Lunar New Year 2024 Before And After

TODAY IS THE SIXTH DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR....

And this is the day when I am now free to blog a few lines to activate back my blog after a long absence!

So much happenings for the past few weeks, my house were filled with all different types of noise and voice.  The two terrible twos were mainly the culprit, the happy screams, the complaining cries, shouting filled my house.  Even the baby was not left out, she has her fair share of the above noises.

And now my house is at its silent mode again and I am able to sit down quietly now....

Here are some pictures we took during the festive season....

 

My extended family.... 

When three becomes six and then nine... plus myself...

A table of 10...

 

 

Homecooking Malaysian Style In St Jose

BACK TO NORMAL ROUTINE...

After a week vacation at Hawaii, everything goes back to normal, the young adults go to work and yours truly is back being a home ministeress again.... LOL....

Wake up around 8am, take my breakfast and then wait for baby to get up, which is often around 9am plus or so.  Every two hours, he will take his nap and in between his naps, I will quickly prepare food for adults which is normally lunch and dinner.  Lunch is always simple, sometimes just noodles or bread or when really too busy, it will be online delivery... 

Being here makes me realise that back home in Malaysia, food is so easily accessible... I mean Chinese Asian food, curry mee, prawn mee, wanton mee, fish ball noodles... nasi lemak.. economy rice.. LOL.. you name it, we can get it in Ipoh... whereas over here, we have to do these from scratch or do your own homecooking which tastes similar to the food in Ipoh.... and that was what we normally do..... 

We even have to do our own roasted pork....

And any leftovers will be kept for the following lunch.... 

Frozen dumplings plus some greens and meat... 

Reminds me of Ipoh wanton noodles... LOL...

No meat will be just eggs and greens with Kampua noodles....

I like taking noodles for lunch....

(after this posting, I will start to cook Taiwan noodles!!)

Dinner is normally a two dish thing.... 

Assam sambal fish curry... 

TEAN packet bought over from Malaysia.... 

Stir fry kailan with prawns and leftover roasted pork....

Capsicum from the garden.... 

On another day, another two dishes....

Pork ribs with radish..... sweet and sour.... 

Another spicy dish to go with the meat....

Yeah, that is the roasted pork we did.... 

Looks like a lot of dishes... but as usual two only...

Goes with pumpkin rice.....

And on another evening, just chicken claypot rice.... 

With spinach.... and cherry tomatoes from the garden.... 

Simple food and yet satisfying on cooler evenings now....

Winter is here!

 

What To Do When Your Little One Injures Themselves

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It is pretty common when you have children that there are bound to be some scrapes and tumbles along the way, particularly when they are still young. When you are at home you do all you can to protect them from any dangers, but unfortunately when they are outside or at school you are not able to protect them so easily. Knowing how best to deal with this kind of scenario will help you comfort and nurture them back to their usual bouncy self. 

Give Them Cuddles 

They are going to be upset if they have had a nasty fall or bumped into an object whilst they are outside. The first thing you should most certainly do is give them cuddles and a kiss to let them know that you are there for them. It will act as a reassurance that you are there to look after and cafe for them. 

Place Something On the Affected Area 

If they have just scraped their knee or bumped their head then placing something cooling such as reusable gel ice packs, can be effective. This can help to reduce any swelling and act as a cooling mechanism when the area on the surface of the skin feels really warm. 

Look Out For Any Delayed Symptoms 

You need to be vigilant particularly with regards to a head injury. So if your child has suffered one of these then you want to be aware of what to look out for. The following are indicative of a serious head trauma so you should definitely seek medical assistance if you notice any or all of the following. 

• Confusion or not knowing where they are

• Not talking coherently so slurred speech

• Difficulty in waking up or staying awake

• Not being able to walk steadily 

• Limbs feeling weak

Visit a Doctor 

If you feel something isn’t quite right then you should definitely take your child to the emergency room or doctor to get them checked out. This is particularly important if they have suffered a head injury as they can have delayed reactions to this type of injury. So keep an eye on your little one and be sure to seek medical assistance immediately if you notice they are not themself. 

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Give Them a Treat To Cheer Them Up 

Giving them reassuring cuddles and a nice treat will help them to feel better if they have suffered a particularly bad injury. You could watch a movie that they enjoy with them, snuggle on the couch together and make their favorite meal to go with it. Or you could provide them with a sweet treat or small gift such as a toy to help them feel better. The most important thing you can do is be there for them to help reassure them that you care and love them deeply.  

My Travel Pass "Passed"

NO HIGH HOPES NOR EXPECTATION when my son applied on behalf for me to the relevant authorities for approval to travel during this period.  

The day I received the vaccination appointment, my son started the application process online.  Though the terms and conditions did not apply to my reason of traveling, we just gave it a try, after all, no harm done by submitting, my son said.  Two weeks later, I received the response stating "Rejected" and the reason given was "Incomplete Supporting Documents."  Oh, does that mean to say if we submit more documents, we stand a chance?  Our hopes were lifted.... at least it did not mention that I do not have a valid reason to go..... 

My son reapplied again, this time he submitted more than 10 documents and whatever certificates irrevelent or not, he just uploaded them.  Appeal letters from both sides were also submitted.... and after that, we just prayed... and wait....

And a week or two later, I received their email... this time... APPROVED!

JABATAN IMIGRESEN MALAYSIA

BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN & PASPORT

MyTravelPass APPLICATION

We are pleased to inform you that your application to exit Malaysia has been APPROVED. The details of your application are as follows: WOW!! ..... PRAISE THE LORD!! We were really really surprised that I was given the opportunity to exit Malaysia.... Thanks to the officer-in-charge whoever you are!   The Travel Pass is valid for 3 months only and by the time my second dose of vaccination was done, it was almost one month.  Made the necessary arrangements and preparations such as police permit and PCR swab test, it was another half a month later.... and I was on the way to the airport during the last weekend to board..... finally! Bye Ipoh... till I see you again... don't-know-when.... Second bridge....

The quiet bridge.... 

At the Penang airport to Singapore...

Less than 20 of us....

Empty seats mostly.... 

This was given for each passenger.....

And a packet of goodies.... 

This was put on the seat.... contactless...

Coke, cookies, lemon cupcake and chocolate....

In Changi, everything was very systematic...

Upon arrival, the few of us were guided in single file to

an enormous waiting lounge....

I have to wait for 5 hours before my flight to San Francisco....

Opted for Chinese food on the plane.....

Suits me real fine.....

Wat Tan Hor Fun....

Finished it all.... 

Only the bun was left behind....

After two meals, three movies and 4 packets of snacks....

I reached San Francisco Safely....

There were only 30-40 people on the plane...

And immigration process was done real quick this time....

In less than half hour, everything was done....

Thank God for smooth journey mercies!

Mother's Gift 2021

FROM PANDORA but paid by my kids.... LOL.... 

Received a package yesterday afternoon from Ninja Turtle van, not surprising these days cos I have been ordering a number of things online for the past few days.  But to my surprise, I did not order anything from Pandora!  Immediately I know who.... something small and sweet... 

Received feedback from the senders that from this year onwards, they do not have to think so much on what to buy for their mommy..... something small and sweet to represent each year and at the same time, something to add to my collection!  LOL... 

Ninja package.... 

A very small white box... 

Compared to a small white bag.... 

Inside lays a tiny bracelet charm....

So minute....

That I have to zoom my camera..... 

Then only I could see the small pink diamonds on the "holder"

Almost need a magnifying glass to see that....

And behind the charm says "I love you"

Small and sweet it seems,

But the words are big, 

And will remain in my heart....

Always!

Thank you, Kids!

Love you all...

Wishing ÄLL my dear readers....

A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2021!

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE.... 

5 Top Tips For Children Who Wear Braces

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

If your child needs to get braces and you’re unsure how to help then don’t worry, you’re definitely in the right place. Whether they’re having braces fitted for the first time or they’ve had them for years and they’re starting to experience issues, you need to ensure you’re doing all that you can to make wearing braces both pain and stress-free. Luckily, there are lots of ways in which you can do exactly that. From letting them know what to expect beforehand to going for regular check-ups, the more you’re doing the more comfortable they will feel. With that in mind, here are 5 top tips for children who wear braces:

Let Them Know What To Expect Beforehand

One for the best things you can do for your child when it comes to them getting braces, especially if it’s for the first time, is to let them know what they can expect beforehand. From the installation to the healing process, the more they know about wearing braces the better prepared they will be. For a guide to wearing braces as a child, you can visit this site here. It may be worth sharing with them once you’re done reading.

Stock Up On Soft Foods For The First Few Days 

If your child is having braces for the first time, you need to ensure you’re stocking up on some soft foods that they can eat. Whether that means buying lots of soup or getting a couple of tubs of ice cream, the more prepared you are the better. For a guide to the best foods to eat after getting braces, you can visit this site here.

Make Sure You Go For Regular Check-Ups

Once your child has had their braces fitted, you need to be sure that they’re going for regular check-ups. Whether this is to check their progress or to discuss any issues they may be having, you need to be sure they’re being checked as often as possible. From incorrect fittings to pain, there are lots of common issues associated with braces. For more information when it comes to incorrect fittings and braces that have been applied with indirect bonding, you can visit this site here.

Seek Assistance If They’re In Pain

If your child is experiencing pain, you need to be sure you’re getting help as soon as you can. In most cases, this will mean booking an emergency dentist appointment.

Buy The Necessary Toothpaste And Tools To Help Keep Them Clean

Finally, you need to ensure you’re buying all of the necessary tools they need to be able to clean their braces and teeth properly. Although a toothbrush is a good start, you may find they need a little extra help. If you’re struggling, a little bit of research will go a long way.

With lots of great tips and tricks to bear in mind, you can ensure your child’s experience with braces is a pain-free as possible. What else can you do? Did we miss anything off of the list? Let us know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

Birthday Dinner At STG, Ipoh

PRE CELEBRATION BIRTHDAY... started in Ipoh... it is not his actual day yet but since the three were back during the festive season, we might as well celebrate together.  We went to STG at Taman Chateau, a Tea House Cafe in a double storey bungalow turned cafe with a nice homely ambiance.  The ground floor was already full and reservations were being booked in advance and we were ushered to the first floor, up the wooden stairs, plank flooring to a very nice room which reminded me of my childhood days when I stayed in a shophouse in town. 

We browsed through the menu and ended up ordering one main dish for each of us followed by starters such as soup and escargots... Oh gosh, what are escargots?  I just ordered never realizing there are actually from the snail family!  Nevertheless, we ended up eating one each, they really looked like giant snails to me, stuffed with some cheese and spices and we have to "poke" the flesh out of their hard shells. 

Hot to our touch... that is the consolation... 

Wild mushroom soup and bisque soup.. something like lobster... 

A very funny taste and we did not really like it... 

However I like my pasta with scallops...

Very tasty... they suit my taste buds.. 

Andy's friend ordered Seafood Carbonara... 

My girl's Baked Salmon... very nicely done too.. 

Juicy and not dried... 

Aaron's Lamb Shank... 

Quite a big portion.. 

And come to think of it now, one dish is missing!

How come?

This picture was not "planned"... LOL.. 

 

These certainly are.... 

All in all, we had a nice time... 

Regardless of the bill that came right in the end... 

It cost over RM300... LOL!

Xing Yun Chicken Tauge At Ipoh Garden East

JOIN IN THE CROWD...

Lazy to cook so we joined in the crowd in Ipoh where food is concerned.  As locals, we are at the advantage, we know where to look for places which are not so commercialized and frightening crowded.  Avoid going to the town and the top 10 places to go for food in Ipoh.  LOL... We go for the residential areas where there have equally good food as well, the signature of Ipoh is the Ngar Choy Kai aka Chicken Taugeh...

I came by here to Xing Yun Tauge Ayam in 2018, *I just googled my own posts a moment ago*.  When we reached the place, it was already around 8pm and the patrons were already seated on the extra tables placed on the road.  I never like to sit on the roadside, *watched too many Facebook videos online where accidents occured* ... anyway, the tables were all occupied on the road, we opted for the ones inside the shop, though a bit warmer than outside, I really do not mind.  Felt safer inside than outside on the road...

Waited for more than half an hour for our dinner such as these... 

Fish and meatballs... 

Jellyfish aka "Hoi Chit"

Ipoh beanspouts... 

Braised chicken legs for my sons... 

Half chicken steamed... 

And a bowl of Ipoh silky koay toew for each of us... 

One for the album before we dig in our food... 

Overall cost RM80!

Well, cannot complain... 

After all, it is Chinese New Year!