Reality Check

This post is especially for my dear blogger friend, bkworm. It is meant to help her overcome her Pre-Monday Grouching next week. Read on:


When you have a "I Hate My Job" day, try this:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair.

Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Now the fun part begins. Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times,"I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control at Johnson & Johnson."

HAVE A NICE DAY AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE BUTT THAN YOURS!

(But for those of us who still have little yucky butts to wipe, I guess we just have to bear with it!)

Have a great weekend, and no more pre-monday grouching, bkworm!!

:)

God's Magnificent Creation

Only God could create something as beautiful as this!


What is it?



It's the Parrot Flower, found in Thailand.



Amazing, isnt it??

:)

God's Clues

Before God made the world and everything on it, he knew what he wanted each for. But he wasn't sure the humans that he put on it would fully understand what it was for. So, he left clues for us:



A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and Yes, science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.


A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.


Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.


Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.


Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.


Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.


Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemica l cons tituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).


Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well as to overcome male sterility.


Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.


Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.


Grapefruits, Oranges, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.


Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes


Interesting isn't it?

:)

Holidays

Everyone tells me that this is the best time to be going on vacation to Japan and the US.

Why? Because of the strong Singapore dollar!

Comparatively, everything will be much cheaper. I drool when I think of taking a holiday in Japan - the food, the supermarts, the fresh air, the cherry blossoms in early April, the graciousness of the people. I love holidays in Japan, but it is a country that I have all along considered expensive. Hotels are expensive, and now with 5 in the family, we are no longer able to fit into one hotel room. The food is expensive, but so fresh and delicious. It's a joy to shop in Japan - the quality of the goods and the service is second to none. I guess, it's the price you have to pay for it.

I have not been back to the US for a long time. I could spend days just shopping at the discount outlets, or maybe, with the strong dollar, I can actually shop on 5th Avenue. There's friends to visit and also places that I would like to bring the children to - like Disney World and Epcot Center(Orlando), Kennedy Space Centre (Florida), Washington DC for its numerous museums, Broadway Shows in NY City, Vermont for its foliage ....... the list is endless.

However, my daughter is in P6 this year, so I guess all travel plans have to be shelved until after her crucial exams in October. By then, I just hope that the Singdollar is still as strong! Meanwhile, I will just dream of holidaying in these places ...... zzZzzZZZzz.

World Youth Olympics

Yes, Singapore has won the bid to host the inaugural World Youth Olympics in 2010.

Signapore pipped Moscow to the honour of hosting the World Youth Olympics. Such wonderful news, as it shows that the IOC has the confidence in our ability to do the job well.

It is such an honour for a small little nation to be given this task!

Yippee!!! Hooray!

Pop goes the...

.



...button!

It started off with the year-end school holidays, then it was the Christmas and other celebrations during December, then it was Chinese New Year. After all that feasting, celebrating and excesses, the trousers feel tighter, I cant button my jeans,(no the picture above is not of me!!) and just this morning the button on my capri popped off as I sat down to breakfast!

Guess, after today the celebrations are over. It's time to hit the treadmill, and back to having rabbit food and oatmeal for breakfast.


:)

Christian "Lohei"

I know today is the last day of the CNY, but I just received this in an email, and I thought that this is definitely a must share. Last chance to use it today, until next year, that is.

It is meant for the modern christian chinese who are not to familiar with what they have to say when they do the lohei themselves. Good for the peranakans amongst us too!

CHRISTIAN 'LO HEI'

Red envelope which contains pepper:
Praise the Lord, for peppering us with loving kindness

Green envelope which contains five-spice powder:
Praise the Lord, for accepting our labour as a fragrant offering to His plan

Fish:
Praise the Lord, for the grace of God to be fishers of men

Oil:
Praise the Lord, for the oil that keeps us burning in this fight of faith
Or
Praise the Lord, for anointing us with the oil of joy (Psalm 45:7)

Plum Sauce:
Praise the Lord, for the sweetness of Your Word sweeter than honey to my mouth (Psalm 119:103)

Crackers:
Praise the Lord, for the street of pure gold that you have prepared for us to live in eternity (Revelation 21:21)

Happy "Lohei"ing!

Computer problem?

I have been blog hopping for the past couple of days and noticed that nobody has updated their blog. Everyone's blog had not been updated for at least 3 days. Strange, I thought. There are some I know, who would only skip a day at most. Fortunately, I decided, after 3 days that this could not be so and decided to click the refresh button on the page. Hey presto! All the current post for that blog came up. So, every blog page that I go to, I have to click refresh now. 3 days of posts to catch up on now!

What is wrong?? Never had this problem recently. Looks like my internet explorer is playing tricks on me again.

Dental Fear

She had a bad dental experience when young. The dentist made a wrong call when she chipped a tooth. As a result, she had to undergo a root canal at the tender age of 7. Coupled with a small jaw, she ended up with a very crowded mouth. Misaligned teeth resulted in her top teeth impacting her bottom. At age 9, some of her bottom teeth became shaky!!

A change of dentist came with the need to remove 4 teeth. With the fear as a result of her previous dental experience, she had to remove them under general anaesthesia. The fear is still there. No one is allowed near her mouth, except for this new dentist. Even if she has a shaky tooth, she will not allow anyone near it, not even to just pull it out.

Last night, in her sleep, one shaky tooth fell out!! Discovered it this morning. Good thing she did not swallow it.

In one and a half weeks, she has another dental appointment. Her jaw is really too crowded. She needs to remove another 4 teeth. We will decide then, whether she still needs to go under GA.

Please pray for her to be strong and overcome her fear. If not, it will be another $3000 out of my pocket.

The Innocent Man

I have been a big fan of John Grisham books from the time I read his 1st book. He is an American, a former politician, a retired attorney turned writer and he specialises in writing legal thrillers.



His latest book, The Innocent Man is his 1st non-fiction book. It chronicles the story of Ron Williamson, and how he was charged and convicted of a crime he did not commit. It sent shivers down my spine as it showed how an innocent man was framed and charged with murder, and even went to "Death Row", saved only at the last minute. It was a compelling read, that kept me up late at night, turning the pages of the book, stopping only when my eyelids could take it no more. A must read for those who enjoy legal thrillers and court room drama.

How many innocent people are "convicted" everyday, by their governments, spouses, family etc for crimes they did not commit, for things they did not do? To them, I say: Be strong. You will find justice one day.

God Bless!

Animal Pics

Just thought that I would share with you some pics which my friend sent me:










All together now: Awwwwwww!
Have a great weekend!

Am I losing it?? Updated

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been very busy preparing for the Chinese New Year. As a result, i have not been reading the newspapers much, as well as not doing my daily sudoku.

Just yesterday, I attempted the Sudoku in the Today newspaper. Only 3 stars. Piece of cake, I thought. Should not take more than 5 minutes.

Guess what?? I could not solve all of it!! Today, I attempted the 4 star one. After 10 minutes, I still could not complete it. I had to put it aside as I had a meeting to attend.

What's happening? Am I losing my mental faculties. Previously, I only attempted those that had at least 4 stars and 5 minutes was the max I would take to solve it. Now even 3 stars I can't do!!

On another matter - I used to be quite a type A personality.

[Type A personality, also known as the Type A Behavior Pattern, is a set of characteristics that includes being impatient, excessively time-conscious, highly competitive, hostile and aggressive, and incapable of relaxation. Type A individuals are often high-achieving workaholics who multi-task, drive themselves with deadlines, and are unhappy about the smallest of delays.]

For me then: Everything must be done in good time, properly. No missing of deadlines. Perfectionist. Everything in their proper keeping place. But I noticed, now, the more I am home with the kids, the more I let things slide. "Sudah, la! Not everything can be perfect!" That's my attitude nowadays. True, with kids. We cannot expect to be on top of everything. Murphy's law is bound to rare its ugly head. Previously, cannot take it should it happen. Now: OK, la. Pineapple tarts not perfect also Ok. As long as edible right?

But the problem is: The house is falling apart!! The house is a big mess! Previously, I would be constantly clearing up. Putting things in its proper place. I would know where everything and anything is. Others mess up, I would just clear it to its place. Now I dont't. Nobody can find the stapler when they need it, because I dont bother to put it in its proper place when others leave it lying around. Ditto for the ear digger, and at times the nail clipper. But if I was using it, of course, I would put it back in its proper place.

The table is a mess. Tonight we are having guests over for dinner. Hubby said: Maybe should try to clear away some of the mess. Me: Never mind, la. Not show flat. Instead I am blogging. (hee! hee!) Now messiness is part of life for me.

Looks like it is true that if we dont use it, we will lose it! Looks like I have lost part of my type A personality! And soon mental ability as well!

Guess what? - After I finished this post, I went back to my sudoku puzzle. I finished it in less than 5 minutes. Yay!! I am getting back into the swing of things. Now to attempt today's 5 star puzzle!

=)

Budget Day - Updated

Today is budget day in Singapore.

For the many years, this day has been sort of like another Christmas day for many in Singapore. Businesses and many (working) individuals receive goodies and tax cuts from the Finance Minister. Unfortunately, for Stay-At-Home Mums like me, we have not received a single treat.

It has always been said that my "profession" is the noblest of all professions, as we make huge sacrifices, give up well-paid jobs and perks, for a 24/7 job that pays us zilch. Our husbands have to work twice as hard to provide for the family. We do away with a lot of luxuries which we would otherwise be able to afford had we not made this choice.

Research has shown that children of SAHMs tend to be better behaved, give less problems and are more well adjusted. So, despite all this, why are we always the forgotten ones when the budget comes along?

So far, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said it will be a "Progressive Budget" with something for everyone, and to take the country forward. (source CNA)

I really hope there is truth in that statement, coz, everyone must mean everyone including SAHMs like me.

I am not asking for much. Even if you are not able to give us direct hand-outs, at least, reward us for moulding our future leaders by giving our husbands a bigger tax rebate. Then we know you really mean everyone when you say it.

Update: Absolutely nothing for us poor SAHMs again. Looks like he doesnt understand the meaning of the word "everyone". Dictionary.com defines it as: every person; everybody. Which means no body is excluded. So how come SAHMs are excluded again. Do we not count? Next time, dont get our hopes up and make empty promises. Upset :(

Amazing Race Asia Season 2

I caught the last leg of the race last evening, and I must say it was a thrilling, nail-biting finish.

We were rooting for Adrian and Collin. These 2 young men, hail from Singapore, but that was not the main reason we were hoping they would win. You see, Adrian is hearing impaired. This team demonstrated no sign of "kiasuness" despite being Singaporeans (gasp!). They were most patient with each other and truly demonstrated what teamwork was all about.

At the start of this final leg, the 2 hunks from Phillipines (Mark & Rovilson) started off the leg first, with the Singapore boys leaving second, and the 2 beauties (Pamela & Vanessa) from Malaysia 3rd. The final leg brought them to Singapore, which had all three teams neck to neck as all three were on the same flight that brought them back here.

When they had to make their way to the the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Singapore boys were so close to overtaking M&R, but when they stopped to retieve their clue, they failed to get their cab to wait for them! They lost precious time there as they were unable to hail a cab for quite some time. (I guess that was before they raised cab fares in Singapore) Even the P&V overtook them. M&R were in the lead most of the time in this leg of the race.

However, in the last task of the race, the "road block" which required one player from each team to perform the task, finally decided the winner. The task was to place the flags of each country, in order of the countries they visited, from the 1st leg of the race to the end.

M&R had a very good lead as they got there early. P&V were next. However, as they fumbled with the flags, A&C arrived for the task. Adrian got down to the task. He showed his knowledge of the flags of the world, and with ease he placed them. He was soon done with the task and A&C raced to the finish line, with the other 2 teams still trying to decipher which flags were from which country!. A&C came in 1st!!

Congrats A&C. You have made Singapore proud whilst enjoying yourself on the race. You have also proved that disabled does not mean unable! Well done!

Happy Valentine's Day!

*




Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. In North America, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. ......... source Wikipedia

My definition of Valentine's Day is:
A day that florists, confectioners, and Hallmark go laughing all the way to the bank. It is also a day when people spend lots of hard-earned money at restuarants for "so-so" food at exhorbitant prices just to try to show the love of their life that they are important to them.

It is also a day where the unattached, or those without any suitors, are made to feel more aware of their status.

As you can see, I dont quite believe in celebrating Valentine's Day. I feel that you can show your love everyday, and you should. Flowers, chocolates, cards and dinners are welcome all day, everyday! No need to wait for that one day to spend more than necessary to show it.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day everyone!


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


I remember Sister Valentine - a fat jolly nun in my school that was in charge of a CCA called "Joyful Vanguard" and she taught music. She hailed from Ireland, and always had funny stories to share. She was always around to help the younger children settle into school. How we enjoyed going to her music studio in the nun's quarters, as she always had some goodies stashed away for those of us who visited her. Sister V has since returned to join the Lord. I remember you Sister V!


*

Why dont they dress their age?

I know of some ladies, no, no I should call them women, that refuse to dress their age. Let me share with you:

There is this woman I know, she is 57 years old, about to be a mother-in-law, and do you know what she wears? Well, when she came to my home for CNY to pai nian (she works for F-I-L), she was wearing tights and a pink baby doll style blouse! When I saw her, the first thing I thought was - what? Is she having a mid-life crisis? Her dressing looked like one of those "kawaii" harajuku kids. Only that she is not! She has a son that is almost 30 years old, so why is she dressing like that? This is not the first time. The previous time I saw her, she was wearing a layered ruffled skirt made of lace and a tube top. Something that would appeal to my daughter "S". I dont even want to think about all the other times when we had a good laugh about her dressing.

There is another woman that I see in school whenever I pick my kids home. Her youngest son is the same age as "S", so she cant be that young (unless she started really early). My guess is she is mid to late 40s. M-i-l thinks she must be at least 50. Once, she was wearing this "retro" looking dress that ended some 8 inches above the knees (i.e mid-thigh). Her face looked like from the Sakura Ting era, and so was her dressing. Yesterday, she was wearing this black dress with red polka dots (the size of mandarin oranges), ala Bozo the clown style - with a huge collar. Sometimes she comes in boots. Yes, in this hot Singapore weather!

What's with these women? I keep asking myself: Why do they do it? Why cant they just age gracefully, and wear something more modest and befitting their age?

Is it me? - Am I a sour puss? Just because I know I will never be caught dead in one of those outfits, I just cant accept others my age (or older) wearing it? Am I too old-fashioned and ultra-conservative?

Or is it them?? Mind you, these are not those "ah sohs" who are not in touch with fashion. They deem themselves up-to-date and trendy, and travel frequently to the fashion capitals of the world. But look what they come back with?!??

I would like to think the problem is with them!! Sometimes I wish the fashion police would take photos of them and post them in magazines in the "what not to wear" section! I must admit though, that they always give me a good laugh!

Sentosa Flower Show 2008

Every year, on the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year, our family will, instead of visiting relatives, do some "child friendly" activities with our children. For the past few years we have visited the various museums in Singapore (Art, History, Asian Civilisation Museum) and the zoo.

This year we opted for :

This is Singapore's largest flower festival, and it showcases over one million blooms of more than one thousand species.

We ventured out early, to get a head start, as well as to avoid the scorching afternoon sun. Here are some of the photos taken at the Flower Show:
Little D infront of the word "Chun" meaning spring, made entirely out of flowers


S,N and D in front of "mice eating rice'

Swans made completely out of blooms.



There were also other very popular "pavilions" at the flower show, namely the sunflower pavilion which featured hundreds of sunflowers, as well as one specially for Valentines Day, where blooms were arranged into heart shapes. However the queue to those were way too long, so we did not bother joining them just for a photo shot. Orchid lovers will also not be disappointed as there were so many varities featured and all were in full bloom!

Well, if you have the time and enjoy flowers, a visit to this flower will not leave you disappointed. It runs until 17 February and is located at the Imbiah Lookout, just beneath the giant Merlion on Sentosa Island.

*** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * ***

I can tell Little D loves flowers. After we went for our 1st reunion this year, I asked her the next day what she liked about dinner. Her reply was: The flowers!!
I must admit that the flowers that they had were very tastefully displayed.

Just yesterday, I mentioned that I had to throw away the roses that had already withered. She refused to let me do it. She told me: "Mummy, those flowers are not dead! They are just looking at the floor."

New Year Gifts

Every year for CNY the children will receive gifts from FIL in addition to the usual ang pow. This year this is what they got:

A year of the Rat money box:


And, Coins issued by the Singapore Mint to commerate the Year of the Rat






These commerative coins feature one coin of each denomination used in Singapore.

S, N and D

Just last week, my daughter told me: I dont like to be called "S" on your blog.

Why? Because "S" is for smartypants and you are the smart one around here, I teased her.

And DiDi is called "N" because he is the naughty boy around the house?

Yes, and Mei Mei, Little D is because she is such a little Darling.

Boy! she wasnt pleased!

Actually, she's "S" because, since young I have always called her my "sweetiepie"!

12 years ago

In February 1996, the Chinese and the Muslims both celebrated the most important festivals of their calendar year back to back. Yes, in that year, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa were celebrated in the month of February. We in Singapore, including our neighbours, Malaysia, were so lucky as we had a super long weekend.

We had the Chinese New Year public holiday on the Monday and Tuesday, followed by the Hari Raya Holiday on the Wednesday. It was a double celebration for everyone! I remember that year distinctively, as on the 3rd day of the lunar new year, our family had another reason to celebrate. It marked the arrival of our eldest daughter.

This bundle of joy arrived after 6 years of marriage, and we had really looked forward to her arrival. Without doubt, she was pampered by both hubby and me.

Now, every year, she never fails to remind us of her chinese birthday, and she will request for "mee sua and eggs" for her breakfast. Lucky her, her chinese birthday is one the family never forgets!

Home Cooked Feast

We had our second reunion dinner last night. With my B-i-l and his family now living in Perth, there are only 13 of us left, which means we can all fit around the dining table at home. Previously, with 16, we would load the childrens' plates with food, and they would adjourn to a smaller table, whilst the adults sat around the main dining table.

M-i-l, as usual, cooked up her "must-have" CNY reunion dishes. Here's a sampling of the dishes:

Chilli king prawns. The chinese love to serve prawns for the reunion dinner, as it is called "har" in cantonese which sounds like Laughter.


Meat balls. The round meatballs symbolises a complete family.


Chicken curry. A dish the family loves to have.


Fried Chicken Wings. Another favourite of the children!


Chap Chye. A vegetable dish to add fibre to our meal.


Kong Bak. A hokkien dish which the family enjoys having with buns.


Fried Pek tor. This fish is a "must-have" for teochews. It used to be available only during the CNY period (before they started farming it) and the fish at this time of the year, usually comes with the roe or egg. The chinese serve fish because the word "fish" in mandarin sounds similar to the word "abundance".


Leeks with sea cucumber. This is also a required dish for all teochew families during the CNY as they believe it would bring wealth. The name of the vegetable, "sng", sounds like the teochew word "count".


Fu Kwey Cai with Mushrooms, abalone and black moss. An auspicious chinese new year dish. This year we opted for this dish instead of the treasures pot, as m-i-l did not want to put in the "seo bak".

A few other dishes I forgot to take photos of were the fried noodles (for long life), the soup, and the spring rolls.


And for dessert, sweet yam. This hokkien dish is quite similar to the teochew "or nee" or yam paste, only that the yam is chunkier.


I hope with these photos, you managed to enjoy our meal with us!!

What are the must-have CNY dishes for your family?

Greetings from Little D

Little D requested that I post this photo of hers on the blog. She simply loves seeing her photos posted up here.

This photo was taken yesterday, just before she went to school for her CNY party.


Little D wishes all readers of this blog:
"Xin Nian Kuai Le
Wan Shi Ru Yi!"

Drama Mama

Brought the kids shopping last week whilst hubby had his hair-cut. We were at Far East Plaza, a place recommended to me by my friend Rita, when I told her that I was looking for a bag for my daughter. Most of those that I see in the shops were either inappropriate for her age group (read: too expensive), or too childish with cartoon characters.

I was told that this was a hip and happening place for teens and those in their early twenties. And, with my girl growing up, this was where I should start looking for things that she would like. When we got there, the place was packed!! We looked around in the maze-like place, and lost track of the time. She managed to find something she liked. In fact, too many! Whilst we were making up our mind on which to buy, hubby called to say he was on the way to get us. So, no choice, had to be quick, as traffic around there is a nightmare, and he could not possibly wait for us.

Just as we decided on what we wanted, Little D said that she had to go! I quickly rushed her to the nearest loo, leaving the other 2 kids in the shop. It was packed. There were at least 5 others ahead of us in the queue. So, guess what? I put on my drama mama act and said to Little D in a fairly loud voice: "Oh Dear! The queue is so long. Can you wait? Can you not do it in your pants? There are only 5 people in front of us. You can wait right? Right?"

The ladies in the queue turned around and looked. When the next cubicle became available, the first lady in the queue turned to me and said: "You better bring your little girl in first."

I quickly looked at all the other ladies in the queue and said: "I hope you all dont mind if she goes first. I dont think she can hold it any longer."

Luckily, they all smiled and nodded their heads.

When we came out, Little D said "thank you" to all the aunties still waiting in the queue and gave them her sweetest smile.

We then rushed back to the shop, paid for the bags, and rushed out just in time to catch hubby.

A little drama paid off for us. If you were one of the ladies in the queue: Thank you for letting Little D go to the loo first. And, sorry about the drama that helped you make that decision!

PS - Mums, next time you know what to do if you are rushing and need to use the loo pronto!!

In preparation for CNY

For our family, a CNY must have is pineapple tarts. We all enjoy eating it as the pastry can be crunchy (like a biscuit) or the melt in the mouth sort. That coupled with the sweet (and sometimes slightly sourish taste) of the pineapple, makes it a delightful snack.

So, in preparation for CNY, we got our production line started making our favourite goodie:
The kids happily rolling out and cutting the dough


The pastry cases before the pineapple is added


N patiently glazing the pineapple tarts


The finished product.


F-i-l is the oldest in his family. As a result, we have all his brothers, sisters and their families visiting us over the CNY. So, we have to make sure there is sufficient food and drinks for all. When I was at the supermart buying the drinks, someone commented that I was starting a kopitiam. No, I am not going to compete with kopisoh for her business. But just drinks alone, this is how much we bought:

This is in addition to the traditional longan tea which we serve.

What do you think? Can open kopitiam or not?