SHIMPLY".

It sounded so funny that even a six year old laughed at me!

:(

Mind your Spellings

2010-04-01T01:04:00.002+08:00

Borrowed a numeric keyboard from a friend sometime ago.

Can't help noticing the spelling mistakes!

Bulit? What's that?

Porefessionalism.... specialise in pores?

Someone ate a piece of...

2010-03-24T00:20:00.004+08:00

...this 10 sen coin...

Found it in my purse.

Hmmm... I wonder who was so hungry.

Rubik's Cube

2010-03-09T06:49:00.005+08:00

Rubik’s Cube was a craze in the 80’s when I was in primary school.

I still remember when big brother solved the cube – I was amazed and full of envy.

Well, I was only able to solve one side then – so pathetic. The step by step guide on how to solve the cube (which comes with the Rubik’s Cube when you buy it) is of no use to me - I can’t understand a thing. When I asked big brother to teach me… he would always say “You are still young – you won’t understand… maybe later”. What an excuse – I am 2 years younger ok. Anyway, the excuse sounds better than … “You are not that smart… don’t waste your time”. Hee hee hee.

Years (many, many, many years) passed by and recently the craze is back… but not as crazy la. The Rubik’s Cube is now in the market – you can see them almost everywhere – in shopping centres, morning markets, night markets, bookshops, etc.

Well, we have 3 at home … one is a keychain, one is a gift and one we bought from giant.

Ha ha ha… finally I can solve it … Better late than never.

Thanks to this YouTube

I am sure a lot of people still don’t know the solution...

get one Rubik’s Cube now and have fun!

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-24T01:54:00.004+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to all...

and hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day !!! - Better late to wish then never :)

May the TIGER year ROAR with good health, good wealth, happiness and peace !

Hope all your wishes / dreams come true !!!

心想事成 ... remember... the law of attraction!

Do you like my special "Chinese New Year Tree" ? Cherry Blossoms growing from a Christmas Tree! There is no other such tree in this world - so, if you ever see another such tree from tomorrow onwards - that tree is a "pirated" tree! MY TREE is the original one. Hee hee hee.

Well, here's some Raisin Cornflakes Cookies I made for the Chinese New Year. Just made some because it is my first attempt to bake cookies. Surprisingly, they turned out well - will definitely do more next year for distribution .... or ... for sale ??? :P

Welcome GG

2010-02-11T01:16:00.004+08:00

Ha ha ha...

Finally collected all 40 stamps to complete the stamp collection to redeem a Big Headz plush from Guardian.

Terima kasih kawan-kawan sekalian !

Do welcome our new family member...

GG the Giraffe ! [Not pronounce as Gigi i.e."teeth" in Bahasa Malaysia ya :)]

GG is sooo..... cute.

6 more to go

2010-02-01T01:33:00.005+08:00

Need 6 more stamps to complete my stamp collection to redeem a Big Headz plush from Guardian.

Quick ! If you happen to have the stamps and you don’t want them (i.e. not collecting them) – please donate to me ya.

Btw, the stamps issuance period ends on 24th February 2010 and redemption period ends on 10th March 2010.

Thank you!

Peanut Butter

2010-01-31T01:38:00.007+08:00

I've made peanut butter twice - both times, the peanut butter turned out as good as those sold in the market...(Err...I think so - since no one complained and the peanut butter finished real fast!)

Home-made stuffs are great - there are no preservatives.

Here's how I made the peanut butter :

Place fried peanuts into chopper...

and chop the peanut until fully crushed...

Add fine sugar, margerine, salt and olive oil and continue to blend them until they become smooth like these.

Do try making some peanut butter for your family !

Christmas 2009

2010-01-19T06:25:00.009+08:00

This is a belated entry.

Ha ha ha - better late than never :)

As suggested by sis, we decided to have a "Reunion Christmas Eve Dinner 2009" since in future not all of us are able to gather together for the reunion on chinese new year eve.

What we had for our dinner...

Good old Sweet and Sour Prawn cooked by mum (the best)

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Fish Fillet with brinjal (great with its special sauce [no pic]) cooked by sister

Seme De Melone (a kind of Italian pasta that is shaped similar to melon seeds) cooked in Paella (rice dish from Spain)style by sister. Not bad.

Aglio E Olio Seafood Pasta by me.

Roast Chicken (with stuffings ala roast turkey) by me.

Special Satay bought by brother from Section 17, PJ - different from the normal ones - they use more lemon grass (serai) which made the satay tastier.

Sis even made Sangria (Spanish: sangría means "bloody" is a wine punch typical of Spain). Taste good - I like it very much. Didn't take any pictures though but sourced one from google... look something quite like this :

Brother bought these lovely cup cakes from Secret Recipe but we were all too full for dessert but kept them for breakfast the next day. Cute ya. But the marzipan is too sweet to eat.

After dinner, we had a gift exchange session. Each are required to buy a gift for the person we randomly picked earlier. There's no maximum limit but the gift must not cost less than RM15. (One's gift reflects how generous the giver is OR how much the giver likes the recipient - hah!)

It was a lovely Christmas Eve Dinner. Great idea sis! So this year's Christmas Eve dinner on ? at your place ?

A Trip to Melaka Zoo

2010-01-10T01:21:00.011+08:00

During the recent school holidays, we made our first trip to the Melaka Zoo.

It is not really a big zoo - just about the size of the Birds Park in Kuala Lumpur.

So, we took just an afternoon to conquer the Melaka Zoo.

Some people say the Melaka Zoo is much better than the Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur as the former has more animals. As I have not been to the Zoo Negara, I am unable to compare / comment :)

Anyway, the kids enjoyed themselves.

These are some of the animals in Melaka Zoo ....

The Albino Phyton

The Deers

The Giraffes

The Zebras

The Elephant

The Mandrill
"The Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx,) is a primate of the Cercopithecidae (Old-world monkeys) family, closely related to the baboons and even more closely to the Drill. Both the Mandrill and the Drill were once classified as baboons in genus Papio, but recent research has determined that they should be separated into their own genus, Mandrillus. The Mandrill is the world's largest species of monkey." - extracted from Wikipedia

The Bear

The Monkey

The Smiling Tortoise

The Crocodile

The Tiger

The Camel

The Bull

We had a great time at the zoo...

BUT the lousiest lunch ever... nasi goreng (fried rice) bought from a stall in the zoo (see pictures below). Looked and tasted awful. The worst fried rice I have ever tried! The fried rice I cook the first time is much much much better than this. Their fried mee is not any better either (no picture).

Their service sucks as well. Really do not understand how their business can survive. They are lucky - their customers are non-recurring (doubt that people will visit the zoo many times). But that does not mean they can serve such food for RM4.50per plate. And talk about hygiene... unbelievable. Well, if you have the chance to visit Melaka Zoo, do see for yourself.

However, please don't order any food from this stall.

Go to the stall next door - they are friendlier, more hygienic and serve better food !

Happy New Year - 2010

2010-01-05T19:46:00.004+08:00

2009 was a great year !

A year where I enjoyed life – it was full of fun - "jalan-jalan cari makan" a lot, did stuffs and bought things I have always wanted to do / buy, etc.

Of course, there is a price – with all the spending … not much savings loh.

So, this year 2010 is a time to spend less and save more.

Resoluton No. 1 : Save RM X (secret) by 31.12.2010.

Other non-quantitative resolutions :

1. Priority : Health and Family.

2. Be a better person - mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee and employer [to my maid :) hee hee].

3. Practise more - "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff".

4. Be Happy.

5. ............

6. ............

Hope 2010 will be a better year !!!!

My Birthday 2009

2009-12-19T16:35:00.018+08:00

Celebrated my birthday twice.

Once in the office with friends and once at home with family - 2 birthday cakes - extra birthday wishes :)

Thank you to my darling friends for :

a) The famous mille crepe cake from food foundry (no photo);
b) The yummy lunch at Zan Mai in 1 U (no photo); and
c) The lovely gift, birthday card and wishes.

Hint hint... aunty is getting older... seriously need some art work :)

Thank you to my darling princess for the card she made...

Mummy loves you.

Made a Birthday Cake with lots of strawberries...

This is the first time I bake a cake.
Cheated though - actually bought the ready mixed ingredients from Taman Tun market.
Just need to mix it well with butter, eggs and sugar. Make sure the temperature and baking time is correct.
So convenient and easy... ha ha ha.

Finally, a birthday gift from myself...
At last, aunty has upgraded her handphone :)

Broga Hill

2009-12-11T05:32:00.007+08:00

Luckily the weather that Saturday was good.

I finally climbed Broga Hill after 2 failed missions previously – the first time was due to rain and the second time was because I had other plans.

Firstly, thank you to Nickson for organizing the trip.

Originally, there were 18 of us. 4 backed out and that leaves 14 of us. 13 of us met up at the office around 3.30 – 4.00 am and we picked up 1 on the way to Broga Hill.

3 cars – 4-4-5. (Lucky 4-D number : 3445)

Broga Hill (Bukit Lalang / 茅草山 ) is located at Broga, Semenyih and is a popular place for hiking.

It took us about an hour drive from PJ using the Kajang – Cheras highway to get to Broga. We passed by many tolls – too sleepy to count – maybe 4 or 5. Let the guys do the driving - we relax.

Anyway, we arrive at our destination at about 5.00am and parked our cars in the compound of the oil palm plantation.

It was dark - really dark. Without the flash light, we can’t even see our hands in front of us! So, one MUST bring along the flash light - if starting the climb early in the morning to catch the sunrise. Besides, it is advisable to put on proper foot wear as the ground may be slippery at some places after rain.

I also brought along a disposable raincoat due to the unpredictable weather, insect repellent (optional - understand that the mosquitoes are most active in the evening but there are still other insects), some biscuits (can have it while waiting for the sun to rise), water, small towel and another must bring item - the camera.

We started our climb at 5.10am and reached the 2nd highest peak at about 5.50am. We didn’t go for the highest peak as the view for sunrise at the 2nd highest peak is better.

The view at 6.00am - it was still dark…

It was a cloudy morning but the sunrise was beautiful…

The cloudy sky

The hill

The Lalang and the sky

Look at the Lalangs

The Peak

The 3rd highest peak

After spending about 3 hours enjoying the scenery and taking lots of photos, we finally decide to start our climb down.

The view was great as we headed down. It was too dark to see when we were on our way up.

They were Lalangs everywhere.

The steps

It was a great trip – may climb Broga Hill again in future…

Madam Lim’s Kitchen

2009-11-20T07:20:00.010+08:00

After passing by Madam Lim’s Kitchen each time we did our shopping at Tesco, Mutiara Damansara, we finally gave it a try –

Our dinner …

Madam Lim’s Tom Yum Seafood – Very Good (but picture - cacat)

Fish Fillet with Ginger and Spring Onion - Good

Kung Poh Chicken Fillet - Good

Brinjal with Taucu Paste - Good

Claypot Tao Foo - Can't see the tau foo in the picture ... hee hee - OK

Strawberry with Milk Pudding – OK

Do not be misled by the modest name - they serve good food.

Give it a try - especially the chef recommended tom yum soup.

Chao Yen Restaurant

2009-11-17T06:53:00.003+08:00

Some time ago, we makan-makan at Chao Yen Restaurant (1 Utama) - a restaurant which serves authentic Teo Chew Cuisine.

It was our first time there.

Their cozy environment caught our eyes and sis suggested we give it a try.

Turned out to be a good choice...

The menu

The tea set

The Seafood Steamboat - prawns, crab, vegetables, fish stomach, fish, etc. The soup is tasty - Good.

Mui Choy (preserved mustard cabbage) with pork belly – nothing to shout about – looks normal and taste normal.

Brinjal cooked with mince meat – brinjals cooked in this style is always delicious - Good.

Chicken fillet cooked with bitter gourd and preserved black olives – lovely combination. Taste great with plain white rice. I like it - very good.

For dessert, we tried their :

Mango Sago which is nice and “mango-ee” – Good; and

Guilingao – Very good.

Overall, the food here are simple and nice but quite pricey.

No harm trying... if you have not tasted Teo Chew Cuisine.

Chao Yen Restaurant
Lot LG 311A, Lower Ground Floor,
1 Utama Shopping Center,
No 1 Lebuh Bandar Utama,
Bandar Utama Petaling Jaya,
Selangor

THIS IS IT

2009-11-11T02:08:00.004+08:00

Finally, watched "This Is It" at GSC (1 Utama) with Aguilera Sg.

Great show indeed.

Imagine how the life concert would have been!

Michael's voice, dance, performance, everything - SUPERB.

A real artist-entertainer.

He really, really sang from his heart.

Love every bit of the show !

Related Post : Remembering Michael Jackson

Mummy VS Monkey

2009-11-05T00:56:00.003+08:00

There is this hardware shop in Damansara Utama that sells not only those normal things you can get from the hardware shop but they also sell stuffs like hair accessories, bags and purses, stickers, toys, etc. (just like those you see in the night markets). The price is very attractive too probably because the goods are from China.

Anyway, I bought a set of “wall decoration stickers” recently and now part of the wall in the bedroom looks like this :

Isn’t it cool.

The kids love it so much… so much that…

Last night during our bedtime song session, after singing Barney’s “I love you” song, instead of the normal hug and “I love you, mummy”, the little one looked at the wall and said “I love you, monkey” !

Hmmm…

If this continues, “Sorry monkey, I’m going to take you and your friends down”.

Birthday Memories... Fusion Asian Cuisine Restaurant, Tong Kee Bread & Tarts and Karrimor

2009-10-24T05:00:00.011+08:00

This entry is specially for Meriel – Happy Birthday!

May you have happy memories of your 2009 birthday…

The Lunch

Hope you enjoyed your birthday lunch at...

Fusion Asian Cuisine Restaurant

55-57, Jln SS21/60,

Damansara Utama, 46300 Selangor.

Tel: 03-77273282

Fish Head Curry

Sizzling Japanese Tau Foo

Butter Chicken

Bitter Gourd with Eggs

Lotus Root and Macadamia Nuts (Foo Yee Style)

Spinach and Century Egg Soup

The Cake

Hope you made lots of wishes…

“I wish for more wishes”

Ta da – your wish come true…

another cake for you to make more wishes

So lucky – 2 cakes

Egg Tart and Green Tea Cake from...

Tong Kee Bread & Tarts
No. 61G, Jln SS21/60,
Damansara Utama,47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-77266133 Fax: 03-77267133

The Gift

Finally, your dream backpack…

all the way from Jurong, Singapore (Thanks to Honey)

….. Karrimor Backpack !

Many Happy Returns of The Day!!!

Growing "Vegetables" in The Kitchen

2009-10-19T01:38:00.010+08:00

Woo hoo...

The SuperMaid is not only a destroyer but an ENVIRONMENTALIST as well !

As a result for not cleaning the kitchen sink properly, we now have a "plant" growing through the gap between the tiles and the sink.

Yeah - plant your own vegetables - at the kitchen sink.

Way to go !

Grilled Chicken Wings

2009-10-19T01:26:00.005+08:00

Cooked this for dinner yesterday....

POWERS

2009-10-15T03:47:00.007+08:00

Super Heroes and Their “Powers” :-

Summarized below are my findings (sourced from Wikipedia)…

Superman - "faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound".

Batman - intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess, and intimidation in his war on crime.

The Incredible Hulk - near-limitless physical strength depending directly on his emotional state, particularly his anger.

Wonder Woman - super strength, super speed, stamina, and flight.

Iron Man - powered armor that gives him superhuman strength and durability, flight, and an array of weapons.

The Flash - superhuman speeds, vibrate so fast that they can walk through walls, travel through time and can also lend and borrow speed.

Spiderman - cling to walls, superhuman strength, a sixth sense ("spider-sense") that alerts him to danger, perfect balance and equilibrium, as well as superhuman speed and agility.

And finally from a private source...

SuperMAID – the destroyer

Just 1 month + and has spoilt many things...

The latest …

broken 'UFO brand' key !

Really wonder how she did it.

Yeah - SuperMAID powers !

My First Oven

2009-10-11T23:27:00.003+08:00

After debating whether to get a microwave cum convection oven or just a normal convection oven for some time, I finally bought ....

... a convection oven.

Reasons :

1) Lots of objection from anti-microwave people.

2) My main objective was to have an oven which can bake, roast and grill.

3) A counter top convection oven is cheaper. No point buying something more expensive and not fully utilising it.

So, for the first time in my life, I roasted a chicken...

fresh from the oven

I created my own Norah'S Roast Chicken (after getting some idea from some recipes in the internet).

I stuffed the chicken with pounded garlic and shallots mixed with some lemon juice and ginger juice. Spread oyster sauce, salt and pepper over the body of the chicken. Pushed in a few pieces of lemon slices between the skin and the meat. Then roast it in the oven for 1.5 hours at 180°C.

on the serving dish - see the still juicy garlic and shallot paste

The leftovers - not everyone is a "breast- lover"

After the makan-makan session, the folowing are the ratings I received from the food critics :

Hubby : 3 / 5

Sister : 3 / 5

Mum : Skip

(She said she doesn't know how to rate... hmmm... I wonder is it because it is not up to her standard ? hee hee)

My daughter : 100 % (i.e. 5 / 5)

Wah... this led to a conversation between a father and his child ...

Father : "Are you sure it is 100% ?

Child : Ya... Errr...

Father : "Sure ?"

Child : Err... I think 1000%

Mother : Smiling - so Happy...

A Picnic at Lembah Kiara Recreational Park

2009-10-10T02:07:00.007+08:00

We had a picnic at Lembah Kiara Recreational Park, Taman Tun Dr Ismail last, last Saturday.

It was my first time to the park.

Nice park – suitable place for a family outing. Better than what I have imagined.

Initially I thought it was just a simple park with only

walking / jogging tracks

and

playgrounds.

But there are more –

a big pond with water fountains and fishes and tortoises swimming in it,

a water fall,

a small stream where kids can fish for small fishes (it flows from the waterfall to the pond),

a reflexology path,

lots of green grass, lots of trees,

and lots of mosquitoes too! So don’t forget to bring your insect repellent.

Our picnic was a simple one – we had KFC, special home made unagi sushi [not like the real Japanese sushi : ) ], sausages and tomatoes,

and Norah’S fried bee hoon.

Have not fried bee hoon for about 6 years – glad that it turned out fine and is edible.

After our makan-makan, the kids headed for the playground with the parents and the rest took a walk around the park – enjoying the nature and even modeled for the wannabe photographer who needs practice to brush up his skills. Later the kids and parents joined the rest and also did some modeling. Then all went for a stroll and soon it was time to go home.

Everyone had a great time.

Taiwan Street

2009-09-29T00:21:00.005+08:00

Decided to “cool down” after the end of the super peak filing by ‘lepaking’ with family at Tropicana City in Petaling Jaya.

With the H1N1 fear – Tropicana City is indeed a good choice to hang out as it is less crowded.

After window shopping, we decided to have our dinner at Taiwan Street – situated near the GSC cinema.

I tried the claypot loh su fan – OK, boleh tahan.

Hubby tried the braised beef noodle – although it was recommended by the chef, it was only so so.

Sis tried the spicy beef noodles – Looks good and definitely taste good.

Mum tried the spicy dumpling noodles - OK, boleh tahan.

For the kids, I ordered the chicken chop rice – so so only.

Also ordered some other stuffs – forgot their names. Basically they are the sausages, the squid balls and the sausage-egg-ham-beancurd sheet wrap. Hmmm… OK la, boleh tahan.

Forgot what the rest ordered for drinks but mine is the peach bubble tea which is not bad.

This is a simple and nice place to go makan-makan for a change. Do give it a try.

Rating : 2.5/5

Shorter than the other...

2009-09-22T02:15:00.005+08:00

Eh, how come ...... ?

(pardon the blurr pic)

Peach, Plum or Apple ?

2009-09-18T00:53:00.006+08:00

This is the first time I tried the Nectarine...

It looks a lot like the peach - a little like the plum - a bit like an apple.

Its size and shape is like a peach but it does not have the fuzzy peach skin.

Instead, it has reddish and smooth skin like the plum.

The flesh is white like the apple but the sweet taste is like a combination of both the peach and the plum.

Nice - I like it.

But what is it ?

It is not a peach nor a plum nor an apple.

The Nectarine is actually a cultivar group of peach (i.e. they are somehow related to the peach).

Well, words can't explain its taste - go get one and try it !

Remembering Michael Jackson…

2009-07-25T23:20:00.008+08:00

One month ago…. he passed away on the 25th June 2009.

When I heard the news – I was shocked, later sad but after that happy for him…

Shocked – The King of pop is dead ? So sudden.

Sad – The world has lost one of the best entertainer.

Relieved / Happy – for him… finally…he can rest in peace.

As usual, when I need the “push” to work (during peak) I’ll listen to “hot” songs – some includes Michael’s. In fact, just the other day, I recalled the conversation with DJ Orlando during our last year’s peak – “No Michael Jackson’s song meh?” I asked. He said, “No lah, you want ….beat it…. beat it…?” and laughed teasingly…

I was born in the 70’s. During my school years in the 80’s, everyone know and love MJ’s famous songs. Those youngsters born in the 80’s are still in their diapers when we were happily listening and singing along to “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”. What do they (the babies in diapers) know? Do you know that at Standard 3, I can and love to sing “Beat It”. I not only sang it in the bathroom but also in the bus on the way home from school (standing by the window, enjoying the breeze and letting the wind ‘blow the song away’). Ha ha ha... those were the days. A secondary school ‘kakak’ even praised me – “Wah, you pandai nyanyi ya”. Ha ha ha. Memories…

He was such a great singer, dancer, artist… a great entertainer. He has a great voice, he can dance so well, he has so many ideas to entertain his audience. He is really one of a kind.

He wrote and sang some meaningful songs. If you really listen to the lyrics – you’ll understand what I mean. He really communicates through his songs. Also, when he sings them - he sings from HIS HEART.

Songs_written_by_Michael_Jackson

Heard of “Heal the World”? It is so famous that it is impossible not to know the song.

I am glad I had the chance to be in Michael Jackson’s “era” – especially the bad and thriller era.

I’ll definitely remember him and his music.

Though I am too young when he first sang the song …. One Day In Your Life……in the 70’s and only first heard of it years later, I instantly fell in love with it….

Hope you’ll enjoy it too… listen to it here….

One Day in Your Life

One day in your life

you'll remember a place

Someone's touching your face

You'll come back and you'll look around you

One day in your life

You'll remember the love you found here

You'll remember me somehow

Though you don't need me now

I will stay in your heart

And when things fall apart

You'll remember one day...

One day in your life

When you find that you're always waiting

For the love we used to share

Just call my name

And I'll be there

(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...)

You'll remember me somehow

Though you don't need me now

I will stay in your heart

And when things fall apart

You'll remember one day...

One day in your life

When you find that you're always longing

for the love we used to share

Just call my name

And I'll be there

(Ohh...)

Still Climbing…

2009-07-19T00:54:00.002+08:00

I have been busy lately – especially in June. Something came up unexpectedly. Really hate last minute stuff, but what to do, still have to do it - can’t say no. Hope that it won’t repeat in future - last minute, I mean. Have always reminded this person not to do things last minute, guess I have been talking to the wall all this while…

With less than one month to complete “the project”, I had no choice but to juggle my time between work, family and “the project”. Even have to lose some sleep to find more time, sometimes worked till morning with only 2-3 hours of sleep before heading to work… Anyway, it is OK for me because I am a light sleeper – in fact, I find it hard to sleep sometimes.

I am just sad that of all people, this person is so inconsiderate. Well, instead of helping me overcome my insomnia problem, this person is encouraging me not to sleep well by passing to me more worries ! Please bear in mind that this person had on a few occasion criticised the various methods I have tried to make myself sleep easily (which to me are effective, entertaining and harmless methods).

Well, I have done my part and proven that I can do it.

Finally, Mission 1 accomplished… but still busy…

Mission 2 - WIP. I am still climbing … : )

At least, with the completion of Mission 1, I can now catch up on one of my hobby - surfing the internet. But not for long… still have Mission 2 to complete.

Same Price But...

2009-06-22T16:20:00.008+08:00

Not bad leh,

Same price

But

Look at the size ...

Now VS Before

Back from KK - Exhausted - Happy - Busy

2009-06-02T05:39:00.007+08:00

We made it ! We reached the peak of Mt Kinabalu !

The peak of Mt. Kinabalu - Low's Peak

It was a great climb ... tiring but fun.

Was exhausted and had muscle cramps for a few days after the climb. But the happy thoughts from the trip soon made me forget the pain.

Lots to write about - will post them soon.

Meanwhile, a very summary of my climb (as shown on the side bar too) :

9th May 2009

Ascended Mount Kinabalu : Mersilau gate to Laban Rata (9.15am to 6.15pm - 9 hours)

10th May 2009

Gunting Lagadan Hut to Summit of Mount Kinabalu - Low's Peak (2.00am to 6.45am – 4.45 hours)

Descended Mount Kinabalu :Summit to Gunting Lagadan Hut (7.15am to 10.00am – 2.45 hours)Laban Rata to Timpohon Gate (11.45am to 5.00pm – 5.15 hours)

Only 2 More Days!

2009-05-06T02:36:00.002+08:00

Will be flying to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah with Hui Hui tonight.

The holidays we have been looking forward to have finally arrived.

Feel nervous - so much butterflies in the stomach.

Packed like a kiasu. Heard it is going to be very cold, so brought a winter jacket. The jacket itself already took up quite a lot of space. Well, better bring than be sorry later.

Wish us good luck in our adventure holidays!

King Crab Restaurant

2009-04-24T00:57:00.003+08:00

We always see their BIG signboard each time we drive through LDP (near Kelana Jaya) going towards 1 Utama direction. We always thought of trying their food but every time, is… “not the right time”.

Finally, it was “the right time”. (That's what I thought...).

We made reservation for lunch and looked forward to their famous butter crab, Guinness pork ribs and salted egg sotong. All these are recommended by food bloggers.

So, that Sunday, we drove to the Restaurant all in a happy mood.

When I asked for our reserved table, the staff pointed to one table which was already taken. I asked again. She again pointed to the same table and said, “Over there. Those people sitting there”. I really ‘benggang’ la. I don’t even know the people on the table. If they are part of my group, we would have walked up to them and sat down. It is so obvious that is not our table. Duh!

Anyway, they later realized (after so long) that they have accidentally given away our reserved table to another 12 people group and quickly cover up by saying our table is another one at the corner. Luckily there was no crowd or else…

What a start! But not the end…

When it came to ordering the dishes, we were informed that there is no crab! Huh ??? No crab at King Crab ? I nearly want to pengsan. My mood changed from bad to worst.

Anyway, after taking some deep breath, I maintained my cool. I was entertaining relatives and wanted to treat them to lovely crabs. Now, I have to crack my head to order substitute dishes.

Anyway, these were what we had for lunch …

Guiness pork ribs, salted egg sotong, mix vegetables, salt and pepper mantis prawn, steam cat fish (no picture), yam ring with chicken cutlets (no picture).

And … of course the butter crab (visually from the menu) – eat with the eyes only.

Overall, the dishes are satisfactory. My favourite is the sotong - the salted egg made the sotong so tasty. The cat fish is not bad too – the flesh is smooth. The pork ribs are good too but could be quite hard for the elderly.

However, the dishes came so slow and one dish at a time… imagine finishing one plate of dish and waiting for the next one to come - how to enjoy the meal ?

Still disappointed that we could not try the famous butter crab, I later asked them whether it is normal that they do not have crabs for lunch every day? “Oh no”, they said, “the crabs are actually out of stock for lunch only today. We have used up all the crabs last night”. I really can’t help wondering…..

So, when will our next visit be ? … wait for the REAL “right time” first la.

Rating : Food - 4 /5

Rating : Service – 1 / 5 (BAD!) [Some more got to pay government service tax and service charges]

“Makanan Laut Wang Chiew (2006) Sdn Bhd”

2009-04-22T23:06:00.003+08:00

Heard of this restaurant? Not I - until recently, when we had lunch there.

It is at SS2/103, Petaling Jaya. I think the restaurant first started business in 2006 but I did not get the chance to confirm it with the owner. Will seek clarification the next time I go there.

The row of shop houses at SS2/103 has changed so much compared to the 1990’s. When I was staying at SS2/105 during my college years, the restaurant was not there then. A grocery cum dobi shop is now a church. Another church has expanded to a few more shop houses. A grocery shop is now a café. Etc.

...memories…

Anyway, the food here is great.

We had deep fried sotong, kam heong lala, beggar’s chicken, yam ring, mixed vegetables and assam fish.

I like the assam fish (so … assamy), kam heong lala (so kam heongy) and mix vegetables (looks oily but yummy).

Enjoyed the lunch and will definitely go again to try other dishes and to confirm the “2006” thingy!

Rating : 4 /5

Unique Seafood Restaurant

2009-04-22T02:24:00.005+08:00

UNIQUE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (pork-free)

Lot 9B-3 Jalan Kemajuan

Section 13,

46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor

Tel: 7960 2088, 7960 2066

I’ve been there before… about 4 – 5 years ago. This is my second time.

They have renovated the restaurant. Now they have really cool new private rooms.

Our family lunch was at Room 33. The wallpapers of fishes and the underwater world really fascinated us – especially the kids. Took lots of photos.

What we had for lunch …

Butter Prawns, ? Chicken, Steam Tofu, Steam Fish (no picture)

Claypot Brinjal, Baked Crabs and Sweet and Sour Crabs

The baked crab is good. Brinjal too!

For dessert we had mango sago and honey dew sago. I prefer the honey dew sago.

After enjoying our yummy food, we used the serviettes provided.

Sis-in-law noticed the mandarin name of the restaurant on the serviettes and said, “ 奇怪 (qu guai) ? Unique is 奇怪, meh ?”

Sis said, “ No lah, 奇怪 is “strange”.

Hey, we did see some with strange looking sea creatures in the aquariums (a lot) in the restaurant. But the name “Strange Seafood Restaurant” would sound funny right. No wonder they opt for “Unique” instead. Sometimes, direct translation may be dangerous – remember those direct translations in certain restaurant menus? Ha ha, they are so funny.

This is indeed a unique restaurant. Nice place to dine (private room) and yummy food too.

Rating : 4 /5

Batu Caves

2009-04-14T02:45:00.020+08:00

We finally had our first (partial) group training at Batu Caves last Saturday.

Prior to that, once or twice per week at Taman Tun (not every week – blame the rain). And, I have forced myself to climb 12 flights of the office stairs for 4 consecutive days before going to Batu Caves.

All the previous training were OK but none of them can be compared to climbing the steps at Batu Caves which will reflect more of the true Mount Kinabalu climb.

After climbing 3x272 steps (up) + 3x272 steps (down) Batu Caves stairs, I realised how “un-trained / un-ready” I am for the real thing.

Damn it. My muscles are still painful today! Don’t know when I can resume my training again with the intense pain I feel each time I take a step.

I have over exerted myself. I should have taken it easy and not push myself since it is my first time with so many steps. Climbed 272 steps (up – down –up) with only a few minutes rest in between.

Luckily I took a break after that and toured the cave which the 272 steps led me to – the Cathedral Cave / Temple Cave. This is my first time to Batu Caves – so it is also a touring trip for me.

Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The Cathedral Cave being the biggest cave, has a 100 m high ceiling and features ornate Hindu shrines. The other two caves are the Dark Cave and the Art Gallery Cave.

I admired the stalactites jutting from the cave's ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor. They are of many shapes and sizes. The stalactites and stalagmites that joints together actually form a column! Some stalactites even look obscene … ha ha.

After lepaking and taking photos, it is back to training - climbed 272 steps (down – up) with again only a few minutes rest in between. I could feel the strain on the muscles already. Going down was not easy at all – the calf muscle hurts!

Anyway, the final climb down was a relaxing one. We saw a lot of monkeys climbing up and down the railings. The view was great too. We stopped at the entrance leading to the Dark Cave known for its amazing rock formations and some animals found nowhere else. Seems nice – maybe will tour it another time together with the Art Gallery Cave located at the foot of the steps.

This is the most strenuous training so fair. I was exhausted. I headed to the wash room to freshen up before we proceed to our next destination – breakfast at Pan Heong Restaurant.

Ai yoyo…. Some more steps ah ???

Acupuncture

2009-04-11T00:25:00.003+08:00

My first acupuncture experience.

Who says it is not painful ? NOT ME !

31 days to go !

2009-04-07T00:51:00.002+08:00

Spoke with a few people last few days.

Big brother said – don’t play, play. If you don’t train, you will SUFFER ! A well trained person takes 4 - 6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Reach early, have enough rest and get ready for the climb to the summit (Low’s Peak). It is going to be a tough climb if you are not ready…

- That sure sounds very frightening and not motivating at all.

B climbed stairs (16 floors) once or twice every day for 1 whole month before her climb. She took 10 hours to reach Laban Rata.

- I am getting really worried.

L said must have perseverance. Just walk and walk and walk. Don’t stop, don’t wait.

- Wow. Like a robot.

Looks like I really have to do a “last 1 month” (last minute) intensive training. How intensive ? I don’t know. But must at least do some kind of training everyday from today. Be it climb the stairs / go to Taman Tun / run on the spot (hah!) – anything. No more excuses like raining, smelly stairways, no time, etc.

Better suffer now than later - right?

Russian Dolls - Matryoshka

2009-04-06T22:46:00.004+08:00

Received a souvenir from Russia today. It is a Russian Matryoshka doll.

It is not really "a" doll, it is actually "a set" of dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside the other.

Extracted from Wikipedia :

" "Matryoshka" is a derivative of the Russian female first name "Matryona", which was a very popular name among peasants in old Russia. The name "Matryona" in turn is related to the Latin root, "mater" and means Mother. So the name is closely connected with motherhood and in turn the doll has come to symbolize fertility."

There were 4 dolls to choose from....

I like the colurful one on the left. But too bad - someone was fast! Anyway, finally chose the one second from the left.

The set of matryoshka dolls consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figurine of the same sort inside. It, in turn, contains another one inside, and so on. The last one usually ending with a baby figure that cannot be open. Like this ....

Aren't the dolls cute ?

Love 'em!

Keepsake Clay Frame Set

2009-04-04T16:50:00.020+08:00

Time flies... very fast.

We can't escape from growing older each day but why can't it be slower ?

Because - "Time and tide waits for no man!"

We can't turn back the clock either ... Remember the well known riddle - "What goes up and never comes down ? Answer - Our age (AND of course - our cost of living)".

So, what we should do is treasure the past as good memories.

Before the present turns into past, document them. How? Keep a diary/journal/blog(s), take photographs, videos, etc.

The trend in recent years - hand/foot prints on clay! There are so many of such products in the market. All of them targeting parents with new born babies.

Including me. A mummy - yes, with new born babies - no, with kids - yes!

I bought "Eantz Keepsake Clay Frame Set" recently and during one of the weekend, I "clay printed" my kids' hands. It was so easy because everything is provided in the box - the photo frame, air dry clay and best of all easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Also, no baking is required - just air dry !

The hand print on the right is a bit "cacat". Mixed too much water to the clay when conditioning it. As the clay was softer, the pressure from pressing the hand too hard caused a hole at the base of the palm! Luckily I managed to fill up the hole with the surrounding clay but the "touch up" is quite noticable if one look closely.

Anyway, it is still unique. It is the one and only...

I have yet to glue their names on the frame. And maybe paint some colours too. And then finally, a nice photo for the frame.

This is indeed a special way to preserve their hand prints. When the kids are older, they can compare their hands with the 3-D prints. Cool eh.

Interested to get one for yourself or as a gift? You can order it here or here.

You can also create keepsake for your pets too. As for the loving couples, you can even thumb print the shape of a heart on the clay. Be creative !

Popiah (Spring Rolls)

2009-03-31T00:11:00.006+08:00

We had popiah for dinner last Sunday. Everything were homemade except for the popiah skin and the rojak sauce.

This time we used the fresh popiah skin bought from the market – the ones that do not need to be fried unlike those which are easily available in the supermarkets. Much healthier and easier too, just wrap the fillings with the popiah skin and into the mouth it goes.

These are the fillings for our popiah :
1. Mengkuang (Yam bean) – julienned, cooked with dried prawns

2. Carrot – julienned, stir-fry

3. Long beans – cut into 1 cm long, stir-fry

4. Cucumber – julienned

5. Fried eggs – julienned

6. Lettuce – raw

The fillings are actually up to personal preference. One can also add fried bean curd (cut into small cube pieces), bean sprout, fried shallots and garlic, chinese sausages (cut into small pieces), crab sticks, etc. Be creative!

Took these photos but forgot to take the “step-by-step on how to fold the popiah” Ha ha.

Spread some rojak sauce on the popiah skin. Put some lettuce, mengkuang, longbeans and carrots…

…cucumber and eggs. Then wrap it up as illustrated - roll up the the popiah skin (A to B) over the fillings , followed by the sides (C to B) and (D to B), then continue to roll until the end.

The end result…

Delicious…

Books for everyone

2009-03-21T16:05:00.007+08:00

Yesterday morning, we spent 2 hours at MPH stock clearance promotion at Mayang Plaza, Jalan SS26/2, Taman Mayang, PJ, and bought lots of books.

Most of the books are at great bargain.

The "Goodnight Stories and Rhymes" books (4 books per set) are really worth it. RM6.90 each (normal price), after 30% discount - RM4.83 each. About 2 years ago, I bought the books at RM9.90 each (after discount)! Recently, I saw these books at SS2 selling for RM14.90 each. Well, I bought them as belated birthday gift for the girls' cousin.

Also bought books for...

Ling - 2 workbooks, 1 sticker activity book, 2 Ladybird books and a "Learn Time" clock board.

Jean - a Touch & Feel book (not in picture).

Mum - 2 word search books.

Myself - some recipe books.

Hey, recipe books for cakes and pizza ? I know, I know, I do not have an oven ... YET ! Well, it is coming soon. I am not only visualising it but getting ready for IT, OK.

Craft Punches

2009-03-20T01:45:00.005+08:00

Sis bought these lovely craft punches from Hong Kong. Got them all (1 big and 2 small ones) for only RM15!

They are supposed to be for the girls.

But the mummy used them first...Got birthday card-making project mah...

Simple and nice?

Lao Por Bing (老婆餅) a.k.a Wife Cake/Biscuit

2009-03-15T02:53:00.011+08:00

Sis just came back from her holidays in Hong Kong recently.

She brought back lots of souvenirs and also the famous Lao Por Bing - fresh from the oven in Hong Kong.

These “wife biscuits” are actually flaky pastry with a sweet filling inside.

So far I have only tasted the ones sold in local confectionaries and they are just so-so. The ones from Hong Kong are simply delicious. The filling of this pastry is so different compared to the ones I have tasted before.

I wondered what the filling is made of and did a search on google.

Looks like a lot of people have blogged about this pastry. Some even have the recipe and step by step guide (with pictures too!) – check out

Florence’s blog. Some have stories of the origin of the “wife biscuits” - read about them in Daphne's blog.

These blogs sure have inspired me to bake…. OK first step – get an oven – fast !

Steamboat - Dataran Sunway

2009-03-04T01:03:00.002+08:00

Our favourite steamboat is at Xin Chun Seafood Steamboat Restaurant (Pulau Ketam). Do not be deceived by the name - the restaurant is not located at Pulau Ketam. It is actually at Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara. It is the supplies that are from Pulau Ketam.

Sis discovered it last year - some time when the restaurant just opened and recommended it to all of us. I have been there 4 times already ! Last 2 times were in January and February this year.

We simply love their ‘springy’ fish balls and fish “noodles” (both home made). Everything is fresh even the vegetables they serve. Their chilly paste too! Look at these pictures (believe me!) …

One can choose between the soup or tomyam base or both. So far I have only tried the soup base which is their specialty.

The price is very reasonable too. Only RM13++ per person. Very value for money.
Besides steamboat, they also serve other seafood dishes like crab in bee hoon, prawns, etc, etc… Only tried fried sui kow so far, will definitely try the rest when we are there the next time.

For steamboat lovers, this restaurant is highly recommended.

Rating : 4/5 (for the Steamboat)

Key Chains

2009-02-19T00:19:00.004+08:00

Bought some key chains at Memory Lane in Giant, Kota Damansara.

One for each of us.

A Chinese character from our Chinese names.

The best thing is, it glows in the dark. See ...

Isn’t it cool.

Chinese New Year 2009 - Makan-Makan (Part 3)

2009-02-18T23:01:00.010+08:00

Another makan-makan the next day – Sunday. This time bro brought us to lunch at Khuntai Restaurant. They serve really good Thai style food.

This is my second visit. The first time was about 1 (or 1 ½) year ago. I love the food. Recommended to some friends but do not know how to ‘promote’ it - do not even know the location (actually I misplaced the business card).

This time, I have it here …

We tried the special set which is only at RM188.

Let me introduce the lovely food we tried. The thoughts and look of the food is making me drool la. If any one of you are interested to go there, bring me along. But let me warn you, learn to eat hot and spicy stuffs first then only can you enjoy their special dishes. Else, you’ll only be able to taste a handful of what they can offer in the menu.

This is our appetiser - Miang Kam.

How to eat ? Firstly make the sireh leaves (yeah, those are sireh leaves) into a cone shape. Then, fill it up with the stuffs on the bowls (from top – clock wise is the ground nuts (kacang tanah), toasted coconut shavings (kerisik), lemon, onion, ginger, dried prawns (udang kering) and chili padi in the centre – your choice. I do not like raw onion, so didn’t put any. Instead I substituted with an extra piece of ginger. Nice.

Next, Kang Kung Deep Fried in Flour.

Something new – not bad. Look oily but not so. The kids will like them. It is also good as a starter.

Spicy Mango (Thai Style)

This is average – not bad. My favourite is still the one at SS2 pasar malam on Mondays.

Deep Fried Prawn Cake

Dip it in the sauce (not in pic) and eat it. Taste good but the texture slightly dry. The fish cake (tried previously) – texture wise is better.

Seafood Tom Yam

Yummilicious…… ada umphhh.
Not too spicy/sour. Taste just right.
Look at the generous portion of prawns and sotong!
Wanted to have second bowl but got distracted – kena jaga anak.

Otak-otak

The taste is like Penang style otak-otak and the contents … you can find generous pieces of prawn, fish, sotong, etc. Yummy.

Green Curry Chicken

The green curry is good – like the one I tried in Thailand.

Belacan Fried Rice

Nice fried rice. Also comes with some stir-fried chicken in (do not know what – a bit like BBQ) sauce which is tasty.

“Cha Oong” Omelet

The Omelette is cooked with paku pakis! Nice combination. Better than Omelette with onion.

Steamed Fish Thai Style

Another yummy dish. I love it. It is better than the last time I tried it (was very sour then). They have improved. Good.

Finally, their must drink kedondong juice. It is prepare with asam boi just like “Kat Chai Shuen Mui”. A very thirst quenching drink and good for lowering the flames from the hot and spicy food. The staff are seen happily choosing and peeling the kedondong fruits - see – there are lots of them.

For those who love Thai food, do not hesitate to try Khuntai Restaurant. Even though the environment can’t beat those classy restaurant but their food sure can AND is value for money too.

Rating : 4 ½ / 5

Chinese New Year 2009 - Makan-Makan (Part 2)

2009-02-17T00:32:00.007+08:00

Sis brought us out for dinner at PJ Seafood Restaurant on the same Saturday.

The food from mum’s lunch have not really been fully digested and we are off again to another makan-makan session.

Sigh… No wonder I have put on weight after the CNY.

On the bright side, we all enjoyed the meal. Makan-makan is indeed one of the best activity to do during family gatherings. Everyone need to eat - right?

OK. Here are what we had :

Dinner started with Yee Sang.

Next, Kailan cook with roast pork. Very fresh – crunchy and delicious.

Then, we have king pork ribs (“pai kwat wong”) – so tender and juicy (not hard and rubbery). The sauce is nice too.

Taufoo cooked with minced meat – so, so only. The one at the “new city of love” taste better.

Fried fish in sweet and sour sauce – took the picture from this direction because the body part was already left with bones. The spoons and mouths are much faster then my camera and eyes ! Anyway, the fish is just OK. Nothing special.

The butter crabs are good though – that is why I only get to take this photo :

Was too busy eating, eating, eating and.....

feeding...

Rating : 3 ½ / 5

Cash Rebate

2009-02-16T00:34:00.002+08:00

We made a trip to Giant Kota Damansara to do grocery shopping on Saturday.

We were looking for Guardian when we discovered … Pos Malaysia in the building! This is great.

Finally, I manage to claim my cash rebate for fuel subsidy. Really convenient – just fill up the form, show IC, sign and fingerprint left thumb to acknowledge receipt of the rebate.

Ha ha ha ! I am technically RM625.00 richer!

BUT… after shopping – I am RM319.20 poorer… everything is more expensive now.

The rice is RM48+ (used to be RM28+);

the instant noodle is at RM4+ (used to be able to get RM2.50 – RM3.50);

milk powder for toddlers - increased in price (but they claim it is because of the extra contents - hmmm);

diapers too (and the quality have deteriorated!); etc, etc.

Even the toilet paper is more expensive!

Like our age – what goes up will never go down…. Sigh…..

Never mind. For a start, I will use water instead of toilet paper… : )

Chinese New Year 2009 - Makan-Makan (Part 1)

2009-02-10T00:51:00.006+08:00

This CNY I ate a lot of yummy food.

One of the best I had was mum’s lunch last, last Saturday.

Eventhough I no longer get the chance to eat mum’s great dishes on CNY eve dinner, I still get the chance to eat them on another day when she cook some of her great dishes again - specially for me… ; ) . This year we have a guest for lunch. The quality of the food is even better. Ha!

It is hard to discribe the food in words. So, let the photos speak …

Braised pork with fish maws, mushrooms, and… (look at those) sea cucumbers … hmmm… so lovely.

The chinese sausages, century eggs taste great with mum's home-made pickled ginger. The “seo kerng” (sausage like dish made from minced pork and other stuffs rolled up in soya bean curd sheets and deep fried) this year is good - the filling last year was dry.

The curry chicken – new taste. Mum added lemon grass this time. Made the curry yummier.

The prawns – fresh and juicy.

Was too busy eating that I forgot to take the photos of the mix vegetable and chinese white cabbage soup which were great too.

Really enjoyed the meal - Thank you mum for the lovely lunch !

Fruit/Vegetable Rojak

2009-02-05T04:58:00.004+08:00

I love rojak.

My favourites - Indian Rojak and Fruit/Vegetable Rojak.

Recently, I prepared fruit/vegetable rojak - Muar style for dinner.

Very easy to prepare.

The main ingredient to a delicious rojak is the sauce (salad dressing). I’ve tried many brands before (from Penang, Johor, etc) and this time I use the “Sambal Rojak from C.K.C Heritage Foods” which I bought when exploring Niu Ze Xui at Ara Damansara last year. The result is great. The sambal rojak is indeed tasty, better than those I have tried before. Highly recommended. Recently I discovered this sambal rojak is widely available at the Pasar in TTDI. A popular brand indeed.

This is how the rojak look like - Cucumber, Taugeh, Kangkung, Sengkuang, Pineapple, Yew Char Kuey all mixed with Sambal Rojak from C.K.C..

BenQ Joybook S32 Series

2009-01-31T23:36:00.002+08:00

Hah! I am finally a proud owner of BenQ Joybook S32. Got it for a good deal.

Come with a nice bag too.

Check these out :

Took about a month to make this decision. Hee hee.

Well, value for money. No regrets …. so far.

Road Humps

2009-01-15T03:44:00.003+08:00

Saw the MPPJ people constructing 2 road humps last month – 1 hump at the end of Jalan SS21/36 (about 5 metres from the T-Junction) and the other 1 at the road (to me it is a lane) to the right from the said T-Junction.

It is very normal to see road humps at housing areas especially where the roads are busy with cars. From my understanding and confirmed by “googling”, the main function of the road humps are to reduce the vehicle speed. In fact, the following is an extraction from the net :

”The most effective measures to lower vehicle speed is by using sleeping policeman or known as road humps. The road humps are designed to have different sizes and shape to suit the requirements and place of services. Some are narrow as to deliver a sharp jolt to vehicle suspension and to gives discomfort when crossing at high speed. The wide humps are mainly for further reducing the vehicle speed due to longer crossing time. The road hump is normally extended from curb to curb across the full road with a drainage gap.”

I can’t help wondering the purpose of these 2 road humps. The roads are not busy with cars (in fact one of it is considered a lane). Hardly any cars speeding. The humps are near the junction, even a lousy driver knows that you need to slow down or stop upon reaching a junction before turning left/right. Also, it is not an accident prone place caused by speeding.

Below are pictures of the road humps.

It took me a while to come up with a very logical reason. [Disclaimer : This is only my assumption – I may be wrong. Please do not sue me].

Jalan SS21/36 is actually famous for its numerous bag snatching thieves (on motorbike) cases. I know of least 2 – 3 cases over the last year. I believe there are more cases than that.

Hmmmm…. Are the road humps there to ensure the bag snatchers slow down their motorbike when they are speeding away ??? So that they can be caught?? Or maybe if they continue to speed, they may lose their balance and fall and thus get caught?? Possible?

The bag snatchers actually speed off and turn to the right – that explains why the other road hump is on the road to the right from the T-Junction and not the left.

This is so funny – the road humps are for catching bag snatchers / to discourage them?! Ha ha ha… I really doubt this method will reduce the ever rising snatch thief cases in PJ.

If it is true that the road humps are to solve the bag snatching problem, I really hope better brain-storming sessions are held to come up with better methods - especially if it involves using tax payers money.

If the road humps are actually just to ensure vehicles slow down to avoid accidents…Thank you!

But I think there should be 2 more humps somewhere in the middle of the long stretch of Jalan SS21/36 where there is a bend and one could hardly see the car coming from the opposite direction – very prone to accident. Suggestion : 1 road hump each on different directions before reaching the bend.

For those who have never been to Jalan SS21/36, Damansara Utama, why not take a drive there to look, look, see, see but don’t forget ah…. Slow down when you reach the road hump!

Bak Kut Teh

2009-01-12T01:39:00.005+08:00

We had home cooked bak kut teh recently in December. It was good.

This is the first time we cook bak kut teh using the prepacked convenient herbs and spices - “Sin Tai Hing’s Bak Kut Teh Traditional Herbs and Spices with Special Sauce” which was purchased from Yong Seng Confectionery in Muar, Johor during one of our “balik kampong” trip.

The difference between this brand and others in the market which I have tried before is the “special sauce” which is added to the soup 10 minutes before serving. This special sauce definitely adds the ummphh! Don’t know what are the ingredients though – special sauce indeed.

Compared with other prepacked convenient bak kut teh herbs and spices for home cooking, this is the best I have tried so far. Of course it can’t beat those in Klang – but pretty close.

Here is how the bak kut teh looked like …

We had pork ribs, rib cartilage, pork belly, mushrooms, meat balls, tau foo pok, etc. in the soup. Ate the bak kut teh with fragrant “oil” rice, lots of chili padi and garlic….hmmmm…. yummy. Felt so… “PORKY” after the delicious meal!