Ryan on Guitar

While waiting for brother Ian...

Ryan @ 17 months

Izzie's 1st Month Birthday

After visiting baby Sophie, we heading to visit and celebrate Izzie's 1st month Birthday @ Bistari Condo...  Delicious & simple meal prepared by lovely mum, Noemi, everyone enjoyed...

Visit Baby Sophie

30 Jan 2011, we visited Theresa's new born baby girl, Sophie in Puchong.  Theresa is still on confinement.  Isabel has a lot of wonderful toys from Singapore, that's why attracted Ian & Ryan to play, mostly girl's toys... it's so new to them, even the daddy...

Isabel & Sophie

CNY Preparation

Every year not to miss of baking cookies, prepare for all the gifts to be given to relatives & friends.  I'm thinking when can I cross my hands and stop doing so, it's so tiring... Unless, hubby is making a lot of $$$, now don't think so..., No Salary increment, no bonus all the times, and hubby is not giving a single cents for Angpow... :(

Normally I'll bake conflakes cookies, seaweeds crips and this year, I'm learning a new one, almond flakes...

Conflakes Cookies

Spread even & ready to bake...



Cut into desired size



Ingredients



My Birthday 2011

Today is my birthday, as usual James celebrates with me at Purple Cane Restaurant, then buy a cake from Australia Cake House in Jalan Imbi home to celebrate together with Ian & Ryan.  They're so excited seem like their birthday...

Theresa Chew & Teresa Chiong are celebrated with me during lunch time at Secret Recipe, KL Sentral.

Delicious cake from Australian Cake House

A gift from Theresa Chew

A gift from Erisca

A gift from Sis

A gift from Alveena

A gift from hubby

Erisca's Birthday

It has been number of years that we don't celebrate together, 10 Jan 2010, 4 of us except James, we purposely took a day off to do a 2 hours Thai massage @RM76 in Desa Sri Hartamas at Bintang Massage & Reflexology Parlour (03-2300 0339).  Thereafter, we went for a yummy lunch at Sure Pizza Restaurant in Plaza Damas...

Ian Performed "光辉岁月"

Ian performed "光辉岁月" during Rosemary's 60th Birthday Party, so proud of him...

New Year Eve 2010

Since the X'mas gifts and goodies are still under the X'mas tree, we prepared steamboat on the new year eve and at the same time gave away all the gifts...  Moreover, this's the first year to celebrate new year at our new home.

Happy New Year 2011!

X'mas 2010

As usual, during X'mas month, I'll bring Ian to go shopping to see all the nice X'mas decoration in the shopping mall.  On 21 Dec 2010, I brought Ian & Ryan to Mid Valley, tried to take as many as photos I can, but this Ryan was running around, very difficult to take for him at his age...

23 Dec 2010, we were in Bangsar Village, there's a X'mas Tree Lego City, the tallest Lego X'mas tree in Asia and the Lego collection items...

We supposed to have a pot luck party on the X'mas eve, however, James was having fever, so no choice to call off...Ian was very disappointed, because he's helping me to prepared the X'mas gifts and packing the goodies bags for few weeks...

Motor Show @ PWTC

11 Dec 2010, we brought Ian to visit the Motor Show at PWTC, we know that Ian likes the transformer bumble bee and got 2 VIP tickets from Kelvin.

Ian was excited when he saw the Chevrolet Camaro, he initiated to take photo for him and asked daddy to buy the car for him... (obviously, he really doesn't know the value of the car)

There're pretty lady standing beside the car, and I asked him to take photo with them, he refused (OMG, he's still young)...

Come to transformer bumble bee, he really excited and we decided to take a photo by printing in digital A4 size, it costs RM15 per piece.

X'mas Party-King of the Jungle

11 Dec 2010, there is a christmas party in children church titled King of the Jungle.  We supposed to invite friends but didn't manage to... And all the children are enjoyed... Praise the Lord!

Drum Class

4 Dec 2010, Ian likes drum since he's 3 years old, and now he's tall enough to step on the pedal.  We enrolled him into a drum class at Mahoghany, Bangsar, It's a one to one class, once every week with half an hour each, and RM140 per month.

Year 5 Kids Cell

Today is the last day for Year 5 Kids Cell, by collecting the stamps of the attendance, Ian got Multi-colour pen & a dragon fly...

Janelle 2nd Birthday

Get invited by Lim's family to Janelle 2nd Birthday Party on the 28 Nov 2010, Erisca is really a creative mum, she prepared those hand-craft from invitation card, goodies bag, souvenir and salad.  America Potato Salad was prepared by Carlos, and the food was caterred by her friend, all delicious Malay cuisine, and I just helped her to prepared nuggets and cheese bread in cartoon faces...

Shopping with Zyta

School holiday started and coincident Alveena & I are on leave today, so we go shopping at Jusco Cheras Selatan...

Ian with Heros

I brought Ian to Book fair at Mines Shopping Mall, and when Ian saw all his favorite cartoon characters, he's so excited and wanted to take photo with them...

I bought a fake lego for him, though of rewarding him on his 3rd place of Chinese Spelling, nevertheless, he's chosen an ultraman lega too...

Ipoh Trip with Friends

It has been couple of years that we don't travel together...
Finally, we decided to visit Carmen in Ipoh... As usual, went for Dim Sum and all kinds of delicious food there...

We stayed at Impiana Hotel, this's the first time I brought Ryan to swim, and surprisingly he's excited and enjoyed himself... Should have planned more outings next time...

Ian Year 5 Graduation Day

Ian just joined the Tadika Kembang Ria on Sept 2010, and now Year 5 Graduation Concert at 3K Multipurposes Hall.

Everyone is wearing a self-painting T-shirt to perform, the self-painting shirt is quite meaningful, few weeks before the kid & parents painted together in the school.  Ian choosed a dinosaur painting by using our hand to imprint on the shirt...

Surprisingly, Ian got 3rd prize on his Chinese Spelling...

Snow Lotus Yeast Enzyme (天山雪莲)

This is an enzyme drink was recommended by Karen, my colleague.  It just like any enzyme drinks (sourness, alcohol taste due to fermentation, etc).  In addition to that, the Snow Lotus plant is said to contain medicinal properties and was used for centuries by medical practitioners in China and Tibet to cure diseases and enhance health.  The enzyme is fermented and harvested from the yeast of the Snow Lotus. I got some yeast from Karen and made it at home.

Tools that you need for the entire process:
1. Plastic bucket (for mixing brown sugar with filtered water)
2. Plastic filters
3. Wooden/plastic spatula (for diluting brown sugar with filtered water)
4. Small rice bowl
5. 3L glass container with plastic, screwed on cover (for fermentation)
6. A funnel (for pouring the enzyme into glass bottles)

Ingredients and procedures:

1. Clean the glass container

2. The ingredients should be mixed in the following proportions:

§  3 bowls of Snow Lotus yeast

§  500 g of brown sugar (Thai brown sugar @ RM2.40/pkt)

§  1.5 liters of filtered water

3. Mix brown sugar with 1.5 liters of filtered water.  Use the wooden spatula for stirring and crushing the sugar while mixing:

4.You need to close and tighten the lid once, open it then close and tighten it again.  Place it in a cool & dry place away from direct sunlight for 3 days (72 hours) (e.g. you start on Saturday night 9pm, next harvesting day will be Wednesday before 9pm) until the next harvest.

You may wash the yeast every time or after every 5th harvest, rinse the yeast using filtered water.  If you plan to stop the fermentation/harvesting for a short period (say you have holiday plans, or not free, etc), you can store the yeast in the refrigerator up to 3 months.

Things to note during the process are as per below:
1. The enzyme should not have any contact with metal
2. The bottle storing the enzyme should have a screwed on cap so that it can be allowed to breathe, glass bottle is the best
3. Instruments should never have any contact with oil
4. The longer you ferment, the more sour the enzyme.

Things to note for consumers:
1. This drink can be taken before or after meals, more than once a day (Gastric patients should consume after meals)
2. Consumer has coronary diseases and asthmatic patients should dilute the enzyme with water before drinking.
3. Not suitable for pregnant ladies but can be taken 3 months after delivery

4. Enzyme should be drank 4 hours later after consuming tuber crops (such as potatoes)
5. This drink is a bit "heaty" therefore drink lots of water.  Coconut water helps as well.

Updates as of 23rd Aug 2010

Article

Ex-Siemens Gathering

Ex-Siemens Gathering at Woo Residence on 31 Oct 2010, such a long time never meet up, unfortunately Alvin, Janice, Caleb couldn't make it...

All of us enjoyed for the food and the chat... It's a pot luck gathering and therefore, there're unfinished food...

Channye 4th Birthday

Channye 4th Birthday, celebrated at Kelvin & Debbie's new home.  A nice puppy cake from Australia cake house...

TotSeat Portable Chair Harness

I decided to buy this TotSeat, when weaning Ryan, he  couldn't sit still on his highchair, keeps climbing up and I afraid he'll fall down one fine day...  I bought it online, It's only cost RM53.90 without shipping cost.

Totseat - Perfect for when there is no highchair available. Secure your baby quickly and safely with this easy to use portable, packable baby seat in a bag. Designed to fit almost any adult chair. It’s simple to use (fitting instructions are included) and easy to carry - just squash it and go!

Totseat has 3 unique features:

* Adjusts for high and low backed chairs
* An integral cummerbund offers additional support for open back chairs
* Clips neatly and firmly at the back

Totseat will keep even the wriggliest child safely in place. Simply slip it over the chair back, adjust, pop in baby and clip firmly.

* Includes matching bag
* Fully machine washable
* Measures only 12cm when packed
* Totseat has been developed with the assistance of professionals, parents and babies
* Ideal as soon as children can sit unsupported
* Special fasteners mean it adapts to curved cafe armchair style chairs

Healthy Food from Nature

In order to strengthen our immune system, Dr Wu suggested that we get back to simple foods from Mother Nature. He said fresh fruit and vegetables are rich in phytochemicals that offer various benefits in nourishing human cells. These phytochemicals will function best when they are consumed fresh and unprocessed.

According to Dr Wu, there are certain foods that contain high phytochemicals and are easy to find, but are often overlooked. Sometimes we just don't realise the value of what's close to us. Here are a list of simple and healthy food suggested by Dr Wu.

1. Tomatoes

A tomato contains more than 490 kinds of phytochemicals. Dr Wu said these phytochemicals can heal a wide range of cancers, including uterus cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. He recommends people eat six tomatoes a day to obtain full efficacy in fighting cancer.

"Thai people usually do it wrong though, when eating tomatoes. I noticed in most hotel dishes, tomatoes are usually cooked with their seeds taken out. Actually, the substances that can heal cancer are in the seeds and skin," he said.

2. Carrots

The carrot has been known as the poor man's ginseng as it is inexpensive yet contains a lot of phytochemicals. It is rich in Beta-carotene and vitamin A which is important for your vision.

Beta-carotene also helps ward-off a wide range of cancers including in the lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, and bladder.

The parts of the carrot that are rich in phytochemicals are the skin and the core.

"If you are buying carrots, don't choose the ones that are too small. Get the rather old ones," said Dr Wu.

3. Beetroot

Beetroot is the best food for your liver. Beetroot is known for its ability to cleanse the blood and improve circulation. Beetroot is also said to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Wu also said not to be alarmed if after eating beetroot, your urine or stools appear pink or red. This indicates a genetically inherited inability to metabolise betacyanin, the red pigment in beetroot. Thus this harmless compound simply passes straight through the digestive system.

Like many other plants, the rich phytochemicals in beetroot are in its skin, so Dr Wu suggests people leave it unpeeled while eating. If part of the skin remains covered with dirt

after you wash it, you may peel only that part off, and keep as much skin as possible.

4. Celery

Celery has the potential for reducing high blood pressure. Dr Wu said if you eat eight celery sticks each day for one month, your blood pressure will improve. Raw celery also contains anti-cancer substances, so it is recommended for people who are usually exposed to radiation from computers and mobile phones.

Dr Wu urged people to eat these four vegetables as much and as often as possible. He also suggested the best way to get the full benefits from these plants.

Unhealthy Food

You are what you eat

When you have an illness, Dr Wu said you need to understand its cause before anything else. He said the human body consists of cells, and the foods we eat are sent to nourish these cells via blood vessels. If our blood is not clean and becomes toxic, the cells will be toxic as well, causing the body to become weak and the person finally falls sick.

Dr Wu said there are various kinds of food we consume everyday that are bad for our health.

1. Flour-based food

Flour-based food, especially ones that are processed, may taste and smell good but they have no benefits and can even endanger our body. Contaminated substances in the flour can cause diseases.

"Men eating too much flour may get prostate gland hyperplasia which causes them to get up in the middle of the night to urinate, while women may experience blood clots during their menstruation period. Flour-based food also causes dark spots on their cheeks and it can even lead to uterus cancer," said Dr Wu.

2. Fried food

Fried food such as fried chicken, doughnuts (patongko) and roti (Muslim pan-fried bread) are all bad for your health.

"You can eat them occasionally, as the body can still get rid of unwanted substances. But if you eat them every day, this will overload your body. Fried foods contain oil, which when heated will produce carcinogens," he said.

3. Cow's milk

Dr Wu said prolonged drinking of cow's milk can be a cause of breast cancer, especially if the cows were given hormones to speed up their growth. The milk taken from these cows can affect our cells.

"Therefore, it is suggested that you avoid cheese, butter, ice-cream, and yoghurt, since these products have cow's milk as a major ingredient," he said.

He noted humans of all blood types actually do not need cow's milk. The only group that probably needs a milk diet are people with blood type B, but the milk recommended for them is from a "goat", not from a "cow".

If you want to drink milk, Dr Wu suggests soy milk as the best choice.

4. Sugar

Sugar also can be a cause of cancer. There's medical evidence showing that consuming more than four teaspoons of sugar a day will cause your immune system to fail to function for 24 hours. Besides, sugar is also food for cancer cells, and the cause of premature ageing.

Smoothies Recipes

Dr Wu's Recipe: Antioxidant Smoothie Recipe

11/2 cup water (distilled water or purified is preferred)
2 cups Muscadine Grapes (with skin and seeds)
1/2 pint fresh blueberries
1/2 Fugi Apple with skin and seeds
2 T dried organic goji berrie
1/2 lime remove skin keep white fuzz and seeds
1/2 slice fresh ginger root

Put all these items in a 3 horsepower blender and blend. A 3 horsepower blender grinds the seeds and skin to its finest level. This is important for proper digestion. The strongest nutrients are in the seeds and skin.

:::::::
Green Slime Smoothie (Spinach)
(Serves 2)
1 cup spinach
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup ice

Place the spinach in the freezer until frozen, at least 1 hour.
1. Combine the spinach, strawberries, banana, honey, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

:::::::
Kale and Banana Smoothie
(Serves 2)
2 banana
4 cups chopped kale

1 cup light unsweetened soy milk

2 tablespoons flax seeds

2 teaspoons maple syrup Place the banana, kale, soy milk, flax seeds, and maple syrup into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Serve over ice.

:::::::
Groovy Green Smoothie(Spinach Leaves)
(Serves 2)
1 banana, cut in chunks 1 cup grapes
1 (6 ounce) tub vanilla yogurt
1/2 apple, cored and chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Place the banana, grapes, yogurt, apple and spinach into a blender. Cover, and blend until smooth, stopping frequently to push down anything stuck to the sides. Pour into glasses and serve.

Smoothies: The Best Choice for a Natural Diet

As we know, fruit and vegetables contain a wide range of phytochemicals that can help nourish our cells and strengthen our immune systems so our bodies can fight against illnesses.  However, to get the highest benefit from the phytochemicals, these natural foods should be eaten raw.

"Actually, heat can't destroy phytochemicals in the fruit or vegetables, but when they are cooked, the vitamins and enzymes in the plants will be lost during the process. These vitamins and minerals are important since they stimulate the functions of phytochemicals after they get into our bodies," he said.

Since phytochemicals should be eaten raw, the best way to consume them is to drink smoothies made from these foods, as a blender can break apart the phytochemicals in those fruit and vegetables. This works better than when you simply chew and swallow the food.

A good blender should be a high-powered one (of no less than three horsepower), as it will be able to break apart the phytochemicals into very small particles.

 

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY SMOOTHIES

The following is a basic smoothie recipe from Dr Tom Wu.

INGREDIENTS

Vegetables: Two tomatoes, carrots (two small carrots, or one big one), one beetroot (about the size of an orange), celery, and 10 asparagus spears.

(Make sure your smoothies always contain tomato, carrot and beetroot. They are the three important ingredients that shouldn't be missing.)

Herbs and spices: Parsley and coriander (3-4 twigs each), ginger, turmeric.

Fruit: Kiwi, blueberry, apples, and Chinese Wolfberry fruit (Gaoqi). If you can't find blueberry, you may replace them with seeded red grapes.

PREPARATION

1. Wash all the ingredients.

2. Start with the tomatoes because they are soft and won't damage the blade of your blender. Cut them into small pieces and put in the blender.

3. Put in the other soft ingredients, such as kiwis, red grapes and apples.

4. Cut celery into shorter sticks.

5. Put in the asparagus spears.

6. Add coriander, parsley, and turmeric powder. For ginger, take a piece about 5cm long.

7. Beetroot is normally covered with dirt. Wash off the dirt. You may peel off parts where dirt might remain. Cut into fine strips.

8. Cut the carrot into smaller pieces.

9. Add two glasses of water, and start the blender.

 

MORE SMOOTHIE TIPS

1. Choose organic fruit and vegetables to make the smoothies. If you can’t, clean all the ingredients by soaking them in water containing the juice of 2-4 lemons and 2-4 teaspoons of salt. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off, and wash with clean water 4-5 times. This method will reduce pesticides by 80-90%.

2. The skin of fruit and vegetables is the part that contains lots of phytochemicals. So do not peel them, unless the fruit is covered with a hard skin such as kiwi.

3. If you have cancer, Dr Wu suggests you drink about 6-8 smoothies a day — two for your breakfast, one before lunch, one in the afternoon, one before dinner, and the rest at any other time you like. Dr Wu suggests you eat some kind of vegetable salad for lunch. For dinner, if you want to eat rice, eat brown rice mixed with whole grains. For more protein, you can add steamed fish or boiled organic eggs to your meals. Dr Wu recommends 2-3 eggs a week.

4. Healthy people are recommended to start drinking six glasses a day for four months, for the cleansing of their blood.

5. When drinking a smoothie, Dr Wu suggested you sip it. Using a straw is also recommended.

6. It is suggested you have three bowel movements a day to get rid of the waste in your body. If you can’t manage three, you should take an additional fibre-based drink in the morning and evening to help stimulate your bowels. You can stop after your bowels function regularly.

7. Since you’re making 6-8 smoothies each day, and you’re not drinking them all at once, store them in the fridge. Later, when you are about to have one, mix it with a little water to adjust the temperature of the drink.

Yummy Lunch

Yummy lunch prepared by me to my lovely family...
All the guys favorite...

Pumpkin Soup, bacon ham bought from Isetan...