MON, 6-12-10 : (CHEAP) SUSHI, ANYONE?

Anyone who's had Japanese food, knows that it doesn't come cheap (haha ... nothing from Japan does, right?).

So when I spied cheap sushi sold at the supermarket deli-counter in JB (Jusco), I was quite ecstatic. As with most foodstuff sold in Malaysia, these sushi were Halal. Yipee!

 Yep! A grand total of 8 Ringgit for 9 pieces of sushi. Cheap cheap!

You won't find sushi at that price, in expensive Singapore!

Do remember to keep your sushi in the fridge, if you are not going to consume it immediately. But try not to keep it for more than 1 day coz the rice would be rather hardened.

Ask me how I know?! 

For raw sushi, I think they have to be consumed within 3 hours, after preparation (please use your own discretion). Ours were not raw, all cooked ones.

SUN, 5-12-10 : SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES

We were up north in JB that day - for some (mainly grocery) shopping & nice food.

My parents & my niece decided to tag along this time.

 We had breakfast at Old Town White Coffee (our usual stop-over). The branches in Malaysia are all Halal certified.

 Whilst waiting for our food ...

 ... Hubby smiles for the camera.

 The kids were amusing themselves, with the toys Ryan brought along for the ride.

Ryan's usual order - their kaya & butter toast. Nice! 

Ayra had their homemade Ice Lemon Tea & the toast. See ... she's again eating when I'm trying to snap a photo of her. This girl is a tease!

My first-time order of their (Dry) Mee Siam - it came with a (rather small) crispy chicken. Delicious & the sambal was extra spicy! One complaint though ... the portion was way too small (for me). More please!

 Both kids at the (paid) kid's mini-playground.

The photos of the kids at the playground & rides were taken by Hubby. Haha .... I was (too) busy window-shopping, with my Mum.

SAT, 4-12-10 : BETTY CROCKER BUTTERMILK PANCAKE MIX

My family just loves pancakes. When Ryan was younger he used to eat them at least twice a week, not so much now. As he loved pancakes very much, I was looking for a brand of mix that was affordable and tasty.

I found it in the Betty Crocker Mix. It is the closet in taste to the McDonald's version (if you like their pancakes), in my humble opinion. Though I've been told that this mix is not that nice (though I do beg to differ), I put it all down to taste. Different people just have different preference, that's all.

Oh! this mix does not use eggs either (you just need to add sufficient water) - its economical & easy to make. The main reason I don't like using an egg is not so much to save money but I usually do such a small batch (for Ryan) coz I make mini-pancakes that I felt it'll be such a waste to use one whole egg. But that's just me ....

No need to add any butter or oil for frying the pancakes. But do use a non-stick pan, it'll make your life much easier, trust me!

FR1, 3-12-10 : HORSIE RIDE

Hehe ... just a simple photo of my boy on a merry-go-round horse.

Errm ... what is it with kids & rides?! It just baffles me ... I tell you.

Holding on to dear horsie ... just in case it decides to bolt ... haha!

THU, 2-12-10 : RYAN'S BUY OF THE WEEK - TIME & WEIGHT GAME

These two games were on sale. Bought in Parkway Parade. Costs : 2 games for 10 bucks.

Hubby thought it was time that Juniour learnt something (more) educational.

Yep! Mummy (totally) agrees!

WED, 1-12-10 : IT'S DECEMBER ... REALLY?!

Oh my! Its December already??!

It means the year is coming to an end very soon. Woo-hoo! I have another birthday coming up (hehe! so does my elder brother) ... yep! getting a year older (once again!).

Ah-ha! Things will be very busy around our household in December (its the same every year). And we don't even celebrate Christmas around here ... haha!

Next month is will be another busy month, as Ryan is turning 4, Yay!

Ok, so I was looking through some old(er) photos and came across two taken a few months back (May 2010). I guess as we approach the year end, I tend to get a bit more nostalgic & wonder how did the whole year just pass me by. And now its gonna be gone in a short blink.

Well, this month I'm gonna show up some not-so-recent photos ... just because!

Enjoy!

 A cheeky look.

Showing off his nostrils?

TUE, 30-11-10 : TODDLER'S LUNCH

Whenever I'm feeling kinda lazy & uninspired (haha! which is unfortunately often), I make a simple fried rice for my boy's lunch (which he actually loves, thank God!).

That day was one of those days.

Simple Fried-Rice : The Egg-edition

MON, 29-11-10 : THE FACE THAT LIGHTS UP MY LIFE!

Its been a very damn stressful week! So many issues popping up ..... arrgh!!!!

So ... to cheer myself up, I am putting up pics of my angel, Ryan  : )

As the apple of our eye, Ryan is definitely, both my Hubby's & my beloved. But there are times when he drives us up the wall. Although that happens (a lot ... haha!), I always try to remember that my boy has been sent to us by God ... for me & Hubby to be better people, better parents, better human beings. Amen!

Whenever life gets me down, I look at his face & I know ..... everything will be ok (eventually). The things we go through in life is so very tough at times, its so hard hanging on  ... when others keep kicking you down. Its so very hard to keep your head held high, when troubles keep knocking on your door.

Its so very hard ... even to breathe!

Its so very hard ... just to survive!

But survive we will ... coz there's no other way! (right?)

We hold on ... coz Ryan needs us to be strong and resilient, he needs us to be there for him, always.

And because .... we need him too! 

 The face that puts a smile ... on my face!

SUN, 28-11-10 : DRAWING ON PLASTIC

We were at Toa Payoh (to meet up with friends), when we spotted a big event by the HPB (Health Promotion Board) at the atrium. Since there were some fun activities, I got the 2 kids to participate.

The kids were each given (washable) markers to draw or write "Happy Slogans" on the plastic walls.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

SAT, 27-11-10 : VIVA LA VIVO!

Haha ... we were at Vivo City during the weekend (among other places). Here's what my boy and his cuz, Ayra were up to.

 Ayra posing at the Toys R Us section where they had the Ben 10s.

 Ayra posing with the Predator model. Scary-looking metal creature!

 Ryan doesn't want to be left out either.

 Waiting for their kaya toast & warm tea (for the adults).

The food loot - cold Season's Chrysanthemum Tea, 2 sets of kaya-butter toast, warm tea with condensed milk & 2 soft-boiled eggs.

Ayra enjoying her toast. I noticed (recently) that she always loves getting me to snap photos of her (whilst) eating ... haha! I guess that's photographic proof that she does eat ... huh? (We are always bugging her to eat more, poor girl!)

 

FRI, 26-11-10 : A SPONGEBOB BRUSH

When Ryan was much younger. he really hated brushing his teeth. He still does ... but at least the screaming & crying is long gone. Because it was so difficult to get Ryan to open his (small) mouth, much less to brush his tiny teeth, I had the (brilliant but expensive) idea to buy the rotating (kid's) toothbrush.

It really worked!

Never in a million years did I imagine having to buy one of those expensive toothbrushes. I mean ... do we really need to spend so much on the humble brush that cleans the teeth!?

As you can guess, I (really) wasn't keen ... but a parent does what she has to do.

Even if it means having to spend (a lot of) money, she does it.

Even if it means that the child's toothbrush, is (an exorbitant) eight folds more expensive than the measly-dollar ones that she & her Hubby uses.

Sigh!  If it works, buy it ... right?!

 They have blue ones too. We are thinking of changing the toothbrush to another one (either from another Colgate range or Watson's). Will update when or if it works out.

Cheapest one we could find in Singapore (or Malaysia). This was purchased at Mustafa in Serangoon Road, Singapore.

THU, 25-11-10 : OUR DATE WITH HARRY POTTER

On (very) rare occasions, we do go out to the movies.

Its tough bringing a squirming, active 3 year old to a dark & "scary" movie-hall, not to mention that its very expensive! So we seldom indulge ... only very occasionally.

But yesterday was an exception. Hubby managed to come back early ... so on a whim, I decided, watching a movie would be a great idea. The only movie (on screens now) that's worth our money is Harry Potter - The Deathly Hallows. So off we went!

When we were about to buy the tickets, my boy suddenly exclaimed "Mummy, I dun wan to see mobie".

Huh?!

I'm like - Are you kidding, my dear boy?! Do you know how often we get a chance to see a movie ... on a weekday? Arrgh!!!

Fortunately, Hubby decided to make an Executive decision (phew!) & asked me to get the tickets anyway. I was actually skeptical as I didn't want to bring in a (loud & screaming) child who doesn't want to see a movie ... but his parents forced him to. Yep, I don't want to be one of those parents that has to leave the cinema-hall because of the badly-behaving child (yes! there's plenty of them).

Luckily, Ryan decided to behave himself. But he wasn't exactly being very quiet.

I guess having to sit in his own seat (with a booster-seat) wasn't part of his plan. When Ryan didn't need a ticket, we used to pick the couple's seat. That way all three of us could squeeze in it (nicely). But now as Ryan is three (almost 4), movie passes are no longer free. My boy needed a ticket of his own. The tickets were 6 bucks per person (for Cathay Cinemas - on weekdays, when paid by NETS), so our (grand) total was 18 dollars. We did not purchase any snacks or drinks (we brought our own from home, to save money) but we did have an early dinner (at the nearby foodcourt) before the movie started.

Ryan loves these free poscards that's posted nearby. These are from the "A Pet Is For Life" campaign. The animals are so cute (especially the cutie-pie cat) ... & so are the slogans. I am a great supporter of responsible pet ownership ... as I believe, its the only way to be humane, kind & responsible to those not born humans. All my pets were taken care of till their end of days, none were given away nor abandoned.

Ryan wanted to take another photo with his "precious" Batman (a free toy with a McDonald's Happy Meal, a few months back). 

 Ryan also insisted on taking a photo of his Daddy.

What Ryan had for lunch - Chicken Rice. Errm ... this particular stall's is actually not very tasty but its the only thing that he will eat here (other than prata ... again?). Both me & Hubby don't understand how Ryan can swallow eat this. I guess most kids are usually unfussy when it comes to standards in taste, huh?

Once in a while, only a kiddie ride will do! 

In my opinion, The Deadly Hallows movie was damn good! Its like on a different level altogether. The director, David Yates gets full credit. It was full of suspense (for those who haven't read the books, like muah!). The acting was also more matured, especially for the cast of youngsters. The plot is a bit confusing for those who have not followed the series but I'm sure if you're watching the 7th installment, you must have watched the 1st six.

There were some very scary moments (actor Ralph Finnes as Valdermort, was especially evil) & shock-ing scenes but overall this movie is darker & more sinister. The main characters acted well, especially actress Emma Watson (Hermoine Granger). Her role was meatier & she really shined this time. It was a blast! The movie was also about 2 hours & 15 minutes long (my boy was bugging me throughout the movie - " Mummy finish yet?" ... Not yet!.

To quote my Hubby - "Its the best Harry Porter movie!" .... so far, my dear. Wait for the last installment, next year.

Can't wait!

WED, 24-11-10 : A FISH BALL?

We were out for dinner the other day. What did we have ... but prata!

There was a small shop (SKP) selling knick-knacks & stuff, so we stopped by. We saw this strange toy & my boy loved it & wouldn't put it down.

It is actually a transparent rubber ball with water inside, with colourful green mini-confetti, a plastic toy fish & an apparatus that lights up when hit correctly. I know, I know ... it sounds weird but I don't know how else to describe it. (Maybe I should video-tape the "fish-ball" in action ... we'll see).

On to the pics ...

The fish-ball cost $ 3.60. Not that cheap, right?

 Are we looking bored, Ryan?

 Nope, just feeling cheeky!

 Now ... for my suave-like look.

Yay! Aren't we feeling happy today! 

Pratas for everyone.



TUE, 23-11-10 : A TRAY OF EGGS

Eventhough the pic below is just a large tray of (common-variety) eggs, I wanted to put it up ... as it is one of the few reminders (for me & my Hubby), on how we've turned frugal & more thrifty, these couple of years.

We used to buy only the (usual) 10-eggs per tray thing, for many many years. But since we've been on our austerity drive, we have never bought the smaller tray again. It just made more sense (to us) & saves some of money (especially if you love devouring eggs, every other day). Eventhough we're not great egg-eaters in this house, it still beats buying 2 trays of 10 eggs, every week or so.

(Updated : The price of a single small tray these days is between $1.90 to &2.50 or more, at times).

I mean ... have you noticed the price of normal eggs lately?! (a few days ago it was an expensive S$ 5.25 per tray of 30 eggs at Shing Shiong). They are not even organic eggs for goodness sake! (Its almost the same in most of the major supermarkets in Singapore).

Trust me ... you can save a little (maybe not a whole lot) by buying in bulk (for certain household items or groceries).

Just remember to wipe down all the eggs, with a slightly damn wash cloth (don't wash them!) & place them in the fridge, narrow side facing down (if you can). This way your eggs will keep fresh, until you need to use them.

Just one way to keep small costs down.

Remember ... every little bit counts!

MON, 22-11-10 : HEY! THERE'S HAIR IN MY POPCORN!

Yep, as you can read in the blog entry title ..... I recently found hair in my VERY EXPENSIVE popcorn. If you read my Sentosa entry recently (You can re-read it here), I was gushing about the very tasty popcorn that we bought on Sentosa.

As this family loves popcorn, I did not hesitate to purchase the Garretts popcorn when we were there. And because they allowed tasting before you purchased your choice, I was very assured that I would love the taste. And loved it, I did!

Unfortunately, as I neared the bottom of my Tupperware container recently (I placed the remaining popcorn in the container to keep it fresh & crunchy), I found hair on a single popcorn. At first, I thought that it was my strand of hair that got in the batch ... but it wasn't!

Why was I so sure that it wasn't (anyone's hair) from my home? Because the hair (it was also a little brownish - no one has brown hair here) was stuck underneath a layer of (thick) caramel, that has surrounded it. So it must have belonged to the people preparing it!

Double Yucks!

 Unfortunately my digicam is not very good at taking close-up shots, so this was the clearest ones I could get.

I was very turned off by the fact that I found a strand of hair in my very expensive popcorn (Thank God it wasn't curly or springy!!!). But I also know that it wasn't done on purpose (better not!).

But how do you let it go just like that?

Is it a hygiene-safety issue or carelessness on one person's part? I shudder when I think about it!

I can't promise that I will boycott their products EVER but I will definitely think twice before I buy it again (even if their popcorn is the best I've ever tasted).

How about you? Will you buy it again???!!!