spymama shop

How Was Your Good Friday?

2009-04-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

It is a longer weekend than usual this week. Because of the Good Friday holiday yesterday. The kiddos have no school and Spypapa has no work. We went out for our prayers and then had lunch outside. It was going to be a day without any rush since the kiddos will not be having any of the classes for the day since it is a public holiday in Singapore. Nice.

Did you all had a good Good Friday holiday? I am not sure how many countries get off days for this. And with today being a Saturday, the kids are looking forward to the Weekend Easter for sure!

And I'll be busy trying to help them hunt the eggs...lol

Found Spymama Here?

2009-03-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

OOPS!!! you've found Spymama here.

This blog was created because
1. I cannot comment on your blogspot blog (only for blogger comments)
2. I overestimate myself and think I am able to maintain all my blogs
3. I wanted to try out blogspot because wordpress is a little boring
4. I like the friendliness of blogspot
5. All my friends have blogspot blogs
6. I didn't know few things about blogging so blogspot helped to rectify lots of stuff
7. I wanted to have a shop, hence the title: Spymama Shop
8. I wanted variety
9. I thought blogspot was cool
10 It's fun to expand to a greener turf
11. I don't have to pay for a domain
12. Hosting also free here

etc etc etc

Love,
Spymama

Hot and Cold

2009-03-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

Is it hot where you are? It is in Singapore... Don't tell me it's because of the global warming. Gosh it is scorching especially in the mid day! And sometimes the unexpected passing shower is not helping because the day gets humid and still hot! We need at least half a day of rain before the weather cools down, not an hour!

The family is getting into hot and cold spells. Running nose and coughs. Then heaty and sore throats.. Or perhaps it is my baking? Too much cakes for them!

I'm gonna get some soy bean curd later. Perhaps this can cool down the heat. It's nice when you cool it in the fridge and eat it chill. But do not leave it overnight. It's not really good. Want some?

Update, no worries..

2009-02-08T00:53:00.001-08:00

It is February month. Time certainly flies. I cannot imagine what I have been doing this Jan and now February. It was just New Year celebrations (a quiet one for me) and now we are in February! And I am hearing from many moms and dads about the new exam schedules in March before the school holidays! sigh.. as if life has no stress...

So Chinese New Year is just one day to the closing. Those who are single may decided to throw Mandarin Oranges into the sea (if permitted) or do they still exist? Some probably release balloon wishes. These are all traditional wishes for a good partner that was very much practiced at least 2-3 decades ago. But now with the 'eyes' of the official, be careful you don't get fined for littering!

You don't want to be wearing the 'correction work order' jackets and sweep the roads of Singapore for littering punishment! And of course, i am not sure if these punishments still exist! Okay Okay, Spymama is really out of date with everything around her... never mind la.. as long as I am alive and breathing, getting the latest information or not does not intimidate me...

So Have a happy 'rest of the Chinese New Year' for today, tomorrow all my dears!

2009, Time for Reflections

2009-01-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

So did you all have a good Christmas and Happy New Year? I had a quiet week reflecting about lots of things. And I count my blessings too. Many a times, I read or hear about the bad economy, the weaker currency, the high prices of food and other things.

I had a conversation with a good friend of mine. She had moved to China after a failed marriage with her Australian hubby in mid 2007. They had a big argument in Melbourne where they were staying (while on Sabbatical leave) and out of anger, she left him and took a flight to Singapore, where her home country is. It must have been a heated one. Since then, the hubby refused to have her back.. sigh and she panicked, thinking that it was only another marital squabble.

She had a hard time facing it and soon after that departure and a month of being away, the hubby wanted a divorce. There was no third party but he said he wanted out. Since then, she was in and out of depression, blaming herself and feeling low. That was 2007. It took about 6 months of hibernating at her home in Singapore. She told me how she misses the husband and still loved him but he was having nothing to do with her. Just imagine a 9 year marriage ended just like that.

In 2008, she slowly adjusted her own life back and got back to work. She applied for many overseas posting as she didn't want to be reminded of many bad memories in Singapore. She accepted a job in China for a change of environment and space from busy body relatives in Singapore. With so much heartbreak in 2007 and 2008, I pray that 2009 will be something different for her.

That is why I didn't celebrate much on Christmas and New Year. It was a time for me to count my blessings. A time to appreciate my family and my children.

Have a Blessed New Year too.

So Very Near Christmas Now

2008-12-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

Aaah the joy of Christmas is in the air! It is very nice to hear Christmas tunes wherever you go. Puts the mood into full swing. It is just few days away. This year is going to be a quiet Christmas for me because we are staying home for a family dinner. It will be a simple affair, not as grand as it used to be. We have decided not to have a party and many of my friends are having their family dinner too. It is the time where we should be thinking of the unfortunate and count our blessings. That is why I think we should stay home and just spend a nice dinner at home.

What about you. Are you going for any Christmas party. If you do, enjoy yourself too.

A Breezy Rainy Day

2008-12-15T02:28:00.000-08:00

It's been rainy for the past few days. My laundry is not drying. Wished I had replaced the dryer the last time when it konked out. The laundry basket is full of dirty clothes and I daren't put the sheets out to wash.

This morning I took a stroll down to the market. It was raining but I've got my brolly. It was very windy and my brolly turned up and gave way... swsoooooshhh and for that short moment, I had to stand in the middle of the road divider hanging on to a dear life looking silly with an up-turned brolly! Yikes!

Then I went to have my nasi lemak. It was near lunch and I am feeling ravenous. Ordered my teh tarik and my nasi lemak. Yummyyyyy. How was your day?

Appam Recipe

2008-11-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Aaah don't mind me, while i paste a copy of the recipe of Appam here. In case I lose it, that is.

I wanted to make Appam for a while but didn't find a recipe until i saw it in a local recipe site. So better copy and put it here before I lose the page. You are free to try it too, Spymama don't mind shaing it with you all here. Any feedback, comments let me know. Of if you have adjusted or done something better please do let me know ya.

Appam (Hoppers / Indian pancakes)

Ingredients
225g rice
1 tsp salt
1.7 litres coconut milk (add just enough water to one grated coconut and squeeze out the milk)
1/8 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Oil for greasing

Method
Grind the rice in a blender till fine. Remove and put into a mixing bowl. Add salt, bicarbonate of soda and coconut milk; mix. Leave aside, covered with a damp tea towel, overnight. Before the batter is used, whip it to make it light. Heat a small pan. Dip the end of a clean towel into oil. Lightly grease the pan using the towel.Pour in a small ladle of batter and turn the pan around so that the batter runs up the sides of the pan, giving it a somewhat lacy effect. Cover with a lid.When the batter is cooked in the middle and becomes firm, remove from pan. Keep the appam warm on a tea-towel placed in clean plasticware.

Winter Solstice

2008-11-29T05:35:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that it is now end of November? I think this year moves along too fast for me. I need to catch my breath. I remembered the last time I made glutinuous rice balls and it is very soon next month before it is time to have the same occasion again.

I want to get the ready made glutinuous rice balls that are available ready in many colours from the frozen section. I got a packet of that last year and used it to make bo bo cha cha for my family. It was pink in colour and the kids love it. Furthermore, it was very cute and mini in size and very easy to consume.

Commercial ones, Tang Yuan with fillings like Sesame, Peanut, Red Bean are available all year long but the ones that are plain are available end of the year, usually on the 22nd of December where it is marked as Birthday for all, according to Chinese traditions.

Eat Eat Eat..

2008-11-16T03:05:00.000-08:00

I admit, it's a repetition post if I mention it again. But how can I forget my dear bloggers who may drop by in this blog here. I'll just say it one more time since it's in my other blog. I have been stuffing my face with all the keropoks at the Thai restaurant. So much, I can see a breakout might just happen anytime these days... Aaaarggghhhhhh!!!

Ah well, the most, I'll just put a cool cucumber mask on it and stay this way for half a day. After all, it is the school holidays and I can just hibernate at home eating more crackers. And when they are all exhausted, I'll eat Spypapa's chips...

Wanna go grab that cool can of Coke now.

Paper Roses for Rose

2008-11-11T19:45:00.001-08:00

Again, i have neglect this blog. Then why did i bother to create this blog...well some of my friends have blogspot so i use this to register my name for them. so if you are here...

Rose? cos i just send you a comment using this blog id. or Farah? because I am her special visitor..hehehe

anyway... since my last comment was Rose, she might just drop by here. so i shall sing this song again..

Paper Roses

I realized the way your eyes deceived me
with tender looks that I mistook for love
So take away the flowers that you gave me
And send the kind that you remind me of

Paper Roses
Paper Roses
Oh how real those roses seem to be
But they're only imitation,
Like you imitation love for me

I thought that you would be a perfect lover
You seemed so full of sweetness at the start
But like a big red rose that's made of paper
There isn't any sweetness in your heart
Paper Roses
Paper Roses
Oh how real those roses seem to be
But they're only imitation like you imitation love for me

And for all my blogger friends here too.

Forgotten Blog

2008-10-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! I haven't update this blog like so long already! I totally forgotten about it you know.. aiya. Never mind still can update.

I know why. The October month has been pretty stressful. I think most Singaporean parents will probably be as busy keeping their kids on their toes with the school schedule, exams, tuition and God knows what more. Spymama has been.

Then also the news about the Lee Boring (men) Kor Kor also create a little of economy turmoil a little bit. That created a domino effect on the world, bringing the stocks and share market come crashing down! Yes.

Many investors, including Singaporean who had placed their money into some minibonds that were linked into this suddenly find themselves poorer by thousands, tens of thousands and I am not sure about the richer ones.

After all, Spymama do not have so much money to put into any bonds so its different. I wonder if those who did invest knew the stakes? Just like casino gamblers, if you are not willing to part with your money, it's best not to even think about stepping into the casino. We all live in risk.

But then again, I dunno what is happening now. Perhaps some who bought them because they were persuaded to might get something back? Hope for the best.

Nostalgic Piano

2008-10-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

I posted an entry about the old nostalgic pianos that I used to play, in my other blog. Then, I found a nice instrumental music that I liked so much and added the feature for the readers. If you are hear, you can enjoy this experience too. After all, music is free, and if you are happy and relaxed, that is just wonderful.

I grew up in an environment of classical music. My next door neighbour was a music teacher and the music flowed into my backyard, kitchen and home the whole day. You get to listen to nice classical and soothing ones in the morning when her students start lessons to her own rendition in the evening. It was just wonderful and sometimes it acts as a lullaby before we turn in.

Spring Time - Yiruma

An Egg Post Over At Mamakshop

2008-10-02T02:54:00.001-07:00

Not here. No. Spymama posted an entry but not here. It's all about eggs. Half boiled eggs. Do you love them? It's my favourite and they say it's bad for me. High in Cholesterol. But I think, no. Maybe if I were to consume an overdose of it. But then I've decided, I'll still take them eggs. Read about it on my other blog. Not here. But, thanks for dropping by.

This one is without the seasoning. The other one has all the dark soya and the dash of pepper. Why don't I show you the full set of breakfast here then? Since you are here.

If you liked it. Have a Virtual Feast here, then go over to read my post, okie?

What is Teh Tarik, Spymama found a Video

2008-09-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

Spymama tried to embed a YouTube video for you all to see about Teh Tarik on Mamakshop but I don't know why couldn't seem to do it.

Wanted to show you how the mamaks (indian muslims) does the traditional teh tarik. This alone is a skill and after the tarik, the frothy tea is just so nice. Be careful tarikking your own tea cos it is still hot and you might end up with half a cup less too.

Oh, I need to credit Rasa Malaysia for this video, by the way.

Enjoy, dears!

Spymama Eating Satay

2008-08-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

wow... because Spymama is busy updating the other blog, she has totally forgotten about this one. But then she keeps this one cos some of her lovely bloggers don't allow non bloggers to comment. Anyway, if you happen to be here, don't forget to check out my other blog at http://mamakshop.com because the action is really over there. But of course I will post some little Spymama's misc items here becos why should i have a blog that remains dormant, right?

As Spymama was typing away, i'm actually having that yummy Satay that I grilled on my grilling frypan just now. I got those easy peanut sauce that just need to add some water then microwave and voila! Spymama has some satay for tea.. here, this is my last stick... treat you to a visual satay.

This is Spymama's Chicken Satay..

Lucky Cats - Maneki Neko

2008-08-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I love Lucky Cats! Do you? These cats are also called Maneki Neko or the Beckoning Cat. I used to have one in my shop that is battery operated. These are placed facing the shop entrance to bring luck into the shop.

The paws that is beckoning is said to be inviting gesture for fortune, luck, money, business and luck. The raised left paw is said to beckon for customers and the raised right paw is about money. So, there is no right or wrong in the paws whether it is raised left or right. Do you own one of this? Some has it in their keychains, handphone straps, in their car, and also as display on their computer.

This cat is very popular in Asia, originated from Japan, of course and many businessmen in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and even some Chinese businessmen in Europe and US adopt this cat method for luck in business too.

Craving for Durian Pengat

2008-07-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

Well since I am still on the chatty mood, I might as well chatter about here. Today I bloghopped few blogs, namely Zara (ouch, she's got bad period pains) and Butter Dreams (she's pissed off with hubby, still). I was craving for my pulut rice (check my other blog) and then I saw one that had Durians. I quickly finished my comment and closed it. It just looked too delicious. They say, never go shopping when you are hungry. I'm hungry and I had been blog hopping. The grass is greener on the other side, so my own food pictures do not tempt me at all.

All I want now is some comfort food like Durian Pengat. Anyone tried Durian Pengat before? Wait let me post the picture here..

I do not have one picture of Durian Pengat but I saw one taken for the Ellenborough Market Hotel by Photographer Robert J Steiner. True enough, the Durian Pengat is one of the best selling Dessert in history of Singapore. I remember how I used to go to this EMC outlet to have their Peranakan Buffet and savour this Durian Pengat Dish. No other outlet can beat this one, well almost none other than your own Baba Granny perhaps.

My First Post in Blogger.com

2008-07-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hello to Bloggers. I wondered why did I started this blog, as a matter of fact. Especially when I already have one at http://mamakshop.com/ of my own domain. Perhaps having a blog with blogger seemed more attractive and also, I find it more user friendly compared to what I had in my wordpress system.

I was bloghopping the other day when I realised that some bloggers who registered with blogspot had comment moderation on. That is fine, just that there were some who do not allow those without a blogger account to post a comment. When that is the case, I usually will post a comment on their shoutbox. But there were those who didn't have them for fear of spam. So I created this one specially so I can talk with those of you. :P

I was also attracted to the fact that I can actually buy my own domain through blogspot here and let them host it for me without additional charge. Did you know that? I pay (not through my nose) monthy for my hosting but in blogger.com you only pay up once for your domain. Hosting is free. That is an offer too good to be true. The only drawback to my buying from here is, I can't pay it using PayPal. I do so want to pay it using my PayPal account. I have to find out if I can purchase it through other domain sites and then bring it here to blogger.com? hmmm