Countdown to Bangkok Trip

As the days of my upcoming Bangkok trip with Alycia draw nearer, my week has been abuzz with excitement, anticipation, and a whirlwind of preparations. From ensuring my financial readiness to mapping out our itinerary, every moment has been dedicated to ensuring a seamless and memorable journey ahead. 

Early in the week, I embarked on a quest to ensure that my financial logistics were in order. This involved visiting multiple banks to activate my debit card for international usage and applying for an additional card to provide backup support during our travels. Ensuring access to funds abroad is essential for a stress-free journey, and I spared no effort in making sure I am well-prepared on this front.

With the practicalities sorted, attention turned to planning our itinerary and securing tickets to popular attractions in Bangkok. Thanks to the convenience of online platforms like Klook and booking.com, booking entrance tickets to places of interest became a breeze, allowing us to maximize our time exploring Bangkok without the hassle of long queues or last-minute arrangements.

Today Alycia purchased our Bangkok SIM cards and Skytrain cards, ensuring seamless connectivity and convenient transportation options throughout our stay. Armed with insider tips from my dear friend Barb who visits Bangkok quite frequently, she graciously shared recommendations for affordable Thai massages and shopping hotspots. 

As our accommodation at the centrally located Novotel Platinum Hotel promises convenience and accessibility to Bangkok's bustling city center, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the adventures that await us just around the corner.

Amidst the flurry of preparations, my thoughts often turn to Cass and Sherilyn who will hold down the fort in my absence. As I meticulously outline tasks and responsibilities for them to follow in a lengthy to-do list, the separation anxiety of leaving them behind (especially Cass and my cat Haru) grows more intense with each passing day.  I hope that Sherilyn and Cass will step up to the plate and shoulder the responsibilities at home.

With excitement coursing through my veins and anticipation building with each passing moment, I eagerly await the journey that lies ahead, confident that it will be a trip filled with unforgettable memories and cherished moments. Let the countdown begin!

I had to squeeze my way out of my car because the incompetent driver of the Vellfire had part of the rear tyre on my parking lot. My car was sandwiched by two bigger cars.

Reflecting on Another Year: A Low-Key Birthday Celebration

As I celebrated my 51st birthday on 29 March 2024, it was a day filled with quiet moments of joy, gratitude, and heartfelt surprises. This year, my birthday celebration took on a low-key tone, but the love and warmth shared with my family made it truly special.

The day began with a simple yet delightful birthday lunch with hubby at a cozy Japanese restaurant. Little did I know that a sweet surprise awaited me at the end of our meal—a birthday cake presented by the restaurant staff, complete with a rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song accompanied by guitar music. It was a heartwarming moment that filled me with happiness and gratitude, albeit feeling a tad embarrassed at the same time with the loud fanfare and all eyes on our table 😅

Later in the evening,  I was greeted by Sherilyn, who had returned from her part-time job at the café. To my surprise, she had brought along three slices of cake to mark the occasion. With Sherilyn and our beloved pet cat Haru by my side, we shared a cake-cutting moment. Missing from the cake-cutting session was Alycia who was in Hong Kong and Cass who had to rush to the skating rink to beat the after-work traffic jam for figure-skating class.

My three daughters gave me a surprise birthday present a week before my birthday —a Christian Dior lip gloss, a luxurious indulgence that caught me off guard. It turns out that Sherilyn had shared my latest obsession with glossy lips with Alycia, who promptly took it upon herself to find the perfect gift at the mall after class one day. The gesture touched my heart deeply, reminding me of the thoughtful bond we share as a family. This is by far the most expensive gift that the girls have given me.

I super love this Dior lip gloss. The color suits me perfectly and I love the cool minty feel on my lips after application.

As I reflect on another year gone by, my greatest wish remains unchanged: good health and happiness for myself and my loved ones. With each passing year, I am reminded of life's precious blessings and the importance of treasuring every moment spent with those we hold dear. I am grateful to God for another year of life.  Here's to another year of growth, laughter, and cherished memories. Cheers to the journey ahead!

Chocolate lava cake with ice-cream from the Japanese restaurant.

With my middle child and fur baby. Photo taken by Maria, our part-time helper.

21 March 2024 ~ Random Updates from the Family Front

On Monday this week, my two older girls, Alycia and Sherilyn, found themselves donning a new hat as servers at a mega event held at the iconic Sepang International Circuit. The occasion? The much-anticipated launch of the Infinix Note 40 Series mobile phone, an event that drew guests from across the globe. With the hubby, the caterer, needing extra hands to ensure the event ran smoothly, Alycia and Sherilyn stepped up to the plate, leveraging their experience from working part-time at a café on weekends.  Fortunately, Alycia had no class on that day and Sherilyn is currently on a semester break.

Sherilyn at her dad's central kitchen. It was a very busy day for all his staff.

While rubbing shoulders with international guests and media was undoubtedly a highlight, the real thrill came towards the end of the evening. Picture this: drifting on a sports car around the F1 circuit under the starlit sky. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left Alycia and Sherilyn exhilarated and buzzing with excitement. They also got to bring home each an Infinix power bank as a door gift.

Despite the late night, Sherilyn wasted no time in seizing the next opportunity for adventure.  The following day, she got up early to embark on a road trip with her college mates to Penang. Despite a late night and an unpacked luggage bag, she quickly prepped sushi for brunch for herself and her friends, to snack on in the car. They planned not to stop for lunch so that they could reach Penang earlier. One of her friends drove the car. As I type this post, Sherilyn is making her way back to KL after a memorable two-night stay at an Air BNB condo, filled with laughter, exploration, and the joys of youth.

Delicious assorted sushi, prepped by chef Sherilyn. 

100 Plus canned drinks for her friends.

As a parent, witnessing my daughters embrace these moments of joy and discovery fills my heart with pride and gratitude. From serving at a prestigious event to embarking on spontaneous road trips and overseas holidays, they are truly making the most of their college and university years... before they enter the workforce.

Restaurant Fatt Hei Len at Taman Taynton View, Cheras

In the heart of Taman Taynton View in Cheras lies a hidden gem of gastronomic wonders - Fatt Hei Len Restaurant. Tucked away in a neighborhood area, this unassuming Chinese dai chow type restaurant may not catch your eyes at first glance, but once you step inside, you'll be greeted with an air-conditioned ambiance buzzing with diners eagerly savoring the delights on offer.

Among the array of tempting options, we decided to start with their signature Sang Har noodles - a tantalizing concoction of freshwater prawns fried to perfection atop a bed of flavorful deep-fried noodles. The succulent prawns paired wonderfully with the crispy noodles and egg sauce, leaving us craving for more.

Another standout dish that captured our taste buds was the steamed Lala clams generously garnished with chopped garlic. The aromatic garlic infused every bite with a burst of flavor, making it an instant favorite of mine.

For the adventurous palate of the hubby, we ventured into trying the stir-fried pig intestines, which turned out to be a surprising delight. Cooked to tender perfection and seasoned with a harmonious blend of deep-fried dried shrimp and garlic, it was a dish that left a lasting impression.

Of course, no Chinese meal is complete without a vegetable dish, and Fatt Hei Len did not disappoint. The sautéed sweet potato leaves with garlic were executed flawlessly, boasting the coveted 'wok hei' taste that elevates simple greens to gourmet status.

The homemade tofu and fried yam basket with ku lo yoke provided a satisfying crunch, while the braised chicken with yellow wine in clay pot was a comforting indulgence (my all-time favorite), with kampung chicken steeped in fragrant yellow wine sauce, reminiscing of a confinement dish.

This time we didn’t get to try the famed "Pau Heong” Rice with River Prawns, a dish that came highly recommended. Priced at RM156 for a double portion, I’ve read rave reviews on this unique dish, only after we visited Fatt Hei Len. The giant freshwater prawns are nestled amidst explosively fried rice, with chunks of water chestnut, carrots, and peas.  Sounds interesting and unique!

As we savored each dish, we were pleasantly surprised by the reasonable bill that awaited us at the end of our meal - a mere RM276.65. Considering the quality and quantity of the food we enjoyed with big freshwater prawns, it was indeed a steal.

From their unique and mouthwatering dishes to their warm hospitality, this is a place we'll undoubtedly revisit. 

Sang Har noodles with two huge freshwater prawns.

Braised kampung chicken with yellow wine in clay pot.

Yam basket with ku lo yoke.

Fried homemade tofu.

Stir-fried Sang Cheong aka pork intestines with fried dried shrimp and garlic. I am not a fan of innards but this dish is very nicely executed. It's very aromatic with crunchy pork intestines.

Even a simple sauteed sweet potato leaves with garlic was very well executed, with 'wok hei' and aroma of garlic.

Steamed lala with loads of minced garlic. 

Fatt Hei Len Restaurant

8, Jalan 30A/119, Taman Taynton View, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Open daily; 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm

Tel: 03-9133 8985

A Delicious Surprise From Croisserie Artisan Bakery

There's something truly special about surprises, especially when they come in the form of delectable treats from your loved one or a friend. Today, I had the pleasure of experiencing one such delightful surprise from my hubby, and let me tell you, it was a moment of pure culinary bliss.

As I went about my day, my phone rang, and to my delight, it was my husband on the line, asking me to go to the lobby for a surprise. Now, I must admit, I'm a sucker for surprises, particularly when they involve food. True to form, my hubby never fails to deliver when it comes to satisfying our taste buds with delectable snacks and goodies.

This time, it was a box filled with an assortment of handmade European pastries, along with a tantalizing salmon quiche and freshly baked sourdough bread from Croisserie Artisan Bakery.  This is not the first time that he surprised us with pastries from Croisserie, one of his favorite bakeries.

A loaf of fresh-from-the-oven and still warm sourdough bread, on the right.

There's something undeniably alluring about handmade pastries, crafted with care and attention to detail. Each pastry looked like a work of art, perfectly golden and inviting. I sampled every piece (just a quarter from each piece), despite the looming threat of elevated cholesterol levels. In fact, I could already feel my cholesterol level shooting up just by smelling the pastries 😂

Smoked salmon and spinach quiche.

From flaky croissants to chocolate tart, macadamia tart, and quiche, each pastry was a symphony of flavors and textures made with quality ingredients. And let's not forget the pièce de résistance – the salmon quiche, with its creamy filling and buttery crust, was a savory delight that left me craving more.

But perhaps the true star of the show was the poppy seeds bun filled with thick pieces of quality butter and red bean paste, something that’s both unique, not too sweet, and delicious.  We liked the freshly sourdough bread too, with a crispy crust and soft, chewy, and slightly sour interior. The sourdough bread was still warm when we sliced it.

Poppy seeds bun sandwiched with thick wedges of quality butter and red bean paste.

Kwan Kee Store - Hong Kong's Michelin Pastry Shop in PJ

Kwan Kee, a popular street cafe recognized by the “Michelin Guide Hong Kong” opened its first store in Malaysia in Petaling Jaya in November 2023. 

Kwan Kee was awarded Hong Kong Michelin Guide-Recommended Street Food for 6 consecutive years from 2016 to 2021. They use the traditional stone grinding method to make the flour instead of using store-bought ones.

Hubby came home with two boxes of Kwan Kee desserts last night. I didn't eat them until the next morning, right out of the fridge.

One of the boxes consists of rolled glutinous rice flour dough wrapped with assorted fillings such as red bean, crushed peanuts and durian paste.  This dessert reminds me of the traditional soft and chewy Chinese Banana Rolls or Banana Mochi Rolls typically sold cheaply in wet markets and night markets. This used to be my favorite childhood Chinese cake. Though no bananas were used, I liked the faux banana flavor.

Rolled glutinous rice flour dough wrapped with assorted fillings such as red bean, crushed peanuts and durian paste

Steamed red bean cake, black sesame cake, and almond cake.  I like the almond cake the most.

Our verdict:

Nothing exceptional. I very much prefer our Nyonya kuihs better as Nyonya kuihs are made with coconut milk, thus impart a more aromatic flavor and texture. And Nyonya kuihs are way cheaper ;)

These steamed cakes from Kwan Kee are a tad steep, priced at RM6.90 per piece but the size of the cake is pretty big, bigger than the standard kuih size. Flavors are mild (some reviewers on Google commented that the cakes taste bland) and not overly sweet.

Kwan Kee's menu is rather extensive and if you're a dessert and kuih lover, you can give this Michelin Guide Recommended Street Food a try. But be prepared for the long queue.  

Kwan Kee Store

Address: 14, Jalan SS 2/67, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Phone: 016-211 3353

Traveling With A Cat On A Road Trip

When hubby and I made the tough decision to bring Haru back from the cat boarder's house just a day before our trip to Ipoh to celebrate CNY, I was already mentally and physically prepared for it.  I had already done a lot of reading on bringing a cat in tow for a road trip.  I read up since the lockdowns were lifted and I knew that one day I would have to bring Haru back to Ipoh with me. 

In fact, during one of our trips back to Ipoh last year, I bought chain link fencing and fixed it to the door of Haru's room, which is a room outside our bedroom. The area where Haru will be roaming was already cat-proofed.  

For the trip, I only had to bring Haru's spare litter box, clean litter + a bit of existing litter from her KL litter box (for the familiarity of scent), her food, chemical-free wet wipes, disposable waterproof papers, disposable gloves, and her carrier. 

But I forgot to bring her litter spade to scoop her pee & poop!!!!  Because it was an eleventh-hour decision to bring Haru back due to a failed boarding, I wasn't 100% thorough with her checklist of things. So I had to improvise with a tiny disposable takeaway spoon and disposable gloves each time I cleaned her litter! That was disgusting ok, having to scoop her big chunk of pee with my hands. As we were out of the house most of the time for reunion lunches and dinners, I didn't have the time to buy a litter spade or search for my dad's gardening spade for it. 

Now I know I will not forget to bring the litter spade with me the next time we travel with Haru again!

To ensure that Haru would not throw up in the car, I fed Haru at least two hours before our journeys, and I woke up at 4.45 a.m. to feed my baby as our journey started at 7-ish in the morning. I also had to coax her to pee and poo before the car ride but this was unsuccessful.  When Haru was in Ipoh, she was having anxiety as she was in a new environment with so many new faces, especially my two squealing and overzealous twin nephew and niece who badly wanted to touch Haru.  She was hiding under the bed most of the time. Whenever Haru is anxious, she wouldn't pee or poo, just like how she was when she was at the cat boarder's house for two days. She didn't pee or poo nor eat or drink for two whole frigging days. This crushed my heart as I was observing Haru almost 24/7 from the CCTV on my phone.

Cute Haru sticking her head out of her carrier in our car. She did pretty well on her road trips. 

Sherilyn's 19th Birthday

On 16 February 2024, Sherilyn turned 19, marking another milestone in her journey of growth. Our celebration this year held special significance as we gathered in Ipoh on the first day of Chinese New Year on 10 February 2024, to commemorate her birthday in advance. This is the second time that Sherilyn celebrated her birthday in Ipoh with my parents and brothers. If Chinese New Year happens to fall in February, we would be able to have a double celebration in Ipoh when my brothers return to Ipoh.

Sherilyn's birth on the 8th day of Chinese New Year in 2005 remains etched in my memory with vivid clarity. On the eve of Pai Ti Kung day, Sherilyn made her grand entrance into the world at noon, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.  Her spirited nature became apparent from the start, as evidenced by her feisty behavior even during those early breastfeeding sessions.  

I recall the thunderous sounds of fireworks at midnight on 17 February 2005 as the Hokkiens celebrated and prayed to the Jade Emperor.  That midnight, the infant, not even a day old yet, bit off a small part of my teat as she was trying to suckle milk. I was shocked to see blood in her mouth and then the double shock when I realized that it was a tiny part of my teat in her tiny mouth 😬. I will never forget the pain I endured that night and the subsequent times that she latched onto a badly wounded teat. 😂 I am so proud of myself that I survived those days.

A yummy cake from JJ Swiss Roll.

Fast forward to Sherilyn's 19th birthday celebration, and we found ourselves indulging in not one but two joyous occasions. The pre-birthday and Chinese New Year festivities in Ipoh, surrounded by family members, including my brother's family from Singapore, set the stage for a memorable celebration. 

With my fam bam.

Sherilyn received a birthday and CNY ang pow from my parents.

Pandan and chocolate flavor this time as the popular cempedak flavor was sold out.  The pandan and chocolate flavor was superb too, with a strong pandan aroma.

On the eve of her birthday, Sherilyn treated herself to a decadent sirloin steak infused with sage butter, a gourmet delight that reflected her refined palate and culinary skills.  With meticulous care, she pan-fried the steak to perfection, accompanied by creamy mashed. She wolfed down the entire piece of steak herself and shared just one small bite with me as I requested to try it.

Lip-smackingly delish steak and mash, both meticulously prepped by Sherilyn for herself - her present to herself, bought using her ang pow money.

Now, as Sherilyn embarks on her 19th year, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being her mother and witnessing her growth every step of the way. Though the years may pass, Sherilyn's vibrant and unwavering spirit, thirst for competitiveness, and boundless energy remain unchanged.

Monday, 19 February 2024 ~ Haru's Annual Vaccination and Homemade Siew Yoke

Sherilyn doesn't have to go to college today, so I jumped at the opportunity to get her to accompany me to bring Haru to the vet's clinic.  Haru's due for her annual vaccination and bi-yearly deworming pill. As I'm the one driving, I need someone to carry Haru in the car.

Inside her usual tote bag, snugged under Sherilyn's armpit.

Haru behaved really well, wasn't trembling as bad as the previous time, and only hissed briefly at the vet. She didn't cry when jabbed on her thigh.

Back home, Sherilyn spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, whipping up a big pot of Korean pork and kimchi stew and making Siew Yoke (roast pork) for the first time.

Super delish Siew Yoke with crackling crispy skin.  

I'd give Sherilyn a 100% rating for her Siew Yoke. Excellent job for someone making it for the first time. She randomly googled for a recipe and tweaked the recipe with whatever spices she could find in the larder.

CNY 2024 - Chor 4 and 5

Tuesday, 13 February 2024 (Chor 4)

Hubby made an impromptu whim to go to Ikea at My Town early today - to get a new shelf for Cass and a workstation for me.  We had our brunch at the Ikea cafeteria as it was my choice.  I've not eaten at the Ikea cafeteria for ages (easily more than 7 years) and I missed the Swedish meatballs and grilled salmon. 

The quality of the meatballs has somewhat degraded. In fact, everything that we ordered tasted meh. I knew that hubby would surely be having a second round of lunch after shopping at Ikea.

Long queues at the cafeteria

The most expensive dish was the roast beef ribs at RM46.90.

After we left My Town, hubby took us to a famous seafood noodle shop in Cheras for a late lunch. While we waited for the noodles to arrive, he walked across to another coffee shop to get takeaway roast duck. 

The seafood noodles tasted way better than the Ikea food 😆

Wednesday, 14 February 2024 (Chor 5)

The Ikea workstation that hubby bought for me was delivered to our condo at 8.30 a.m. the next day.  The logistics guys were supposed to deliver between 12.30 to 4 p.m., but they called early in the morning to ask if they could deliver it to us at 8.30 a.m. 

From 8.30 a.m. till evening, hubby, Sherilyn, and I worked non-stop disassembling my old workstation, assembling the new workstation, vacuuming,  moving all the things from the old workstation to the new workstation, and cleaning up.   I also threw a LOT of stuff that I'd been keeping for years as my new workstation has no cabinets and I had to discard most of the stuff from my old cabinets.

We assigned Sherilyn (the future architect) to assemble the workstation, which was no mean feat, and she successfully set up the workstation on her own. I don't think I will ever be able to do that as the workstation is a huge 52.1kg three-tiered desk. Assembling furniture has never been my jam. I'm lucky that my three girls are pretty good at it, just like their dad.

My new Fredde workstation from Ikea. I wanted white color but it was sold out, thus had to settle with black.

Chinese New Year 2024

The last time we celebrated CNY in Ipoh was in February 2020, the year Covid gripped the world and changed things forever. Exactly four years later, we were back again to have a wonderful reunion with my family.  

This CNY is a little extra memorable as we brought Haru along with us. After a failed boarding for Haru, we had no choice but to lug her along with us to Ipoh. And I have no regrets about it. I managed to desensitize Haru's phobia of car rides and I'm still working on desensitizing her fear of meeting new people.  With Haru in Ipoh with us, I needn't have to worry about her having a harrowing time (hunger strike with no peeing and pooping) at the catsitter's place.

Haru was kept inside my bedroom most of the time. I placed her carrier and bed on the floor but this fella decided to sleep in between us on our bed at night despite me kicking her out of our bed umpteen times till I gave up out of exhaustion.

Chor 2 brunch of Dim Sum at Kok Thai Restaurant with my family before we headed to the Yaps' family house for 'Hoi Neen Fan'

Ang Pow gifting session.

We had an early birthday celebration for Sherilyn and bought a cake from JJ Swiss Roll.  Sherilyn was born on the eighth day of Chinese New Year 19 years ago.

The pandan chocolate cake from JJ Swiss Roll was super delish and not overly sweet or cloying.

Mr DIY Replacement Fan Blade

My Panasonic stand fan gave out rattling sounds a few days ago. Initially, I thought that Maria didn't screw the fan blade securely after cleaning it. So I tightened it but after a few minutes, I got a shock when a piece of the middle section of the fan blade dropped out.  Seconds later, another broken piece flew out!  

A tiny bit of my heart dropped too.  Any breakage of appliances or items in the house means money is about to fly out! We just bought a new washing machine less than two months ago. The ceiling fan in my bedroom needs to be replaced too.

I quickly Whatsapped the customer service staff of Tan Boon Meng electrical shop to ask if they carry the replacement fan blade but I was too early and the person in charge wasn't in the office yet. 

Later, I told hubby and he asked me to look for a replacement fan blade at Mr DIY.  Fortunately, there's stock for the 16-inch fan blade and after paying for it, I prayed that it would fit my Panasonic fan.

Back home, I quickly asked Maria to try putting the new fan blade in.  Maria spent 5 minutes trying to screw the blade in but it just wouldn't move any deeper. Just as I was about to bring the fan blade back to Mr DIY to get a refund, I tried one last time and pushed the blade deeper, and voila, it clicked!  💪🎉

The replacement fan blade from Mr DIY only costs about RM7 (can't really recall the actual price). The quality of the Mr DIY fan blade feels almost the same as the Panasonic one. It's made of plastic, which feels kind of fragile - the type that once you dropped it, it would crack.  So I advised Maria to be very careful when cleaning the fan, i.e. do not drop it on the floor or screw it too tightly, or it would break again.

Broken fan blade.

16" replacement fan blade from Mr DIY that costs less than RM10.  So glad that I don't have to get a new stand fan, as this would set us back at least RM250.