What's That Creature?

When Sherilyn saw this creature gliding up our oven door one morning a few days ago, she went "mummy, what's that?" When I took a look, I saw a baby snail slithering up the oven. The snail had actually come from a bunch of vegetables that we had bought and left leaning against the oven door. This is the first time Sherilyn had seen a baby snail. More than 20 years ago, the sight of a snail slithering outside our garden was so common. My brothers and I used to play with these snails. We also played with sand, marbles, kites, climbed trees, cycled round the neighbourhood, plucked flowers from our neighbours' trees, played inside drains, played hopscotch, played 'kor kuang' a.k.a. passing the border (LOL!), etc. every evening for hours without the supervision of our parents, yet nothing bad happened to us. Now, if I had left my gals to play outside the compound of our house for more than an hour without supervision, I dread to think what would have happened to them. Times have really changed.

Alycia Has Fluid In Her Ear

2 days ago, Alycia told me out of the blue that she can't hear on her left ear. When I looked at her left ear, I saw a slight scratch-like wound. I thought she must have scratched her ear till it bled and I thought she didn't know how to tell the difference between pain and loss of hearing. I just applied a dollop of Savlon on the wound and the next day, the wound was almost gone.

The next day after pre-school, we went to the mini market to shop for groceries. Out of the blue she said "mummy, my ear can hear again". Later that afternoon when she woke up from her nap, Alycia said "mummy, my ear cannot hear now". I suspected something was wrong and immediately brought her to the paed.

Initially the paed couldn't see clearly what was wrong inside her ears as her ears were filled with golden wax! The dr used a cotton bud and dug out a nugget of gold from her right ear! Upon checking the left ear, the dr saw some fluid inside the ear. The temperature on both sides of the ear was also different. The right ear read 36.7 degrees Celsius and the left ear read 37.7 degrees Celsius. As Alycia has a history of having a sensitive nose which is very prone to allergies, the dr said that there was probably some fluid / mucous from her nose which flowed to her ear. I was very surprised as Alycia appeared perfectly normal without any signs of a runny nose or cold. The dr then prescribed Alycia with a flu syrup, an anti-phlegm syrup (to remove the fluid from her ear), a fever medicine (just in case she develops fever) and an antibiotics (Augmentin). The dr said to only start Alycia with the antibiotics if she still has hearing loss and ear pain the next day (today). So far today Alycia is still acting normal, still active, has not complained of hearing loss or ear pain. I'm praying that the fluid will dry up and that her ear will not get infected. I really do not like the idea of feeding my kids with antibiotics as they weaken the body's natural immune system.

To parents out there, if your kids complain of hearing loss or ear pain, don't take them lightly. Bring them to the dr ASAP so that they get checked and treated immediately. Untreated fluid in ears will lead to ear infection and that's quite serious.

Tag : I Love Your Blog

I am indeed very honoured to receive this award from this pretty and young mom. This pretty mom who has an adorable 18-mth old son is one very thoughtful and helpful person. Though we have never met but one time she called me from a Mattel warehouse sale offering her help to buy Barbie dolls for my gals. Yesterday, she again offered to help me get Avent bottles and teats from Singapore through her twin sister. Though strangers but only online friends, I can already feel her warmth and friendship. Thanks Leena for your wondership friendship!

I must say I love most of the blogs that I know of, so it's difficult for me to send this love award to just a selected few bloggers. Thus, I am going to pass this love award 'verbally' to all the bloggers whom I know. "I love your blog!" Keep up the good work and keep blogging!

Nice People

I've made friends with some very nice, thoughtful and helpful people through blogging. Most of them I have never met but they have offered me help in many ways. One such person is this mummy who has never failed to check offers for me and even heped to log into my account to reserve offers for me whenever I am out, asleep or busy! We help each other out but she has gone all out to help me. Thank you Barbara!

Problem Finally Solved!

I must thank Cherry once again for offering me her professional advise. Following her advise, I downloaded the latest Firefox Mozilla software, restarted my PC and voila, I saw the pic appeared in my blog after I had uploaded it. I was truly rejoiced. Thank you Cherry!

Unable To Upload Pix

Is anyone facing problem uploading pictures into your blog (Blogspot) today? I've been trying to upload pix to my blog the whole afternoon but kept getting the "unable to display page" message. This is just so frustrating. I hope it's not a virus attack on my computer or anything wrong with my blog or computer.

Finally Got it...

...but only one miserable opp. I was feeling really discontented that I couldn't get the earlier 2 offers, so I kept refreshing the screen every 1 minute or so. I knew that some of the opps shaded in grey would turn white as had happened before. After about 5 hours from the time I saw the opps appear, one opp shaded grey finally turned white, yipee! I quickly reserved it and got it. This time I'm faster than you, haha.

Avent Baby Bottles

I have been hunting for Avent baby bottles for many weeks at both Mid Valley Megamall and 1Utama but most of the shops are not selling the 9-ounce bottles. So 2 Sundays ago, we went to Babyland in PJ SS2 to look for the bottles. I was shocked to see that the price of the 9-ounce bottle has increased from around RM25 to RM35 each! I wanted to get cheaper wide-neck bottles but from my past experience with them (Pureen), they are really cheesy and tend to leak a lot.... and cause milk mess everywhere on the bed and on the gals' face. I ended up having to discard them and revert to Avent bottles. Anyway, hubby who's very particular when it comes to using plastic and things for his 2 princesses grabbed 3 Avent bottles without any second thoughts. I told him they are too costly and put 1 bottle back, with the hope of getting cheaper Avent bottles next time. The price of Avent teats have also increased to RM22.90 for a pack of 2.


I also got a NUK bottle brush, a sponge bottle brush and a twin pack non-flouride, sugar-free strawberry flavored toothpaste.


When I was at the check-out counter, I saw an area near the exit displaying an assortment of cute Puku Petit stuff. I saw a very nice bib and it was only RM19.90. I of course bought it.




Also bought 2 Pooh Bear melamine spoons for the gals.


When I reached home, I was shocked to see this Pooh Bear and Friends bowl in the plastic bag. No, I didn't put this in the basket. It must be the work of either Alycia or Sherilyn as they have a habit of putting everything that they like into the shopping cart or basket. And this bowl cost RM9.90. What a waste of money as we have so many kids' bowls at home. The gals are now fighting to use this bowl during meal times. I think I have to get another one to prevent further meltdowns during mealtimes.

Free Piano Lessons Online!

Calling out all music and piano students. You’ll be happy to know that there’s a great Piano Chords Blog called freepianolessons.blogspot.com written by a pianist. This fantastic guy who calls himself the Chord Guy gives really handy piano tips and free piano lessons online! I wish I had known this guy earlier when I was still taking my piano lessons years back. Do check out this blog and his other blogs too and you'll be surprised to discover many tips that your piano teacher hadn't taught you.





*sponsored post*

No Luck

This morning, I saw a few opps from TigaP but luck just wasn't with me, someone is ALWAYS faster than me. I saw the opps appeared right in front of my eyes and one was shaded green while the other was shaded white but the moment I clicked on the opp, it just vanished into thin air, it didn't even turn grey but just vanished!

I Need Vitamins For My Skin

It’s true that your skin needs all the treatment and vitamins to stay supple, smooth and fine. I am a health freak and I religiously pop my vitamins A, C and E and B Complex everyday to stay healthy and so far, I hardly ever fell sick, all thanks to my vitamins. But I have somewhat disregarded the fact that my skin also needs vitamins to stay healthy. Ever since I quit work to be a SAHM, I’ve also stopped buying expensive skin care products for my face and my frugality has taken a toll on my skin. I now see crow’s feet from the corner of my eyes when I smile and fine lines are also appearing on my cheeks. Yikes, I look awful. OMG, I better do something about it before my skin wrinkles beyond repair.

I think I should try the Vitamin C Plus Serum from Emerge Skin Care. It is known to diminish the appearance of fine lines and improves tone and texture. This Serum has a formula of essential aromatherapy oils, moisturizer and Vitamins A, C and E which is a powerful antioxidant. What a beautiful and powerful concoction this serum is. I am really keen to try it and I shall use the money in my PayPal account to purchase it online!

I Need Vitamins For My Skin

It’s true that your skin needs all the treatment and vitamins to stay supple, smooth and fine. I am a health freak and I religiously pop my vitamins A, C and E and B Complex everyday to stay healthy and so far, I hardly ever fell sick, all thanks to my vitamins. But I have somewhat disregarded the fact that my skin also needs vitamins to stay healthy. Ever since I quit work to be a SAHM, I’ve also stopped buying expensive skin care products for my face and my frugality has taken a toll on my skin. I now see crow’s feet from the corner of my eyes when I smile and fine lines are also appearing on my cheeks. Yikes, I look awful. OMG, I better do something about it before my skin wrinkles beyond repair.

I think I should try the Vitamin C Plus Serum from Emerge Skin Care. It is known to diminish the appearance of fine lines and improves tone and texture. This Serum has a formula of essential aromatherapy oils, moisturizer and Vitamins A, C and E which is a powerful antioxidant. What a beautiful and powerful concoction this serum is. I am really keen to try it and I shall use the money in my PayPal account to purchase it online!

I Need Vitamins For My Skin

It’s true that your skin needs all the treatment and vitamins to stay supple, smooth and fine. I am a health freak and I religiously pop my vitamins A, C and E and B Complex everyday to stay healthy and so far, I hardly ever fell sick, all thanks to my vitamins. But I have somewhat disregarded the fact that my skin also needs vitamins to stay healthy. Ever since I quit work to be a SAHM, I’ve also stopped buying expensive skin care products for my face and my frugality has taken a toll on my skin. I now see crow’s feet from the corner of my eyes when I smile and fine lines are also appearing on my cheeks. Yikes, I look awful. OMG, I better do something about it before my skin wrinkles beyond repair.

I think I should try the Vitamin C Plus Serum from Emerge Skin Care. It is known to diminish the appearance of fine lines and improves tone and texture. This Serum has a formula of essential aromatherapy oils, moisturizer and Vitamins A, C and E which is a powerful antioxidant. What a beautiful and powerful concoction this serum is. I am really keen to try it and I shall use the money in my PayPal account to purchase it online!

Tag : Most Embarrasing Moment

Got tagged by cutie Ashley's mom on my most embarrasing moment.

I was 16 yo then. I was in the lab in my school attending Biology class. I was quite a rebellious child and loved to fool around in class with my classmates, esp. with TheImperfectmom and gang. I didn't like the Bio teacher as he was very stern, terse, strict and a no-nonsense guy with thick glasses. On that day, I was bored to death and started scribbling some words on the Bio lab table. All of a sudden, I saw him standing next to me. When I peered up, I saw him holding a long ruler in his hand and asked me what I was doing. He looked at the table and saw the mess on the table. So off he went to summon for the disciplinary teacher. Long story cut short, my mom was called to see the disciplinary teacher together with me. I was so embarassed that I boo hoo hooed right in front of them. Luckily my mom didn't reprimand me for she knew I had served my penance and was embarrased to the core.

I'd like to hear your embarassing story too :

Mamapumpkin

Slavemom

Sunday

Today has been a quiet Sunday for the gals and I. We didn't go to church today as hubby had to be at a client's function and we are only relying on one car. I had wanted to bring them to the park to watch dogs in training in the morning but when we wanted to leave the house, the big bright sun decided to appear from behind the clouds, so we didn't make it. Every Sunday dog owners would bring their dogs to the park for them to be trained by professional dog handlers. My gals and I love watching the cute dogs in action. So I just vegetated at home, read to the gals and of course finished off some of my outstanding assignments. My maid cooked fried rice for lunch and later, I'm going to teach her to deep fry some chicken wings and chicken drumsticks. I've already marinated the chicken with some Lea & Perrin sauce, salt, pepper and a dash of 5-spice powder. This is going to be our first time trying out this recipe that I've whipped up myself. Not sure if the chicken will taste good or not. If they taste good, I shall snap some pix of it and write a post on it. Later if the weather permits, I shall bring the gals out to the park.

Feeling Thankful

Yesterday evening as I was at the playground with the gals, I saw a boy who's around 4-5 yo on a play equipment behaving very well. He wasn't jumping or running around and screaming like most kids there. He just stood on top of one of the play equipment with his dad watching over him closely. At one glance, he looked rather normal but on a second look, I noticed that his fingers were slightly turned inwards and his actions were rather slow. He also couldn't really talk. I think he must be mentally slow. When I saw him, my heart felt for him and his dad. I then suddenly felt so thankful that I have 2 normal kids who are ever active, mischievous and naughty. I then realized that sometimes many of us have taken what we have for granted. It's only when we see other people's misfortunes that we are thankful and grateful to God for what we have.

Last Day Spent With Mah Mah

The day before my mil returned to Hong Kong, the gals stuck to her like glue as they knew they will not see mah mah for a long time, probably not for the next half a year. This pic was taken the night before she returned to HK. Sherilyn normally lies down on the bed when she drinks her milk but that night, she demanded to be cuddled like a baby on her mah mah's lap. The next time mah mah comes back, Sherilyn would have grown too big and long to be cuddled like a baby.

Discount Hotels in Orlando

If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway for a family vacation, a place where there’re endless activities for everyone in the family, then you really have to head on to Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World. I am sure you and your kids will have a fabulous time at Disney World, Universal Studios, Discovery Cove Theme Park and six other major theme parks in Orlando. There’s also the popular I-Ride Trolley transportation where you and your family will be escorted to an assortment of restaurants, boutiques, shopping areas and famous entertainment venues. If you’re thinking that hotels are costly in Orlando, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can find really affordable orlando area hotels at Orlando.com, a website where you will be spoilt for choice with a wide selection of hotels, car rentals and flights throughout the Orlando Florida area. Would you like to pay for only USD37 per night for a hotel located strategically at International Drive, Orlando? Hop on to Orlando.com to find out more.

Homecooked Dish

This delicious chicken dish is yet another of my mil's recipe. It's chicken braised with fermented black bean or 'tau si' in Cantonese (we use organic ones) and Bombay onions.

Ingredients:
Chicken
Fermented black beans or 'tau si' (around 2 tbsps)
2 -3 medium-size Bombay onions
Some ground black pepper

Method:
Heat wok with oil and fry Bombay onions until fragrant.
Add in the chicken and fry for another 15-20 mins.
Add in the fermented black beans and black pepper and cook for another 5 mins.
No need to add salt as the fermented black beans are very salty.

Get Your 2008 Super Bowl Tickets Now!

Do you know that one of the most sought after sports tickets and most difficult tickets to find is the Super Bowl tickets? They are even harder to get than the World Series tickets. The tickets are so popular that they are often resold or scalped for 10 times the face value! According to the Nielsen Media Research, in 2004 an estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide watched the Super Bowl. If you’re looking for the Super Bowl XLII tickets for the big game on 3 February 2008 in Glendale, Arizona, you better hurry and book your tickets now at TicketSolutions.com to avoid a disappointment.