Her First Movie!

I love movies in the cinema. Love the darkness, love the sound system and love the popcorns! But it has been more than 2 years we last stepped into one. The last one was when I was about 30 plus weeks pregnant with Isabelle, and I think we watched Nicholas Cage's Knowing.

The long holiday (the Merdeka-Raya) is here and we are staying put, no traveling home, nowhere specific to go. DH and I thought maybe it is a good time to introduce Isabelle to cinema hoping it will be less crowded than usual weekends! Yahoo!!

And cinema, here we come! We chose Zookeeper because it has been on the screen for quite a long time and would probably have less audience by now. We wanted to go for Cars 2 initially but after some debate, Zookeeper won.

The kiasu-ness in us drove us out to get the ticket a night before because DH say he don't want to waste time to wake up extra early to buy the ticket today just incase there's going to be a long queue as we wanted to watch the 11am slot.

Reached the cinema just on time to give Isabelle enough time to warm up to the environment before the lights go off. 'pre-warned' her that the TV is going to be HUGE and the sound will be LOUDER than home. She didn't only warm up her seat. She even made friends with a girl sitting next to her and 'sneak' popcorn from her! Crap. She must have thought what lousy parents we were, no popcorns for our daughter and she had to beg from others. I was so so embarrassed! LOL! I was actually busy fiddling my bag for her water while she climb onto the 'free' seat next to me when she was caught red-handed.

Getting caught red handed 'sneaking' popcorn from the girl on the next seat.

Time for some discipline reinforcement and education not to accept food from strangers!

We enjoyed the show and mostly, we enjoyed Isabelle's cooperation to sit through the entire movie! She surprised us so much. We are so happy the money spend on the tickets didn't go down the drain should she have been difficult and cranky!

Now, I am looking forward to our next excursion to the cinema already!

I will be back. SMURFS, wait for me!

*Merdeka (Malaysia's Independence Day) + Hari Raya (Muslim Hari Raya or Eid) = MerdekaRaya as it happen to fall on the same day this year.

Baking ~ Moist Blueberry Muffins

Baking mood is in the air!

Parents coming down this week and I want to make something to welcome them. Bought some fresh blueberries yesterday and want to make something out of it. Unfortunately, my oven is not functioning fully, no heating on the top and just the bottom is working. I know whatever I bake will have no crispy and crumbly top. But I am persistent. Went ahead anyway.

And it is again, my lazy baking day. I chose not to use the creaming method this time. Just mix the dry and wet ingredients in 2 steps.

Moist Blueberry Muffins

Dry Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cup flour

2. 1 cup sugar

3. 1/2 tsp baking soda

4. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

5. 1/4 tsp salt

6. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of blueberries (lightly coat them with some flour)

Wet Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup melted butter or oil

2. 1/2 cup yoghurt

3. 1/2 cup milk or water

4. 2 eggs

5. 1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Sift all dry ingredients and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs.

3. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients except the blueberries and mix with electric hand mixer or by hand

4. Now add in the dry ingredients in 2 or 3 batches. Mix well as you add them in. (with electric hand mixer, about 20-30 seconds on low speed).

5. Once well combined, fold in blueberries.

6. Divide the batter into lightly greased cupcake molds or papercups.

7. Bake in a preheated oven for about 25 mins at 150 degrees or until toothpick comes out clean.

Note : * Preheat oven for 15 mins at 200 degrees but different type of oven may need different settings and bakingtime.

Results:

Me ~ This is probably the most moist cake I have ever made and I am happy to say I will stick to this method and this recipe in the future. No more creaming method, standing there with tired hands holding the hand mixer for donkey minutes. Despite the look without the golden top and very unpretty presentation due to the oven, it does taste yummy.

DH ~ "Maybe can make this for my office's events next time!!"

Isabelle ~ Skipped lunch and had 2 of this. I guess it pass her test too.

Flowery Project

This is what I made for Mommy R for her little princess' birthday party yesterday.

Do you think I can make it as a florist? :)

Pink & Vanilla

** Pink gerbera daisies, white & yellow daisies, soft yellow forget-me-nots (bulk statice) & fresh green fillers ***

Purple Blooms

*** Beige gerbera daisies, yellow daisies, soft yellow forget-me-nots and purple mini daisies ***

My work being displayed next to the cute Nemo cake on the main table.

Very delicious moist choc cake!!

Hmmm... Angus.. are you sure?

What is going on there mate?

An interesting shot from the party. Kids(babies) nowadays...

Joy-Rider

'How cute art thou nose!'

Piiit Piiitt...

'I am taking Mickey for a ride!'

VrrOoommm....

Long break is here!!

Wishing all of you a happy holiday and safe trip wherever you are heading!

Dilemma... Decided... Done... Delayed!

I am back. Actually, our router is back, yeah, that's more like it! :) I am trying my best to keep up with all the posts I missed over the past few days! I miss all of you my bloggy buddies!!!

Goodbye 'breakdown' spell! Although I know life is filled with ups and downs but I don't want to see you again, or too soon from now.

This is a delayed post. My dilemma was just about... HAIR. I am sorry if you were expecting for something bombastic and I just disappointed you with this.

I was actually struggling with myself if I should just go back to Shawn of Shawn Cutler who has been my hairstylist since 2009. Or should I challenge myself to leave my hair to a new stylist, Grace Salon.

The reason I struggled over such petty issue is because, I have really stubborn hair. But with Shawn, I have never walk out of his salon, feeling lousy and regretful. He is excellent and makes very good friend with my hair! I have had really bad experience with TALK ONLY NO RESULT so called hair guru(s).

And Dilemma No.2 was.... just when I thought I am done deciding, I need to make up my mind if I should get yet another bob or just a trim so I can keep them long again.

Decisions

********** SHAWN **********

********* Goodbye Bob ********

breakdown

as if i have not had enough breakdown lately. my laptop couple of weeks ago, then my€ camera. no electricity yesterday. now, the router!

i cant help but to believe it must a week (or month) of lousy spell. sigh.

i do have some nice posts to share, especially the follow up post on my current 'dilemma'.

as for now, all that has to wait until our router gets diagnosed and 'healed'. it is tiring to type while squinting my eyes and post via phone via mobile network.

till then, wishing you a splendid week and please pray for me lousy week to pass by faster. and i am going to miss reading your posts!

breakdown

as if i have not had enough breakdown lately. my laptop couple of weeks ago, then my€ camera. no electricity yesterday. now, the router!

i cant help but to believe it must a week (or month) of lousy spell. sigh.

i do have some nice posts to share, especially the follow up post on my current 'dilemma'.

as for now, all that has to wait until our router gets diagnosed and 'healed'. it is tiring to type and post via phone.

till then, wishing you a splendid week and please pray for me lousy week to pass by faster.

Dilemma....

No. If you are guessing we are thinking of names for baby. I am not pregnant (yet).

But I am in dilemma..... for something... someone...

She is Doomed

*picture sourced from google search

So I guess this is it. This is what I hope won't happen to her. My camera's doomed. I caught Isabelle playing with it yesterday while I was on the phone. Took it from her and put it away. Took it out again in the afternoon to take pictures of Isabelle out at the balcony. The lense just won't slide out like it usually does when it is switched ON. It is stucked!

Careless me. I should not have place the camera where she can reach.

Now, the price to pay... I have to live without my camera until it is repaired. Well, hopefully it can be saved and I don't mind however long it takes.

Adios camera... hope you get well soon.

Simple Joy The Rain Brings

Rainy season is here and why am I not happy? Rain always make me a happier person (and sleepier too). And the joy is contagious! Look what it did to my little girl!

"Mommy! It is raining! Let's play outside okay?It'd be fun I promise!"

"Look Mommy! I can touch the rain!"

In action

"Mommy! My flower windmill loves the rain too!"

Bad angle but I love the expression on her face! Priceless!

My little girl posing for me.

"I am done. Let's do it again next time it rain okay Mommy?"

And how could I say NO. :)

Lantern In The House

It is the time of the year again. Lanterns... mooncakes... candles...

And again, travelling back to my childhood years. I remember hanging out with other kids from the neighbourhood, showing off our lanterns. Such good memories that I will cherish all my life. I was a happy Mommy when we went out to get lanterns for Isabelle. I can be a child again, playing with lanterns and not feel silly!

Now it is time for Isabelle to create her lantern memories, with us! :)

My little girl having a jolly lantern time!

A New Head

Say hello to my blog's new header!

I am so happy about this new discovery and can't wait to explore more. This may be something easy peasy for most bloggers out there but for a blogging dummy like me, I am like a little baby who just learn how to walk and is feeling all excited!

Thanks to Mommy Germaine! Thank you for sharing this tips with me. Muacks!! I learn it all from here. I owe my new head all to you!

I gave up with my attempt to add picture to my header when I gave my blog a makeover last few days. It came out either too small or way too big. When I say big, I mean, REALLY BIG. It covered almost the whole page!

Now, it is just nice. La la la la la....

Vacuum Day

It is my vacuum day. Overdue. But better late than never.

Was supposed to do this last Friday as I always do.

But I was just plain lazy.

What kind of Monday are you having?

Here's wishing you a fun Monday and a lovely week ahead!

I Won! I Won!

YAAAYYY!!

*picture sourced from google

I finally won a giveaway after so many attempts! Cleebo from Jenny's blog. What a terrific way to kick start the weekend!!

*picture sourced from google

My mind is now busy wondering what to do with the Cleebo in case my little one decides not to let me experiment it on her. Hmmmm.... *think think think*

Till then, wishing all of you a happy Friday and have loads of fun!

Makeover On Wednesday

I am home bound.

I am bored with the look of my blog. Been over a year with the same look and color.

Been lazy to do anything to change the look of Pink Bibs.

Isabelle's toys boxes and baskets need some spring cleaning.

I am out of idea of what to post today but I do really want to post something.

So this is what I did today.

~ Gave Pink Bibs a make over she deserves ~

~ Cleaned up Isabelle's toys. Put away her old toys and gave her some new ones (LEGOS!) ~

~ Sharing a picture of my little She-redder (SHREDDER) at work ~

Took this picture few days ago. Look at the damage done.

Hope you have a beautiful Wednesday with your loved ones!

A Date with Jenny and Handsome Ben

Finally my sifu Jenny and her prince Benjamin made it to my new home. This is 3rd we met after knowing each other from our blogs. As Spicy Baby will be due to arrive soon, I thought it would be nice to have them over before they get busy with the new addition to the family. Jenny is the one who inspired and encouraged me to start blogging. I owe my new found hobby to her ! Cheers!

I was afraid Ben would be shy and needed some time get warmed up to me and Isabelle. So when they arrived, we took a stroll to the pool first and then adjourned back to our home. It was a relief he was very much himself not long after that. He got busy checking out the toys and he even gave me his toy gun! Mommy Jenny said the toy is his precious treasure but he was willing to pass it to me. I must go buy number, maybe can strike lottery! :)

Because I woke up too late this morning, I didn't have time to make anything for my guests today. Thank God I have some of my muffin-ish pancake from yesterday and I warmed it up for Ben and Isabelle's late morning tea.

Ben giving a toy (block or something) to Isabelle. Good boy Ben!

Ben with his precious toy gun. Isabelle shielding away with a racket.

Mommy Jenny, don't worry and don't even feel bad about Ben being territorial. It is normal for kids to behave this way. Isabelle is not traumatised at all. She has totally forgotten about the episode. She keeps saying "Ben, piano" though. :)

Dancing to the Bible Action Songs.

Both going round and round and round. Sorry for the blurry picture.

They moved so fast and my simple camera just could not keep up with their speed.

To sum it all up, although they fought a little over the toys but they sure had loads of fun. Hope for more playdates again in the future. Ben is such a handsome boy! I can't get enough of that pair of mesmerising eyes !!

Meeting Germaine & Jenelle

Mommy Germaine and her girl Jenelle, came for a visit this morning. This is our first time meeting each other in real and we had a lovely time.

Jenelle is such a gentle and lovely little darling! Isabelle is just the opposite. Aggressive, loud and scary even. So sorry Jenelle that Isabelle scared you away. =)

Mommy Germaine does not look a bit like a mother of 2!! Tall, slender, calm and sweet looking. And we have a friend in common too it seems. Is the world getting smaller and cosier or what? :)

Here's a picture of our girls posing for our cameras. Aren't they adorable?

Made pancake batter after my morning coffee. But I was too lazy to stand in front of the stove and patiently fry those little pancakes. So I just pop them into the oven and baked them. And here's my baked pancakes with kaya surprise!

Cheers to a new friendship made today!

Lippie Hunt!

Do you have a lipstick looking like this yet still using by digging it with lipbrush? Well, this is mine. It was a birthday gift from DS and I have been using this color regularly. This peachy pinky brownish and a little nude, complements me. Top favourite. But Shiseido Macquillage decided to discontinue this color when I thought I found myself a BFF!!

I had been searching for a color similar to this but to no avail. What I found would either be too dark, too light or make me look like I have jaundiced teeth when I smile (TOO PINK!). I don't know if it just me and my particularism but it is SO hard to find a color that goes with me.

After several attempts over the past few weekends, I finally found the replacement!! Please meet Estee Lauder's (EL) Pure Color in Crystal Blush (Shade #305). I am so happy and am already thinking if I should get another one just in case Estee decides to stop manufacturing this splendid lovely color from its collection, again. I cannot really imagine starting another round of hunting in the future.

Double bonus when I found EL's Pure Color Crystal Baby (Shade #301) to replace my Bobbi Brown's Uber Pink! I love this color too but I have finished 2 tubes and I feel that it is time for a change.

Verdict ~

Crystal Blush

-Suits my skin color very well and gives me a tinge of healthiness on my face. Not too orange-ish nor too brown. Love it.

-Creamy, moisturising and fragrance is not overpowering.

Crystal Baby

-Not overly pink. Pink with a little hint of very light brown. Usually nude colors make me look 'dead' and flat, not this baby! Very versatile color. I can mix it with a darker color if I want it to look less nude.

-Amazingly natural and looks just like my lips but better.

Cooking ~ Spicy Ikan Bilis and Caramelised Onions

I cook proper meal with real 3 dishes (sometimes with 1 soup) for 5 days a week on a typical week. Not too much to ask to have 1 lazy cooking day once a week, isn't it?

And this is the day. So I made just a cabbage soup in ikan bilis stock and my favourite spicy ikan bilis & caramalised onions. And this is the type of dish I make on my lazy day. Simple yet addictively delicious.

Ingredients:

1. 1 bowl of ikan bilis (cleaned)

2. 2 medium sliced red onions

3. 3-4 cloves minced garlic

4. 1 red chili sliced

5. 1 stalk of spring onion (sliced)

Seasoning:

1. 2 tsp sugar

2. 2 tsp fish sauce (or 1/2 tsp salt)

3. 1/2 tsp soya sauce

4. A dash of pepper

5. 1/4 tsp vinegar

Method:

1. Fry ikan bilis till crispy. Remove and set aside.

2. Saute red onions till they are soft.

3. Add in garlic. Saute till fragrant. Be careful not to let them brown too much.

4. Add in chili. Stir well.

5. Add in all seasoning except vinegar. Combine well.

6. Add in ikan bilis and stir well.

7. Sprinkle the vinegar over the ikan bilis. Stir well.

8. Now in goes the spring onion.

9. Done.

*This dish requires no water at all.

Results:

DH ~ Ho jiak!

Me ~ I will make this my signature dish. :)

DS ~ Really nice and yummy!!

Can't Let Go

*picture sourced from google

A friend recommended us a playschool near our home and her daughter went for a trial class there. We tagged along and check out the place. Isabelle seems to like it. The principal did a simple assessment on Isabelle and found her to be bright and independent. She knows all her numbers, alphabets and very good motorskill for a 2 yr old. So DH and I discussed if it is time for us to send her to 'school'.

After much consideration, if the fees is pretty, we will send her 3 days a week. I see no reason for her to attend a full 5 days classes. Initial plan was to send her for a trial class this morning.

Overslept. Got up at 9.45am and even that was because a phone call came in and woke us up. And yes, it was my friend, whom I have 'dated' to walk our girls to school this morning.

Looking at the clock. We are way too late for school. My mind was trying to crack up reasons why should we just stay home and forget about the school thing till next 2 years.

Here's the conversation :

Me: Do you want to go to school?

Isabelle: Silent

Me: Do you want to go to school? All the friends you met yesterday will be there.

Isabelle: Ok. Let's go. Change change. Let's go

Me: Are you sure? Do you want to go? School?

Isabelle: No... don't want. Home.

Me: Or do you want to stay at home with Mummy?

Isabelle: Ok. I want to stay home and Mummy.

Me: Silent. Happy yet guilty.

3 hours a day, 3 days per week still seems like a lot of time. Maybe I am just not ready to be away from her. Or I am just a Mummy who wants to spend every moment of the day with my little baby. Or could I be a mean Mummy to manipulate my little girl to stay home and not to go to school?

*picture sourced from google

Laptop Kaput!

*picture sourced from google

Yes... if you have wondered why there have been some silence here, my msn and facebook these few days, it was because my laptop failed me. Virus attack. It crashed the explorer and just about everything else. Reformatting was the only way out. And I am thankful that I managed to back up all my other files.

So off my laptop go to the McGyver and stayed overnight to recover.

Now, I am back in action!