YOG Ladies Football Final

Wa, time flies & it's already the last week of Oct. I had been extremely busy with lots of activities that I haven't logged into my blog for weeks. Found this unposted blog waiting for the uploading of the photos:

Tuesday, 10 Aug 2010

NC Vice-Chair,PK gave me 2 grandstand tickets @ $30 to the YOG Football Final (Ladies) at Jalan Besar Stadium. Didi loved football but he said not ladies. I bought meimei along, we took MRT & after alighting at Lavender Stadium, we simply followed groups in YOG uniform. Went in after securty check, the place was packed with mostly students in school uniform from various schools. Managed to get 2 seats at the far end. It was half-time break & we were entertained by performers & freebies thrown to the spectators.

The match continued with Turkey winninng Iran at 1:0. The ladies players in Iranian team wore scarf, long-sleeves tee & knee-high socks.  The students on my side cheered very loudly for Turkey. Watching matches live is exhilating & the crowd got very excited whenever the ball came near to the goalpost. The Turkey players were very happy to win 3:0 at closing time.

We went out, got a re-entry stamp on our arms, bought drinks, sweets & ice-cream from a Prime supermarket nearby but were stopped at the entrance from bringing food in, so we ate them b4 entering.

The 2nd match opened with players from Chile & Equaltorial Guinea players singing their National Anthem with pride. These ladies were very fierce & there were many injuries to both sides players. It was like pop, someone fell every minute. A poor girl fell in great pain when a ball was kicked hard at her chest. It was half time (40mins) at 9.20am with Chile wining 1:0 but we had to leave.  The journey home is abt an-hour & meimei bedtime is 10pm for her school-day.

Reached home & told gege abt the many injuries at the match earlier, concern abt his Velocity basketball competition soon at Novena. He assured that he will play only for fun, not to win.

Taiwan Spring Onion Bun

Thursday, 2 September 2010
















Auntie Lean was keen to make the Spring Onion Bun that we had watched on Taiwanese Cooking Video, therefore we gathered again at my place.

I had collected a pack of bread flour, a bit of yeast & spring onion from Shira the night b4. Quickly went market to buy more spring onion. Auntie Tai was 1st to arrive, bringing along her yeast to ensure that the buns proof this time round.

We mixed the ingredients with KitchenAid dough beater. Tai hands-knead them further & we weighted each into 3 x 20 gms of small portions. Then we set them aside to proof. Whilst watching the video again for the topping, I realised that I dun have shortening. Called Shira to borrow 100g from her. Su went to wait for her domestic helper but they missed each other, I then had to walk over to her place to pick it up.

I boiled Brown Rice Porridge with minced pork & salted egg for lunch. Su wanted to cook the Lotus Leaf Brown Rice too, she went home to get ingredients: HK sausage, chicken, dried mushroom, shrimp, scallop & oyster.

After lunch we proceed to spread the toppings. The buns were so fragrance when they are finally out of the oven that I was munching them continually.            

Egg Tart & Chicken Pie

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Taiji group leader, Su loved the Chicken Pie we made last week that she invited us to her place to made them. Today is Teachers' Day so all my kids are at home.

We decided to make the easy-to make healthy Egg Tart too. After preparing the dough, auntie Tai & I moulded the pastries whilst Auntie Lean & Su busied with the washing. We then filled the shells with egg pudding. We made 32 egg tarts but Su's portable oven can only bake 6 at a time. I brought the rest home & put all of them into my built-in Ariston ICE oven.  

We then proceed with the Chicken Pie & made 44 of them. Again I carried 2 trays home to bake. My kids enjoyed the Chicken Pie & Egg Tart. We then distributed the pies & tarts to the rest of the Taiji members. Tasted so yummy that they offered to contribute $ for more next time!

Su, quite a typical Hongkonger gourmet served us lots of food. We had many cups of fragrant fruit-flavoured Chinese Tea, popular Hongkong Chestnut Kueh, toasted baukwa & fruit salad (balance in above photo).

Mutli-grain Bread

Monday 30 August 2010

Since Auntie Tai is baking her own bread daily at home, we thus arranged to bake a healthy Multi-grain Bread at my place again.

They arrived at 10am. We prepared the dough mixed with multi-grain, then separated into small portions & waited for them to prove. Whilst waiting, I logged into the interesting Taiwan Cooking Video http://www.skybake.com/teaching/ for them to watch as both only understand Chinese. Alas almost 2 hours later, the buns were still not much bigger. My yeast must be dying (I put them in the cupboard & they should be in the fridge). Anyway we decided to bake them but they turned out quite hard especilly after cooling down. I had to steam to soften before eating them the next day.

We then arranged to bake the Taiwanese Spring Onion Bun on Thursday at my place before Auntie Tai goes home on Sunday.

Chicken Pie

Thursday, 26 August 2010

A resident's mum from Seremban, West Malaysia came regularly to stay at her place usually for about a-month period. Auntie Tai will join the morning Taiji group whenever she is here. She is a very good cook & bakes her own bread at home.

Heard that she & Auntie Lean were going to make Chicken Pie after morning exercise. I wanted to learn so I offered them my home. Both are very active & agile seniors in their 70s.

Tai went to buy the chicken from Fairprice & they came over at 10am. Tai is a fast worker & very skillful in weaving the cleaver. Whilst I was washing & dicing the chicken, she had cut the big onion & carrot.

First we marinated the chicken & stir-fried with onion & carrot. Setting the filling aside, we then prepared the dough for the pastry. Tai shown us the arts of moulding the pastry. We scooped in the filling  & covered all the tops. I egg-washed them before baking. Finally we distributed them to the other Taiji members too.

Gege loved the yummy Chicken Pie that he was asking for more the next day.

Facebook Refresher Course on 31 Aug 2010

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Vice-Chair PK requested for this Facebook Refresher Course as he was not able to follow the last Facebook Training that I had organised for our members due the lagged network connection from his laptop.

Thanks to Ce Wei for conducting the training at Yew Tee CC eClub. Total 16 attended  with 4 GRLs from Z9, Z10 & Z12. There are only 11 usable computers in the inner room. We spent some times replacing faulty CPU or screen from the outer room. PK's laptop is connecting fine. We were shown how to group our friends, changing the security setting & some Facebook menu.

Pizza Hut gave us the complimentary meal, being 2 hours late. I was calling them many times regarding the missing delivery despite their kitchen outlet is located on the ground floor in the same building.

Lunar 7th Month Dinner

It's time to update my blog again on a Monday morning with all the kids back at shool. They would rotate among themselves round the clock when they are at home.

Saturday, 28 August 2010

Reminisces the Hungry Ghost Festival Dinner I had attended at my ex-kampung whilst I was a young teenager. My late-dad quit after paying $72 a year as my family had shifted out of Kim Chuan then to nearby Jln Waspada in Upper Paya Lebar. I slept over at my ex-neighbour's place that night. Wayang was very popular then but the live-band geitai was up-coming during that era.

I had walked over to watch the geitai when I happened to see the tenage set-up behind Villa Verde playground many years ago. After the ABC Plan along the Sungei Kadut, it's now held under the Kanji Flyover. I was expecting geitai when I was invited for the 7th month dinner but the getai is now held separately on the following weekend :-(. I went to Yew Tee Wet Market instead which is nearer when both geitai were on the same night. The dinner at wet market is also on different day now hence it's more spacious & without interference from the loud auction biddings.

The food at VV was good, better than at the K-Box that we had the day b4. I enjoyed the sharkfin soup, fresh steamed promfret & `or nee'. The landed property residents bidded very high for most of the `good luck' items & few paid cash on the spot. $3000 was donated Villa Verde NC for constructing a hardcourt to hold their events.

PCF Yew Tee Teachers' Day Celebration

Friday, 27 August 2010

Jiejie loved going K-Box b4 our estate updated the Karaoke system with 5000-song last year. I am not into singing & had never been to one hence I took the opportunity to attend the PCF Yew Tee Teachers' Day Celebration at K-Box in Chua Chu Kang Megacentre.

With the large turnout of teachers & invited guests, the biggest room with a pool table is quite cramp. After GOH's speech, staff awards presentation & buffet dinner, the crowd then spread out to sing in 3 more rooms. The food's okay but only jars of beer available. Finally I had a glass of thirst quenching Ice Lemon Tea that tasted very fragrant & home-made. I left early shortly after as being tone-deaf, singing is definitely not my cup of tea.

Crispy Fried Fish Demo

Friday, 20 August 2010

 

Supported the Residents Get-together cum Crispy Fried Fish Cooking Demo by Elin at YTZ9 RC. 

At $3 only, we learnt to made the crispy fish & taste the yummy fish fillet with brown rice & coleslaw. A good meal, isn't it?

Lunar 7th Month Prayer

Saturday, 21 August 2010

1st time attending the 拜拜 session in my estate organised by the cleaning supervisor for many years during the `Hungry Ghost Festival'. We burned lots of papers then I called my family down to join in the lunch.

There was also a smaller prayer session on the 1st & last day of the Lunar 7th month. My family enjoyed the feast, the mutton rendang & roast pork was super yummy!

Not aware that there were numbers on the big joss-stick. Heard that the 4-digit came in 1st prize the following Wed. We enjoyed more sponsored golden piglets on the next prayer on 7 Sep, b4 the spiritual gate closed.

TCM Basic Theory

Thursday, 19 August 2010 


Interested to learn more abt Traditional Chinese Medicine, I skipped the monthly CCC meeting to attend the TCM Basic Theory Talk held at my neighbour's estate. Mr Po, a Chinese practitioner spoke briefly on TCM qi, yin yang & diagnostic concept.

Great thanks to Mr Po for sharing his knowledge with us.  He also bought along some Chinese herbal medicine, explaining on their proprieties. Looking forward to more sessions from him! :-)

Yew Tee 45th National Day Celebration Dinner & Show

The Sep 1-wk sch term break is over & the kids are back to school. Gonna get up early, however I can enjoyed my home-alone hours in the morning to hog the computer & update my blog.

Sunday, 15 August 2010

The YT 45th National Day Celebration Dinner & Show 2010 originally planned to be held on Sat 14 Aug was postponed to the next day due to the YOG Opening Ceremony.

We had 2 tables for our estate's council & committee members. Most of us met at the roundabt to walk over together. A vendor was selling the red/white umbrella with crescent moon & 5-star, small @ $3. I bought a long one for $5.

After GOH's speech, the show started with little dancers from Yew Tee Pri Sch doing a Racial Harmony Dance, I remembered my kids used to sing the popular song `Chicken rice...' written by Mr Kua for the sch's musical 2 years ago.

We sang `Happy birthday', cut a 10-kg cake & toast to the nation. My estate got a PA Merit Award. A member received his 15-service volunteering service award.

As our Advisor will be retiring next term, CCC had published a book on Mr Yeo's 25-Year Journey From Hong Kah to Yew Tee. A copy was distributed to all attendees.

Art of Chocolate

Saturday, 14 August 2010

Shira registered for Chef Judy Koh`s Chocolate Course organised by Masiling CC at Creative Culinaire. Interested too as I am new to Chocolate making.

Waited for her outside my estate & sent her daughter to Bukit Batok childcare centre en route. Reached Eng Hoon Mansion with no parking lot available. I went in to `chop' seats while she waited for a car to move off.

Attendance was good at the cooking & baking school, a media was there shooting photo & video. Chef Judy explained the different types of chocolates, tempering & demonstrated 3 recipes.

Chef Judy Koh gave up her career as a linguistic teacher to pursue her passion in food. She had worked in many countries learning from great chefs. Her class is very enjoyable as she is very passionate in sharing her knowledge.

The 3-hr session seemed too short but she had to prepare for her next hands-on cake baking class. I quickly bought her 2nd book `Pocket of Happiness' & got her autograph. Her 1st book is out of print.

We also had Brownie, Chocolate Pistacho & Pralet (signature cake) at her Caffe. I bought a 8-grain loaf, a slice of Passion Mango Cheesecake & Mirin Cake @ 10% off.

YOG Torch Relay in Yew Tee

Thursday 12 Aug 2010

After back late last nite attending rituals & burning a paper house at late-SIL wake, we left home early this morning for her funeral & cremation.

Came home, quickly changed to Committee tee & met 2 members at roundabout to proceed in celebrating Journey of the YOG Flame through Yew Tee. At 627, we were handed a YOG badge & a pair of clappers. A light drizzle started when we were blowing the clappers. Luckily it stopped shortly.

Groups of De LaSalle & PCF students were there too. We walked across to Regent Grove. At the overhead bridge, there was a crowd waiting & many were setting-up their camera on tripod to snap the memorable event.

By then, the sun was out. We were waiting & waiting under the scorching heat. The YOG Coca Cola & Samsung buses arrived 1st with blasting loud music. A brief wait later, more traffic & media vehicles came along.

Finally a runner came in. All of us started clapping excitedly when we spotted at some distance behind, the YEC Chairlady holding the torch with Advisor & few CCC members running with her. She then passed the torch to the next runner & both performed a merry dance, missed that shot as my Nikon digital takes some time to store image.

It was indeed a memorable moment. I am not into games but was influenced by the mood of those excited about the YOG. Thereafter I went Fairprice at Yew Pee Point to buy grocery for preparing dinner.

Feeling extremely exhausted when I was reached home. Fortunately, a member was keen to attend the Dialogue Session, hence I was able to rest early at night.

45th National Day Parade

Monday 9 August 2010

This year our NC received 2 NDP tickets to the Padang + 2 at Chua Chu Kang Heartland. Thanks to Ong's balloting, I got National Day Parade @ Padang & he had the CCK Heartland tickets.

Jiejie was happy to win a NDP tote bag thru Facebook `Friends of Yew Tee' National Day Photo Contest. There are 7 designs this year, she was excited & went out early to pick her fave design at CCK.

I can only bring meimei. It was very hot with sweltering heat when we set off. We packed our meals from McDonalds. Once outside City Hall MRT, the music were blasting with road closure surrounding the Padang. After security check & collecting our tote bags, we searched for the `Blue Sector'. Having height phobia to climb up the high steps, we sat at the 1st row.

The F1 fighter planes were thundering loud. It was scary looking up to see them diving down at a fast speed that I sat down & covered my ears.

It's a great experience to watch the parade live at the Padang. The mood is exhilarating, spectators dressed in red / white cheering loudly. Lots of colourful fireworks bursting from all over into the night sky. The whole atmosphere make one feel very patriotic & proud of being Singaporean.

In loving memory of late Sis-in-law

Sunday 8 Aug 2010

Dear hubby's eldest sister passed away peacefully at 0002hrs after 5 months of treatment from stage 4 pancreas cancer, leaving behind her hubby & 2 boys. Free from all pain now, may she rest in peace.

Dear hubby come from a large family of 14 siblings. I have not met some of them but always remember his eldest sister. She was present when I 1st visit my MIL with dear hubby b4 our wedding &  had presided our custom ceremony at MIL's house. Dear hubby is the 1st official wedded son.

During a CNY when jiejie was a toddler, 1st SIL carried her to visit her in-laws. Jiejie then can easily followed anybody. Whenever on outings when she was young, I held a string on her arm to mine. 

Late SIL was living very near our ex-Bishan East home but whenever I called to visit her then, she always said she would be going out. After many NOs, I stopped calling & thereafter we met only on 2nd day of CNY at my MIL's place. 

Her 2 sons are still single in their thirties now. They were in sec sch then. The elder nephew had a gf staying at their place for a short while & had met the girl going swimming with the younger boy.

Youth Olympics Games Opening Ceremony Preview

Saturday, 7 August 2010

Thanks to my neighbour BK for the tickets to the 1st YOG Opening Ceremony Combined Rehearsal 4. Dear hubby wasn't interested & gege wanted to bring his gf, she gave us 6 tickets.

We had our dinner at Kopitiam & took the train to City Hall. Crowds were also going to the Padang. We walked to the Float @ Marina Bay. After security check, we got a poncho. Bottled water was expensive @ $2.50.

Spectators were mostly youth. Many students stand-in for the athletes. Screening of the 2 mascots (Lyo & Merly) was brief, followed by performances & march-in of participating countries. Good laugh when we heard just `start of speech'  from the 2 stand-in organisers.

Jiejie was excitedly looking out for her friends holding placards, flags & singing in the choir. We enjoyed lots of colourful fireworks, some were for the NDP Preview on the same night.

Bukom Movie Nite

Saturday 31 July 2010

One Team Committee had arranged to screen `Inception' in Golden Village, VivoCity over few days. Each staff is entitled to 2 tickets with snack, additional is $10. Dear hubby & jiejie weren't interested. Wasn't keen but I had to bring the kids & pick-up the tickets. Miss the old big theatre, the cineplex is too cold with blaring PA, hence need to bring sweaters & ear-plugs.

Cooked fried rice & porridge for didi who had just recovered from 5-day of high fever. Rushed out with jiejie at 10.30am to PJC. After waiting for 20 mins, her Form & GP teachers commented that she has to study harder for better results. Called home to wake Gege.

Took feeder bus to CCK, jiejie was looking for sandals at Lot 1 (lost her Taiwan bought-pairs) but dun like any. Bought Jollybean & took the train back to Yew Tee to fetch the kids to Harbourfront.

Bought some floss bread on offer at BreadTalk in Vivo. Queued at GV & paid $20 for 4 tickets at Hall 11. Seats were allocated on first-come-first served. Then we walked around the level. Didi wanted a ZINC wallet. He took a long time in chosing a design.

Went back to GV to collect our snacks. Gege received a wrong nachos coupon, swopped to his choice of hotdog at the counter. We brought our food in, a member came to thank all for attending. Only 2 trailers were screened, no commercial as the movie is very long.

We ate at Kopitiam b4 heading back. At Outram Park Interchange, I proceeded to Chinatown to buy green thread to mend gege's sch pants. A crowd was watching an old man busking Chinese oldies infront of old People Park. He had been singing for 3.5hrs.

Bought cleanser, big bottles of shampoo, conditioner.. The train was crowded with some carrying tote bag from NDP Preview. Standing & hugging my heavy purchase, it was only after changing train at Jurong East Interchange, then I realised that my new sweater tied to my waist had dropped off :-(.

Magic Interest Group

Friday, 30 July 2010

Following the success of the Magic Workshop on 23 May 2010 organised by CLC, this monthly Magic Interest Group on the last Friday is organised by YEC for grassroots leaders.

2 volunteer magicians Jon & Jaq came to show some of their performing skills.  We were taught a simple trick using the Aladdin playing cards.

Prefer the earlier workshop, had attended another event by FLC & was late that day. Then we learnt ball drop (missed), cups & balls (1/2), thumb & switching notes ($2 to $50). Interesting but need lots of practice to master.

Chef Judy Koh Demo at La Galerie De Dietrich

Thursday 29 July 2010



















I am very glad to be invited by De Dietrich in Facebook to attend the Demo by Chef Judy Koh. It was for 1+1, I called Shira but her parents are here from HK.

Elin & I took Bus 123 from opp Tiong Bahru Plaza. We alighted 2 stops down & crossed over the overhead bridge to look for the shop.

There was a promotion on Chef Judy Koh's 2nd book @ $40. Chef demonstrated a Healthy Guava Tart using wholemeal flour. She is very chatty, experience & willing to share her knowledge with us.

There were 9 of us attending the workshop. Lyn brought her eldest 9-year old boy, he is an attentive boy.

We had enjoyed the demo & learn some great tips from Chef Judy.  Hope I am able to get more invitations from De Dietrich for their future cooking demonstrations.

ACM Farewell

Monday 26 July 2010

The CC ACM supporting our committee for 5 years will be transferring to HQ :-(.  We arranged a Farewell meal & a small souvenir for him during his last meeting with us.

Due to budget & small group size, we finally got a caterer to deliver the food in aluminum trays & drink in water bottles for 20 pax only.

Glad to see 2 new observers & most the members present at the meeting. The new Sgt from NPC managed to attend too.

One Community Walk

Sunday, 25 July 2010

85,000 walkers participated in the One Community Walk held at 75 locations islandwide as reported in the Media. Yew Tee was organised by Constituency Sports Club with various GRLs volunteering as marshals, distributing goodies. C2E team was also on standby for first-aid.

My estate's walkers met at the roundabout to walk out together to the Yew Tee MRT Hardcourt. The GOH had just arrived & we started with the warm-up routine exercises. 

Whilst waiting for the siren to announce the nation-wide synchronised flag-off at 8am, the participants took turn to take photograph with our friendly Advisor (his last term).

After completing the 2km walk round Yew Tee, each participants received a goodies bag, event paper & lucky draw coupon. We then played games at the sports stations. A towel is given out for completing 8 sports stations.

Some new walkers registered to join our funwalkers club. There were performance before the event ended with with lucky draw. Meimei & I then went for a hearty breakfast at M.

Garage Sales Nite

Saturday 17 July 2010

We have organised this annual Garage Sales in our estate since 2002. This year, we invited residents from our neighbour's estate too. NEA set up a booth, exhibiting on Anti-littering & Recyling with Used Cooking Oil Collection.

Instead of the usual popcorn & nuts, we arranged for the durian van from a plantation in Johor to come in. But his durians were not as great as previous years with the many rainy spells recently. We also arranged for an ice-cream van to come in too.

The garage stall vendors came down early at 6pm to `chop' a lot & quickly setup. Most of them were selling their old books, toys, clothes... A few stalls were displaying new items. A member was clearing her babies' products & another hawking helum balloons. The most expansive item is a 1-year old BMW Z7 asking for $135K. A `new' bookshelf was sold at $10 with assisted delivery to the new owner's home.  

It had rained the 2 times when I had a stall so now I avoided booking stall & do barter trade. My daughter is interested in a battery-opeated stunt car. Knowing that this stall owner has 3 young kids, he agreed to my request in swopping my whole lots of books with the toy.

We had an enjoyable night & times fly. There was a good crowd & I dun realise it was closing times till I saw the vendors packing up. The weather was great. After the event, residents are asking when is the next garage sale.

Great Singapore Sale Shopping

Sunday, 11 July 2010

As homemaker, we try to shop during sales to expand our $$$. What did my family buy at the GSS this year? I managed to get a blouse at 20% off from OAMC in City Hall Link while walking to Suntec for the Duck Tour. Jiejie has ATM Card, as teenager, she will buy clothes, accessories.... whenever she goes out with her friends.

On 12 June after the Anti-Littering Launch by SWCDC Mayor in Jurong Point, I took a bus to Lot 1 to meet dear hubby & didi at CCK Library. Didi needed long pants. He is too thin, got a pair of jeans (with rubberised top at the back) from Kiddy Palace for him. Dear hubby bought a pair of Reebok black walking shoes from Royal Sporting House & a black leather wallet from BHG.

On 25 Jun, meimei & I went to Causeway Point to get some books & stationery from Popular as the store is having its half-yearly 20% off for members. John Little is also having store-wide 20% off. Meimei tried some Princess jeans. I asked her to choose 1 only as she is going into puberty & outgrown her clothing very fast but she insisted on getting 2 pairs.

The right base of my Erke running shoes broke after the Night Tour. I like the comfortable China-made shoes. Last Friday, I went to the largest World of Sports store in Jurong Point to look for a similar pair. Bought the Elle white/purple jogging shoes instead as they are softer. It's better price than Erke at 20% + 10% for members.
 Checked the basketball shoes that gege wanted & saw that they are on offer.

Today went with gege to Jurong Point for him to choose a fitting pair. Limited models left for his big size-11 feet. Finally he chose thehigh cut AND1 blue/white Wander-mid for better ankle-support. A good buy @ 30% + 10%.

School shoes are also on sale so I bought another 2 pairs of white Bodymaster. Gege plays basketball with his friends in school almost everyday that within 2 months (last purchase was on 15 Apr & by end May), there are holes in the sole of his school shoes.

Asked him what else he needs & he wanted former top as he will be attending Prom Nite end of the year so we walked to John Little. After trying several shirts, he chose a black Alain Delon & a Montagut with vertical strips.

We came back to Yew Tee Point & bought 4 pairs of thick socks from TrAck. Normal socks worn out super fast wth all his jumping at playing basketball. Then we walked over to Kopitiam to have dinner with the rest o f the family. Thereafter I proceed to Fairprice to do the weekly grocery shopping.

Bukom Lab Family Day

Saturday, 10 July 2010

I left JC abt 3.30pm & quickly took the train down to City Hall. While walking over, I saw many army tanks outside Suntec on standby for the National Day Parade Preview. Reached the Duck Tour counter & spotted my family with a HR staff. Gave her the Elegant Round Tupperware that I just got at JC earlier as I still have a few similar pieces at home.

1st we watched a video b4 boarding the Wacky Duck. Abt 30 of us were in Group A (Blue Team). Due to ooad closure around the Padang area for NDP Preview, the land tour were cut short & soon we dropped into the Kallang River. The guide gave an interesting complementary on the surrounding landmarks along the riverbank. The ride was smooth in water but I felt quite giddy from motion sickness while being struck with the heavy traffic on the bumpy duck when we were heading back on land.

After alighting abt 6pm, the guide handed us a pack of Duck Souvenir. B4 the next 3 groups went on board, all of us gathered for a HUGE group photo. There is an hour of free & easy time for us b4 dinnertime at 7pm. We walked to Carrefour & back to Siam Kitchen. There were jars of sweet with Shell logo on the table. Jiejie was excited to see the homemade sweets posted by local popular blogger `Xiaxue' that she kept snapping pictures of them. We then decorated our group poster for the contest.

The boss thanked the B Shift organisers & all for the largest participants this year. Family members were thanked too for the high overtime the staff had put in recently with the new plant opening. Then it's makan time. The best poster was won by Group C.

My kids went to watch the laser show at the world's largest fountain. They were excited to see a flashed message `Were you marry me?', then a guy presented a big bouquet of flowers & ring to his gf, the crowd clapped.

JC Tupperware Meeting

Saturday, 10 July 2010

Thanks to Shira & AL for helping to reduce a bit of my 3-4 cupboardful Tupperware stock on Vesak Day. Went with Shira to Defu Lane to do replacements the following week, end up I bought a cartoon of some special products. 2 wks later when my director emailed me the Limited Release special, unable to resist the temptation again, I ordered another cartoon of Tupperware. Bad eyes - No see no buy! See only buy & buy! Hiax, Have kept accumulating & difficulty in clearing the stock for years...

Joy Connexion called earlier this week to inform on her quarterly Tupperware Meeting in Toa Payoh, I was inactive & haven't been attending these meeting for ages (probably more than 2 years since my last helper left). Checked with dear hubby, his department Family Day's Duck Tour is at 5pm, hence I arranged to meet them in Suntec by 4.30pm.

I left home earlier abt 12.30pm. At the roundabout, a neighbour offered me a lift. He was going to Kallang Bahru & dropped me at my destination Braddel MRT, thanks for saving me a fair bit of time. After alighting, I got a few packs of sweets for my kids, then realised that I had left my wallet at home, luckily I had my NET card.

The lontong JC ordered from Bedok is yummy. Having zero cash, I still owe 80cts for the 2 new brocologs that I took. We started with a sure-win draw for early birds. I like the unique 3-in-1 spoon, fork & knife which is useful for travel but I got the last item, a rock-n-serve round magnet.

Thanks to JC for allowing me to take pictures (more in my facebook) in her Office.

These are our Sales Challenge items for monthly sales from Apr - Jun 10 : Elegant Round for $300-$499.99, Square Flexible  $500-$999.99 & a Micro Steamer Set for $1,000 & above. The 2 red Steam It are special gifts from another director for her team to help her achieve her Jubilee target. Received an Elegant Round for my 2 June oders, I gave it with a brocolog to a Bukom staff when I reached Suntec, hence recommending her to join & buy at special price.

PA 50th Year

Been lagging with the posting as I was busy & tired with community newsletter, accounts, events, meetings & also GSS shopping for the family.

Saturday, 3 July 2010

As there was road closure around the Padang area for the 45th NDP rehearsal, committee VC Pete & I together with YT Z9 RC members took the MRT down to City Hall & walked over to Suntec City Convention Centre for the PA Grassroots Convention & Appreciation Dinner. After security check, we took our seats at Table 389 & had our tea. There were speeches, sharing of success stories, GRLs pledge & song. It was very cold inside the hugh hall & request for hot water took a very long long time to come. I was shivering & great thanks to Fu for lending me his jacket.

Finally dinner was served, starting with a very COLD dish. Overall I had enjoyed the programme & food (pix below) skipping the king prawn (sensitive skins). After a giant cake-cutting ceremony, there was a preview of PA 50th Musical `Fried Rice Paradise' to be shown in Esplanade. Each committee & attendee went home with a PA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book. Read in Sunday Times the next day that this book, @ $50, is available at all major bookstores or at CC from Jul 15.

PA 50th Year History

Superior COLD Dish

Crabmeat & Fish Maw Broth (sharkfin discouraged)

Shitake & Broccoli w Crabmeat Roe Sauce

Baked Miso Brushed Silver Sea Perch

 Braised Eu-Fu Noodles (No fried rice)

 The last dish is my favourite, Chilled Mango with Pomelo.

Nite Tour & Durian Feast

26 - 27 Jun 2010

Members were asking whether I'm interested to join them to the Jurong Fishery Port at 2am to buy fresh sea-catch, I thought why not bring a busload of residents there instead. Hence this local Nite Tour incorporated the annual Durian Tour that we had during the hot durian season. I had to fax the indemnity form & email the visitors details to AVA at least a week b4 the trip.

We gathered at the estate's roundabout at 10pm & set off excitedly. Our 1st stop was Sim's Ave Lor 17 for the XO durians. I bought 4 big Taiwan Honey Mango & a bunch of small banana too.  Then we proceed to Mustafa for an hour of late night shopping. A bit of a rush with so many levels there, nevertheless I grabbed a Polo suitcase & a Scholl scandal. 

Next we stopped over at Lau Pa Sat for a late supper. Finally we reached the Jurong Fishery Port at 3am. I submitted the original forms at the security post with my NRIC for a visitor pass for the group to enter.

The place was bustling with trucks & boxes being towed in from the fishing vessels. The floor are very wet. Displayed in baskets, boxes & on the floor are wide variety of fresh fishes, prawn, sotong... Initially I intend to buy tenggiri & sting ray but they dun clean or cut for you there. The fresh prawns are a good buy but I dun eat prawn. After walking around, I end up buying my fave crab instead.

Crab is recommended buy at the fishery as they were very fresh & sweet when I cooked them the next day. We were back at 4.30am to catch up on our beauty sleep.  It's indeed an interesting & educational trip for all! .

My First Fondant Cake

20 Jun 2010

Yesterday I attended 2 food workshops from 10.30am - 3pm learning to make `Jiao Zi' & Cookie Decoration conducted by Shira in her estate's Multi-Purpose Hall. After class, I borrowed from her a set of alphabet to cut the fondant (sugarpaste) lettering for the Father's Day Cake. Came back to prepare the steamboat ingredients for dinner & baked an easy-to-make 10" square sponge cake using Optima flour at night. 

Was eager to experiment with fondant for the 1st time so this morning I tried to create a shirt that I had seen in Jane's blog recently. Initially I was having problem rolling out a big flat sheet as my rolling pin is not long enough. Was attempting a few times with meimei before I could successfully get a sheet big enough to cover the entire cake. We then cut off the excess along the edges with a pizza cutter. Next we rolled a long strip of fondant for a stand-up collar but the fondant was too soft. We finished off with pasting on the lettering and the buttons.

Gege is going out to attend a friend's birthday party so we cut the cake after lunch. Usually my cream cake disappeared very fast but the fondant is too sweet for my family liking. Not wanting to waste food & effort, I tried to eat a few more slices, the high sugar content irritated my throat.  Had to brew & drink many cups of chrysanthemum herbal tea to clear my sore throat & phlegm.

Hiax! Is there a special cake recipe for fondant decoration? Heard from Gina that most locals would throw away the fondant & eat the cake only. That's a waste! Probably I should stick to making cream cake.

Steam Vegetable Bun (Pau) Demo

Friday, 18 Jun 2010

Engaged the ex-YTPS PSG Wendi to do the Steam Vegetable Bun Demo in the estate when I attended her session at YT Z9 RC abt 2 mths ago. 23 residents came for the hands-on session held in Function Room.

Wendi started with mixing the ingredients for the pau dough & knead till it's smooth. I usually make use of my KitchenAid dough beater to knead. She showed us to apply the correct strength cos I always have aching hands when I do manual kneading.

While waiting for that dough to proof, Wendi brought out another ready sample for us to practise. All had a good laugh when someone brought out a big heavy metal rolling pin. Everyone had a fun time rolling the skin & folded with vegetable filling. Well, practise makes perfect! After a few try, our pleats are neater & resemblance the popular `xiao long pau'. When done with the steaming, we enjoyed eating the hot & yummy buns.

Wendi is very patient in repeating the folding steps to each & every one of us. She readily shares her knowledge & showed us 2 other pleats for dumpling. Participants also share their skills on pleating curry puff. Will be engaging Wendi to do more cooking demo in the estate.

Unfortunately except for the above photo, I had accidentally deleted the rest of the photographs from the memory card. There is no way I could retrieve or re-take them. So sad. :-(

South West CDC Briskwalking Training

Sunday, 13 Jun 2010

The Briskwalking Training for South West Funwalkers Club leaders & co-ordinaters was held in JTC Summit. There were 2 groups of abt 20 attendees each on 25 & 26 floors. The Proage trainers are engaged by Health Pomotion Board to design the exercises for flexibility, balance & muscle strengthening.

We learnt the 2 ways to measure the heart rate, the 12-exercise in the warm-up routine, the correct briskwalk technique, the 9-exercise in the cool-down routine & lastly to calculate the fitness index.

It is indeed a very good & beneficial training. I am keen to arrange for the trainer to come to my estate or YT to train the Funwalkers Club members on the proper way to walk iso their usual strolling which has no health benefit.

YT INC Peranakan Museum Tour

Sunday 13 Jun 2010

I volunteered to help YT INC in taking care of 1 busload of New Citizens & family on their outing to the Peranakan Museum as I have yet to visit this new local museum. We assembled at YT CC to board the bus. There were some absentees. I tried to call them but most of their mobiles were off on Sun morning.

We set-off abt 10am. There were 2 English / Mandarin speaking tour guides on each bus. Majorities in my group joined the English speaking guide. Our 1st visit was Emerald Hill 翡翠山, a neighbourhood & conservation area located near Orchard Road to see the unique designs of the Peranakan houses.

We then proceed to the Peranakan Museum housed in the Old Tao Nan School building at Armenian Street. It has 10 galleries spread over 3 floors, with intricate displays each of the important rituals, practices & material culture of the Peranakans. We were told to avoid the 7th gallery which has a big coffin if we are uncomfortable. Meimei & her friend went in & she accidentally hit the wall. Both were shocked to hear the sudden loud wailing that they quickly dashed out in fright.

After the tour, we have a better understanding of who the Peranakans are & their culture. We were all hungry by 12nn & were glad to proceed to Thomson Village Wok for a Peranakan lunch.

After that, I proceed to Jurong East for the SWCDC Briskwalking Training by Health Promotion Board. Ya, must exercise after consuming too much yummy food to keep fit! :-)

YEW.ni.TEE (Unity) Day

Sunday, 6 Jun 10

We were tasked to organise a family day for YT members to get-together. First met at IMM to spearhead the event. The theme YEW.ni.TEE (Unity) Day was conceived. We then proceeded to racee the venue Bristro in Changi Beach Park, a sandy beach with scenic sea-view.

Buses were provided from YT at different timings. I took care of the 3pm transport. My kids had a great time paticipating in the Scavenger Hunt & the free bicycle ride b4 GOH's arrival.

Swimming is discouraged nonetheless we were excited to see the sailing boat passing by & the many aeroplanes from different countries flying in as they navigate for landing into Changi Airport. Emcee played the game `guess which airline the next plane from' whenever we spotted a plane from afar.

Meimei brought her kite along. However at their 1st attempt to fly, gege threw the kite up but it dosed down to hit the ground & a wooden cane broke. Meimei kept mending the broken frame with lots of masking tape & was happily running around the beach trying to get it up.

It was an enjoyable day with fine weather. All of us were having a good time enjoying the sea breeze, romantic sunset & yummy food. Looking forward to more YT family day! :-)

BBQ at my Estate

Saturday Eveing, 5 Jun 10

My estate is 10 yrs old. The council & committee members organised a BBQ for family members to interact. Invited an ex-resident, Su family to join us.  I was attending a fondant miniature figurine class next to their blk that afternoon & had arranged to meet at their place after my class. They surprised me by appearing at the trainer's gate at 6pm. When I walked down, they were already waiting in the car & looking forward to see the old neighbours.

Thanks to the estate manager who helped to order the sumptuous food & 2 BBQ support guys to do the grilling. All of us enjoyed trays of hot & perfectly grilled yummy food without sweat & there was no wastage of burnt or undercooked food.

Mrs Su gave us a tin of wafers, each with a special message. She started the monthly potluck in each other's house when we were new in the estate. Her family shifted to Hougang to be near her church in Bartley after she gave birth to her son abt 5 yrs ago. Her boy was very excited whenever he saw a Malaysian KTM Train passed by, he kept asking why the train is not here yet.

Called some of the old neighbours down, there was so much to catch up amongst all of us that we were still chatting past 11pm.  As usual, when ladies are yapping together, it's difficult to stop la..

Fondant Miniature Figurines Workshop

Saturday Afternoon, 5 Jun 10

I attended Cake Making till Level 4 at Bishan East CC 12 yrs ago in 1988 where I learnt to bake various type of cake, creaming & piping. Was introduced to the beautiful creations of fondant when I 1st viewed them on Shira's blog in Apr 10. After seeing more food bloggers on their cake decorations with fondant, I'm eager to learn more abt this sugarpaste. Hence I registered on-line at Kitchen Capers for the 3-hr workshop on Miniature Figurines moulding conducted by Chef Gina at her residence in Hougang.

After the Women Eco Training in Jurong West, I proceeded to Hougang Ave 7 & reached Gina's place abt 2.30pm. The other 3 ladies were already there. My 1st attempt with fondant decoration. A lady, busygran showed me photos of her beautiful fondant cakes & roses, wa.. she is already so good yet she's attending the class.

All of us enjoyed the session very much. Gina gave clear explanation when she did the demonstration. I crafted a bear, bowl, sheep, penguin, goldfish, sleeping baby under a blanket & 2 roses. Times passed very fast & we had already extended by half an hour. The 3 ladies rushed off & Gina showed me how to craft footwear.

Gina is friendly & chatty, feel some familiarity after reading her blog. Realised that we both grew up in Kim Chuan. Her family shifted to Kallang Bahru, now she lives in Hougang. Her store is in Kallang Bahru near her mum's place. I had shifted to Sim's Drive, then Bishan & now I am in the west (old friends said my place is further than going to JB when they visited me).

I had arranged to walk over to an ex-resident's place in the next blk after class but her family was very excited to attend the BBQ at my estate that I was surprised to see her & her 4 kids at Gina's front gate. I had to pack & said bye-bye to Gina, thanks for your generosity in sharing your moulding skills.

South West Women Litter-Free Ambassador Training

Saturday Morning, 5 Jun 10

Had 3 events to attend today. Whilst on the bus to pay respect to the ex-DPM Dr Goh Keng Swee at Parliament House last month, mdm told me there's an Eco Training to be conducted nearby. Since my estate had just started on the recycling program, I am interested to learn on the know-hows of handling recyclable materials. When was told the day b4 that the venue is Gek Poh Ville CC, I was undecided (dun know the way there) but mdm gave details of the bus transfer from Boon Lay MRTso I proceeded.

Upon reaching there, I was quite disappointed that the trainer was speaking on Women Litter-Free Ambassador instead. Mdm came during tea-time. Luckily after tea-break, the session was quite enjoyable.

We watched NEA staff performed a short skit. Then we formed into groups of 10 to practise. There were 6 of us from Yew Tee, a lady from Pioneer joined our team. As majorities in our team are Chinese speaking, we translated the script into Mandarin.  Each group was asked to to perform on stage. Our Mandarin team was the last to perform.

We will be performing to pre-schoolers & in primary school to create the awareness of anti-littering. South West Major will officially launch the Women Eco Champion on next Sat 12 Jun 10 at Jurong Point.

I will be liaising with the NEA staff to have a recycling exhibit to educate the residents in the estate during our forthcoming event.

Water Cress Soup

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

I shop weekly at Fairprice for all my groceries. Seeing the water cress on offer, I selected 2 bunches to boil soup. LOVE Water Cress Soup when I 1st tasted it at an ex-neighbour's place in Sim's Drive. My late-mum was forbidden to cook any cooling food at home. Late-dad threw the water cress away when I asked her to buy. Dear hubby & jiejie love it too so I cook it quite often for dinner.

Whilst working at DBS in Clifford Centre, I had ordered Water Cress Soup at the old Boat Quay. The stems were long, hard & very difficult to chew. With a pressure cooker, it's very easy to boil this soup. The water cress are soft & so yummy that I need at least 2 bunches of them.

Here is how I cooked them.

Ingredients
2 bunch  Water cress
500 g  Spare rib  (I use PorKee prime rib)
1  Honey dates
9  Red dates 
3 Tbsp Kei chee
5 slice  Ginger
Abt 3lit  Water
1.5 tsp  Salt  (can vary to your liking)

Method
1.  Rinse the watercress twice & cut into shorter section.
2.  Blanch the pork bone.  Soak honey dates in hot water to soften.
3.  Rinse red dates & kei chee.
4.  Heat up a big pot of water, add all the ingredients.
5.  Cover & pressure-cook for abt 20 mins.

Note
I'm using a pressure cooker on induction hob, you may need to cook for abt 2-4 hrs if using a normal pot on gas stove.

Meimei's 12th Birthday

Sunday, 30 May 2010

My youngest daughter is 12 today, she self-invited few good friends home to celebrate her birthday. She used to invite so many that I've set a limit. She had also requested for her fave Chilli Crab Noodles.

A neighbour, JTS rang in the morning asking what time the party is. She bought her son over & give meimei a big kite. Meimei was having much fun trying to fly a kite with her son at Marina Barrage the day b4.

I took out the 12" square cake which was baked the night b4 & sliced it into 2 layers to apply blueberry filling. Had always used Redman (non-dairy) Cream but got a packet of Millac Gold from Shira recently. 1st time trying dairy cream, unfortunately while I was pouring it into a big bowl which was on a small weighing scale, I accidentally toppled the bowl & the cream spilled onto the table, chairs, cupboard's doors & floor. Hiax! Busy with wiping & mopping a few times to remove the grease. Lesson learnt, always work on the flat counter top only.

I whipped up whatever balance cream there's left in the box. Piping with a no. 20 star nozzle (missing after all the washing), I find that the flow is not as smooth as the veg cream &amp. It melt quite fast & became watery when I'm piping the last row at the top edge. Luckily the cream was just sufficient to cream all the 4 sides.

Don't have cherry so I diced a few strawberries, placing them onto the piped flowers along the edge & covered the top with chocolate rasps.  Finished it off with the `Happy 12 Birthday' wordings using 2 coloured piping jelly.

Prepared a big Tupperware container of cold drink for some early-bird friends who came at 3pm to play basketball. The rest came at 4pm. Asked jiejie to register them for snooker in the games room at Clubhouse. Meanwhile I was very busy in the kitchen, heating up fish balls & hotdogs in the oven, slicing veg & mixing coleslaw, frying shoestring fries, popcorn chicken & the chilli crab noodles. 

The friends were running all over the estate playing Treasure Hunt. They came up hot & sweaty for many cups of cold drink & started eating. The chilli crab noodles was quite spicy for 2 but they continued to have more. Nobody want the rice. Served the cut jelly with fruit cocktail. Need to make more cold drink so I brought some food to my neighbour's house to ask for some ice.

A friend's parents came early to fetch the siblings home. After all had left, called a neighbour whose sons loved my cake & she was happy to pack the leftover chilli-crab noodles too.

The next day, gege asked whether there's anymore chilli-crab noodles. Hence I bought the ingredients while shopping with Shira at Sheng Siong Supermarket on Wed & fried again for lunch on Thu with longan & mango desert. Shiok!

LTA Gallery Tour & Marine Barrage Walk

Saturday, 29 May 10

Bought a busload of the estate's Funwalkers members for our monthly walk today. 4 Korean & Filipino joined us on this outing. My family came along except jiejie. All of us gathered at the roundabout abt 2pm to collect water & bun b4 setting off.

1st visit was the LTA Gallery at the site of the old KK Hospital. We had abt an hour of free interesting guided tour of the past & future transportation. Recommended to visit if you've not been there. Booking is thru email LTGallery@lta.gov.sg for group of 40.

Next the bus dropped us at The Verge nearby, we crossed over to opp Blk 668 & took the new enternal glass lift up to top 20th floor for a bird-eye view. Having height phobia, I hid behind dear hubby with closed eyes when the elevator was going up. Relief when it's down again.

We had an early dinner at the revamped Tekka Market. Walked back to Verge & shopped at Sheng Siong supermarket. We bought many food in preparation for meimei's 12th birthday party the next day. Our regular bus driver loan me a freezer box FOC.


















The coach then brought us to Marina Barrage which is celebrating its 1 million visitors the next day. All of us had enjoyed walking in the breezy sunset & admiring the surronding breath-taking views. As it's a fine day, there were crowds having picnic & flying kites. A young couple was resting & they're happy to let us play with their kite. The kids were having a fun time trying to tug the kite up in the air, esp meimei who kept running but the kite dosed down quickly.

All too soon the sun had set & it's time for us to leave. We thanked the young couple & handed them a LTA souvenir. We quickly headed out & I checked that all were there b4 calling Ang to pick us.

Upon reaching home abt 8.30pm, I was busy with baking cake & cooking jelly for the next day's celebration.