Exam and Halloween Bentos

I'm so GLAD Girlet's exams are finally over. Cos we've not only struggled with Mandarin, there was Malay Language to contend with too. Sigh!

Bento #138 was a quick and simple Good Luck in Exams bento. Just peanut butter, and chocolate sandwich with cheese accents, ham flower and papaya flowers. I forgot about the brocolli that was left in the steamer, otherwise it should go in the empty spot beside the ham. Yup! I was that stressed. Have I mentioned how GLAD I am that the exam's over.
Bento # 139 & #140

I'd admit to being a procrastinator ...... waiting for the very last day to make a Halloween bento. For Girlet, there was a chicken rice (with chicken stuffed in) coffin, with bones on top (from the Scooby Doo pasta), poison beans (edamame), sausage fingers (copied off Kel here) with bloody nails (chinese sausage stuck on with ketchup), quail egg eyeballs (raisin pupils and foodmarkers) and a blood-filled mouth with fangs (the blood being red dragonfruit, and the fangs was a gummy candy).
Boylet's bento had a blood-filled tombstone (strawberry jam sandwich), a sausage finger, an eyeball (made a hole in the egg to stuff the raisin in), Frankenstein (pandan eggsheet, seaweed & cheese eyes), decaying flesh with bone (leftover sausages and pasta) and Jack O'Lantern carrot (using the facial expression multi cutter). The finger at the bottom left was a gummy candy.

Lastly, a pic of Girlet in her witch costume.

Bento #137 - Giraffes Galore

I'm slowly unearthing the bentos from the past few months. One of Boylet's fav was this Giraffe themed bento. He only stays back in school once a week, so I try too make something interesting for the picky eater.

The giraffes were made from Butterscotch Bread, so chosen because it looked like the print on giraffe's skin. The tree trunk was half a chocolate Twiggies, and the leaves were from an egg sheet (egg white coloured green by the juice of pandan leaves - smelled yum). The grapes were fruits from the tree - looked like coconut, so that we would just make that a coconut tree *_*. Had some watermelon, so cut out giraffes for snack time, accessorised with a giraffe pick. Of course, mustn't forget the giraffe box, which inspired this theme.

Boylet and his Robot / Book Sale loot

Boylet followed me to the Pearson and Pigeon Books Warehouse Sale, and he grabbed a few books for himself. One of them is Harry and the Robots. This is his first book on Robots and he only chosed it because he's a fan of Harry and the dinosaur books. After reading the book, he was inspired to make his own Robot too. With a toilet roll, some cardboard, chopsticks, cellotape and stickers, he set to work, and here's the result. And the book was only RM4.


Here are the books that we bought.
Ladybird readers & classics at RM4 each (60% off), Magic Puppy and Secret Unicorn books for Girlet at RM10 each (50% off), and Charlie and Lola books for RM12, among others.

I snared some paperbacks for myself at RM10 each, including Twilight and New Moon. *sheepish* I've actually read the whole Twilight series, but those were borrowed books. I like to own books so I can reread them. In my defence, I did pass them up at the MPH sale a few days earlier, when they were going for 30% off, which made them about RM30 each. So this was a real steal!! Hear that, hubby! BTW, the strangest part was the same books were going for RM10 at the teenage section and RM15 at the adult section. So be aware, if there're any RM10 ones left that is.

The sale is up to Oct 11. It's worth a visit.

Baby Amelia is 5 months old

Remember my niece who was borned prematurely at 24 weeks and 3 days, as posted here? Well, she's now 5 months old (though if she was born full term, she'd only be about 5 weeks old) and really thriving. I couldn't resist copying her photo off SIL's blog. Isn't she adorable? Thanks to all for your good thoughts and prayers.

Shelving woes

Since young, I have dreamt of a huge study room with wall-to-wall, ceilling-to-floor shelves all full of books. Yah, yah..... I was a very nerdy kid..... still am, with the exception that I've got rid of the huge glasses. *_*

Fast forward to present, I haven't have the priviledge of owning such a room, even if I'd been investing in books as though I have. Mind you, most of the books I'd bought in the last few years were kids' books. For my reading pleasure, I had to rent the books or else lend my books to my dearest sis, in which case I would get free storage indeterminately (I still reread them when I go over during the hols). Oops.... did I just alert her to that fact? *_*

Anyway, this resulted in overflowing bookshelves, as I'd resorted to double stacking (stacking another bunch of books in front of the books already in the shelves). Like this....... in Girlet's room. And this ....... And this ....... upstairs living room ......... kids' workbooks, activity, colouring, dot-to-dot, mazes, sticker books ....... there are more shelves and more books on the left, but grownup stuff, so didn't take pix.

And this ....... boylet's books in the master bedroom.

But still I find books now occupying space on the floor, on top the piano, two of the dining chairs, not to mention overtaking hubby's study table.

Like this .........

Enough photos already.... or you all will think I'm living in a pigsty.

So any ideas how to solve my shelving woes? Buying shelves is easy. Problem is there's no space for more shelves! As my upstairs has high ceilings, I was contemplating a loft library like the following (link here).... what d'ya think? Suggestions welcomed, besides donating the books away!

But you can't keep a Bookworm down. Tomorrow I'm going to the Pearson and Penguin Books WAREHOUSE SALE. Yes, my hubby. I know the books I bought last month from the MPH warehouse sale are still in the store room. But, with publishers like Pearson Longman, Penguin, Puffin, Ladybird, DK etc., how can I not go? I'm buying for your kids ok? (can't argue with that, can you?)

For those interested, the details of the warehouse sale is:

Date : Oct 2 - 11

Time : 10 am - 7 pm

Venue : Pearson Msia S/B, Lot 2, Jln 215, Off Jln Templer, PJ

Happy book hunting!

Go watch "The 1 Kind Show"

This is my record in lowest blog productivity - 6 weeks with no posts. Been busy with this and that (another post), plus the maid was back home to Indonesia for 1 month, not mentioning the 3 weeks of anxiety when she called to say she's not coming back!! After I bent backwards to help her out too! Well, after much persuasion, she did come back to settle her things and wait for her replacement. At least 'ada hati perut'.

Anyway, as I haven't uploaded any pix from the camera, I'll just make a quick post of this live comedy show I just saw on Sat. Named The 1 Kind Show (after 1Malaysia) by Comedy Court, there were lots of racist and political jokes, but simply hilarious. Their impersonations of the various races were spot on.

The show's on until 9 October. Venue : Wisma Tun Sambanthan, Kampung Attap (next to Bangunan Public Bank). Tickets : RM55 / 75 / 105 - available through Axcess. For more info, check their website here.

You can watch one of their skits 'Who wants to be a Billionaire' on Youtube - only the live show is so much better, so go see already!

The kids are sad that since the Bangsar Shopping Complex closed down their auditorium, there haven't been any puppet shows in KL. Hopefully when Actor's Studio open shop in Lot 10, Gardner & Wife, and Act 3 Intl will bring back kids' shows. Keeping our fingers and toes crossed!

Happy Birthday, Babylet!

Babylet turned 3 on Aug 11.

She had her heart set on a party in Jungle Gym, just like korkor. But with the A(H1N1) flu pandemic, we thought better not risk it.

So, we just had a family celebration in Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre. Babylet was dressed in her Cinderella dress that SIL got for her. And she was hilarious in it. As her dress was almost reaching the floor, Babylet was very concious and walked very slowly like a real princess. She even condescended to give a Princess wave to some passerbys.

Babylet tried hard, but only managed to blow out one candle. Jiejie blew the rest before Boylet had a chance.

Another present from SIL, a baby Cinderella doll. Babylet was thrilled that her doll was wearing the same dress as hers. Happy Birthday Darling!

Girlet's Concert # 2 - Ballet

Finally posting about Girlet's ballet concert after more than 1 month posting about her tap-dancing concert. (Both on the same day, one afternoon, another evening). My bad - a combination of procrastination, exams, and addiction to virtual farming (Farmtown on Facebook). Having achieved the highest level and getting my virtual mansion *gloating face*, and last day exams today, I'm back. For a short while anyway before the maid goes home to Indonesia for puasa and hari raya.

Rehearsal for "The Swan". Girlet leaping into air.
Putting on makeup. Thanks to Aunt Anna for the sparkly silver dust for the eyes.
Backstage before the performance. Looking nervous and very serious.

The dance itself here:

On Pushy Parents

"Having pushy parents is four times more important than financial background in terms of their success in later life, a major report has found."

"Children whose parents take an active interest in their education are more likely to go on to higher education and a good job, regardless of whether they come from a rich home."

The quotes were found here at dailymail . The original report, called Unleashing Aspiration, was published by The Panel on Fair Access to the Professions in UK and commissioned by Gordon Brown. You can go read the original report, or like lazy me, read the summaries / reviews. There are lots, just google it. I'll just quote those that supports my view (haha) : here, here and here.

Quoting from here : "the report identifies six pivotal points in an individual’s life which can have a significant impact on their ability to access a professional career." Go read what the six pivotal points are, but as parents, we can influence three of the six points, namely their aspirations – based on their initial exposure to and impressions of the professions, their education – in particular, their school years and the support that young people get to make decisions about their career, and their opportunities to get into university. The other three depends on social standing/networking and luck- being in the right place at the right time.

The report dealt a lot with thwarted or suppressed aspirations in UK, read here. Glad to say that there are many more pushy parents over this part of the world. Isn't that why there's lots of hoohaa every year when top students didn't get scholarships to universities?

I actually first read about this in Domestic Goddess's blog. She sums it up nicely, so go read it here.

Also explains why I've been MIA from this blog......... in the midst of Girlet's exams. Gotta go be a pushy mom now.

Edit: Oh dear! I'm a bad writer. Now everyone thinks I'm a pushy ogre. haha. To clarify, the report originates from UK, where the culture and level of 'pushiness' is pretty different from here (Msia & Sg). What was dubbed as 'pushiness' there was actually parents taking active interest in kids' education. I don't think they have a culture of forcing kids to non-stop academic tuitions and homework there.

Anyway, my philosophy is simple. Let us all participate actively in our kids' education. Expose them to a wide range of disciplines. Pay close attention to their interests, and fan their passions. Teach them good values and good learning attitude. Let them have a sense of accomplishment in what they do, so that they'll strive to do their best. Most of all, just love them and enjoy their process of growing up.

Girlet's Concert # 1 - Tap Dance

Girlet had her Dancing School concert on June 27. It was held at MATIC on Jalan Ampang, right in the city. There were two concerts that day. Unfortunately, she was involved in both, which means we were at the concert hall for 6 hours. D'hubby left after the first concert to send a bored and restless Boylet home. Last year d'hubby didn't attend her concert, saying Ballet isn't his scene. Of course I gave him a hard time after, which was why he obediently came back for the second concert this year. He didn't regret it as the show was really good, with modern dance, jazz, hip hop and tap, on top of the usual ballet. There were many numbers performed by the older girls and they did fabulously.

Here's Girlet tap dancing to "A - You're Adorable". She's the one with the letter 'T' on her shirt. Looks like cheerleader, huh? She was hesistant in the beginning, but caught on fast. I'm glad I gave in to her request to pick up tap dancing. She's really pleased with her achievement and that made all the shuttling around for practices and rehearsals worth it. Yippee! Concert done, now can relax a bit.


Will post her doing Ballet in the next post after I sort out the photos.

Of Papaya Trees and Dengue

So what do the above two have in common? You may have heard of it, but this is really news to me.

First, I’ll talk about our attempt to plant papaya trees at our front yard as part of the kids’ science project (we’re tired of planting green beans). My mom has a few papaya trees and gave us mini papayas, which were simply adorable. Perfect for bento, like the one below:
(Sorry, can’t resist sneaking in a bento, lol!). That's half a papaya, onigiri, teriyaki chicken, grapes and a strawberry.

My mom made it sound so easy, that the black-thumbed moi decided to try planting papayas too. The kids helped to clear part of the lawn and scatter seeds from the mini papayas at 3 different spots. To our amazement a tree actually grew, and started flowering almost immediately. Then it grew taller and taller, without any sign of fruits despite ample flowers. We salivated and applied more fertilizers to no avail. Then my mom came for a visit and declared that the plant was a ‘MALE’ plant, which would only flower and never bear fruit. The flower of a 'Female' plant is different. Huh??!! I knew it was too good to be true. I griped to a few people about it and vowed to chop down the tree.

Two days later, Sue, my good friend who had heard of my misadventure, requested for some papaya leaves as she is suspected of contracting Dengue fever. Fortunately, the procrastinator moi had not bother to chop the tree yet. Apparently, papaya leaves contained something that helps platelet to increase. Take the Raw papaya leaves and blend (or pound with mortar and pestle). Squeeze out the juice, strain and drink. It’s very bitter, so do add honey to it. But do not cook, or add hot water. Well, her platelet count increased enough for her to avoid hospitalization, even after it was confirmed as Dengue.

As Sue also drank spotted frog soup cooked with bitter gourd, (another bitter concoction, why do these natural cures taste so awful?), I thought the papaya leaf juice may be another urban legend. The skeptic in me asked around and heard anecdotes of so-and-so’s relative whose stay in hospital was shortened after drinking this juice. Even googling ‘papaya leaves’ came back with more anecdotes but not proper verification or test. The only confirmed fact is that papaya leaves contain papain which aids digestion.

Hmm, true or not, if one contracted Dengue, there’s no harm in trying out this method. If can take spotted frogs, why not raw papaya leaf juice? Only, don’t come asking for papaya leaves from me. The tree has finally been chopped down. Glad that it could be of use despite being a barren tree. Plus point : identifying papaya leaves is part of Girlet’s science curriculum, and she saw it first hand instead of just from textbook.

Happy Birthday, Boylet!

We celebrated Boylet's 5th Birthday two weeks ago. The party was held at Jungle Gym in Bangsar Shopping Complex. We like the place as there is a variety of things for the kids to play with. Babylet loves the trampoline, Boylet loves the ballpit and slide, while Girlet loves the roller blading rink (have to pay separately but at a discounted price). The service is pretty good too.

Unfortunately, there weren't many photos as d'hubby didn't use the right batteries for his fancy new camera. Duh!!

Boylet had to have his Ben 10 cake. In fact I learned from other moms during the party that he told all his friends to give him Ben 10 toys. So embarassing, he's not shy at all.

I didn't bake the cake, obviously. Bought it from Pretty Frosting.

After Boylet cut the cake, each kid grabbed an alien cupcake. So convenient!

The kids worked up a good appetite after an hour playing. I was too lazy to make bento this time.

Babylet enjoying the slide.

The Magic Show was amazing and kept the kids well entertained.

We held Girlet's birthday party at the same place in Feb. Now Babylet is under the misconception that she's having her birthday party there as well in August. She has decided on the cake - Mickey Mouse. And she'll dress in Cinderella costume because in her own words "I'm a princess, you know". We don't have this particular costume by the way, which means she's expecting a new dress. Whenever Boylet irritates her, she threatens not to invite him to her party.

Well, I'm really tired of organizing parties now. But don't want Babylet to feel deprived especially as Girlet has had a party annually. Hmm, what should I do?

Lastly, this video clip shows just how much Babylet loves the trampoline.

Boylet with some of his presents. Happy Birthday!

Back to school again with Smiley Sandwiches.

It's back to school again for Term 2. Phew! I must say that I'm glad to have two kids out of the house. Finally some peace and quiet.

Just noticed it's almost 1 month since my last update. Was busy with Girlet's revision for exams back then. Thought I would have time to update this blog during the hols, but as it turned out I was busier than ever. The kids are getting more demanding as they grow older. Who said it'll be easier?

After two weeks vacation, Girlet refused to go to school today, and offered to go Kindergarten with Boylet instead. Haha..... Don't we all want to do that! And that's despite having a new roller Barbie schoolbag. Her previous bag was looking battered. Even with her new bag, it came back with black patches all over only after one day. She doesn't seem to cherish her possessions. D'hubby says it's because she gets things too easily. Maybe, I should have let her continue using her old bag. It is still in working order, just look old even after cleaning. The rate she's going, her new bag is going to look the same after one week.

Anyway, here is Girlet's bento for today. Finally took out the facial expression multi-cutter from its package. Even Babylet willingly eat up her sandwiches with such cute smiling faces.

Contents : Sandwiches with kaya (it's wholemeal bread on the bottom layer), fishball with mayo, a piece each of fried chicken and fish, egg roll, grapes and a cherry. Drats! Forgot to use the smiley faces picks.

I still have 3 months worth of bentos to post, as well as the activities done over the hols. To my dearest sis and Emily: I've updated. Now it's your turn!

Babylet's Activities

Here are some activities that Babylet and I do at home.

Painting with Magic Painting book. Just apply water and the colour appears.
Do not disturb - Artist hard at work. Babylet in intense concentration.

Practising fine motor skill with scissors and punchers, colouring, and pasting work.

Here, I put bento tools to good use. *_* Helped Babylet as she was not strong enough to press the puncher. But she cut out the grass herself with a scissor, and paste all the cutouts onto the picture. Also insisted to colour the girl's hair green. Hmm.... she'd better not dye her hair green when she's older.
Babylet with her weapon of choice - glue stick.

Creative play with Sand.

Couldn't resist adding Boylet's pic too. He's so skinny now compared to the two girls that you can count his rib bones.

New Stock at 100Yen Kuchai Lama & Taman Desa @ 6 May 2009

Emily texted me about the new arrival at Kuchai Lama on May 5. Needing a break from stressing over Girlet's first exam, I went the next morn. The retail therapy helped, and I swung by Taman Desa's branch after, and they were unpacking new stock too - pretty much the same stock as Kuchai Lama. So here are the pics. (To see an enlarged pic, just click on the pic itself)


Alphabet & Numbers cutters, punchers & small containers. I took the last number cutter in Kuchai Lama, but there are more in Tmn Desa. If you don't have alphabet cutters, this is a very good & cheap buy!! I've already have a set, so I called my sis to persuade her to get them. *_*


New picks!!! Girlet adores the ribbon, crown & hat picks (2nd pic from left). Just imagine quail eggs' faces with a crown - sounds cute!

Tomotomo bento boxes. My young kids prefer boxes with snap handles, easier to manage than bento belts.

Matching belts and bags for the Tomotomo bento boxes.

Character hangers. Babylet 'forced' me to buy the Minnie Mouse hanger for her.

Happy Shopping!!!