Gong Hei Fatt Choy ! to everyone !  I’m sorry it took me so long to write up a post for you all.  This year’s Chinese New Year had been a really busy one – and i’m sure you already know that.  We had our first Chinese gathering with friends who have adopted Chinese kids from China and this was arranged by good friends Adele and Gerald who came to pick us up for the gathering and dinner and sent us home as well.  So even though I had to do a quick trim fast cleanse reviews I had to make sure i find time for them.

We also managed to do up a basket of oranges for the Zhu’s from the Chinese restaurant – sent out some gifts for Chloe’s Kai Mah – in Singapore and give our a few ang pows while we were at it.

I missed all the goodies from home but I know – blogging friend Jen from www.charmsoflove.ca will be sending some stuff to us from Toronto – so I’m not so homesick now.  How about all of you ..?? how did you make out this Chinese New Year ..?? did you win a lot on the mahjong tables..??  did you Low Hei yet..??

It was after Christmas and we were still receiving gifts  – this time from Hawaii !  Look how pleased Chloe was – and cannot wait to open it.  Julie who had just gotten married – took time to send a present not only for Chloe but me as well and what a thoughtful gift.   Yes, a cook book from Hawaii !  she must know how much i love food hehhee!!  Thank you Julie.. ! you are so thoughtful !  I need a  quick weight loss program now – for all the recipes are so yummy.

Chloe just got home from school and didn’t even undress – she needed to open her present immediately.

So nicely wrapped up ..  with a bow.

A Hello Kitty puzzle and a cook book – i couldn’t take a better picture because Chloe was being cheeky and didn’t allow me to take more pictures.  Thank you very much .. Julie..! you are very kind and generous..!

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

May 2010 bring you much joy,  good health,

time to spend with your loved ones!

May your table be abundantly filled with good food, laughter,

good company and love all year round.

Thank you for being my friend, thank you for your support and all the goodies all of you have sent throughout the year.   Thank you for your unconditional love for Chloe.  I am truly  humbled by your kindness, thoughtfulness  and your generosity.

Our lil’ brat is the most blessed kid – not only frens from all over the world sends gifts.. for Christmas .. and birthdays..  she also has a very generous Auntie Kai Mah from Singapore – who dotes on her.  I am sure that frens and family here knows all about Kai Mah’s generosity.  This package came before Chloe’s birthday.. but we kept it away from her.. till her real birthday .. and that was on the 19th.  So on the 19th morning.. we took out the presents.. sent all the way from Singapore.. and postage at $90 !!!!!!!!  pengz..!! Even more expensive than my  Orange NJ dental implants that we had helped an extended family with.

3 presents .. carefully wrapped.. and i heard very stylo-malo too.. going to the post office.  Kai Mah’s son .. had to go line up .. while Kai Mah wrapped the present .. and put on the package label .. and Kai Mah’s spouse .. had to drive and parked .. at the post office.

Chloe all excited.. and unwrapping her present.. even before breakfast.

(more…)

Once again, I cannot stressed how blessed we are ..  this gift came all the way from UK .. from dear Rachel and CY.  Yes..!! we got frens from UK too..    you see how blessed we are.  Like Shirley from Malaysia, this gift came before Chloe’s birthday.. and once again..  i’m sorry i was so caught up with chloe and the store, I didn’t thank both of you properly.. but entrusted Lina to do so.  Like any good Kai Mah – Lina took upon herself.. to thank everyone for us.  Forever grateful to Lina too lah..!

Chloe is such an expert now with opening packages.. she told me.. she didn’t need any help.. hahahah!!!  you all spoiled her thoroughly.

She didn’t take too long to open this package up either..   because she was excited.. receiving one gift after another .. for her birthday.

(more…)

We are truly blessed with kind friends from all over the world.  This package was received before Chloe’s birthday from Shirley and Baby Kyle from Malaysia.  I’m sorry .. Shirley for taking so long to post this up .. and to thank you personally but I had been overwhelmed with taking care of Chloe and her new school, and I know you will understand.

A very thoughtful message from Shirley.

And lots of food from home – thank you very much again .. Shirley..!

(more…)

I cannot say this enough .. about how this blog has brought me so many kind friends from all over the world.  And Macy from the other side of Canada – Vancouver has been one of the kindest and most generous friend I’ve known.  I truly cannot express how grateful i am for her friendship.  And here she is sending us Christmas goodies.. thru’ FEDEX some more, i bet she knows how much we love food.. but of course, the ang moh loves his electrical supplies more but this goodies, he couldn’t resist.

An awesome package from Thomas Haas !!!!  for those who don’t know who Thomas Haas is .. they specializes in sweet delicacies ranging from fine handmade chocolates, delicious chocolate bars, and delicate fruit jellies to beautiful wedding cakes.

(more…)

In October this year, many of you kind ppl had donated to the fundraiser for Chloe’s school by buying the angels.  Some had generously requested not to have the angel but to donate the entire amount to Chloe’s school.  We had gone back to the school with the extra money and asked how we can donate the money.  The principal had suggested that we use the money for buying a LCD projector for the school instead of giving them the money.

So a month ago, we went hunting for a LCD projector and with your generosity, we were able to find one at our price range to donate to the school.   The school had sent us a card to thank us for it – therefore, we would like to share this thank you card with all of your kind folks out there – you know who you are. Macy, Barb, Auntie Kai Mah Lina, Auntie Alice and Auntie Katie.

And for those who haven’t contacted me with your address, please do so – so i can mail them out to you all.  Thank you very, very much for your generosity.  On the same note – during the year – whereby some have bought me a cup of coffee – a total of $332 was collected – we are donating this to Menu For Hope – a very meaningful and in line with my food blog in support of the UN World Food Programme.   I chose to do it anonymously because I didn’t wanna win any prizes as  it wouldn’t be fair if i won them right..??  But for those who had bought me a cup of coffee thru’ out the year – i’m pretty sure good karma will come to all of you…! and again..! i thank you from the bottom of my heart and your friendship is invaluable to me.

I take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year !  from Chloe, the Ang Moh and Me.

On Saturday.. i usually get to sleep in late.. because the ang moh will wake up with Chloe.. and let me sleep a little bit more .. before we head for work.  So at 10.30am.. kalang kabut ..  i wake up .. washed up.. and brushed up.. and headed for work.  One thing about the weekend.. is .. you can get breakfast.. even at noon..  at Tim’s.

I know i had written about Tim’s biscuit breakfast before.. and yes.. i do like the biscuit with sausages and an egg.  But i won’t eat their hashbrown again.. because i sure didn’t taste good.. the last time i had it.  So yes.. at 11.45am.. we reached the store.. and i still had time.. to get my breakfast.. because during the weekend.. breakfast is till noon.

What do you eat .. when you sleep in late..??  i know in Asia.. there is also a time limit for breakfast food.. but pray tell.. what do you eat.. when you sleep in..  do you go do brunch..?? in some fancy hotel.. ?? like i know lina would..??  Or dim sum like Barb would go for .. with her whole family.

Did i mention how many good ppl i’ve met online here on my blog..??  Yes.. we’ve been touched and overwhelmed by the many, many good hearted ppl here on my blog.  They have been so kind and many had sent numerous things for me.. and my daughter, Chloe.  I’m completely indebted to them.. and grateful for their unconditional generosity and kindness.  One such person is Julie from Hawaii – Julie had already sent a teddy to chloe more than a month ago, and followed by this gift that came a week later.. but i didn’t put it up due to being so busy offline and online.

I guess to me.. it’s not so much the value of the gift.. but the heart, thoughts and effort taken .. by these kind ppl to send stuff to us – is what touches me most.  Even before I started this food blog, friends from my old blogs- like Stephanie and Eucee just to name a few were sending gifts of food.. and toys for chloe and I.  I am grateful and humbled by their unconditional friendship – no drama – rama like my recent encounter, just plain friendship.

And Julie from Hawaii, need not send anything to us.. at all… but she did.. and as usual.. chloe was thrilled.. with her gifts.  Some specialty nuts from Hawaii – and we just opened some macadamia nuts.

Chloe loves the calendar that Julie sent.. and even brought one to school to share with her teachers and friends in school.

And of course and invitation card that sits on my working desk right now.. of Julie and Grant’s wedding that happened yesterday.  Congrats again.. Julie…!!

Chloe was very intrigue by the wedding card.. she wanted to know if it meant.. she was invited for the wedding.. muahahahha!!! and of course the little gift box of wedding favor from Julie – a crystal heart shaped memento – very, very sweet.  Sorry i donch have a nice picture of  it..  so i couldn’t post it up.

Another calendar .. that Chloe loves.. and wants to hang it in her room as soon as she got home.  Julie .. thank you .. thank you for your thoughtfulness.  Chloe and I wish you a blessed marriage – and our home is always open to you .. when you are in this area.

Remember Julie from Hawaii..?? the one who was looking for Chinese songs .. for her upcoming wedding in October ..??  wow..! talking about October.. it’s already October now.  Being so busy with her wedding prep .. and her life.. Julie took time to send presents for Chloe.  A few days ago, we received a huge box from Hawaii.  Thank you so much .. Julie..!!  Chloe was really pleased with her present from you .. since her babysitter was sick.. from Tuesday.. so your present really lifted her spirits up.

So i’m sure you all wanna know what’s in the huge box right..??   Can you guess..??  Like i said before.. this blog is not only about food.. it’s about friendship.  And I for 1 is ever so grateful for kind folks like Julie.

Look at the huge puppy that Julie sent..!!  Chloe was so thrilled.. and she said..  “it’s so soft..!!” .. yes very soft indeed..!  Thank you so much, Julie.. !! you are too kind.. and so thoughtful.  Once again, I wish you a happy and blissful marriage and an awesome and memorable wedding.  I bet you will be a more  beautiful bride than Fann Wong.

Sometime in March this year, a reader from this blog .. by the name of Jerry had a special request – he wanted to know where he can get some Cherry Blossom Kit Kat for party favors for his up and coming wedding in September.   I’m pleased to inform you .. that a few days ago, I received an email from Jerry with his wedding pictures..   his wedding was in September 20th.  Like i said before.. this blog is not only about food..  but more about friendship.. and as you all can see.. it goes a long way..  Congratulations to Jerry & his wife – Ada..  they make such a beautiful couple.  Here are some pictures.. that I had taken from Renee Broughton Photography Blog – I’m pretty sure you will all enjoy it.. and join me.. in congratulating the perfect couple.  Julie from Hawaii would love this too.. she is having her wedding in October.

Beautiful Bride, Ada

Lovely couple

Awwww… so sweet…!!!

Another very sweet picture

Romantic or what..!

Cute posing !

Sweeeettt..!!!

Reception decoration

A perfect wedding..!!

I had told long time blogging friend Aida.. from Nunavut that I can’t find bolster cases for Chloe.. and a few days ago, we received this .. in the mail for Chloe ..    Chloe loves them.. and wanted them on her pillow and bolster straight away.  I’ll have to get Aunty Aida to sew more for Chloe.  Thank you so much Aida.. for sewing them for Chloe..  you are a gem.

Can’t wait to receive the other two that are on its way.

We received a package in the mail from Auntie Irene from Vancouver. It is very thoughtful of Auntie Irene and as always .. chloe immediately opened it.. and used them.  Auntie Irene is a blogging friend for a long time and she wished Chloe a good year ahead for school.  Thanks .. Irene..!!!  We are grateful for friends like yourself – Chloe has yet to get a postcard for Hailey.. but they are coming .. i promise.

Last week we received a package from Kai Mah Jo from Japan.  I am sure fans of this blog already know who Kai Mah Jo is.. and look how happy Chloe was.  Chloe while opening the package said this to me : “It’s like Christmas mom..!!! ” muahahahahha!!!   Thank you so much Kai Mah .. Jo..!! you really donch have to spend so much money on Chloe..  we know you got heart lah.. but really no more pressies ok..    I really appreciate it.. but how to repay you for your generosity .. i can’t even find some loose diamonds around here to make something priceless for you.  You and Lina are so kind and generous to Chloe..  the “ang moh” and I speechless..!!

Strange Talk 2009

You see lah..!! even Chloe knows her auntie kaimah spends too much on her.  Today we received another package of dresses from Auntie Kai Mah, Lina.   Aiyoyo.. !! this Auntie Kai Mah ..!!!! you know what ang moh asked me.. .when we opened the package..???  He asked if we know each other before I came to Canada..  ???  you see lah.. !! you are so generous.. even he is very amazed by your generousity.. Lina..!! no more pressies ok.. promise promise..??!!!!???

Barb.. now i know how you feel.. hahahhahahaha!!!!!

Jeff Dunham – Achmed the Dead Terrorist (too funny must watch)

I love a good hot dog.. but what do i consider as a good hot dog..??  I used to love the coney dogs back home.. and even better when I get it on Tuesdays.. because it was either cheaper.. or it had some kind of chilli on it.  In Canada.. the A&W donch know what a Coney dog is.. therefore.. it’s just plain hot dog.. with some tomato ketchup .. and relishes.. and mustard if you so choose to slap them on.

At $4 a piece of bun and a hot dog.. i donch think it is worth it.  I do get them once every 4 months or so .. when i do have a craving.. and refused to buy a whole bag of bun.. and a whole bag of hot dog.. because no one would eat them .. except me..  and i ain’t eating hot dogs for the rest of the week.. hahahhaha!!!  What about you ..?? where is your favorite and cheap hot dogs..??   And donch ask me to try Pink’s hot dog in LA..   it’s good.. but really too much hype for me.. i like the good food.. but not too much hoo haas.. about it.

Remember the box of food from Singapore from Alice in April..?? yes.. ! Alice from Singapore sent it.  But I am treating all my treats with special care.. and eating them sparingly.  I opened the 2nd can of Pork Floss from Alice last week.. and only eating them very slowly..  because they are too awesome lah..!!   I haven’t had pork floss for so long.. you wouldn’t even believe me.  But this was so good.. and I opened it at the right time too.. because I was missing home again.

Yes.. they were still in their original wrapping.. tucked away safely in my pantry..    And no one shares them with me.. so i can really take my time to eat them..    talking of which.. i should cook some congee soon.. and eat them with this yummy pork floss..    Thanks again.. Alice..!!  you are my angel..!

This is long overdue – but you all know I’ve been up to my eyeball without our regular sitter… and taking on too much. But I’m sure Kai Mah, Lina would understand and wouldn’t be upset with me.  And when i said .. the greatest asset of having this blog is having friends from all over the world.. like Lina..  I’m so not kidding.  Look at all the things she sent Chloe already.. and more now.  This came a month ago – and she had specially ordered it online for Chloe.  Thank you so much, Lina – we really donch know how to repay you for your kindness and your generosity.. you have such a big heart.

Chloe loves this french like dress.. and she wants to wear it.. but it’s a little bit too big for her.. but soon, soon she will be able to wear it.

The material is very soft.. and it shimmers.. when chloe moves or dances with the dress.

She is indeed very happy with this dress.  Thank you .. Auntie Kai Mah Chloe said.

This dress is big for Chloe too.. but she already wore this for her cousin’s wedding last month.  She loves the color.. and it’s such a summery dress.

Posing for Kai Mah wor.. 

This is her favorite.. she wants to wear it .. all the time… but i donch allow her to.. because it’s a party dress.. and it’s still a little bit too big for her.. so she has to wait.  But she asks for it at least once a week.. muahahah!!

Acting coy..    so classic right this dress..??  Kai Mah sure got good taste lah..!  Chloe is so blessed or what.. you all tell me lah..???!!!???

This was what she wore for her cousin’s wedding.  Thank you so much .. Lina..!! you are way too generous..!!  And it was Chloe who insist on putting her pictures up.. to show all her friends.. her presents from her Auntie Kai Mah – donch blame me hor.. Auntie Kai Mah.. muahahahha!!

Finally I cooked the Char Kway Teow with Prima Taste paste from Macy from Vancouver.  I had appealed to the readers here to send me a box.. if they can.. and in March this year.. Macy not only sent Char Kway Teow Paste but others like Mee Goreng, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa Paste as well.  The Chicken Rice Paste already gone lah.. and the first one gone was Laksa of course.. but Char Kway Teow gotta have fish cake and chinese sausage. .and I didn’t wanna waste it .. so i had to have time to prepare the ingredients.

And today .. i finally managed to fry them up.. despite the fact that I donch have Kway teow nor hokkien mee.  But you know lah..  when you live overseas hor.. you have to make do.. so i used udon instead.  Although it didn’t turn out the way i wanted.. it was stlll pretty good.  Unfortunately hor.. this Prima Taste Char Kway Teow paste still lack of the oomppphhh.. we get back home.  But the Laksa.. and mee siam were incredible.   So for those who wants to try Char Kway Teow Paste from Prima Taste, you may  be a wee bit disappointed.. albeit the chilli was darn good.  I used prawns instead.. but I know.. i lack “Zhu you” .. maybe that was the reason why .. it didn’t taste like the ones back home.

I had used 2 eggs instead of 3 recommended.. because I didn’t wanna eat too much eggs.. but my wok was also small.. so the eggs got mixed in quicker than I wanted. But nevertheless, i enjoyed it tremendously .. !! thank you  – Macy..!!!  I’m forever grateful..!! and I have 2 more boxes of Char Kway Teow from Alice – who had sent 2 boxes of it.. to me.  I can’t wait to try it with other things.. the next time.