Picking up speed

Time really flies and half the year passed. Since our little getaways, I have been busy preparing for a charity bake. I am really pleased to be part of it as I do enjoyed such events. When MC approached me to see whether I can do it, I took it up immediately without thinking. Well so far, this is my biggest project for Cupcake Fantasies and I am happy that we pulled it through except a small hiccup but was quickly rectified when hubby stepped in to help. Thanks L, MC and ML for helping out one way or another for this worthy cause. I hope the fund raised will blessed more kids who in need.

Mini

I had a sms two days ago to say that my daughter's godma will be in town. Boy, am I happy to see EB. I befriended EB while we were working in the fashion industry. She is a very hardworking girl and I just love the way she handled stuff. She is someone who dare to speak her mind and yet tactful enough for other's respect. I still remember her first pregnancy. Now her two kids are all grown up and I am still struggling with two tiny tots. hahaha... That is the benefit of starting young. Whenever EB is in town, it was also a very hurried one. There isn't time for much catching up. Despite her invitation to Jakarta for a visit, I simply don't find the opportunity to do it. Bad isn't it? Well perhaps after son's PSLE, we might make a trip up. Good to allow my daughter to spent sometime with her godma. With the kids at home creating so much noise, I seriously have to mood to plan for dinner. Thus we will be dining out at a nearby restaurant. I did find time to bake her some cuppies. With the help of my daughter's we crafted out some mini rose buds. My daughter is in charge of the leaves and I think she is getting really good at it. . Let's hope godma likes it.

Another reunion

Since I discovered Facebook in early Dec, I wanted to find out whether I can hooked up with many of my secondary school mates. The power of cyberworld is truly amazing. In fact, I was able to trace friends and also allow some whom I lost touch with more 27 years ago to trace me back!!! Anyway, throughout my 32 days of medical leave, I spent a great deal of time tracing many school mates from a spin off that SP, MC and AL spearheaded - a reunion for class 82. I was juggling between resting, cookie doughs, sifting out between junks and treasure and finding storage for them, calling, emailing and tracking down the class of 82. The joy of hearing their voices on the phone. For some, even reminded me of my "naughty" days (mmm I always thought that I am a good girl) hahaha. AL once said to me that I looked the same. Still small, still have short hair. KK said I still have that loud and "fierce" voice. hahahaha... Boy their memory is awesome. I was really looking forward to this day and this sentiment was shared with by many when I contacted them. The IJ spirit in all of us never changed. We are still close knitted. Somehow, we know each other from one class to the other, there isn't any boundary to begin with. Come to think about it, our class size is not that big and there isn't many classes in each level. In my year, there are only 5 classes. Now my son's level has 7 classes! and I thought we are falling in birth rates, LoLz. After co-ordinating the menu for the potluck, I was starting to toy with the idea of having a fondant covered cake to reflect the IJ spirit. After chatting with R, I got more encouragement to do it. Actually, for a personal goal this year, I was hoping to do more whole cakes. Afterall, I need to "practise" on what I have learnt right? Then again, I was also worried that I couldn't make it on time as CL also ordered a batch of cuppies for her friend's hen night. Thankfully, I was able to finish both on time. As for the fear of baking a whole cake, I guess I really got to start from somewhere to begin with. So here I am .... working hard for the last two days to achieve this. I am pleased to know that it was a hit at the reunion and they all love the cake. Now, looking forward to our next celebration. GL was suggesting a 30th anniversary. I think the idea is awesome.

An extra pair of hands

After 5 years of doing away with a domestic helper. We have decided to embark on this path of having one again. In fact, I hesitated for nearly two weeks or more but the strength came when I hurt my back. With the second injury within three days, I knew deep down that I can no longer hold the forth all by myself. It was a nervous moment for me. I can only pray for better luck this time round. To those who knew us, the horror stories that we shared with, was an understandable reason why we didn't want one eventually. Each time I read the newspaper about all those abuses. I felt that such situation can be avoided. My heart goes out to the one who got abused but I also understand why the other party looses one's mind. We must rememeber that endurance, forgiveness plus stress level all has its limits. The system will never be fair if you lay your first punch and it is easy to play victim if you have a system to back you up. I was seriously taken aback with the ruling that we have to pay for their air ticket home even if they commit theft or caught with abusing our kids. So we have to learn to walk away from it before it gets out of hand .... even it meant to retrain all over again... even if it meant to forgo the agency fees .... even if it meant that your child has to find an alternative environment to grow up .... and even if it meant that you have to handle the workload all by yourself! Just go for it! When we came to a decision to having helper again. My mind is more at ease now partly because hubby kept re-assuring me that this time, our situation will be better because the kids are much older and able to voice out if they are subjected to any abuses and having me being at home also able to monitor misbehavioural conduct. Though we will lose the privacy that we enjoyed tremendously over the last few years. We needed the extra pair of hands to handle household chores so that I can spent more time on my prince as we embark on the PSLE preparation and also give me time to rebuilt my strength and health. I pray that this helper will come with a good attitude and a willingness to learn. I pray that she will remember the reason why she has to break her heart to leave her aged parents behind. I pray that she will be focus enough on her dreams to have a better tomorrow. I pray that all will works well between her and my family. Welcome onboard M. Now that she is onboard, I am able to enjoy a little cup of tea and rekindle with my long lost interest. (so nice to have quiet moments before my son comes home *wink*)

Did I made it?

When I injured my wrist many years ago, my passion for pottery died. I was very sad then as I wasn't able to pursue it further. Never did I dreamt that this passion can be rekindled in the form of a sugar dough. Since July 2006 when V introduced this to me, I have been crazy over sugarcraft. From then, it was a journey to many fantasies. Not only it has been a good destresser for me but also I can incorporate it into Cupcake Fantasies, my little cupcake venture. Though I have done many figurines and etc, I always had problem crafting out roses. Perhaps my fingers are not dainty enough? Nevertheless, my determination stays. Sometime I feel that the more I try, the worse it gets. This week, I was involved in a cupcake order that allows me to come up with a theme that ties in with my little venture. My imagination was free to roam. Subconsciously, while crafting the toppers, I managed to produce this. Not that this is a perfect rose but hey, to me, it is the first step. What do you think? Pass?

All went so smoothly except ...

Today is my little princess 5th birthday. She wanted a fairy theme for her birthday. I got her a pair of wings and a headdress. She is happily "flying"  around in the garden.

As I didn't want to give candies as goodie bags, a friend M suggested that I give my cuppies instead. Begining of the week, mommy got herself really busy crafting out "fairies". It actually took me two days to produce 18 "fairies" and 8 racing cars. (as there are 14 girls and 8 boys in her class) Prior to that, I started to browse through the net for inspiration. While moulding the fairies, it suddenly strike me how exactly fairies look like. Got my son to find books on fairies and guess what, none looks like mine. :( The racing car was inspired by a book that C loan me.


Nevertheless, my kid is happy with the outcome and guess what, mommy too. I didn't expect myself to pull through this one. I got very positive responses from the teachers and those mommies who happened to see my pet project. Really been very motivating for me.

I saw e's joie's give away cookies and thought it will be a good excuse for me to put my new set of minnie and mickey cookie cutters to good use. Afterall, I have acquired this last year (I think) and never really got a chance to using it. I baked these in the middle of the night before the party and believe me, surviving on 4 hours of sleep the night before trying to fix my blog, it was really stressful as I dropped quite a few onto the floor while transferring them after freshly baked from the oven.

This recipe is keeper as the smell from the oven during baking is simply divine! But I feel it is a little too sweet for my taste bud. Will reduce the sugar the next round.

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 Next I got my daughter involved in her own birthday "cake". I wanted her to be part of the giving process so she helped me with this one. Happy Birthday my dear baby. On a side note, my day didn't end just there. After the school celebration, I rushed down to my son's school and went out shopping with him as it will be his birthday this weekend. A reward for his birthday as well as his term test. Also to pick up a present for my daughter. Went back to the kindergarten for my girl and again rushed down to the Immigration as I need to update her photograph in her passport. Sent my son up to queue for a queue number. Took me a good 1/2 hour under the hot sun, waiting for a parking lot (you won't believe how crowded the carpark was). After I heard from M about her waiting for a good three hours for the process. I diligently put up my two hours coupon. Went up and found my son out of the queue. They cannot accept my son as a representative. Luckily I don't have to queue again, if not, I will sure blow my top. Anyway, the officer told me that the day has been jam packed and they won't be accepting any more application. That is to say, I can't pick up the updated passport. I have to make another trip down again!!!!!!!! Next was off to the airport to pick up my hubby (yipee, my Krispy Kreme is coming home) and have a birthday celebration and yet another shopping trip for my kids. This time round, it is daddy's treat. *sorry dear, I do misses you badly too. Nevertheless, my day went by as planned and I am happy that my check list been cleared for the day except for that passport. arrrggghhhhh!

Chemistry

MC and I were colleagues many years ago. We were both in different departments but somehow the chemistry is just there. Even with the wide age gap, we managed to click pretty well and maintain a friendship even after we both left the company on a different timing.

I seek her out to help me with a favour as she has got a better networking than me and she was indeed very kind. Even though she is so busy, she still find the time to use her "connection" to get my favour done.

For that, MC, I really appreciated it.

We were catching up with our personal lives and she came to know that I am into cupcakes. Since it will be a last day at work as she is seeking a bigger challenge, she ordered some from me to thank her colleagues. So this is what I came up with.

Hopefully, her colleagues will like it as she does.

Was really nice to see her after a long absence and still the bubbly MC that I have known nearly 6 years ago. Wow.

In a flash

I haven't been blogging lately. Not because I have lost interest but I was simply too caught up with the day to day happenings.

Been trying out as an assistant in a bakery for three days. Life was really fun. The feeling of going back to work and meeting people is exhualbant. I am making plans to incorporate some of the nice bakes from my friend into Cupcake Fantasies. Will keep you updated when it comes.

We also had a potluck dinner with my old neighbourhood. Initially I wanted to cook for all of them but missing their yummilious food so badly, I suggested pot luck instead. Sorry folks, I didn't have time to take pictures of Auntie L's Yam Abacus, SL's Petai Prawns, S's Almond Logan , A's Ice cream and Gourment Sausages from Auntie A. My contribution was Gingko Nut with Barley which in my opinion failed because I didn't removed the barley (a tip from all my nice aunties) and my mother in law's Curry Chicken which everyone said is sedap!

After, I have been fulfilling my commitment to Cupcake Fantasies. Tried my hand at some figurines for a safari theme. Did I pass?

A lazy Sunday afternoon

Out of boredom, I started surfing and found this mommy forum by chance. Though I am not a computer nerd as I am pretty good at other software programmes but internet world was totally new to me. Not that I am good at it now but back then it was worst. It is the very first forum that I chanced upon when I first started to become a stay home mom. It has brought lots of wonderful moments for me and friendship that formed over the years. Yesterday, a group of us met up at my place for tea. For some, it was a catch up time, for others, it was a getting to know you moment. I even met a school senior!!! Small world. We spent a lazy Sunday over some yummilious goodies. Some were hand made while others from takeways but nevertheless, all tasted good. Osmanthus Cake. I had a bite towards the end of the party and I would say that the Osmanthus cake tasted much much better having it chilled. Will have to keep it in mind should I made it another time for my family or guests. Serve while chilled. I am embrassed to have my guest washing my dishes and making tea. hahaha.... poor host I am. We had a very good time yakking till sunset under a logan tree. I was told at one point in time, there were 8 kids having a mini soccer session over at my small front lawn. LOLz. Glad that the kids had a wonderful wonderful time. (unfortunately I didn't capture this precious moment). We departed with a group photo as remembrance. Hugs and kisses were exchanged and I pray that our special little baby guest will be on his road to recovery. Kudos to his parents for being so strong and positive. Something I have to learnt from them. Shall we do it again my friends?

A belated post

I have been so busy the past weeks and loving every minute of it. My son's exam finally over. That poor boy perhaps was stressed out that he developed fever during the exam period. He was such a brave boy and braved through it all. Though he didn't do fantastically well but I think it was good enough for us. Then after, my daughter's turn to fell ill. It was a roller coaster ride for her, the fever simply didn't go away. Luckily, she recovered after a week and in time for our short get away to Malacca. Been good too for my little venture too. Since my "black out" period early this year due to the house move, little angels have been steadily knocking back on my mail. Each time I made a delivery, I love to watch the happy and satisfied look. This really makes my day. We didn't get a chance to celebrate Mother's Day as mommy dearest is away babysitting my new born nephew. I guess she is having a good time as she looks radiant. Ha, I think the fresh air really do her good. But the climate has turned cold now and her lungs are not really strong to take it so they will be heading home earlier than planned. Boy, I do miss them alot. I am sharing with you what I have accomplished these past days. Yah, perhaps I bored you again with my cuppies.

Not again

Yeap, I baked cuppies again!!!! Seriously I really enjoyed baking them and I wish I can baked them even in smaller cuppies. heheheheh... I love anything in small packages.

This time round, I done a batch for a forum gathering. I have already missed twice so I can't bear myself to miss yet another round.

It was so a wonderful feeling to have the name matched to a face. That is why it is so interesting. It is like pen pals meeting for the first time. Nervous? Heart pounding? Nah, I didn't go for a blind date but to meet a group of wonderful ladies that we have been sharing baking and cooking knowledge for the past months. For some, the sharing was so unconditional that it touches my heart and I thank you.

I also had a chance to meet some really amazing kind hearted people. To me, these are "strangers" who came forward to help me. So sometime, when you get to meet the ugliest and the most nasty ones, somehow somewhere, HIM up there will send some beautiful angels to soften the hurt. Isn't that great?

Anyway, here is a batch of cuppies which I was testing out a new recipe (hehehe as I mentioned before, I like to surprise my guest as well as myself, so I always had my "first" to welcome my friends) and I was glad that it was well received. In fact, many of them told me to make this my "official" recipe for Cupcake Fantasies.

Thanks gals for the panel tasting. heheheheheheh.....

Pardon the sloppy job on the piping as I was rushing to be on time.