Isaac's Gemütlich Castle

一百分

2011-09-26T07:39:00.003+08:00

Monday, 26th September 2011
再过两个星期就是终年考试了。在小哲还未上小学前，每当看到姐姐因学校考试而受尽了精神压力，我还真得不能感同身受。学校考试，一年至少三、四次，就拿小学来计算，六年的生涯，不就得受折磨起码二十四次？这还没包括其它方面的，比如讲故事比赛、常识比赛、学术比赛、钢琴考试等等，多得例不完。如果是职业妈妈，还得面对工作上的压力。

但是，我改观了！我终于感受到了这些无形的压力。这些压力在没经过我的同意下，悄悄地溜进了我的内心，干涉了我的生活！

第一学期考试，小哲的成绩非常优异。也就因为这样，第二学期的考试我有了压力。无法否认，成绩和压力往往都是息息相关的。当你成绩好，我希望你可以保持。当我抱着希望，我也同时戴上了“压”咀帽。因为当我的希望落空时，我害怕对于周围人的反应，我不会应付。

第二学期考试，小哲的成绩果真有些退步，我也真的有失落。退步是因为上次大都满分呀！！

我对自己的“失落感”有些懊恼和生气。我怎么会有这样的反应呢？我一向不是将考试看得很开吗？我不是一向都认为考试只是对孩子进行评估而已吗？我不是一向都将考试成绩压力拒于门外吗？难道，考取满分后，就没有退步的余地吗？

人生值得我们去烦心的是何其多！漫长的人生旅途，何必为了考试成绩而让我们活在压力的屋檐下。考试只不过是学生时期的一个必经考验。让我们学会放松，更要学会放手！！

你会精打细算吗？

2011-09-22T22:16:00.006+08:00

Thursday, 22nd September 2011
我很爱替小哲冲凉。哎哟！这么大了为什么不让他自己冲呢？没关系，反正没多几年他肯定不让我替他冲凉，就好好把握时光吧！

每次冲凉，我俩要不谈天说地，要不玩些只用嘴巴讲的游戏，再不就你一句我一句的唱起自创的歌或是自偏笑话。昨天，我们又谈起天来了，话题是年尾的曼谷休闲游。

我一早和姐姐说定了，就给小孩们一百零吉，让他们自己决定要怎么用那笔钱。小哲说，堂哥一定要在曼谷买一只“愤怒的小鸟”(Angry Bird)，而他呢，还在犹豫，担心会很快把钱花光在不需要的东西。我暗想，你这小瓜还挺会想的。

我当然不相信到时他会不买，一向视堂哥为偶像的他，必想拥有一个尽可能一模一样的。那我问他，要是那只鸟只需要RM10，那你会考虑买吗？他的答案想必吓坏你，他竟然说：“那我一定不会买，因为我只预算花RM5在那只鸟的身上。”

我的天，叫我有多羞耻，七岁的小孩竟会做预算！！我这妈子，很多东西老是超出预算哟！！

我要减肥

2011-08-09T07:25:00.014+08:00

Tuesday, 9th August 2011
姐姐家的姐姐(Kakak)回乡过年了。虽然不是我的Kakak，但确实增加我不少的家务。小哲放学后是在姐姐家逗留的。Kakak为他打点一切，准备午餐、洗澡、洗衣、烫衣，我们一家三口的晚餐也是在姐姐家解决的。

昨晚是第一天在家里吃晚餐，我得自己煮饭（还好就只是煮饭，菜肴由伙食家送来）。添了三碗饭，小哲看了一看说，
「最少那个一定是妈妈的！」
「哎哟，我的那么多，要怎么减肥呢！」

OMG！！我的天啊！

大欺负小

2011-08-08T22:24:00.011+08:00

Monday, 8th August 2011
上星期五，布里斯本的上司被革职了。我心里当然是非常的伤心。

带小哲去音乐课的路上，和他聊聊上司为我做的点点滴滴，分享心中的感受。
小哲问我，「你的老板为何会被革职？」
「我也不太确定，公司上层鲜少向下属坦白。大概是大家有不同的目标，不同的意见吧！」

他大概是听不懂何谓不同意见。我继续以简单的方式解释。
大老板要这样做，小老板要那样做。这样做，小老板就是觉得不太好；那样做，大老板就是不同意。。。
这样那样，这样那样，结果，小老板被革职了。。。

「那就是大欺负小咯」，小哲说。

我顿时无话可说。。。。。。

为什么要上学？

2011-07-28T22:52:00.010+08:00

Thursday, 28th July 2011
前两天晚上九点才离开姐姐家，见到她家邻居就和她聊了几句。她孩子一个刚从补习班回来，一个还在学校。怎么搞的，才念小学就得从早读到晚？那样读书几乎都很辛苦。。。。

路上，我问哲宇，人为什么一定要读书？

他误会了我的意思，回答我说：
「那是自己喜欢，你爱读书，就读书。」（他的意思是阅读书本）

我改口说，人为什么要上学？

「不上学，头脑会变笨的。」
「上学也不是每个人都变得厉害呀？」
「那是因为有的人吸收能力比较慢，那更应该上学，不然不是更加追不上？」
「说的也对!」

子不学，非所宜。幼不学，老何为？

上学也好读书也好，本来就有压力。
功课压力、考试压力、补习压力；
学校老师给的压力、音乐老师给的压力、绘画老师给的压力；
再加上父母给的压力，简直就让人头不过气，更何况是个小孩呢！！
于心何忍啊？？？

所以，时时刻刻提醒自己，不要再给孩子“不必要”的压力。
「读书快乐；快乐读书」、「童年快乐；快乐童年」。。。。

注：橙色是哲宇的最爱，就用它来代表他的发言。

~ I'm Back ~

2011-07-27T22:10:00.002+08:00

Wednesday, 27th July 2011
Hi fellow friends, long time no "see"... I am back again after 7 months break. I have nothing to share about bento but some parenting story with you, hope these life minutiae between me and my boy won't make you feel bore.

Although I don't fix bento, but my desire to own bento tools still go on, especially those cute picks. Few months back, I bought myself my very 1st bento book, by Hippomum and I believe many of you might already have a copy of it. Why I need bento book since I no longer prepare bento? Well, I just wish one day or maybe some special occasion, I will fix a bento for someone special? kekekek....

My subsequent posts will be written in Mandarin, apologize if you can't read it because I can only express my feeling well in Mandarin. I do consider to translate it to English, but... it's too tedious for me and probably after translated, it doesn't bring out the "FEEL".....

Bento #239 - Reindeers

2010-12-29T07:37:00.005+08:00

Wednesday, 29th December 2010
This bento I fixed on 14th December, but only share it out after Christmas(x_x). Still not too bad right as it's still Year 2010 (^_^). If you realize, this is the only bento I fixed in this loooong school holiday. If not because I have promised my nephew, I don't think I have the urge to make one.

As usual, if I fix bento during school holiday, then I have to fix three. In case you are new to my blog, one is for Isaac, two for his cousin brother & sister. Two more day then come the New Year, I don't think I gonna fix any bento. I therefore would like to wish everyone of you an early ~~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~~.

Isaac's Long Hair

2010-12-20T12:19:00.009+08:00

Monday, 20th December 2010

I am counting down... 9 more days from now, Isaac need to cut his hair short before going to standard 1. I agree that student should have student look (short hair), but I just feel it's pity to cut away his long hair. I always like Isaac with long hair, he looks cool with long hair (~.~)

But his long hair always bring him trouble. Each time he met with people for the first time, they will think he is "she". I asked him, "Do you like your long hair, if you don't like people say you look like a girl, I bring you to saloon". Surprisingly his answer was "Don't care about what people say, as long as I like my hair and I think it's cool will do". I said, "Well, tell me anytime when you think you no longer like your hair"....

How Isaac's look will be with short hair? I also don't know. I have picked a good date to cut his hair, which is 28th this month, before going for Primary 1 Orientation. Let's fold our arms.....

~ ~ Goodbye, Teachers and Friends ~ ~

2010-11-19T17:56:00.000+08:00

Friday, 19th November 2010
People said, goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again. But to me, it always causes sick of heart. Part from teachers and friends who you learn and play with is always a sad thing. Again people used to say, "We only part to meet again". However, when you meet again, will the relationship still as close as before? Will you still have topic to talk about other than HELLO?

Today is Isaac's last day in kindergarten and they have a party at school. Thought want to buy some bread or cakes from bakery shop, but seems like lack genuine. So I created my own recipe - "Mini Chicken Floss Tart".

I woke up at 5am this morning and it took me about 2 hours to get the food done. When reached school, I saw a parent brought McD for the kids (not Isaac's classmate, so the McD not for him). Wau!! I told hubby and Isaac, will my food looks lousy and I don't know whether the kids will like it or not. Thank God, Isaac said "Mummy, your one more special", then only I felt half relief.

Tools and ingredient for this recipe:

~ Bread ~
~ Chicken Floss ~
~ Cheese / Mayonnaise ~
~ Star / Round / Flower Shape Cutter ~
~ Mini Paper Cup (Optional) ~
~ Mini Muffin Tray ~
~ Rolling Pin ~

1 & 2. Cut the bread into shapes using cutter. You can use more than one shape, but my case, I only use star cutter.
3. Put a mini paper cup in the muffin tray, put the bread on it.

4. Use rolling pin, press in the center of the bread.
5. Then you get a nice hole in the middle.
6. Put in the oven and toast until it turns brown.

7. The bread after toast will serve as mini cup.
8. Fill the cup with chicken floss. You can use tuna or anything else.
9. All cups are filled with chicken floss.

10. Top with small slice of cheese or mayonnaise, then send it to oven again for approximately 2 minutes.
11. Leave it at room temperature.
12. Cute mini chicken floss tart is ready to be served.

~ ~ END ~ ~

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and for kids, Happy Holiday....

Bento #238 - Gingerbread Man

2010-11-18T18:22:00.000+08:00

Thursday, 18th November 2010
It's abit too early to pack "Gingerbread Man Bento" (^.^) This gingerbread man cookies I bought it from Mark & Spencer yesterday. I was choosing some cookies to give it to Isaac's class teacher as a token of appreciation for thier hard work and guidance in this year. Isaac's vision fell on the nicely packed gingerbread man. Since we have never try gingerbread man, I bought a pack of it.

I don't know how gingerbread man cookies should taste like, to us (Isaac & myself), it has abit of ginger taste.... hmm....

Bento #237 - The Carefree Ladybugs

2010-11-15T17:20:00.002+08:00

Monday, 15th November 2010
This week is the last week of school then comes the year end long holiday. Not sure if I will fix bento during school holiday, perhaps this week might be my last week of bento making... Isaac is going to primary 1 next year, he has to leave the house as early as 6:45am. If I were to prepare bento for him, that means I need to wake up probably at 5:30am? Can I sacrify my one hour sleep? Hmmm......

I have three choices:
1) Wake up as usual, prepare bento for Isaac, send him to school then only I dress up myself and have a great breakfast with hubby.
2) Wake up as usual, don't have to prepare bento, get myself ready (dress up + breakfast), send him to school then go direct to office, start work earlier and come back earlier in the evening.
3) Wake up one hour ealier, prepare bento, get myself ready, send him to school then go direct to office, start work earlier and come back earlier in the evening.

Let's see how things going first, how soon I can get use of the life chance (~.~).....

Bento #236 - Police on the Way . . .

2010-11-12T12:39:00.001+08:00

Friday, 12th November 2010
"Peep Poo... Peep Poo..." Police is chasing thieves again (~_~). This is the second police bento I fixed, is the same set of cutter I use for this bento. Bento tools is really handy in bento making, it speedup the process and gives good result most of the time. Ever since I busy with work, I have not surf for new tools. It's time to cheer up myself..... (What an excuse!!)

Bento #235 - Happy Birthday, Captain Isaac

2010-11-10T07:20:00.001+08:00

Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Happy Birthday, my little darling. Mummy and Papa wish you Healthy & Happy always. Ops, not to forget, Handsome always (~.^)

Since mummy hold a Pirate Birthday Party for you slightly earlier, I think it would be just nice to fix you a Pirate bento on your birthday. Hope when you eat this bento, it brings you all the sweet memories on your birthday party... Have fun !!

Bento #234 - What is the Time Now ?

2010-11-03T20:57:00.007+08:00

Wednesday, 3rd November 2010
Finally I am back to bento making after 3 weeks off. ~~Phew~~ what a good rest for my brain. Hmmmm.... not really, Isaac birthday just overred, I am physically and mentally tired, that's why haven't got mood to blog about the birthday preparation work and the birthday party. Sorry if I keep you waiting......

Back to bento today, it's a sudden inspiration. Can you figure out which one is long hand and which one is short hand? What is the time shown? I will say it's 1:52pm, how about you? ....

Bento #233 - Marie the Cat

2010-10-15T20:28:00.004+08:00

Friday, 15th October 2010
The way to make these sandwiches is just like the Stitch Bento I did last Monday. I think Stitch bento has better result as the imprint of Marie the Cat is not so prominent (^.^)

Bento #232 - Chip or Dale?

2010-10-14T07:51:00.002+08:00

Thursday, 14th October 2010
Can you differentiate between Chip and Dale? If yes, who is this? (^.^)

Bento #231 - Super Star

2010-10-13T21:02:00.005+08:00

Wednesday, 13th October 2010
An adhoc bento specially for Isaac for his achievement. Well Done, Boy!!

~ ~ Isaac has Graduated ~ ~

2010-10-12T22:29:00.015+08:00

Tuesday, 12th October 2010
Saturday (09-10-2010), a long waited day has finally come. This is a special day not only for Isaac but also husband and myself. Without me telling, by looking above picture, you roughly can guess it's Graduation Day. Yup, it's so unbelievable, time flies and my boy is going to primary school next year.

Of course I am happy and proud to see Isaac wearing graduation gown. Actually nothing to be proud of, every kid will certainly graduate from kindergarten, but as a mummy, I just can't tell why, the moment I saw him standing on the stage will scroll in his hand, I feel like crying. The little boy in my heart has grown up, he is moving to another stage of academic career and life soon.

It's just so hard to understand, I feel proud in this second but sad on the other second. Kindergarten to me it's kids paradise: no stress, fun learning and fun playing. Every moment is so enjoyable. Primary school is totally different to me and heavy workload is what I concern most. However, I told meself, why not treat this as a golden time to steel Isaac and cultivate his talents. Pressure most of the time come from parents, always have positive thinking and I believe spend more time with kids on thier homework and go along with them in their learning path, it will certainly makes learning more fun.

Last year, Isaac was awarded as Best Conduct, I was extremly happy for that. This year, Isaac was chosen as Student of the Year. Needless to say, my gladness was until the maximum. When teacher announced this honour, I have a feeling of immeasurable joy in mind. That moment, I just feel like crying.... Thank You Teacher for giving Isaac this award, it's his pleasure to receive it.

These are the awards given every year for each class:
@ Best Reader in Chinese
@ Best Reader in Bahasa
@ Best Reader in English
@ Best Improvement
@ Best Helper
@ Best Conduct
@ Star Student of the Year

Boy, you did it !! Keep up the good work !!

All graduate kids got this specially designed autograph album. It's a priceless treasure for them. All memories are enshrined in this album, their classmates and teachers.

Photos took with Teacher Soo San, hubby, myself and Isaac's cousin

I value this award very much, it is nicely placed on Isaac's piano

Bento # 230 - Lil Onion

2010-10-11T22:39:00.002+08:00

Monday, 11th October 2010
Ho..Ho..Ho.. It's Monday, a new week starts. Hope everyone has great time over the weekend.

Today another speedy bento, I name it as Lil Onion, because the shape is like an onion... (^.^) Well, this onion is made from hard boilded egg. I prepared egg sandwiches for breakfast. I sliced the eggs and choose one of the best to be the onion. The rest was then cut into small pieces and became the sandwich filling.

Slow Down in Bento Making

2010-10-08T17:22:00.001+08:00

Friday, 8th October 2010
When you see me not active in blogging for a period of time, you probably can guess I am busy with my work again. My boss requested me to give a presentation in this coming company event. To be honest, it has been ages I did not give presentation, I stay up late almost every night to prepare the materials and speech.

Basically I don't have time to think what to prepare for Isaac at night and my brain is blank every morning. I just do whatever idea comes to my mind, ad hoc basis. kekekkeke....

Besides, Isaac is turning to six next month, hubby and I are planning a birthday party for him. Thinking to give Isaac a memorable and joyful birthday celebration, therefore we decided to hold a Theme party, with all his class-mates invited. We asked Isaac to choose among Disney, Animal and Pirate theme and he has chosen Pirate Theme. I am now busy finding pirate stuffs like balloons, novelty and accessories for the birthday boy (Captain Isaac) and his gang of pirate mates.

Stay tune with me, I will share some tips how I plan and prepare the party from A-Z....

HAPPY Weekend !!

Bento #229 - Seafood Delight Bread

2010-10-08T17:19:00.000+08:00

Friday, 8th October 2010
Many things to apologize to my followers and my fellow bloggers, please forgive me for:-
~~ Slow respond to your comment
~~ Slow blog post, and
~~ Plain bento

Yes, again busy with work (v_v)... But trust me, I am still your royal blog follower. I do read every post you write, just that I come and leave quietly....

Back to bento today, it's bread overflowing with succulent crab meat, delicious salmon spread and cheese topping. Yeah, no other seafood found although it's named 'Seafood Delight'.... (^.^)

Have a Wonderful Weekend !!

Bento #228 - Mischievous Stitch

2010-10-04T22:56:00.005+08:00

Monday, 4th October 2010
It has been quite some time I didn't fix cartoon bento for Isaac. Since I need to prepare something quick, simple and yet cute today, I chose to fix Stitch sandwich with salmond spread filling. This bento only took me 10 minutes. If you have similar cookies cutter, do give a try...

Bento #227 - Baby Leopard

2010-09-29T21:39:00.002+08:00

Wednesday, 29th September 2010

Bento #226 - Word World

2010-09-27T21:48:00.004+08:00

Monday, 27th September 2010
Wonder if you know there is a children's educational television show named 'Word World'? WordWorld revolves around WordFriends and WordThings, characters and items made of the letters that spell them, in the correct order. Just like bento today, a pig is made out of the letters P-I-G, so that they actually look like a pig — with this rule extending to the animals who are the sentient characters in the show. The WordThings can be assembled and disassembled during the show by the characters, who use the items in their adventures and to solve their problems.

Word World show is a colourful and word-rich place. Do find out more about this show for your young kids. :)

Bento #225 - School Bus

2010-09-23T20:33:00.005+08:00

Friday, 24th September 2010
This school bus is cut from potato using tomica mini cookies cutter. Wonder how Lia's Chip and Dale can be so nice and yet mine is like burned... Sign... Big different between mommy can and can't cook (-.-)

Bento #224 - Piglet Moon Cake

2010-09-22T17:31:00.003+08:00

Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Last year around this time, I packed Isaac a Piglet Mooncake, so do this year, but it's smaller size (^.^) Remember when I was a child, every year my mum will buy us this piglet mooncake, it comes with a mini plastic basket and the piglet has no filling in it. I remember it's about RM0.30 for small piglet and RM0.50 for big one.

Today mini piglet no more RM0.30, it is RM1.50 but with lotus paste in it. I will say outlook is very much nicer than the one I had but taste wise I am not sure. I will eat a bite of it later if Isaac has some for me (^.^)

HAPPY MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL !!

中秋节快乐

Bento #223 - Jelly Moon Cake

2010-09-20T22:12:00.008+08:00

Monday, 20th September 2010
This Wednesday is the exact day for Mid Autumn Festival, too bad hubby not in town, will find something to do with Isaac on that day.

I ordered a box of homemade mini jelly mooncake. It comes with flavour red bean, yam, corn, almond, chocolate and etc... This morning I packed three into the bento box, one for Isaac and two for his class teachers. Also, some guava for Isaac.

HaPPY MoNDaY and HaPPY BeNTO-iNG !!

Bento #222 - Non Charaben Day

2010-09-17T07:24:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, Malaysian celebrated her first Malaysia Day. It was declared as national public holiday on OCT 2009 by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

My office has book a badminton court for every Thursday, but due to PH, no one is playing. Isaac and his cousins wanted to play in indoor court for some time, I took this opportunity to fulfill them (^.^) We played from 5-7pm. After shower, we go all the way to Klang to have dinner. We have great meal yesterday night with my siblings and that made me forgot I have no bread at home.

This morning I cooked mee kicap for Isaac, with some eggs. He was happy to hear that I prepare this non charaben bento for him. He told me he wish to have mee kicap with egg everyday... OMG....

Have a nice weekend everyone (^.^)!

Bento #221 - Flower Picking Girl

2010-09-15T21:33:00.000+08:00

Today I just prepare something simple for Isaac. This bento idea is from this Japanese Bento Mama, of course hers version is very much nicer (^o^)....

1st Tier: Red bean 'Pau'
2nd Tier: Orange and Australia mini potato

Bento #220 - Baa Baa Black Sheep

2010-09-13T07:19:00.009+08:00

Hari Raya Puasa holiday is over, but the road still abit quiet today, probably some people still on holiday. Even most of the primary school is closed today, but Isaac's kindy operates as usual, therefore I prepared him bento today.

Today bento idea is actually from Bentolicious. Lia Chen fixed her kids Green Doggies last week, the most interesting part was the doggies' ears were actually the leave picks. It's soooo cute. That's why my black sheep also has green ears (^.^)

Underneath the black sheep is vegetable "pau" I bought from hometown during Hari Raya. Isaac loves this pau because it has small piece of egg in it. I love the pau too as it has the flavor in my children age which I can't find it in KL.....

Update: Added this to What’s For Lunch Wednesday, Week 16 fun.

New Clothes for Isaac's Castle

2010-09-07T07:06:00.002+08:00

TENG... TENG... TENG... TENG... This is the new clothe I made for Isaac's Castle. This piece of cloth I got it from Ipietoon but I did some altering to fit Isaac's request. We have Papa, Isaac and myself staying in the castle, a homey castle, therefore I also give the castle a new name 'Isaac's Gemütlich Castle'.

I was extremely busy last few weeks, worked overtime most of the day, even weekend. That's why the castle was left deserted for some times. Now, peak time overred, it's best time for me to think what to fix next, something kawaii maybe. It's school holiday now, I don't think Isaac need any bento this week. Should I take a good rest, recharge my body and sprint again after school holiday? Hmm......

Bento #219 - Contrast Foxes

2010-08-27T22:34:00.003+08:00

Bento #218 - Alphabets Toast

2010-08-26T21:06:00.001+08:00

Bento #217 - Fluttering Butterfly

2010-08-23T22:23:00.001+08:00

Bento #216 - China Fan

2010-08-19T20:57:00.005+08:00

Bento #215 - Hawaiian Dancing Couples

2010-08-18T21:31:00.003+08:00

I bought a pack of blueberries last week. It's our first time testing blueberry and we don like it unfortunately. Not to waste it, I baked blueberry muffin late night yesterday. My neightbour must be wondering why there is cake smell middle of the night (^.^)

This morning I decorate the mini muffins into Hawaiian Dancing couples wearing flower headring. Isaac requested orange last night, so Fruit of The Day is orange.

Oh yeah, it's Wednesday, don't forget to join Shannon's "What's for Lunch Wednesday". I have added this post to Week 12 fun.

Close look of the Blueberry Mini Muffin.

Bento #214 - Tuna Pocket Sammies

2010-08-16T22:53:00.001+08:00

Do you know what is the biggest reward I got from bento blogging? It's ENCOURAGEMENT which I need it so much. From who the encouragement? From a gang of bento mamas. No matter how bad-looking is your bento, without stingy, they give you sweet words and you have no reason to stop bento-ing. THANKS BENTO MAMAS!! Thanks for your lovely comments, they do make move on.

Today bento, the protagonist is again the chuncky sausage, I wanted to turn it into a panda. Panda used to be one of my favourite character to fix as it is pretty easy. I so confidence with myself, therefore I fixed the panda without refering to anything (normally I will refer to food picks). Here is the result I got. I think I forgot how panda should look like, the panda end up looks like mice.... kekekekeke.... (~.~)

Bento # 213 - Mummy Rabbit and Her Two Kids

2010-08-11T22:36:00.004+08:00

Always, there is discrepancy in what we imagine and what we get. I imagine the egg would be perfect to fixed as a bunny but it turns out odd. Maybe I am good in imagination.... kekekeke... Anyway, the failure will not cause me to give up, let me try to make a better one some day (^.^)

Living Arts 4th Biennial Dance Showcase

2010-08-10T22:47:00.005+08:00

Every Tuesday is Bento Off Day declared by Prince Isaac Mah specifically to me (^.^) He gives me this special off day chiefly because his school prepares sausage bread for the kids every Tuesday. Anyway, so sweet of him and I am happy to have that off day, at least I can slack off and have relaxing breakfast with my hubby.

Since "bento free" today, let me share some photos of Isaac's dance performance on last Sunday. On that morning, all the dancers are required to have one round of rehearsal in Palm Square, Jaya One. We gathered there at 10am but the rehearsal was delayed for about half an hour.

This is the venue of the dance showcase. It's an open floor area between Starbucks and Brussels Beer Cafe.

I managed to catch Isaac for a photograph before he starts sweating. He walked around that area while waiting for the rehersal to start.

The teacher and children hanging around while waiting for some unpunctual parents.
Wonder what Isaac whisper with his street jam member, Bryan?

On the left is Little Dancers and on the right is Kids Street Jam. Isaac is taking these two classes, therefore he is performing for both dance. The stage is too narrow, Teacher Teresa has to rearrange them and do some minor steps change last minutes. Hope the kids can remember the changes.

The little dancers sitting down on the floor, waiting for thier dance to be called.

Teacher Teresa watching the dance from side.

I am totally out from hairdo, I do not know how to gel Isaac's hair so that he looks cool. I borrow hair spay, hair form, hair wax and even hair gel from my sister and trying very hard to come out a nice hairstyle for Isaac a day before. Luckily I give a try, if not, I will surely panic on that day. The hairdo I did totally cannot walk out from the room. So, I decided to give the job to hair stylist.

The hairdo is superb compare with the one I have done yesterday. I am glad that I made the right decision. Isaac looked cool when he walked out from the saloon. But I know Isaac did not like the hairstyle, I can't see any joy on his face. If he likes it, he will normally keep looking at mirror and post abit.

However, after I brought him to the waiting area (a Japanese restaurant in 1st level), he starts to love his hairstyle as everyone said the hairstyle is bravo and he looked like Korean star. Then he started to worry his hair will out of style when he sweat. Kekekeke......

Took a photo in the Japanese restaurant. This glittering costume is for
Litter Dancer 'Rock n Roll' show.

Sweat alot after 'Rock n Roll' performance.
This retro costume is for Street Jam 'I Want To Go Crazy' show.
He took off the jacket right after the show because his dancing cell is boiling until maximum in his body.

What a coincident, 'Rock n Roll' was the first kids dance and 'I Want To Go Crazy' was the last. He missed out all performances by other kids. See, his gang were watching from first level, outside the restaurant.

After the kids performances was the instructors' showcase. Isaac and his gang were enthralled by the performances.

~~ Dance Performances by Kids and Teenagers~~

~~ Intructors' Showcase and Adult Performances~~

All dancers were happy to receive Certificate of Participation. They have a group photograph after the kids performances. Most of them stayed back for adults and intructors performances, but some left because kids were too tired.

After the show, we walked around Jaya One to look for restaurant. We stopped our feet at Tappers, a restaurant serving western food. Isaac asked for Fish n Chips and his daddy ordered Hainanese Chicken Chop.

**Teng Teng** This is my prize - The Simpsons Pasta. I got it from Cold Storage inside Jaya One. Isn't it cute? These FUN PASTA shapes are 100% Organic and contain no artificial colours or preservatives. Full of natural goodness they are an excellent source of energy for growing children.

We leave Jaya One around 8:30PM. On the way back, our topic still on the showcase. Isaac said, in future, any performance, he wants to go that saloon for hair do again...(o_O)

Bento #212 - How Much is That Doggies in the Box?

2010-08-09T20:51:00.000+08:00

Yesterday's dance showcase left me completely exhausted, although I not suppose to as I am neither the organizer nor the instructor (o_O). As a "driver" could be quite tiring. The entire last week, I brought Isaac to his dancing studio many times after work, for costume trying then weekend busy sending him up and down for rehearsal. But glad and happy that the showcase ended successfully with lots of joy and fun.

Wanted to take one day "Bento Off" today. But since my MIL has all the mini red bean pau steamed, I just packed one for Isaac. I didn't decorate the pau, just fixed two little doggies from chunky sausage. Many bento mamas love this chunky sausage, so do I. Animal fixed using this fatty sausage turn out cute. Another good thing about this sausage is, it's not pre-packed, you can buy as little as you want as the promoter will weight and pack it on the spot upon request.

Bento #211 - Tottemo Daisuki, DORAEMON

2010-08-06T12:32:00.006+08:00

Time passed without realizing, it's Friday again. This weekend I will again busy sending Isaac up and down for his final dance show rehearsal.

Back to bento today, probably you will ask me what is "tottemo daisuki", yeah, it's "I LOVE U VERY MUCH, DORAEMON". Doraemon used to be my best-loved childhood comic and cartoon show. Hmm... I think it's time for me to teach Isaac how to read this interesting comic. I love the Doraemon song, but only know how to sing the chorus part. Wanna recall the days of childhood? Here, you can find the Doraemon song with original and translated lyric.

This Doraemon is completely made from Japanese light cheese cake. The nose and bell is from seapack. In the box we have South Africa orange. Wonder the fruit stall uncle make mistake as the size and colour orange looks like grapefruit, just that it is not so sour.

~~ Enjoy and have a relaxing weekend!! ~~

Bento #210 - The Little Shepherd

2010-08-05T12:21:00.002+08:00

This is how shepherd looks like in my mind, always wear a straw hat and then drive a herd of lamb through the wilderness to the hill. He will take out his bamboo flute while shepherding and enjoying life on a green green hill....

Bento #209 - Chicken Ham + Tuna Sandwich

2010-08-04T20:04:00.000+08:00

It's Wednesday, if you do pack bento for your love one or maybe yourself and would like to share it, please feel free to join Shannon's "What's for Lunch Wednesday". It's my first time joining, happy to see many creative lunches there (^.^). Come, join the fun!

Back to bento today, the recipe again simply created by me! Kekekeke... I spread some tuna on a piece of chicken ham, put some cheddar cheese on top then sent to oven for 5 minutes. I cut two flowers from chicken ham and the small flower is from seapack. The kiwi ripen not well although it has been sitting in fridge for a week. I think Isaac gonna bring back to me later, he doesn't like sour fruit.

The sandwich filling Before and After

It's Showtime !!

2010-08-02T18:15:00.002+08:00

Isaac's dancing studio - Living Arts are proud to present its 4th Biennial Dance Showcase 2010 in an outdoor venue in Palm Square Center Court in Jaya One, PJ's ultimate business park on 8 August 2010 (this Sunday).

This event will feature local performing arts talents from as young as age 2 years old to adults of all ages from assorted backgrounds. Together, they will perform more than 10 different dance styles. There will be 14 dance performances by the students and few more from the instructors and adults.

Objectives of the showcase are:
@ To promote dance as a healthy living culture
@ To celebrate dance as part of our lives regardless of age
@ To provide a platform for our local dance talents to perform and gain confidence
@ To enable dancers of all ages & dance experiences to learn from one another
@ To educate the public on the importance of dance as a tool for staying healthy and beautiful

This event is FREE ADMISSION. Everyone is welcome to rally your support for our local talents. Your support is recognition of the fact that the performing arts can nurture and encourage one's passion for living in many ways.

~~ See U this Sunday at JAYA ONE, PJ ~~

Bento #208 - An Awkward Pingu

2010-07-30T18:20:00.000+08:00

It's my first time wrapping up quail egg with nori, thought it would be perfect to make it like Pingu. But this Pingu really disappoint me, the ugliest Pingu I have ever seen (v_v).

Thank god it's Friday, my schedule for this weekend is packed, hopefully I don't get exhausted on Monday (^.^) HAVE A NICE & RELAXING WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Bento #207 - Polar Bear and Friend

2010-07-29T19:12:00.003+08:00

Seems like quite some time didn't fix Isaac a more refined bento, most of the time a quick one. Today I fixed a polar bear and its friend, brown bear. It's quite simply though, but at least it's more kawaii (^.*). I used the crown pick to hold the bears so that they don't move around when the bag swings.

Update: Added this to What’s For Lunch Wednesday, Week 10 fun.

Bento #206 - Siew Mai Dim Sum

2010-07-22T20:55:00.006+08:00

This morning I have to send my family (6 of them) to train station, they are going to Bangkok for holiday. How nice if I could also join them. I don't have time to prepare cute bento, therefore just bought some dim sum from restaurant.

These three little "Siew Mai" cost me RM3, it's really expensive and worst thing was, Isaac forgot I packed him bento until dinner time, when I asked him whether the dim sum is nice, then only he remember that... (t_t) He told me he saw the bento box in his bag before snack time, but he simply forgot about it after that.... **speechless**

A Golden Experience....

2010-07-19T20:31:00.014+08:00

Isaac’s dancing studio, Living Arts in Giant Puchong Kinrara was invited to perform few dances and catwalk for Anaku Final Singing Competition at Cineleisure Damansara yesterday. This is Isaac first time participated in fashion show and he seemed enjoying the show very much.

The event organizer taught the kids how to catwalk and have three rounds of rehealsal before the show.

Isaac was explaining to his partner where to walk during the show.

These are the makeup sets and accessories for the little models.

Isaac's first and final look. Isn't he cool? He is very satisfied with this makeover as he looks like Micheal Jackson'.

This is Isaac's second look. I love this style, it's rugged and like back to 70's. However, Isaac didn't like it. To make him happy, they gave him the hat.

Hair stylist was doing hair do for the performers.

A group photos with the event organizers.

P/S: Some photos available in Living Arts website

Bento #205 - Sweet Candy

2010-07-19T19:42:00.003+08:00

Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing weekend. Today I again packed something simple, still in Monday blur… I cut a slice of Japanese Light Cheese Cake into the bento box, cooked two sausages and decorate it into lovely candy then tied the two ends with red part of seapack. Fruit of the day is golden kiwi, it was cut into flower shape (my favorite shape) again.

Bento #204 - Cheesy Chicken Floss

2010-07-16T20:31:00.004+08:00

Another new recipe from me. Hehehe, it’s a random recipe, just to get rid of the cheese from my fridge. I spread a layer of nutella cocoa spread on the bread, put some chicken floss, then lay some cheese on the top. Toast it in oven until the cheese melted. I toast it for too long, hence the chicken floss was lightly swinge. But taste wise not that bad. I told Isaac, before I put the bread into oven, it is Chinese. I want to turn it into Malay but end up I got Indian (t_t). Isaac laugh...

Bento #203 - FIFA Mascot 2010

2010-07-15T20:29:00.004+08:00

FIFA World Cup ended on Monday. No matter you are a football fan or not, you sure knew that Spain has won 19th FIFA World Cup of football after defeated Netherlands by one goal as predicted Paul the Psychic Octopus from Germany. Spain was awarded as the world champion, 1st time in their history. I fixed a FIFA mascot today. Let’s wait another four years for a new mascot to be born.

Bento #202 - Egg Tart Bento

2010-07-14T21:28:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I prepared some egg tarts and fruits to serve the two special guests – Teacher Soo San, Isaac’s class teacher and Teacher Abe, PowerKids teacher. They paid us a home visit last night. They are so courteous, only ate one tart after I asked for many times.

Today bento is just a quick one. I packed a tart for Isaac without decorating it, then cut some dragon fruits into flower shape.

Crazy For Fruits

2010-07-12T23:08:00.001+08:00

I am crazy for fruits recently, this is my first time having so many types of fruits in my refrigerator. Among all, I love orange most. As long as the fruit stall uncle tell me the orange is very sweet, imported from XXX, then I will buy without considering the price. But sometimes the uncle is "dishonest" (maybe he didn't try the fruit before he said it is sweet), just like the little orange, it is sour actually (>.<)!!! I bought it a week ago, but I still have it in my fridge, just imagine.......

Bento #201 - Egg Dumpling

2010-07-12T22:30:00.015+08:00

In my previous White Mouse and Sausage Mouse Bento post, I promised to show you what kind of sandwich cutter I use to prepare the triangular sandwich. I carried out my promise but I think it would be good if I show you few options to prepare sandwich.

OPTION 1: Dumpling Gadget

This is a new gadget for me, just bought last weekend. Instead of using the common sandwich cutter (common as in to all bento mama), you can use this cool little dumpling gadget. I think pictures below has clearly explained how it is used to make "egg dumpling". Isn't the outcome out of the blue? It's unexpectedly cute and the size is just nice for Isaac.

OPTION 2: All in One Triangular Sandwich Cutter

I call this "All in One" cutter as the sealer and cutter are in in one. After putting the filling, just turn the cutter to the other side, press hard and the bread will be sealed at cut at one time. It's it cool? If you can find bigger bread that can make two sandwiches would be better, so that no waste of food.

OPTION 3: Square Sandwich Cutter

This is my first sandwich cutter. At first find it useful, but after few times getting not in good shape bread, I think this cutter is slightly too big. The sandwich cannot be sealed properly, I have actually keep it aside. But today took it out just to snap some photos for you (wah... like very sacrifice... kekekek).

So, which sandwich you perfer? The three egg dumpling I packed into Isaac's bento, the other two for me & my hubby.
~~ HAPPY SANDWICH MAKING ~~

Bento #200 - Stenciled Bear

2010-07-08T20:23:00.007+08:00

Try to prepare something simple today, hence I made use of my bear stencil which has been sittine in the box doing nothing since bought (v.v). I put the stencil on top of a egg steam cake, sprinkled some Milo (cocoa powder) then remove the stencil. A simple but happy bento (^.^)....

Bento #199 - Urgly Hippopotamus

2010-07-07T20:10:00.005+08:00

Wonder if you can recognize this is an hippo? What causes the hippo looks urgly? The nose? The teeth? Or shape? Hmm..... (~_~) I tried to put some flower picks to make the bento looks nicer. Does it help?

Bento #198 - A Married Couple from Pond

2010-07-05T12:58:00.006+08:00

Went RT Cake House to buy chiffon cake yesterday noon after Isaac's dance performance at MIECC The Mines. Well, all the chiffon cakes were completely sold out. I can't go home empty-handed as the journey to Taman Desa took me about 20 minutes for a round trip. Isaac picked a pandan layer cake from the fridge.

I cut a small thin piece of the pandan layer cake for Isaac last night and he loves it so much, asked me to give him a bigger slice today. Tell you quietly, my boy first time eat pandan layer cake...kekekeke... Green, what can I do with the green layer? Froggie is the best, simple and quick. I cut out the top layer of the pandan cake, use a bear shape cutter to cut two frogs. I packed some golden kiwi into the bento box too. This expensive fruit, now selling in market at price of four for RM10 (!_!)

Bento #197 - FIFA World Cup (Par vs. Jpn)

2010-06-30T20:38:00.005+08:00

The HOTEST sports in the world is now FIFA World Cup 2010 which held in South Africa. Are you a football fan? I am, but only fan of FIFA WORLD CUP.

Japan has entered in to round 16 with one loss and two wins. The Japanese team being an unpredictable side so far. Last night match was between Paraguay and Japan, it's a test of South American and Asian football characters.

Paraguay squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history as Yuichi Komano's penalty miss sent Japan crashing out of the tournament. With the game goalless at the end of extra time in Pretoria, South Africa witnessed its first shoot-out and, after Komano had clipped the crossbar, Oscar Cardozo rolled home the winning spot-kick to give the South Americans a 5-3 win. (This paragraph is taken from FIFA.com).

This bento is specially dedicated to the Japanese team. I am truly sad on thier lose but I believe they have done their best!! Hopefully next FIFA they will achieve better result.

Bento #196 - White Mouse and Sausage Mouse

2010-06-28T22:34:00.004+08:00

I bought a triangular sandwich cutter recently, can't wait to give a try to see is the cutter as handy as my square sandwich cutter. Well, after a try, the answer is "YES", it's a good sandwich tool. In fact, I think it is better than the square cutter as everything (seal and cut) is only one press. The square cutter you have to seal the bread first, then use the outter square to cut it.

Probably you have no idea which type of sandwich cutter I am mentioning. No worry, very soon I will prepare egg sandwich for my boy, I will snap photos on how to use the two cutters so that you have clearer picture. Stay tune yeah!!

Back to bento today, triangular sandwich, what can I fix other then fox? Oh yes, why not a mouse? But only bread is too plain, so I fix a sausage mouse too.... No fruit today as I haven't restock my fridge. (~.~)

Bento #195 - Bunny Rabbit and Friends

2010-06-25T23:10:00.004+08:00

My boy requested this moulded egg for quite sometime, but I didn't fulfill his request as I reserve it for time when I run out of idea. Today I finally prepare this egg for him, that means I have idea shortage... kekeke

I eventually use the stencil bought last year to draw the rabbit eyes and mouth. The result seems not bad, at least I have another alternative, not always nori for face features. I put the stencil on the cut out bread, sprinkle some cocoa powder (Milo) then remove the stencil. Hmm... if I happen to see other stencil, will definately grab one.

Bento 194 - Rain Rain Go Away...

2010-06-23T23:00:00.001+08:00

It's a rainy morning again. Cold wind blows and it's so hard for me to get up from bed. Why not just fix something simple that suits the weather today? Yeah... Rain Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day, Little Isaac Wants to Play....

Bento #193 - It's Pizza Again....

2010-06-22T20:43:00.004+08:00

Yes, I cooked speghetti again last Sunday, that's why I have button mushroom left again. For details on how to prepare this "Pizza", please click HERE but this time I added ham. I didn't finish all the banana for the banana cake, so I packed some for Isaac.

Bento #192 - Banana Bear

2010-06-21T21:38:00.005+08:00

This is my 3rd attempt to bake cake, but this time is banana cake. Remember the first two attempts wasn't that successful and I have figured out where went wrong. This time I sifted the flour, I heated the oven earlier, I used butter instead of margarine and beat it longer.

The banana cupcake taste so nice while it is still hot, it's loose and soft inside. Banana is one of Isaac's favourite fruit, therefore he loves this cupcake more compare with previous two cupcakes. I decorated the cupcake into little brown bear. As you can see, the ears were cut from banana cake too... (^.^)

Ingredients:(around 16 cupcakes)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
230g Self Raising Flour
230g Butter, softened at room temperature
160g Castor Sugar
300g Banana (mash it)
3 Eggs, at room temperature
1/2 Teaspoon Banana Essence (I forgot to buy therefore I use vanilla essence)
1/3 cup of hazelnut (mash it and bake in oven until golden)

Methods:
1. Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy.
2. Add eggs, beat until well combined.
3. Sift self raising flour over butter mixture and mix well.
4. Add in vanilla essence, mashed banana and hazelnut then mix well.
5. Preheat the oven to 175 degree.
6. Line 16 paper cups in muffin tray.
7. Put the mixture into muffin tray then put 3-4 hazelnut on top.
8. Bake the cake for 15 - 20 minutes until light golden.

Bento #191 - Five Little Duckling

2010-06-04T21:09:00.003+08:00

Five little ducklings went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said "Quack, quack, quack, quack."
But only four little ducklingss came back.

Bento #190 - It's a Summer Holiday ...

2010-06-03T21:03:00.003+08:00

The bento was fixed on 3rd June but today (29th June) only I update the blog. I can't recall what make me fixed this theme, probably is because summer holiday coming.

Bento #189 - Button Mushroom Pizza

2010-06-02T18:09:00.012+08:00

Last weekend I cooked spaghetti, there were some buttom mushroom left, therefore I baked some button mushroom "pizza" for my two Mr.Handsome. Isaac love the bread, he claimed that two is not enough, the mushroom is so yummy, asked me to prepare more (^.^) Does the apple looks like rabbit?

~~ The Making of Mushroom Pizza ~~

Pumpkin Hazelnut Cupcake

2010-05-30T15:14:00.008+08:00

Recently I am keen on baking cupcake, trying to find a recipe that Isaac love so that I can bake some for his friends on his birthday or kindy event. This is my 2nd attempt, recipe is grabbed from My Kitchen.

Ingredients:(around 24 cupcakes)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
250g Unsalted Butter
180g Castor Sugar
3 Large Eggs
150g Steamed Pumpkin, mashed
300g Self-raising Flour
20g Corn Flour
60g Milk
150g Pumpkin, peeled and diced
Pinch of salt
Raw Hazelnut (mash and bake in oven until it turns to light brown)
Pumpkin slices, for topping (optional)
Pineapple-cane Sugar (optional)

Methods:
1. Preheat oven to 175ºC. Line and grease the baking pan.
2. Cream butter together with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and cream until light and smooth or the colour turned pale.
3. Stir in mashed pumpkin and mix until well blended.
4. Sift together flours and salt, fold into the mixture alternate with milk. Mix until well combined then stir in diced pumpkin and baked hazelnut.
5. Line paper cups in muffin tray, transfer batter in to paper cups.
6. Arrange pumpkin slices on the surface and sprinkle with pineapple-cane sugar. You may also add some pumpkin seeds.
7. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until it is cooked. Cool on rack.

The appearance and taste was quite nice, however I still not satisfied with the result. It didn't raise as what I have expected, middle part is quite dense. After discussing with my colleagues, we concluded that: 1st, butter + sugar is not beat until pale and creamy. 2nd, flour should be sifted before use (I skipped this step as I thought this small action it will not make any different)

Cool, at least I know roughly where went wrong. I will give 3rd try during school holiday. Hope it success this time....

Bento #188 - Pussy Cat

2010-05-27T18:05:00.001+08:00

Today is another quite bento, I fixed a wily pussy cat for my boy. The head of the cat was cut from purely egg york sheet whereas the body was from egg white mixed with some yolk, therefore it has light yellow effect. I packed some jackfruit for Isaac. Pretty simple bento huh...

Bento #187 - Egg Sandwich Bento

2010-05-26T20:54:00.003+08:00

Can't think of a nice name for bento today, since it's egg filling, therefore just name it as 'Egg Sandwich'... kekeke.

I asked Isaac what jam he prefer for the bread tomorrow, he requested egg instead of jam. What I can think of is eggsheet with some chicken floss. But other than seal the bread using sandwich mould, there is no way for the chicken floss not to fall out. Hmm... I come out this idea, put the chicken floss onto eggsheet before the eggsheet is well cooked. Here is the picture of the eggsheet.

Colleague of my sister gave me a pack of jack fruit last night. While eating, I told Isaac it has been long long time I didn't eat jack fruit, it taste so nice. Isaac replied me with "Mummy, you are much better than me, this is my first time eating jack fruit".... (~.~) I grew up in small "Kampung" (village), jack fruit can easily find and it's free. But ever since I stay in KL, in my memory, I have never buy jack fruit and never think to buy it (wonder why....) (-_-)

Bento #186 - Egg Roses Bento

2010-05-21T20:47:00.007+08:00

Another flower bento (*0*) Did your heart sing with joy because of the flowers (心花怒放）? Recently Isaac couldn't finish the bento I packed for him, obviuosly I have already reduce the size. Ever since he recovered from high fever, I realized his appetite reduced. Wonder is it too little time is given or get bored with bread. I believe all mummy will be happy to see thier kids have good appetite. To improve Isaac's appetite, today I packed food he loves, which is egg.

I prepared an eggsheet and make it into two roses. In fact with that eggsheet size, I can have three roses. I didn't forget to packed some tomato sauce to eat with the egg. There is a jelly in the bento box, I am sure Isaac gonna have a Happy Friday!

~~Here are some pictures on how to make the egg rose. Enjoy !! ~~

Bento #185 - Simple Flower

2010-05-20T17:46:00.004+08:00

Very fast running out of idea. No, I should say I didn't do homework yesterday night (^.^) I made a small round chicken floss sandwich and top it with a cheese flower, packed one cheese sausage (cut into two) and some apple. Pretty simple right? Sometimes, simple is beautiful (life but not bento)... kekekekeke

Bento #184 - Shaun the Sheep

2010-05-19T20:39:00.003+08:00

Do your know there is this cartoon in the market? It's OK if you don't know, especially if you have no kid. Unlike those days (when I was a little girl), cartoons were so limited, few popular one were Popoye the Sailor Man, Woody Woodpacker, Ultraman, Mickey Mouse and etc, really not many. But these days, the cartoons in the market is too many to enumerate.

Last weekend I went back home during lunch, Astro was showing this cartoon. The sheep drew my attention. It's so cute, just like the nursery rhyme - Baa Baa Black Sheep. I thought the sheep must have named 'Baa Baa', therefore asked Isaac to double confirm. In fact it is not, Isaac told me the sheep is called Shaun Sheep. "Sean? How to spell?" I asked. "S.H.A.U.N" He answered. I was doubted honestly (^.^).

I googled for 'Shaun Sheep' after back to office. Hey, it's corret! Cool, this is another bento idea, not too hard to fix.... hehehehe

~~ Are we look alike each other? ~~

Bento #183 - Sunny Boy

2010-05-18T23:15:00.003+08:00

Isaac complained that not enough time was given for him to finish his bento. He bought back almost a complete bento back for me yesterday, only half of the cupcake was eaten. Therefore today I reduced the bread size, only packed half slice of sweet potato bread and some apple for him. The sunny boy was made from ham.

Do you realize that I have used the pick I bought yesterday? Now you know how much I love them, I just can't wait to use it.....

Abundant Harvest。。。

2010-05-18T22:23:00.003+08:00

I was extremly happy yesterday night as I found the picks that I eager for. The moment I saw it, I was so excited and I told my hubby, I am so sorry, I can't resist myself from getting a set of all the picks. Without waiting for him to respond, I grabbed one each.

We stuck in bad traffic jam on the way home due to heavy rain. But my mood was extremly good (^.^) I kept showing the picks to my hubby and of course wanted him to agree that the picks are all awesome!!! kekekeke....

If you wish to get a set of all these picks, I am more than willing to do you a favour (provided still have stock). I am happy to see others are happy, just like me ....

These are few bento gadgets I bought two months ago....

Bento #182 - Raisin Hazelnut Butter Cupcake

2010-05-17T17:30:00.002+08:00

Lots of blogger friends love baking, their "masterpiece" always make me drool with envy. Few month ago, newspaper published a recipe on how to make cupcake, it has detail photos shown. I kept that copy and decided to give a try yesterday after so long.

Silly me, I was expecting muffin but I got butter cake. By looking at the ingredients, should know it's butter cake right? kekekeke..... Have such result on first try I am quite satisfied (^.^) Isaac put some sprinker on few cupcakes, they are for himself and his cousins.

Ingredients:(around 16 cupcakes)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
230g Self Raising Flour
230g Butter, softened at room temperature
160g Castor Sugar
3 Eggs, at room temperature
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
1/2 cup of raisin
1/3 cup of hazelnut

Methods:
1. Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy.
2. Add eggs, beat until well combined.
3. Sift self raising flour over butter mixture and mix well.
4. Add in vanilla essence and raisin then mix well.
5. Preheat the oven to 175 degree.
6. Line 16 paper cups in muffin tray.
7. Put the mixture into muffin tray then put 3-4 hazelnut on top.
8. Bake the cake for 15 - 20 minutes until light golden.

Bento #181 - Mushroom in the Garden

2010-05-13T17:53:00.002+08:00

Today I just prepared something simple for Isaac. In the box is a piece of carrot banana cake and some dragon fruits. Wonder why recently my mind is full of "flower", keep wanting to fix flower and I purposely fix a mushroom to serve as a foil to those little flowers (*.*)

Bento #180 - It's Spring ...

2010-05-11T17:36:00.002+08:00

Spring is a busy season for bees, they are busy collecting nectar and then make them into honey. Today I sent two bees to assist thier gang in completing the task. But bad me, I forgot to put thier wings on!! Previous Bee Bento, I didn't realize the bees have no wing until Isaac asked me after back from school. Therefore this time I reminded myself not to forget the little wing. Hmm.... I am getting older... signnnnn..........

Postscript: Hapabento's May B.O.M.B Contest is flower. I think this bento is qualified to enter, I will summit it, it's my first time participating this type of contest... (^.^)

Bento #179 - Netherlands Tulip

2010-05-10T20:21:00.000+08:00

In May, if you go Netherland, you will surely see noble and elegance tulip everywhere. August 2008, I attended a training in Netherland for three weeks. At that time I can also see tulips everywhere, but was wooden tulip and they were not in garden but inside souvenir shops (^_O). I saw those photos taken by lucky colleagues, I just can't imagine how nice the garden was.

I read from newspaper yesterday, one of the charity organization was selling tulip Netherland tulip on Mother's Day for raising fund. One of the tulip shown was black in colour. It's so elegant, that made me have the idea to fix a tulip bento (^-^).

Bento #178 - Little Red Indian

2010-05-07T23:37:00.001+08:00

Since Isaac just recovered from high fever, I just packed him something light and simple. It's only bread with blueberry jam. I have manggo in my fridge, but I don't think he can eat it at this time as manggo might causes phlegm. I fixed a Red Indian using artificial crab meat. I don't think he wants any cheese today.

Why I have been quiet ...

2010-05-07T22:58:00.004+08:00

Yes, I have been quiet for about a week because my little prince was having high fever, for 5 days and the highest record in the 5 days was 39.9 celsius. I didn't go to work for 2 days to take care of him day and night. That kind of worries, I believe all moms can feel it......

It started on Saturday evening at home town. Our home town(hubby and I are from same home town) is not far from KL but not near either, need to travel about 2.5 hours. Normally with that hours, using highway can reach Melacca (another state), but mine still within Selangor. We went back just to have dinner with my father-in-law, that day was his birthday. He can't really walk now, so we only have dinner at home.

We came back KL the next morning (normally we will come back in the afternoon or evening). I prefer to stay at own house, especially when my kid is sick, more confortable and convenient. Due to Labour Day, child specialist Isaac used to visit was close for two days. I consulted doctor on Monday morning. Doctor said was caused by his swelling throat, but seems like getting better, so didn't give any antibiotic as Isaac just taken a bottle of it last week (if you still remember, he almost missed his soccer field trip).

After a noon nap, Isaac's fever just shot up like rocket, went up to 39.9 celsius. I called the clicnic and asked for antibiotic and immediately insert medicine into his anus. Fever continued for another 2 days and thank god his body temperature was back to normal on Wednesday night, if not, I would have admitted him to hospital. I didn't send him to school on Thursday to monitor and make sure he is fully recovered.

I got a message from Deby, another bento mama, via Facebook. She realized that I MIA (missing in action) for so long, therefore sending me a message to see is everything going right with me. How caring she is.... Thanks Deby (*0*)

How to stop blogging? Especially it can brings you lovely and caring friends..... (^_^)

Bento #177 - Doraemon (ドラえもん)

2010-04-30T23:09:00.001+08:00

Isaac's kindy will on and off have special theme on Friday. On that day, children have to wear according to the theme. Today is a Rainbow Day, kids are requested to wear colourful shirt to school. Isaac chose a long sleeve shirt with colourful stripes and said to me the shirt is just nice for the theme (^0^).....

In fact, I should fix him something a colourful bento, or maybe a rainbow bento to match the theme. But I only have this idea in mind after having the Doraemon fixed. I have to bear in mind, next theme, I should fix something related to promote the theme and make the day more special... hehehe

Bento #176 - British Soldier in Tall Black Fuzzy Hat

2010-04-28T23:22:00.001+08:00

Isaac requested this High 5 bread, with apple cream inside. Looking at the bread, really have no clue what to fix. Tall black fuzzy hat flashed into my mind, but I added two feather onto the hat. After adding the feather, it makes me think of Red Indian. I think will fix a red indian bento in couples of day. Stay tune yeah (*0*)....

A Special Gift

2010-04-28T20:30:00.000+08:00

I received a parcel today. It's a special gift from a special person. This person I have never met, but my impression of her is favourable. A mummy with good bento skills any yet very modest, she is Lia Chen. Lia has a sweet, warm and lovely house (Bentolicious), you will learn some bento tips from her "Tips Room" and you will defiantely be surprised by her "Bento Collection Room" (*.*). Honestly, I really wish one day I will gain a true FRIENDSHIP from bento blogging and here comes the day. It's a fate, a gift from god.....

Still, I have to say: Thanks Lia for the friendship (~.~)

The pick has now been removed from my bento wish list (^o^)...

Bento #175 - Soccer Ball

2010-04-27T18:01:00.002+08:00

Last Friday Isaac's kindy organized a field trip to an indoor soccer field. Unfortunately Isaac has high fever the night before. The moment I told him he won't be able to join the field trip, he cried sadly. He has been long waited for this day and told me happily that tomorrow will be a great day for him few hours before the sudden fever.

After seeing doctor, I called his teacher to inform her about this. Teacher also felt sorry for him, as the kids have been practising hard in the school. Isaac was sobing on the sofa while I was on the phone. I couldn't bear his disappointment and sadness, so I called teacher again. Teacher allowed Isaac to join the kids for soccer game. So I sent him personally and fetched him back right after the game. I didn't go to work that day.

I am glad that Isaac's fever gone in midnight. I am happy to see Isaac having great fun in the field. Here comes the idea of fixing a soccer ball bento (^.~)

Bento #174 - Flower

2010-04-26T19:46:00.001+08:00

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Thank god Isaac has recovered from his fever, else I will have a tiring weekend. I prepared two tuna flower for Isaac today. The orange flower was cut from cheese. I toasted the flower in the oven because to me, one who don't really love cheese, it taste better after toasting. The cheese was then melted, that the reason why it is abit out of shape.

The toasted tuna flower is slightly crispy compare with the other. But Isaac perfer the one without toasting because cheese is not his favourite too (O_o).....

Bento #173 - Wicked Witch

2010-04-22T22:09:00.003+08:00

Isaac asked me, it's not Halloween, why am I fixing him a witch (O_o). I wanted to fix this witch for quite sometime just that slow in action. This idea derived from Isaac JXC (Yamaha Junior Advance Course) book. Each time when I see the witch while guiding Isaac to play piano, I will say to myself I wanna fix this witch (*.*) Here comes the day, I finally have clue how to fix it. I use egg as the head and the witch hat is from ham.

Hooray... a 3D witch!!

Bento #172 - Mini Aeroplane

2010-04-21T21:00:00.002+08:00

This aeroplane was made from cranberry walnut bread. The red oval thing in the middle of the plane is cranberry. It's my first try on this bread, to me it's lacking flavour unless you bit on the cranberry or walnut. Probably Isaac won't like it, so I cut two aeroplanes from the bread, spead some peanut butter on it and stack the two planes together. I think it should taste better (^_^). Fruit of the day is pear.

Bento #171 - Pretty Bouquet

2010-04-20T12:48:00.003+08:00

Protagonist for the day is the beautiful flower. I have this idea came to my mind while I was lingering on my bed this morning. I have this bad habit, I will normally linger on the bed for at least 5 minutes when the alarm rings. I will keep snoozing the alarm clock for few times before I can get myself up from bed. This is the time I use to think bento for the day if I don't do any home work a night before (*o*).

I have a tutorial here on how to make the flower. Hope it helps you to have clearer picture. Enjoy and Happy Bento-ing!! (^.^)

Bento #170 - Two Little Pooh Bear

2010-04-19T21:10:00.003+08:00

It has been quite sometime I didn't pack sweet potato for Isaac because I am very particular in buying sweet potato. Sometimes the vege autie says very sweet but end up not at all. So normally I only buy from a particular organic stall. But I hardly go that market now, I go to the one nearer to my house.

Last week saw the purple yellow sweet potatos posted in Lia's house, made me feel like eating sweet potato. I went to nearby market on Saturday to look for it. I wanted to buy the japanese sweet potato (purple colour) but the auntie kept asking me to try the local one also (yellow colour). So I bought both, thought maybe can try Lia's recipe.

I didn't give a try on Lia's recipe as no fresh milk in the fridge. Maybe reserve for next time. Out of my expectation, the local sweet potatos taste better to me and yet it's cheaper (^_^).

Bento #169 - Tomica Bento

2010-04-16T17:31:00.005+08:00

Another Tomica Bento (*.*), but this time I used the smaller vege cutter. I prepared two tomica cheese and placed them on top of tempura nuggets. Just to share, for nuggets, you can actually bake it in oven instead of deep fried them. You will be surprised by the oil squeezed out from the nuggets even though you not deep fried them. It's less oily and more healthy. I packed some pears into the bento and they were cut into tomica shape too (^_^).

Bento #168 - Police in Duty

2010-04-15T12:11:00.002+08:00

"Peep Poo... Peep Poo... Please give way to Police, a thief is trying to escape... " I bought the Tomica cutter from Hong Kong last year, but haven't really utilize it. Recently, Isaac took out his Police City Lego and play with it again, made me think of the cutter is sitting in the box quietly. Here comes the idea to fix Isaac a police car. Just FYI, I have dismantled the LEGO after he get bored so that he will show interest on the it again after some time.

It's a egg sandwich, I put a layer of pan-fried egg in between the bread. Isaac loves egg so much, he was happy to see the egg. But if it's cheese, probably will spoil his mood, because it gonna be a big slice of cheese if using the cutter (^_^).

Bento #167 - 1st Anniversary Gift

2010-04-13T20:14:00.003+08:00

Haha, don't get cheated by the title, today is not my 1st Wedding Anniversary (else I can't have a 6 yrs old boy) and likewise the gift is not from my hubby (^_^).

Yeap, today is my 1st Anniversary on Bento making. I didn't notice it until I wrote a post on the awards received from Rachel and Lia Chen last week. I have a sudden inspiration to know for how long I have been doing bento, then only I discovered it's a year in the twinkling of an eye!! Time flies without realizing!!!!

Compare those days bento, I think my bento skill do improve alot, but yet I still have lots of rooms to grow. I quite enjoy preparing light bento for my boy every morning. I am happy to see him bring back an empty bento box for me (~_~).

Nevertheless, to continue bento making really need support. I am thankful to all the bento mama for sharing thier awesome bento and useful tips. Another person I would like to thanks, my hubby, thanks for his support, therefore I can have this "weird" hobby continue for more than a year. Thanks him for dressing up Isaac while I am fixing bento. Thanks him for not complaining "self service".... kekeke

Bento #166 - Froggie Cottage

2010-04-09T21:51:00.002+08:00

Today I just feel like fixing something simple. The three froggies only take me 5 minutes.

All the sudden I think of this nursery rhymes:

一只蛤蟆一张嘴
两只眼睛四条腿
乒乒乓乓跳下水呀
。。。。。。

You heard before this song? Does it sounds familiar? (~.~)

Beautiful Blogger + One Sweet Treat Award

2010-04-09T12:25:00.007+08:00

I feel highly honored to receive this award from Rachel Hei and Lia Chen. They are my blog supporter and because of their sweet comments, I enjoy bento making and blogging.

Without realizing, next Tuesday is my 1st Bento-ing Anniversary. Looked back those days bentos, it gives me sweet memories although my bento skill at that time is horrible but I believe it's improving (^_^).

Buddies,

thanks for your support along the way!!

Life is so beautiful with friends like you!!

Bento #165 - Nugget + Waffer = Fun Meal?

2010-04-08T17:40:00.002+08:00

No more bread at home, since hubby won't be around for two days, I don't think Isaac and I can finish a loaf of bread, so I prepared nuggets for him today. I brought back some chocolate from Langkawi, so packed some Loacker waffers into the box. We love the Loacker waffer very much and just can't seem to get away from hazelnut. There is just something so delicious, so satisfying about it.

Remember the sauce bottle I mentioned two days ago? These are the two apple (tomato) container. Isn't it cute?

Bento #164 - Fly Little Ladybug

2010-04-07T20:57:00.002+08:00

After honeybee is little ladybug. I have been trying to make Isaac love cheese more, but seems like no progress so far. When I told him I gonna fix him bento using cheese, he again negotiated with me, asked to replace cheese with egg (~_~). I thought this time he will bring back a complete ladybug for me. Surprising he finished all!! OK I promised will try to reduce cheese but not totally omit. I don't know what else I can use if not cheese, at least now I can swap between cheese and egg and once a while ham (-_-).

Bento #163 - Honeybee March

2010-04-06T20:11:00.002+08:00

The bees were made from egg roll. Let me briefly describe how I prepare the egg roll, I totally forgot to snap some photos during the preparation until last egg roll was taken out from pan.

Well mix the egg the pan-fry it, just like how we prepare egg sheet. When it is almost cook, off the stove and put some chicken floss on top and roll it over. I don't know does it make any difference if I put chicken floss on the egg sheet after it is cooling down. (-_-)

I then cut the egg roll into small piece and decorate it as honeybee. I packed some tomato into the sauce container I just bought last week. It comes with another three small size bottle, but with apple (or maybe is tomato) as the lid. Cute, I love this sauce containers.

Close shot on the egg roll. Try it out, simple to prepare and nice to eat, but abit unhealthy as it is pan-fry.

Bento #162 - The Circus

2010-04-05T22:10:00.001+08:00

It's always good to start with something simple after a long break, as warm up lesson (^.^) Before turning the eggs into mayo egg, I sliced the egg and chose few with only egg white. The egg white was then cut as into bear shape. The balance all chopped into small pieces and mixed with mayonnaise and packed into the triangular bread pocket.

First time packed baby carrot for Isaac. I cooked five but only packed him two. Guess what, he asked me don't pack him this carrot, he doesn't like it. I tried to pursuit him and finally he said, "OK lor, next time pack me one will do." **Faint**

More Bento Tools ...

2010-04-05T17:53:00.002+08:00

What was I doing?

2010-04-05T12:07:00.002+08:00

I have finally sent out Test Summary Report on the project I engaged with to PM last Thursday. It's time for me to at least take a short break. I just posted Monster Bento few hours ago and I started to think back what I have done in past few weeks, because the Monster Bento I fixed was actually quite some time ago. What was I doing after that? Why no bento for Isaac?

Now I remember, I went to Singapore for Software Testing Conference on 24th March and came back late night on 25th. With a tired mind, I couldn't affort to prepare bento on Friday.

Saturday evening, again I stepped into LCCT, but this time I was more excited, I have been long waited for this day -- Family Trip to Langkawi. The trip not only three of us, but also my siblings, nieces & nephew and my sis's parent-in-law. Fourteen of us in total... big group hoh!! We went there for four days and again, came back late night. I allowed Isaac to skip one more day of school so that he could recharge his "battery". Isaac kindy off last Friday to celebrate Good Friday. So basically last week he only attended one day of class.

So for the passed few weeks, I was not just busy with work, but also searching singapore hotels, langkawi hotels, flight booking and Langkawi itinerary. But of course main thing still woooorrrkkkk !!! Now you know why my blog stay quiet for quite some time yeah (Q.Q) !!