Sunday, July 11, 2010
Disney Cookies
I decided to put my new oven thermometer to the test. It was bought from Phoon Huat a few sundays ago at about $10/- (there is a small discount if you pay by cash).
i always have the problem of Mickey Mouse ear's dropping or Tigger's jaw dropping probably due to the wrong type of cookie recipe tested. This time i googled for the seemingly right recipe and the results are not too bad! They are actually made for a friend's son who hasnt been feeling very well lately. I hope he will enjoy these biscuits.
Genius R Us Skippy Peanut Butter cupcake workshop
We were very lucky in a lucky draw and won a Skippy Peanut Butter Cupcake Workshop at Genius R Us. Not sure if any one of you remember, but there was a catchy tune which goes like this
"Skippy Peanut Butter, Skippy you're the one.." the rest seriously i cannot remember. It think it was back in the late 70s or 80s? The workshop is at CitySquare Mall. As papa was busy, we took the train which brings us directly to the Mall.
There were 3 young assistants to help out in the workshop and there were about maybe 25 mummies n kids? It was quite fun but if you have to pay for it like $38 (i paid for my boy to join us), it would seems pretty expensive. We have fun decorating the cupcakes.
We also made sandwiches using the sandwich cutter. However i was a bit disturbed that they dumped away the excess bread. It is a waste isn't it. I asked for a plastic bag or a paper to wrap the excess but the lady told me they usually throw it away. I think they should think of how to maximise the ingredients. There are hungry kids out there especially it was so coincidental that they talked about the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
Anyway we had fun and we went off to explore the other parts of the Mall after lunch. It was again coincidental that of all the dates available for the workshop, i chose the 10 Jul which means we can catch the making of the longest swiss roll in the world! I caught the wonderful chef Ms Judy Koh in action.
She is the MD of Creative Culinaire and i have attended a few workshops with her. In fact i am going for her muffin workshop this Friday and i am looking forward. At Popular bookshop, i also saw her latest book on sale. It is called Pocket of Happiness. Retails $45 but $40 at her shop. Doesn't she look great! She once said if you enjoy what you do, you will not feel tired (in essence). I am really looking forward to the muffin workshop.
"Skippy Peanut Butter, Skippy you're the one.." the rest seriously i cannot remember. It think it was back in the late 70s or 80s? The workshop is at CitySquare Mall. As papa was busy, we took the train which brings us directly to the Mall.
There were 3 young assistants to help out in the workshop and there were about maybe 25 mummies n kids? It was quite fun but if you have to pay for it like $38 (i paid for my boy to join us), it would seems pretty expensive. We have fun decorating the cupcakes.
We also made sandwiches using the sandwich cutter. However i was a bit disturbed that they dumped away the excess bread. It is a waste isn't it. I asked for a plastic bag or a paper to wrap the excess but the lady told me they usually throw it away. I think they should think of how to maximise the ingredients. There are hungry kids out there especially it was so coincidental that they talked about the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
Anyway we had fun and we went off to explore the other parts of the Mall after lunch. It was again coincidental that of all the dates available for the workshop, i chose the 10 Jul which means we can catch the making of the longest swiss roll in the world! I caught the wonderful chef Ms Judy Koh in action.
She is the MD of Creative Culinaire and i have attended a few workshops with her. In fact i am going for her muffin workshop this Friday and i am looking forward. At Popular bookshop, i also saw her latest book on sale. It is called Pocket of Happiness. Retails $45 but $40 at her shop. Doesn't she look great! She once said if you enjoy what you do, you will not feel tired (in essence). I am really looking forward to the muffin workshop.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hold the Salt
It is published in the Straits Times today about Holding the Salt. There are 7 recommended steps to cut down on sodium. I extracted them from the newspaper
1. Know the culprits
2. Fight snack attack
3. Cook with less salt
4. Go for natural flavours
5. Skip the gravy
6. Pick fresh food and
7. Train your tastebuds
I have adopted no 3 and 7 gradually in my household cooking. We used to sprinkle salt (if not MSG, staying with old folks they have their habit). But now we only use a light bit of soya sauce and basically no salt for our daily soup. It took us about 4 months to train our tastebuds. Initially food tasted really bland and it was not pleasant to eat. But now i have learn to savour the true natural taste of the ingredients.
Talking about daily soup, being a Cantonese i need to get my fix on that. Cantonese soups are normally brewed patiently for many hours. Although i have a helper, i would rather she spend time doing other domestic matters than to watch over the soup and importantly to save on our utility gas expenditure. That is why i bought a Thermos Shuttle Chef, sometime in March during their promotion at Isetan. It is one of the best kitchen investment i have made.
It is used to cook soup everyday. You just need to boil the ingredients in the inner pot for about 10 to 15 minutes then transfer into the outer pot. The theory is that the residual heat will keep cooking the soup. Initially i was concerned if the flavours will be compromised, i reheated the soup 1 hour before consuming, in hope that more flavours will seep out of the ingredients.
After a few days of usage, i realised that it is needless to do so. The soup flavour was not compromised and the soup was still steaming hot after 6 to 8 hours. You can imagine i save maybe 1.5 hours of gas a day?
For working mothers, i highly recommend this. You can prep the items the night before and throw everything in to boil when you wake up. Put the inner pot into the outer pot just before you go to work. When you are back, a nice soup is waiting and your tired soul wanting...
In my future post, i will share with you a few tried and tested soup recipes enjoyed by my family.
1. Know the culprits
2. Fight snack attack
3. Cook with less salt
4. Go for natural flavours
5. Skip the gravy
6. Pick fresh food and
7. Train your tastebuds
I have adopted no 3 and 7 gradually in my household cooking. We used to sprinkle salt (if not MSG, staying with old folks they have their habit). But now we only use a light bit of soya sauce and basically no salt for our daily soup. It took us about 4 months to train our tastebuds. Initially food tasted really bland and it was not pleasant to eat. But now i have learn to savour the true natural taste of the ingredients.
Talking about daily soup, being a Cantonese i need to get my fix on that. Cantonese soups are normally brewed patiently for many hours. Although i have a helper, i would rather she spend time doing other domestic matters than to watch over the soup and importantly to save on our utility gas expenditure. That is why i bought a Thermos Shuttle Chef, sometime in March during their promotion at Isetan. It is one of the best kitchen investment i have made.
After a few days of usage, i realised that it is needless to do so. The soup flavour was not compromised and the soup was still steaming hot after 6 to 8 hours. You can imagine i save maybe 1.5 hours of gas a day?
For working mothers, i highly recommend this. You can prep the items the night before and throw everything in to boil when you wake up. Put the inner pot into the outer pot just before you go to work. When you are back, a nice soup is waiting and your tired soul wanting...
In my future post, i will share with you a few tried and tested soup recipes enjoyed by my family.
Kiehl's Products
I decided to give Kiehl's one final chance on 2 Jul 2010 because there is a 12% CK Tangs rebate that day. Why do i say one final chance? It is because of the accumulated unpleasant experiences i had at several Kiehl's outlet. A last chance before i write them off (i am a sucker for good service).
Luckily a nice BA attended to me while i was there and it helps when i have already aim to buy the well reviewed Midnight Recovery Concentrate "MRC"
As published on their website
One night. Two drops. Younger-looking skin by morning.
99.8% Natural Ingredients
Paraben-Free
Skin looks visibly restored by morning
Enhances skin’s natural recovery activity
It does sound promising doesn't it? I bought this, together with the Acai Moisturiser. To qualify for the instant $20 rebate off $200 purchase, i bought the Acai Foaming Cleanser as well. With so much paid, it better work!
It has been 6 days after using the MRC, and i like it. My skin looks less tired and it seems to be recovering from the scars due to purging from the highly raved Hada Labo. I read that some feedback that the oil is difficult to absorb. I find it otherwise, the trick is not to use too much. Put only 1 drop on 2 fingers each, rub the fingers and pat on face, and then sweep it in. I apply it about 1 hour before i sleep.
I was also given a sample of the Overnight Biological Peel (and yes, i had to ASK for it). Initially i load too much, it was terrible having this layer of oil on my face without feeling the absorption. Then i realised that the same theory applies.. less is more. I applied 2 tiny squeeze yesterday and i was surprised that it felt nice. I woke up with a clean face (no oil!) and ready to meet the day's challenges.
if there is a sale or promotion or friends dropping by from states, i will get them to buy this for me. meanwhile, i will use the MRC.
Luckily a nice BA attended to me while i was there and it helps when i have already aim to buy the well reviewed Midnight Recovery Concentrate "MRC"
One night. Two drops. Younger-looking skin by morning.
99.8% Natural Ingredients
Paraben-Free
Skin looks visibly restored by morning
Enhances skin’s natural recovery activity
It does sound promising doesn't it? I bought this, together with the Acai Moisturiser. To qualify for the instant $20 rebate off $200 purchase, i bought the Acai Foaming Cleanser as well. With so much paid, it better work!
It has been 6 days after using the MRC, and i like it. My skin looks less tired and it seems to be recovering from the scars due to purging from the highly raved Hada Labo. I read that some feedback that the oil is difficult to absorb. I find it otherwise, the trick is not to use too much. Put only 1 drop on 2 fingers each, rub the fingers and pat on face, and then sweep it in. I apply it about 1 hour before i sleep.
I was also given a sample of the Overnight Biological Peel (and yes, i had to ASK for it). Initially i load too much, it was terrible having this layer of oil on my face without feeling the absorption. Then i realised that the same theory applies.. less is more. I applied 2 tiny squeeze yesterday and i was surprised that it felt nice. I woke up with a clean face (no oil!) and ready to meet the day's challenges.
if there is a sale or promotion or friends dropping by from states, i will get them to buy this for me. meanwhile, i will use the MRC.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Fancl Collagen Pills
This is one of the supplements i have to take. It is not easy to maintain good skin (feel good too) in such hectic lifestyle. I got them cheap, thanks to a friend who flies to Japan frequently. I am sharing them with you.
Direct Import from Japan
90 pills ie 1 month supply
2 packs at $50 (inclusive of normal postage)
Expiry Apr 2012
From Fancl Website
FANCL patented HTC® Collagen ( High Tripeptide - Containing Collagen) boosts collagen synthesis to minimise signs of ageing. Its shorter molecular structure compared to regular collagen ensures effective absorption into skin.
HTC® COLLAGEN contains 900mg of HTC® Collagen in tablet form. Ideal for those who wish to maintain regular collagen intake for firm, radiant skin, or replenish depleted collagen levels related to ageing.
Direct Import from Japan
90 pills ie 1 month supply
2 packs at $50 (inclusive of normal postage)
Expiry Apr 2012
FANCL patented HTC® Collagen ( High Tripeptide - Containing Collagen) boosts collagen synthesis to minimise signs of ageing. Its shorter molecular structure compared to regular collagen ensures effective absorption into skin.
HTC® COLLAGEN contains 900mg of HTC® Collagen in tablet form. Ideal for those who wish to maintain regular collagen intake for firm, radiant skin, or replenish depleted collagen levels related to ageing.
Disney Cookie Cutters
I love to bake and seriously these catched my eyes. How can i not have them?
You can grab it now! Own them!
Full Set consist of Mickey n Minnie, Chip n Dale, Pooh n Tigger, Pooh n Piglet, Marie Cat and Stitch
$50 (inclusive of postage) or get them individually at $9.30 or 2 sets at $18. Postage included. Seller liability ends at time of posting. Should you require registered post, please top up $2.20.
email me at miikoblogspot@yahoo.com.sg
Full Set of Cookie Cutters from Japan
You can grab it now! Own them!
Full Set consist of Mickey n Minnie, Chip n Dale, Pooh n Tigger, Pooh n Piglet, Marie Cat and Stitch
$50 (inclusive of postage) or get them individually at $9.30 or 2 sets at $18. Postage included. Seller liability ends at time of posting. Should you require registered post, please top up $2.20.
email me at miikoblogspot@yahoo.com.sg
Mickey n Minnie
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
Chip n Dale
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
Pooh n Piglet
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
Pooh n Tigger
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
Marie Cats
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
Stitch
(Individual Set $9.30 inclusive of postage or buy 2 sets at $18!)
My "under the sun" blog
Finally, i have started to blog. There are a lot of good blogs on parenting, education, lobangs and especially good food and how to cook them with own rendition.
Well, i must say i am not trained teacher, not a fantastic cook or a good lobang sourcer. I am a FTWM trying to stay afloat with work and home and kids so i have to find the fastest and best way to cook or to buy a good deal without leaving the house.
Many of you will share my sentiments.. so read my blog, check out my lobangs which i bought for myself and extended to you as well.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Well, i must say i am not trained teacher, not a fantastic cook or a good lobang sourcer. I am a FTWM trying to stay afloat with work and home and kids so i have to find the fastest and best way to cook or to buy a good deal without leaving the house.
Many of you will share my sentiments.. so read my blog, check out my lobangs which i bought for myself and extended to you as well.
Hope to hear from you soon!
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