Citrus And Vinegar As A Natural Disinfectant And Deodorant For Home

Natural citrus vinegar disinfectant

It’s the last day of the year! What an exciting year it has been for me…all the ups and downs like everyone else but I’m sure we can still smile as we look back to think that we survived through, right? We should give a big pat on our own back! Let’s look forward to 2011 with greater excitement.

Well, my 2010 didn’t end well. I fell ill yesterday with high fever, cold, headache, cough and body ache. It’s the winter bug, first time I got it. I guess my body’s immune system has been running low after all the travels and taking care of my dad in hospital, plus the sudden change of temperature from hot to freezing cold. But no worry, I’m still smiling here. Feeling much better today.
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Very Special Christmas 2010

Christmas this year must be my most special Christmas I have ever had, very pampered in all ways. I didn’t have to cook for a few days! Being back from Malaysia after taking care of my dad for a few weeks in hospital and the long journey back here, I felt like I have gone through a washing machine. I can’t remember when was the last time I had been so exhausted. But I was really glad to be with my parents, especially my dad, to be there for him when he was so weak and sick.

Christmas mince pies and latte

Arriving at London Heathrow airport on Christmas Eve, I was looking much forward to the fabulous blueberry cake that I still crave for. But sadly it was not served that day. There’s a picture of it on my Blueberry Pound Cake post. I tried to make it a few times but it never turned out the same. Will continue to try. Really hope I get it right one day.
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Merry Christmas 2010 From Aberdeen, Scotland

Christmas in Winter Wonderland

I am back from Malaysia again, just in time to be with my family for Christmas……this time not to air-conditioned land but freezerland!!! We’re facing a bitterly cold winter here in Aberdeen, Scotland. My poor body had to go through the extreme temperature shock this time, being just back from simmering, humid Malaysia!

First of all, thanks very much for visiting and all your lovely comments while I was away. I’m so sorry for being very quiet here and also not visiting any blogs. I was back in Malaysia for the past few weeks to take care of my parents. My dad was admitted to hospital again, on the very day I arrived home. So I just stayed in the hospital most of the time to take care of him. 
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Beauty Of Winter (Guest Post By Daughter)

My lovely daughter - my close friend

What a great delight to introduce to all of you a very special guest blogger! She is none other than my lovely eldest daughter, Sharon. She is not only my daughter but a very close friend. We seem to have so much to talk and share. I must say my girl is very fun-loving, cheeky, mischievous, witty, unpredictable, smart, creative……. It’s a whole long list. She actually keeps me on my toes and my life interesting…haha. Oh, I just remember. You can see how cheeky she is in the photo in my post, Keep Smiling Sesame Balls.
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Palm Sugar (Gula Melaka) Chicken

Palm sugar chicken

Looking for a quick recipe? I am always one for a quick home-cooked dish….simple, healthy and delicious. This Palm Sugar Chicken is one of them. It’s my first time trying it. I just thought kids would love this dish. My family loves it. This is one dish that you may want to cook ahead or cook more because it tastes even better the next day.
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Blueberry Orange Cake

orange blueberry cake

I love orange cake and I love blueberries. If I put them together, I should get an awesome cake….my imagination! But…….arrrrggggh…..I forgot to add baking powder!! I only realised it when I put it into the oven! I really hoped that it will turn out well. Like to know the result? It did! Except that it didn’t rise as high as the normal ones with baking powder added. I am still very happy with the result. I still love the soft, moist texture and the lovely orange flavour. The blueberries give added colour, taste and texture to the cake. I just love it.

Oooops…I just realised that my picture above looks like the Leaning Tower Of Pisa…..haha. My poor photography skill! Maybe I should call it The Leaning Tower Of Mary’s Cake…hehe.

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