To My Mothers

Dear Grams, 

Despite us having had a language barrier, I never once felt that our conversations were boring. I miss hearing your soft and gentle giggles whenever we say something funny and seeing your warm pretty smiles just makes everything at ease. You've also introduced me to your favorite drink - Yakult which I've too come to have it as a staple and is a remembrance for me of you sitting on your favorite wooden chair watching television. You've taught me that raising five children can be tough especially during hardships when money was hard to come by. Yet, you did a marvelous job at it. Thank you grams for being you. <3

Dear Mama,
Though not biological related, I've always regard you as my own; a loving mother and grandmother to your 2 children and 7 grandchildren. You've taught me to be down-to-earth and loving just like you. You've also taught me the importance of having a close family and adoring children just the way you adore them. Thank you for having looked after me when I was a baby and being the best nanny in the world. Thank you for continuing to shower me with your love and spoiling me with all the wonderful dishes you cook specially for me when I go over. I love you mama for everything <3

Dear Mom,

Over the years, you've taught me to be humble and to respect others. You've reminded me to be patient with one another and never to take others for granted. You've also supported me and cheered me on at countless swimming competitions and dragonboat races, sacrificed your time to drive me around to drama classes every Saturday and trainings everyday (am sure you're glad that's over), taught me cooking & baking tips which grandpa passed on to you. Thank you for cooking for the family almost every Sundays and boiling tonic soups to boost my immune system. Thank you for inspiring me in my faith and for teaching me to thank the Lord in both good times and bad. Thank you for not giving up on me and continuing to love me despite my shortcomings. I love you more than the many cups of extra hot, dry cappuccino you drink each day and our same love for cheese.

Happy Mother's Day.

Prints, Floral & Tropical Colors

I'm sort of captured and in love with everything prints, floral and topical colors right now. Maybe this year's Spring/Summer trend has really gotten into me. Some have even become my 'Fav Friday's Work #ootd and 'Sunday's Best'. I mean can't you agree more that the energy, the optimism of bright colors really sets a whole different mood?

" The best colour in the world, is the one that looks good, on you." Coco Chanel

Perfashionist

If you’ve yet to discover Perfashionist, be sure to check them out today!

Founded in May 2012 by a passionate team of 4, Perfashionist offers a wide array of fashion fancies you need for every occasion! Basics to high street fashion to evening wear to office needs, you name it!

With a new collection launched every week, there are definitely plenty of designs for you to choose from. So, please do look forward and support their weekly launch on every Tuessday at 8pm!

Do hop over to their webstore and be updated with the latest news and promotions by liking their Facebook and Twitter or join their mailing list.

Like they say, "Go on, demand PERFECTION in life; leave the FASHION to us." 

Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken

Periplus Mini Cookbook Korean Favorites by Yu-kyoung Moon and Jonathan Hopfner is another one of my favorite Korean cookbooks containing 36 simple recipes from condiments & pickles, to snacks & appetizers, to soups & stews, to meat & poultry dishes, to seafood dishes, to rice & noodles, and to desserts.

Picking out a dish under the poultry section this week is, 'Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken'. The simple marinade used in this dish leaves the meat deliciously tender, as it is infused with the flavor of fresh garlic, ginger and sesame.

What You'll Need:

8 chicken legs or wings

Marinade

1 spring onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup (90ml) light soy sauce

4 tbsp rice wine

4 tsp fresh ginger juice, squeezed from grated fresh ginger root

2 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp sugar

Method:

1. Using a sharp knife, make 4 - 5 shallow incisions in the sides of each chicken leg. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Marinade by mixing the ingredients in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the Marinade over the chicken, and rub the Marinade into all sides of the chicken until well coated. Cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Preheat a pan grill or broiler over medium heat until hot. Grill the marinated chicken in batches, basting with the Marinade, until crispy and cooked, 5 - 10 mins on each side. Serve immediately.

Good Luck & have fun!

Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and XO Sauce

The third tofu dish I picked out from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook was Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and XO Sauce. For a healthier choice, deep-frying of the tofu cubes can be omitted. I figured it would taste just as good by skipping Step 2 and stir-frying it together with the vegetables.

(Adapted from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook)

What You'll Need:

1 1/2 pcs firm tofu, diced into cubes

Cooking oil for deep-frying

1/2 tbsp of cooking oil for stir-frying

160g celery stalk, cut into 1x2.5cm fingers

130g carrot, peeled and cut into 1x2.5cm fingers, parboiled

1 1/2 tbsp XO sauce

1-2 spring onion stalk, cut into 2.5cm lengths

Seasoning:

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp ginger juice

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)

Method:

1. Mix tofu cubes with the seasoning and set aside for 15mins.

2. Heat oil in a wok and deep-fry the tofu cubes until light golden. Drain. (skip this step for a healthier choice!)

3. Heat 1/2 tbsp of cooking in a clean wok and stir-fry celery and carrot until soft.

4. Toss in the tofu cubes to the wok, mix well and stir in XO sauce and spring onions. Serve hot.

*Note: You may wish to add a couple of red chillies for a fiery taste!

Good Luck and have fun!

On Turning Twenty-Five

Let me take this time to thank my friends, relatives and loved ones who thoughtfully sent me Happy Birthday wishes as well as got me really meaningful gifts (Best, thank you so much. it sure is a luck charm! Kayan, it was too sweet of you. And, Kristen, I'm so blessed to have you.). I had a lovely day, spending the first half of the day with my Mom and Jie, and the second by having a simple but heartwarming birthday celebration at Jie Su's place together with the closest friends and family.

It has been a bit to grapple with during my birthday week, realizing that I'd be a quarter century old. But, I'll just go ahead and say it with pride that I'm 25. I've been more reflective than normal, thinking about and over-analyzing the tiniest things about my life and future. Yet, at the end of the day, I am proud of how hard I worked towards where I am right now. I feel happy, but more importantly, really blessed and sincerely grateful that I have many wonderful and supportive people in my life, including Mr. L♥ who I'm still in love with. I pray that in this year, and in the next quarter century, I always stay true to who I am, do the things that I love and am passionate about, travel around the world, take as many photos as I can, smile from within and love truly and deeply.

♥,

Ashley

Food For Thought

Have you already made your way to the newest Food For Thought outlet which is now planted amongst the lush greenery of Botanical Gardens? If you have not, I say you should! This eatery is ideal for brunches/dinners during weekends with friends and loved ones before/after having a nice stroll in the park. And, I don't see why the place is never empty.

Its setting gives off a warm welcoming and homely vibe; high ceilings, glass walls allowing natural light into the place, cement flooring, light bulbs in vintage Milo-tin cans, a mixture of stone square tables, long wooden bench tables and high bar tables with pot of plants in the middle, an outdoor dining area, and a small playground for children. This spacious and casual upscaled-cafeteria-like arrangement can accommodate more than 200pax. Simply place your order(s) and pay at the cashier counter with your table number in mind and let the friendly efficient crew serve the food to you.

You'll be spoilt for choice with their fair selection of dishes to choose from under the All Day Breakfast (7.30am - 5.30pm), Local Lunch (11am - 5pm) and Mains Menus (Sunday to Thursday: 11am - 8.30pm, Friday & Sat: 11am - 9.30pm), and their Desserts and Drinks Menu.

In general, the dishes we had; Grilled Barramundi Fillet side with Creamy Mashed Potato & Ratatouille with Basil Almond Pesto Sauce ($20), Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Burger with Basil Almond Pesto Sauce ($9) Set with Fries & Bottled Drink (+$5), and White Wine Mussels were decent and reasonably priced though nothing to 'WOW' about. But, have heard quite a bit on their pancakes and I'm still finding a good weekend to try them!

Food For Thought

1 Cluny Road, #B1-00

Singapore Botanic Gardens (near Tanglin Gate, Opposite Gleneagles Hospital)

Singapore 259569
Tel: 6338-4848
Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 8am to 9pm (Last orders from kitchen 8.30pm)

Friday - Saturday, 8am to 10pm (Last orders from kitchen 9.30pm)