I witnessed something peculiar - everything as in literally everything is covered in something like a red dust.

Dust storms are common in the arid "red centre" of Australia, but they rarely reach the populated coastal regions. The storm crippled the transportation system, with long delays to flights and bumper-to-bumper traffic on major roads. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems were told to stay indoors until the dust had cleared later on Wednesday. It was blown out to sea and up the coast by the strong winds.

Such a weird phenomenon indeed that when I tried posting this in my FB account, people was wondering what I mean and had to explain it to them with the pics that I took of our cars as proof.

This being said, I think we all should really consider what we are doing to our environment and to the planet in general so that the likelihood of this happening again will be averted so our children wont have to endure such a pollution in the future. Let's do our bid to help our environment - we only have one planet - take care of it.

Labels: misc, season

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This year's celebration of our wedding anniversary was moved a couple of weeks after the exact date due to some logistics that we need to coordinate with my sister. With two small kids in tow, we really have to plan everything to the last details if we want to have one enjoyable celebration.

Thanks to my sister Teng though, everything went smoothly. She booked us at Menzies Hotel for an overnight stay. She was even so generous to even booked us into a junior suite since the K family has grown, and what makes me more grateful was the fact that despite working for the entire day, she even offered to mind the kids while we go for our dinner date.... and for that mr K and I are so thankful.

For our dinner date, we decided to try Wildfire Restaurant as its just a quick 15 minutes walk from our hotel and my sister went there and she mentioned some good things about this restaurant. With the lights down low and some fascinating chandelier, the ambiance was so romantic for a dinner date and we were seated near the window so its virtually overlooking The Opera House.

We had a great time and the food (for me) was great but Mr K must have a higher expectation so he rated it as just good (quite a fussy chef I have here)... so here is what we had:

Starter

WOOD FIRED FLATBREAD

served with our choice of two dips (homous & herbed olive oil)

Entree

BAKED STUFFED SQUID

chorizo sausage, spinach, garlic, sherry

CEVICHE SEA SCALLOP

raw scallop, lime, spring onion, coriander, coconut and toasted shallots

Mains

AMELIA PARK LAMB RACK

lamb rack grain fed 60 days, spit roasted, lamb brains in filo pastry, shimaji mushrooms

DUCKLING

config leg, slow cook breast, foie gras mousse, braised rhubarb, spinach

with

WOOD OVEN ROASTED FOREST MUSHROOM, GLAZED SHALLOTS, PERSILLADE

Dessert

PARADISO

DECONSTRUCTED BANANA SPLIT

candied banana cigar, vanilla-rice foam, roasted peanut-chocolate bar, banana- caramel cube

Coffee

to cap the night, mr K had some macchiato while the wife still finishes their sweet Sangria

Labels: mr_mrsK

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Today marked our little boy's year and a half mark. Though its just an ordinary spring day, as one excited mum, everyday is a celebration of my children's life ... enjoy these photos taken today.

Labels: baby Z

The time just flew past and what do you know, our little princess Hannah Elisse turned 4 months today. I guess I am enjoying looking after her that time would just pass by without much ado (unlike with big brother Z where it was a learning curve for me).

I sometimes think that her long gazes tells me that she understands mum or dad - she just could not respond but she understands what we want to say and for that we are so grateful. Her alertness just proves to us that she is indeed growing in all aspects.

Physical Developments: She now loves holding on to things and can give a great grasp of her toys and would not let it go for a long time. She even loves her rattles now and she does her own shaking too hahaha. Her grasping skills has increased tremendously and even loves tugging mum's top when she gets fed as well as lifting her skirts or dress sometimes ... hopefully she wont do this when she gets older (otherwise she will definitely get in trouble from dad).

This month too, I observed that she now fully uses her fingers especially when she plays with them. I also noticed that she now sucks her thumb even if she is not hungry - just maybe to play with them as well.

This month (and I believe this has been happening since last month) whenever she goes to sleep, she has this thing of putting her head under the pillow (not that the light is glaring her). She just has to thrust or press her face against the pillow. Several times I would take the pillow off from her face but she would wake up and would get abit agitated. I am just afraid that she will suffocate herself but she knows how to take her face off afterwards - such a funny girl she is sometimes.

Not to forget, her hair too is getting long so mum is getting excited with that so soon she can really put bows and clips on her hair and play with many other hair accessories.

Anyway, 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... as always I will do a comparison from the last month's stats

Weight @ 3mos 5.3kg ..... Weight @ 4mos 5.65kg
Lenght @ 3mos 57.7 cm ..... Lenght @ 4mos 60cm
Head Circumference @ 3mos 39.3cm ..... Head Circumference @ 4mos 39.7cm

p.s the little girl's did her first roll-over on 16.09.09

Labels: baby H

You will need the following for the Passionfruit Cupcake:

• 200g self raising flour
• 185g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 pcs passionfruit

1. To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 160C then grease your muffin trays.
2. Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until pale with an electric mixer.
3. Add one egg at a time and beat until well combine.
4. Add the flour and milk in alternate batches and still using a wooden spoon.
5. Add the passionfruit until combined
6. Spoon the mixture and bake for 15-20mins then let it cool in a wire rack when done.

You will need the following for the Lime Curd:

• 60g butter
• 30g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 egg yolk

1. To make the lime curd, place the lime juice, butter and icing sugar in a saucepan and heat to a simmer until all the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from the heat and cool slightly and whisk in the egg yolk.
3. Return to a very low heat and whisk for 5 minutes or until thickened. Do not boil.

Now all I have to do is wait for mr K to get home from work and enjoy this with our coffee. Try this easy treat and let me know how you find it. Celebrate spring, enjoy some fresh tasting food all the time :)

Labels: baking, food

Just sharing some photos that I took today while the little princess was busy playing in her play gym this morning. I am trying to take heaps of photos every month - in this case, the li'l girl is nearing to her 4th month in three days so looking back from when she was born, I can stay that she is indeed one growing bubba...

Thanks Hannah for being a good bubba for mum and dad ... we love you heaps :)

Labels: baby H

The weather is starting to warm up and what a sunny and warm weather today has been and the kids are loving it as that means they can now play in our backyard.

Thanks to ebay, I got this trampoline for just a mere $20 ... and the seller even delivered it to our home so thats an added bonus. As you can see, they have found a new way to release that pent up energy from winter. Miss12 and li'l man enjoyed the jumping around and bouncing up and down which they did for most of the day (had to call them in as its already nearing to dark and they were still out).

I am in favour of the kids being outside and enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine rather than being cooped up in the house and just watching telly or playing with their toys, that's why I persisted on looking for a cheap outdoor toys that they can play with.

With a growing boy like this, all he needs is somewhere to spend that tons of energy - it does not have to be expensive... but what makes this priceless is the time spent with the family and those crisp laughter echoing in our backyard.

So spring and summer... we are soooo ready for you!

Labels: kids, season

There were some that shared what they did with what they got and some are pretty yummy too - check them out here (just scroll down abit). As for me, when I got my John West Tuna & Beans, I straight away want to celebrate our new season - the glorious Spring with this new and refreshing ready to eat treat.

So since Spring has sprung, I want a fresh and easy meal to have, while enjoying the new buds of flowers in our backyard while our little one was playing in his swing. I decided to just blanch some green beans which didn't take that long really, just a minute in boilling water then have it under the tap running cold water, place it in a plate and bung the tuna and beans on top. Yes, that easy! I reckon I spent less than five minutes preparing everything and I was already enjoying a simple yet refreshing meal. I was thinking of pairing some home made garlic bread with this but I straight away want to enjoy this so didn't had the chance to make one....

This is no ordinary tuna, its loaded with heaps of stuff in it and with a kick of chili - this makes a perfect treat too for Mr K who loves anything spicy... now I am thinking what else to do with the other one left sitting in the cupboard.. will let you know when I create a new one...

Thanks Nuffnang for my gift.

Labels: food, Nuffnang

Teng, you deserve all the best and hope for more good and better things to come. We love you :) from your nieces and nephew and of course us.

Labels: family affairs

Today is one special day ... its mr K and I's anniversary but due to work commitments of the spouse and plus I have not organized an itinerary on what will happen for this day, we both decided to celebrate on a later time. When mr K arrived though, he would not let the night pass without doing something for me, so he whipped up this nice dessert he created and named it Spicy Crepe with Poached Pear and Orange Sauce which was really lovely (though since I am not a fan of chili - this sort of held me abit) but it was such a lovely gesture from hubby who was so tired from cooking in the restaurant as well... we had a great time enjoying this dessert while catching up on what happened to our day today (which we always do daily while enjoying our coffee).

It was also a coincidence that my sister Teng was here and guess what she got me (not an anniversary gift though). Loved the Kiehl's Lip Gloss that she got me and she really knows the shade that I want, but what I really loved was the perfume that she gave me, its Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana which has a really subtle yet floral smell that I like.

This day may have been one ordinary day despite it being our anniversary, but we will make up for it soon... and we will definitely keep you posted.

Labels: mr_mrsK

It all started out as an entry from a friend's blog - I read her entry about how she joined this exciting bunch of happy bloggers - yeah, said good on her and then proceeded to blog hop, but when I read a couple of days later that she received some awesome rewards just from being a member of this group called Nuffnang, now I got intrigued.

Went to its main site and read and read why more and more bloggers are flocking to them and enjoying it too ... then I read in their site that "at Nuffnang we are all about the people, we want to make your reward as individual as possible - and give you a chance to make a dream come true!" ... now wouldn't that move you to check them out.

This is not my first time to hear this group, and it sure wont be the last as while I am typing this, I am already having some people in mind to join the bandwagon...

So what are you waiting for ... hop in and join the blogging world with a BIG DIFFERENCE.

Labels: Nuffnang

The two had fun and despite him missing the ball several times and had been puffing from chasing the ball most of the time, the li'l man enjoyed his afternoon play... wish mum could join him at that time but I was busy looking after his little sister but enjoyed my time just watching him enjoy his time... I am sure more of this soon as the weather warms up some more....

Labels: baby Z

At a very young age, though he still cant pronounce some words, dad has been playing the Brainy Baby ABC flashcards that we bought him to familiarize his little boy with the alphabet and what it can corresponds to. Some may say its still too early, but nothing is too early when your bub displays interests in them, so before it withers away, we are trying to capture and enhance that interest.

But since the flashcard sometimes ends up in his mouth, I thought this poster would be good so even if he just looks at it or passes by it, he can still have some learning time. Good thing that the big sister was patient enough to do this every now and then incorporating it in their play time.

Funny, after this task, the little man bolted outside and wants to play out in the backyard (see next post). Oh well, seems like learning will have to take a back seat when he gets tired... I dont blame him, its such a chore indeed for a toddler to do this hahaha.

Labels: baby Z

Labels: baby H, mum and bub

I think Cassava is one versatile food that you can actually put anything in this and would still come out yummy... but for the sake of how I was able to come up with this one (pictured) here was how I made it.

You will need:

• 1 pack frozen cassava
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 young coconut strings

for the toppings:

• 1/2 cup dessicated coconut
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 2 egg yolks

So to make the cake, just add all the ingredients together and bake for 45 mins at 180C. Then to make the toppings, just mix the toppings ingredients together and pour it over the baked cassava and continue to bake for another 15minutes or until you achieved your desired brown topping.

As I said, there are heaps of version of how a cassava cake is done - in fact I was thinking of having egg custard as its toppings next time. Let your taste buds lead you to the right version of the cassava that you want and the internet offers heaps of them so just follow your taste. Hope you like my version ... enjoy!

Labels: food, reminds me of home

So for this particular food, we will need the following simple ingredients which I am sure any cupboard would have:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 egg

how to:

1. combine flour and salt in a bowl and make a well in the center
2. beat the egg and water inside the well then slowly combine them
3. place the mixture in a clean work bench and knead (the dough is ready when nothing is sticking in your hands anymore)
4. form the dough in a ball and let it rest in a damp cloth for at least 30 mins (summer) or at least 2 hrs (winter)
5. after the flour has rested, take the dough and divide into two
6. sprinkle some flour over the dough and take a rolling pin and roll
7. when its about 1mm thin sprinkle some flour over it and then fold (sprinkle the dough every time you fold to prevent them from sticking to each other)
8. cut them as thin or as thick as you want

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

This took inspiration from the previous meal that I made and thought I'd make some twist to it. So to make this just follow the same instruction but instead of using a lasagna sheets, I thinly sliced the chicken breast then stuffed it with the spinach and ricotta mixture then rolled the chicken in some Italian bacon or prosciutto. Pan fried it until the bacon is crispy and since the chicken is sliced thinly, it should not take long in the pan.

You can make any sauce that you fancy (just don't use those bottled tomato or barbecue sauce please). With mine, I used a cream then reduced it then added some lemon zest and some tarragon. We had left over risotto so I added that as our side dish but you can also enjoy with with some baked potato or perhaps potato salad or maybe even some green salad.

Enjoy this simple recipe and let me know how you find it.

Labels: Meal Suggestion

As I have been blessed by two..

**note: this poem must have been written for twins, though my little ones arent, the poem says most of what I feel for my two little ones so I used it anyway ... pardon me for any confusion made***

Labels: baby H, baby Z

Here are the ingredients:

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp coconut extract

To get to this stage this is what I did.

1. preheat oven to 180C
2. combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and coconut flakes in a bowl
3. in another bowl whisk the eggs, milk, oil and the coconut extract
4. pour the liquid into the dry ingredients until fully combined
5. spoon a tablespoon each on a cookie sheet 2" apart and bake for 7-9 mins
6. remove from the cookie sheet and place in a rack to cool

This is the filling for our cookie and this is what we need.

• 1 egg white
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 3 tbsp water1/8 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coconut extract

To make the filling

1. combine egg white, sugar, corn syrup, water, cream of tartar and salt in a double broiler
2. beat using an electric hand mixer until mixture is firm and forms peaks
3. remove from heat and fold the coconut extract
4. allow to cool before using.

Grab two individual cookies then dab some of the fillings and then place another cookie. This is the plain version...

... but if you want more coconut then roll the finished creamed cookies into more desiccated/coconut flakes and you will come up with something like this ...

We loved the ones rolled in coconut so I made heaps more of this version as you can see...

But guess who loved it more... our li'l man was able to sneak some and was caught still munching on one of them... with his bib the other way around, he seemed to not care as long as he enjoys mum's Coconut Cream Cookies or as mum would call it - her Coconut Whoopi Pie.

Labels: baking, food

Look who has been trying her bumbo seat ... we decided to put the little princess the other day on her brother's old bumbo seat as she has been displaying a great control of her head, one of the signs that she might be ready for another position other than lying down or on mummy's arms.

Needless to say, despite her short stint in this seat while busy talking to dad, we might have to wait for a week or two to put her back in there as she was only almost 12 wks old in here and this cautious mum still wants more time for her little primcess to be in her arms before she gets used to this and eventually getting her own freedom...

Labels: baby H

After I am left to fend for the kids while mr K is at work, this is how our usual weekend looks like, or at least for me and the small kids. With little Hannah on one arm trying to help her fall asleep getting ready for her afternoon routine, here comes her very active and playful brother Zechariah handing mummy all sorts of things that he wants to play with... haay, why do they have to do things simultaneously together.....

And as soon as the li'l man decided to lay down some of his toys on the floor and pick one in particular to play with, the lounge that used to be abit clean and organized now looks like a small chaos ... but a happy chaos at that :)

Meanwhile, while the li'l boy was enjoying his chaos, the little princess savours the peace and quiet of her room. Seen here enjoying her afternoon nap... isn't that gorgeous.

Now, back to our little lounge area, its time to spend more time with our hyperactive yet very playful li'l man seen here with one of his fav toys - Mo Mo (short for Elmo as how he calls it)

Not that mum is complaining, rather she is more than happy to spend as much time with her little munchkins as much physically possible for her - with only a pair of hands - she can only do as much hahaha.

Labels: baby H, baby Z, family affairs

Today I decided to cook something that does not involve rice or stewing. So out come my handy dandy notebook for my meal recipes (this is where I jot recipes that I come across either from other people's blog or when I see something in the magazine which I know I can do). Since my sister and I went to the grocery yesterday, I already have the ingredients for this evening's meal.

It is easy to make but I must warn you that we need at least an hour in preparation and cooking time altogether so this is not something you can whip up in a few minutes time or when you are in a hurry to make something for the family. I also made a step by step procedure so its easy to understand.

Here are our ingredients:

So first saute the finely chopped onion and garlic. Once cooked, take out of the pan and set aside. Meanwhile, I wasn't able to show it here but I was simultaneously cooking the lasagna sheet so its malleable to roll later.

In a bowl, combine the thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, sauteed onion and garlic and add some salt and pepper and some herbs that you may wish to add in there - in my one, I added a teaspoon of dried sweet basil and some Italian steak herbs just to add some more flavour.







This is now the mixture would look like after all the ingredients are mixed.

With the cooked lasagna sheet, place a tablespoon and a half of the spinach and ricotta mixture and spread them over the sheet then roll them.












In a greased baking dish, lined the rolled lasagna sheets with spinach mixture.












Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top of the rolled lasagna sheets but don't have it too much as there would be more cheese on top later.

Pour your favourite pasta sauce on top then sprinkle with as much shredded mozzarella cheese as you wish on top. Bake it in the oven on 190C for 15-20 minutes.

This can be enjoyed with your favourite herb or garlic bread or perhaps some garden salad.

As I said, the prep time and cooking time was rather long so make sure you have ample time to make this before your hungry housemates (aka family) devour them all. Hope this is another meal suggestion that you may wish to try soon. It was a success in the table tonight so it should be the same in yours :)

p.s pardon the crappy photos, I used my mobile camera as both our diital cameras were out of batteries (forgot to charge them hahaha)

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Labels: baby Z, family affairs

The li'l man does not have any spike in temperature nor was he lethargic so I ruled out the fact that he might be sick, besides he just gotten out of his cough and colds bout not long ago so that should not be the reason why he is mr. grumpy for the past two nights now.

Then this morning, when I was feeding him, I happen to chance upon his gums and boy were they swollen - no wonder he has been drooling like a waterfall. Whats funny about this boy was that when his teeth emerges, its not in singleton that comes out but they tend to be in groups of more than two. And this is what is happening, looks like his bottom molars would be popping out soon. Both his left and right bottom gums were swollen and his bottom incisor seemed to be joining in too. Poor thing, this must be hurting him so much. So before tucking him to bed tonight, I gave him some Panadol and rubbed his swollen gums with Bonjela, hoping that this will help him get a good night's rest tonight and ease any discomforts that he has been feeling.

Wish I could take away my little boy's pain - to add to being sleep deprived myself due to the little princess waking up several times through the night for the past two nights now ... ahhh the joys of motherhood, will do anything for my precious little ones.... even if im a walking zombie at this stage.

Labels: baby Z

Last week, I was just craving for something sweet like a dessert (despite the time being past 10pm) and something quick to make too as I was just not in the mood for any waiting (so baking a cake or a muffin is out of the picture at this stage). A light bulb moment clicked - why don't I make a maja blanca since I have all the ingredients in the pantry anyway.

So after jogging my memory on how to make this yummy treat, I was off to get all the needed stuff from the pantry.

Labels: food

I have always been fascinated by other culture's food and if I can try cooking them then I would venture in our kitchen just to replicate how its done (even if its not that close).

I have heard of this easy to cook Bulgogi so I thought of getting my hands on them to see how they would come up from my kitchen. Apparently this dish called Bulgogi is rather a popular dish in any Korean eating place. I suppose its popular as when you try googling them, there would be heaps of version of this dish.

I decided to look this recipe in youtube so I can also see how its done. I found this Korean lady's site very helpful - where else better to see how its done than from a Korean. There are heaps of version of this dish (and even Koreans have many versions) but I thought of doing this one as its so easy to do.

Here are what you will need:

• 1/2 kilo lean beef cut thinly ( I used sirloin)
• 12 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup soy
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 medium onion
• 5 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 medium nashi pear or red apple (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tsp sesame seeds (for garnishing)

As I said its easy to make. First thinly slice the meat and then set aside. In a blender/food processor place all the ingredients except the sesame seeds. Blend them all until they are puree-like consistency. Pour this mixture into the meat and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but overnight is much better so all the ingredients permeates the meat.

Then when you are ready, just place them in a pan - without oil so a nonstick is a better choice to do this. Since the meat was sliced thinly, it should not take long for the meat to cook. When finish just garnish with some sesame seeds.

I have done this a couple of weeks ago and it was a hit with some steaming rice or as what Koreans do, placing it in some lettuce leaves and eat it as it is... sorry it took me a while to post this but try it anyway and see how you like it.

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Yesterday, our two little munchkins attended their first children's party. It was a princess dress up party graciously organized by our good friend Victoria (with the help of her mum Elizabeth) which was held at our good friend Miia's backyard. As you can see, good thing that there was Luisa's son Quinn in there, otherwise it would just be our li'l man being the only thorn among the pretty princesses.

The party started at 1pm and since Miia's house was just a couple of streets away from our home, we decided to just make a slow stroll to their place. I made some chocolate crinkle cookies for the kids but there were heaps of fingers foods and Victoria really organized things well.

So despite the kids' nap time being in that time slot, they didn't seem to be tired as there were heaps of kids to play with and so much activities (and not to mention gifts and prizes given to the kids).

Even little Hannah Elisse was given her very own little tiara to be part of the princesses in the party but that didn't stay that long as her hair was so fine and shiny that the tiara would just slide off - but nonetheless being a biased mum, I reckon she was pretty and my very own princess too.

Here was our li'l man - sort of being shy as he gets surrounded by pretty princesses but he had a great time for sure. We went home rather exhausted but had a great time and the kids were very happy with the loots they got from the party. I was hoping (and after consulting to mr K) that maybe next summer we can have the kids in our backyard hire a jumping castle for the kids and have a barbi for the adults. I said next summer so by then the li'l man would truly be over two and the little princess would be over a year and a half so both can enjoy the company of the kids.... we'll see by then.

Labels: kids