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« Home | Happy Hannah on Her 8th Week (2mos) » | Our Children are such a Blessing » | Chocolate Crinkle Cookies » | Yummy Empanada » | Braving the Cold Winter Morning ... » | Our Little Hannah Elisse is Now 6 wks old » | Baking Time: Cookies & Cream Cupcake » | Whats for Dinner: Prawns & Scallops with Shitake ... » | Ginataang Mais (Glutenous Rice with Sweet Corn & C... » | My Sleeping Beauty » 

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 

Happy Hannah on Her 8th Week (2mos)

Today marked the little girl's 8th week so off we went to see the community nurse for her regular monthly checkup and we were very delighted to her developments and milestones..

At this stage, the little girl is still easy to manage and sleeps well and for that we are very grateful. Here are more of her developments:

Cognitive Developments: She now can now recognize mummy and daddy and her siblings and almost always gives a smile as soon as she sees us. At times too, she gets mesmerized by anything that is moving and would stare at them for quite a while.

Language Development: She now can hold a "conversation" with mummy and daddy and she actually loves having these communications with us. She responds whenever we talk to her by babbling back and usually with great enthusiasm and with lots and lots of giggling and smiling which of course melts our heart.

Physical Developments: Now this is the part which excites me the most as I am assured that our bub is indeed growing and thriving ... here are more stats from the nurse today

  • Weight: 4.4kg
  • Length: 54 cm
  • Head Circumference: 37.2cm
As what I did with her big brother last year, I will do a month by month update of our little princess here as well and compare the previous months so we can see the difference as well as how she is treading along in the growing department so watch this space every month at around this time to see how things are panning out.

Anyway, the little girl is due for another feed (to make her grow some more) so see you next time for more developments and to those that are avidly following us, thanks and we hope you enjoy your stay (whether its for getting some recipes or just to see how we are going) we appreciate your visit.

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Sunday, July 12, 2009 

Our Children are such a Blessing

Last Saturday morning, the two little munchkins decided to join mum and dad on their bed and despite their puffy eyes and disheveled hairs they still look cute for mum and dad.


What makes it more adorable for me was the fact that these two were in a good mood mucking around together - imagine an almost 8wk old baby and a 15mos toddler in sync in making cutie cutie in the morning - something that instantly won (and melted) our hearts.

These are the moments that makes life so precious - our children are life's sweetest rewards and for that we are grateful. What we may lack materially offsets what we have -- our children and that in itself is one big achievement and we thank Jehovah God for counting us worthy of his blessings.

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Tuesday, July 07, 2009 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Its quite ironic that I am posting this recipe when I just went to the dentist yesterday for a very expensive root canal on one of my tooth (which left me $2k lighter on my credit card - not to mention that I will still go in for fillings on my two teeth next week - an easy $1K for both ... haaay the things we pay to get the toothache away).

Anyway I did this so there would be something I can put in our cookie jar which mr K loves to invade all the time. I got this recipe from one of my fav cooking and baking site here.

here our our ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup cocoa
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/3 cups all purpose flour (plain flour)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
powder / icing sugar

To make them:

  • combine the sugar and oil in a large bowl then add the cocoa powder and mix well until well combined
  • add the egg and the vanilla extract
  • stir in the flour the baking powder and salt and gradually add this mixture to the cocoa mixture
  • cover and refrigerate for 6 hrs until the dough is firm to handle

After 6 hrs in the fridge, this is how the mixture would look like. I used two spoon to grab some mixture (as its still sticky and is not viable that you use your hands to make them into a ball - it will just stick on your hands)

Spoon the mixture then drop it in the bowl with icing/powder sugar and coat it evenly. Don't worry if its not round as when it fully coated, pick it up and shake excess powder sugar using your hand and in that stage you can make the mixture round. While you are doing this, preheat your oven to 180c.

This is how it would look like after covering the cocoa mixture with powdered sugar. Place the balls in a greased cookie sheet. Make sure you leave enough space between each other (around 1-2 inches depending on how big you made your balls). Bake for 11-13 minutes then cool it in a wire rack.

Now let it cool for a while and then enjoy with your coffee..... yummmy... but let me warn you that this is not for those intending to go into diet at this is loaded with sugar but hey its sooo good. So easy and so good, what more can you ask for... try it and you can even let the kids join you ... its fun.

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Yummy Empanada



As you may have noticed, I have sort of neglected this blog for some time now. The kids are whats taking most of my time and the fact that sometimes, out of sheer exhaustion, I would just leave my post to my to do lists (which sometimes would be so long I wouldn't be able to get them all done)...

Anyway I want to share this yummy recipe to you all, my very own Empanada - tried and tested and twice requested already since I last made it (as you can see on the pic's date - its been a couple of weeks ago). Let me just remind you that I am not a chef so what you see here were done by a regular housewife who just love to cook and bake and make everyone happy with my food.

Here are the ingredients for the filling:

  • 500g pork mince & 500g beef mince
  • 1 1/2 cup diced potato
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup raisin/sultanas
  • 3/4 cups diced red capsicum (red bell pepper)
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • sliced hard boiled egg (optional)

Ingredients for the pastry:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter diced (cold but not frozen)
  • 6 tbsp water
To achieve this:
  • Saute the pork and beef mince in garlic and onion until brown
  • add the seasoning (salt & pepper & Worcestershire sauce & sugar)
  • when the mince are cooked, add the potato, peas, sultanas,carrots, capsicum until cooked
  • remove from heat and let it cool

Now we are ready to make the pastry:

  • combine the flour, baking powder, salt & sugar in a bowl
  • place the butter in the flour mixture and using a fork cut the butter into the flour until they are incorporated (butter would be like the size of a baby pea)
  • add water a tablespoon at a time while tossing the flour mixture with a fork until all flour are moistened and can be formed into a ball
  • wrap the bowl with a cling wrap and refrigerate for at 30 mins

Take the mixture out of the bowl and cut a small portion and roll it into a round shape (or in my case as close to a round shape hahaha)

Place the cooled mince mixture in the middle of the pastry and top it with a slice of egg if you wish. As I said, you need not have it perfectly done (see my one) as long as you can close the pastry - and this I have done my using the edge of a fork but you can also crimp the sides if you can (in my case I chose the faster alternative).

Place in a greased tray. I brushed some egg wash (beaten egg + milk) on top to make it brown when it finished baking. Bake them for 20 minutes in 180C. You might find that the mince mixture I mentioned above would be heaps for the pastry so just make another batch of pastry or place the mince mixture in the fridge for another time.

You may also want to change the meat to flaked chicken or turkey or maybe use your leftover roast meats - its all up to you. This may well be just a guide for when you make your own... as I always say, don't be afraid to experiment - your kitchen is your domain so make the most out of it...

enjoy and let me know how you find this.... mr k and the kids sure enjoyed this one... yummy to the tummy and if you make a big batch you can easily freeze the unbaked empanada for when you cant think of what to cook - just add some salad and it becomes a meal....

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Braving the Cold Winter Morning ...

Last Sunday, I woke up early to get the Sunday Telegraph for the li'l man - not for him to read though. You see this particular issue has this free kid's dvd included for free - the Playhouse Disney that I want for him to see.

And since I heard the li'l boy was already up and awake at that time, I thought I would just bring him with me. So I bundled him up with some warm clothes - beanies, gloves, jumper and some warm shoes and off we went.




Since the newsagent was just across the road, I decided to just put him in his trike instead of me carrying him or worse letting him walk in such a cold condition.

I took some snaps of him as he is just so cute... here was the little man bundled up (less the shoes) ... just cute.

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Saturday, June 27, 2009 

Our Little Hannah Elisse is Now 6 wks old



We just want to share some of our little Hannah's pics taken today (from mummy's mobile - so not that great) as she is now 6 wks old. I just wanted to record the ever changing look of my kids as they grow and its nice to look back as how they were before...


Kids grow so fast and in a blink, they have grown faster than you could ever remember how they look like, so pardon me if my posts were full of their pictures.


Right now, we are just happy that little Hannah is growing and is healthy and has been a very good sleeper (which makes her grow too) and I cant wait to see how she has developed when we go for her 8 wk updates. On Tuesday, we are off to see our GP so she can have her needle - not a good feeling for mum to see her little one get stabbed by the needle but they need this as protection from so many sickness and diseases lurking around. Anyway to our families and friends - here is Hannah now - ever growing (and getting heavy too)... just look at those cheeks and it will definitely let you know that she is growing.... love that cheeks...

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Baking Time: Cookies & Cream Cupcake

Finally, I was able to bring out my baking gadgets to make something that I learned from blog hopping. I saw this enticing cupcake recipe here and as usual I vowed to myself that I will make some time to try this. So despite having a hyper active toddler, I managed to make it this afternoon while my little princess was having her nap.

Here is how it was made ... I just copied this from cafemunchkin's site

YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt1
2/3 cups sugar1 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 egg whites
1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies -- but I think I got over excited and placed more than what was required....
HOW TO:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease 24 standard muffin tin.
2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl (of electric stand mixer).
Stir in sugar. Add milk, butter and vanilla; mix at low speed for 30 seconds. Stop and scrape bowl. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add egg whites; beat 2 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup crushed cookies. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling two-thirds full.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes (as per my experience, but 20-25 minutes as per the recipe book) or until toothpick inserted into centers come out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes to racks; cool completely.


I didn't had the chance to put frosting on them as my little man was ready to munch on them and as you can see in here, it seemed that he was enjoying his snackie that mummy made.



It is so easy to make yet its so yummy to the tummy... littlemissy was already reserving some for lunchbox on Monday... but hopefully there would be some left after we have this with our coffee with Mr K. Try this simple cupcake recipe and let me know how you go... you can also replace the chocolate cookies with whatever you have in your cupboard .... let your taste buds lead you to what you want... I am already thinking of making some lemon cupcake as we have heaps of lemon in the fridge .....

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Monday, June 22, 2009 

Whats for Dinner: Prawns & Scallops with Shitake Mushrooms Asparagus& Vine Ripened Tomato in Garlic Sauce

When Mr K takes over the kitchen, expect some out of this world (yet sumptuous) meal ... just like tonight. I suppose I get what I ask for - as sometimes when he asks me what to cook, I would tell him to surprise me --- and I guess tonight was one of those "surprise me" meal.

After cooking, I asked him what this dish was called and he said - he just made it up, so I called it Prawns & Scallops with Shitake Mushrooms Asparagus & Vine Ripened Tomatoes in Garlic Sauce ( I know, pretty long name for a meal hahaha). I sort of added some vermicelli noodles on the side (the pic was my plate) thinking that it might not be enough for me - but boy that was filling as it is.

This food was fresh and very healthy. The veggies were just shortly pan fried in a nonstick pan with a touch of olive oil. The same was made for the prawns and scallops (with roe intact) and the ripe vine tomatoes was finished off in the oven. Season them while in the pan.

The sauce was made by frying some garlic and then combining it with some cream.... yummm.

Then all you have to do is put them together in a plate and enjoy.... now isn't that easy or what....

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Sunday, June 21, 2009 

Ginataang Mais (Glutenous Rice with Sweet Corn & Coconut Cream)

Its winter and its cold and its been raining almost everyday lately so I decided to make some comfort food -and when I say comfort food, it must also have the touch of home for me. So the other day, I decided to make this sumptuous Ginataang Mais (Glutenous Rice with Sweet Corn & Coconut Cream). Not only is it easy to make but its filling as well - just like how nanay would make it on a rainy day when we were growing up.

There are only a few ingredients:

3 sweet corn cobs shredded (fresh is better but if you don't have one, then the creamed sweet corn in a tin will do - but the taste is much better when its from the cob)

1 cup of glutenous/sticky rice

400ml coconut cream

palm sugar/ regular sugar

2 cups water

Its easy to do:

in a pot put the water and the glutenous rice and bring it to a boil

let it simmer until the rice is nearly done and most of the water has evaporated

pour the coconut cream and stir - if its too thick add more water

when it comes to the boil add the shredded corn and the palm sugar or just plain sugar and stir

have it in a low heat at this stage and continue stirring occasionally so it does not stick at the bottom of your pan (if you are not using a non-stick)

once the glutenous rice is cooked - taste and enjoy

add sugar as you desire

An easy to make snack or even a light meal in the afternoon especially on this cold season... try it and let me know what you think of it.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 

My Sleeping Beauty

Look at my sleeping princess ... while mummy was updating her blog and answering her never ending emails, my little princess had been sleeping for a couple of hours now on our bed in her little basinett after her feed (almost 3 1/2 hrs ago) giving mummy the chance to have dinner, read her endless emails and finish drafts and posts in this blog.


As I said in my previous post, we are thankful that our kids are good and placid and easy to look after, but not to be accused of having favouritism - but our little princess baby H is the most placid of the three. She sleeps almost all day and night (which I am so grateful for) which gives me time to do most of the stuff that I need to do... isn't she just gorgeous... just thought I share this precious moments - for soon when they realize they have legs and feet - they will just be everywhere - just like our li'l man ...

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Some Mum & Bub Moments

Its very rare that I pose in front of the camera - normally I do the taking of the photos for everyone but I thought that it would be good to have some for myself (and maybe scrapbook them when I get the chance) ...

So armed with the camera and setting it to timer - both mum and bub enjoyed experimenting of taking their photos together

Its not that bad, considering that we are getting ready for bed in a few minutes in here ...

To our families from interstate and overseas who have been asking how mum and bub have been - we are doing well and are happy and most of all getting enough rest from each other hahaha. Mr K and I were just talking this morning and how we are grateful for having good kids and here's hoping that they stay that way until they grow up.

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The Li'l Man is Growing

I cant help but share some of these pictures of our ever growing li'l man as he takes his nightly bath... just looking at him proves to us that we have one fast growing little guy in here.


Who would not love that cute smile that says he was enjoying his warm bath ... or his ability to be independent and just loving the splashing around...

We are grateful that he has a good health, a very happy disposition and is one very intelligent little boy who at just fifteen months (in a couple of days) is now being potty trained and is doing good too.
These photos were taken so that our families from interstate and overseas can see how he has grown as we are sure they would be delighted to see...

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Monday, June 15, 2009 

Our Princess is now 1 Month old

How time flies... our little princess is now a month old and growing and thriving every single day. Tomorrow we will definitely find how much she has gained from the last time she was weighed (when the nurse came to the house for their usual visit).


Our little girl has been good so far and is proving to be on the quiet side as she mostly sleeps during the day that sometimes mum has to wake her up for her usual feed. Her brother was abit of a wailer when he was this age so its abit of a relief that mum is not that tired and can still do chores at home and look after everyone else at the same time.

Though, the night is proving to be abit tricky. When dad puts his little girl on her bed she would be ok and would sleep until her next feed but when mum attempts to tuck her little princess, in no time she is awake again... I wonder what dad does to his little girl that she is ok to be placed in her cot when its daddy doing it.... hmmm.


We are just happy that our little princess is healthy and is loving her brother and sister and of course mum and dad. We have sent a few pics to our families as well today so they can be updated on how this little girl looks like and I am sure they would all agree that she did grew ... look at that cheeks if you don't believe me hahaha.
Anyway, tomorrow is her first visit to her community nurse so we will just update you all on how much she grew and what the nurse will have to say about her development.

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Whats for Dinner ... (My Version) Parmessan Crusted Chicken

I really don't know what to cook tonight but good thing that I was blog hopping last night and I was able to jot one interesting food from one of my fav site to visit when it comes to food stuff and anything related to cooking and baking and of course eating... It was easy to do and since we always have chicken pieces in the freezer, I thought I'd give this yummy treat a go.

I had the following for this recipe:

500 gms chicken pcs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
bread crumbs combined with -
dry herbs (basil, oregano, garlic, cracked pepper)
fine salt / chicken salt

How I did it:

preheat oven to 200C
combine the mayo and the parmesan cheese and set aside
season the bread crumbs by combining the herbs and other stuff mentioned
(you can use whatever you wish to add to your breadcrumbs really)
dip the chicken pieces in the mayo mixture then rolling it to the breadcrumbs
place in a flat baking tray (sprayed with some canola oil) and bake for 20-25 min
We enjoyed this easy-to-make food with some baked potato and some buttered peas but really you can have this too with some salad or maybe some dinner rolls or even with just some plain rice - its all up to you - or if you are like my husband, who cant wait - the you can just eat it on its own... try it - its so easy to make but so yummy in the tummy ...

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Wednesday, June 10, 2009 

Finally ...

Despite today being the coldest day in Sydney to date (dont we love winter), my friend Joy (and her little girl Bianca) came out and was able to visit me and little Hannah and li'l man Zechariah today. What started out as a virtual friendship that came from our love of blogging, it now evolved into a real friendship - thank goodness for blogging and the internet, I have gained one wonderful friend.

Its nice to put a face (and a real face to face experience) to a name and we were glad that we don't live that far from each other so the drive from her house was not that difficult.

She even brought heaps and heaps of goodies for Hannah and Zechy and we are so thankful for them. Zechy already had a favourite (the xylophone) from the pile hahaha. I hope I can repay you in some other ways. Would have intended to make some mamon for her to bring home but due to a rough night from the little girl plus some of the family member not feeling well, I again slept in ... but I promised Joy that this wont be our last meeting and will sure try to make up next time.

Again, thanks for visiting us, Joy and Bianca, and hope that things go well on your home front... till next time.

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Sunday, June 07, 2009 

Toy Hunt (Educational Toys)

What, am I reading Joy's blog right?!? This is the last ToyHunt? I thought of going to her site today to see what the theme for this week was as I have not been participating for quite awhile due to giving birth and I kinda misses it but I was not expecting that it will be the end of this fun tagging of some sort. Nonetheless, she has a valid reason and the homefront comes first and we say good luck to Joy and family on their new move - and hopefully we get invited to the house warming hahahaha....

As Joy said, I too found friends thru this themed posting and I hope someone can continue this. To all those who have participated - I hope this is not the last that we will "see" each other as I grew fond of you all.

Anyway, here is entry (and hopefully not the last). I think I have used them in previous themes but since I don't have the time (and the energy at the moment) to scour the little boy's toy box, I thought I'd just gather all that's been littering the lounge hahaha.

From left to right , we first have the LeapFrog Step Along Learning Band Walker. This was one of the toys that our li'l man loved using while he was learning how to walk as each movement was rewarded with a song and makes walking so much fun. When he was on the floor there were other things that he can play with on this toy so its really one amusing toy.

Next, on the center is his Fisher-Price Musical Pop-Tivity Table. As the name suggests, this is not just a table but has loads of activities that the little bub can tinker on. When baby Z learned to stand up, this was one of the toys that he would be playing as it has lots of colours and sounds and their little fingers can have many things to tinker on.

Lastly, we have the Laugh & Learnâ„¢ Baby Grand Piano by Fisher Price. This toy was the very first one given by his papou George and Lola Theresa. This is one amusing toy - a good way for baby to explore music, learning and imaginative fun! Your budding musician will not only enjoy creating concerts with this piano, but will learn about numbers, counting, opposites, colors, tempo, pitch, music styles, and more! A friendly dancing character comes to life as baby plays his baby grand!

Even though they are for babies, our li'l man still plays with them and is still part of our lounge furnitures hahah... anyway, hope to see you all in another ToyHunt soon....

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Friday, June 05, 2009 

Now That's A Bargain!!!

Who does not love a bargain? Mr K knows that when it comes to big ticket items, my haggling persona comes out which would definitely ensure a big discount as we walk out the shop's door. But I don't need that today, as when we went to David Jones' mid-year clearance sale, it really is indeed a sale.

Look at what we came home with... for my kitchen, I bought this 5-piece Infinite Circulon Cookware to replace our old and tattered pots and pans who have loyally served us thru the years but I know needs a rest now and needs the best replacement that will give us more years of service. This was definitely a big buy as it was originally priced at $685.95 but I was able to bag it for only $342 and on top of that I got a FREE 28cm french skillet that originaly costs $209 - yes FREE because I am a DJ store card holder. Also got myself a good sized wood cutting board (a bargain as well from $35 down to $17).

Mr K on the other hand got himself a Breville Healthsmart Grill to cook his much loved steaks and foccacias and cheesemelts sandwich - another good buy from $129 to just $97. But this one thing that we weren't able to get a discount on was his Global Sharpening Steel which was $175 (this chef is quite meticulous when it comes to his knives and other gadgets).

But what makes this a bargain is that all these items (totaling to $675) can be paid within 36mos interest free... so really we are looking at only around about $20 a month payment - how good is that! We could have gone wild and bought more but in this economic times, we have to be wise and only get what we needed and made sure that we can do the payments required. Mr K was eyeing for this espresso maker but I said maybe next time ...

This post may sound abit bragging (this is not the aim of this post please) but I am just happy with our purchase that i just thought I'd journal it in my blog for memory's sake.

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Wednesday, June 03, 2009 

My Ever Growing Li'l Man

Just thought I'd share some random pics of the li'l man taken last week when we were mucking around. Just seeing these pics makes me realize that time is indeed fleeting especially when it comes to our kids.

We can't be so busy that we can't give them our time because if we blink, we might miss some of their best times... I am glad I am back home looking after the kids. Work can wait but our kids and their best moments can't.

I said to hubby that not long ago he was as tiny as baby H - very dependent on me and as fragile as anything but look at him now, there were times that I find him so heavy and too active and wiggly. I thank Jehovah for giving us all good health and always providing us with the best of everything giving us the best of times always.

Z is 14 mos in this photo and time is indeed going too fast....

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State Of Origin Fans

Its the battle of states again as Rugby League's State of Origin between NSW and QLD has to be settled again for this year. And this is one game that Mr K will never miss. So while he takes his usual seat in the lounge and taking his little boy with him, I can't help but reminisce last year's game as well with the two taking the same spot.

It was in this post that I remembered their first encounter and wow its been a year since then. The big man as well as the little man proved the passing of time. They look so different from then and now. They have grown (older that is hahaha).

And look at at my li'l man, he is no longer contented just sitting in daddy's lap - he is now independent and mobile himself. He was ready to go to bed but daddy isn't yet nonetheless they enjoyed their time together, even if the li'l one didn't understand a thing about the game and would rather play with the remote which irritated daddy so much hahaha. Ahhh my two boys ....

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Big Warm Congratulations To My Little Sis - and to Our Parents as Well

Papa, sister Cheng, Nanay and little Stephanie (my sister Teng's daughter)

Who would ever think that a humble employee like my dad and a stay at home mum can send four kids to university and all having their own major degrees and one in particular finishing a medical degree course. I suppose the congratulations goes not only for my sister Cheng (Dra. MG Apron) but most of all - the commendation and adulation should also be rightly given to our parents who for all these years have sacrificed so many things to give us all the best education we can possibly have.

My (not so) little sister Cheng and Papa

To our dad who despite being the quiet type have been so resonantly proud of all his children's achievements. Your youngest daughter's achievement should be another of your own because without you, we will never be where we are.

You have stood as my example as to the kind of husband that I should be looking for (which I did find mind you) - one that is hard working, very patient, very loving, very proud of his children and of course a very family oriented man whose priority always is and will be - is the family.

Cheng and Nanay

Nanay has been the "voice" of the house - literally, but despite that, she was our motivating factor to push ourselves to the limit and tap our potentials. She chooses to sacrifice so many things so her children can enjoy the best in life. She can be strict and at times ruthless but that's how she can bring the best in all of us and yes deep down her, being a mother rules her heart - sympathetic, compassionate and very caring and nurturing.

She had big dreams for each one of us, a dream that may not have been fulfilled in her time but have relinquished it to us so we may never trek the path that she had endured - and for that I salute you - Nanay.

Brother Derwin and siter Cheng

To our brother Derwin, who despite the two being cat and mouse - the older one simply exhibit patience and tons of understanding to our little miss diva (our younger sister Cheng). He is our "techie" guy who learns not from the classroom but from his experiences and his innate love for dismantling things and putting them back - that's how he learns.

You have been there for the family when your two older sisters (Teng and I) are no longer there. You stood as our helping hand when we are thousands of miles away from home and things needs to be resolved at home and you have never let us down and for that we are so grateful. Soon you will be joining us here, as you have fulfilled your obligation to look after our folks - its your time to find your own niche.

Of course I cannot end this post without saying a word or two to our new doctor. Your patience and intelligence (not to mention your sleepless nights) have now been rewarded. You are now a full-fledged
medical practitioner - your life-long dream of being a doctor has now come into fruition.

Who would ever think that at one time this very insistent three year old who wanted to be in kindy at her age and whose teachers thought that she will just be a nuisance would finish at the top of her class at that time and now - a servant of the community - a very important servant at that.

Cheng, you have made us all (your siblings) proud and most especially our parents who have struggled to have you where you are. Our thanks also goes to our very supportive uncle - Tito Florante who despite being a thousand miles away as well, have never forgotten to help you in all your needs, and for that he too should share in that honour.

Inang would have been proud of you and so are Lolo and Lola, for your achievements, nonetheless enjoy the moments - for soon when you are immersed in the "real world" you wish you had more time to relax hahaha.

Again Cheng, congratulations for making us all proud.

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Tuesday, June 02, 2009 

Its Sushi (Japanese) Day / Night

We have always been a fan of various cuisine and today, Mr K really showed how much he loves his international foods - Japanese food to be exact. When my mother-in-law last came over to our house, she mentioned that this newly opened sushi place down in our local mall offers those party packs - big plateful of sushis, sashimis and the like and Mr K cannot wait to try them. So today, after we have done our errands and banking duties, we headed to that local mall (actually for something else) and then Mr K remembered the sushi that MIL was talking about.

For $45/plate it wasn't cheap but that did not deter the big man to get - not one but two big plates of his much coveted food. The chef asked what time is the party as there would be abit of a wait due to the large orders that we made. Imagine the look the sushi chef gave us (and another customer) when we said its just for our lunch and if there were leftovers then maybe it can be for dinner as well. What can we do, we love our food and we love to eat.

When we got home, Mr K digged into it straight away - it was already past 4pm so its a late lunch for the two of us. The ohhs and ahhs and yummm resonated the dinning table while Mr K devoured his food. He said he could easily finish the whole big party plate in one go but he wants to savour it till dinner and that was what we had. After dinner, Mr K was thinking of when to return to the shop so he can get another one... had to stop him in his tracks for a while otherwise this would be his next addiction hahaha.

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Sunday, May 31, 2009 

Anyone for a Scone?

Since our little princess is so good and she sleeps most of the day and our li'l man is having his nap as well, I decided awhile ago to make some scones so we can have something for our coffee later on -- our usual night cap and hubby and wife time together which we do daily (and tries to find time to) no matter how busy our day has been, just to catch up on whats been happening with each one of us.

This scone was nothing fancy, in fact I was scared it would not turn out the way I was at least hoping it would be but I think its ok. Its been eons of years since I last made scones (due to work and home duties) but I decided to make time for this as I miss having these little bread.

Now, I have to wait for mr K when he comes home and then enjoy these with some strawberry jams or maybe some whipped cream later... yummm.

These are what you will need:

plain flour, for dusting
3 cups self-raising flour
80g butter, cubed
1 to 1 1/4 cups milk

jam and whipped cream, to serve

How to:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly dust a flat baking tray with plain flour.

Sift self-raising flour into a large bowl.
Using your fingertips, rub butter into flour until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre. Add 1 cup of milk. Mix with a flat-bladed knife until mixture forms a soft dough, adding more milk if required.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth (don't knead dough too much or scones will be tough). Pat dough into a 2cm-thick round. Using a 5cm (diameter) round cutter, cut out 12 rounds.

Press dough together and cut out remaining 4 rounds.

Place scones onto prepared baking tray, 1cm apart. Sprinkle tops with a little plain flour.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and well risen.

Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with jam and cream.

Enjoy!!!


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Saturday, May 30, 2009 

Winter is Indeed Well on Its Way

Our day lights are getting shorter and night seems to be getting longer than usual and the chills of the incoming winter season can no longer be denied. Yes, winter is indeed creeping onto the southern hemisphere and in a few days it will definitely be officially winter.
Just look at our li'l man - already donning his ugg boots and has been into layering his clothes (his robe being his 4th). This is him tonight while mucking around with his big sister... a candid shot indeed and mum was glad she had the camera right beside her...


And while the two were mucking around, our new princess was just happy to be in mum's arms snug in her swaddle and knitted blankie ... this was not much of a good shot as the little girl didn't like the flash on her face hahaha but cute nonetheless - she is now 2 wks old in this photo... what a darling little miss.

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Me -- A Chef Wannabe ...

For someone like me who is (up to this day) aspiring to be a diva in the kitchen who wish to wow people with my cooking prowess - this new show (or not really new now - maybe a month ago hahaha) called MasterChef Australia is a not-to-be missed program (so much so that I even signed up for the paid tv facility in the hospital when I gave birth to little baby H so I wont miss an episode hahaha).


I find it an exciting program especially since one of my passion (that is cooking) is what it is all about. I love how these amateur chef-wannabes vie for the most coveted prize using their skills, knowledge and experiences in cooking. Contestants come from all walks of life and its demographic covering all stages from young to mature people.

I learn heaps especially when its time for invention tests or when a winning contestant decide for the main core ingredients of a dish - makes the contestants (and myself) think of the best possible menu to cook for the judges.

So, this is the program that's been getting most of my 7pm weeknights time slots... so if you intend to ring me or sms me on this time - good luck hahahaha.

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Sunday, May 24, 2009 

My DIY Birth Announcement for our Little Hannah Elisse



Proud Parents Kon and Jigi would like to announce the newest addition to the family

HANNAH ELISSE KAILLIS


born on 15 May 2009 at 8.45am via CS
weighing 6 pounds 9 ounce (2970 gms)
with a lenght of 19.25 inches
in Campbelltown Hospital
(South West Sydney)

Both mum and dad are proud of their new princess.
You can view more of our little one'sphotos on
http://community.webshots.com/user/JigiK

Thanks to my digital scrapbooking stash, I was able to make my own birth announcements that I will have to print and send to families and friends. I know its not as posh as those that you buy but at least its from mum's creation and from the heart.
So what do you think?

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Monday, May 18, 2009 

We're Home ...

Click to play this Smilebox photobook: Hannah's Page
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Baby Hannah and I have been home today, Monday afternoon but since I had a CS, I am just taking things easy thus my entry is in bits and pieces at the moment but I am pretty sure before the end of this week, I should come up with something decent.

First stop, I suppose is my simple birth story - which is basically a straight forward event.

15 May 2009 - 4.45am
Had my mobile set on this time to go off so I can prep myself for this day. Had a very eary morning shower enjoying every minute of the warm water. I have already set the clothes that I will wear for the day so all I have to do was put it on.
5.10am
I blowdried my hair and was putting my make-up - thinking that at least I would look decent as compared to when I had my last ceasar when I look like I just cane out of a storm hahaha.
5.30am
I woke Mr K so he can prep things (putting the hospital bag in the car and other things that we need). I calledmy sister which was coming from her house in Liverpool and was assigned to look after our li'l man Z for the duration of the operation. Prepared baby Z's bag with all his food and clothes.
5.45am
Went to our li'l man's room to wake him up and dress him so we can get going. We are so happy that we have a non-fussy baby - even if you wake him up he still has this smile - enough for me to reassure myself that things will be ok.
6.10am
We are already in the train station picking up my sister and heading to the hospital.
6.30am
I was already in the reception of the hospital filling paperworks and was sent to the delivery suite for further check ups.
7.00am
I was asked to change my clothes to that unglamorous (hahaha) hospital gown ... and guess what, the lovely nurse asked me to remove my make-up - only because they need to see my natural colour - I suppose just in case I get pale and blue - yeah right!
There were three elective ceasar scheduled for the morning but all of us were required to be in the delivery suite at the same time and I am glad that I was the first one - as I dont need to wait that long. We were there for a good almost an hour as they check my vital signs and interviews in between.
8.00am
I was already being wheeled in the OR. Met the anaesthesist and was being briefed on what will happen next and what they will do thereafter. So after being prepped (canula being placed on my left hand, spinal blocked given and the anaesthesia taking effect from the chest down)
8.45am
The best sound a mother wiould wish to hear in this situation - her baby's first cry. I was so relieved that things went well. One of my doctor even showed baby Hannah a few seconds after they pulled her out of me (and some nurse had to clean up after due to some blood that dripped on the floor).
9.30am
I was already in the recovery room and was just being observed after that major surgery.
11.00am
I was already wheeled in my room and was able to meet my little princess together with my li'l man and my husband and my sister there. I thank Jehovah God for that easy and straighforward procedure. My newborn was given a clean bill of health and is thriving. She latch and suckle well and has always been given heaps of compliments especially her full head of hair hahaha.

Mum and bub is doing well and we thank all our families and friends who have visited us and have given their thoughtful and kind words.

You can see more of her photos on this site.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009 

A Special Dinner Before Baby H Comes

Mr K made this really sumptuous dinner tonight - a really special one before I go in tomorrow for my scheduled CS... ain't that thoughtful and sweet of my husband to do.
I was abit under dressed (actually already in my jammies) but felt like we were dining in an extravagant restaurant. This Veal with Three Mushrooms, Asparagus & Goat's Cheese in Prosciutto Wrap was his invention and it was delish.

I'm not really a meat person and I was even thinking that this meal would be too much for me, especially that when we were in the deli and Mr K asked me to taste the goat's cheese - that I almost threw up (I'm not a cheese person as well) so knowing whats in the meal - let's just say I was abit hesitant on how its going to turn out.

This afternoon, he did his usual preps (just like any chefs would do) and this is how it turned out.

Whats in it you might ask... of course the veal which he lovingly beaten (to death hahaha) then laid the goat's cheese, some asparagus and some delicate enoki mushrooms and sage. They are rolled together and then wrapped in prosciutto for an added flavour.

Mr K had them seared in the pan and then placed them in the oven for the remaining cooking. He had this on a white wine sauce on a bed of two kinds of mushrooms - shitake and shimeji mushrooms which gave it a more appetizing flavour.

A very extravagant yet sumptuous meal indeed for our last night before we welcome another addition to the family ... in a few hours from now... im scheduled to be in the hospital tomorrow at 6.30am for my 8am cs hooray ... a new bub to love and cuddle :)

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Getting My New Baking Gadget

I got excited when the mailman handed Mr K a big box - I have been waiting for this for a while now and cant wait to use it. You see, I bought a mixer online. I still have my dream KitchenAid mixer, but I think that has to wait for a while when I would have the right moolah to shellout such an extravagant buy.

For the time being, I have to contend myself with this little beauty - a Kenwood mixer as my entry level to such gadgets after using my handy dandy hand mixer for the longest time in making my cakes and cookies. Its abit of an upgrade and sort of a reward for me I suppose.

And guess what recipe I first made using my new 'toy' - of course my fav mamon. I am planning to bring these yummies to the hospital tomorrow for when families and friends and visitors would come by to see our new princess... yes...not too long now... we will have a new addition to the family soon.

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Sunday, May 10, 2009 

Weekend Baby Shower


Sharing to you all what happened over the weekend's baby shower. Heaps of thanks to Miia and family for opening their home and to Amanda for her creativity in putting together the games. The whole event was very enjoyable because of both your efforts and for that I thank you so much.

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Friday, May 08, 2009 

My DIY Thank You Card

The baby shower will be tomorrow and the impending arrival of baby Hannah will be in less than a week so I thought (while I still can and while I still have the time) I'd make my own Thank You card for any gifts that we will receive for baby Hannah.

As always, I know we can just buy a pad of those thank you notes and then simply filling them out and handing it to our families and friends, but nothing is more worthwhile than making my own personalized cards and giving it that personal touch.


I also intend to have the inside of the card personally handwritten indicating the gifts that we received from people and how we will use their gifts. I'm sure nothing is more personal that one's own handwriting.

Though, these were done with much time in advance, I feel that its all so worth it. At the moment there were only these (as I ran out of blank card) but I have already done the hard part (the clothes bit). I got the idea from a card that was sitting in the card section (though it was more like a congratulation card for a baby) but the idea is there ... then just tweaked abit and just settled for just those top and pants and the rest are mummy's creativity... hopefully, our families and friends will like the card, the same way we appreciate their gifts for us.

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Thursday, May 07, 2009 

Being Creative for Hannah

I have been wanting to make something special for the little girl that involves my (so called) creativity so I bought some generic alligator clips and then took out some of my scrapbooking ribbons stash (that's been collecting dust lately) to make her these cute little clips.

They are not the best but I know that I made them from my heart and I hope that bubba will be born with tons of hair (just like his brother) so these will be used straight away.

Cant you tell that this mum is getting excited to meet her new little princess ... seven more days to go ... and counting.

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009 

New Haircuts for My Boys


Today, I decided to bring my two boys to the hair salon (just the local one - near our home). Both of them needed some serious haircut. Though the big man can cut his own hair, I thought I'd let the li'l man see that daddy was doing it so its not something bad (you know when some kids cry thinking that having a haircut is a big hard ordeal).


This was our li'l man in his trike getting ready to go to the hair salon (and was just waiting for daddy to get ready). Yes, he is cute, but I thought its time to up the tempo and for him to look more like a big brother (which will be soon - 10 days more)



We started out well. He was still and was just looking around, curious of the new place that he was in. Adam (the person that cut his hair even placed a small fish bowl in front of him to distract him). My heart was raising abit when I saw that my baby's hair was cut really short. There goes his soft shiny baby hair just coming down and on the floor. I had to ask daddy to hold him still as the hairdresser tries to cut around his ears.



Ten to fifteen minutes later, it was all over. It was a really short hair - more like for big boys... but then again, he is becoming a big boy so what else can I expect. At this time, he was looking at daddy and watching how it was done all over again.


He was just amazed at how his daddy's hair was being cut as well. The hairdresser was using a hair clipper - this sounds kinda frightens him - just like his dislike for the vacuum and my hair drier.


Here now are my two boys sporting their new hairdos. I really cant get over my li'l man's short haircut. I don't want to say that I didn't like it, I suppose its just some time of getting used to it. My baby boy now looks so mature and so like a big boy. Sometimes I have to do a second look or sometimes look at him quite intently --- he is still my little handsome boy who is very affectionate and huggable.

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Reminds Me of Home

After doing our usual banking for the day, I decided to pass by the Asian shop for a couple of things, as we were running low on our rice and thought of getting some while we were there. But I suppose with all shoppings, you tend to pick up things that were not on the list ... just like these ones...

What can I do, I cant help it - these things are close to my heart - reminds me of home and for a true Filo (Filipino) these are some of the essentials that you wish you always have in your pantry... home (Philippines) - despite thousands of miles will always be in our hearts no matter what.

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Saturday, May 02, 2009 

Simple Vegetables (& Prawn) in Japanese Ramen in Wasabi Sauce

I did abit of a an experimenting in today's lunch and thought of making something out of the ordinary... at least something that I have not done before.

This attempt was a product of my curiosity one afternoon when I was left to do the grocery shopping all to myself.

Down on the Asian isle, I found this intriguing Wasabi Noodle Sauce (there was the chili soy as well but the wasabi strucked me the most.) The instruction was ever so simple, just pour 1/6 of the bottle onto a bunch of Japanese noodles - can be for stir fry, soup or salad --- intriguing. So wanting to try something new and armed with this new sauce, I made my way to the checkout together with the rest of the stuff that we needed for the fortnight.

Though I only have the noodles to go by with, I decided to rummage the fridge for any possible things I can put with this to make it a sumptuous meal.

I made two variations actually, one is all vegetables and then I decided to thaw our cooked prawns from the freezer and added this as well... I have developed an allergy for seafoods on this pregnancy so I thought I'd stray from any of them for the time being, but this should not affect mr K and littlemissy here who loves seafoods (that's why I had to do two takes on this yummy menu.)


Now, here was the original version that I made (before I decided to add the prawns for my two housemates - aka mr k and littlemissy hahaha).

Here were the simple ingredients - as I said, these wee the ones that I found in our fridge but any vegetables that you can stir fry is best to use - let your taste buds dictate what should go in your meal....

Ingredients:

thinly sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced carrots,thinly sliced one stalk of celery - I separated the leafy bit as that will come as a garnish, thinly sliced shallots, thinly sliced cabbage, onions and garlic and of course the wasabi sauce and any Japanese noodles.

How I made it:

First I cooked the Japanese ramen according to pack instruction (only took 4 minutes to do this) while that is happening, I just sauteed the garlic and onion in some oil, then added the carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, celery. Because I sliced all the veggies thinly, it should not take long to stir fry them (its best to cook it in less time to retain the veggies colour, flavour and not to mention the nutrition contents). Then I just added the ramen to the pot and pour the sauce. Taste the noodle and you may add salt and pepper depending on your taste. Before serving, garnish it with the tender leafy part of the celery and the fresh shallots.

I was afraid the Wasabi Sauce will emit this spicy hot flavour that we have accustomed to when we eat sushi with wasabi but surprisingly its got this fresh and light flavour that even Mr K loved it... the flavour was light and subtle but there is an umph to it... don't know how to describe it but its really good.

I added the prawns after I took my portion and that added an extra dimension to the flavour of the meal. Mr K loved it that he requested the leftover to be left to the side so when he comes home, he will have another go at this yummy meal.... try it and see what you think of it. Just remember you own your kitchen and anything that comes out of it - embrace it as your own so feel free to tweak this menu to your liking.

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Friday, May 01, 2009 

Getting Ready - Hannah's Going Home Stuff

I have already prepared my hospital bags since a couple of weeks ago, just in case I do get into an early labour. I have a list of things that I need to put in on the last minute (like my toiletries and make-up and hair drier - yes, that's an essentials ok) but what was quite confusing was baby H's clothes.

There were so many clothes and stuff to choose from and all of them are so cute. I remember choosing baby Z's clothes before and never was I this confused when putting his clothes in the bag.

But finally, after so many changes, here are some of the things that I have come up with (which may still be prone to changing depending on what I find hahaha)

This one is Hannah Elisse's going home clothes - a complete set from bonnet to mittens to shoes and I forgot to place a pair of socks in there but its in the bag.


Here are some of the clothes that I also packed that she will use in the hospital - though the hospital will provide her clothes and wraps and all that (even formula I believe but I'm breastfeeding so that's not a prob) I thought I'd bring some stuff for her - even her toiletries were also packed in the bag (even if they are providing her nappies as well).

I have a few wraps also packed just so she will get used to the items that she will use when she gets home.

Not too long to go now... it will only be 14 more days to go and we will have our new princess sharing the chaos of the house. Even our li'l man is getting excited as he saw another cot in his room, so we sort of prepared him already that another bub will be sharing the room with him.

Wow, time flies very fast too. I have finished work yesterday - a bittersweet moment as I will miss my friends again and despite work being abit stressing, I like the challenge that goes with it and the people that I work with. But I suppose, there is nothing more fulfilling that spending time with the kids and the family and no amount of money can compensate for the time when you witness your children's milestones and achievements and for that I am thankful.

I guess the next update is when baby H is here ... see you then.

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Saturday, April 25, 2009 

Toy Hunt (Toy/s with shoes)



Today's ToyHunt theme (Toy/s with shoes) was a toss between so many toys that the kids have but I thought I'd feature one of baby Z's red furry friend - Elmo.

This is called the Rock & Roll Elmo. Again, another freebies from friends. Actually baby Z has 2 Elmos, another is the tickle me Elmo which laughs hilariously when his foot is pressed but since that one is bare and no shoes, then this is the best of the two.

This plush toy plays 2 rock and roll music - that is rock and roll version of the ABC and of course the 123. It also has 3 small flickering lights on the arm side of the guitar that takes baby's attention as well. This cool Elmo not only has Rock & Roll written on his shoes but it also sports a nice leather jacket together with his fit denim to complete the look .. cool!



While Elmo plays his tunes - he vibrates, more like imitating a rocking motion and baby Z just loves to touch him when he moves. Operating it is also easy, it takes 3 AA batteries and and the button to turn it on is just on the arm part of the guitar and when your little one muster it, they can operate it themselves.

It does tend to be annoying after some time as there are only two songs that keeps repeating but all in all, the kids will surely have a ball with this toy.

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Friday, April 24, 2009 

My DIY Diaper/Nappy Baby Shower Invitation

Our friend Emma was kind enough to volunteer to host my baby shower this time for baby H - even excited to throw one for me months ago but due to time constraints (work and home duties) I have opted to push it towards the end of my pregnancy when I no longer have work.

Two years ago, it was our other good friend Miia who lovingly prepared for it (when I was pregnant with baby Z) and everyone had such a blast that we are doing it again this time... there's only me that's pregnant in the congregation, so having these associations are just such a joy.

Now to prep for the baby shower, I did my part of making the invitation... I want it abit different and girly girly this time around (compared to baby H's quite boyish invites) that I decided that I will make my own diy invitation in a shape of a diaper/nappy whose template I found here. For the time being, it somehow looked simply like this, but I am already having some alterations in mind. Once I get that scrapbooking baby pink safety pin that I bought from Ebay, plus some other things I have made to add to here, then I will post it again.

Here is the simple invites from the inside. I have blocked some infos out just for security and personal privacy reason. I am now in the process of also conceptualizing the thank you cards as I know, when I give birth, I wont be able to so anything except looking after the li'l bub.

Updates for the finally invites will be posted here soon so watch out for it... and if you think this is hard, neah, easy as anything although it can be fiddly at times but its all worth it as your labour of love and as a souvenir as well when you look back as things.

++++ Updated version+++++

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Being Sentimental Lately

Now that the weeks are slowly creeping in towards my impending scheduled CS, for some reason I find myself being extra sensitive and somehow in the verge of crying sometimes. I suppose I can blame it to this crazy pregnancy hormones but whenever I see my li'l boy, I feel that I will be missing heaps of precious times to cuddle and carry him after I give birth.

Lately, whenever he wakes up in the middle of the night or whenever he wakes up in the morning, all he asks for was mum. Or whenever dad would annoy him or if he gets hurt, he calls on mum or run towards me as only mum can pacify him. Its fine by me that he wakes me up or calls me, but I cannot imagine myself not being there for him when I cannot physically carry him or nurse him to put him to bed for the next seven weeks after the birth of his little sister. Yes, he can sleep on his own, it only takes a few pats and even if he is still awake, he can make himself go to sleep on his own and even Mr K says that I can just leave him on his bed and the li'l man will do the rest, but for some reason I want the moment with him to last longer even if it means that the pressure from my big belly will give me discomforts ... even if it means that it leaves me breathless from carrying two bubs (one outside and one inside me) ... even if it means no sleep or being really tired for the rest of the day... I feel this is a small trade off in terms of being with my precious li'l boy - knowing that he is just a baby himself.

I suppose this is what being a mum is for ... but how come sometimes I feel some form of guilt that I have robbed him of his time to have another baby. Hopefully, when your little sister comes, it will give you so much joy and excitement and you will also feel the same overflowing love we will give to her and that you will never ever feel that I have taken some of your time as a baby... I love you so much Zechariah - mummy will always be there for you, as you are her one and only precious little boy.

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Thursday, April 23, 2009 

I Dare You -- Ox Tongue (Lengua Estofado) in Mushroom Sauce

What is with this meal that's been haunting me to make one. It has been in my to do list of meals to prepare but I am not so sure how my housemates (aka husband and littlemissy) would take such a viad especially seeing that its main ingredients is an ox tongue!

It would have been good if everyone in this house is a Filipino, it is easier to persuade them as this recipe is all too common in the Philippines especially when there are big celebrations. My hesitation stems from their possible reactions and perhaps their aversion to such an ingredient... but what a heck, I still want to go for it.

I was awoken by the li'l man very early in the morning and seeing that the ox tongue had thawed from being taken out of the freezer since last night, I decided to start the ball rolling by boiling the tongue in salted water as I know this process will take a couple of hours of preparation. Called in sick at work as baby H seemed to be wanting to come out (still early little bub, you're only 36 wks +2 today) and the doctor advised some rest.... yes cooking for me is a rest ok...

For the sake of some readers who may be deterred from cooking this menu, I skipped the part where I show the raw ingredients and just decided to post the end product... I am sure its not that appetizing to see a raw ox tongue. So that being said, this isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re feeling adventurous you’ll be rewarded with something so delicious. I hope this recipe didn’t deter you from making this much loved Filipino delicacy.

This is what I used:
  • 1 piece of ox tongue (around about 700g)
  • 300g mushroom (any kind) or a tin of mushroom (if fresh is not available)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • a tin of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup
  • salt & pepper
  • some water

How I Made it:

  • first, clean the ox tongue by rubbing sea salt all over it and then placed it under warm running water
  • in a pot, place the cleaned tongue and pour water just to cover the tongue
  • once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for an hour and a half or maybe two hrs
  • remove from the pot and set it aside to cool abit
  • once cooled down to the touch, peal the outer skin layer and then slice according to serving sizes
  • meanwhile in a pan, melt butter and saute the garlic and onions until translucent
  • throw in the mushrooms and stir for a short while
  • place the sliced tongue
  • pour in the mushroom sauce - this tends to be thick so add some water according to the consistency on how you want your sauce to be
  • simmer for around 5 minutes
  • you can serve this with mash potato topped with (ready made) crushed shallots/garlic, or steamed veggies or even steaming rice

This is what we had for lunch and there were heaps of leftover still enough for dinner ... try this and let us know what you think... This is my first time to do it and I am proud to say that it came out really well... maybe next time I will try the traditional one, where it has tomato paste and some olives and capers...

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009 

Mamon Revised!

My friend CM has posted an update about the Mamon recipe that she recently discovered (yes, we are still on the hunt for the best and yummiest mamon recipe so forgive another post about this again).

So last night, I decided I tweak this recipe that I learned from her with her new updates. I only had a few things in mind to tweak but here comes Mr K offering his suggestions... at first I wanted to just do what I want and get it done and over with but when he suggested a few things, I left it all for him to do and I said however it will turned out - I will have to blame him for it if its not what I want ...

Guess how it came out? It was actually really really good that, well that I now am offering his tweaked version hahaha. The same ingredients apply as how I have done it the first time, although with the flavouring (as per CM's suggestion) she used 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp orange extract, 1/4 tsp lemon extract and instead of using vegetable oil, we used butter.

Now, here comes Mr K's version (which resulted in a really fluffy and moist and oh so yummy result): he had beaten the egg white to an almost stiff consistency starting from low to high mixing speed (saw him flipping the bowl upside down and it didn't move) added the cream of tartar in between- he then set this aside. In another bowl, he beaten all the eggs together and then slowly added the sugar then added the melted butter until it became pale and fluffy then slowly added the cake flour & baking powder mixture then the flavourings.

He then took half the egg white mixture and mixed it gently with the flour, butter & egg mixture using a wooden spoon until its all incorporated. Then using the remaining egg white, he folded it in (he said not mix but fold) using a spatula.

When that was done, I then placed it in a beaker for easy pouring into the muffin case and then baked it for 15 minutes.

The result, a very fluffy and soft (because of the egg white incorporating so much air) and moist (because of the butter) and yummy (again because of the butter and the additional flavours) mamon.

Try this version and compare with others.

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Monday, April 20, 2009 

Craving for Taho (Soft Soy Bean Custard)


I don't know what came into me this morning, but for some strange reason I woke up salivating for some taho (thats one pregnant lady for you). To our non-Filipino readers - taho is a Filipino staple food in the morning - or at least I consider that as my staple morning food growing up. I still vividly remember how taho vendor would shout tahoooo in the morning, and if you are slow then you will definitely miss out.

I remember preparing my favourite mug on the table anticipating the arrival of the magtataho (taho vendor) and hoping that I would be there in front of our gate at the slight sound of his calling.

I cant remember how much it was to fill a mug of taho, but I am pretty sure its all worth it.

So, to fix that taho craving that's been bugging me since this morning, I vowed that before coming home, I just needed to drive by our local shopping mall to get the soft silken tofu. I nearly got disappointed when I saw that there was only the hard tofu. I looked everywhere hoping that even one tub of soft silken tofu was spared for me (to satisfy this crazy craving). With my tummy bumping all the stuff on that fridge section and after tiptoeing (thus giving me the leg cramp in the middle of that grocery isle), I finally found my coveted prize. there was one... yes, only one sitting at the very back of that fridge section. After inspecting for its due date (as I was thinking someone shoved it there for a reason) I was good to go.

When I got home, while having dinner, I cooked the sweet tapioca pearls and then prep the caramelized sugar. I am determined that my taho will be my dessert.

It was so easy to make (but was more easy to eat hahaha). I just scooped the tofu from the tub then placed it in a shallow bowl and heated it up for 30 seconds in the microwave. Placed it in a cup (mind you I had to look for a plastic cup to put it in just to give it that authentic feel from the magtataho hahaha) added the caramelized sugar and the pearls and yep... straight into my mouth while its still warm.

For a while, I was transported to my childhood days and boy was it so good .... yummy and good. I just have to share some to littlemissy as she was so curios while I was making it. Mr K did ask but he was too slow... I have consumed the 300g tub mostly to myself hahahah.

I guess, I have to go to the shop again tomorrow for more of these.... try it and let me know what you think.

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Saturday, April 18, 2009 

Bistek: Filipino Beef Steak

Last night while waiting for Mr K to come home from work, I already have some menus in mind that I am cooking for today and for tomorrow's meals. I needed him to come home before I make this one as I need my knife to be really sharp as I am hoping to cut this slab of meat that I found at the bottom of our freezer into thinly sliced meat for me to be able to do my Bistek.

Bistek has been one of my favourite food when it comes to meat viads. I remember when my sister and I would compete for that sweet caramelized onions, even the onions were already enough to eat with the steaming rice.

It is so easy to make but it asks for advance preparation as it needs to be marinated for a while to get that nice homestyle taste.

This is what you need:

1/2 k beef (I used a tenderloin steak) cut thinly
lemon juice from 3 medium sized lemons
1 cup soy sauce
crack peppers (according to your taste)
1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (as we love garlic)
onion cut into rings (to be used later)

So, all you have to do here is slice the meat thinly and then marinate this to the soy and lemon and pepper and garlic mixture. Leaving it overnight makes marinate permiate the meat more.

When you are ready, just remove the meat from the marinate and fry it until it is cook. Remove the meat and set aside. Use the same pan with the oil from the fried meat and fry the onion rings and then remove when they are halfway caramelized. Then with the same pan again, put the marinate and leave it simmering for 5 minutes. I added some water while it was simmering. Another version of this (which I remembered nanay doing ) was to add lemonade (sprite) instead of water to add more flavour to the sauce. After 5 minutes, place the meat back to the pan and simmer for another couple of minutes. Then all you have to do is top the meat with the caramelized onion rings you made earlier and enjoy this with some steaming rice.

That was an easy meal dont you think. Why not have a go at it and let me know what you think.

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Toy Hunt (Rabbit Toy/s)



Hey, its Saturday - and you know what that means - its another edition of ToyHunt. Im quite excited to this week's theme as this time, I am showcasing baby Hannah's toy.

Since Mr K and I have decided to start putting Hannah's things together in their room (cot, wardrobe, clothes toys, name plaque etc) which we have started a week ago, I also made sure that the little princess has her own set of plush toys just like her big brother.

This is one of her toy that would be sitting on the end of her bed. Its a cute rabbit with a pink nose and ears and a light brown body.

So in the next coming ToyHunt, maybe I would have more of Hannah's toys - that is if it fits the theme.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone....

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Homemade Longganisa: Filipino Style Sausage

As I said on my other post, last night I prepared two things for the meal today and for tomorrow. This was one of them. It was actually just a trial, thus I used just a small amount of mince beef in this recipe. Ever since I saw the post about her Homemade Longganisa in one of my fav site, I vowed to do it when I get the chance and last night I saw that chance so I tried it.

I used the following to make this : 400 g mince beef, 1 1/2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp mince garlic, salt & pepper to taste. Next step is just to mix them all together. I made a separate ones for Mr K and added finely chopped fresh chillies as he love anything spicy.


To shape it like a sausage, Iused a cling wrap. Just place around three tablespoon of the mixture then place it in a cling wrap, roll it and then tighten both ends like a bonbon and then tuck the ends under.

Since I am not frying it yet that night, I had it in a takeaway container and left it in the fridge ready for today's lunch. Both my housemates (aka littlemissy and mr k) loved it... so I suppose its time to venture for a bigger batch next time. We enjoyed this over a steaming jasmin rice and some vinegar as dippings.

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Friday, April 17, 2009 

Susan Boyle - You Have Got the Talent



I saw this amazing story a couple of days ago and I cannot help but ponder on how many of us reacted the first time she walked in that stage of Britain's Got Talent. Yes, she walked in there looking abit ... weird (for lack of other words). The audience and even the judges had this look that says its another of those time wasters but as soon as you started singing everything changed. It is a wake up call on most of us, how shallow we are to judge people by their appearance at times.

As the clip continues, I had goosebumps and somehow got teary eyed while hearing her. She possesses one terrific talent and from that couple of minutes of performance, brings a lifetime lessons we can remind ourselves. One, never stop believing in ourselves and never loose hope and most especially never give up on your dreams. Susan has been singing since she was 12 years old and has been waiting for that moment when someone will give her the time of the day. Now at 47, not only one person gave her the time of the day, the whole world was glued to her talent that this clip has been viewed more than 12 millions time on YouTube.

Outer appearance can either make you or break you in this society but no one has the right to cast an immediate judgement on to someone unless you have known how they are from the inside.

A simple act or perhaps even a humble person can trully be an inspiration to all... so to you Susan Boyle, thank you for sharing your talent and for giving this superficial society something to ponder on.

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Name Game

Today, I called in sick and wasn't able to go to the office. My backache is getting abit unbearable and this morning when I was starting to prep for work - it is just so achy that I had to call my boss that I am staying home.

I wanted to do something productive even if I am resting, so I decided to bring out some of my scrapbooking materials and did the kids' name and stuck them in their respective doors.

This is Zechy and Hannah's door ...


This is Kat's room ...

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Monday, April 13, 2009 

BBQ Dinner


Last night, Mr K decided to fire up the barbi with his most anticipated meal in mind. You see, Mr K is a meat lover. When we went out to do our shopping, sirloin steak and sausages were on top of his list. He left the side dish to me - as I can add whatever I want as long as he gets his fav juicy meat on the grill.

He did get his wish and so did I. You see, I am tired of having potatoes as a side dish all the time (irregardless of how it was made) so with veggies in mind, I had the brussels sprouts and corn as our side dish.



Brussels sprouts may not be a popular choice for many as they don't like the taste (can be abit bitter at times) but ever since I tasted this miniature cabbage, I am hooked and I have a few people I know that like this humble yet very nutritious vegetable.

So what have I done with it? Simple and easy, blanch it in salted boilling water for a minute or two then transfer it to a pan and sauteed it in olive oil with garlic (don't have it too long - just enough to absorb the garlic oil) cut side down (as I cut it into half for easy cooking).

Then arranged it in a platter and sprinkle more fried garlic on top (that is if you love garlic like we do). And yeah, I added a couple of drops of sesame seed for extra taste. We also love corn - but we did something different - not the usual bung it in boilling water and that's it. I soaked the corn (with the husk still intact) in the sink for a good five minutes then asked Mr K to throw it in the barbi together with the meat.

Ten minutes later, we have the most tasty and juicy sweet corn with all its flavour intact - unlike if you blanch it in water - you loose some of its flavour into the water. I suppose this is the same method you can use when you go camping - just soak the corn with the husk in some water and then chuck it in a hot coal and whalah after a couple of minutes you get a very juicy and tasty corn and no need to add butter - just soak into that nice sweet corn flavour.

So the next time you decided to fire up that barbi - why not be creative and try these side dish and see how you go with it.

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Mamon - Filipino Sponge Cupcake

Every now and then, my taste buds would look for something that I have been accustomed to when I was growing up in the Philippines. This mamon is no exception.

To our non-Filipino friends, a mamon is a famous Filipino native soft (when cooked right just melts in your mouth) cake similar to a chiffon cake, it is made from cake flour, eggs, vanilla and baking powder.

I stumbled upon this recipe in one of my frequented cooking site which I find so interesting that I'm hooked to it. A couple of nights ago, I thought of trying this for the first time. It didn't turned out the way I wanted it to, but as they say, practice makes perfect (just wish that eggs are cheap - so I can do this every time I want to adjust something).

Here are what you need for this yummy treat:

  • 1 cup baking flour
  • 1 cup sugar ( I used caster sugar for this recipe)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 6 eggs (separate the yolk and the white)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

How to:

  • preheat oven to 160C (or around 350F)
  • sift cake flour & baking powder together then set aside for a while
  • beat egg white & cream of tartar until meringue-like but not stiff
  • gradually add sugar while beating then add vanilla and veg oil
  • add the egg yolk one at a time and continue beating
  • add the cake flour & baking powder mixture & continue mixing
  • line the muffin tray with paper cups and pour 2/3 of the mixture
  • bake for 12-15 minutes (middle rack of the oven)

This is what it looked like right after I took it out of the oven. I let this cool abit then brushed some melted butter and then sprinkled it with some more sugar.

It still delivered that soft cake texture but not as much as I was hoping it would be. One of two things I might have done wrong - either I have beaten the egg too much or that I had it abit too long in the oven (blame it on the person that called me over the phone hahaha).

Nonetheless, we enjoyed this yummy treat and even bub liked it too ....

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Saturday, April 11, 2009 

A Rustic Steak & Kidney Pie

Once in a while, Mr K would be in his elements and would whip up something out of this world - meaning, something that we don't normally have on an everyday basis. Take this meal for example, that he cooked for today's lunch - Steak & Kidney Pie.

To be honest, I cannot remember having any meal that has lamb's kidney as part of its ingredients - or perhaps its the asian in me that was not aware of such a fare, but I tried it anyway and it was good. Needless to say, it has its own flavour - not much like a liver taste but something else.

This requires slow cooking, so one cannot just whip this in a spur of the moment. Mr K had the chuck steak simmering with the kidney for almost two hours over low heat. I had to ask him the procedure on how he made it as I was not there (was actually busy posting in this blog this morning hahaha) to remember how it was done.

First thing though was he sauteed the cubed steak and the kidney in lots of garlic and onion. He sprinkled some plain flour - stir it through for a couple of minutes so the flour is cooked. He then added some tomato paste and then added some water before covering it until it comes to a boil. Lowered down the heat to a low and then let it cooked for that long period of time.

I saw him though, checking the stew every now and then and stirring the mixture as he said he does not want the flour to settle at the bottom and burn. After on slow cook for an hour and forty five minutes, he added some vegetables (only because I requested it - but apparently it can stand on its own - its just that I am not a meat loving person and too much meat in a viad puts me off). So he placed some mushrooms, carrots and red capsicums in it. Then he covered the ceramic pot with a single sheet of puff pastry but not after he made some slits to let some steam out.

He then placed it in the oven for another fifteen minutes for the pastry to cook and for the vegies to merge in the sauce and meat.

Here was that delicious meal that we had for lunch... it was very filling and the meat was just oh so tender and melts in my mouth. I thought I'd make some potato salad on the side just in case it becomes too much of a meat for me and both meal were just good together.

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Banana & Cinnamon Puff

I wasn't meant to make this today, but because Mr K took an extra sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer (that he used for his steak and kidney pie), he asked me if I can whip us something from it since once its thawed, you can't put it back in the freezer.

I thought for a while on what can I do with a single sheet of this pastry and sure enough, an idea came to mind when I saw two bananas on our bench.

So I cut the puff pastry into a third on both side which gave me nine squares. Placed two slices of bananas in the middle, sprinkled the banana with cinnamon and then added some brown sugar on top and then placed it in the oven on 160C for 15 minutes in the middle rack of the oven.

It smelled divine after the time elapsed. It was so easy that you can have variation of this humble snack. You can put any fruits that you like ... you may use whatever kind of sugar (or not) ... you can even make it savory (done it with caramelized onions)... the possibilities are endless so why not make one yourself -- you need not be a good cook to whip us this easy snack ...

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About me

  • I'm Mrs K.
  • From Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • Welcome to our kitchen - personalized by our own flavour of characters and is spiced with life's greatest adventures. Hello, im Mrs K also known as The Chef's Wife - an outspoken and opinionated Filipina married to the shy Greek chef who lives a simple life here in Sydney. With us are three of our precious children. Katarina (who just turned 12) who loves singing, dancing, acting, and now into various sports in high school and loving it. Then we have the only boy, our precious Zechariah (who is now 15mos) continuously filling our heart (and our house) with so much happiness. Then our newest arrival Hannah (6wks and growing) who is being showered with lots of love from big sister and big brother - oh she is spoiled by everyone... This blog is all about our family -- our journeys thru life, our growth and new discoveries. This blog is a continuos labour of love for our families and friends who have been separated to different continents but we still want to keep in touch. Thanks for dropping by our small kitchen and we hope that this blog not only inspires you to cook but also to love life just as much as we all love eating.
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