Wearing the bigger shorts I had bought some months back in Feb, then it was loose but in recent days it became fitting!!! That meant I had definitely grown fatter to fill out that 2 sizes up. Think overall thus far, I had put on at least 15kg+ and pants waist had gone up 3 sizes... Shirts I had gone from Medium to Large and sometimes prefer the looser X.Large. Erm really had let the weight gone on ahead.
As a last ditch effort. I decided to literally clean up my food. I restarted my meal prep that I had done 3-4 years ago. This time, drawing upon my previous experiences, I prep packs of chicken breast meat into zip lock bags with the marinate added and put into the freezer. Then pre-cooked some of the vegs like sweet potatoes (steamed) and carrots (cut and boiled) then put them into containers and put in the fridge. Had fresh vegetables - tomatoes and lettuce which are only cut when going to be consumed. The prep takes an hour plus to prep all the packs, chuck into fridge then can be consumed with a bit of cooking for 7 days.
Then I usually replace the lunch meal cos now I am still not working and also it meant, I could prevent snacking if I am full from lunch. In fact, I find that I dont snack nor eat others after the meal. Good for me.
There were some breaks in-between but I intend to keep this up for 30 days then re-evaluate how to get better. But I welcome the cleaner and simpler food cos it kinda tamed my mouth from craving all the rich tasting foods. In fact I found my cravings for food went down to almost zilch.
In the second round of mass food prep, after the supermarket trip, I moved to try out pork chops. And reducing the amount of meat a bit, I repacked into 12 packs instead of the previous 7 chicken packs. I find that I need to experiment with the pork chops a bit in terms of how to get the marinate into the meat, how to cook it so it is softer and tender. Chicken breasts is easier for me cos I had tried it out before. Into my 2nd pack of pork chops so far, and slight progress. The difference I find is the porky smell whereas chicken didnt have that, so that meant stronger smelling and tasting marinades are needed. Also have to get used to the lesser protein portions cos under the 7 packs of chicken, I had 5 inner breasts whereas now I am eating 1.5 thin pork chops. So far still adjusting to it. Will try to cook the pork differently though my basic ingredients are the same for all 12 packs. Look forward to success and a full tummy that is slimmer over time.
Nonetheless there were some successes - garlic with diced tomatoes were wonderful, chicken with onions were delicious, sweet potatoes are very nice to eat.
Weight loss does not purely come from exercising alone nor eating alone. It comes from both. I had just resumed KM (only for 6 more months) to use up my package that I suspended on grounds of injuries. And with more exercises at home and also healthier eating, I hope with some time, I can see small results.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Kinda fell off the wagon - trying to pick myself up
I was kind of getting into the groove of things, culinary-wise, after the last baking sessions and was excited about making Pork carnitas, tortilla and salsa from scratch. Things had to be on hold cos had to go back to Msia.
The only thing I kept up was the recitation of daily prayers. Everything else, I dropped and lost focus. This saying of daily prayers came about after my sis's last bout near end-May. The feeling of helplessness and also with added understanding from all the 'supernatural' stuff... the conclusion is that the only thing I can do, within my power, besides helping out physically and also managing the family's finances, is to pray. (apart from doing good deeds)
Then after the hectic time in Muar, I came out and kinda feel lost. Lost the groove of things. Felt lost and dont know where to restart from? And also there were issues weighing heavily on my mind and heart. Worries that are nagging at the back of my mind.
The only thing I kept up was the recitation of daily prayers. Everything else, I dropped and lost focus. This saying of daily prayers came about after my sis's last bout near end-May. The feeling of helplessness and also with added understanding from all the 'supernatural' stuff... the conclusion is that the only thing I can do, within my power, besides helping out physically and also managing the family's finances, is to pray. (apart from doing good deeds)
All these years, there are very few instances when I sit down and chant the Buddhist chants. A couple of times once-off for teachers and family friends who passed away. A handful over the years. I only know one chant. But during the final days of my Dad's hospitalisation in Oct, I took out the beads and chanted. After he passed, I didnt, until months later in May.
It wasnt easy to focus. I find my focus waning after a while. Or my mind wanders while my mouth is chanting. Or my eyes wander... Even when I try to refocus on certain concepts in my mind, there are times when the mind wanders off. I try to hold onto the feeling of sincerity and compassion but at times the focus wanes. Partly cos I set increasingly larger number of times to recite the prayers. I started with a few hundred which is reached quickly and increased to about two thousand times which takes a much longer duration, so the mind wanders off partly. Have gotten better at it and hope to keep this up. A way for me to try to get some inner peace from all the frustrations, irritations and issues on my plate.
Exercise-wise I have fallen off the wagon... and after the trip, I weighed myself, and am up another 2kg... Seriously hard and these few days I have bad cravings and munchies... Need to relook and try to work out a longer term weight-loss plan. There goes my slimmer self that took me 1.5 years to achieve. Now though I havent been working and technically should have more time to exercise. Not doing much cardio or anything intensive, meant no flab loss. *Sigh, have to put my back into this* Health is definitely wealth and I need to get myself into shape again, though I would acknowledge that this will not be easy nor fast...
So been partly zoned out and feeling kinda off these past 2 weeks. Felt better after I went to meet up with friends, headed out for Poke-hunting walks about the estate. Slowly I am finding my focus again. Also did a bit of exercise here and there, not regular enough. This Sat, I will jumpstart my cooking cos I have to bake the two items - Pumpkin cake and Pandan swiss roll as offering to give thanks to the deities for their help. Other than that, I have only cooked a pack of instant noodles and a fried egg for myself. Feeling rusty.
Tab had a National day bbq at her place and there were 4 girls. For once, I was kinda of glad not to have to end up being the one cooking. I almost always end up grilling if I go for bbq. Well I did help to light the grill, refill the charcoal and cut up the bell pepper and poke the sticks of beef n tomatoes n bell pepper. Also washed some of the utensils and threw the rubbish. Fair enough. But I kinda decided to remove myself from the situation that arose from really nothing... not really in the mood for any confrontation over such mild and insignificant issue. Given I already have a lot of issues on my plate from family situation. Decide to be hands-off and walked to sit at the sofa, enjoy watching TV, play with Pusheen and chat with others. Also made myself 3 generous alcoholic drinks - 2 Lemoncello with Heaven Earth Lemon tea & Green Tea with Gentleman whisky. Felt pretty relaxed after the drinks cos this bbq was just after I came out from Muar.
A few days after the bbq, I headed out to town to explore and wander a bit to clear my mind. Still feeling the loss of focus then. I passed a laundry shop and saw something. It turned out to be the chinese comic version of the book "Journey to the Underworld", not the english novel but a scripture book that supposedly the Jade Emperor of Heaven commissioned JiGong, to bring a devote mortal man in recent times, 1978, to visit the levels of Hell to record the punishment and happenings into a book, to reveal the inner works so that humans can learn and repent and not fall into the abyss of Hell. Especially so in the current age of science, there is strong loss of morals and many evils are being perpetrated (think terrorism, wars, illegal).
I had started to read up about it to try to understand the Underworld, because JiGong is inside after the Taipei trip. The version I read was translated into English in a blog. But after reading this comic version, I found the comic version was so much more comprehensive than the english translated blog version. The pictures in the comic made it much easier to comprehend and gave a more complete version compared to trying to read the Chinese text version.
The comic version book was placed at the corner of the laundry shop free for the taking, as part of the Buddhist way of putting out buddhist books for those interested to take home and read. But these books have to be treated properly. No writing on it or anyhow dirty or throw it about. They cannot be thrown away nor recycled. They should be returned to any of such buddhist books spots or to temples that takes back such books if you dont want to keep it anymore (though in recent years, fewer and fewer of such temples and spots are found in SG)
So I read through the chinese comic version and it was very comprehensive. It does explain the process when one passes away and what happens etc. Besides the main theme of the book which is to let humans know what are the sins and the severe punishments, so that humans can avoid them and be more compassionate. There are also lessons to be learnt. Things about being compassionate, having strong morals, not taking any shortcuts nor taking one's life, ways to repent etc. I feel it has given me a clearer picture of things in life. I read it twice to keep it fresh in mind. Gave me some perspective of things that are within my control. Some life lessons too.
Even for those of other religions, it is mentioned in the book. That this is not about Buddhism spreading but revealing that this "Immigration process" is the same irregardless of the religion and that Buddhism actually supports equality and tolerance of other religions, because it matters not the religion but the heart and the sum of good vs evil deeds done in one's lifespan. Knowing the evils and sins to avoid can help. Knowing how to do good also helps. Such knowledge wont hurt anyone irregardless of religions.
Pokemon hunting came about after National day. My sis downloaded on her phone and that week I borrowed her phone adn headed out for a number of walks. A walk to run errands spans several poke-stops. Then there are afternoons when I loaned her phone and headed out for Poke-walk around the estate specifically for poke-hunting. Even to the West Coast park. Had a double mc spicy with the new potato wedges. Man, Macs has good thick and solid wedges.
Last Friday, Tab, Quet and I ended up in Vivo. Nearer for me. Something to do for Tab. Pokemon for Quet. Both of them ended up catching quite a number of pokemons. The drive to my place, I held onto Quet's phone to help her refill as we drove past the pokestops and also catch any if they pop up. Near my home, 2 dratinis showed up and Tab caught one and I caught one for her. Think its a good thing that my phone cant download Pokemon Go cos of the older operating system. So I can only play if I borrow my sis's phone. I am limited to a short walk or at most an hour or two out with her phone. Hence mainly to nearby areas. Which I dont mind cos after a while, I feel the urge to play waning. After so many poke-walks, it is getting a bit tiring.
Today I went Poke-hunting walk cum errand and caught some but find it a bit weary after walking about quite a bit under the hot sun. But I had refilled the pokeballs. My last walk was 3 days ago. I had refilled enough >100 to last until today when I felt it was a bit low and decided to make another run.
The "Game of Throne" scenario is starting in Muar and I dont mean the actual show. I have to be involved to my disdain and frustration at how long it has been since the funeral and how slowly things are moving... I do feel trapped at times and stagnant. But it seems that I have to be involved, and I can only hope things can move in motion and be set right and then worry about my job later on. *Sigh*
Tab had a National day bbq at her place and there were 4 girls. For once, I was kinda of glad not to have to end up being the one cooking. I almost always end up grilling if I go for bbq. Well I did help to light the grill, refill the charcoal and cut up the bell pepper and poke the sticks of beef n tomatoes n bell pepper. Also washed some of the utensils and threw the rubbish. Fair enough. But I kinda decided to remove myself from the situation that arose from really nothing... not really in the mood for any confrontation over such mild and insignificant issue. Given I already have a lot of issues on my plate from family situation. Decide to be hands-off and walked to sit at the sofa, enjoy watching TV, play with Pusheen and chat with others. Also made myself 3 generous alcoholic drinks - 2 Lemoncello with Heaven Earth Lemon tea & Green Tea with Gentleman whisky. Felt pretty relaxed after the drinks cos this bbq was just after I came out from Muar.
A few days after the bbq, I headed out to town to explore and wander a bit to clear my mind. Still feeling the loss of focus then. I passed a laundry shop and saw something. It turned out to be the chinese comic version of the book "Journey to the Underworld", not the english novel but a scripture book that supposedly the Jade Emperor of Heaven commissioned JiGong, to bring a devote mortal man in recent times, 1978, to visit the levels of Hell to record the punishment and happenings into a book, to reveal the inner works so that humans can learn and repent and not fall into the abyss of Hell. Especially so in the current age of science, there is strong loss of morals and many evils are being perpetrated (think terrorism, wars, illegal).
I had started to read up about it to try to understand the Underworld, because JiGong is inside after the Taipei trip. The version I read was translated into English in a blog. But after reading this comic version, I found the comic version was so much more comprehensive than the english translated blog version. The pictures in the comic made it much easier to comprehend and gave a more complete version compared to trying to read the Chinese text version.
The comic version book was placed at the corner of the laundry shop free for the taking, as part of the Buddhist way of putting out buddhist books for those interested to take home and read. But these books have to be treated properly. No writing on it or anyhow dirty or throw it about. They cannot be thrown away nor recycled. They should be returned to any of such buddhist books spots or to temples that takes back such books if you dont want to keep it anymore (though in recent years, fewer and fewer of such temples and spots are found in SG)
So I read through the chinese comic version and it was very comprehensive. It does explain the process when one passes away and what happens etc. Besides the main theme of the book which is to let humans know what are the sins and the severe punishments, so that humans can avoid them and be more compassionate. There are also lessons to be learnt. Things about being compassionate, having strong morals, not taking any shortcuts nor taking one's life, ways to repent etc. I feel it has given me a clearer picture of things in life. I read it twice to keep it fresh in mind. Gave me some perspective of things that are within my control. Some life lessons too.
Even for those of other religions, it is mentioned in the book. That this is not about Buddhism spreading but revealing that this "Immigration process" is the same irregardless of the religion and that Buddhism actually supports equality and tolerance of other religions, because it matters not the religion but the heart and the sum of good vs evil deeds done in one's lifespan. Knowing the evils and sins to avoid can help. Knowing how to do good also helps. Such knowledge wont hurt anyone irregardless of religions.
Pokemon hunting came about after National day. My sis downloaded on her phone and that week I borrowed her phone adn headed out for a number of walks. A walk to run errands spans several poke-stops. Then there are afternoons when I loaned her phone and headed out for Poke-walk around the estate specifically for poke-hunting. Even to the West Coast park. Had a double mc spicy with the new potato wedges. Man, Macs has good thick and solid wedges.
Last Friday, Tab, Quet and I ended up in Vivo. Nearer for me. Something to do for Tab. Pokemon for Quet. Both of them ended up catching quite a number of pokemons. The drive to my place, I held onto Quet's phone to help her refill as we drove past the pokestops and also catch any if they pop up. Near my home, 2 dratinis showed up and Tab caught one and I caught one for her. Think its a good thing that my phone cant download Pokemon Go cos of the older operating system. So I can only play if I borrow my sis's phone. I am limited to a short walk or at most an hour or two out with her phone. Hence mainly to nearby areas. Which I dont mind cos after a while, I feel the urge to play waning. After so many poke-walks, it is getting a bit tiring.
Today I went Poke-hunting walk cum errand and caught some but find it a bit weary after walking about quite a bit under the hot sun. But I had refilled the pokeballs. My last walk was 3 days ago. I had refilled enough >100 to last until today when I felt it was a bit low and decided to make another run.
The "Game of Throne" scenario is starting in Muar and I dont mean the actual show. I have to be involved to my disdain and frustration at how long it has been since the funeral and how slowly things are moving... I do feel trapped at times and stagnant. But it seems that I have to be involved, and I can only hope things can move in motion and be set right and then worry about my job later on. *Sigh*
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Felt food purse / Dory toy avatar / Baking for 2 days and Pusheen Surprise Box - Baker and Taco avatars
The second sewing course I signed up for was to make local food from felt. I thought I might end up with a salmon plushie but it was to make mainly felt 2D food by mainly gluing and then using valcro, stick onto the purse you had to kinda sew together.
This time the environment wasnt as peaceful cos the aunties were chatting and got a kid at my table. So kinda distracting and I was surprised that it was more of gluing together than sewing though I did re-learnt the "whip stitch". After the 2hrs session, could only finish the purse. Dabao the felt back to finish but cos didnt went about it yet cos partly is mainly sticking together. Felt so unpolished. And I lacked certain felt colors to make the sushi. My set was to make the Hokkien mee.
That was my last course until I signed up for more. Nothing that seems to pipe the interest and also many snatched up.
___________________
Influenced by Tab's continous sublimal message plus I saw the Dory toy while looking at the Pusheen toy videos and liked it. So while my pusheens were held up by that stupid Brit1o, I decided to buy the Dory toy on a Tuesday afternoon. Went to jalan Toys 'R Us at Forum and walked all over until I ended up in P.S.
Dory is very cute and I was happy with it. Though it felt funny having to pose Dory with food initially. Plonked myself in the kopitiam in P.S to rest my dead tired knees then and stoned inside. Tab came and joined me after work and had a few funny pics of our avatars. Cool word for toy. Mine's a fish and hers a cat. So you know what pics would come out. Even collaborated to have a funny poem based on the pics taken. Toys aren't just toys, can derive so much other fun from it.
___________________
Had to experiment and try out some new dishes to make as offering for thanks. So I sought to try out Nonya kuih - Baked Pumpkin Cake. It had the least coconut milk and almost entirely pumpkin which is healthier. Did it on Thurs and it wasnt difficult. Did half of the recipe portion and still it turned out a lot. Taste wise was pretty good, soft and moist. Though I didnt have the right size baking container and it turned out lower cos of the bigger sized container used to bake it. Cut into smaller pieces so it is not jialat to eat. The thing about nonya kuih, some are kinda heavy to eat. This one surprisingly does have a bit like that except when it was cut into smaller pieces, then ok. I felt it was a bit sweet for me so maybe reduce the sugar a bit next time if I make it.
Cos on Sat, might have things to do, I decided to utilise Fri and bake the second experimental dish - Pandan Swiss Roll with coconut cream filling. It had more steps and was more complex but I was happy when my swiss roll turned out fine. I almost charred the top by letting the top heat brown 5mins. Next time just 1-2mins is fine. After the swiss roll was rolled up and chilling in the fridge, I decided to try out the Giant cookies, as I needed to test out how the baking goes in our cheaper oven. Baking differs from oven to oven.
At one shot, to finish using that one egg I whisked, I made 4 different cookies. The Pandan Coconut one failed. Turned out spicy and bitter, reminiscent of the Cinnamon one. But I didnt add any cinnamon nor spice to it. A mystery but had to throw it. The first Oats and Raisins turned out drier cos I baked it a bit too long 5mins. Then the second, above, failed. The third one was PeanutButter and the fourth was GingerCookie. Taste-test, the second failed. The peanut butter was very nice. I love the ginger one too. Yay. Actually still left with one more flavor, Coffee. Until next time.
I was worried after tasting the Pandan Coconut cookie and it turned spicy??? So I quickly took out the swiss roll and tasted it. It was fine, phew! My mom and I were perplexed why the cookie was spicy and bitter?
As I was meeting Quet, packed a box, a bit of each, help me eat cos too much for my family. Too bad Tab wasnt free, otherwise I would have packed her one too.
___________________
Went to Dolby Ghaut to pick up my pusheen parcel. Happy to see the Baker but after I had finished my baking endeavors. Nevermind, more in the future. The two surprise boxes, I kept unopened. Supposed to let Tab choose hers first so until I settled down and get her answer. Was happy with the Baker. Quickly stopped at Daiso and bought the felt I lacked and headed to Quet's house.
We went to her home cos I was bringing a bit of each of the cookies and cakes I made and better to keep the cakes chilled. Whilst at her home, msg Tab to choose her box, so that I could open mine. She was playing coy and I jokingly threaten to let Quet choose for her. Quet asked if she could keep the box she chose. We headed to eat western food again. This time I had a double grilled chicken but chose Honey Mustard and Fiery Buffalo, so it turned out to be the same grilled and still delicious chicken but with different sauce generously drizzled all over the top.
After that we headed back and walked around the shops. Quet checked out the new fruit stall and bought some lemons and watermelon. We went back to watch a movie. I chose Batman v Superman and I must say the Batman cannot make it. Superman also not as hot. But cos it didnt have too much dialog, we could chat, dun focus on it and still not miss any plot. Kudos to the Lex Luthor actor and character. Unfortunately even Alfred the butler had more character depth than Batman, who looked really fat in the suit.
So while watching, we could chat, look at phone, and even film the unboxing of the Pusheen surprise box after Tab finally chose one. I was really surprised to get the Taco cat which incidentally spelt backwards is still taco caT. Cos I really liked it since I saw the designs and from watching those unboxing videos, know that Taco is one of the rarer designs. The rarest is the purple Doughnut. Then the rarer ones are Taco, Ice cream. Rare ones are Cookie and maybe Burger and super common are Cupcake, Mug and Pizza. I didnt realistically think that I stand a chance to get it from just buying 2 boxes and taking one of them. Think the Taco cat will inspire me to make some tacos from scratch. Baker and Taco cats can inspire more baking and cooking dishes. Yumz!
Left Tab's chosen box at Quet's place cos I wont be free on Sat and I asked Quet if she would be meeting Tab. She would be, and now the surprise box is with her, Tab would surely not miss the meeting up. Like held ransom. And later on I saw her unboxing video, glad to see she also got the rarer one - Ice cream cat. Soon, we would all suddenly have the urge to eat tacos and ice cream cones.
Enough money spent on toys cum avatars for me for now. Indulge a bit but enough otherwise everywhere I go, have to bring a pack of toys about. At least until GUND suddenly releases series 2. Remember this surprise box is series 1. Let's hope it wont be anytime soon.
This time the environment wasnt as peaceful cos the aunties were chatting and got a kid at my table. So kinda distracting and I was surprised that it was more of gluing together than sewing though I did re-learnt the "whip stitch". After the 2hrs session, could only finish the purse. Dabao the felt back to finish but cos didnt went about it yet cos partly is mainly sticking together. Felt so unpolished. And I lacked certain felt colors to make the sushi. My set was to make the Hokkien mee.
That was my last course until I signed up for more. Nothing that seems to pipe the interest and also many snatched up.
___________________
Influenced by Tab's continous sublimal message plus I saw the Dory toy while looking at the Pusheen toy videos and liked it. So while my pusheens were held up by that stupid Brit1o, I decided to buy the Dory toy on a Tuesday afternoon. Went to jalan Toys 'R Us at Forum and walked all over until I ended up in P.S.
Dory is very cute and I was happy with it. Though it felt funny having to pose Dory with food initially. Plonked myself in the kopitiam in P.S to rest my dead tired knees then and stoned inside. Tab came and joined me after work and had a few funny pics of our avatars. Cool word for toy. Mine's a fish and hers a cat. So you know what pics would come out. Even collaborated to have a funny poem based on the pics taken. Toys aren't just toys, can derive so much other fun from it.
___________________
Had to experiment and try out some new dishes to make as offering for thanks. So I sought to try out Nonya kuih - Baked Pumpkin Cake. It had the least coconut milk and almost entirely pumpkin which is healthier. Did it on Thurs and it wasnt difficult. Did half of the recipe portion and still it turned out a lot. Taste wise was pretty good, soft and moist. Though I didnt have the right size baking container and it turned out lower cos of the bigger sized container used to bake it. Cut into smaller pieces so it is not jialat to eat. The thing about nonya kuih, some are kinda heavy to eat. This one surprisingly does have a bit like that except when it was cut into smaller pieces, then ok. I felt it was a bit sweet for me so maybe reduce the sugar a bit next time if I make it.
Cos on Sat, might have things to do, I decided to utilise Fri and bake the second experimental dish - Pandan Swiss Roll with coconut cream filling. It had more steps and was more complex but I was happy when my swiss roll turned out fine. I almost charred the top by letting the top heat brown 5mins. Next time just 1-2mins is fine. After the swiss roll was rolled up and chilling in the fridge, I decided to try out the Giant cookies, as I needed to test out how the baking goes in our cheaper oven. Baking differs from oven to oven.
At one shot, to finish using that one egg I whisked, I made 4 different cookies. The Pandan Coconut one failed. Turned out spicy and bitter, reminiscent of the Cinnamon one. But I didnt add any cinnamon nor spice to it. A mystery but had to throw it. The first Oats and Raisins turned out drier cos I baked it a bit too long 5mins. Then the second, above, failed. The third one was PeanutButter and the fourth was GingerCookie. Taste-test, the second failed. The peanut butter was very nice. I love the ginger one too. Yay. Actually still left with one more flavor, Coffee. Until next time.
I was worried after tasting the Pandan Coconut cookie and it turned spicy??? So I quickly took out the swiss roll and tasted it. It was fine, phew! My mom and I were perplexed why the cookie was spicy and bitter?
As I was meeting Quet, packed a box, a bit of each, help me eat cos too much for my family. Too bad Tab wasnt free, otherwise I would have packed her one too.
___________________
Went to Dolby Ghaut to pick up my pusheen parcel. Happy to see the Baker but after I had finished my baking endeavors. Nevermind, more in the future. The two surprise boxes, I kept unopened. Supposed to let Tab choose hers first so until I settled down and get her answer. Was happy with the Baker. Quickly stopped at Daiso and bought the felt I lacked and headed to Quet's house.
We went to her home cos I was bringing a bit of each of the cookies and cakes I made and better to keep the cakes chilled. Whilst at her home, msg Tab to choose her box, so that I could open mine. She was playing coy and I jokingly threaten to let Quet choose for her. Quet asked if she could keep the box she chose. We headed to eat western food again. This time I had a double grilled chicken but chose Honey Mustard and Fiery Buffalo, so it turned out to be the same grilled and still delicious chicken but with different sauce generously drizzled all over the top.
After that we headed back and walked around the shops. Quet checked out the new fruit stall and bought some lemons and watermelon. We went back to watch a movie. I chose Batman v Superman and I must say the Batman cannot make it. Superman also not as hot. But cos it didnt have too much dialog, we could chat, dun focus on it and still not miss any plot. Kudos to the Lex Luthor actor and character. Unfortunately even Alfred the butler had more character depth than Batman, who looked really fat in the suit.
So while watching, we could chat, look at phone, and even film the unboxing of the Pusheen surprise box after Tab finally chose one. I was really surprised to get the Taco cat which incidentally spelt backwards is still taco caT. Cos I really liked it since I saw the designs and from watching those unboxing videos, know that Taco is one of the rarer designs. The rarest is the purple Doughnut. Then the rarer ones are Taco, Ice cream. Rare ones are Cookie and maybe Burger and super common are Cupcake, Mug and Pizza. I didnt realistically think that I stand a chance to get it from just buying 2 boxes and taking one of them. Think the Taco cat will inspire me to make some tacos from scratch. Baker and Taco cats can inspire more baking and cooking dishes. Yumz!
Left Tab's chosen box at Quet's place cos I wont be free on Sat and I asked Quet if she would be meeting Tab. She would be, and now the surprise box is with her, Tab would surely not miss the meeting up. Like held ransom. And later on I saw her unboxing video, glad to see she also got the rarer one - Ice cream cat. Soon, we would all suddenly have the urge to eat tacos and ice cream cones.
Enough money spent on toys cum avatars for me for now. Indulge a bit but enough otherwise everywhere I go, have to bring a pack of toys about. At least until GUND suddenly releases series 2. Remember this surprise box is series 1. Let's hope it wont be anytime soon.
Monday, July 04, 2016
A day of sewing and visiting Geylang Serai bazaar
From the leathercraft making course that we managed to sign up for, it has led me to sign up for a series of others, usually I attend them solo cos Tab was having her holiday in UK then and also some courses suited my interest more and also me having time on my hands, so even weekday courses are fine.
From our first leather keychain beginning to a leather coin pouch, I have assembled a small drone and tried flying it 3 sessions and have slightly improved my flying skill.
Went for the 3D printing training and actually I have 'tinkered' with a 3D design but dont have a laptop to install a program that is like a printer set up for me to download my design and set its 'print' format. Only then can I go and try to print out the design with a slot at the library.
Headed to a Chinese water painting course where I learnt the two genres of Chinese painting and tried my hands to paint a lotus but I think my color blending and shadowing concept needs to be strengthened. Plan a couple of art jamming at Tab's place, if DF doesnt mind (maybe one of those sats before Nat day)
My most recent one was on Sat morning, 11.30pm. I had to drag myself out of bed cos of my chaotic sleeping timing. I am still in the midst of readjusting but I have some success on some days where I am up early in the morning though I still slept late, 2am. On Sat, I managed to get up around 9am and out of bed by 9.30am. Got ready gradually and left home around 10.45am to have ample time to reach JE library by bus. I actually overslept for the previous Chinese painting one at 2pm... yes I woke up way past noon and had to cab down.
The session was on sewing and making a fantasy-theme passport cover. It had caught my attention mainly cos I am unable to sew. Didnt have much success in secondary school days and couldnt absorb the very few sewing sessions we had. My mom helped me in my home economics sewing part. So this was my chance to pick up the basics. At least the project was not to make some culottes but a more accessible passport holder. The interesting part was making your own sewn patch and later sewing it onto the passport holder and finally using running stitch to sew up the passport holder.
I learnt how to do the basic 3 stitches, back stitch, running stitch and overcast stitch. Also how to make your own patch using the stabliser (like a sewing design transfer tracing paper that melts and disappears in water) and a fabric marker (that disappears with ironing) and with simple instructions from very kind and gentle ladies instructors, we went about tracing, pinning and sewing. I must say it was very easy to comprehend and some of my latent sewing foundation came to the front (that I didnt know I had). I could thread and do the stitches with ease after a brief demo and can even ask some questions about sewing, like double line. Learned a bit more from asking some questions one-to-one.
I listened to my playlist on Spotify and proceeded to thread and sew. At first was a bit slow and hesitant but gradually got better as I continued on the outline of my Shire patch. Can see the improvement as I settled in with ease to sew. The music and quiet room made it enjoyable. Almost entirely women, except for one table with a family and the husband and wife were sewing with their older kids who were matured. Kind of therapeutic and got into the 'zone'. 2.5 hours zoomed passed in a jiffy and I was sewing up the passport cover when we all had to stop. None managed to do 2 patches though many of us took two designs to work on. The instructors allowed us to take home extra strings to sew and they have a good range of colors and also thick and thin strings. I took some and packed up to find lunch. Said goodbye to the nice ladies who had instructed us kindly and left.
Decided to head back to Clementi to first drop off a cheque and then eat lunch before heading down to Paya Lebar mrt. In Clementi, I had found a good Bee Hoon Soto stall and I feel it was so much nicer than the ones in my immediate area. So whenever I have to eat in clementi and I want a healthier and calories-friendly meal, I would go for it. Then hopped on the train, got a seat and listened to my new playlists on Spotify, quite enjoyable.
I was early and hung out in the Paya Leba square mall. Glad that SG has strong air-cons in public transport and malls, given the recent searing heat. Walked every level and got myself a dragonfruit juice drink. Waited for Tab to come and we walked over to the Geylang Serai bazaar. I remembered we had gone for one years ago, our usual gang and found it small and limited. This time, it is so much bigger.
So we walked about a bit before Quet came and joined up. I was super-glad Tab made me queue for the Thai milk tea drink. It was super thick and reminds me of the powerful Thai milk tea smoothie I had last year, the one that powered me walking under the scorching heat during Thai summer. They helped me buy a kebab box which I ate much much later but found a generous amount of chicken inside. Yumz. The milk tea did help to cool me down a lot and we went on walking, looking for the Instagram stalls.
Our next stop was the assorted flavors of Churros at Loco loco, which comes with luxurious flavor dips. Tab bought 2, the original and the assorted. She asked for the sauce separately - gula melaka and salted egg yolk. *At this juncture, I am still perplexed about Sporeans obsession with salted egg yolk sauce on just about everything. Personally I only like the zhi char crab version. The rest, I find that it over-powers the original flavor of the food but yet not thick enough* Actually I found the churros nice to munch on without any sauce. I didnt manage to eat the pandan flavor ones but the original, red velvet and oreos ones were tasty by itself. Each having its own distinct flavors and textures.
Quet stopped at a flower stall and bought an orchid for her home. We were looking on and I remembered the days when I was young and planted cactus and also a chilli plant from seed. Those were good childhood memories. I found I seem to have lost the green touch after I started working. Then we walked into the nearby mall on my request to cool down cos I was sweating buckets, back was soaked and I could feel the sweat on my thighs. We went into one and used the toilet too. Tab gave me a wet wipe and it felt good to do a quick wipe-down. After being cooled down, we walked to Quet's car to deposit our load and lighten our bags before a round 2. She had parked at CityPlaza. Man, I havent been here since Tab's wedding. Going there to look for something to wear for her gate-crashing session. That was years ago and felt like a few lifetimes ago. Granted I was much slimmer then and now with my heavier self, even more no need to bother looking at the stuff. I got to eat my kebab box, my main, while they were looking about.
One shop that got our attention was one that sold analog cameras and digital cameras from our youth. The tetris hand held game was one that brought back so much nostalgia. Remembering an even earlier game, Western Bar that was the epitome of hand held consoles. So tempted to buy a tetris game for $10.
Tab's footwear died and we did a quick entry into another old-school mall to look for footwear. The small shop had very good sneakers from Converse and Everlast. So tempting but I have no space, no need and also better be thrifty. Would consider that next time. Tab got her new footwear and we continued.Then we headed back to the bazaar. We chanced upon a socks stall and they bought some five-toes socks and funky ones.
I was full, had my Thai milk tea, churros and then kebab box, in reverse order - drink n dessert then main. Tab wanted to eat the salmon burger and get the Paddle pop dadil drink. Many stalls sell those, at $5 per pop but the Salmon burger stall had the nicest color combinations. Some stalls had 3-4 colors but this one had 6-7, all nicely layered. So Tab bought her main and we got bottled juice drinks with basil seeds inside and settled our butts down at the tented area where many others are having their food seated. Found a spot and plonked down to take pics of the Paddle pop dadil. I was too full to try any and just had my drink. The sky had darkened then and we chatted a bit and rest to cool off.
Once we were done, we got back to the mall to cool down. Went to walk about and into a toy shop then settled in a HK eatery. Had to endure Tab's sudden burst of creativity over fried yam cakes instead of fried carrot cakes. Thankful Quet generously gave me a lift home. A good outing, we did hit some of the food but didnt severely overeat. In fact, I think I ate pretty alright and was full. Reached home and bathed off the sweat from all the crowd and the sun. Knocked out that night. We did do a whole bunch of walking.
It was nice to revisit Geylang Serai bazaar. Like reliving some memories from years ago.
From our first leather keychain beginning to a leather coin pouch, I have assembled a small drone and tried flying it 3 sessions and have slightly improved my flying skill.
Went for the 3D printing training and actually I have 'tinkered' with a 3D design but dont have a laptop to install a program that is like a printer set up for me to download my design and set its 'print' format. Only then can I go and try to print out the design with a slot at the library.
Headed to a Chinese water painting course where I learnt the two genres of Chinese painting and tried my hands to paint a lotus but I think my color blending and shadowing concept needs to be strengthened. Plan a couple of art jamming at Tab's place, if DF doesnt mind (maybe one of those sats before Nat day)
My most recent one was on Sat morning, 11.30pm. I had to drag myself out of bed cos of my chaotic sleeping timing. I am still in the midst of readjusting but I have some success on some days where I am up early in the morning though I still slept late, 2am. On Sat, I managed to get up around 9am and out of bed by 9.30am. Got ready gradually and left home around 10.45am to have ample time to reach JE library by bus. I actually overslept for the previous Chinese painting one at 2pm... yes I woke up way past noon and had to cab down.
The session was on sewing and making a fantasy-theme passport cover. It had caught my attention mainly cos I am unable to sew. Didnt have much success in secondary school days and couldnt absorb the very few sewing sessions we had. My mom helped me in my home economics sewing part. So this was my chance to pick up the basics. At least the project was not to make some culottes but a more accessible passport holder. The interesting part was making your own sewn patch and later sewing it onto the passport holder and finally using running stitch to sew up the passport holder.
I learnt how to do the basic 3 stitches, back stitch, running stitch and overcast stitch. Also how to make your own patch using the stabliser (like a sewing design transfer tracing paper that melts and disappears in water) and a fabric marker (that disappears with ironing) and with simple instructions from very kind and gentle ladies instructors, we went about tracing, pinning and sewing. I must say it was very easy to comprehend and some of my latent sewing foundation came to the front (that I didnt know I had). I could thread and do the stitches with ease after a brief demo and can even ask some questions about sewing, like double line. Learned a bit more from asking some questions one-to-one.
I listened to my playlist on Spotify and proceeded to thread and sew. At first was a bit slow and hesitant but gradually got better as I continued on the outline of my Shire patch. Can see the improvement as I settled in with ease to sew. The music and quiet room made it enjoyable. Almost entirely women, except for one table with a family and the husband and wife were sewing with their older kids who were matured. Kind of therapeutic and got into the 'zone'. 2.5 hours zoomed passed in a jiffy and I was sewing up the passport cover when we all had to stop. None managed to do 2 patches though many of us took two designs to work on. The instructors allowed us to take home extra strings to sew and they have a good range of colors and also thick and thin strings. I took some and packed up to find lunch. Said goodbye to the nice ladies who had instructed us kindly and left.
Decided to head back to Clementi to first drop off a cheque and then eat lunch before heading down to Paya Lebar mrt. In Clementi, I had found a good Bee Hoon Soto stall and I feel it was so much nicer than the ones in my immediate area. So whenever I have to eat in clementi and I want a healthier and calories-friendly meal, I would go for it. Then hopped on the train, got a seat and listened to my new playlists on Spotify, quite enjoyable.
I was early and hung out in the Paya Leba square mall. Glad that SG has strong air-cons in public transport and malls, given the recent searing heat. Walked every level and got myself a dragonfruit juice drink. Waited for Tab to come and we walked over to the Geylang Serai bazaar. I remembered we had gone for one years ago, our usual gang and found it small and limited. This time, it is so much bigger.
So we walked about a bit before Quet came and joined up. I was super-glad Tab made me queue for the Thai milk tea drink. It was super thick and reminds me of the powerful Thai milk tea smoothie I had last year, the one that powered me walking under the scorching heat during Thai summer. They helped me buy a kebab box which I ate much much later but found a generous amount of chicken inside. Yumz. The milk tea did help to cool me down a lot and we went on walking, looking for the Instagram stalls.
Our next stop was the assorted flavors of Churros at Loco loco, which comes with luxurious flavor dips. Tab bought 2, the original and the assorted. She asked for the sauce separately - gula melaka and salted egg yolk. *At this juncture, I am still perplexed about Sporeans obsession with salted egg yolk sauce on just about everything. Personally I only like the zhi char crab version. The rest, I find that it over-powers the original flavor of the food but yet not thick enough* Actually I found the churros nice to munch on without any sauce. I didnt manage to eat the pandan flavor ones but the original, red velvet and oreos ones were tasty by itself. Each having its own distinct flavors and textures.
Quet stopped at a flower stall and bought an orchid for her home. We were looking on and I remembered the days when I was young and planted cactus and also a chilli plant from seed. Those were good childhood memories. I found I seem to have lost the green touch after I started working. Then we walked into the nearby mall on my request to cool down cos I was sweating buckets, back was soaked and I could feel the sweat on my thighs. We went into one and used the toilet too. Tab gave me a wet wipe and it felt good to do a quick wipe-down. After being cooled down, we walked to Quet's car to deposit our load and lighten our bags before a round 2. She had parked at CityPlaza. Man, I havent been here since Tab's wedding. Going there to look for something to wear for her gate-crashing session. That was years ago and felt like a few lifetimes ago. Granted I was much slimmer then and now with my heavier self, even more no need to bother looking at the stuff. I got to eat my kebab box, my main, while they were looking about.
One shop that got our attention was one that sold analog cameras and digital cameras from our youth. The tetris hand held game was one that brought back so much nostalgia. Remembering an even earlier game, Western Bar that was the epitome of hand held consoles. So tempted to buy a tetris game for $10.
Tab's footwear died and we did a quick entry into another old-school mall to look for footwear. The small shop had very good sneakers from Converse and Everlast. So tempting but I have no space, no need and also better be thrifty. Would consider that next time. Tab got her new footwear and we continued.Then we headed back to the bazaar. We chanced upon a socks stall and they bought some five-toes socks and funky ones.
I was full, had my Thai milk tea, churros and then kebab box, in reverse order - drink n dessert then main. Tab wanted to eat the salmon burger and get the Paddle pop dadil drink. Many stalls sell those, at $5 per pop but the Salmon burger stall had the nicest color combinations. Some stalls had 3-4 colors but this one had 6-7, all nicely layered. So Tab bought her main and we got bottled juice drinks with basil seeds inside and settled our butts down at the tented area where many others are having their food seated. Found a spot and plonked down to take pics of the Paddle pop dadil. I was too full to try any and just had my drink. The sky had darkened then and we chatted a bit and rest to cool off.
Once we were done, we got back to the mall to cool down. Went to walk about and into a toy shop then settled in a HK eatery. Had to endure Tab's sudden burst of creativity over fried yam cakes instead of fried carrot cakes. Thankful Quet generously gave me a lift home. A good outing, we did hit some of the food but didnt severely overeat. In fact, I think I ate pretty alright and was full. Reached home and bathed off the sweat from all the crowd and the sun. Knocked out that night. We did do a whole bunch of walking.
It was nice to revisit Geylang Serai bazaar. Like reliving some memories from years ago.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Kill many birds with one stone - Delicious cookies and Decadent pizzas
Arranged with Tab to go over to her place on Sat with many agendas.
First was to borrow her scanner to scan the grant, so that I can use it for email to NTUC to settle off one more item on the Sg side. Secondly, she wanted to fly the drone I made earlier from the nlb course. Thirdly I wanted to borrow her kitchen, which she agreed, to bake. Previously was cinnamon rolls but since I did it at home, so I changed it to Giant cookies and pizza dough. The cookies can be for tea and dessert. The pizza dough can be used to make pizzas for dinner. Needed more stomachs, hence Tab lumped me and Juls together on the same afternoon. Later Quetzal came over in the evening for dinner. I msged FH but he wasnt free on such short notice. Finally also to catch up with Tab who just came back from her trip but hadnt had the time to fully listen to her travel stories and look at her pictures.
Overall, it was a great day of baking and enjoying the fruits of our labour.
I am still in the midst of realigning my body clock to saner sleeping time and hours but I managed to wake up. I was quite afraid to have overslept cos I was supposed to meet Tab and Juls for lunch there. I had to go buy a last minute item - baking paper and then packed my KM bag full of ingredients, some baking tools. In a second bag went my important documents and the drone kit. Set off around 11.30pm and reached around 12.40pm. Met Tab and her mom at the doorway.
So I settled in and took out all the ingredients I've brought, baking tools and recipe sheet. Then as we chatted, Juls came and I was doing up the first pizza dough. It was my first time so wasnt sure what was the serving size but later after it rose, we felt it was enough dough for one pizza. I started making the giant cookies. Came across the recipes on Youtube videos while I was checking up about cinnamon buns. They seem simpler and so great for Tab's kitchen cos dont need so much specialized equipment, lesser mess too. And after making the cinnamon buns, I wanted to try out pizza doughs.
Tab showed us a slide show of her travel photos. So we looked and if we saw any interesting photos, she'll tell us about it. I glanced at some and listened to the stories and join in the conversations that arose while going about with the first giant cookie. It was supposed to be chocolate. I was surprised by the size of the giant cookie after it had finished baking. And continued with the Sugar cookie, then Raisin oats one and finally the Cinnamon one. Interestingly they all came out in various sizes though the biggest could cover my face. And it was unanimous that the Raisin Oats was the best. I feel it was due to the molasses sugar I used. It has a fragrance and creaminess about it. After a long while, I was about done with giant cookies and switched to doing up the second pizza dough. And also flew the drone about a bit, more like try to let it not bump or crash into things. Tab had a go and it was not easy. This was my third time flying the drone, had slightly improved control but this is really not the model to be learning to fly cos it had too many instabilities for a beginner flier.
Nearing 5pm, we headed out to the supermarket to buy the ingredients for the two pizzas. This part, I let Juls be in-charge cos my goal was to make the cookies and dough. Plus Juls and Tab had made a quick-hack pizza last time using pita bread and simple ingredients. After checking with Tab exactly what she had in her fridge - 2 onions, we can gauge what ingredients to buy. So they decided on making Hawaiian and Bacon Mushroom pizzas. Then with budget conscious shopping, plus I added Vanilla ice cream (for the cookies), we arrived home with the ingredients that averaged $8 per pax. Would have been lower if not for the ice cream. By then a whole afternoon of chatting, baking had caught up and we lazed about on the sofa and enjoy the fan cos it was hot hot and sunny on the way and back from the mall.
After lots of playing around with the Plusheen and Peanut plushies which involved lots of cat butts and evolved into the search for peanut-love and peanut-phobia fetishes. Erm not my idea nor my fetish.
At 6.30pm we started to get ready to make the pizzas. I only did the rolling out the dough onto the baking paper. Tab and Juls washed, cut and prep the ingredients, laid out the ingredients on the half-baked dough and others. Spices and ginger were sprinkled generously to give the pizzas more taste.
There was a part where we searched online how long to bake a pizza and a bit of trial and error on how to transfer the half baked dough from the oven to the counter. All went well enough. No kitchen burnt down, no charred pizzas, no exploding oven. So it was great to have enough hands to help out. Feels easier also with the work spreaded out. Then of course the cleaning was also easier, cos while cooking, we were cleaning up and washing up so there was no mess.
The joke was 'how many people are needed to ...?" , to take a picture, to move a pizza out of the oven, to make a pizza.
The first pizza Hawaiian was not baked at high temperature but came out with the mozzerella cheese still melty and our first few bites, there was the stringy cheese. The dough was fluffier. My first pizza with so much toppings that it covered the entire dough surface except the edges. A big generous decadent quarter. After we ate that, we were a bit full.
Then went about cooking the second Bacon Mushroom pizza. This time cos the bacon was raw, so decided to cook it a bit longer and a bit higher temperature. Keeping an eye on it wasnt easy cos cant see through the oven door clearly. But luckily nothing burnt. It came out to be a juicy pizza with the cheese browned by the heat. Phew. We realised the 'juice' was the oil from the bacon so we tilted the pizza slightly over a tray to drain the oil. While letting the pizza cool, we headed to Tab's study room to borrow the scanner to scan. So while scanning, we looked around her study at the number of cameras, her travel booklet and others. Then after the scanning and emailing was done, we headed out to eat the pizza.
I was worried that it would turn out hard cos the dough wasnt as fluffy compared to the first one and, cos it stayed longer in a hotter oven but except for the edges, it turned out great. Like pita bread. When we all bit into the pizza, all let out a very satisfied groan of yummy. So meaty, tasty, juicy, flavorful. After that quarter, it was like the inner carnivore in all of us were satisfied. Quet and I had liquor while cooking and eating the pizzas.
Then we had hot tea to aid digestion and clear the palate. Tab and I managed some vanilla ice cream with cookie crumbs, so satisfying. Soon it was time for me to head home or risk missing the last bus. I left around 10pm and reached home close to 11.30pm. Bathed, and slept soundly.
This successful and delicious session makes me inspired to find more of such stuff to try. I wouldnt mind making more DIY-pizzas in the future too.
First was to borrow her scanner to scan the grant, so that I can use it for email to NTUC to settle off one more item on the Sg side. Secondly, she wanted to fly the drone I made earlier from the nlb course. Thirdly I wanted to borrow her kitchen, which she agreed, to bake. Previously was cinnamon rolls but since I did it at home, so I changed it to Giant cookies and pizza dough. The cookies can be for tea and dessert. The pizza dough can be used to make pizzas for dinner. Needed more stomachs, hence Tab lumped me and Juls together on the same afternoon. Later Quetzal came over in the evening for dinner. I msged FH but he wasnt free on such short notice. Finally also to catch up with Tab who just came back from her trip but hadnt had the time to fully listen to her travel stories and look at her pictures.
Overall, it was a great day of baking and enjoying the fruits of our labour.
I am still in the midst of realigning my body clock to saner sleeping time and hours but I managed to wake up. I was quite afraid to have overslept cos I was supposed to meet Tab and Juls for lunch there. I had to go buy a last minute item - baking paper and then packed my KM bag full of ingredients, some baking tools. In a second bag went my important documents and the drone kit. Set off around 11.30pm and reached around 12.40pm. Met Tab and her mom at the doorway.
So I settled in and took out all the ingredients I've brought, baking tools and recipe sheet. Then as we chatted, Juls came and I was doing up the first pizza dough. It was my first time so wasnt sure what was the serving size but later after it rose, we felt it was enough dough for one pizza. I started making the giant cookies. Came across the recipes on Youtube videos while I was checking up about cinnamon buns. They seem simpler and so great for Tab's kitchen cos dont need so much specialized equipment, lesser mess too. And after making the cinnamon buns, I wanted to try out pizza doughs.
Tab showed us a slide show of her travel photos. So we looked and if we saw any interesting photos, she'll tell us about it. I glanced at some and listened to the stories and join in the conversations that arose while going about with the first giant cookie. It was supposed to be chocolate. I was surprised by the size of the giant cookie after it had finished baking. And continued with the Sugar cookie, then Raisin oats one and finally the Cinnamon one. Interestingly they all came out in various sizes though the biggest could cover my face. And it was unanimous that the Raisin Oats was the best. I feel it was due to the molasses sugar I used. It has a fragrance and creaminess about it. After a long while, I was about done with giant cookies and switched to doing up the second pizza dough. And also flew the drone about a bit, more like try to let it not bump or crash into things. Tab had a go and it was not easy. This was my third time flying the drone, had slightly improved control but this is really not the model to be learning to fly cos it had too many instabilities for a beginner flier.
Nearing 5pm, we headed out to the supermarket to buy the ingredients for the two pizzas. This part, I let Juls be in-charge cos my goal was to make the cookies and dough. Plus Juls and Tab had made a quick-hack pizza last time using pita bread and simple ingredients. After checking with Tab exactly what she had in her fridge - 2 onions, we can gauge what ingredients to buy. So they decided on making Hawaiian and Bacon Mushroom pizzas. Then with budget conscious shopping, plus I added Vanilla ice cream (for the cookies), we arrived home with the ingredients that averaged $8 per pax. Would have been lower if not for the ice cream. By then a whole afternoon of chatting, baking had caught up and we lazed about on the sofa and enjoy the fan cos it was hot hot and sunny on the way and back from the mall.
After lots of playing around with the Plusheen and Peanut plushies which involved lots of cat butts and evolved into the search for peanut-love and peanut-phobia fetishes. Erm not my idea nor my fetish.
At 6.30pm we started to get ready to make the pizzas. I only did the rolling out the dough onto the baking paper. Tab and Juls washed, cut and prep the ingredients, laid out the ingredients on the half-baked dough and others. Spices and ginger were sprinkled generously to give the pizzas more taste.
There was a part where we searched online how long to bake a pizza and a bit of trial and error on how to transfer the half baked dough from the oven to the counter. All went well enough. No kitchen burnt down, no charred pizzas, no exploding oven. So it was great to have enough hands to help out. Feels easier also with the work spreaded out. Then of course the cleaning was also easier, cos while cooking, we were cleaning up and washing up so there was no mess.
The joke was 'how many people are needed to ...?" , to take a picture, to move a pizza out of the oven, to make a pizza.
The first pizza Hawaiian was not baked at high temperature but came out with the mozzerella cheese still melty and our first few bites, there was the stringy cheese. The dough was fluffier. My first pizza with so much toppings that it covered the entire dough surface except the edges. A big generous decadent quarter. After we ate that, we were a bit full.
Then went about cooking the second Bacon Mushroom pizza. This time cos the bacon was raw, so decided to cook it a bit longer and a bit higher temperature. Keeping an eye on it wasnt easy cos cant see through the oven door clearly. But luckily nothing burnt. It came out to be a juicy pizza with the cheese browned by the heat. Phew. We realised the 'juice' was the oil from the bacon so we tilted the pizza slightly over a tray to drain the oil. While letting the pizza cool, we headed to Tab's study room to borrow the scanner to scan. So while scanning, we looked around her study at the number of cameras, her travel booklet and others. Then after the scanning and emailing was done, we headed out to eat the pizza.
I was worried that it would turn out hard cos the dough wasnt as fluffy compared to the first one and, cos it stayed longer in a hotter oven but except for the edges, it turned out great. Like pita bread. When we all bit into the pizza, all let out a very satisfied groan of yummy. So meaty, tasty, juicy, flavorful. After that quarter, it was like the inner carnivore in all of us were satisfied. Quet and I had liquor while cooking and eating the pizzas.
Then we had hot tea to aid digestion and clear the palate. Tab and I managed some vanilla ice cream with cookie crumbs, so satisfying. Soon it was time for me to head home or risk missing the last bus. I left around 10pm and reached home close to 11.30pm. Bathed, and slept soundly.
This successful and delicious session makes me inspired to find more of such stuff to try. I wouldnt mind making more DIY-pizzas in the future too.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
In a state of flux and stillness
There seems to be a lot of things happening in my family and also nothing happening in terms of moving forward.
My sis's episode set us back to staying mostly at home and deferring the next step to go back to Muar. Also the accountant who was doing the msian taxes hadnt finish yet. And the sinseh was ill two weeks back. Then my other sis is going to have her operation next week. All these coming together meant, we stayed home mainly. I stayed around to help out instead of heading out. Even on some weekends. Waiting til near the end of this month to go back to Muar to settle some stuff. I try to plan those free library courses and my own activities around all these happenings.
On my end, once I received the notification from CDP about the successful transfer of the few lots of shares to my cdp account, I got my mom to sign the account closure form and mailed it out. And I decided to go down to either of the three brokerages to try to close my Dad's accounts without my mom, and also pay off the remaining amts owed to them. The first one I went to, couldnt so that meant I didnt have to go to the other two. But at least for the first one, I paid off the amt owed and the lady gave me the forms for my mom to sign and mail back. She also made a photocopy of the grant and stapled the whole set. Just need her to sign and mail back. Hence that is the end of one account. Two more to go.
My mom was super busy and occupied with the ceremony last Sunday. So leading up to it, she was buying ingredients etc and I helped out in the preparation for the ingredients on Sat afternoon, evening and also on Sun morning. Then the next few days, she was busy making sure the food cooked was heated up and eaten. Too much of the oily food for my liking. I feel like eating simple and clean food.
Today I asked my mom if she was free. Tomorrow, I will accompany her to the two other brokerages to close the accounts. Cos at the moment, nothing much else happening. The calm before the next thing, my sis's operation, so quickly go and clear up another part of the estate stuff. Then I would be left with the NTUC share and one more bank account at the SG side.
__________________
Personally, I am at a very stagnated point. My endeavors - Bazi, FH's project, reading stock books and Malay are all stagnant. Even my exercise is very much reduced to 1kg dumbbells, body weight exercise. I miss KM sorely yet my knee havent recovered fully. Two weeks back, I was out for 4 consecutive days to JB, in town, in MarinaSquare and in Vivo. The amount of walking I did, hurt my right knee especially. I could feel the pain while walking about but didnt say much. Later on the sinseh told me got some internal bleeding. So ate meds and homebound to rest it but that made me stagnant...
Thing I did was mainly reading storybooks, did get some stock books, havent reached them yet, and did the baking. I did copy down the recipes for more cookies and pizza dough but havent gotten about to it because there is too much food left in the fridge since Sun. Have to wait until mainly finished before I can do something. So again, the feel of being stagnant.
My sis's episode set us back to staying mostly at home and deferring the next step to go back to Muar. Also the accountant who was doing the msian taxes hadnt finish yet. And the sinseh was ill two weeks back. Then my other sis is going to have her operation next week. All these coming together meant, we stayed home mainly. I stayed around to help out instead of heading out. Even on some weekends. Waiting til near the end of this month to go back to Muar to settle some stuff. I try to plan those free library courses and my own activities around all these happenings.
On my end, once I received the notification from CDP about the successful transfer of the few lots of shares to my cdp account, I got my mom to sign the account closure form and mailed it out. And I decided to go down to either of the three brokerages to try to close my Dad's accounts without my mom, and also pay off the remaining amts owed to them. The first one I went to, couldnt so that meant I didnt have to go to the other two. But at least for the first one, I paid off the amt owed and the lady gave me the forms for my mom to sign and mail back. She also made a photocopy of the grant and stapled the whole set. Just need her to sign and mail back. Hence that is the end of one account. Two more to go.
My mom was super busy and occupied with the ceremony last Sunday. So leading up to it, she was buying ingredients etc and I helped out in the preparation for the ingredients on Sat afternoon, evening and also on Sun morning. Then the next few days, she was busy making sure the food cooked was heated up and eaten. Too much of the oily food for my liking. I feel like eating simple and clean food.
Today I asked my mom if she was free. Tomorrow, I will accompany her to the two other brokerages to close the accounts. Cos at the moment, nothing much else happening. The calm before the next thing, my sis's operation, so quickly go and clear up another part of the estate stuff. Then I would be left with the NTUC share and one more bank account at the SG side.
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Personally, I am at a very stagnated point. My endeavors - Bazi, FH's project, reading stock books and Malay are all stagnant. Even my exercise is very much reduced to 1kg dumbbells, body weight exercise. I miss KM sorely yet my knee havent recovered fully. Two weeks back, I was out for 4 consecutive days to JB, in town, in MarinaSquare and in Vivo. The amount of walking I did, hurt my right knee especially. I could feel the pain while walking about but didnt say much. Later on the sinseh told me got some internal bleeding. So ate meds and homebound to rest it but that made me stagnant...
Thing I did was mainly reading storybooks, did get some stock books, havent reached them yet, and did the baking. I did copy down the recipes for more cookies and pizza dough but havent gotten about to it because there is too much food left in the fridge since Sun. Have to wait until mainly finished before I can do something. So again, the feel of being stagnant.
Thursday, June 09, 2016
Cinnamon Buns - restarting my cooking experiments, and more bread and even cookies are coming soon
I love cinnamon buns. I dont really eat it often but it is one of those bread I would choose when I see. Yet the ones bought from outside seemed to lack something. The main thing is most are soggy by the time you bite into it. Not like those freshly baked ones. Not sure if its meant to be so.
So one day some weeks ago, when I saw and bought spice (paprika powder and cinnamon powder), I committed myself to try and make cinnamon buns from scratch. From the internet, I looked around for the recipes. Settled on 2 recipes, copied them down on paper (no printer) and compared them. One has fewer ingredients and also made much fewer portions 12-15 whereas the other had many more ingredients (definitely better tasting from so much more ingredients) but make into 24 servings. How is my family of 3 going to finish all that? Hence I chose to try out the easier one.
Tried it out on Tuesday. Cos got many things happening in my family and got distracted and busy with settling stuff. Some days too lazy or tired. The day before, I headed out to buy the ingredients, flour, yeast, sugar, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract and butter. Had already bought the cinnamon powder. Then I am set. Using milk and an egg from the fridge.
It was interesting to be able to mix the ingredients into something that resembled dough. Yellow dough. But too sticky so I slowly added more flour until it became something more manageable. Then I dont have a clean surface to work on, so an idea struck me, I used the baking tray as the flat surface. Floured it and knead the dough like on TV cooking shows for 10mins. Good exercise, I should use my left hand more but being right-handed. Just purely right. Then got to rest the dough. Meaning, you leave it in a bowl preferable near somewhere a bit warm to let the yeast work. When the yeast ingest the sugars, they release gas which raises the dough and makes it swell up to twice its size at least. So for that 1 hour, I went to the living room and watched one episode of recorded show.
One hour later, I went to knead the dough a bit to flatten. It did rise up though not to twice the size. I put the shrink wrap on the table to try to create a clean surface but it didnt work so well. So I decided to use the baking pan again. Divided up the dough to two portions, I rolled and flatten one using the rectangular baking tray as the guide. Applied generous amounts of butter and a mixture of sugar and cinnamon powder. (With hind sight, more cinnamon, less sugar or use confectioner's sugar might be better) Rolled into a big roll and cut 1.5 - 2 inches width. Repeated with the other and put them into the baking pan. But they kinda looked squished up and my mom was telling me, might turn out hard, cos they dont have place to expand. Will put in the baking tray next time round.
So I have to set it aside again, 45mins to an hour, to let the cinnamon rolls raise again. That meant another episode of recorded cable TV. 20mins before, I preheated the oven and mixed the glazing. (Think less butter and confectioner's sugar) After the time, noticed that the space between (which wasnt much) pieces were nil and put into the oven to bake. 30mins is enough but I checked every 10mins. Took out for them to cool and I had to cut to pull out the pieces from the tight baking pan. Next time must let them have lots more space to expand or maybe consider two batches to bake. Applied the glazing after they have cooled some.
The taste is pretty good, except I think I overdid the glazing. Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside. Some of the sugar inside didnt melt, so can chew into sugar grains. That can be improved upon with confectioner's sugar instead. I ate two and the next day two. Gave 3 to my sis, other sis ate 1, mom ate 3, she gave 3 to her friends in the market (otherwise how to finish) and viola, all gone.
Later I went online to look for more bread recipes for those that I like to eat, like pita bread, own pizza dough etc. Dont mind trying out and making own pizza.
And just now, I came across the Youtube video for a Giant Cookie for one. Great and super easy from the videos. I am so amped up to try to make but I still need to space the cooking out so that we all dont end up gaining weight from eating all these and secondly, my mom needs the kitchen during some days, especially this coming weekend. So I will leave the single-serving Giant Cookie to the next week. Can use the time to get the ingredients I lack. At the back of my mind are the Cinnamon cookie and Peanut Butter Jelly cookie. Yummy.
So one day some weeks ago, when I saw and bought spice (paprika powder and cinnamon powder), I committed myself to try and make cinnamon buns from scratch. From the internet, I looked around for the recipes. Settled on 2 recipes, copied them down on paper (no printer) and compared them. One has fewer ingredients and also made much fewer portions 12-15 whereas the other had many more ingredients (definitely better tasting from so much more ingredients) but make into 24 servings. How is my family of 3 going to finish all that? Hence I chose to try out the easier one.
Tried it out on Tuesday. Cos got many things happening in my family and got distracted and busy with settling stuff. Some days too lazy or tired. The day before, I headed out to buy the ingredients, flour, yeast, sugar, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract and butter. Had already bought the cinnamon powder. Then I am set. Using milk and an egg from the fridge.
It was interesting to be able to mix the ingredients into something that resembled dough. Yellow dough. But too sticky so I slowly added more flour until it became something more manageable. Then I dont have a clean surface to work on, so an idea struck me, I used the baking tray as the flat surface. Floured it and knead the dough like on TV cooking shows for 10mins. Good exercise, I should use my left hand more but being right-handed. Just purely right. Then got to rest the dough. Meaning, you leave it in a bowl preferable near somewhere a bit warm to let the yeast work. When the yeast ingest the sugars, they release gas which raises the dough and makes it swell up to twice its size at least. So for that 1 hour, I went to the living room and watched one episode of recorded show.
One hour later, I went to knead the dough a bit to flatten. It did rise up though not to twice the size. I put the shrink wrap on the table to try to create a clean surface but it didnt work so well. So I decided to use the baking pan again. Divided up the dough to two portions, I rolled and flatten one using the rectangular baking tray as the guide. Applied generous amounts of butter and a mixture of sugar and cinnamon powder. (With hind sight, more cinnamon, less sugar or use confectioner's sugar might be better) Rolled into a big roll and cut 1.5 - 2 inches width. Repeated with the other and put them into the baking pan. But they kinda looked squished up and my mom was telling me, might turn out hard, cos they dont have place to expand. Will put in the baking tray next time round.
So I have to set it aside again, 45mins to an hour, to let the cinnamon rolls raise again. That meant another episode of recorded cable TV. 20mins before, I preheated the oven and mixed the glazing. (Think less butter and confectioner's sugar) After the time, noticed that the space between (which wasnt much) pieces were nil and put into the oven to bake. 30mins is enough but I checked every 10mins. Took out for them to cool and I had to cut to pull out the pieces from the tight baking pan. Next time must let them have lots more space to expand or maybe consider two batches to bake. Applied the glazing after they have cooled some.
The taste is pretty good, except I think I overdid the glazing. Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside. Some of the sugar inside didnt melt, so can chew into sugar grains. That can be improved upon with confectioner's sugar instead. I ate two and the next day two. Gave 3 to my sis, other sis ate 1, mom ate 3, she gave 3 to her friends in the market (otherwise how to finish) and viola, all gone.
Later I went online to look for more bread recipes for those that I like to eat, like pita bread, own pizza dough etc. Dont mind trying out and making own pizza.
And just now, I came across the Youtube video for a Giant Cookie for one. Great and super easy from the videos. I am so amped up to try to make but I still need to space the cooking out so that we all dont end up gaining weight from eating all these and secondly, my mom needs the kitchen during some days, especially this coming weekend. So I will leave the single-serving Giant Cookie to the next week. Can use the time to get the ingredients I lack. At the back of my mind are the Cinnamon cookie and Peanut Butter Jelly cookie. Yummy.
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