French Macaron Baking Workshop

Had lots of fun learning the french way of making macarons yesterday. So many tips given on how to successfully prepare and bake the shells. They are not as sweet but still produce lovely crunchy shells. Dark chocolate ganache piped in the middle...Yummy!

Piping out the dough

Macaron shells cooling down after baking in oven

Yummy melted rich dark chocolate ganache

Macarons ready to eat!

Just in case if you're wondering, we made 2 batches of the macarons, one pink colour, another tiffany blue colour.

If you want to learn how to make these macarons, there are 3-hours workshop scheduled from 12th - 21st January 2016. Please call 016-3396289 to register. Minimum 3 pax per workshop only.

Christmas Theme Snow Globes

Christmas theme snow globes fully made using soap!

There are so many tiny and fine details that it took me more than 6 hours to complete them.

The christmas tree with the ornaments was quite challenging to put together and needed steady hands to stick the tiny ornaments...measuring on average 0.5cm each...onto each of the tree branches.

The gingerbread house's roof, windows and door frames were all cut out by hand.

The round 'glass domes' took many tries to get it right.

Happy Birthday to my Boy!

Today we brought my boy to his favourite japanese restaurant at MidValley to celebrate his birthday with my parents in-law and sister in-law.

Later over the weekend, we will be having another small birthday celebration with my parents and sister and hubby.

Looking at my boy...he has grown so tall but skinny...time seems to pass by so quickly...and now he's already 10 years old!

He has gotten his birthday presents from his papa, grandparents and aunts. For me, I pray that he is happy and healthy always...and ahem...stop giving me more white hairs...hahaha!

New Year, New Milestones

1st Milestone:
Today is the first day my girl starts her playschool...big girl already...going to school already!

Officially she is only 3 1/4 years old but since she's born in 2011, she's considered 4 years old.

First time since she's born...I felt a bit lonely and didn't know what to do with my time for those few short hours she's at school. My boy (now standard 4) is also at school so the house is quiet and peaceful...for a short while, before both of them finish school.


2nd Milestone:
My girl is 'half potty trained' before she started school. Now she's fully potty trained during the day time (night time still in diapers to prevent accidents...for now).

Am more relaxed this time around and let her decide when she's ready to be diaperless. Then, one day she decided she's ready and refused to wear her diapers during day time. Phew...just in time because her school expects her to be potty trained by now.


3rd Milestone:
I am happy to say that I managed to fully breastfeed my girl and wean her off last week...just in time for school. She refused to drink fresh goat's milk or soy milk. Luckily she enjoys an organic blend of beans and grains 'milk' now.

It wasn't an easy journey...she refused to drink expressed breastmilk and reject the bottle. I had to bring her everywhere I go but with my ring sling, it made it easier. When she grew I bought a variety of baby wearing gears...ssc, meitai, wraps, hip carrier, etc.

I believe that because of breastfeeding and baby wearing my girl is much more healthy, calmer and confident compared to her brother.

I am blessed to be able to give this gift to my girl.

My Protective Little Girl

My mother gave my little girl 2 slices of apple, one for her, one for her mummy (me). She finished her little slice and was still holding on to my slice while waiting for me to finish showering.

My mother tease little NN...asking her to give her my slice of apple. NN ran away holding tightly to the apple and only passed to me once I stepped out of the bathroom :)

Sweet little darling!

Farewell My Darling Princess

My playful, mischievious, clever, endearing, loyal, faithful, loveable, cheeky and beloved Princess left us on 7 December 2012 after a long illness.

She was given to me by a friend who can't keep her. She was just 1 year old (1996) then. I remember her following me so happily to my little red car and her lovely large round eyes so happy.

She has brought so much laughter and joy to my family and all of us will miss her very much.

The sadness in my heart can't be expressed, only tears falling whenever I think about her.

May she rest in peace and be happy always in doggie heaven.

Raja Kita Exhibition at Istana Negara Lama

Last Monday we went to the old Istana Negara for the Raja Kita Exhibition. This exhibition will run from 16 April to 15 June (9am till 5pm).

At the main gate

Register here first

The view of the Istana Negara from the main entrance

The large green compound in front of the Istana Negara

The King's collection of cameras and watches

UUM Chancellor Attire

The Royal Malay Regiment Colonel In-Chief's camouflage attire

Official Attire of Crown Prince of Kedah

The Royal Waist-buckle

Kedah Honorary Award - Darjah Utama Seri Mahawangsa Yang Amat Dihormati (D.M.K.)
Title: Dato' Seri Utama 

Kedah Honorary Award - Darjah Seri Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah
Yang Amat Dihormati (First Order) (S.H.M.S.)
Title: Dato' Seri Diraja 

Federal Awards - Darjah Yang Maha Utama Kerabat Diraja Malaysia (D.K.M.)

Federal Awards - Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (S.M.N.)

Installation letter of Sultan Abdul Halim as the 14th Yang-di-Pertuan Agong, 2012

The Ruler's Seal

Cogan Agama

Cogan Alam

Cokmar

An old passport of the King

An old passport of the Queen

My Mother's Day Present

This is my Mother's Day present from my son. His teacher taught him how to make it. 

He drew his favourite picture of a fish in the front and wrote the words 'mummy I love you' at the back. 

How time flies! Now he's already 7 years old... a big boy now. 

Wishing all mothers a very Happy Mother's Day!

I Won A Woven Wrap From Mama Q Store!

Recently took part in a contest in which the prize is a woven wrap. So happy to be one of the lucky winners!  

This is the wrap I choose as my prize! Lovely Purple Stripe (Retail Price: RM190)