Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year!

Where did 2013 go? Last year this time, I was pregnant and suffered from very bad morning sickness. This year this time, we have Asher in our arms. Every year this time, I like to reflect on the year and focus on my goals for 2014.


Highlights 2013

-We travelled back to Singapore/KL in February and March. It was such a relaxing trip spending time with our family. We splurge and stayed in Marina Bay Sands.

- We celebrated our 4th year wedding anniversary at Bistro Guillaume with my big tummy.

- This is the longest period that I have not worked. I went on maternity leave in June in anticipation of Asher and took time to enjoy the period before he arrived. It was a time of reflection as I know life will never be the same again! A dear friend even threw me a baby shower!

- I spent 3 months with my family. What a treat. My mother, father and grandmother travelled from Singapore and stayed with us when Asher arrived. I was so spoilt by them. There is something about being around them that made me feel so looked after.

- My in laws came and fell in love with Asher.

- I turned 30! I spent the day relaxing with hubby and Asher, squeezed in a massage and even managed a boxing session in the afternoon.

- BIGGEST highlight. Asher arrived.

You see, there was once a time when I thought I may never be able to experience having a new born baby in my arms. I promised myself that if I do fall pregnant, I will take it as it comes. Yes, the morning sickness was bad, I gained heaps of weight, labour was handwork and the recovery wasn't pleasant. But I would do it all over again

- I have continued to eat healthier and ventured into the world of clean desserts!
- I have gained heaps of baby weight and lost pretty much of it.
- Learned how to brew soups and more Chinese meals from my grandmother.

As for my goals for 2013..

• Continue to eat clean food by using less processed ingredients and fresh ones. Checked! 
• Fulfil last year goal of making creme brûlée! I still have to find butene.......  NOT CHECKED! I still need to find butane... 
• Definitely more home styled asian dishes. I don't think I did enough last year. And if I can, make more kuehs! Oh, perhaps making bak kwa! Checked! I made Bak Kwa!!! I made Kueh, hand pulled noodles, Ginger Wine Chicken and I made Chinese drum lets! 
• Definitely more baking.  I did! And some more clean baking too. 
• Keeping it simple. Reduce commitments and learn how to breathe more Checked! Nothing like a baby that keeps life simpler. 
• Maybe looking at developing my blog further.  New layout and cleaner designer but more work needed for my directory of recipes. 
• Praying more with my hubby.  Ongoing!
• Embracing more life challenges and excitement in 2013! Asher was my hint. Checked! 

My goals for 2014 
- Continue to create and experiment clean desserts and meals.
- Make that cream brûlée!
- Getting my fitness back on track.
-Make baby food...
- Not sweat the small stuff as much
- Travel back and see my family even more.
- Stay in the moment more. Babies grow up too fast.
- Thank God every day for our blessed family.
- blog more often!

Wishing everyone a fantastic New Year! Make 2014 better than 2013! 

Happy New Year!

The best thing about the new year is that we get to review our goals and blessings and set new one for the new year.

I have been quiet for the past week, taking the time to enjoy our families and just being with each other (and working!). It allowed my mind to be still for just a while, to think back and to set new goals for the next year.

Last year, I wrote about the life highlights and cooking/baking enjoyments. I spoke about some of my goals for the year of 2011. It struck me that this is a good space to re look at these goals and reflect the growth that occurs in many ways. Time seem to just fly by so quickly, more so when I started working and life responsibilities set in.  Life should not just slip by and every year should be treasured.  What else is a better way than to set life growth goals and grow in them!

and counting every single blessings that God has provided. In the midst of challenges in the year, He knows what we cannot handle and can. This account is a true reflection that even through the midst of dark times, there are still so much joy.

Highlights of 2011

• We started building our home sweet home! 

• We attended one of my best buddies' wedding. 

• We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary! We went to the fabulous Greenhouse restaurant and also spent a few days in Denmark, Western Australia. 

• We went to busselton and was at the Micheal Buble's concert. 
• We headed to Melbourne with a few friends. 

• I took up boxing, zumba, body balance and pump classes, which resulted in a stronger, healthier, better coordination (those who know me know that I trip when I walk!) and a happier daphne. I found muscles! 
• I am learning and still trying to relax obsession of the weighing scale and just learn to love who I am more. 
• I achieved another milestone in the area that I am working in. Developing and leading a team has made me more humble as a clinician than ever before.
• I have a fringe! :) 

Cooking and Baking Highlights? 

• I made curries!!!! 

• I learned how to roast a chicken. 

• I made kueh.

• And a french dessert. 

• Hot Cross Buns

• Did try to look at some chocolate chip cookie recipes...

• And dabbled in some ice cream making! 

It has been a blast of a year.

Goals for 2012 

• Attempt to make creme brûlée again. First, I have to locate some butane for my torch! 
• Definitely more ice-cream making. I have my eyes on making vanilla bean ice cream and rum and raisin! 
• Embrace my roots and make more home styled asian dishes. 
• Be kinder to myself, to praise the Lord for creating us and loving my body. 
• Continue with my gym workouts (haha, I know you are thinking I have broken the last goal already but it is to be healthier!). Being stronger and tone within. 
• Working hard in being even another step closer to our dreams.
• On top of respecting my husband, but also to speak kinder and be more generous with my words.
• Enjoy the process of moving into our new home. 
• To pray more.

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Whatever your goals were, or challenges you went through, it's time to take a deep breathe and move forward! May this year will take you greater heights or grow as a person within greater than before. 

Holidays!

Woohoo! The holidays are upon us. While we celebrate this festiveness, rest assured I will be back soon with even more fabulous ideas and adventures. I will attempt to update periodically- good food galore! So come back to check.


Here is wishing everyone a  

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A FABULOUS NEW YEAR!