R U OK?

Thursday 13 Sept 2012 has been declared "R U OK?" Day - a national community event aimed to bring Australians together to ensure we are staying connected with others and to show that we care for one another. At work, we have been encouraged to check in with colleagues and those around us to ensure they are doing OK.

I think it's a great initiative to stop and take stock of ourselves, our family, friends, colleagues and people in the community. So often, in my busy day, I forget to take that few seconds to ask someone how they are doing. Often, I walk past a colleague or friend and say the customary greeting "How are you?" or "How's it going?" without actually stopping to hear that response; in a rush to get to where I am going.

When I can and remember to do so, I like to take 5-10 minutes each day to just sit and be still. It helps me to rest my mind and simply breathe. Even 5 minutes makes a difference for me, especially when there are a thousand and one things going through my mind - work, home, girls, hubby, parents, church, volunteer activities etc.. I am sure I am not the only Mum who has a million and one things going at the same time. From one busy person to another, I urge my fellow Mums to remember to take that break during their busy day. Sit and have a cup of coffee or tea; just be still and do nothing; clear the mind and feel refreshed after. It could be when you're waiting for the children at after school pickup; when you're out about at the shops or doing other chores.

Tomorrow, as you go about your activites, stop, share a smile or greeting with those around you; ask them if they are OK? And remember to stop and hear their response.

TM 31

source:quirkycooking.blogspot.com

That's the code for the latest Thermomix machine. What is this machine and why are people raving about it? This appliance is heralded as the new dimension in the kitchen. At the demo today, the consultant claimed the Thermomix can chop, beat, mix, whip, grind, knead, mince, grate, juice, blend, heat, stir, steam and weigh food. It has earned the title of the world's smallest and smartest kitchen.

Today, the consultant made:

• beetroot salad
• lemon custard
• soy bean milk (Asian style)
• garlic and herb dip
• steamed glutinous rice with Chinese sausage and mushrooms
• baked bread rolls
• steamed mantou (chinese buns)
• lemon and parsley juice
• mango sorbet

Amazing isn't it, that this one appliance could make all the above. There was also minimal time spent on washing in between. Thermomix is almost self- cleaning - you had to fill the water above the blades and hit the buttons and off it goes.

What's my verdict? Will I buy one for kitchen? If I do, what will I do with the other appliances like ice-cream maker, Magimix processor, blender, bread maker and Kitchen Aid mixer.  I believe if you're just starting to set up your kitchen, then it's wonderful to have just one appliance which can do all the above. But if you've accumulated several appliances like me, it's a little harder to cross the line. I am still thinking about making a purchase. I have been reading the various forums, blogs and recipes online.

The Thermomix company has made it tempting by offering a 12 month interest free (subject to approval) for purchases in November and December 2011. It will be a great gift for someone.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

source: dailytelegraph.com.au

The world is in mourning today... An amazingly talented man, Steve Jobs, has lost his battle against cancer. A sad day indeed. Steve, a creative and talented genius. A man who changed the way we listened to music with the introduction of the iPod in 2001. A visionary man who could see into the future beyond his peers.

His innovations now sit in most homes around the world from iPods, iPhones, iMacs, iPads. Imagine what the world would be like without these 'i' products.

“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.”

His loss will be felt by many.  A humble man was taken from us today.

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.” - Steve Jobs

Coles - MIX

From tomorrow, in certain supermarkets nationally, Coles will be introducing a new line of clothing called 'MIX' ranging from bikinis, tops, pants, dresses and shoes. It is part of Coles' strategy to you to spend more in their stores. The garments will be priced at affordable prices (priced under A$25) and the returns policy is meant to be generous, allowing you to try it on at home and return if you're not satisfied.

An interesting concept like the Wal-Mart stores in USA, where you can buy anything from food, electronics, clothing to outdoor furniture. Basically anything and everything including the kitchen sink.

I am not sure about this idea of buying clothes at the same time as buying cereal, flour and milk but remain open to see what the quality of the garments are like.

source: www.heraldsun.com.au

10 years on - 9/11

Today marks the 10th anniversary since the 9/11 attacks which started the war against terrorism. Where were you when you heard the news? I remember so vividly watching the scenes of the two airplanes flying into the Twin Towers late that night on TV and thought it was a scene from a movie. Then I sat and watch more, and realised it was happening in real life. For the next few days, more and more images flash on screen - scenes of people running, people covered in dust, people jumping from the buildings. I felt afraid...it was late into the night in Sydney and I was alone at home with Ashleigh; hubby was away from home working in Canberra at that time. I also rang my sister who was living in Michigan at that time, worried for her and my BIL.

How the world has changed since that fateful day 10 years ago. Osama bin laden is now dead..yet the war against terrorism has not end...with no end in sight.

Today, I remember those who died in the Twin Towers, those whose lives changed, the children who have lost their parents and everyone who have lost loved ones.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

Sunscreen - Everyday?

Do you use sunscreen everyday? I do, particularly on my face and neck even on days when it's cloudy, wet and grey. I read an article in Body & Soul on the weekend about using sunscreen in winter. The article states that "less than 20 per cent of Australian men and women wear sunscreen in winter, according to a recent survey conducted by Canstar Cannex". Even though the UV levels are lower in winter, it does not stop the sun damage on our skin. If you're going to the snow fields, it is even more important to apply sun protection on your face. I have seen many people who have returned from the snow fields with sunburnt face. The sun glare from the snow makes it easier to burn.

Another issue to consider during winter is to ensure we are get sufficient exposure to the sun for Vitamin D, which is vital for strong teeth and bones and helps fight against osteoporosis. I remember growing up in Malaysia, where many ladies will carry umbrellas to protect themselves from the hot intense sun in Asia. Over here, especially during winter, people are usually out and about when the sun is shining to get some warmth from the sun.

Disney Pixar Cars 2 - Only at the Movies

The next school holidays are not far away. We are looking forward to the new Disney Pixar movie - Cars 2.

The movie will start screening at the cinemas on June 23, just in time for the school holidays. My two girls are very excited because they want to watch this movie with their cousin, Michael. My sister and her family will be visiting us from US of A for three weeks. I remember their last visit, Michael absolutely loved Lightening McQueen. He watched the DVD over and over again on a 4.5 hour road trip which absolutely sent Ashleigh up the wall.

In Cars 2, McQueen and his mate, Mater, compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to find out which is the fastest car in the world. Needless to say, they will experience many adventures along the way providing funny moments, challenges and detours.

Mother's Day Classic 2011

source: Mothersdayclassic.org

It was a cold and sunny morning today. However, there was no sleeping in for me this Mother's Day. Ashleigh and I had an early start at 7:30am to meet Elsie, Lee Fong and their children at the train station to head down to the Domain for the 4km walk,  part of the Mother's Day Classic. We left our hubbies at home (to sleep in! LOL). This year, Caitlin did not join us, as she is still too young. Maybe next year.

The Mother's Day Classic is the biggest family fundraising event in Australia. The walk is to support and raise funds for breast cancer research. It is a wonderful event for friends, families, breast cancer survivors to come together across the various venues in Australia from Perth to Parramatta (west of Sydney), Hobart to Brisbane, Geelong to the Gold Coast and various regional  or country towns.

There were thousands of people at the Sydney Domain  participating in 4 events - 4km and 8km run and 4km and 8km walk. It was touching to see people carrying tribute cards in memory of their family members or friends who have and those who have not survived this horrible disease. There were people of all ages - from babies in prams to seniors.

Besides the walk, there were also other activities for kids and adults. These include warm up aerobics, roving performers, food stalls, entertainment, plus a kids activity area with face painting and jumping castles. It was a fun filled day for all.

A great start to Mother's Day, sharing this special day with my girlfriends and our children.

Masterchef Season 3

Masterchef Season 3 begins tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 10.

source: MasterChef Series 3

In this series, the 3 judges - Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Colombaris - will be joined by Matt Moran, owner of Aria restaurants. There will also be a number of celebrity chefs - Heston Blumenthal, Nigella Lawson, Adriano Zumbo, Maggie Beer, Rick Stein and others. From what we have previewed on tv, it looks like the contestants will also be cooking outdoors in various places from the Bussselton Jetty in WA to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The judges have assured viewers that there will be fewer dramas and tears this time round, when compared to the 2nd season. That remains to be seen.

It is interesting to watch the contestants cook and see how they cope under pressure. My friends have been encouraging me to enter the competition, and I have been reluctant. I know I will be unable to cope with the immense time and peer pressure that the contestants go through. For now, I am contented to watch them sweat in out.

Catherine (Kate) and William

All eyes will be focused on Westminster Abbey on Friday (29 Apr 2011) at 11am (London time) to witness the royal wedding of Princess William and his beautiful bride, Catherine (Kate) Middleton. Like most women, I am keen to see what the wedding gown will look like. You can view the schedule here.  I can still remember watching the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding in 1981. What a lavish wedding that was - the carriages, the huge wedding dress, the royal family - and what a tragic ending for the late Princess Diana.

Time to chill the champagne ready to toast the royal couple. Cheers!

Happy Australia Day 2011

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian

A$ and USD - reached parity

Image source: http://www.winnersedgetrading.com

Late on Friday night, Australian time, the Aussie dollar reached parity with the US Dollar. An event not seen since 1983. Whilst the strong Aussie dollar is great news for shoppers and travellers, it is not so good for local manufacturers and exporters. It's a pity we have no immediate plans to visit my sis in the US of A. It's a good time to buy US Dollars to keep for future trips. Another good thing is online shopping. I am sure sales on ebay.com.au have grown significantly.

I also found some skinny jeans for Ashleigh in GapKids for less than A$40. That's quite a bargain, but I am concern about the fit. Ash is skinny and petite and it's quite a challenge to buy a pair of jeans for her. Might have to check out measurements.

Time to do some online browsing. Good night!

Junior Masterchef 2010

Most of the people living in Australia have been caught up in the Masterchef fever.  Last Sunday, the Junior Masterchef started on Channel 10. We missed the first part of the show but managed to catch the last 20 minutes. The children who were cooking on the 1st show were AMAZING! Their creative skills were displayed in their cooking and plating of the food. Even the four judges were taken aback by the skill levels that the children had. In fact, one of the children was tempering chocolate, a skill that is challenging for even the experience chefs/cooks. I am looking forward to the next show tomorrow night.

I personally have a passion in cooking and baking. I would love for my girls to grow up and appreciate good food, cooking and baking too. This is something I learnt from my Mum, who is a great cook and baker as well. My Mum taught me how to cook especially during my tertiary years when I was living on my own and had to cook to feed me.

Setting the Table

Our girls have chores around meal times - setting the table, clearing up after the meal, wiping the table and placemats etc. Here's how they set the table the other night.

New Recipe Books

I love to browse through recipe books to get ideas for our meals. I picked up two of Donna Hay's Simple Essentials recipe books as well as the movie version of "Julie and Julia". It was at a special price '3 for 2' at Borders. I simply could not resist, even though I already have a big collection of recipe books. I know what I'm going to be doing this weekend.

Should We Stop Eating Pork?

Two weeks ago, the world did not know what is swine (pig) flu. Now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alert to 'pandemic imminent'. People are running into pharmacies to buy face masks to protect themselves. There is also news that people should avoid eating pork. I came across this article on the internet informing us that it is safe to eat pork. The article states that the flu viruses are not transmitted by food and if the pork meat is cooked through the viruses is inactive when the temperature reaches 70°C during cooking. Somehow, I think we will be cutting down on pork consumption. Wonder what will happen to all the Chinese BBQ shops in Sydney - their char siu and siew yoke sales might go down? I hope the WHO does not move to the next alert level which is pandemic is underway. Is it deja vu from SARS?